The genesis of India’s indigenous satellite navigation system, NavIC, is not merely a tale of technological ambition but a profound declaration of national strategic autonomy. The necessity for an independent regional constellation arose from critical vulnerabilities inherent in relying on foreign-controlled Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS), primarily the US-operated Global Positioning System (GPS). The Inviolable…
Introduction The Arctic region, once considered a frozen and inaccessible frontier, is rapidly emerging as a critical area of global interest. Due to the accelerating impact of climate change, ice sheets and glaciers in the Arctic are melting at unprecedented rates, exposing vast reserves of untapped natural resources and opening new maritime trade routes. For…
Introduction The Earth’s interior is a dynamic system where enormous forces operate beyond human perception. Among the processes that shape the planet’s geological features, mantle plumes hold a significant position. They are not only key to understanding the internal dynamics of the Earth but also crucial in explaining the mechanisms of volcanism, continental breakup, and…
Introduction “Dead Zones” are hypoxic (low-oxygen) regions in oceans, seas, and large freshwater bodies where oxygen levels are too low to sustain most marine life. Scientifically, hypoxia is defined as dissolved oxygen concentration below 2 mg/L, which is lethal for many fish, invertebrates, and benthic organisms. Dead zones have become one of the most pressing…
Introduction India is facing an alarming crisis of groundwater depletion. Rapid urbanization, population growth, industrial expansion, and unsustainable water use have placed unprecedented stress on groundwater resources. According to the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB), over 30% of India’s groundwater blocks are overexploited, and urban areas are disproportionately affected due to high water demand and…
Introduction The term “Blue Revolution” refers to the rapid and sustainable development of the aquaculture and fisheries sector to increase fish production, ensure food security, and improve livelihoods. Coined in the 1970s, the concept of the Blue Revolution parallels the Green Revolution in agriculture, emphasizing productivity enhancement through modern technology, scientific management, and infrastructure development….
Introduction Industrial corridors are strategically planned zones aimed at promoting industrial development, improving connectivity, and fostering economic growth in a region. They are usually long stretches of infrastructure development that include transportation networks, industrial clusters, logistics hubs, and urban settlements. India, as one of the fastest-growing economies in the world, has recognized the need to…
Introduction Oceans cover more than 70% of the Earth’s surface and are essential for maintaining global climate, supporting biodiversity, and regulating biogeochemical cycles. Within this vast expanse, ocean currents and water masses play critical roles in shaping marine ecosystems, influencing climate, and affecting coastal environments. While ocean currents are large-scale horizontal flows of seawater driven…
Introduction Mountain ecosystems are among the most fragile and biodiverse ecosystems on Earth. They provide essential ecosystem services such as water regulation, biodiversity conservation, soil stabilization, climate regulation, and cultural heritage. These ecosystems support millions of people directly and indirectly through agriculture, forest products, and tourism. However, in recent decades, development initiatives and tourism have…
Introduction Water is one of the most essential natural resources, critical for human survival, agriculture, industry, and ecosystem sustainability. India, with a population exceeding 1.4 billion, faces a growing challenge of water stress, characterized by the scarcity of water relative to demand. Rapid population growth, urbanization, industrialization, climate change, and unsustainable water management have intensified…