PIB Summary- 16th June, 2024 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

“India set to be the 6th country to have its own Deep Sea Mission” says Dr. Jitendra Singh

India’s Deep Sea Mission Progress:

• Announcement: Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State for Science and Technology and Earth Sciences, announced that India is set to become the 6th country with its own Deep Sea Mission.
• Significance: The mission highlights India’s progress in deep-sea exploration and aims to bolster the blue economy, empowering those dependent on ocean resources.

Key Highlights of the Deep Sea Mission:

Mission Objectives:

• Not limited to mineral exploration.
• Development of ocean sciences.
• Exploration and conservation of marine biodiversity.

Technological Advancements:

• Matsyayaan 6000: Developed by the National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT), capable of diving 6000 meters deep.
• Titanium Hull: Collaboration with ISRO to withstand extreme pressure.
• Self-Floatation Technology: Designed to handle emergencies and remain submerged for up to 72 hours.
• 4-hour Descent: Significant progress in the descent capabilities of the Yaan.

Impact and Future Goals:

• Economic Contribution: The Deep Sea Mission is expected to greatly enhance the Indian economy through:
  • Exploration and commercial exploitation of rare earth metals.
  • Discovery of metals and polymetallic nodules in the Indian seabed.

Future Milestones:

• Completion of the first stage of harbor trials by September 2024.
• Subsequent trials to be completed by 2026.

Directive for Indigenous Technology: Dr. Jitendra Singh urged scientists and officials to develop indigenous technology to reduce India’s dependence on foreign technology.

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