• India successfully named three underwater structures in the Indian Ocean: Ashoka Seamount, Chandragupta Ridge, and Kalpataru Ridge.
• These structures are located in the Southwest Indian Ridge.
• Discovery made by National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR).

Global Naming Process

• IHO and UNESCO’s IOC approve names for underwater features outside territorial waters.
• Individuals and agencies can propose names for unnamed features.
• IHO guidelines (2013) outline the process.
• Features must be characterized, measured, and located before naming.

• IHO’s Sub-Committee on Undersea Feature Names (SCUFN) reviews proposals.
• National authorities follow the same guidelines for features within their territorial waters.

About IHO and IOC

• International Hydrographic Organization (IHO)
  • Established in 1921. 
  • An intergovernmental body (India a member). 
  • Enjoys observer status at the UN. 
  • Recognized as competent international authority regarding hydrography and nautical charting.
• Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC)
  • Established in 1961. 
  • Promotes international cooperation in marine sciences.