UNCLOS - GS questions based on daily current affairs

1)   Which of the following statements is/are correct according to UNCLOS?

1. The contiguous zone is a band of water extending from the outer edge of the territorial sea to up to 24 nautical miles.
2. A 12 nautical-mile territorial limit is allowed for Artificial island as well.


a. Only 1
b. Only 2
c. Both
d. None of the above
Answer  Explanation 

ANSWER: Only 1

Explanation:
- United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) states that sub-sea structures, such as reefs, cannot be claimed as sovereign coastline.
- Building artificial structures on top of reefs does not turn them in to sovereign territory either.
- A country that owns a natural island can claim a 12-nautical-mile territorial limit around it, both on the sea and in the air. But artificial structures do not confer any such right.


2)   Which of the following statements is/are correct about  United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea(UNCLOS)?

1. The UN has direct operational role in the implementation of the Convention.
2. India has signed & ratified UNCLOS.


a. Only 1
b. Only 2
c. Both
d. None
Answer  Explanation 

ANSWER: Only 2

Explanation:
- It defines the rights and responsibilities of nations with respect to their use of the world's oceans.
- The UN has no direct operational role in the implementation of the Convention.
- There is, however, a role played by organizations such as the International Maritime Organization, the International Whaling Commission, and the International Seabed Authority (ISA). (The ISA was established by the UN Convention.)
- USA has signed the Agreement, but have not ratified.
- Turkey has neither signed nor acceded to both the Convention and Agreement