UPSC Prelims 2009 Q31: Current Affairs – International Conflicts & Security
Elephant Pass, which is frequently in the news, is mentioned in the context of the affairs
of which one of the following ?
- (a) Bangladesh
- (b) India
- (c) Nepal
- (d) Sri Lanka
Answer: (d) Sri Lanka
Explanation
Where "Elephant Pass" is frequently in the news
This strategically significant location has been a flashpoint in a specific country's internal conflict.
| Option | Verdict | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| (a) Bangladesh | Incorrect | Not associated with Elephant Pass |
| (b) India | Incorrect | Also not the context for this location |
| (c) Nepal | Incorrect | Unrelated to Elephant Pass |
| (d) Sri Lanka | Correct | Elephant Pass is a strategically vital land link near Jaffna, Sri Lanka, frequently fought over during the Sri Lankan civil conflict |
Elephant Pass facts:
| Point | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location | Jaffna Peninsula, Sri Lanka |
| Significance | Key military chokepoint during the Sri Lankan civil conflict |
Answer: (d) Sri Lanka.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Bangladesh is unrelated to Elephant Pass.
- (b) Incorrect. India is also not the relevant context.
- (c) Incorrect. Nepal is unrelated to this location.
- (d) CORRECT. Elephant Pass, near Jaffna, is a key strategic location in Sri Lanka's internal conflict.
Key point
Elephant Pass is a strategically important chokepoint near the Jaffna Peninsula, Sri Lanka, frequently in the news during the country's civil conflict.
Remember
Elephant Pass: a strategically significant location in Sri Lanka, near Jaffna.
Common mistakes
- Confusing Elephant Pass (Sri Lanka) with unrelated South Asian conflict zones.
- Not knowing the Jaffna Peninsula's specific strategic significance.
- Mixing up different countries' internal conflict geography.
Exam tip
Elephant Pass = Sri Lanka's Jaffna Peninsula, a key military chokepoint in the country's civil conflict.
Sources
- Encyclopaedia Britannica — Sri Lanka
- Encyclopaedia Britannica — Elephant Pass