Duncan Passage in the Andaman and Nicobar region lies between which two islands?

Introduction / Context:

Straits and passages around India are an important part of physical geography and are often tested in competitive examinations. Duncan Passage is one of these sea passages in the Andaman and Nicobar region. The question asks you to correctly identify the two islands that Duncan Passage separates, which requires a good mental map of the islands in this union territory.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The passage in question is Duncan Passage.
• The options list island pairs such as Minicoy and Amindivi, Minicoy and Maldives, Little Andaman and Car Nicobar, and South Andaman and Little Andaman.
• We assume standard atlas information for the Andaman and Nicobar group of islands.
• We recognise that Minicoy and Amindivi are related to Lakshadweep, not Andaman and Nicobar.

Concept / Approach:

The key concept is that Duncan Passage is a strait in the Andaman Sea which lies between South Andaman Island and Little Andaman Island. It is distinct from other passages and channels like Ten Degree Channel, which lies between Little Andaman and Car Nicobar. By remembering these associations, we can match Duncan Passage with the correct pair of islands from the options provided.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:

To verify, one can refer to a detailed physical map of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The map typically labels Duncan Passage as the stretch of water separating South Andaman from Little Andaman. Ten Degree Channel is shown further south separating Little Andaman from the Nicobar group. Minicoy and Amindivi are far away in the Arabian Sea as part of the Lakshadweep islands and are not connected to Duncan Passage. Multiple geography references confirm this distribution, so the identification of South Andaman and Little Andaman as the correct pair is secure.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

Common Pitfalls:

Students sometimes mix up the various channels and passages around the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. A frequent mistake is to associate Duncan Passage with Little Andaman and Car Nicobar, simply because Ten Degree Channel, another named feature, also lies in that area. To avoid confusion, remember the distinction: Ten Degree Channel separates Little Andaman and Car Nicobar, while Duncan Passage separates South Andaman and Little Andaman. Additionally, Lakshadweep related names should be mentally kept separate from Andaman and Nicobar features.

Final Answer:

Duncan Passage is situated between South Andaman and Little Andaman Islands.