Why in News?

Indonesia’s Mount Anak Krakatau erupted, releasing fine volcanic ash particles that disrupted air transport. The ash created risks to aircraft engines, reduced visibility and posed health hazards, leading to the suspension of operations at several airports and affecting flights and passengers.

About Mount Anak Krakatau

Mount Anak Krakatau is located in the Sunda Strait, between the islands of Java and Sumatra in Indonesia. It is among Indonesia’s approximately 130 active volcanoes and lies within the Pacific Ring of Fire, a highly tectonically active zone characterised by frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.

The volcano forms part of the Sunda Arc, which developed due to the subduction of the Indo-Australian Plate beneath the Eurasian Plate. This plate interaction makes the region highly vulnerable to volcanic activity.

Origin of Anak Krakatau

The name Anak Krakatau means “Child of Krakatau.” It emerged from the remains of the Krakatau volcanic system following the catastrophic 1883 eruption.

The 1883 eruption caused the collapse of much of the original volcanic island and triggered devastating tsunamis, resulting in the deaths of more than 36,000 people.

Significance

The activity of Anak Krakatau highlights the importance of volcanic monitoring, disaster preparedness and tsunami early-warning systems.

The significance was particularly demonstrated by the 2018 flank collapse, which triggered a tsunami in the Sunda Strait.

Why in News?

The Falkland Islands dispute has resurfaced amid renewed tensions between Argentina and the United Kingdom, particularly over sovereignty claims and oil exploration activities near the islands. The United Nations continues to recognise the existence of a sovereignty dispute between Argentina and the UK and has urged both countries to pursue a peaceful solution through negotiations.

Geographical Location

The Falkland Islands, also known as Islas Malvinas in Argentina, are an archipelago in the South Atlantic Ocean, located about 480 km off the southeastern coast of Argentina.

Political Status

The Falkland Islands are a British Overseas Territory with a high degree of internal self-government. The United Kingdom is responsible for defence and foreign affairs.

The UK states that it has administered the islands peacefully and effectively since 1833, apart from the brief Argentine occupation during the 1982 conflict.

Historical Context

The sovereignty dispute has deep historical roots. Argentina claims sovereignty over the islands as part of the territories it considers to have inherited from the Spanish Crown after independence in 1816.

The UK, however, maintains that Argentina did not inherit sovereignty over the islands from Spain and emphasises Britain's historical claim and subsequent administration.

In 1982, Argentina invaded the islands, leading to the Falklands War between Argentina and the UK. The conflict lasted approximately 10 weeks, after which British forces regained control of the islands.

Competing Sovereignty Claims

Argentina’s Position

Argentina maintains that the Falkland Islands are part of its national territory and refers to them as the Malvinas. It argues that the British takeover in 1833 violated Argentina’s territorial integrity.

Argentina also disputes the applicability of the principle of self-determination in this case and considers the sovereignty question to be one that should be resolved between the two states. The UN has recorded Argentina's position that the islands and surrounding maritime areas are subject to a sovereignty dispute.

United Kingdom’s Position

The UK maintains that it has sovereignty over the Falkland Islands and emphasises the right to self-determination of the islanders.

In a 2013 referendum, 99.8% of voters supported retaining the islands' existing status as a British Overseas Territory.

United Nations Position

The Falkland Islands have been included on the UN list of Non-Self-Governing Territories since 1946.

The UN General Assembly has recognised the existence of a sovereignty dispute concerning the Falkland Islands/Malvinas and has repeatedly called upon Argentina and the United Kingdom to resume negotiations for a peaceful and definitive settlement.