Consider the following statements: Statement-I: The Gulf of Mannar region has been included in the hydrocarbon exploration. Statement-II: The Gulf of Mannar is known for its rich marine biodiversity and is home to endangered species. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements? |ForumIAS

[A] Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I

[B] Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I

[C] Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect

[D] Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct

Answer: B

Notes:

Explanations –

Statement-I: The Gulf of Mannar region has been included in the hydrocarbon exploration under the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas’s 10th round of the Open Acreage Licensing Policy. This decision is based on the identification of potential hydrocarbon reserves in the deep-sea areas off the coasts of Tamil Nadu.
Statement-II: The Gulf of Mannar is renowned for its rich marine biodiversity and is home to several endangered species, such as dugongs, turtles, and marine mammals. It is a protected Biosphere Reserve with significant ecological importance.
While both statements are factually correct, the rich biodiversity of the Gulf of Mannar (Statement-II) does not explain why the region was included in hydrocarbon exploration (Statement-I).