Consider the following statements : 1. The Barren Island volcano is an active volcano located in the Indian territory. 2. Barren Island lies about 140 km east of Great Nicobar. 3. The last time the Barren Island volcano erupted was in 1991 and it has remained inactive since then. Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?
- (a) 1 only ✓ UPSC's answer
- (b) 2 and 3
- (c) 3 only
- (d) 1 and 3
Why the answer is (a)
• Statement 1 is correct: Barren Island in the Andaman Sea is India's (and South Asia's) only confirmed active volcano.
• Statement 2 is wrong: it lies about 140 km north-east of Port Blair, far north of Great Nicobar.
• Statement 3 is wrong: after erupting in 1991 following 150 dormant years, it erupted again in 1994–95, 2005 and 2017, among other episodes; it is not inactive.
• Hence 1 only, option (a).
Why the other options are wrong
- (b) 2 and 3
- Statements 2 and 3 are wrong: it is near Port Blair and has erupted repeatedly since 1991.
- (c) 3 only
- Statement 3 is wrong: eruptions continued after 1991.
- (d) 1 and 3
- Statement 3 is wrong.
Asked in the GS Paper I of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2018, held on 3 June 2018. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.