QOTD March 31,2026

Consider the following statements regarding Deep Ocean Mission:

1. It aims to explore and harness deep-sea mineral resources.
2. It includes development of manned submersible vehicles.
3. It is implemented by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 1, 2 and 3
(d) 1 only

Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only

Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct
The mission focuses on exploration of polymetallic nodules and other deep-sea resources

Statement 2 is correct
It includes development of manned submersible like Samudrayaan

Statement 3 is incorrect
It is implemented by Ministry of Earth Sciences, not MoEFCC

Why in news–

The Deep Ocean Mission has recently been in focus due to renewed government emphasis on exploring deep-sea resources and strengthening India’s blue economy initiatives. The mission, implemented by the Ministry of Earth Sciences, aims to develop technologies for deep-sea exploration, including mining of polymetallic nodules, biodiversity assessment, and ocean climate studies. Recent developments regarding underwater vehicles and collaborations have highlighted its strategic, economic, and environmental significance for India.

News-Expert Explains: Why India needs to develop its deep sea capabilities | Explained News – The Indian Express

There are more questions from this topic that you should practice to make your concepts stronger.

Practice Questions (PQ)

PQ1.Consider the following statements:

1. Polymetallic nodules contain nickel, cobalt, copper and manganese.
2. India has been allotted an exploration area in the Central Indian Ocean Basin.
3. Deep Ocean Mission is a part of India’s space programme.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1, 2 and 3
(d) 1 only

Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only

Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct
These nodules are rich in important strategic metals

Statement 2 is correct
India has been allocated an area in Central Indian Ocean Basin

Statement 3 is incorrect
It is related to ocean exploration, not space programme

PQ2. Consider the following statements:

1. Samudrayaan is a manned mission to explore deep ocean.
2. It aims to reach depths of about 6000 meters.
3. It is being developed by ISRO.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

 Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only

Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct
Samudrayaan is a manned deep ocean exploration mission

Statement 2 is correct
It aims to explore depths up to around 6000 meters

Statement 3 is incorrect
It is developed by Ministry of Earth Sciences, not ISRO

PQ3. Consider the following statements:

1. Deep Ocean Mission includes study of marine biodiversity.
2. It contributes to climate change research through ocean observations.
3. It has no role in disaster management.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1, 2 and 3
(d) 1 only

Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only

 Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct
The mission includes biodiversity assessment

Statement 2 is correct
Ocean observations help in understanding climate change

Statement 3 is incorrect
It contributes to early warning systems and disaster management

 Previous Year Question (UPSC Prelims)

Consider the following statements:

1. The Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of a country extends up to 200 nautical miles from its coast.
2. In EEZ, a country has rights over both living and non-living resources.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: (c) Both 1 and 2

Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct
EEZ extends up to 200 nautical miles from the baseline

Statement 2 is correct
Coastal state has sovereign rights over resources in EEZ