IR - Political Geography - COMPASS 2025

Question 1

What does Pakistan’s new political map claim regarding Jammu and Kashmir?

Answer 1

It depicts J&K as a disputed territory and claims the regions of Sir Creek and Junagadh as part of its territory.

Question 2

What is Pangong Tso?

Answer 2

An endorheic lake partly in India’s Ladakh region and partly in Tibet.

Question 3

What does the name ‘Pangong’ mean in Ladakhi?

Answer 3

Extensive concavity.

Question 4

What is the elevation of Pangong Tso?

Answer 4

About 4,270 m.

Question 5

What is the length of Pangong Tso?

Answer 5

135 km long.

Question 6

What river originates in the Chinese controlled Aksai Chin region?

Answer 6

Galvan Valley.

Question 7

Which two countries are developing the West Container Terminal at Colombo Port?

Answer 7

India and Japan.

Question 8

What is the significance of the Colombo Port for India?

Answer 8

It is strategic due to its proximity to the Chinese-run Colombo International Container Terminal.

Question 9

Which countries are part of the Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP)?

Answer 9

• Angola
• Brazil
• Cabo Verde
• Guinea Bissau
• Mozambique
• Portugal
• Sao Tome and Principe
• Timor Leste
• Equatorial Guinea

Question 10

What are the Andaman & Nicobar Islands strategically located between?

Answer 10

The Bay of Bengal and Andaman Sea.

Question 11

What is the only tri-service geographical command of the Indian Armed Forces?

Answer 11

Andaman and Nicobar Command.

Question 12

What are the names of the two channels located near the Andaman & Nicobar Islands?

Answer 12

• Preparis Channel
• Six Degree Channel

Question 13

What is the height of the Siachen Glacier?

Answer 13

Around 20,000 feet.

Question 14

What significant military operation did India conduct to gain control of the Siachen Glacier?

Answer 14

Operation Meghdoot.

Question 15

Which river does the Feni River form part of?

Answer 15

The India-Bangladesh border.

Question 16

What is the role of the Rafah border crossing?

Answer 16

It is the sole route for aid to enter Gaza directly outside Israel.

Question 17

What city is the capital of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) in Iraq?

Answer 17

Erbil.

Question 18

What is the significance of the Strait of Hormuz?

Answer 18

It links the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea.

Question 19

Which river is known as the Sharda River in India?

Answer 19

River Mahakali.

Question 20

What is the primary purpose of the Chattogram and Mongla ports agreement between India and Bangladesh?

Answer 20

To serve the needs of north-east states.

Question 21

What is the strategic importance of the Golan Heights?

Answer 21

It is a fertile plateau that is internationally regarded as occupied territory.

Question 22

What is the significance of the Baluch Liberation Army (BLA)?

Answer 22

It targets security forces and civilians in ethnic Baloch areas of Pakistan.

Question 23

What is the geographical significance of the Mustang region in Nepal?

Answer 23

It may have large deposits of uranium.

Question 24

What is the main goal of India’s engagement with Lusophone countries?

Answer 24

To leverage untapped potential and strengthen trade and economic collaboration.

Question 25

Fill in the blank: The Andaman & Nicobar Islands are separated from Thailand and Myanmar by the _______.

Answer 25

Andaman Sea.

Question 26

What is the capital of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) in Iraq?

Answer 26

Erbil

Question 27

Which port cities are located in Yemen?

Answer 27

* Hodeidah * Salif * Ras Issa

Question 28

What geographical feature links the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman?

Answer 28

Strait of Hormuz

Question 29

What strategic access has India secured in Oman?

Answer 29

Duqm Port

Question 30

Which port in Saudi Arabia was attacked by Iran-backed Houthi rebels from Yemen?

Answer 30

Ras Tanura Port

Question 31

What is Atbara known for?

Answer 31

Location of civil unrest in Sudan

Question 32

Name the nuclear facilities in Iran that are significant in the news.

Answer 32

* Arak * Natanz * Fordow

Question 33

Where is the Al-Aqsa Mosque located?

Answer 33

Old City of Jerusalem, Israel

Question 34

What separates Great Nicobar Island of India from Aceh Province of Indonesia?

Answer 34

Great Channel | Six Degree Channel

Question 35

What decision did the ICJ make regarding Diego Garcia?

Answer 35

Ruled Britain to return Diego Garcia to Mauritius

Question 36

What is the purpose of the Vanilla Islands initiative?

Answer 36

Promote tourism among island nations in the Indian Ocean

Question 37

Which island nations ended diplomatic relations with Taiwan in favor of China?

Answer 37

* Solomon Islands * Kiribati Islands

Question 38

What significant vote did the autonomous region of Bougainville (Papua New Guinea) take?

Answer 38

Voted in favor of becoming a separate nation

Question 39

What is the dispute between Russia and Japan regarding the Kurile Islands?

Answer 39

Japan claims four islands as its Northern territories

Question 40

What event did India participate in at Vladivostok?

Answer 40

Eastern Economic Forum (EEF)

Question 41

What was significant about the Vice President of India's visit to the Baltic countries?

Answer 41

First ever high-level visit from India to Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia

Question 42

What is the main claim of China and Taiwan regarding the Senkaku/Diaoyu Islands?

Answer 42

Claimed as part of Chinese territory since the 16th century

Question 43

What does the One China Policy refer to?

Answer 43

Treating Taiwan as part of China

Question 44

What body was constituted by the UN Secretary General to address global crises?

Answer 44

Global Crisis Response Group on Food, Energy & Finance

Question 45

What recent conflict occurred in Marib, Yemen?

Answer 45

Skirmish between Houthi rebels and Yemen Government

Question 46

What is Cam Ranh Bay Base known for?

Answer 46

Naval and air force base in Vietnam with access granted to India

Question 47

What tragic event occurred in Kunduz, Afghanistan?

Answer 47

A suicide bomb attack killed at least 100 people

Question 48

What was a significant military event in Ukraine related to Russia?

Answer 48

Capture of the town of Avdiivka

Question 49

What caused the collapse of the Kahkhova dam in Ukraine?

Answer 49

It was under Russian control when destroyed

Question 50

What rivers drain into the Black Sea?

Answer 50

* Danube * Dniester * Dnieper * Don

Question 51

What is the significance of the Nord Stream 2 pipeline?

Answer 51

Germany halted certification in response to Russian actions in Ukraine

Question 52

What are the Minsk Accords?

Answer 52

Ceasefire agreements between Russian-backed rebels and Ukraine

Question 53

What infrastructure development is occurring in Agalega Islands, Mauritius?

Answer 53

Inauguration of a new airstrip and St. James Jetty

Question 54

What incident occurred near Masirah, Oman?

Answer 54

An Israeli Oil Tanker Ship was attacked

Question 55

What recent development occurred regarding China's railroad link to the Indian Ocean?

Answer 55

First shipments delivered via a new railway line from Myanmar to Chengdu

Question 56

What is the Nine Dash Line?

Answer 56

China's claim of territorial waters in the South China Sea

Question 57

What does 'innocent passage' refer to in international law?

Answer 57

Allows vessels to pass through another state's territorial waters under certain conditions

Question 58

What is the strategic importance of Trincomalee in Sri Lanka?

Answer 58

Joint development of oil tanks with India and potential regional petroleum hub

Question 59

What construction is being built by China across Pangong Tso Lake?

Answer 59

A bridge to enhance troop movement for the PLA