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Ocean Relief

Ocean Relief (Oceanography).

Syllabus: UPSC Pre GS1: Indian & World Geography; Mains GS1

In the news

GS1 · Resources

Auction launched for two offshore polymetallic nodule blocks in the Andaman Sea

On 1 October 2026 the Ministry of Mines launched the auction of two offshore mineral blocks in the Andaman Sea, Sewell Rise-01 and West Sewell Ridge-01 off Great Nicobar, for Composite Licence. Together they cover over 1,632 sq km and hold polymetallic nodules and crusts with cobalt, nickel, manganese, copper and rare earth elements.

UPSC angle: Prelims: minerals in polymetallic nodules; location. · Mains: Offshore mining and marine ecology.

1 Oct 2026

GS3 · Ocean science

ORV Sagar Manthan, indigenous ocean research vessel, launched at Kolkata

On 9 September 2026 ORV Sagar Manthan, an ocean research vessel designed and built by GRSE for the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research, was launched at Kolkata. Built at about ₹840 crore under the Deep Ocean Mission, it will work even in the Southern Ocean, has a 30-year design life and will replace the 43-year-old ORV Sagar Kanya.

UPSC angle: Prelims: NCPOR, ISA, GRSE.

9 Sep 2026

GS3 · Energy security

Cabinet approves Samudra Manthan offshore exploration scheme (₹84,084 crore)

The Union Cabinet approved Samudra Manthan, the National Offshore Exploration Scheme, on 31 July 2026. It is a Central Sector Scheme of the Petroleum Ministry with an outlay of ₹84,084 crore up to FY 2030-31. It pays for seismic surveys, 60 deepwater wells, shared offshore infrastructure and a manufacturing zone. The aim: add over 600 MMTOE of reserves.

UPSC angle: Prelims: OALP; sedimentary basins. · Mains: Energy security strategy.

31 Jul 2026