Date: 1 December 2025

1. Why in News?

  • At an event celebrating Antarctica Day, the Governor of Goa said that the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR) has become the “anchor” of India’s work in polar (Arctic & Antarctic) and ocean exploration.
  • A special commemorative postage stamp was also released to mark NCPOR’s Silver Jubilee (25 years).

WHAT IS ANTARCTICA DAY?

  • Celebrated globally on 1 December every year.
  • Marks the signing of the Antarctic Treaty (1959).
  • The treaty says Antarctica must be used only for peace and scientific research.

WHAT HAPPENED AT THE EVENT?

A. Governor’s Remarks Governor P. Ashok Gajapathi Raju said:
  • NCPOR has spent 25 years expanding India’s scientific presence in the world’s most extreme regions.
  • It now plays a lead role in the Deep Ocean Mission.
  • Polar regions may look far away, but they affect everyone through climate and sea levels.
He explained:
  • Antarctica holds 70% of the world’s fresh water.
  • If it melts fully, global sea levels would rise sharply and disturb climate stability.
  • India, aiming to become a developed country by 2047, must understand these changes.
He also said Goa is proud to host this important national institute and assured continued state support. B. Release of the Special Postage Stamp
  • The Department of Posts released a special stamp to mark 25 years of NCPOR (2000–2025).
  • Officials said the stamp shows their commitment to supporting India’s polar science journey.
C. Announcements by NCPOR Director NCPOR Director Dr. Thamban Meloth shared two major updates:
  1. New Antarctic Research Station – Maitri-II
    • The Government of India has given in-principle approval.
    • This will be a modern, state-of-the-art research base.
  2. India’s First Indigenous Ice-Class Research Vessel
    • Also approved in principle.
    • This ship will allow India to conduct advanced polar research without depending on foreign vessels.
He said that the Government of India has always supported NCPOR’s missions. WHAT DOES NCPOR DO? NCPOR leads India’s scientific work in:
  • Antarctica
  • Arctic
  • Southern Ocean
  • Himalayan cryosphere (snow/ice regions)
Indian Polar Research Stations Operated by NCPOR

In Antarctica:

  1. Dakshin Gangotri (first station)
  2. Maitri
  3. Bharati

In the Arctic:

  • Himadri

In the Himalayas:

  • Himansh

WHAT DOES NCPOR MANAGES?

  • India’s annual Antarctic expeditions
  • Arctic research programmes
  • Studies on climate change, glaciers, oceans, and polar ecosystems

WHY IS NCPOR IMPORTANT FOR INDIA?

  • Helps India understand climate change and sea-level rise.
  • Builds scientific capacity and global leadership in polar research.
  • Supports national goals like Deep Ocean Mission.
  • Strengthens India’s position in international scientific cooperation.
  • Gives India strategic presence in polar regions.
CONCLUSION NCPOR has completed 25 years as the central force behind India’s polar and ocean exploration. From managing research stations to planning new missions and vessels, it plays a vital role in India’s scientific and strategic future. The Silver Jubilee stamp and government support highlight the national importance of this institution.