Daily Current Affairs : 19-June-2024

India is set to become the sixth country in the world to launch its own Deep Sea Mission. This is an important milestone in India’s journey toward exploring the unexplored depths of the ocean. One of the key components of this mission is the submersible vessel Matsya 6000, developed by India’s National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT). The mission aims to push the boundaries of underwater research and make significant contributions to marine science.

The First Stage: Harbour Trial

The initial phase of the mission involves a harbour trial, focusing on reaching a depth of 40-50 meters. This trial will help ensure the submersible’s readiness for deeper dives and its ability to withstand the extreme conditions of the deep sea. The NIOT has worked closely with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) to build a submersible capable of withstanding the immense pressure found at such depths.

About Matsya 6000

Matsya 6000 is a human-occupied submersible designed to explore the deep-sea environment. As part of the Samudrayaan Mission, it will play a key role in India’s deep-sea exploration efforts.

Key Features and Capabilities
  • Depth Capability: The submersible is built to operate at a depth of 6000 meters (approximately 19,685 feet) below sea level, which is about 3-4 times the depth of the world’s deepest oceans.
  • Occupancy: Matsya 6000 can carry up to three crew members on each mission.
  • Duration: The submersible can stay submerged for up to 12 hours for normal operations, with the ability to endure up to 96 additional hours in case of emergencies.
  • Material: To withstand extreme pressures at great depths, the submersible’s hull is made from titanium, a strong and corrosion-resistant material.
  • Advanced Instruments: The vessel is equipped with high-definition cameras, sonar systems, and robotic arms, enabling scientists to collect valuable data and samples from the ocean floor.
India's Matsya 6000:Pioneering Deep Sea Exploration: What You Should Know
Courtesy: Plutus IAS

A Step Toward Global Leadership

With the Matsya 6000, India is not only advancing its scientific research but also positioning itself as a leader in ocean exploration. The success of this mission will pave the way for future underwater explorations and help India gain valuable insights into marine biodiversity, mineral resources, and environmental changes. It is a significant leap toward understanding the mysteries of the deep sea.

Important Points:

  • India’s Deep Sea Mission: India is set to become the sixth country to launch its own Deep Sea Mission, marking a significant milestone in ocean exploration.
  • Matsya 6000: A human-occupied submersible developed by the National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT) as part of the Samudrayaan Mission.
  • Harbour Trial: The first stage of the mission focuses on a harbour trial, aiming to reach depths of 40-50 meters to test the submersible’s readiness for deeper dives.
  • Collaboration with ISRO: The submersible’s design involves collaboration with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) to create a titanium hull capable of withstanding extreme ocean pressures.
Key Features of Matsya 6000:
  • Depth Capability: Can operate at depths of up to 6000 meters (19,685 feet), well beyond the depths of most oceans.
  • Crew Capacity: Can carry three crew members for each mission.
  • Operational Duration: Can remain submerged for 12 hours in normal conditions, with up to 96 additional hours for emergency endurance.
  • Material: The pressure-resistant hull is made from titanium, ensuring durability under high pressures.
  • Advanced Technology: Equipped with high-definition cameras, sonar systems, and robotic arms for research and sample collection.
  • Significance: The mission will advance India’s scientific research and contribute to a deeper understanding of marine life, resources, and environmental changes.
  • Global Leadership: The success of the mission positions India as a leader in ocean exploration, paving the way for future deep-sea research initiatives.

Why In News

India is set to become the sixth country to have its own Deep Sea Mission, joining an exclusive group of nations capable of exploring the uncharted depths of the ocean and unlocking new frontiers in marine science and technology.

MCQs about India’s Matsya 6000

  1. What is the primary goal of India’s Deep Sea Mission?
    A. To explore outer space
    B. To explore the deep ocean and its resources
    C. To develop underwater vehicles for tourism
    D. To create new naval weapons
    Correct Answer: B. To explore the deep ocean and its resources
    Explanation: The primary goal of India’s Deep Sea Mission is to explore the ocean depths, advancing research in marine science, biodiversity, and mineral resources.
  2. What is the maximum depth that the Matsya 6000 submersible can reach?
    A. 1,000 meters
    B. 2,500 meters
    C. 6,000 meters
    D. 10,000 meters
    Correct Answer: C. 6,000 meters
    Explanation: The Matsya 6000 is designed to operate at depths of up to 6,000 meters (19,685 feet), enabling it to explore some of the deepest parts of the ocean.
  3. Which material is used in the construction of the Matsya 6000’s hull to withstand extreme pressures?
    A. Aluminum
    B. Titanium
    C. Steel
    D. Plastic
    Correct Answer: B. Titanium
    Explanation: The hull of the Matsya 6000 is made from titanium, a strong, durable, and corrosion-resistant material that can withstand the immense pressures found at great ocean depths.
  4. How long can the Matsya 6000 remain submerged during a mission?
    A. 6 hours
    B. 12 hours
    C. 24 hours
    D. 48 hours
    Correct Answer: B. 12 hours
    Explanation: The Matsya 6000 can stay submerged for up to 12 hours during normal operations, with an additional 96 hours of emergency endurance.

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