The oceans, covering over 70 per cent of the Earth’s surface, have long been perceived as infinite reservoirs of resources. However, with the escalation of climate change impacts and pressures from human activities, a strategic rethinking of ocean governance is imperative. In this edition of GnY Live, Dr. Bala Krishnan Nair, a senior scientist and Director at the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS), sheds light on India’s Blue Economy landscape. The dialogue delves into the current status of India’s draft Blue Economy policy, its sectoral focus, the overlooked dimensions of climate risk, and the crucial contributions of science in enabling marine governance. Dr. Nair outlines how living marine resources—encompassing both traditional fisheries and emerging sectors like mariculture—form the backbone of coastal livelihoods. He stresses the importance of integrating climate resilience, disaster preparedness, and real-time ocean information into long-term national planning. The conversation ultimately provides a vision for a sustainable and inclusive ocean economy in India, shaped by both technological foresight and grassroots engagement.

India’s coastal regions, stretching thousands of kilometers, are on the frontlines of a creeping environmental crisis—saltwater intrusion. Unlike cyclones or tsunamis, this is a disaster that doesn’t make headlines, yet its impact is profound, slow-moving, and multi-generational. From contaminated drinking water and degraded farmland to the forced migration of traditional fishing communities, saltwater intrusion is a pressing issue that touches the lives of millions. In this episode of GnY Live, Dr. Indira Khurana—an influential voice in water and sanitation policy—joins Dr. Sulagna Chattopadhyay, Editor-in-Chief of Geography and You, for a deep and evocative discussion. They explore the science behind saltwater intrusion, its socio-economic toll, and the urgent need for inclusive coastal policy frameworks. At the heart of this conversation lies a compelling call: to prioritize ocean health, listen to affected communities, and design policies that are both responsive and respectful.

Submarines are among the most secretive and sophisticated military assets in the modern world. Designed for stealth and endurance, they offer nations unmatched control in underwater operations and deterrence. For India, submarines represent both a technological achievement and a strategic necessity in an increasingly contested Indo-Pacific region. Yet, beyond their combat capabilities, submarines also serve as floating laboratories, gathering vital data on oceanic conditions, acoustic properties, and marine geography. This discussion explores the dual identity of India’s submarines: as instruments of war and as potential platforms for scientific exploration. Through a detailed analysis of India’s current fleet, technological trajectory, operational challenges, and psychological toll, the conversation reveals the complexity of building and sustaining an undersea force in the 21st century.

India has emerged as a significant global destination for medical tourism, attracting more than two million international patients annually[1]. Offering services ranging from complex cardiac surgeries and organ transplants to holistic wellness therapies rooted in traditional knowledge systems, India positions itself at the crossroads of clinical expertise and cultural healing. This article critically examines the opportunities and challenges in India’s medical tourism sector. It explores the infrastructural and human capital advantages, evaluates institutional and policy support mechanisms, and interrogates the ethical and equity-related implications of a burgeoning health economy. While the industry contributes to national GDP and enhances India's global profile, it must simultaneously be structured to support inclusivity, accountability, and sustainability. The core challenge remains balancing international aspirations with domestic health care obligations.