Deep Ocean Mission: Exploring the Last Frontier

<<<<a India’s Deep Ocean Mission, approved in 2021, is an ambitious initiative aimed at harnessing the vast resources and knowledge potential of the world’s deep oceans. The mission signifies India’s commitment to advance its understanding of the marine world, support sustainable utilization of oceanic resources, and solidify its position as a leader in blue economy.

Key Objectives of the Deep Ocean Mission

  • Deep-Sea Exploration: Developing capabilities for deep-sea exploration of living and non-living resources, including rare minerals and potential energy sources.
  • Ocean BiodiversityBiodiversityBiodiversity: Understanding and conserving the unique deep-ocean biodiversity found in Indian waters.
  • Underwater Technologies: Developing indigenous technologies for deep-sea vehicles, underwater robotics, and marine technology.
  • on oceans.
  • Capacity Building: Building human capacity for deep-ocean research and engineering.

Components of the Deep Ocean Mission

The mission encompasses several key areas:

  1. Deep Sea Mining Exploration: Search for polymetallic nodules, gas hydrates, hydrothermal sulfides, and other potential mineral deposits on the ocean floor.
  2. Development of Manned Submersible: Designing and constructing a manned submersible capable of diving to depths of 6000 meters for scientific exploration.
  3. Ocean Climate Change Advisory Services: Providing dedicated services to address climate change impacts on coastal and island communities.
  4. Ocean Biology and Biodiversity: Conduct research and conservation initiatives to explore and protect deep-sea marine life and habitats.
  5. Ocean Survey and Mapping: Mapping and documenting critical ocean resources.
  6. Engineering and Technology Development: Promoting indigenous development of underwater systems.

Potential Benefits of the Mission

  • New Resources: Unlocking untapped ocean resources could provide new sources of valuable minerals, energy, and food.
  • Scientific Discoveries: Potential for groundbreaking discoveries in marine biology, ecology, and OceanographyOceanographyOceanography.
  • Innovation and Technology: Advances in underwater engineering, robotics, and marine biotechnology.
  • Blue Economy Growth: Creating new industries, jobs, and economic opportunities within the blue economy.

FAQs about the Deep Ocean Mission

  • Which ministry leads the Deep Ocean Mission?
    • The Ministry of Earth Sciences is the nodal ministry responsible for implementing the mission.
  • Who are the partners involved?
    • National research institutions, ISRO, DRDO, private institutions, and universities collaborate in the mission.

MCQs

  1. The Deep Ocean Mission aims to develop capabilities for:
    • A. Deep-sea exploration
    • B. Tourism promotion
    • CCC. Construction of coastal highways
    • D. Desalination of seawater only
  2. A key component of the mission is the development of:
    • A. Nuclear submarines
    • B. Manned submersible
    • C. Warships
    • D. Oil drilling platforms
  3. Which of these is a potential benefit of the Deep Ocean Mission?
  • A. Scientific advancements in marine science
  • B. Reduced reliance on fossil fuels
  • C. Protection of endangered marine species
  • D. All of the above

Conclusion

India’s Deep Ocean Mission marks a significant leap towards unlocking the mysteries and potential of the deep ocean. Through a multifaceted approach encompassing exploration, research, technology development, and sustainability, the mission aims to propel India to the forefront of the global blue economy. As the mission progresses, it has the potential to redefine India’s relationship with the ocean and usher in a new era of scientific, economic, and environmental benefits.

Answers to MCQs

  1. A
  2. B
  3. D
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