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24th January 2025 (12 Topics)

1st Human Underwater Submersible For Ocean Exploration

Context

India is set to operate its first human underwater submersible as part of the Deep Ocean Mission. The submersible will initially dive to a depth of 500 meters this year, with plans to reach 6,000 meters by the next year. This mission is a significant step towards advancing India's scientific, technological, and environmental goals.

What is the Deep Ocean Mission?

  • The mission aims to explore and utilize the deep-sea ecosystem for its vast resources. These include critical minerals, rare metals, and undiscovered marine biodiversity, all of which are vital for India's economic growth and environmental sustainability.
  • Key Objectives of the Mission:
    • Unlock Resources: It will help in discovering valuable underwater resources, such as rare metals, which are crucial for future industries.
    • Promote Blue Economy: The mission is focused on developing a blue economy, which involves the sustainable use of ocean resources to boost economic growth.
    • Enhance Scientific Understanding: By studying deep-sea ecosystems, the mission aims to aid in sustainable fisheries and biodiversity conservation.
    • Self-Reliant Technology: The submersible and other equipment for the mission are developed indigenously in India, demonstrating the country’s self-reliance in cutting-edge technology.
  • Impact: This mission is aligned with India’s broader goals, such as the Gaganyaan space mission, marking India’s progress in both space and ocean exploration. By tapping into underwater resources, India aims to secure long-term benefits for its economy, scientific community, and environmental resilience.

Fact Box:

What is Deep Ocean Mission?

  • Launched in: June 2021
  • The Deep Ocean Mission is a high-level multi-ministerial, multi-disciplinary programme for better understanding of the deep sea living and non-living resources of the Indian Ocean.
  • It aims to aid in India's efforts to attain the Blue Economy status.
  • Nodal ministry: Ministry of Earth Science 
  • The Mission Steering Committee (MSC) is the highest Policy making body constituted under the Deep Ocean Mission (DOM).
  • Themes: The Deep Ocean Mission consists of 6 themes:
    • Development of Technology for deep sea mining, manned submersible and underwater robotics
    • Development of Ocean and climate change Advisory services
    • Technology innovations for exploration and conservation of deep sea biodiversity
    • Deep Ocean survey and exploration
    • Energy and Freshwater from the Ocean
    • Advanced marine station for Ocean Biology

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