Static General Knowledge is a crucial segment in the AFCAT exam. Understanding the geographical chokepoints like Straits and knowing about International Borders is essential for aspirants preparing for Indian Armed Forces. These are vital for India’s national security, trade, and strategic interests. This article provides a concise list of important straits and international borders often asked in defence exams.
AFCAT 2 2025 Exam Static GK – Important Straits and International Borders
What is a Strait?
A strait is a narrow natural waterway that connects two larger water bodies (like seas or oceans) and lies between two land masses. Straits are significant for navigation, trade, and military strategy.
List of Important Straits of the World
| Strait | Connects | Separates |
|---|---|---|
| Palk Strait | Bay of Bengal & Gulf of Mannar | India (Tamil Nadu) & Sri Lanka |
| Malacca Strait | Andaman Sea & South China Sea | Malaysia & Indonesia (Sumatra) |
| Hormuz Strait | Persian Gulf & Gulf of Oman | Iran & UAE/Oman |
| Bab-el-Mandeb | Red Sea & Gulf of Aden | Yemen & Djibouti |
| Bosporus Strait | Black Sea & Sea of Marmara | Europe (Turkey) & Asia (Turkey) |
| Dardanelles Strait | Sea of Marmara & Aegean Sea | Europe (Turkey) & Asia (Turkey) |
| Bering Strait | Bering Sea & Chukchi Sea | Russia & USA (Alaska) |
| Gibraltar Strait | Atlantic Ocean & Mediterranean Sea | Spain (Europe) & Morocco (Africa) |
| Sunda Strait | Java Sea & Indian Ocean | Java & Sumatra (Indonesia) |
| Tsugaru Strait | Sea of Japan & Pacific Ocean | Honshu & Hokkaido (Japan) |
What are International Borders?
International borders are geographical boundaries shared between two sovereign countries. These borders can be land boundaries, rivers, or mountain ranges, and often carry historical and strategic importance.
Important International Borders Involving India
| Border | Countries Involved | Length (Approx.) | Key Facts |
|---|---|---|---|
| India–Pakistan Border | India & Pakistan | ~3,323 km | Includes Line of Control (LoC) |
| India–China Border | India & China | ~3,488 km | Includes LAC (Line of Actual Control) |
| India–Bangladesh Border | India & Bangladesh | ~4,096 km | Longest land border for India |
| India–Nepal Border | India & Nepal | ~1,751 km | Open border with free movement |
| India–Bhutan Border | India & Bhutan | ~699 km | Friendly bilateral relations |
| India–Myanmar Border | India & Myanmar | ~1,643 km | Part of India’s “Act East” policy |
| India–Afghanistan Border (POK) | India (POK region) & Afghanistan | ~106 km (notional) | Located in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir |
Other Famous International Borders Around the World
| Border | Countries Involved | Unique Feature |
|---|---|---|
| 49th Parallel | USA & Canada | Longest undefended border |
| Durand Line | Pakistan & Afghanistan | Often disputed |
| McMahon Line | India & China (Arunachal Pradesh) | China does not recognize it |
| Maginot Line (Historical) | France & Germany | Fortified line during WW II |
| 38th Parallel | North Korea & South Korea | Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) |
| Blue Line | Israel & Lebanon | UN demarcated border |
| Green Line | Cyprus (Greek & Turkish parts) | Monitored by UN |
Why These Are Important for Defence Exams?
- These locations are often geostrategic hotspots and may appear in questions related to current affairs or static GK.
- AFCAT and other exams like CDS, CAPF often ask about the strait nearest to India, which country shares the longest border, or which strait is a maritime chokepoint.
- Keeping track of current disputes (like in the South China Sea or Line of Actual Control) also helps in understanding their relevance.
Tips for Remembering
- Use Mnemonics: e.g., “BMGH” for Bab-el-Mandeb, Malacca, Gibraltar, Hormuz – the key global chokepoints.
- Refer to maps regularly.
- Connect current events with geography. For instance, if there’s a naval drill near the Strait of Hormuz, read about its strategic role.
Conclusion
Understanding Important Straits and International Borders is not just a part of the syllabus but is crucial for aspirants who aim to become officers in the Indian Armed Forces. Regular updates with maps and linking them with news developments can greatly enhance both your knowledge and scores in AFCAT 2 2025.
