Islands Current Affairs 2024
In this post, we will discuss the latest updates about islands that have recently made headlines. This topic is crucial for upcoming competitive exams, particularly in the context of International Affairs, a key category under current affairs. Questions on this subject are frequently asked in SSC exams under Miscellaneous Current Affairs and are also significant for UPSC preparation.
Importance of the Topic
GK (General Knowledge)
In the World Geography topic, questions are often asked about matching countries with their respective islands or identifying the country in which a specific island is located.
Here is an Example:
| Which of the following islands of the Pacific Ocean belongs to the Melanesia group of islands? [Sikkim PSC (Pre) 2019 UPPCS (Spl)(Mains) 2004] A. Soloman island B. Gilbert island C. Society island D. Marshall island |
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For Current Affairs
In competitive exams, the current affairs section often features questions about islands that have recently been in the news, particularly those connected to India. Islands, where India is undertaking developmental projects or other significant activities, are especially crucial for these exams.
Let’s begin our journey into the topic
November 2024
- According to the Royal Institute of International Affairs (Chatham House), Triton Island is set to become one of Beijing’s primary signal intelligence bases in the South China Sea, showcasing China’s broader ambitions in the region.
- The Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki volcano recently erupted. This twin volcano, located in Lewotobi, lies in the southeastern part of the island of Flores, Indonesia.
- Typhoon Man-yi, locally known as Pepito, made a second landfall on the Philippines’ main island of Luzon, causing significant impacts in the region.
- The 2nd India-CARICOM Summit, chaired by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Grenada’s Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell, was held in Georgetown, Guyana.
- What is CARICOM?
- The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) is a group of 21 countries, including 15 Member States and 6 Associate Members, comprising both island nations and mainland territories like Suriname and Guyana.
- What is CARICOM?
January to October 2024
- Britain has agreed to give up sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius.
- The Azores Islands, associated with Portugal, have approved the creation of the largest protected marine area in the North Atlantic, advancing international conservation goals.
- The International Container Transshipment Port (ICTP) at Galathea Bay, Great Nicobar Island, has been officially designated as India’s 13th major port.
- The Central Government of India has notified the International Trans-shipment Hub at Galathea Bay as a ‘Major Port’ located in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
- The Government of India has decided to rename the capital of Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Port Blair, as Sri Vijaya Puram.
- Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh has flagged in the first-of-its-kind Open Water Swimming Expedition, ‘Expedition Param Vir’, covering 21 islands of the Andaman & Nicobar archipelago, launched by the Andaman and Nicobar Command.
- Sado Island Gold Mines in Japan were inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site during the 46th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, hosted by India.
- ISRO’s Earth Observation Satellite-8 (EOS-8) is expected to be launched by a Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV)-D3 from Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.
- Former Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina stated she could have stayed in power if she had given St. Martin’s Island to the United States.
- The UN General Assembly launched the Multidimensional Vulnerability Index to help small island states and developing nations access low-interest financing.
- Researchers have found 230 million metric tons of minerals for electric car batteries on the seabed off Minami-Torishima Island, which is part of Japan.
- 97% of coral has been wiped out from Lizard Island in three months, which is part of Australia.
- A rare vampire squid was discovered in deep water off Hainan Island, China.
- India has signed an MoU with the Marshall Islands for the construction of an airport terminal on Mejit Island.
- The first case of a walrus dying from bird flu was detected on Hopen Island, located between the Barents Sea and the Greenland Sea.
- The 4th International Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS-4) was held in Antigua and Barbuda.
- Panama is set to become the first country to evacuate an entire island community due to climate change.
- The island significant as the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis, at risk of disappearing due to climate change, is Delos.
- PM Narendra Modi inaugurated the “Sudarshan Setu” connecting Okha mainland and Beyt Dwarka island in Gujarat, which is 2.32 KM long.
- Agalega Island in Mauritius recently saw the inauguration of a new airstrip and St. James Jetty along with six community development projects.
- Sea6 Energy launched the world’s first large-scale mechanized tropical seaweed farm off Ekas on the island of Lombok, which is in Indonesia.
- Katchatheevu Island is located between India and Sri Lanka.
- HDFC Bank has become the first private sector lender to open a branch on Lakshadweep’s Kavaratti Island.
- The Great Nicobar Island Development Project is being piloted by NITI Aayog.
