India approved ₹84,000-crore scheme to support deepwater exploration through 2030-31

The Union Cabinet approved a ₹84,000-crore scheme under the Samudra Manthan mission to support deepwater exploration through 2030-31. The scheme includes financial support of up to 50% of drilling costs (capped at ₹675 crore per well) and earmarks about ₹43,000 crore to drill 60 deepwater and ultra-deepwater wells, plus ₹28,500 crore for offshore data acquisition including ₹12,500 crore for 3D seismic data to be added to the National Data Repository.