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Type: World Mapping

  • India-Cyprus Relations Elevated to Strategic Partnership

    Why in the News?

    India and Cyprus elevated bilateral ties to a Strategic Partnership during the visit of Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides to India.

    Key Highlights

    Strategic Partnership

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Cypriot President agreed to strengthen cooperation in:

    • Defence
    • Trade and investment
    • Maritime security
    • Cybersecurity
    • Emerging technologies

    Defence Cooperation

    India and Cyprus signed an MoU between:

    • Cyprus Defence and Space Industries Cluster
    • Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers

    India’s Position on Cyprus

    PM Modi emphasised:

    • Respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity
    • Support for democratic principles and rule of law

    Strategic Context

    • The statement is seen as indirect support for Cyprus in its dispute involving Northern Cyprus and Türkiye.

    Cyprus as a Gateway to Europe

    • Cyprus highlighted its role as an investment gateway to the European Union
    • Current Position: Cyprus currently holds the Presidency of the Council of the European Union.

    [2024] Consider the following statements:
    Statement I: The Sumed pipeline is a strategic route for Persian Gulf oil and Natural gas shipments to Europe.
    Statement-II: Sumed pipeline connects the Red Sea with the Mediterranean Sea.
    Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

    [A] Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I

    [B] Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I

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

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

  • Strategic Importance of Indian Ocean Straits

    Why in the News?

    Rising tensions around the Strait of Hormuz have highlighted the strategic importance of other Indian Ocean chokepoints such as the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait and the Strait of Malacca for global trade and energy supplies.

    Strait of Hormuz

    • Connects the Persian Gulf with the Arabian Sea.
    • Carries around:
      • One-fifth of global oil and LNG supplies.
    • Iran recently announced mechanisms to regulate vessel movement.

    Bab-el-Mandeb Strait

    • Between Arabian Peninsula and Horn of Africa.
    • Connects:
      • Red Sea
      • Suez Canal
      • Gulf of Aden
    • Importance
      • About 8.7% of global seaborne trade passed through it in 2023.
      • Major route linking Asia and Europe.
      • Important for global crude oil shipments.
    • Security Concerns
      • Threatened by Houthi attacks from Yemen.
      • Disruptions affect shipping through the Suez Canal route.

    Strait of Malacca

    • Between: Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore
    • Shortest sea route linking Indian Ocean and Pacific Ocean.
    • Around 24% of global maritime trade passed through it in 2023.
    • Carries:
      • 45% of global oil shipments
      • 26% of internationally traded cars
      • 23% of dry bulk cargo
    [2024] Consider the following statements: 
    Statement-I Sumed pipeline is a strategic route for Persian Gulf oil and Natural gas shipments to Europe. 
    Statement-II: Sumed pipeline connects the Red Sea with the Mediterranean Sea. 
    Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements? 
    [A] Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I 
    [B] Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I 
    [C] Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect 
    [D] Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct

  • India–Trinidad and Tobago Agreements 

    Why in the News

    S. Jaishankar visited Trinidad and Tobago, and both countries signed eight Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) in sectors including tourism, healthcare, infrastructure, and Ayurveda.

    Key Agreements Signed

    The MoUs covered areas such as:

    • Tourism cooperation
    • Healthcare and prosthetics
    • Infrastructure development
    • Vector control
    • Ayurveda promotion
    • Solarisation projects

    Important Projects

    • National Prosthetics Centre: Inaugurated jointly in Penal, Trinidad and Tobago
    • Indian Chair on Ayurveda: To be established at University of the West Indies
    • Nelson Island Infrastructure Upgrade
      • Restoration and infrastructure support for Nelson Island
      • Historically linked to Indian indentured immigrants
    • Agro Processing Facility: Machinery support worth:
      • 1 million US dollars provided by India
    • Laptop Distribution Initiative: India handed over the first batch of 2,000 laptops to schoolchildren

    About Trinidad and Tobago

    • Island nation in the Caribbean Sea
    • Capital: Port of Spain
    • Member of: CARICOM

    About CARICOM

    • Regional grouping of Caribbean countries
    • Objective: Economic integration and cooperation

  • Mayon Volcano 

    Why in the News

    The Mayon Volcano recently erupted, leading to the evacuation of thousands of people in affected areas of the Philippines.

    About Mayon Volcano

    • Type: Active stratovolcano (composite volcano)
    • Location: Albay province, Luzon Island
    • Height: 2,462 metres
    • Known as: “World’s most perfect volcanic cone” due to its symmetry

    Geographical Setting

    • Part of the Pacific Ring of Fire
    • Located near the Philippine Trench
    • Formed at a convergent plate boundary
      • Philippine Sea Plate subducting beneath the Philippine Mobile Belt

    What is a Stratovolcano

    • Tall, steep cone shaped volcano
    • Built from alternating layers of:
      • Lava
      • Pyroclastic material
    • Found mainly in subduction zones
    • Magma type:
      • Andesite and dacite (viscous lava)
    • Leads to explosive eruptions
    [2024] Consider the following: 
    1. Pyroclastic debris 
    2. Ash and dust 
    3. Nitrogen compounds 
    4. Sulphur compounds 
    How many of the above are products of volcanic eruptions? 
    [A] Only one [B] Only two [C] Only three [D] All four

  • Kailash Mansarovar Yatra and Lipulekh Dispute

    Why in the News?

    Ahead of the Foreign Secretary’s visit, Nepal has raised concerns with India and China over the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra route via Lipulekh Pass, reiterating its territorial claim over the region.

    About Kailash Mansarovar Yatra

    • Pilgrimage to:
      • Mount Kailash
      • Lake Mansarovar
    • Conducted by India in coordination with China
    • Major routes:
      • Lipulekh Pass (Uttarakhand)
      • Nathu La Pass (Sikkim)

    What is Lipulekh Pass

    • A high altitude mountain pass in the Himalayas
    • Located at the tri junction of:
      • India
      • Nepal
      • China
    • Used as a traditional route for the yatra since 1954

    Nature of the Dispute

    • Nepal claims:
      • Kalapani, Lipulekh, Limpiyadhura belong to Nepal
      • Based on Treaty of Sugauli
    • India’s position:
      • Claims not supported by historical evidence
      • Open to resolution through dialogue and diplomacy

    Key Regions Involved

    • Kalapani
    • Lipulekh
    • Limpiyadhura
    • Located near Mahakali River

    Strategic Importance

    • Important for:
      • Pilgrimage route (Kailash Mansarovar)
      • India China trade and connectivity
    • Sensitive due to:
      • Tri junction location
      • Geopolitical significance
    [2019] Consider the following pairs 
    Glacier – River 
    1 Bandarpunch – Yamuna 
    2 Bara Shigri – Chenab 
    3 Milam – Mandakini 4 Siachen – Nubra 
    5 Zemu – Manas 
    Which of the pairs correctly matched? 
    a) 1, 2 and 4 
    b) 1, 3 and 4 
    c) 2 and 5 
    d) 3 and 5

  • Tuti Island in Sudan 

    Why in the News?

    • Tuti Island has drawn attention as residents return after a prolonged siege during the Sudan conflict 2023.

    Location & Geography

    • Located in Khartoum
    • Lies at the confluence of:
      • White Nile (from Uganda region)
      • Blue Nile (from Ethiopia)
    • Forms the River Nile, flowing north to Egypt

    Key Features

    • Crescent-shaped river island
    • Historically: Agricultural hub supplying fresh produce to Khartoum
    • Old settlement: Mosque dating back to 1480

    Sudan Conflict Context

    • War between: Sudanese Army and Rapid Support Forces

    Timeline

    • Conflict began: April 2023
    • Tuti Island siege: June 2023 to March 2025
    [2024] Consider the following pairs: Country: Reason for being in the news 
    1. Argentina: Worst economic crisis 
    2. Sudan       : War between the country’s regular army and paramilitary forces 
    3. Turkey       : Rescinded its membership of NATO 
    How many of the pairs given above are correctly matched? 
    [A] Only one pair [B] Only two pairs [C] All three pairs [D] None of the pairs

  • “Yellow Line” Strategy (Israel)  

    Why in the News?

    • Israel has extended its “Yellow Line” buffer zone strategy from the Gaza Strip to southern Lebanon during ongoing conflict dynamics.

    What is the “Yellow Line”

    • A military demarcation and deployment boundary
    • Divides territory into:
      • Israeli-controlled zone
      • Local (Palestinian/Lebanese) areas
    • Marked physically by:
      • Concrete bollards
      • Tall poles at regular intervals

    Origin

    • First introduced in: October 2025 (Gaza conflict)
    • Later extended to: Southern Lebanon
    [2018] The term “two-state solution” is sometimes mentioned in the news in the context of the affairs of: 
    (a) China 
    (b) Israel 
    (c) Iraq 
    (d) Yemen

  • Andaman Sea  

    Why in the News?

    • A boat carrying Rohingya refugees capsized in the Andaman Sea, highlighting its strategic and humanitarian importance.

    About the Andaman Sea

    What it is

    • A marginal sea of the northeastern Indian Ocean
    • Acts as a maritime link between:
      • South Asia
      • Southeast Asia

    Location

    • Lies between:
      • 4°N to 20°N latitude
      • 92°E to 100°E longitude

    Connected Water Bodies

    • West: Bay of Bengal
    • East: South China Sea (via Strait of Malacca)

    Boundaries

    • North: Irrawaddy delta (Myanmar)
    • East: Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia
    • South: Indonesia (Sumatra)
    • West: Andaman & Nicobar Islands (India)

    Origin of Name

    • Derived from “Handuman” (Malay form of Hanuman)
    • Linked to ancient maritime trade and cultural exchanges
    [2020] Consider the following pairs: River – Flows into 
    1. Mekong — Andaman Sea 
    2. Thames — Irish Sea 
    3. Volga — Caspian Sea 
    4. Zambezi — Indian Ocean 
    Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched? 
    a) 1 and 2 only b) 3 only c) 3 and 4 only d) 1, 2 and 4 only

  • Chagos Islands  

    Why in the News?

    • The United Kingdom has put on hold the deal to cede sovereignty of the Chagos Islands, keeping the long-running UK–Mauritius sovereignty dispute unresolved.

    About the Chagos Islands

    • Location: Central Indian Ocean
    • Distance: About 1,600 km south of India
    • Type: Archipelago (group of islands)
    • Status: British Overseas Territory
    • Established: 1965 (British Indian Ocean Territory)

    Major Islands in Chagos Archipelago

    • Diego Garcia (Largest island)
    • Peros Banhos Atoll
    • Solomon Islands
    • Egmont Islands
    • Eagle Islands
    • Nelsons Island
    • Three Brothers Islands
    • Danger Island
    [2022] Which one of the following statements best reflects the issue with Senkaku Islands, sometimes mentioned in the news? 
    a) It is generally believed that they are artificial islands made by a country around South China Sea. 
    b) China and Japan engage in maritime disputes over these islands in East China Sea. 
    c) A permanent American military base has been set up there to help Taiwan to increase its defence capabilities. 
    d) Though International Court, of Justice declared them as no man’s land, some South-East Asian countries claim them.

  • Philippines Opens Coast Guard Base on Thitu Island

    Why in the News?

    The Philippines opened a new Coast Guard base on Thitu Island (Pag-asa Island) in the South China Sea, strengthening its presence in a disputed maritime region claimed by China.

    Key Highlights

    • Location: Thitu Island (Pag-asa Island)
    • Region: South China Sea
    • Purpose: Strengthen sovereignty and maritime security
    • The base will include:
      • Patrol ships
      • Aircraft
      • Surveillance systems
      • Search and rescue operations

    The base will also support:

    • Fishermen protection
    • Environmental monitoring
    • Law enforcement

    Why the South China Sea is Important

    • Major global trade route
    • Rich in:
      • Fisheries
      • Oil and gas reserves
    • Strategic military importance

    Dispute in the South China Sea

    • China claims almost the entire South China Sea, including areas claimed by:
      • Philippines
      • Vietnam
      • Malaysia
      • Brunei
      • Taiwan
    • China’s claim is based on the Nine-Dash Line, which was:
      • Rejected by 2016 International Arbitration Tribunal
      • Based on UNCLOS (1982)
    • China rejected the ruling and continues to assert control.

    About Thitu Island (Pag-asa Island)

    • Located in Spratly Islands
    • Controlled by Philippines since 1970s
    • About 400 residents
    • Strategic location near Chinese military bases
    • China has built artificial islands and military infrastructure nearby, including Subi Reef.
    [2022] With reference to the United Nations Convention on the Law of Sea, consider the following statements: 1 A coastal state has the right to establish the breadth of its territorial sea up to a limit not exceeding 12 nautical miles, measured from baseline determined in accordance with the convention. 2 Ships of all states, whether coastal or land-locked, enjoy the right of innocent passage through the territorial sea. 3 The Exclusive Economic Zone shall not extend beyond 200 nautical miles from the baseline from which the breadth of the territorial sea is measured. Which of the statements given above are correct? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3