Indian Naval Ships Bolster Partnership with Papua New Guinea

Daily Current Affairs : 11-August-2023

Recent news highlights the arrival of Indian Naval Ships Sahyadri and Kolkata at Port Moresby, the capital of Papua New Guinea. This strategic move signifies the strengthening of maritime partnership and cooperation between India and Papua New Guinea.

Papua New Guinea: An Island Country in the Pacific Ocean

Papua New Guinea, situated in the southwestern Pacific Ocean, is an island nation known for its diverse geography, rich cultural heritage, and unique ecosystems. Let’s delve into some key aspects of Papua New Guinea:

Geographical Context

• Papua New Guinea shares its borders with Indonesia and is closely neighbored by Australia and the Solomon Islands. It occupies the eastern half of New Guinea, the world’s second-largest island, along with several smaller offshore islands.

Capital and Geography

• The capital city of Papua New Guinea is Port Moresby, which serves as a hub for various economic and administrative activities.
• The nation is enriched by the presence of the Sepik River, a significant watercourse that plays a crucial role in the lives of the people living along its banks.

Natural Vulnerabilities

Due to its geographical location along the Pacific Ring of Fire, Papua New Guinea experiences unique natural challenges:

Volcanic Activity

• The country is home to several active volcanoes, a result of tectonic plate movements in the region.
• These volcanoes have shaped the landscape and contributed to the formation of Papua New Guinea’s striking topography.

Earthquakes and Tsunamis

• The Pacific Ring of Fire is prone to tectonic activity, leading to frequent earthquakes and the potential for tsunamis.
• Papua New Guinea is not immune to these geological shifts, and its residents have developed strategies to mitigate the impact of such natural disasters.

Maritime Partnership and Cooperation

The recent visit of Indian Naval Ships Sahyadri and Kolkata to Port Moresby marks an essential step toward enhancing maritime partnership between India and Papua New Guinea. This collaboration can have several positive outcomes:

Strengthened Security

• Maritime cooperation between the two nations can lead to enhanced security in the region, deterring threats and fostering stability.

Trade and Economic Relations

• Improved maritime connectivity can facilitate smoother trade routes, benefitting both economies and fostering economic growth.

Cultural Exchange

• Collaboration between India and Papua New Guinea offers an opportunity for cultural exchange and people-to-people interactions, enriching both societies.

Important Points:

• Island country in the southwestern Pacific Ocean
• Shares borders with Indonesia, near neighbors include Australia and Solomon Islands
• Occupies eastern half of New Guinea and offshore islands
• Capital: Port Moresby
• Major river: Sepik river

Natural Vulnerabilities: Geographical Context

• Located along the Pacific Ring of Fire
• Presence of active volcanoes due to tectonic plate movements
• Frequent earthquakes and potential for tsunamis

Indian Naval Ships’ Arrival: Significance and Goals

• Indian Naval Ships Sahyadri and Kolkata arrive at Port Moresby
• Strengthening maritime partnership and cooperation between India and Papua New Guinea

Maritime Partnership Benefits

• Enhanced regional security and stability
• Smoother trade routes and improved economic relations
• Opportunity for cultural exchange and people-to-people interactions

Why In News

Indian Naval Ships Sahyadri and Kolkata arrived at Port Moresby for the purpose of strengthening maritime partnership and cooperation with Papua New Guinea, underscoring the commitment of both nations to bolstering regional security and fostering mutual growth. The visit serves as a testament to the shared dedication of India and Papua New Guinea to deepening their maritime ties through collaborative initiatives and joint exercises.

MCQs about Indian Naval Ships Bolster Partnership with Papua New Guinea

1. What geographical phenomenon makes Papua New Guinea prone to natural disasters like earthquakes and tsunamis?
   A. Tropical storms
   B. Desertification
   C. Pacific Ring of Fire
   D. Polar vortex
   Show Answer
   Correct Answer: C. Pacific Ring of Fire
   Explanation: The Papua New Guinea is located along the Pacific Ring of Fire, a region characterized by high tectonic activity, which leads to frequent earthquakes and the potential for tsunamis.
   
2. Which Indian Naval Ships recently arrived at Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, to enhance maritime partnership?
   A. INS Victory and INS Triumph
   B. INS Sahyadri and INS Kolkata
   C. INS Voyager and INS Explorer
   D. INS Harmony and INS Unity
   Show Answer
   Correct Answer: B. INS Sahyadri and INS Kolkata
   Explanation: The Indian Naval Ships Sahyadri and Kolkata arrived at Port Moresby to strengthen maritime partnership and cooperation between India and Papua New Guinea.
   
3. What is the major river that flows through Papua New Guinea and plays a significant role in the lives of its people?
   A. Amazon River
   B. Nile River
   C. Mekong River
   D. Sepik River
   Show Answer
   Correct Answer: D. Sepik River
   Explanation: The major river in Papua New Guinea is the Sepik River, which holds importance in the lives of the people living along its banks.
   
4. Apart from enhancing security, what other benefit can the maritime cooperation between India and Papua New Guinea bring?
   A. Cultural exchange and people-to-people interactions
   B. Expansion of military bases
   C. Increased taxation on trade routes
   D. Reduction in volcanic activity
   Show Answer
   Correct Answer: A. Cultural exchange and people-to-people interactions
   Explanation: The collaboration between India and Papua New Guinea in maritime partnership offers an opportunity for cultural exchange and people-to-people interactions, enriching both societies.
   

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