Q130. Which coastal feature is especially characteristic of parts of India’s eastern seaboard?
[DSSSB Assistant Superintendent, 6 July 2026]
(A) Fjord-like estuaries
(B) Lagoons
(C) Coral cliffs
(D) Rocky sea cliffs
Answer: (B) Lagoons
Explanation: Lagoons such as Chilika and Pulicat occur along India’s eastern coast behind barrier formations. They connect marine and freshwater environments, support fisheries and migratory birds, and are influenced by river inflow, tides and shifting sand barriers.
Q129. What is a central objective of scientific coral-restoration projects?
[DSSSB Assistant Superintendent, 1 July 2026]
(A) Replacing every natural reef with artificial structures
(B) Expanding tourism infrastructure alone
(C) Accelerating the recovery of damaged reefs through scientific interventions
(D) Eliminating global climate change entirely
Answer: (C) Accelerating the recovery of damaged reefs through scientific interventions
Explanation: Coral restoration may involve nursery cultivation, transplanting healthy fragments and stabilising damaged reef areas. These interventions support recovery but cannot replace wider action on ocean warming, pollution and destructive fishing, all of which threaten reef-based marine resources.
Q128. Which clean-energy technology was selected for a port-based pilot discussed in September 2025?
[DSSSB MTS, 23 April 2026]
(A) Thorium reactors
(B) Green hydrogen
(C) Tidal turbines
(D) Floating solar power
Answer: (B) Green hydrogen
Explanation: Green hydrogen is produced using renewable electricity and can support lower-emission port activities and shipping-related industries. Such projects fit the blue-economy goal of reducing environmental impacts while maintaining coastal infrastructure, maritime trade and industrial development.
Q127. Which combination of ecosystems was emphasised in India’s Green India restoration roadmap?
[RRB Group D, 5 February 2026]
(A) Central Indian Highlands and Sundarbans only
(B) Deccan Plateau and Andaman Islands only
(C) Thar Desert and Eastern Ghats only
(D) Aravallis, Western Ghats, Himalayas and mangroves
Answer: (D) Aravallis, Western Ghats, Himalayas and mangroves
Explanation: Restoration planning targets several vulnerable landscapes, including coastal mangroves. Mangrove recovery matters because these forests store carbon, provide nursery habitats for fish, stabilise sediment and help limit damage from waves and storm surges.
Q126. Which title best fits a passage describing scientific restoration of degraded coral reefs?
[DSSSB Assistant Superintendent, 1 July 2026]
(A) Climate Change and the Collapse of Trade
(B) Scientific Interventions Supporting Coral Reef Recovery
(C) Global Fisheries Economics
(D) Coastal Urbanisation Trends
Answer: (B) Scientific Interventions Supporting Coral Reef Recovery
Explanation: A passage focusing on coral transplantation, reef repair and science-based conservation is best summarised by scientific interventions supporting recovery. Healthy reefs underpin marine biodiversity and tourism, while providing habitat for reef fish and reducing incoming wave energy.
2025 — 25 questions
Q125. Which objective was highlighted at the 2024 IORA seminar in Goa on maritime cooperation?
[SSC Selection Post Graduate Level, 28 July 2025]
(A) Expanding Indo-Pacific trade agreements only
(B) Resolving terrestrial border disputes
(C) Combating illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing
(D) Inviting SAARC states for humanitarian relief
Answer: (C) Combating illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing
Explanation: Illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing undermines sustainable marine-resource use by depleting fish stocks and harming coastal livelihoods. IORA promotes cooperation among Indian Ocean countries, making fisheries governance and maritime security important areas for regional action.
Q124. What is a core requirement for a beach or marina to receive Blue Flag certification?
[SSC CPO, 10 December 2025]
(A) Luxury tourist accommodation
(B) Exclusive access for local residents
(C) Good water quality, environmental management and safety services
(D) Mandatory UNESCO World Heritage designation
Answer: (C) Good water quality, environmental management and safety services
Explanation: Blue Flag certification evaluates criteria including environmental education, water quality, safety and sustainable management. For beaches and marinas, these standards encourage cleaner coastal waters and responsible tourism while safeguarding ecosystems on which nearby communities depend.
Q123. India’s first Marine National Park was established in which state?
[APPSC Forest Section Officer, 2025]
(A) Tamil Nadu
(B) Lakshadweep
(C) Gujarat
(D) Dadra and Nagar Haveli
Answer: (C) Gujarat
Explanation: The Marine National Park in the Gulf of Kutch, Gujarat, was India’s first such park. Its intertidal and shallow-marine habitats include coral reefs, mangroves and other organisms. Protected areas help conserve fisheries nurseries and wider coastal biodiversity.
Q122. Consider statements: 1. The Great Barrier Reef lies in the Coral Sea off Australia. 2. The Great Dividing Range runs between Melbourne and Perth. Which statement is correct?
[UPSC CDS-I General Knowledge, 13 April 2025]
(A) 1 only
(B) 2 only
(C) Both 1 and 2
(D) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (A) 1 only
Explanation: The Great Barrier Reef lies in the Coral Sea along northeastern Australia. The Great Dividing Range extends mainly along the eastern Australian margin, not between Melbourne and Perth. Reef systems are sensitive marine habitats with substantial biological and tourism value.
Q121. What is the intended diving depth, in metres, of India’s Samudrayaan manned submersible MATSYA 6000?
[RRB Group D, 2 December 2025]
(A) 6,000
(B) 8,000
(C) 4,500
(D) 9,500
Answer: (A) 6,000
Explanation: MATSYA 6000 is designed to carry humans to a depth of about 6,000 metres as part of India’s deep-ocean exploration programme. Such missions can improve understanding of seabed minerals, deep-sea biology and the environmental consequences of resource extraction.
