UPSC Current Affairs Quiz : 29 April 2025

The Current Affairs Quiz 2024 is a daily quiz based on the DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS AND PIB SUMMARY from the previous day, as posted on our website. It covers all relevant news sources and is designed to test your knowledge of current events. Solving these questions will help you retain both concepts and facts relevant to the UPSC IAS civil services exam.

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• Question 1 of 10 1. Question 1 points Consider the following statements regarding APEDA: APEDA fixes minimum support prices (MSPs) for agricultural commodities intended for export. APEDA provides financial assistance for export infrastructure development. APEDA is responsible for the registration of exporters dealing in scheduled products. How many of the above statements is/are incorrect? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None Correct Solution: a) Statement 1 is incorrect — fixing Minimum Support Prices (MSPs) is the responsibility of the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP) under the Ministry of Agriculture. APEDA focuses on facilitating exports. Statements 2 and 3 are correct — APEDA offers financial support for export infrastructure and manages the registration of exporters dealing with scheduled products like fruits, vegetables, and processed foods. About Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA): What it is: The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) is a statutory body promoting agricultural exports. Headquarters: New Delhi, India. Established: Under the APEDA Act of 1985; operational from 13th February 1986. Ministry: Operates under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India. Major Functions: Registration of exporters and promotion of scheduled product exports. Fixing quality standards and specifications for exports. Providing financial assistance for packaging, marketing, and infrastructure development. Organizing pre-clearance programs and facilitating international market access. Conducting surveys, training, and publishing trade statistics. Promoting export-oriented production and sustainability in agricultural exports. Incorrect Solution: a) Statement 1 is incorrect — fixing Minimum Support Prices (MSPs) is the responsibility of the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP) under the Ministry of Agriculture. APEDA focuses on facilitating exports. Statements 2 and 3 are correct — APEDA offers financial support for export infrastructure and manages the registration of exporters dealing with scheduled products like fruits, vegetables, and processed foods. About Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA): What it is: The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) is a statutory body promoting agricultural exports. Headquarters: New Delhi, India. Established: Under the APEDA Act of 1985; operational from 13th February 1986. Ministry: Operates under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India. Major Functions: Registration of exporters and promotion of scheduled product exports. Fixing quality standards and specifications for exports. Providing financial assistance for packaging, marketing, and infrastructure development. Organizing pre-clearance programs and facilitating international market access. Conducting surveys, training, and publishing trade statistics. Promoting export-oriented production and sustainability in agricultural exports.

#### 1. Question

Consider the following statements regarding APEDA:

• APEDA fixes minimum support prices (MSPs) for agricultural commodities intended for export.

• APEDA provides financial assistance for export infrastructure development.

• APEDA is responsible for the registration of exporters dealing in scheduled products.

How many of the above statements is/are incorrect?

• (a) Only one

• (b) Only two

• (c) All three

Solution: a)

Statement 1 is incorrect — fixing Minimum Support Prices (MSPs) is the responsibility of the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP) under the Ministry of Agriculture. APEDA focuses on facilitating exports.

Statements 2 and 3 are correct — APEDA offers financial support for export infrastructure and manages the registration of exporters dealing with scheduled products like fruits, vegetables, and processed foods.

About Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA):

• What it is: The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) is a statutory body promoting agricultural exports.

• Headquarters: New Delhi, India.

• Established: Under the APEDA Act of 1985; operational from 13th February 1986.

• Ministry: Operates under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India.

Major Functions:

• Registration of exporters and promotion of scheduled product exports.

• Fixing quality standards and specifications for exports.

• Providing financial assistance for packaging, marketing, and infrastructure development.

• Organizing pre-clearance programs and facilitating international market access.

• Conducting surveys, training, and publishing trade statistics.

• Promoting export-oriented production and sustainability in agricultural exports.

Solution: a)

About Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA):

• What it is: The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) is a statutory body promoting agricultural exports.

• Headquarters: New Delhi, India.

• Established: Under the APEDA Act of 1985; operational from 13th February 1986.

• Ministry: Operates under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India.

Major Functions:

• Registration of exporters and promotion of scheduled product exports.

• Fixing quality standards and specifications for exports.

• Providing financial assistance for packaging, marketing, and infrastructure development.

• Organizing pre-clearance programs and facilitating international market access.

• Conducting surveys, training, and publishing trade statistics.

• Promoting export-oriented production and sustainability in agricultural exports.

• Question 2 of 10 2. Question 1 points Consider the following statements regarding Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary: The sanctuary is recognized as an Important Bird and Biodiversity Area (IBA). It is dominated by Tropical Rainforests. The sanctuary is located entirely in the Vindhyan hill range. How many of the above statements is/are incorrect? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None Correct Solution: b) Statement 1 is correct — it has been recognized by BirdLife International as an Important Bird and Biodiversity Area (IBA) due to its rich avian diversity. Statement 2 is incorrect — the area supports dry deciduous forests, not tropical rainforests. Statement 3 is incorrect — Geographically, it is more associated with the Malwa plateau and Chambal basin rather than exclusively with the Vindhyan range. About Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary: Location: Situated in northwestern Madhya Pradesh along the Madhya Pradesh–Rajasthan border. Falls within the Khathiar-Gir dry deciduous forests Key Features: Declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1974 and expanded in 1983 to cover 62 sq km. The Chambal River bisects the sanctuary into two parts — western side in Nimach district and eastern side in Mandsaur district. Recognized as an Important Bird and Biodiversity Area (IBA) by BirdLife International. Flora: Forest types: Northern tropical dry deciduous forests. Dry mixed deciduous forests. Dry deciduous scrub. Principal tree species include Khair (Acacia catechu), Salai, Kardhai, Dhawda, Tendu, and Palash. Fauna: Herbivores: Chinkara (Indian Gazelle), Nilgai, and Spotted Deer. Carnivores: Indian Leopard, Striped Hyena, and Jackal. Aquatic species: Mugger Crocodile, Otters, Fish species, and Turtles. Rivers: The Chambal River flows through the sanctuary, enhancing aquatic biodiversity and dividing the forest landscape. Incorrect Solution: b) Statement 1 is correct — it has been recognized by BirdLife International as an Important Bird and Biodiversity Area (IBA) due to its rich avian diversity. Statement 2 is incorrect — the area supports dry deciduous forests, not tropical rainforests. Statement 3 is incorrect — Geographically, it is more associated with the Malwa plateau and Chambal basin rather than exclusively with the Vindhyan range. About Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary: Location: Situated in northwestern Madhya Pradesh along the Madhya Pradesh–Rajasthan border. Falls within the Khathiar-Gir dry deciduous forests Key Features: Declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1974 and expanded in 1983 to cover 62 sq km. The Chambal River bisects the sanctuary into two parts — western side in Nimach district and eastern side in Mandsaur district. Recognized as an Important Bird and Biodiversity Area (IBA) by BirdLife International. Flora: Forest types: Northern tropical dry deciduous forests. Dry mixed deciduous forests. Dry deciduous scrub. Principal tree species include Khair (Acacia catechu), Salai, Kardhai, Dhawda, Tendu, and Palash. Fauna: Herbivores: Chinkara (Indian Gazelle), Nilgai, and Spotted Deer. Carnivores: Indian Leopard, Striped Hyena, and Jackal. Aquatic species: Mugger Crocodile, Otters, Fish species, and Turtles. Rivers: The Chambal River flows through the sanctuary, enhancing aquatic biodiversity and dividing the forest landscape.

#### 2. Question

Consider the following statements regarding Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary:

• The sanctuary is recognized as an Important Bird and Biodiversity Area (IBA).

• It is dominated by Tropical Rainforests.

• The sanctuary is located entirely in the Vindhyan hill range.

How many of the above statements is/are incorrect?

• (a) Only one

• (b) Only two

• (c) All three

Solution: b)

Statement 1 is correct — it has been recognized by BirdLife International as an Important Bird and Biodiversity Area (IBA) due to its rich avian diversity.

Statement 2 is incorrect — the area supports dry deciduous forests, not tropical rainforests.

Statement 3 is incorrect — Geographically, it is more associated with the Malwa plateau and Chambal basin rather than exclusively with the Vindhyan range.

About Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary:

• Location: Situated in northwestern Madhya Pradesh along the Madhya Pradesh–Rajasthan border. Falls within the Khathiar-Gir dry deciduous forests

• Situated in northwestern Madhya Pradesh along the Madhya Pradesh–Rajasthan border.

• Falls within the Khathiar-Gir dry deciduous forests

• Key Features: Declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1974 and expanded in 1983 to cover 62 sq km. The Chambal River bisects the sanctuary into two parts — western side in Nimach district and eastern side in Mandsaur district. Recognized as an Important Bird and Biodiversity Area (IBA) by BirdLife International.

• Declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1974 and expanded in 1983 to cover 62 sq km.

• The Chambal River bisects the sanctuary into two parts — western side in Nimach district and eastern side in Mandsaur district.

• Recognized as an Important Bird and Biodiversity Area (IBA) by BirdLife International.

• Flora: Forest types: Northern tropical dry deciduous forests. Dry mixed deciduous forests. Dry deciduous scrub. Principal tree species include Khair (Acacia catechu), Salai, Kardhai, Dhawda, Tendu, and Palash.

• Forest types: Northern tropical dry deciduous forests. Dry mixed deciduous forests. Dry deciduous scrub.

• Northern tropical dry deciduous forests.

• Dry mixed deciduous forests.

• Dry deciduous scrub.

• Principal tree species include Khair (Acacia catechu), Salai, Kardhai, Dhawda, Tendu, and Palash.

• Fauna: Herbivores: Chinkara (Indian Gazelle), Nilgai, and Spotted Deer. Carnivores: Indian Leopard, Striped Hyena, and Jackal. Aquatic species: Mugger Crocodile, Otters, Fish species, and Turtles.

• Herbivores: Chinkara (Indian Gazelle), Nilgai, and Spotted Deer.

• Carnivores: Indian Leopard, Striped Hyena, and Jackal.

• Aquatic species: Mugger Crocodile, Otters, Fish species, and Turtles.

• Rivers: The Chambal River flows through the sanctuary, enhancing aquatic biodiversity and dividing the forest landscape.

Solution: b)

Statement 1 is correct — it has been recognized by BirdLife International as an Important Bird and Biodiversity Area (IBA) due to its rich avian diversity.

Statement 2 is incorrect — the area supports dry deciduous forests, not tropical rainforests.

Statement 3 is incorrect — Geographically, it is more associated with the Malwa plateau and Chambal basin rather than exclusively with the Vindhyan range.

About Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary:

• Location: Situated in northwestern Madhya Pradesh along the Madhya Pradesh–Rajasthan border. Falls within the Khathiar-Gir dry deciduous forests

• Situated in northwestern Madhya Pradesh along the Madhya Pradesh–Rajasthan border.

• Falls within the Khathiar-Gir dry deciduous forests

• Declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1974 and expanded in 1983 to cover 62 sq km.

• The Chambal River bisects the sanctuary into two parts — western side in Nimach district and eastern side in Mandsaur district.

• Recognized as an Important Bird and Biodiversity Area (IBA) by BirdLife International.

• Forest types: Northern tropical dry deciduous forests. Dry mixed deciduous forests. Dry deciduous scrub.

• Northern tropical dry deciduous forests.

• Dry mixed deciduous forests.

• Dry deciduous scrub.

• Principal tree species include Khair (Acacia catechu), Salai, Kardhai, Dhawda, Tendu, and Palash.

• Herbivores: Chinkara (Indian Gazelle), Nilgai, and Spotted Deer.

• Carnivores: Indian Leopard, Striped Hyena, and Jackal.

• Aquatic species: Mugger Crocodile, Otters, Fish species, and Turtles.

• Rivers: The Chambal River flows through the sanctuary, enhancing aquatic biodiversity and dividing the forest landscape.

• Question 3 of 10 3. Question 1 points Which of the following minerals detected by NASA’s Curiosity Rover suggests the possibility of a dense, ancient Martian atmosphere? a) Gypsum b) Olivine c) Siderite d) Basalt Correct Solution: c) The detection of Siderite (iron carbonate) by NASA’s Curiosity Rover is critical because it points towards a period when Mars had a dense, carbon dioxide-rich atmosphere. Siderite forms in environments with abundant CO₂ and liquid water, indicating that Mars once had conditions supportive of stable surface water. Gypsum suggests past water but not necessarily dense atmospheric CO₂. Olivine and basalt are volcanic in origin and not indicators of atmospheric density. Thus, siderite connects the geological evidence with the ancient climate conditions of Mars. What is Curiosity Rover? Curiosity Rover is NASA’s car-sized robotic rover launched in 2011 under the Mars Science Laboratory mission to explore Gale Crater on Mars. Its primary goal is to study the planet’s climate, geology, and assess whether Mars ever had conditions suitable for microbial life. Mission: NASA’s Mars Science Laboratory (Curiosity Rover). Launch: November 26, 2011. Landing: August 6, 2012. Key Place in News: Curiosity explored Gale Crater, a 154-km wide impact basin featuring sedimentary layers and evidence of ancient water activity. Rock samples were drilled at three locations between 2022 and 2023. Major Discovery: Siderite Mineral Siderite (iron carbonate) detected in sedimentary rocks. Indicates Mars had a dense, carbon dioxide-rich atmosphere billions of years ago, essential for liquid water stability. Supports the hypothesis that carbon dioxide was locked in Mars’ crust as minerals after atmospheric thinning. Significance of Discovery: Explains the previously missing link between Mars’ ancient greenhouse conditions and the lack of widespread carbonate mineral evidence. Highlights an imbalanced ancient carbon cycle on Mars, contrasting Earth’s balanced cycle maintained by plate tectonics. Offers a major clue toward understanding Mars’ environmental collapse and current sterile conditions. Incorrect Solution: c) The detection of Siderite (iron carbonate) by NASA’s Curiosity Rover is critical because it points towards a period when Mars had a dense, carbon dioxide-rich atmosphere. Siderite forms in environments with abundant CO₂ and liquid water, indicating that Mars once had conditions supportive of stable surface water. Gypsum suggests past water but not necessarily dense atmospheric CO₂. Olivine and basalt are volcanic in origin and not indicators of atmospheric density. Thus, siderite connects the geological evidence with the ancient climate conditions of Mars. What is Curiosity Rover? Curiosity Rover is NASA’s car-sized robotic rover launched in 2011 under the Mars Science Laboratory mission to explore Gale Crater on Mars. Its primary goal is to study the planet’s climate, geology, and assess whether Mars ever had conditions suitable for microbial life. Mission: NASA’s Mars Science Laboratory (Curiosity Rover). Launch: November 26, 2011. Landing: August 6, 2012. Key Place in News: Curiosity explored Gale Crater, a 154-km wide impact basin featuring sedimentary layers and evidence of ancient water activity. Rock samples were drilled at three locations between 2022 and 2023. Major Discovery: Siderite Mineral Siderite (iron carbonate) detected in sedimentary rocks. Indicates Mars had a dense, carbon dioxide-rich atmosphere billions of years ago, essential for liquid water stability. Supports the hypothesis that carbon dioxide was locked in Mars’ crust as minerals after atmospheric thinning. Significance of Discovery: Explains the previously missing link between Mars’ ancient greenhouse conditions and the lack of widespread carbonate mineral evidence. Highlights an imbalanced ancient carbon cycle on Mars, contrasting Earth’s balanced cycle maintained by plate tectonics. Offers a major clue toward understanding Mars’ environmental collapse and current sterile conditions.

#### 3. Question

Which of the following minerals detected by NASA’s Curiosity Rover suggests the possibility of a dense, ancient Martian atmosphere?

• b) Olivine

• c) Siderite

Solution: c)

The detection of Siderite (iron carbonate) by NASA’s Curiosity Rover is critical because it points towards a period when Mars had a dense, carbon dioxide-rich atmosphere. Siderite forms in environments with abundant CO₂ and liquid water, indicating that Mars once had conditions supportive of stable surface water.

Gypsum suggests past water but not necessarily dense atmospheric CO₂.

Olivine and basalt are volcanic in origin and not indicators of atmospheric density. Thus, siderite connects the geological evidence with the ancient climate conditions of Mars.

• What is Curiosity Rover? Curiosity Rover is NASA’s car-sized robotic rover launched in 2011 under the Mars Science Laboratory mission to explore Gale Crater on Mars. Its primary goal is to study the planet’s climate, geology, and assess whether Mars ever had conditions suitable for microbial life.

• Curiosity Rover is NASA’s car-sized robotic rover launched in 2011 under the Mars Science Laboratory mission to explore Gale Crater on Mars.

• Its primary goal is to study the planet’s climate, geology, and assess whether Mars ever had conditions suitable for microbial life.

• Mission: NASA’s Mars Science Laboratory (Curiosity Rover).

• Launch: November 26, 2011.

• Landing: August 6, 2012.

• Key Place in News:

• Curiosity explored Gale Crater, a 154-km wide impact basin featuring sedimentary layers and evidence of ancient water activity. Rock samples were drilled at three locations between 2022 and 2023.

• Curiosity explored Gale Crater, a 154-km wide impact basin featuring sedimentary layers and evidence of ancient water activity.

• Rock samples were drilled at three locations between 2022 and 2023.

• Major Discovery: Siderite Mineral

• Siderite (iron carbonate) detected in sedimentary rocks. Indicates Mars had a dense, carbon dioxide-rich atmosphere billions of years ago, essential for liquid water stability. Supports the hypothesis that carbon dioxide was locked in Mars’ crust as minerals after atmospheric thinning.

• Siderite (iron carbonate) detected in sedimentary rocks.

• Indicates Mars had a dense, carbon dioxide-rich atmosphere billions of years ago, essential for liquid water stability.

• Supports the hypothesis that carbon dioxide was locked in Mars’ crust as minerals after atmospheric thinning.

• Significance of Discovery:

• Explains the previously missing link between Mars’ ancient greenhouse conditions and the lack of widespread carbonate mineral evidence. Highlights an imbalanced ancient carbon cycle on Mars, contrasting Earth’s balanced cycle maintained by plate tectonics. Offers a major clue toward understanding Mars’ environmental collapse and current sterile conditions.

• Explains the previously missing link between Mars’ ancient greenhouse conditions and the lack of widespread carbonate mineral evidence.

• Highlights an imbalanced ancient carbon cycle on Mars, contrasting Earth’s balanced cycle maintained by plate tectonics.

• Offers a major clue toward understanding Mars’ environmental collapse and current sterile conditions.

Solution: c)

Gypsum suggests past water but not necessarily dense atmospheric CO₂.

Olivine and basalt are volcanic in origin and not indicators of atmospheric density. Thus, siderite connects the geological evidence with the ancient climate conditions of Mars.

• Curiosity Rover is NASA’s car-sized robotic rover launched in 2011 under the Mars Science Laboratory mission to explore Gale Crater on Mars.

• Its primary goal is to study the planet’s climate, geology, and assess whether Mars ever had conditions suitable for microbial life.

• Mission: NASA’s Mars Science Laboratory (Curiosity Rover).

• Launch: November 26, 2011.

• Landing: August 6, 2012.

• Key Place in News:

• Curiosity explored Gale Crater, a 154-km wide impact basin featuring sedimentary layers and evidence of ancient water activity.

• Rock samples were drilled at three locations between 2022 and 2023.

• Major Discovery: Siderite Mineral

• Siderite (iron carbonate) detected in sedimentary rocks.

• Indicates Mars had a dense, carbon dioxide-rich atmosphere billions of years ago, essential for liquid water stability.

• Supports the hypothesis that carbon dioxide was locked in Mars’ crust as minerals after atmospheric thinning.

• Significance of Discovery:

• Explains the previously missing link between Mars’ ancient greenhouse conditions and the lack of widespread carbonate mineral evidence.

• Highlights an imbalanced ancient carbon cycle on Mars, contrasting Earth’s balanced cycle maintained by plate tectonics.

• Offers a major clue toward understanding Mars’ environmental collapse and current sterile conditions.

• Question 4 of 10 4. Question 1 points Which of the following best describes the significance of Operation Atalanta in the context of international maritime security? a) It safeguards the commercial oil trade in the Persian Gulf. b) It operates as part of NATO's anti-piracy initiative in the Mediterranean. c) It is a European Union mission ensuring humanitarian aid and anti-piracy measures near Somalia. d) It monitors illegal immigration activities across the Atlantic Ocean. Correct Solution: c) The European Union Naval Force (EUNAVFOR) Operation Atalanta was launched in 2008 to provide protection to vessels carrying humanitarian aid, mainly those belonging to the World Food Programme (WFP), and to deter piracy off the coast of Somalia and in the wider Western Indian Ocean region. Unlike NATO’s missions (such as Operation Ocean Shield), Atalanta is EU-specific under the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP). It does not operate in the Persian Gulf or Atlantic immigration routes. Its primary significance lies in safeguarding both humanitarian and commercial shipping lanes against maritime threats. What is Operation Atalanta? Operation Atalanta is the European Union’s maritime security operation, launched in 2008, aimed at protecting international shipping routes off the coast of Somalia and the Western Indian Ocean. It operates under the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) Nations Involved: Core participants: EU member states including Spain, Italy, Germany, France, and others. Supported by associated partners like Norway and Serbia at different points. Objectives: Protect World Food Programme (WFP) vessels delivering aid to Somalia. Deter, prevent, and repress piracy and armed robbery at sea. Monitor fishing activities and support other EU missions in the region. Significance: Enhances security along critical shipping lanes such as the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait and Gulf of Aden. Strengthens EU’s global maritime presence and supports international efforts for a free, open, sustainable, and inclusive Indian Ocean. Partnership with major naval powers like the Indian Navy ensures greater coordination in anti-piracy operations, humanitarian aid protection, and regional stability. Incorrect Solution: c) The European Union Naval Force (EUNAVFOR) Operation Atalanta was launched in 2008 to provide protection to vessels carrying humanitarian aid, mainly those belonging to the World Food Programme (WFP), and to deter piracy off the coast of Somalia and in the wider Western Indian Ocean region. Unlike NATO’s missions (such as Operation Ocean Shield), Atalanta is EU-specific under the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP). It does not operate in the Persian Gulf or Atlantic immigration routes. Its primary significance lies in safeguarding both humanitarian and commercial shipping lanes against maritime threats. What is Operation Atalanta? Operation Atalanta is the European Union’s maritime security operation, launched in 2008, aimed at protecting international shipping routes off the coast of Somalia and the Western Indian Ocean. It operates under the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) Nations Involved: Core participants: EU member states including Spain, Italy, Germany, France, and others. Supported by associated partners like Norway and Serbia at different points. Objectives: Protect World Food Programme (WFP) vessels delivering aid to Somalia. Deter, prevent, and repress piracy and armed robbery at sea. Monitor fishing activities and support other EU missions in the region. Significance: Enhances security along critical shipping lanes such as the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait and Gulf of Aden. Strengthens EU’s global maritime presence and supports international efforts for a free, open, sustainable, and inclusive Indian Ocean. Partnership with major naval powers like the Indian Navy ensures greater coordination in anti-piracy operations, humanitarian aid protection, and regional stability.

#### 4. Question

Which of the following best describes the significance of Operation Atalanta in the context of international maritime security?

• a) It safeguards the commercial oil trade in the Persian Gulf.

• b) It operates as part of NATO's anti-piracy initiative in the Mediterranean.

• c) It is a European Union mission ensuring humanitarian aid and anti-piracy measures near Somalia.

• d) It monitors illegal immigration activities across the Atlantic Ocean.

Solution: c)

• The European Union Naval Force (EUNAVFOR) Operation Atalanta was launched in 2008 to provide protection to vessels carrying humanitarian aid, mainly those belonging to the World Food Programme (WFP), and to deter piracy off the coast of Somalia and in the wider Western Indian Ocean region.

• Unlike NATO’s missions (such as Operation Ocean Shield), Atalanta is EU-specific under the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP). It does not operate in the Persian Gulf or Atlantic immigration routes. Its primary significance lies in safeguarding both humanitarian and commercial shipping lanes against maritime threats.

• What is Operation Atalanta? Operation Atalanta is the European Union’s maritime security operation, launched in 2008, aimed at protecting international shipping routes off the coast of Somalia and the Western Indian Ocean. It operates under the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP)

• Operation Atalanta is the European Union’s maritime security operation, launched in 2008, aimed at protecting international shipping routes off the coast of Somalia and the Western Indian Ocean.

• It operates under the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP)

• Nations Involved: Core participants: EU member states including Spain, Italy, Germany, France, and others. Supported by associated partners like Norway and Serbia at different points.

• Core participants: EU member states including Spain, Italy, Germany, France, and others.

• Supported by associated partners like Norway and Serbia at different points.

• Objectives: Protect World Food Programme (WFP) vessels delivering aid to Somalia. Deter, prevent, and repress piracy and armed robbery at sea. Monitor fishing activities and support other EU missions in the region.

• Protect World Food Programme (WFP) vessels delivering aid to Somalia.

• Deter, prevent, and repress piracy and armed robbery at sea.

• Monitor fishing activities and support other EU missions in the region.

• Significance: Enhances security along critical shipping lanes such as the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait and Gulf of Aden. Strengthens EU’s global maritime presence and supports international efforts for a free, open, sustainable, and inclusive Indian Ocean. Partnership with major naval powers like the Indian Navy ensures greater coordination in anti-piracy operations, humanitarian aid protection, and regional stability.

• Enhances security along critical shipping lanes such as the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait and Gulf of Aden.

• Strengthens EU’s global maritime presence and supports international efforts for a free, open, sustainable, and inclusive Indian Ocean.

• Partnership with major naval powers like the Indian Navy ensures greater coordination in anti-piracy operations, humanitarian aid protection, and regional stability.