Deep Ocean Mission: Samudrayaan and Blue Economy

TOPIC CLASSIFICATION

Subject: Science & Technology Sub-area: Oceanography / Deep Sea Technology Prelim PYQ Trend: Low-Moderate (key facts tested) Mains Relevance: GS-3 (Science & Tech, Economy, Environment)

EXAMINER REASONING

Deep Ocean Mission is India's high-profile oceanic research programme - UPSC interest is growing. The examiner tests: (a) objectives - deep sea mining (polymetallic nodules), biodiversity, manned submersible (Samudrayaan); (b) technology - Matsya-6000 submersible, deep-sea drilling, ROVs; (c) economic significance - polymetallic nodules (Mn, Ni, Cu, Co), rare earth elements; (d) Blue Economy - India's draft policy, contribution to GDP, coastal livelihoods; (e) environmental concerns - seabed mining impact, ISA (International Seabed Authority) regulations. Expect questions linking deep ocean to India's resource security.

Core Concept

Deep Ocean Mission (DOM):

• Launched: 2021 (Phase I: 2021-26, ₹4,077 crore)
• Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES)
• Six Pillars: (1) Deep-sea manned submersible, (2) Polymetallic nodule mining, (3) Deep-sea biodiversity, (4) Ocean climate change advisory, (5) Deep-sea survey and exploration, (6) Marine energy and desalination

Samudrayaan - Manned Submersible Mission:

• Submersible: MATSYA 6000 - can carry 3 persons to 6,000 metre depth
• Endurance: 12-16 hours under normal operation; 96 hours emergency
• Materials: Titanium alloy hull (for...