Context: India has inaugurated a second post office branch at the Bharati research station in Antarctica, accompanied by the introduction of a new PIN code, MH-1718.
- The letters intended for Antarctica are first sent to the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR) in Goa.
- When a scientific expedition to the continent leaves from the NCPOR, a researcher is usually tasked with carrying the consignment of letters to the scientific bases.
Scientific bases by India in Antarctica:
1. Dakshin Gangotri
- The first research station of India in Antarctica was Dakshin Gangotri built in 1983.
- In 1984, India established its first-ever post office on Antarctica at Dakshin Gangotri.
- Dakshin Gangotri submerged in ice in 1988-89, leading to its subsequent decommissioning.
2. Maitri
- Maitri was established in February 1989, and is located on the rocky mountainous region called the Schirmacher Oasis.
- The research carried out at Maitri focuses on geology, glaciology, atmospheric sciences, and climate monitoring, among others.
- In 1990, India opened a new post office branch at India's Maitri research station in Antarctica.
3. Bharati
- Bharati was established in March 2012, and is located in the Larsemann Hills region, which is about 3,000 kilometres away from the South Pole.
- The research conducted at Bharati focuses on a wide range of scientific disciplines, particularly oceanographic research and collecting evidence of continental breakup.