UPSC Prelims 2017 Q68: Current Affairs – International Organisations & Groupings
Consider the following in respect of Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS):
1. Inaugural IONS was held in India in 2015 under the chairmanship of the Indian Navy.
2. IONS is a voluntary initiative that seeks to increase maritime co - operation among navies of the
littoral states of the Indian Ocean Region.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
- (a) 1 only
- (b) 2 only
- (c) Both 1 and 2
- (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (b) 2 only
Explanation
Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS)
| Statement | Verdict | Fact |
|---|---|---|
| 1. The inaugural IONS was held in India in 2015 under the chairmanship of the Indian Navy | Incorrect | It was held in New Delhi in February 2008, not 2015 |
| 2. IONS is a voluntary initiative that seeks to increase maritime co-operation among navies of the littoral states of the Indian Ocean Region | Correct | This is its stated purpose |
Key facts:
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Started by | Indian Navy, 2008 |
| Chair | Rotates every two years |
| Members | Navies of Indian Ocean littoral states, in four sub-regions |
| Focus | Maritime security, disaster relief, information sharing |
Answer: (b) 2 only.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. The inaugural IONS was in 2008, so statement 1 is false.
- (b) CORRECT. IONS is a voluntary initiative for maritime co-operation among littoral navies.
- (c) Incorrect. Statement 1 gets the year wrong: 2008, not 2015.
- (d) Incorrect. Statement 2 correctly describes the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium.
Key point
IONS: started by the Indian Navy in New Delhi, 2008; voluntary forum of Indian Ocean littoral navies; chair rotates every two years.
Remember
IONS began in New Delhi in 2008.
Common mistakes
- Accepting statement 1 because India and the Indian Navy are right; the year is wrong.
- Confusing IONS with IORA, which is a grouping of governments.
- Thinking IONS is a military alliance; it is a voluntary forum.
Exam tip
IONS = navies (2008); IORA = governments (1997). Check the year in every 'inaugural' statement.
Sources
- Indian Navy — Indian Ocean Naval Symposium
- Ministry of Defence — Annual Report (Indian Navy: foreign co-operation)