14-August-2024-Daily-Current-Affairs

SURAT DIAMOND INDUSTRY CRISIS

TOPIC: (GS2) POLITY AMD GOVERNANCE – SOURCE: ECONOMIC TIMES

Surat, renowned for its diamond industry, is currently experiencing a significant downturn due to various global economic and geopolitical challenges.

This crisis has led to widespread layoffs, pay cuts, and financial distress among the workers.

Causes of the Crisis

• Global Economic Slowdown: Reduced demand for polished diamonds in key markets like the U.S. and Europe, attributed to economic slowdowns, has drastically affected the industry.
• Geopolitical Factors: Conflicts such as the Russia-Ukraine war and the Israel-Hamas conflict have disrupted the supply chain and reduced demand, further straining the industry.
• Sanctions on Russia: The U.S. and G7 sanctions on Russian diamonds, one of the largest suppliers of rough diamonds, have caused shortages and increased costs.

Impact on Workers

• Large-Scale Layoffs: Thousands of workers have lost their jobs, especially in small firms that cannot sustain operations.
• Salary Cuts: Many workers have faced salary reductions of 20% to 40%, severely affecting their financial stability.
• Worker Distress: The Surat Diamond Workers’ Union reported a surge in distress, with over 1,600 calls on their suicide helpline since July 2023.

Government and Industry Response

• Financial Support: There have been calls for government intervention to provide financial aid to affected workers.
• Industry Efforts: Some firms are offering financial assistance to workers’ families, particularly for children’s education.

Conclusion

The crisis in Surat’s diamond industry underscores the vulnerability of local economies to global factors and highlights the urgent need for support to sustain livelihoods.

IDENTIFY ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS FROM BANGLADESH, ORDERS JHARKHAND HC

TOPIC: (GS2) POLITY AMD GOVERNANCE – SOURCE: LIVEMINT

The Jharkhand High Court has directed the state government to identify and take action against illegal immigrants from Bangladesh residing in the Santhal Parganas region.

This order comes in response to a public interest litigation (PIL) alleging a significant demographic shift in the area.

Key Points

• Illegal Immigration Concern: The High Court has expressed serious concern over the issue of illegal immigration, terming it a “dangerous proposition.”
• Demographic Change: The PIL alleges a substantial decline in the tribal population and a corresponding increase in the minority population over the past few decades.
• Government Action: The court has ordered the state government to verify the identity of residents and issue essential documents only after thorough checks.
• Political Angle: The opposition BJP has been raising the issue of ‘Bangladeshi infiltration’ for some time and has accused the state government of inaction.
• Potential Impact: The court’s order could lead to a crackdown on illegal immigrants and may have political implications for the ruling party in Jharkhand.

Status of Migration Across the Globe Migration is the movement of people from one place to another, typically involving a change of residence. This movement can occur within a country (internal migration) or between countries (international migration). It can be temporary or permanent, depending on the individual’s intentions and circumstances. Overview ·       Growing Phenomenon: Migration is increasing globally, with around 3.6% of the world’s population (approximately 281 million people) living outside their birth country. ·       Diverse Motivations: People migrate for various reasons, including economic opportunities, conflict, environmental factors, and social/political issues. Key Drivers of Migration ·       Economic Factors: ·       Job opportunities ·       Higher wages ·       Improved living standards ·       Access to education and healthcare Conflict and War: ·       Armed conflicts ·       Civil wars ·       Political instability Environmental Factors: ·       Natural disasters ·       Climate change Social and Political Factors: ·       Discrimination ·       Persecution ·       Human rights violations ·       Lack of freedom

Challenge in Quantifying Illegal Immigration in India

Unfortunately, providing precise numbers on illegal immigration in India is extremely difficult due to several factors:

• Porous Borders: India shares long, porous borders with Bangladesh, Nepal, and Myanmar, making it challenging to accurately count those entering illegally.
• Lack of Comprehensive Data: There’s no centralized database specifically tracking illegal immigrants.
• Underreporting: Many illegal immigrants remain undetected due to their integration into local communities.

THE SHOCK-EFFECTS OF SOUTH ASIAN TUMULT

TOPIC: (GS2) POLITY AMD GOVERNANCE – SOURCE: THE HINDU

India has faced a series of unexpected challenges in its South Asian neighborhood since the beginning of this decade.

These events, including political upheavals and changes in governance, have significant implications for India’s foreign policy and regional stability.

Key Challenges

• Political Upheavals: Notable events include the Myanmar coup, the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan, the ouster of Prime Minister Imran Khan in Pakistan, and the fall of Gotabaya Rajapaksa in Sri Lanka. These have created instability in the region.
• Shift in Regional Governments: Changes such as the ousting of the India-friendly Solih government in the Maldives and the return of the Oli government in Nepal have brought less cooperative regimes to power.
• Bangladesh Concerns: Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s fragile position and the rise of authoritarianism in Bangladesh pose challenges to India’s long-standing diplomatic investment.

Lessons for India

• Avoiding One-Sided Engagement: India’s focus on supporting specific leaders, like Sheikh Hasina, without engaging with opposition parties or acknowledging broader societal discontent, has led to diplomatic setbacks.
• Pragmatic Diplomacy: India’s experiences with regimes like the Taliban and the JVP in Sri Lanka highlight the need for pragmatic engagement with all stakeholders in neighbouring countries, regardless of past conflicts.
• Maintaining Friendships: India must remember its commitments to allies, as seen in its handling of Afghan refugees and Sheikh Hasina’s situation, to avoid damaging its reputation as a dependable partner.

Broader Implications

• Beyond Communal Binaries: Reducing diplomatic ties to communal identities is counterproductive. Strong relationships in South Asia should be based on mutual interests, not religious or ethnic affiliations.
• Reviving Regional Mechanisms: India should work to restore regional platforms like SAARC to counter external influences and maintain its leadership in South Asia.

Conclusion

India must learn from recent regional shifts to enhance its diplomatic strategies, ensuring a balanced approach that secures its interests while promoting regional stability and democratic values.

RESOLUTION OF IBC CASES TOOK 716 DAYS IN 2023-24

TOPIC: (GS3) ECONOMY – SOURCE: INDIAN EXPRESS

India’s Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) is facing a critical juncture.

While designed to streamline corporate restructuring and debt recovery, the process has been marred by delays and low recovery rates.

Key Findings

• Average Resolution Time: The average time taken to resolve IBC cases has been increasing over the past three years. In 2023-24, it stood at 716 days.
• Pending Cases: As of June 30, 2024, there were a significant number of pending cases both at the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) and the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT).
• Recovery Rate: The percentage of realizable amount to admitted claims was at 27% in 2023-24, indicating challenges in recovering dues for creditors.
• Regulatory Changes: The government has introduced 86 changes to the regulatory framework to strengthen the insolvency resolution process.

  

India’s Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) ·       The IBC, introduced in 2016, is a landmark reform in India’s financial landscape. ·       It serves as the nation’s bankruptcy law, consolidating and amending existing regulations for insolvency andbankruptcy across corporate entities, partnerships, and individuals. What is Insolvency and Bankruptcy? ·       Insolvency: When an individual or organization’s liabilities (debts) exceed its assets, rendering them unable to meet financial obligations. ·       Bankruptcy: A legal declaration acknowledging an entity’s inability to repay debts. The Purpose of IBC The IBC aims to: ·       Establish a time-bound and creditor-driven insolvency resolution process. ·       Improve India’s credit culture and business environment. ·       Resolve claims involving insolvent companies, addressing the bad loan problem impacting the banking system. Regulating and Adjudicating Authorities ·       Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI): A statutory body overseeing the creation and implementation of regulations for insolvency and bankruptcy resolution across various entities. ·       National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT): Handles insolvency cases involving companies and other limited liability entities. ·       Debt Recovery Tribunal (DRT): Deals with insolvency cases involving individuals and partnership firms (excluding Limited Liability Partnerships). Key Achievements of IBC ·       Debt Resolution: Since its inception, IBC has resolved a substantial amount of debt (over Rs. 3.16 lakh crore) stuck in numerous cases. ·       Improved Recovery Rates: IBC offers better recovery rates compared to previous mechanisms, with creditors realizing an average of 32% on admitted claims. ·       Deterrent Effect: Fear of losing control under IBC has nudged borrowers to proactively settle over Rs. 9 lakh crore in debt before insolvency proceedings. Challenges and Proposed Solutions ·       Resolution Delays: The average resolution time is increasing, creating bottlenecks. ·       Case Backlog: A significant backlog of pending cases requires attention. ·       Limited Scope: The pre-pack resolution process needs to be expanded for faster resolution. ·       CRISIL’s CDE Approach for Improvement ·       Capacity Augmentation (C): Boosting infrastructure and human resources at NCLT and other institutions to manage increased caseloads. ·       Digitalisation (D): Creating a digital platform for improved communication and data transparency between all stakeholders. ·       Expansion (E): Extending the pre-pack resolution process to large corporations to expedite resolution and minimize value erosion.

Conclusion

While the government is taking steps to improve the IBC framework, the challenges of long resolution times, a high number of pending cases, and low recovery rates persist. Addressing these issues is crucial for the effective functioning of the insolvency resolution process in India.

Multiple Choice Question:

1. Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) 2016?
2. The IBC provides a time-bound process to resolve insolvency for both corporate and individual debtors.
3. The National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) is the adjudicating authority for the resolution process of corporate debtors under the IBC.
4. The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI) is responsible for the overall implementation and regulation of the IBC.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

1. 1 and 2 only
2. 2 and 3 only
3. 1 and 3 only
4. 1, 2, and 3

ANSWER: D

EXPLANATION:

The IBC provides a time-bound process to resolve insolvency for both corporate and individual debtors.

The National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) is the adjudicating authority for corporate insolvency resolution under the IBC.

The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI) is responsible for the implementation and regulation of the IBC.

GST COUNCIL MEETING ON SEPTEMBER 9

TOPIC: (GS3) ECONOMY – SOURCE: INDIAN EXPRESS

The GST Council is set to meet on September 9, 2024, to discuss crucial issues related to the Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime, including rate rationalization and tax structure adjustments.

Key Agenda

• Rate Rationalization: Discussion on adjusting tax slabs and correcting the inverted duty structure to streamline GST rates.
• Insurance Premium Taxation: Debate over the recent tax on insurance premiums, which has sparked discussions on policy clarity.
• Notices to Companies: Consideration of notices sent to companies regarding their overseas operations, following up on earlier clarifications.

Previous Meeting Updates

• June 2024 Meeting: The Council tweaked tax rates on certain items and implemented measures to reduce litigation and improve compliance.
• Ongoing Discussions: A Group of Ministers (GoM) was formed in June 2021 to examine rate rationalization. The Council will review the GoM’s progress and recommendations.

Expectations

• Broad Discussions: The meeting is expected to cover unfinished agendas and set timelines for rate adjustments.
• Government’s Role: The Council aims to balance revenue neutrality with fair tax distribution among states and the Centre.

GST Council: The Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime was introduced after the Constitutional (122nd Amendment) Bill was passed by both Houses of Parliament in 2016. Ratification: Following parliamentary approval, more than 15 Indian states ratified the bill in their state assemblies. Subsequently, the President of India gave his assent, leading to the formal implementation of the GST. About the GST Council ·       Formation: The GST Council was established by the President of India as per Article 279A(1) of the amended Constitution. ·       Nature: It serves as a joint forum of the Central and state governments, ensuring cooperative federalism in the administration of the GST. Composition ·       Comprises the Union Finance Minister (Chairperson), Union Minister of State for Revenue or Finance, and Finance Ministers of all states and union territories. ·       Secretariat headed by the Union Revenue Secretary. Functions and Responsibilities ·       Recommendations: The Council’s primary role, as outlined in Article 279A, is to provide recommendations to both the Union and state governments on various GST-related matters. ·       Key Issues: These include determining the goods and services subject to GST, exemptions, and formulating model GST laws. ·       Rate Determination: The Council also decides on the GST rate slabs applicable to different categories of goods and services. ·       Decides on the apportionment of GST revenue between the Centre and states. Resolves disputes related to GST implementation. Importance ·       The GST Council plays a crucial role in ensuring uniformity in the application of GST across India, balancing the interests of both the Centre and the states, and facilitating smooth tax governance under the GST regime.

Conclusion

The upcoming GST Council meeting is critical for addressing pending issues in the GST framework, with a focus on ensuring efficient tax policies and compliance.

Multiple Choice Question:

1. Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding the GST Council?
2. The GST Council is chaired by the Prime Minister of India.
3. The GST Council was established as per Article 279A of the Constitution.
4. The GST Council is responsible for making recommendations on the rate slabs of Goods and Services Tax (GST).

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

1. 1 and 2 only
2. 2 and 3 only
3. 1 and 3 only
4. 1, 2, and 3

ANSWER: B

EXPLANATION:

The GST Council is chaired by the Union Finance Minister, not the Prime Minister.

The GST Council was established as per Article 279A of the Constitution.

The GST Council is responsible for making recommendations on various GST-related matters, including the rate slabs.

CORPORATISATION OF SCIENCE RESEARCH IN INDIA

TOPIC: (GS3) SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY – SOURCE: THE HINDU

The recent shift in India’s approach to scientific research suggests an increasing corporatisation of the sector.

This change is characterized by the integration of market-oriented policies into the functioning of research institutions, influencing how science is conducted and funded in the country.

Government’s Approach to Science

• Policy Shift: Prime Minister emphasized the need for innovation and commercialization of research through phrases like “innovate, patent, produce, prosper.”
• Revenue Generation: Research institutions are encouraged to generate revenue by marketing their expertise and patents.

Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF)

• Purpose: ANRF was established to fund research and strengthen the link between academia and industry.
• Funding Structure: 72% of ANRF’s funding is expected to come from the private sector, indicating a reduced government role in research funding.

Impact of Market-Driven Science

• Private Sector Influence: With increased private sector involvement, research priorities may shift towards projects with immediate commercial value, potentially sidelining curiosity-driven research.
• Global Trend: This approach mirrors practices in countries like the U.S., where research, especially in IT and pharmaceuticals, is heavily market-oriented.

India’s Recent Major Achievements in Science & Technology Biotechnology ·       Rapid development and production of indigenous COVID-19 vaccines like Covaxin. ·       Large-scale vaccine manufacturing for domestic use and global supply initiatives (Vaccine Maitri). Renewable Energy ·       Record-low solar power costs. ·       Pioneering floating solar projects (e.g., Kayamkulam Floating Solar Power Plant). ·       Advancements crucial for achieving renewable energy targets and net-zero emissions goals. Agriculture ·       Development of high-yielding, climate-resilient, and biofortified crop varieties by Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). ·       Crucial innovations for food security and sustainable agriculture in a changing climate. 5G and 6G Technology ·       Indigenous 5G NSA Core successfully developed and tested by Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT). ·       “Digital Communications Innovation Square (DCIS)” Scheme to advance indigenous 5G and emerging technologies. ·       Nokia’s 6G Lab in Bangalore spearheading research in next-generation wireless technology. ·       Initiatives aim to position India as a leader and reduce dependence on foreign vendors. Space Exploration ·       Chandrayaan-3’s successful soft landing on the Moon’s south pole (August 2023). ·       India became the 4th country to achieve a lunar landing and the first to reach the Moon’s south pole. ·       Paves the way for future lunar exploration and resource utilization missions. ·       Indian Space Policy 2023 and Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) for further development. Other Key Achievements ·       Quantum Technology: I-Hub Quantum Technology Foundation (I-Hub QTF) and National Quantum Mission for quantum computers, communication systems, and sensors. ·       Supercomputing: PARAM Siddhi-AI, one of the world’s most powerful supercomputers, for AI research, scientific simulations, and big data analytics. ·       Genomics: Genome India Project to create a reference database for the Indian population and contributions to global SARS-CoV-2 virus sequencing efforts. ·       Nanotechnology: Novel nanomaterials for biodegradable implants and microplastic removal from water. Challenges and Considerations ·       Low Investment: R&D spending remains low (0.7% of GDP) compared to global averages and needs. ·       Brain Drain: Loss of top researchers and scientists to better opportunities abroad. ·       Bureaucracy: Complex procurement procedures and red tape hinder progress. ·       Education Gap: Disconnect between academic curricula and industry needs, leading to a shortage of skilled researchers. ·       Research Quality: Concerns about paper quantity over quality exist despite high research output. ·       Gender Gap: Underrepresentation of women in STEM fields limits diversity and talent pool. ·       Intellectual Property: Low patent creation and grant rates compared to other countries. ·       Launch “Reverse Brain Drain” programs to attract Indian scientists abroad.

Concerns and Criticism

• Curiosity-Driven Research: There’s concern that curiosity-driven research, which may not have immediate commercial applications, could be neglected.
• Public Funding: The low ratio of public funding for science (0.6%-0.7% of GDP) in India contrasts with countries like South Korea, which invests 2%-3% of its GDP.
• Academic Freedom: The increasing influence of market forces and state intervention in universities may undermine academic freedom and the autonomy of research institutions.

Conclusion

The corporatisation of science research in India highlights the government’s push towards market-driven research. While this approach may boost innovation and commercialization, it raises concerns about the neglect of basic science, public trust, and academic freedom.

DOES INDIA HAVE LAWS ON THE MOVEMENT OF BALLAST WATER?

TOPIC: (GS2) POLITY AMD GOVERNANCE – SOURCE: THE HINDU

The proliferation of invasive mussels, particularly the charru mussel, along the Indian coast, especially near Kamarajar Port, has raised concerns about its impact on marine ecosystems and the livelihood of fishermen.

The Tamil Nadu Water Resources Department has attributed the issue to the unregulated discharge of ballast water by ships.

What is Ballast Water?

• Ships carry ballast water to maintain stability.
• It is taken in when cargo is discharged and pumped out when cargo is loaded.
• Traditionally, there were no restrictions on ballast water discharge.

Invasive Species and Ballast Water

• Ballast water can carry invasive species to new environments.
• The charru mussel is a prime example of an invasive species spread through ballast water.
• It has caused significant ecological damage in Indian waters, affecting biodiversity and fisheries.

Global Regulations

• The International Maritime Organization (IMO) introduced the Ballast Water Management (BWM) Convention in 2017.
• Ships must treat or exchange ballast water to eliminate harmful organisms before discharge.
• Countries like Australia and New Zealand have strict regulations on ballast water management.

BWM Convention Ballast Water Management (BWM) Convention: This is an international treaty administered by the International Maritime Organization (IMO). ·       Purpose: To prevent the spread of harmful aquatic organisms and pathogens through ships’ ballast water. ·       Implementation: Ships must treat or exchange ballast water before discharge. ·       Entry into Force: September 8, 2017. ·       Monitoring and Enforcement: Requires robust systems to check compliance. India and BWM Convention ·       Non-Party: India is not a signatory to the BWM Convention. ·       Impact: Lack of regulation leads to unregulated ballast water discharge in Indian ports. ·       Consequences: Increased risk of invasive species introduction, harming marine ecosystems and fisheries. ·       Economic Implications: Loss of livelihood for coastal communities dependent on fisheries. Asian Countries and BWM Convention ·       Leading Countries: Countries like Japan, South Korea, and Singapore have implemented strict regulations. ·       Challenges: Some countries face difficulties in implementing the convention due to financial constraints and technical expertise. ·       Regional Cooperation: Regional cooperation is essential for effective implementation and monitoring. Importance of Ratifying BWM Convention for India ·       Protecting Marine Ecosystems: Preventing introduction of harmful invasive species. ·       Safeguarding Fisheries: Ensuring sustainable livelihoods for coastal communities. ·       International Image: Demonstrating commitment to environmental protection. ·       Economic Benefits: Potential for developing a ballast water treatment industry.

Consequences

• Invasive species like the charru mussel disrupt marine ecosystems.
• They compete with native species for resources.
• They can harm fisheries and aquaculture.
• Economic losses for coastal communities due to reduced fish catch.

Way Forward

• India should ratify the BWM Convention to regulate ballast water management.
• Stricter monitoring and enforcement of environmental regulations are needed.
• Research on invasive species and their management is essential.
• Collaboration between port authorities, shipping industry, and environmental agencies is crucial.
• By addressing the issue of ballast water management, India can protect its marine biodiversity and ensure the sustainability of coastal ecosystems.

DDOS ATTACKS: UNDERSTANDING THE THREAT

TOPIC: (GS3) SECURITY – SOURCE: BUSINESS STANDARD

The recent Elon Musk and Donald Trump interview on X (formerly Twitter) faced significant glitches due to a Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attack.

Key Points

• DDoS Attack: A malicious cyberattack that floods a target system with internet traffic, rendering it inaccessible to legitimate users.
• How it works: Attackers use multiple devices (botnets) to overwhelm a target’s servers with requests, causing a system overload.
• Impact: Disrupts online services, causing outages and financial losses for businesses.
• Examples: High-profile targets like Spotify and Amazon have been victims of DDoS attacks.
• Prevention: Employing robust cybersecurity measures, including firewalls and intrusion detection systems, is crucial.

Conclusion

DDoS attacks pose a significant threat to online infrastructure and businesses. Understanding these attacks and implementing effective countermeasures is vital for ensuring the resilience of digital systems.

A PORT OF NO RETURN

TOPIC: (GS3) ENVIRONMENT– SOURCE: INDIAN EXPRESS

In Great Nicobar Island, a port was won, a wildlife sanctuary lost.

Key Issues

• Misclassification of Land: The practice of reclassifying ecologically sensitive areas to facilitate development projects.
• Denial of Protected Status: The removal of legal protections for wildlife sanctuaries and other protected areas to accommodate development.
• Subversion of Regulatory Processes: The manipulation of environmental impact assessments and expert committees to favor development projects.
• Conflict of Interest: Decision-makers with vested interests in projects undermining the integrity of the decision-making process.

The Great Nicobar Project

• Ecological Significance: Galathea Bay is a crucial habitat for endangered species like the leatherback turtle and possesses rich biodiversity.
• Legal Framework: Classified as CRZ-IA, prohibiting large-scale construction.
• Process Manipulation: The sanctuary was denotified, environmental clearance granted, and legal challenges subverted.
• Outcome: A potential ecological disaster with far-reaching consequences.

Implications

• Erosion of Environmental Governance: The case exposes weaknesses in India’s environmental regulatory framework.
• Threat to Biodiversity: Loss of critical habitats and endangered species.
• Long-term Costs: Potential economic and social costs due to environmental degradation.

GREAT NICOBAR ISLAND PROJECT: Location: ·       Southernmost island of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. ·       Strategically located near major shipping routes. Ecosystem: ·       Tropical wet evergreen forests. ·       Mountain ranges exceeding 600 meters. ·       Rich biodiversity with endangered species like the leatherback sea turtle. ·       Home to the Shompen tribe (hunters-gatherers) and Nicobarese tribe (relocated after 2004 tsunami). Project Proposal: ·       Multi-development project with a budget of Rs. 72,000 crore. ·       Includes: ·       International container trans-shipment terminal (ICTT) ·       Greenfield international airport ·       Township development ·       Power plant Aims: ·       Leverage island’s location for economic benefits. ·       Participate in global maritime trade. ·       Bolster India’s strategic presence in the Indo-Pacific region. Criticisms: Environmental Impact: ·       Project area falls under ecologically sensitive Coastal Regulation Zones (CRZ-IA & IB). ·       Concerns about damage to endangered species’ habitats (nesting grounds, coral reefs). ·       Potential loss of tree cover and mangroves. Inadequate Assessment: ·       Critics argue environmental impact assessments were not comprehensive. Impact on Tribes: ·       Potential encroachment on tribal lands despite protected status. National Green Tribunal (NGT) Intervention: ·       Kolkata Bench declined to halt the project in April 2023. ·       Ordered formation of a high-power committee to review clearances. ·       Committee’s report status remains unclear.

Conclusion

The Great Nicobar case serves as a stark reminder of the challenges in balancing development and environmental protection. It underscores the urgent need for robust environmental safeguards, transparent decision-making, and accountability to prevent similar occurrences in the future.

Multiple Choice Question:

1. Which of the following straits connects the Bay of Bengal with the Andaman Sea?
2. Palk Strait
3. Duncan Passage
4. Ten Degree Channel
5. Strait of Malacca

ANSWER: C

EXPLANATION:

The Ten Degree Channel is the strait that connects the Bay of Bengal with the Andaman Sea. It lies between the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

The other options are incorrect as:

Palk Strait connects the Bay of Bengal with the Arabian Sea.

Duncan Passage is a narrower channel within the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Strait of Malacca is located much further south, connecting the Andaman Sea with the South China Sea.