Correct answer: (a) Sumatra
Explanation
- A
Sumatra
Great Nicobar’s southern tip (Indira Point) faces Sumatra across a short stretch of the Indian Ocean / Malacca approaches. Sumatra is the nearest of the four landmasses listed. That is why (a) is the official key.
- B
Borneo
Borneo (Kalimantan) lies much farther east, beyond Sumatra and the South China Sea approaches. It is not the closest. This option is not the key.
- C
Java
Java lies south of Sumatra, farther from Great Nicobar than Sumatra itself. This option is therefore wrong.
- D
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is west of the Nicobar line, across a much greater distance of Bay of Bengal. This option is not the key.
Summary. Official key is (a) Sumatra. Great Nicobar is the southernmost large island of the Andaman and Nicobar chain. Indira Point is only on the order of 150 km from Sumatra, far closer than Java, Borneo or Sri Lanka. Six Degree Channel separates Little Andaman from Nicobar, not Nicobar from Sumatra. Only Sumatra is geographically closest.
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2018 · Q85 · General Studies · 2 marks
Consider the following statements: 1. The Barren Island volcano is an active volcano located in the Indian territory. 2. Barren Island lies about 140 km east of Great Nicobar. 3. The last time the Barren Island volcano erupted was in 1991 and it has remained inactive since then. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?