UPSC Prelims Practice Questions — National Launch of Access Pass for Fishing in India’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) Opens New Horizon Marine Fisheries Sector.

Q1. With reference to the Access Pass for fishing in India's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), consider the following statements. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. It is issued free of cost through the online ReALCRaft portal.
  2. It authorises operations in the zone extending from 12 to 200 nautical miles from the baseline.
  3. It is issued by the Department of Fisheries under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying.
  4. It is mandatory for traditional non-motorised fishing craft.
  • A. 1, 2 and 3
  • B. 2, 3 and 4
  • C. 1 and 4 only
  • D. 1, 2, 3 and 4

Q2. With reference to the design of the Access Pass for EEZ fishing, consider the following statements. Which of the statements given above is NOT correct?

  1. It is integrated with the MPEDA and the Export Inspection Council for issuance of Fish Catch and Health Certificates.
  2. It is mandatory for mechanised fishing vessels operating beyond coastal waters.
  3. It levies a graded statutory fee linked to the tonnage of the vessel.
  4. It is required for large motorised vessels above 24 metres in length.
  • A. 1 only
  • B. 2 only
  • C. 3 only
  • D. 4 only

Q3. Under the Territorial Waters, Continental Shelf, Exclusive Economic Zone and Other Maritime Zones Act, 1976, which one of the following maritime zones extends to the greatest distance (up to 200 nautical miles) from the baseline?

  • A. Territorial waters
  • B. Contiguous zone
  • C. Exclusive Economic Zone
  • D. Internal waters

Q4. India's Exclusive Economic Zone covers an area of approximately how many square kilometres?

  • A. About 24 lakh sq km
  • B. About 12 lakh sq km
  • C. About 20 lakh sq km
  • D. About 30 lakh sq km

Q5. The national Access Pass for fishing in India's EEZ, launched in February 2026 at Veraval, was launched by which Union Minister?

  • A. Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh
  • B. Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan
  • C. Shri Bhupender Yadav
  • D. Shri Piyush Goyal

Q6. With reference to the national launch of the Access Pass for EEZ fishing, consider the following statements. Which of the statements given above is NOT correct?

  1. It was launched from Veraval, Gujarat.
  2. It was launched for all 13 coastal States/UTs of India.
  3. It was launched on World Fisheries Day.
  4. At the launch, Access Passes were handed over to fishermen representing fisheries cooperative societies.
  • A. 1 only
  • B. 2 only
  • C. 3 only
  • D. 4 only

Q7. Within the fisheries sector allocation of the Union Budget 2025-26, which single scheme received the largest budgetary allocation?

  • A. Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY)
  • B. Blue Revolution scheme
  • C. Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF)
  • D. Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana (PM-MKSSY)

Q8. In the context of the Budget 2025-26 fisheries framework, the term 'Blue Economy' is best defined as which one of the following?

  • A. The sustainable use of ocean and marine resources for economic growth, livelihoods and jobs while preserving the health of ocean ecosystems
  • B. An economy in which all industrial production is powered exclusively by offshore wind and tidal energy
  • C. The exclusive reservation of all coastal waters for naval and strategic use only
  • D. An economic model that entirely prohibits commercial extraction of any marine resource

Q9. With reference to fisheries schemes that preceded the Access Pass framework, consider the following statements. Which of the statements given above is NOT correct?

  1. The Blue Revolution scheme was launched in the year 2015-16.
  2. The Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) was formally launched in September 2020.
  3. PMMSY provides financial assistance to traditional fishermen for acquiring deep-sea fishing vessels.
  4. PMMSY was launched before the Blue Revolution scheme.
  • A. 1 only
  • B. 2 only
  • C. 3 only
  • D. 4 only

Q10. Schemes such as PMMSY and the Blue Revolution, as well as the new Access Pass framework, are implemented by which one of the following?

  • A. Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying
  • B. Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying
  • C. Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Ministry of Agriculture
  • D. Ministry of Earth Sciences

Q11. In the context of India's under-utilised EEZ fishery resources, the term 'tuna and tuna-like species' primarily refers to which category of fishery resources?

  • A. High-value oceanic pelagic species found largely in deep-sea and offshore waters
  • B. Bottom-dwelling demersal species confined to the continental shelf
  • C. Brackish-water estuarine species of coastal lagoons and backwaters
  • D. Freshwater species of inland rivers and reservoirs

Q12. As of 5 March 2026, how many Access Passes had been issued through the ReALCRaft portal?

  • A. 707
  • B. 370
  • C. 37
  • D. 1,707