Daily Current Affairs : 31-July-2023
Australia’s Cocos (Keeling) Islands, situated in the Southern Indian Ocean, are a captivating archipelago with a rich history and unique cultural heritage. Recently, two prominent aircraft from India, the Indian Navy Dornier maritime patrol aircraft and the Indian Air Force (IAF) C-130 transport aircraft, paid a visit to these exotic islands. Let’s delve deeper into the fascinating context, the allure of Cocos Island, and its intriguing past.
The Indian Aircraft’s Visit to Cocos Island
The visit of the Indian Navy Dornier maritime patrol aircraft and the Indian Air Force (IAF) C-130 transport aircraft to Australia’s Cocos (Keeling) Islands holds significance in strengthening bilateral relations between India and Australia. The strategic location of the islands in the Indian Ocean makes them an essential point for mutual cooperation and understanding.
Cocos Island – A Gem in the Indian Ocean
Geographical Location and Composition: Cocos (Keeling) Islands form an Australian external territory in the Indian Ocean, located approximately midway between Australia and Sri Lanka. The archipelago consists of two atolls comprising 27 coral islands. Among these, only two are inhabited – West Island and Home Island.
Culture and Language: The cultural identity of the Cocos Islanders revolves around their roots in Sunni Islam and their primary language, a dialect of Malay. This unique blend of culture and language reflects the island’s historical interactions with various civilizations over the centuries.
Historical Evolution of Cocos Island
Discovery and Early Settlement: In 1609, British sea captain William Keeling stumbled upon the islands during his maritime explorations. However, it was not until the early 19th century that the islands witnessed their first settlements.
Clunies-Ross Family Rule: Among the earliest settlers was John Clunies-Ross, a Scottish merchant, whose family subsequently dominated the islands as a private fiefdom for nearly 150 years. The Clunies-Ross family’s influence left a lasting impact on the island’s social structure and development.
Annexation by Britain and Transfer to Australia: In 1857, the British formally annexed the Cocos Islands, asserting their authority over the region. Later, in 1955, the territory was transferred to Australia, making it an external territory of the nation.
Preserving the Cultural Heritage and Environmental Richness
Efforts towards Cultural Preservation: In modern times, there has been a growing focus on preserving the unique cultural heritage of the Cocos Islanders. Emphasis on the Malay language, traditional practices, and festivals helps in sustaining their identity and nurturing a sense of belonging among the community.
Conservation of Natural Environment: The Cocos (Keeling) Islands boast a pristine natural environment, with coral reefs, diverse marine life, and lush greenery. Environmental conservation efforts are essential to safeguarding these treasures for future generations and maintaining the ecological balance of the region.
Important Points:
- Cocos (Keeling) Islands are an Australian external territory in the Southern Indian Ocean.
- The archipelago comprises two atolls with 27 coral islands; West Island and Home Island are the only inhabited ones.
- The Cocos Islanders mostly practice Sunni Islam and speak a dialect of Malay as their first language.
- The islands were discovered by British sea captain William Keeling in 1609 but remained uninhabited until the early 19th century.
- John Clunies-Ross, a Scottish merchant, and his family ruled the islands as a private fiefdom for nearly 150 years.
- The British annexed the Cocos Islands in 1857, and later in 1955, the territory was transferred to Australia.
- The recent visit of the Indian Navy and Air Force aircraft to Cocos Island strengthens bilateral relations between India and Australia.
- The strategic location of the islands in the Indian Ocean makes them significant for mutual cooperation and understanding.
- The cultural identity of the Cocos Islanders revolves around Sunni Islam and the Malay dialect.
- Efforts are being made to preserve the unique cultural heritage of the Cocos Islanders, including their language, traditions, and festivals.
- Conservation of the islands’ pristine natural environment, including coral reefs and diverse marine life, is crucial for future generations.
- Cocos Island presents a harmonious coexistence of tradition and modernity.
- The external territory’s allure lies in its picturesque landscapes and intriguing layers of history and culture.
Why In News
During the joint visit to Australia’s Cocos (Keeling) Islands in the Southern Indian Ocean, the Indian Navy Dornier maritime patrol aircraft and Indian Air Force (IAF) C-130 transport aircraft engaged in collaborative training exercises with their Australian counterparts, strengthening regional defense ties.This strategic visit not only showcased the growing cooperation between India and Australia in maritime security but also provided an opportunity for the personnel from both nations to exchange valuable expertise and foster mutual understanding.
MCQs about Discovering Australia’s Cocos (Keeling) Islands
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What is the primary language spoken by the inhabitants of Cocos (Keeling) Islands?
A. English
B. French
C. Malay
D. Hindi
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Who discovered the Cocos (Keeling) Islands?
A. Christopher Columbus
B. Vasco da Gama
C. Captain William Keeling
D. Ferdinand Magellan
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Why is the recent visit of Indian aircraft to Cocos (Keeling) Islands significant?
A. To explore the islands’ natural beauty
B. To conduct military exercises
C. To strengthen bilateral relations between India and Australia
D. To study the islands’ wildlife
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