Daily Current Affairs : 27-July-2023
In 2021, the Ministry of Earth Sciences launched the Deep Ocean Mission, a significant Central Sector Scheme. One of the key projects under this mission is Samudrayaan, India’s first manned ocean mission. The primary objective of Samudrayaan is to enable deep-ocean exploration and rare mineral mining. This essay explores the Samudrayaan project, its main components, and its relevance for India’s coastal regions and the Blue Economy.
Samudrayaan: Unveiling the Depths
1. Development of a Manned Submersible
At the heart of the Samudrayaan project is the development of MATSYA 6000, a manned submersible capable of carrying three individuals to a depth of 6,000 meters in the ocean. This indigenous submersible is equipped with scientific sensors and tools for deep ocean exploration. With an operational endurance of 12 hours and a 96-hour emergency capability, MATSYA 6000 empowers scientific researchers to directly intervene in unexplored deep-sea areas.
2. Mining Polymetallic Nodules
Another vital component of the Samudrayaan project is the development of an integrated mining system for polymetallic nodules found at a depth of 6,000 meters in the central Indian Ocean. These nodules, rich in manganese, iron, nickel, copper, cobalt, and lead, hold significant economic and strategic importance. India has been granted a site of 75,000 square kilometers in the Central Indian Ocean Basin for polymetallic nodules’ exploitation. Harnessing just 10% of these reserves could meet India’s energy requirements for the next century.
Relevance for India
3. Climate Change Understanding
The Samudrayaan project aims to study key climate variables and develop models to understand and project future climate changes. The Ocean Climate Change Advisory Services will support the Blue Economy priority area, particularly coastal tourism, helping India’s coastal regions and promoting sustainable development.
4. Deep-Sea Biodiversity Exploration
Technological innovations under the Samudrayaan project will focus on exploring and conserving deep-sea biodiversity. Sustainable utilization of deep-sea bio-resources will be a significant aspect of these studies, contributing to India’s conservation efforts and marine ecosystem understanding.
5. Multi-Metal Hydrothermal Sulphides
Exploration of multi-metal hydrothermal sulphides mineralization along the Indian Ocean mid-oceanic ridges is another crucial aspect of the Samudrayaan project. This endeavor will advance India’s knowledge of deep-sea geology and the potential mineral resources available in these regions.
6. Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) Desalination Plant
The project also targets the development of an offshore OTEC-powered desalination plant, utilizing tidal energy to address India’s water scarcity challenges and promote sustainable water management.
7. Marine Station for Ocean Biology
As part of the project, an advanced Marine Station for Ocean Biology will be established. This facility will serve as a hub for cutting-edge research and study related to ocean biology, contributing to India’s scientific knowledge and conservation efforts.
Important Points:
- The Samudrayaan project is part of India’s Deep Ocean Mission launched in 2021.
- It is India’s first manned ocean mission aimed at deep-ocean exploration and rare mineral mining.
- The project involves the development of MATSYA 6000, a manned submersible capable of reaching a depth of 6,000 meters in the ocean.
- MATSYA 6000 is equipped with scientific sensors and tools for deep-sea exploration and has an operational endurance of 12 hours.
- Polymetallic nodules (manganese nodules) found at 6,000 meters depth in the central Indian Ocean will be mined as part of the mission.
- These nodules contain valuable minerals like manganese, iron, nickel, copper, cobalt, and lead, with potential economic and strategic importance.
- India has been allotted a site of 75,000 square kilometers in the Central Indian Ocean Basin for nodules’ exploitation.
- Just 10% recovery of the nodules’ reserves can meet India’s energy requirement for the next 100 years.
- The project also aims to study key climate variables and develop models for future climate projections, supporting the Blue Economy priority area of coastal tourism.
- Technological innovations under the project will explore and conserve deep-sea biodiversity and focus on sustainable utilization of deep-sea bio-resources.
- Multi-metal hydrothermal sulphides mineralization along the Indian Ocean mid-oceanic ridges will also be explored.
- The project includes the development of an offshore Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) powered desalination plant using tidal energy.
- An advanced Marine Station for Ocean Biology will be established under the project.
- India’s 7,517 km long coastline and its coastal regions play a significant role in the country’s economy, making the project relevant and beneficial for India’s growth.
- Collaboration involves organizations like ISRO, IITM, and DRDO to achieve the project’s objectives and promote scientific advancement and environmental conservation in the marine domain.
Why In News
The Union Minister of Earth Sciences astounded the Lok Sabha with groundbreaking updates on the highly ambitious Samudrayaan project. This innovative mission aims to explore the mysteries of the ocean depths, pushing the boundaries of scientific knowledge and opening up new frontiers of discovery.
MCQs about India’s Pioneering Deep Ocean Mission
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What is the main objective of India’s Samudrayaan project under the Deep Ocean Mission?
A. To explore deep-sea biodiversity.
B. To develop a manned submersible for ocean exploration.
C. To study key climate variables and provide future projections.
D. To mine polymetallic nodules for valuable minerals.
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What is the name of the manned submersible developed under the Samudrayaan project?
A. OMe 6000
B. MATSYA 6000
C. Multi-Metal Explorer
D. Ocean Climate Observer
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What resource is abundant in the Central Indian Ocean Basin and holds economic significance for India?
A. Crude oil deposits
B. Natural gas reserves
C. Polymetallic nodules
D. Rare earth elements
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How does the Samudrayaan project contribute to India’s water management?
A. By studying key climate variables and providing future projections.
B. By exploring and conserving deep-sea biodiversity.
C. By developing an offshore desalination plant powered by OTEC.
D. By mining multi-metal hydrothermal sulphides.
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