Correct Answer: C [Maharashtra ]

Notes: Scientists from Agharkar Research Institute (ARI), Pune discovered two new species of microscopic marine organisms: Psammophaga holzmannae and Psammophaga sinhai. They were discovered at Rajapuri Creek in Raigad district, Maharashtra, along the Konkan coast. Both belong to foraminifera, microscopic marine organisms; Psammophaga means “sand eater.” The organisms selectively consume heavy minerals containing titanium and iron, particularly ilmenite and magnetite, despite these minerals being present only in trace amounts in surrounding sediments. The discovery highlights the largely unexplored marine biodiversity of India’s coastline and may improve understanding of interactions between microorganisms, minerals and seafloor sediments.