Practice these important MCQs on the Samudra Manthan – National Offshore Exploration Programme for UPSC, SSC, Banking, Railway, Defence, CDS, NDA, CAPF, and State PCS exams. The Union Cabinet has approved this ambitious programme to strengthen India’s offshore oil and gas exploration and reduce dependence on energy imports. These questions are based on the latest Cabinet decision and are highly important for competitive examinations.
1. The Union Cabinet recently approved which new offshore exploration programme?
A) Blue Economy Mission
B) Samudra Manthan
C) Deep Ocean Bharat
D) Sagar Shakti Mission
Answer: B) Samudra Manthan
Explanation: The Union Cabinet approved Samudra Manthan – National Offshore Exploration Programme to expand offshore oil and gas exploration and strengthen India’s energy security.
2. What is the total approved outlay for the Samudra Manthan programme?
A) ₹42,000 crore
B) ₹56,500 crore
C) ₹84,084 crore
D) ₹1 lakh crore
Answer: C) ₹84,084 crore
Explanation: The Cabinet approved an outlay of ₹84,084 crore for implementing the programme over the next five years.
3. The Samudra Manthan programme mainly focuses on the exploration of:
A) Gold
B) Coal
C) Oil and Natural Gas
D) Rare Earth Minerals
Answer: C) Oil and Natural Gas
Explanation: The programme aims to increase domestic exploration and production of offshore oil and natural gas resources.
4. The primary objective of Samudra Manthan is to:
A) Increase agricultural exports
B) Reduce dependence on imported oil and gas
C) Promote coastal tourism
D) Develop fishing harbours
Answer: B) Reduce dependence on imported oil and gas
Explanation: A major objective of the programme is to improve India’s energy security by reducing reliance on imported crude oil and natural gas.
5. The programme will mainly promote exploration in which areas?
A) Himalayan Region
B) Desert Areas
C) Deepwater and Ultra-Deepwater Offshore Areas
D) River Basins
Answer: C) Deepwater and Ultra-Deepwater Offshore Areas
Explanation: The project focuses on exploring India’s deepwater and ultra-deepwater offshore reserves.
6. The approved programme is expected to continue for:
A) Two Years
B) Three Years
C) Five Years
D) Ten Years
Answer: C) Five Years
Explanation: The Cabinet approved the implementation of the programme for a period of five years.
7. Which of the following activities is included under the Samudra Manthan programme?
A) Satellite Launches
B) Large-scale Seismic Surveys
C) Highway Construction
D) Metro Rail Expansion
Answer: B) Large-scale Seismic Surveys
Explanation: The programme includes extensive seismic surveys to identify potential offshore oil and gas reserves before drilling begins.
8. Which of the following is an expected benefit of the Samudra Manthan programme?
A) Stronger Energy Security
B) Higher Agricultural Yield
C) Growth in Textile Exports
D) Expansion of Inland Waterways
Answer: A) Stronger Energy Security
Explanation: By increasing domestic exploration and production, the programme is expected to strengthen India’s long-term energy security and reduce import dependence.
9. The Samudra Manthan – National Offshore Exploration Programme is mainly associated with which sector?
A) Agriculture
B) Energy
C) Tourism
D) Education
Answer: B) Energy
Explanation: The programme focuses on strengthening India’s energy sector by increasing offshore exploration of oil and natural gas resources.
10. Which ministry is primarily responsible for implementing the Samudra Manthan programme?
A) Ministry of Coal
B) Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas
C) Ministry of Mines
D) Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
Answer: B) Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas
Explanation: The programme is implemented under the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG) to enhance India’s domestic hydrocarbon production.
11. One major objective of the programme is to:
A) Increase crude oil imports
B) Improve domestic hydrocarbon production
C) Promote inland fisheries
D) Develop coastal tourism
Answer: B) Improve domestic hydrocarbon production
Explanation: Samudra Manthan aims to increase India’s own production of crude oil and natural gas, reducing dependence on imported energy.
12. The exploration under Samudra Manthan mainly targets:
A) Mountain Regions
B) Offshore Sedimentary Basins
C) Desert Areas
D) Forest Regions
Answer: B) Offshore Sedimentary Basins
Explanation: Exploration activities will focus on India’s offshore sedimentary basins, where oil and natural gas reserves are expected to be found.
13. Which modern technology is expected to play a major role in the programme?
A) Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Seismic Imaging
B) Quantum Computing
C) Blockchain Technology
D) 3D Printing
Answer: A) Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Seismic Imaging
Explanation: Modern technologies such as AI, advanced seismic surveys, and digital exploration tools are expected to improve the identification of hydrocarbon reserves.
14. The successful implementation of Samudra Manthan is expected to help India achieve:
A) Better Energy Security
B) Increased Food Production
C) Higher Tourism Revenue
D) More Textile Exports
Answer: A) Better Energy Security
Explanation: Increasing domestic oil and gas production will strengthen India’s energy security and reduce reliance on imported fuels.
15. Samudra Manthan is expected to support which national initiative the most?
A) Atmanirbhar Bharat
B) Smart Cities Mission
C) Swachh Bharat Mission
D) Jal Jeevan Mission
Answer: A) Atmanirbhar Bharat
Explanation: By promoting domestic exploration and reducing import dependence, the programme supports the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India).
Quick Revision
| Fact | Answer |
|---|---|
| Programme Name | Samudra Manthan – National Offshore Exploration Programme |
| Approved By | Union Cabinet |
| Total Outlay | ₹84,084 Crore |
| Duration | 5 Years |
| Implementing Ministry | Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas |
| Main Sector | Energy |
| Focus | Offshore Oil & Natural Gas Exploration |
| Exploration Area | Deepwater & Ultra-Deepwater Basins |
| Key Activity | Seismic Surveys |
| Main Objective | Reduce Oil & Gas Imports |
| Technology Used | AI & Advanced Seismic Imaging |
| Expected Benefit | Higher Domestic Hydrocarbon Production |
| National Goal | Energy Security |
| Supports | Atmanirbhar Bharat |
| Important For | UPSC, SSC, Banking, Railway, Defence & State PCS |
Exam Tip
Cabinet-approved schemes and programmes related to energy, infrastructure, the economy, defence, and science are among the most frequently asked topics in competitive exams. While revising, remember the scheme name, ministry, financial outlay, duration, objectives, implementing authority, technology used, and expected benefits, as these facts are commonly tested in UPSC, SSC CGL, CHSL, Banking, Railway, CDS, NDA, CAPF, and State PCS examinations.