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Sea level rise refers to the gradual increase in the water level of the earth’s oceans, primarily caused by the melting of glaciers and ice sheets, as well as the expansion of seawater as it warms due to climate change. This phenomenon has become a major concern in recent years due to its potential impacts on coastal communities, infrastructure, and ecosystems. Rising sea levels can result in increased coastal erosion, flooding, and storm surges, leading to displacement of people and loss of property. It also threatens critical infrastructure such as ports, airports, and power plants, and can impact marine ecosystems by altering the habitat of marine species. Sea level rise is a complex issue that requires urgent action to mitigate its effects and protect vulnerable communities and ecosystems.                                                         ...

Five Asian nations, China, India, Japan, Singapore, and South Korea have completed a decade as Observers in the Arctic Council. These countries became part of the Council as Formal Observers in 2013, following a resolution to allow non-Arctic states to join. The article gives an outline of India's contribution to the Arctic Council, emphasising its active involvement in diverse working groups, task forces, and expert teams, as well as its scientific exploration expeditions in the Arctic region. India's interest in the Arctic is driven by strategic interests such as energy security, climate change, and maritime trade. The activities of China, Japan, Singapore and South Korea as Observers of Arctic Council are also briefly enumerated. In 2023, five Asian countries China, India, Japan, Singapore, and South Korea completed 10 years in the Arctic Council as Observers. They joined the Council after a watershed decision to admit non-Arctic nations as Formal Observers at the Kiruna Min...

By    Dr Rasik Ravindra Former Director, National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR)   India's early involvement with Antarctica, including its recognition of the continent as a "common heritage of mankind" and its attainment of the Consultative Status after commissioning its first permanent research station, Dakshin Gangotri, in 1983, is explored in this article. The debate over who was the first Indian to set foot on Antarctica is also revisited before detailing the experiences of the first Indian Army Expedition and the first scientific expedition to the icy continent.

On March 29, 2023, the Twenty-Third Report of the Standing Committee on Water Resources was presented in the 17 th Lok Sabha by the Ministry of Jal Shakti-Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation on glacier management. This blog summarises the parliamentary committee's observations and recommendations based on research conducted by various organisations working on glacier studies in the Indian Himalaya. The committee emphasised on the pressing need to monitor the Indian Himalayan Region due to sudden warming, the impact of black carbon emissions, budget limitations, mountain hazards, and the importance of a dedicated institute with an early warning system. The blog also highlights the significance of reviving springs in the Himalayan region and proposes the creation of a central authority for glacier management. Image Source: Unsplash   Introduction Glaciers in the Indian Himalayan Region (IHR), also known as the ‘Water Towers of Asia’, are crucial t...