LUCKNOW, March 14 -- During the inaugural session of the two-day national symposium, "Geocon-2026: Geology and Climate Change for a Sustainable Environment," organised by the geology department of Lucknow University, the focus remained on Earth science and climate change on Friday. Scientists and experts from institutions across the country discussed topics including Earth science, climate change, mineral resources and the environment. Prof TN Singh, director of the Indian Institute of Technology Patna, delivered a lecture on dynamic rock fall analysis in the context of semi-tunnels in the Himalayan region, highlighting the risks of landslides and rockfalls in mountainous areas and their scientific mitigation. Prof Sunil Kumar Singh, director of the National Institute of Oceanography, Goa, spoke on Blue Economy: Ocean of Opportunities and Sea of Challenges, discussing the sustainable use of marine resources and the crucial role of oceans in economic development. Dheeraj Pandey, director of the Directorate of Atomic Minerals Exploration and Research, Hyderabad, spoke about the importance of critical and strategic minerals and their role in India's energy security, net-zero emission targets and sustainable development. VM Tiwari, director of the Northeast Institute of Science and Technology, Jorhat, spoke about his findings on groundwater overexploitation and the resulting land subsidence in Lucknow and the Ganga Basin region. He explained the severity of the issue using satellite-based geophysical observations. Prof NV Chalapathi Rao, director of the National Centre for Earth Science Studies, Thiruvananthapuram, also delivered a lecture on recent research on alkaline magmatism in the Deccan Massive Igneous Province. In his presidential address, Prof Arvind Mohan said that global competition for control over natural resources is contributing to many international conflicts today. Earlier, while introducing the theme and delivering the welcome address, Prof Dhruvsen Singh, head of the geology department, said that Earth is the most unique, life-supporting planet in the universe, and maintaining its sustainability and balance is a collective responsibility....