UPSC Essentials has launched a series of subject-specific quizzes aimed at assisting candidates in reviewing essential topics from the static components of the syllabus. Engage in today’s quiz focusing on International Relations to assess your knowledge and understanding.
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The Persian Gulf is bordered by:
Select the accurate response using the codes provided below:
(b) 2, 3, 4 and 6 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 6 only
Significance: The Persian Gulf often features in global news due to political tensions, oil transportation routes, and maritime security challenges. The UPSC may formulate map-related questions that connect with current events.
— According to the Wall Street Journal and citing the United Nations, nearly 20,000 seafarers have been stranded in the Persian Gulf due to the ongoing conflict in West Asia. This marks the highest number of sailors trapped in a war zone since World War II, exacerbated by Iran’s restrictions on passage through the crucial Strait of Hormuz, disrupting shipping routes.
— The Persian Gulf is bordered by eight nations in Western Asia: Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Oman.
— It is important to note that Yemen and Egypt do not share a border with the Persian Gulf.
Thus, the correct answer is option (d).
Concerning the locations in the news, evaluate the following statements:
- Haifa Oil Refinery – Israel
- Sigonella Air Base – Iran
- Prince Sultan Air Base – Saudi Arabia
How many of these pairs are accurately identified?
(d) None of the above pairs
Significance: Locations such as Haifa and Sigonella are frequently highlighted in discussions about ongoing geopolitical and military developments. Familiarity with strategic military bases and infrastructure is essential for eliminating incorrect options.
Consequently, the correct answer is option (b).
Regarding the geographical location of Cuba, consider these statements:
- Mexico is situated to the east of Cuba.
- The Cayman Islands lie to the south of Cuba.
- The United States is located to the north of Cuba.
Significance: Cuba has been in the spotlight due to economic difficulties, migration concerns, and its strategic positioning in the Caribbean. The UPSC may integrate current affairs into map-based questions, focusing on neighboring countries and regions of interest.
— Recently, the US Coast Guard permitted a Russian tanker carrying crude oil to dock in Cuba, offering some relief during a severe oil blockade enforced by the Trump administration.
— Over the weekend, Cuba experienced its second blackout, amidst ongoing US restrictions on oil and fuel imports, marking the third such incident in a month. Earlier, 64% of the island faced power outages lasting up to 20 hours.
— Cuba, an island nation in the northern Caribbean, is bordered by the United States to the north, the Bahamas to the northwest, Mexico to the west, and Jamaica and the Cayman Islands to the south. Hence, statement 1 is incorrect while statements 2 and 3 are correct.
Thus, the correct answer is option (b).
The towns of Narsarsuaq and Kangerlussuaq have recently been in the news. These locations are situated in:
(a) Alaska, United States
(b) Greenland, Denmark
Significance: These towns are relevant in discussions about Arctic geopolitics. The UPSC may pose location-based questions that connect current affairs with global geography, requiring candidates to engage in map studies for International Relations queries.
— Reports indicate that the US military is preparing for its most significant expansion in Greenland in decades, with the Pentagon actively negotiating with Denmark for access to three additional strategic sites, including two previously abandoned by the US on this crucial Arctic island, as reported by The New York Times.
— The towns Narsarsuaq, which features a deep-water port in southern Greenland, and Kangerlussuaq, known for its long runway capable of accommodating large aircraft in the southwest, are the main focus areas. Both towns served as US bases during World War II and the Cold War, with Americans vacating Narsarsuaq in the 1950s and Kangerlussuaq in the 1990s; however, both still maintain small operational airports.
Therefore, the correct answer is option (b).
Recently, a desalination facility on Qeshm Island has been rendered inoperative due to an airstrike. It falls under the jurisdiction of:
Significance: Qeshm Island has gained attention because of regional tensions and related incidents. Understanding the significance of such locations is crucial for accuracy in preliminary examinations. Candidates should pay careful attention to newsworthy places in West Asia.
— An Iranian Health Ministry official reported that a desalination plant on Iran’s Qeshm Island is out of service following an airstrike earlier this month.
— The island’s drinking water supply is dependent on desalination plants, and the targeted facility is completely non-operational, with repairs not feasible in the near term.
As such, the correct answer is option (d).
Daily Subject-wise quizzes are available covering History, Culture, and Social Issues (Week 151), Polity and Governance (Week 156), Science and Technology (Week 156), Economy (Week 155), Environment and Geography (Week 155), and International Relations (Week 155).
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