PANAJI, Nov. 6 -- India's 46th Antarctic expedition began from Goa with the departure of the first batch of 16 scientists heading to the continent ahead of the austral summer later this month. The team landed in Cape Town in South Africa on Wednesday, their first stop before being ferried to Antarctica where India runs two active research stations-Maitri located near the Lazrev Sea and Bharati located near the Pydz Bay. The two stations are roughly 3,000 km apart on opposite ends of the continent. "The 46th Indian Scientific Expedition to Antarctica (46-ISEA) has embarked on its journey, carrying forward India's commitment to advancing polar science, exploring the icy frontiers and strengthening our understanding of Antarctica. We wish them a safe and successful journey," Director of the Institute Dr Tamban Meloth said....