Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Mediterranean Sea
Mains level: NA
Central Idea
- Iranian Revolutionary Guards has warned that the Mediterranean Sea could be closed if the US and its allies continued to commit “crimes” in Gaza.
About Mediterranean Sea
|
Details |
| Location |
Between Europe, Africa, and Asia |
| Size |
Approximately 2.5 million square kilometers |
| Depth |
Average depth 1,500 meters ; Calypso Deep in the Ionian Sea, over 5,000 meters deep |
| Climate |
Predominantly Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters |
| Bordering Countries |
Europe: Spain, France, Monaco, Italy, Malta, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Albania, Greece, Cyprus, Turkey
Asia: Turkey, Cyprus, Syria, Lebanon, Israel
Africa: Egypt, Libya, Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco |
| Major Water Bodies Connected |
Connected to the Atlantic Ocean by the Strait of Gibraltar; links to the Black Sea via the Dardanelles Strait |
| Islands and Archipelagos |
Includes several islands and archipelagos like Sicily, Sardinia, Corsica, Cyprus, and the Balearic Islands |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Bab El-Mandeb
Mains level: Read the attached story
Central Idea
- The war between Israel and Hamas in October raised concerns about Hezbollah’s involvement, but the focus shifted when the Houthis in Yemen expanded the conflict to the Red Sea.
- Despite tensions, Hezbollah and Israel avoided full-scale war, with Israel concentrating on Gaza.
Houthi Involvement and Shift in Tactics
- Initial Actions: The Houthis, aligned with Iran, initially targeted Israel in solidarity with Palestinians, using drones and missiles, which were intercepted.
- Change in Strategy: Later, they shifted focus to attacking commercial ships in the Red Sea, threatening global shipping routes.
Understanding the Houthis
- Background: The Houthis, known formally as Ansar Allah, are a Shia militia group in Yemen, named after their late leaders Badr al-Din al-Houthi and Hussein al-Houthi.
- Iranian Support: They receive direct support from Iran and have significant military capabilities, including drones and ballistic missiles.
Strategic Importance of Bab el-Mandeb Strait
- Geographical Significance: The Strait of Bab el-Mandeb is a crucial maritime chokepoint, connecting the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean.
- Impact on Global Shipping: Houthi actions near the strait have led to a significant decrease in Red Sea traffic and increased shipping costs.
Global and Regional Consequences
- Effect on Israel: Israel’s southern port traffic, particularly in Eilat, has been severely impacted.
- Broader Trade Implications: Approximately 12% of global maritime trade passes through the strait. Disruptions here could exacerbate inflationary pressures worldwide.
- Alternative Routes: Shipping companies are rerouting around Africa, significantly increasing travel time and costs.
International Response
- US Naval Task Force: The U.S. has established a naval force to counter the Houthi threat.
- Arab World’s Stance: Many Red Sea countries, including Egypt, have not joined the U.S. task force, reflecting regional discontent with U.S. policies.
- Potential Offensive Measures: The U.S. has not ruled out bombing Houthi targets in response to continued attacks on shipping lanes.
Conclusion
- Continued Houthi Threat: The Houthis vow to persist in their actions as long as Israel’s conflict with Gaza continues.
- Challenges for Global Trade: The situation underscores the fragility of global shipping routes and the potential for regional conflicts to have far-reaching economic impacts.
- Need for Diplomatic Solutions: This complex scenario highlights the importance of diplomatic efforts to resolve regional tensions and protect vital maritime trade routes.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Merapi Volcano
Mains level: Pacific ring of fire
Central Idea
- Mount Merapi in Indonesia has erupted yet again this year, spewing an ash tower 3,000 metres into the sky.
Merapi Volcano: A Brief Overview
- Location: Situated in Central Java, Indonesia, Merapi is aptly named “Mountain of Fire” in Javanese.
- Activity: It ranks among the world’s most active and perilous volcanoes, known for frequent and often violent eruptions.
- 2010 Eruption: The last significant eruption in 2010 led to over 350 fatalities and extensive damage to surrounding areas.
- Tourist Attraction: Despite its dangers, Merapi attracts hikers and tourists drawn to its beauty and geological significance.
Other active volcanoes in Indonesia
Indonesia is home to many active volcanoes, with over 120 active volcanoes located across the country. Some of the other major volcanoes in Indonesia include:
- Mount Krakatoa: Located in the Sunda Strait, it’s notorious for the catastrophic 1883 eruption.
- Mount Rinjani: On Lombok Island, it’s Indonesia’s second-highest volcano and a trekking hotspot.
- Mount Tambora: Famous for the 1815 eruption, it caused the “year without summer” and is situated on Sumbawa Island.
- Mount Batur: In Bali, known for scenic vistas and hot springs.
- Mount Merbabu: The highest in Central Java, it’s a favored destination for climbers.
Why so many volcanoes in Indonesia?
- Pacific Ring of Fire: Indonesia’s location on this seismic hotspot explains its high volcanic activity.
- Volcanic Density: With over 120 active volcanoes, Indonesia faces frequent eruptions, posing risks to its population and infrastructure.
Back2Basics: Pacific Ring of Fire
- Geographical Span: This 40,000 km horseshoe-shaped belt around the Pacific Ocean is a seismic hub.
- Volcanic and Seismic Activity: Home to 75% of the world’s active volcanoes and 90% of earthquakes.
- Tectonic Movements: The Pacific Plate’s collision with smaller plates leads to subduction, causing friction and pressure.
- Resulting Phenomena: This tectonic activity results in frequent volcanic eruptions and earthquakes.
- Countries Included: The Ring of Fire affects several regions, including Japan, Indonesia, the Philippines, Papua New Guinea, New Zealand, and the Americas’ west coasts.
- Natural Resources: The region is rich in geothermal energy and minerals.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Julian Felipe Reef
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea
- The Philippines confirmed that more than 135 Chinese vessels made incursion on Julian Felipe Reef (also known as Whitsun Reef), a place off its coast.
About Julian Felipe Reef
- Julian Felipe Reef is part of the Spratly Islands, located in the West Philippine Sea, a portion of the South China Sea.
- It lies within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone.
- It is a large boomerang-shaped shallow coral reef.
Recent Dispute
- The reef gained international attention in early 2021 when a large number of Chinese vessels, described by the Philippines as maritime militia, were spotted at the reef.
- It is subject to a territorial dispute involving several countries, primarily the Philippines, China, and Vietnam.
- The Philippines claims the Reef as part of its territory, specifically within its 200-nautical-mile exclusive economic zone, under the UNCLOS.
- This dispute is part of the larger and complex South China Sea territorial disputes involving various countries in the region.
- The Philippines has sought international arbitration under UNCLOS to assert its claims.
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