Daily Current Affairs : 24-January-2025
India is gearing up for a significant milestone in ocean exploration with the launch of its first human-operated underwater submersible, as part of the Deep Ocean Mission (DOM). The mission, led by the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), is a groundbreaking initiative aimed at exploring the deep sea, developing advanced marine technologies, and utilizing ocean resources for both economic and environmental benefits.
What is the Deep Ocean Mission (DOM)?
The Deep Ocean Mission is an ambitious program designed to push the boundaries of underwater research and technology. Launched in 2021, it is one of the nine key missions under the Prime Minister’s Science, Technology, and Innovation Advisory Council (PMSTIAC) framework. DOM focuses on exploring the deep sea, developing new technologies for underwater exploration, and harnessing ocean resources in a sustainable manner.
Objectives of DOM
The mission is driven by several key goals that aim to benefit the country’s economy, environment, and scientific knowledge:
- Technological Development: To create advanced technologies for deep-sea exploration.
- Resource Identification: To locate and utilize valuable underwater resources such as polymetallic nodules, sulphides, and rare metals.
- Marine Ecosystem Study: To explore marine biodiversity and ecosystems, with a focus on conservation and sustainable fisheries.
- Blue Economy: To contribute to India’s blue economy by fostering innovation, research, and development in marine science.
Key Features of the Deep Ocean Mission
Several innovative projects and technologies are part of the Deep Ocean Mission:
- Samudrayaan and Matsya6000: The most significant development under DOM is the launch of India’s first crewed submersible, Matsya6000, which will be able to dive 6,000 meters beneath the ocean’s surface. This submersible will target underwater resources like polymetallic nodules.
- Technological Advancements: The Varaha underwater mining system is one of the notable innovations. It has already operated at depths of 5,270 meters and is set to help extract deep-sea resources.
- Ocean Climate Change Services: The mission will also develop advisory systems for ocean climate monitoring to help address the impacts of climate change on marine environments.
- Marine Biodiversity Conservation: The exploration of deep-sea ecosystems is critical for conserving marine life and ensuring the sustainability of marine fisheries.
- Renewable Energy and Freshwater Harvesting: The mission aims to explore the potential of ocean resources for generating renewable energy and for harvesting fresh water, which could provide solutions for growing environmental challenges.
- Marine Biology Station: A state-of-the-art marine research station will be set up to support advanced studies in marine biology and ocean science.
Important Points:
- Deep Ocean Mission (DOM): An ambitious initiative by India to explore the deep sea, develop marine technologies, and harness ocean resources.
- Launched: The mission was launched in 2021 under the Prime Minister’s Science, Technology, and Innovation Advisory Council (PMSTIAC).
- Primary Goals:
- Develop advanced deep-sea exploration technologies.
- Identify and utilize underwater resources like polymetallic nodules, sulphides, and rare metals.
- Study marine biodiversity and ecosystems for conservation and sustainable fisheries.
- Contribute to India’s blue economy through innovation and knowledge-building.
- Key Projects:
- Matsya6000: India’s first crewed submersible, designed to dive 6,000 meters below the ocean surface.
- Varaha: Underwater mining system that successfully operates at depths of 5,270 meters.
- Focus Areas:
- Ocean Climate Change Services: Developing systems to monitor ocean climate and address climate change impacts.
- Marine Biodiversity Conservation: Studying and conserving underwater ecosystems.
- Renewable Energy and Freshwater Harvesting: Exploring ocean resources for energy and water needs.
- Marine Biology Station: Establishing a state-of-the-art marine research station for advanced studies.
Why In News
India is preparing to deploy its first human-operated underwater submersible, Matsya6000, as part of the Deep Ocean Mission, according to the Union Minister of State for Science and Technology. This groundbreaking step will allow India to explore deeper ocean layers and harness valuable underwater resources, marking a significant milestone in the nation’s marine research and technology advancements.
MCQs about India’s Deep Ocean Mission (DOM)
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What is the main purpose of India’s Deep Ocean Mission (DOM)?
A. To develop marine biodiversity conservation strategies
B. To explore the deep sea, develop marine technologies, and harness ocean resources
C. To build underwater cities
D. To monitor climate change only
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When was the Deep Ocean Mission (DOM) launched?
A. 2020
B. 2019
C. 2021
D. 2022
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What is the main feature of the submersible Matsya6000 under the DOM?
A. It can reach 3,000 meters below the ocean’s surface.
B. It is unmanned and controlled remotely.
C. It is India’s first crewed submersible capable of diving to 6,000 meters deep.
D. It is used only for marine biodiversity studies.
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Which of the following is NOT a focus area of the Deep Ocean Mission?
A. Developing systems to monitor ocean climate change
B. Harvesting ocean resources for renewable energy
C. Establishing a marine biology station
D. Constructing underwater cities for human habitation
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