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St Martin’s Island - UPSC International Relations
What is St Martin’s Island in UPSC International Relations?
St Martin’s Island is a key topic under International Relations for UPSC Civil Services Examination. Key points include: St. Martin's Island is Bangladesh's only coral island, located in the northeastern Bay of Bengal.. It is situated near the Bangladesh-Myanmar maritime border, making it strategically significant.. The island is a vital breeding ground for sea turtles and supports rich marine biodiversity.. Understanding this topic is essential for both UPSC Prelims and Mains preparation.
Why is St Martin’s Island important for UPSC exam?
St Martin’s Island is a Medium-level topic in UPSC International Relations. It is tested in both Prelims (factual MCQs) and Mains (analytical answer writing). Previous year UPSC questions have frequently covered aspects of St Martin’s Island, making it essential for comprehensive IAS preparation.
How to prepare St Martin’s Island for UPSC?
To prepare St Martin’s Island for UPSC: (1) Study the comprehensive notes covering all key concepts on Vaidra. (2) Practice previous year questions on this topic. (3) Connect it with current affairs using daily updates. (4) Revise using key takeaways and mind maps available for International Relations. (5) Write practice answers linking St Martin’s Island to related GS Paper topics.
Key takeaways of St Martin’s Island for UPSC
- St. Martin's Island is Bangladesh's only coral island, located in the northeastern Bay of Bengal.
- It is situated near the Bangladesh-Myanmar maritime border, making it strategically significant.
- The island is a vital breeding ground for sea turtles and supports rich marine biodiversity.
- Recent controversy involved a potential lease of the island, highlighting its geopolitical importance.
- Its low elevation (3.6m above sea level) makes it vulnerable to climate change and sea-level rise.
St Martin’s Island
Medium⏱️ 8 min read
international relations
📖 Introduction
Recent Controversy and Geopolitical Context
Recently, St. Martin’s Island garnered significant attention following the resignation of former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. A controversy arose concerning the potential lease of the island to another nation, highlighting its geopolitical sensitivity.
UPSC often asks about geographically significant locations and their geopolitical implications. Understanding such controversies is crucial for GS Paper II (International Relations).
Geographical Location
St. Martin’s Island is strategically situated in the northeastern region of the Bay of Bengal. Its location is notably close to the maritime border shared by Bangladesh and Myanmar.
- Distance from Mainland: Approximately nine kilometres (about 5.6 miles) from the southern tip of Bangladesh’s Cox’s Bazar-Teknaf peninsula.
- Coordinates: Positioned at a critical juncture in the Bay of Bengal.
Physical Characteristics
The island possesses distinct physical features that contribute to its unique environment and vulnerability.
- Length: The island stretches approximately 7.3 kilometres (about 4.5 miles).
- Elevation: It stands at an average elevation of 3.6 metres (about 11.8 feet) above the mean sea level, making it susceptible to rising sea levels.
Ecological Importance
Beyond its geographical position, St. Martin’s Island holds immense ecological value, making it a vital natural heritage site for Bangladesh.
It is uniquely recognized as Bangladesh’s only coral island. This distinction underscores its ecological fragility and biodiversity.
The island also serves as a crucial natural habitat and a significant breeding ground for sea turtles. This highlights its role in marine biodiversity conservation.
💡 Key Takeaways
- •St. Martin's Island is Bangladesh's only coral island, located in the northeastern Bay of Bengal.
- •It is situated near the Bangladesh-Myanmar maritime border, making it strategically significant.
- •The island is a vital breeding ground for sea turtles and supports rich marine biodiversity.
- •Recent controversy involved a potential lease of the island, highlighting its geopolitical importance.
- •Its low elevation (3.6m above sea level) makes it vulnerable to climate change and sea-level rise.
🧠 Memory Techniques
95% Verified Content
📚 Reference Sources
•General Geographical and Geopolitical Knowledge (for examples and broader context)