Introduction: A Nuclear Vision for Viksit Bharat@2047 As India marches toward its ambitious goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047, energy security stands as a pivotal pillar in the vision of Viksit Bharat . Amid the global climate crisis and rising energy demands, nuclear power has re-emerged as a compelling solution. India’s commitment to achieving 100 GW of nuclear power capacity by 2047 is both visionary and necessary—but achieving this requires a strategic shift in policy, participation, and international cooperation. While India’s nuclear energy sector has traditionally been a tightly controlled domain under government monopoly—primarily led by the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) and Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) —it is now imperative to welcome private sector investments and foreign partnerships. A reformed nuclear ecosystem can unlock the full potential of atomic energy as a clean, reliable, and scalable contributor to India’s net-zero aspiration...
Dark Oxygen: A New Discovery Reshaping Life’s Origins and Possibilities on Other Planets Discovery Overview: In July 2024 , scientists discovered the phenomenon of "dark oxygen" 13,100 feet deep in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone of the Pacific Ocean. This deep ocean region is known for its rich deposits of metallic nodules containing manganese and iron. Key Features of Dark Oxygen Production: Oxygen Generation Without Sunlight: Metallic nodules on the seafloor were found to split seawater (H₂O) to produce oxygen without relying on sunlight. Traditional oxygen production on Earth primarily comes from photosynthesis , but dark oxygen challenges this assumption. Scientific and Astrobiological Implications: Potential for Life on Other Planets: Dark oxygen production suggests that oxygen-rich habitats could exist on planets without sunlight. This increases the possibility of discovering life on planets or moons with deep-sea or underground environments. Early Earth's Ecosyste...