UPSC Prelims Practice Questions — Union Environment Minister Shri Bhupender Yadav launches Guidelines for National Coastal Mission 2.0

Q1. The National Coastal Mission 2.0 has been designed as a Central Sector Scheme, although its activities span 9 coastal States and 4 Union Territories. Which one of the following follows from this design choice?

  • A. The Union bears the entire cost, so no State matching share is a condition of funding.
  • B. Union funds reach States as untied transfers that they may spend on any coastal priority.
  • C. Each coastal State's share of the cost is fixed in proportion to the length of its coastline.
  • D. Coastal States must first budget a matching share of the cost before Union funds are released.

Q2. With reference to the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC), under which the National Coastal Mission is implemented, consider the following statements: Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. The original missions of the NAPCC were confined to mitigation, and adaptation was left entirely to State Action Plans.
  2. Different missions under the NAPCC are anchored in different sectoral ministries and departments rather than in a single implementing body.
  3. The NAPCC is a policy framework launched by the Union Government, not a statute enacted by Parliament.
  • A. 3 only
  • B. 1 and 2 only
  • C. 2 and 3 only
  • D. 1, 2 and 3

Q3. A low-lying coastal stretch protected by a mangrove belt has the mangroves cleared and replaced by a vertical concrete sea wall. Consider the following statements about the likely consequences: Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. Waves reflecting off the wall can be larger than the incoming waves, which increases erosion in front of the wall.
  2. The stretch loses a process by which captured sediment lets the land surface build up vertically as the sea level rises.
  3. Wave energy reaching the coast will necessarily fall, because a rigid wall dissipates wave energy more efficiently than a vegetated belt.
  • A. 1, 2 and 3
  • B. 1 and 2 only
  • C. 2 and 3 only
  • D. 1 only

Q4. Consider the following assertion: Mangroves act as a natural buffer that reduces coastal erosion. Which of the following statements support/supports the above assertion?

  1. Mangrove belts reduce the energy of incoming waves before they reach the land behind them.
  2. Under the CRZ Notification, 2019, larger mangrove patches are classified as Ecologically Sensitive Areas with a buffer zone around them in which activities are restricted.
  3. The mangrove initiative MISHTI links shoreline habitat restoration with tangible incomes for coastal communities.
  • A. 1 and 2 only
  • B. 1, 2 and 3
  • C. 2 and 3 only
  • D. 1 only

Q5. With reference to the Blue Flag certification for beaches, consider the following statements: Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. Once a beach is certified, the flag remains valid permanently unless the national government withdraws its nomination.
  2. The criteria for the award extend beyond bathing-water quality to environmental education, environmental management and safety.
  3. In India, the pursuit of the certification forms part of an integrated coastal zone management approach to the sustainable development of coastal regions.
  • A. 2 and 3 only
  • B. 1, 2 and 3
  • C. 1 and 3 only
  • D. 1 only

Q6. With reference to coastal zone governance in India, consider the following statements: Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. Integrated Coastal Zone Management is an approach aimed at the sustainable development of coastal regions, under which specific programmes such as beach management services are taken up.
  2. Integrated Coastal Zone Management is primarily a statutory prohibition regime, whereas the Coastal Regulation Zone notifications are non-binding planning guidance.
  3. Under the CRZ Notification, 2019, coastal States and Union Territories prepare Coastal Zone Management Plans and submit them to the Union Ministry for approval.
  • A. 1 and 2 only
  • B. 1 and 3 only
  • C. 2 only
  • D. 1, 2 and 3

Q7. NCM 2.0 aims to unlock India's Blue Economy potential. Consider the following activities: Which of the above would advance a Blue Economy in the sense in which the term is used internationally?

  1. Expanding fisheries and aquaculture that are managed within sustainable limits
  2. Developing offshore renewable energy such as offshore wind
  3. Converting coastal mangrove belts into aquaculture ponds to raise shrimp output
  4. Promoting coastal tourism at beaches certified to Blue Flag environmental standards
  • A. 1, 2, 3 and 4
  • B. 2, 3 and 4 only
  • C. 1, 2 and 4 only
  • D. 1 and 2 only