{"id":1926,"date":"2024-12-19T07:45:59","date_gmt":"2024-12-19T07:45:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/iasquest.com\/?p=1926"},"modified":"2026-02-11T19:00:23","modified_gmt":"2026-02-11T19:00:23","slug":"gs-iii-science-technology-indigenization-of-technology-developing-new-technology","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/kingmakersiasacademy.com\/current-affairs\/gs-iii-science-technology-indigenization-of-technology-developing-new-technology\/","title":{"rendered":"GS- III- SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY- Indigenization of Technology & Developing New Technology"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Discuss the objectives and significance of India’s Deep Ocean Mission in harnessing marine resources for sustainable development. What challenges does the mission face in achieving its goals ?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

India’s Deep Ocean Mission (DOM) is a strategic initiative aimed at exploring and harnessing the potential of marine resources for sustainable development while addressing key national priorities such as energy security, scientific research, and environmental conservation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Objectives of the Deep Ocean Mission:<\/strong>
To address issues arising from long term changes in the ocean due to climate change
To develop technologies for deep-sea mission of living (biodiversity) and non-living (minerals) resources
To develop underwater vehicles and underwater robotics
To provide ocean climate change advisory services
To identify technological innovations and conservation methods for sustainable utilization of marine bioresources
To develop offshore based desalination techniques
To develop renewable energy generation techniques
To provide clean drinking water and explore the avenues of desalination of water as well as extracting minerals from the ocean belt.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Significance of the Deep Ocean Mission:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Unearthing of critical minerals and metals for the industrial growth especially for renewable and electronic sectors.
India can reduce its dependence on imports of energy by exploration of methane and offshore renewable energy.
Fostering of indigenous technology and enhancement of innovation capacity.
Strengthening India’s presence and claims in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) supports strategic maritime interests and adherence to international conventions like UNCLOS.
The mission integrates with the Blue Economy framework, promoting sustainable use of oceanic resources while preserving marine ecosystems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Challenges Faced by the Deep Ocean Mission:<\/strong>
Technological Complexity<\/strong>– Deep-sea exploration requires cutting-edge technology capable of withstanding extreme pressures, low temperatures, and corrosive conditions. Indigenous development of such technology is both time-consuming and expensive.
Environmental Concerns<\/strong>– Deep-sea mining and exploration can disrupt fragile marine ecosystems and biodiversity. Balancing resource extraction with environmental sustainability is a critical challenge.
High Financial Costs<\/strong>– The mission demands significant investment in research, infrastructure, and workforce development. Securing consistent funding and managing costs effectively is a challenge.
Data Deficiency<\/strong>– Limited baseline data on deep-sea ecosystems makes it difficult to assess the environmental impact and design mitigation measures.
Skill Development<\/strong>– The mission requires a highly trained workforce in areas such as marine biology, ocean engineering, and robotics, which necessitates capacity-building efforts.
Geopolitical and Legal Challenges<\/strong>– Aspects of deep-sea mining fall under the purview of international laws, such as the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)<\/strong>. Ensuring compliance with international regulations while safeguarding national interests is a delicate task.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Conclusion:<\/strong>
While India’s Deep Ocean Mission has the potential to transform resource and energy security, it must address significant challenges related to technology, environmental conservation, and financial sustainability. Strategic investments, international collaboration, and a focus on innovation will be critical to overcoming these barriers and ensuring the mission’s success in achieving its ambitious objectives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Recommendations:<\/strong>
Enhancing Indigenous Technology Development
Use advanced monitoring systems to assess and mitigate damage to marine biodiversity
Explore partnerships with international organizations for Sustainable Funding Mechanisms
Establish dedicated marine research centers and specialized training programs for scientists, engineers, and technicians in marine biology, oceanography, and deep-sea technology.
Involve coastal communities in decision-making processes to ensure equitable sharing of benefits.
Add on points:<\/strong>
Oceans, which cover 70 percent of the globe, remain a key part of our life. About 95 percent of the Deep Ocean remains unexplored.
For India, with its three sides surrounded by the oceans and around 30 percent of the country’s population living in coastal areas, the ocean is a major economic factor supporting fisheries and aquaculture, tourism, livelihoods and blue trade.
Oceans are also a storehouse of food, energy, minerals, medicines, modulator of weather and climate and underpin life on Earth.
Considering the importance of the oceans on sustainability, the United Nations (UN) has declared the decade, 2021-2030 as the Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development.
India has a unique maritime position. Its 7517 km long coastline is home to nine coastal states and 1382 islands.
The Government of India\u2019s Vision of New India by 2030 announced in February 2019 highlighted the Blue Economy as one of the ten core dimensions of growth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n


Source<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

https:\/\/indianexpress.com\/article\/india\/underwater-hot-spring-microbial-life-indias-deep-ocean-mission-9732531\/<\/a><\/p>\n