In the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Duncan Passage lies between which one of the following pairs of islands?

Introduction / Context:
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are strategically important for India's maritime security and also appear frequently in geography exams because of their unique channels, straits, and passages. Duncan Passage is one such important waterway that separates specific islands within this archipelago. Knowing which islands are separated by which passage helps in map based questions and improves your understanding of India's island geography in the Bay of Bengal.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The question is about Duncan Passage in the Andaman and Nicobar region.
• We have four options, each giving a pair of islands from the Andaman and Nicobar group.
• Only one option correctly identifies the pair of islands between which Duncan Passage lies.
• We assume standard nomenclature used in Indian school atlases and geography texts.

Concept / Approach:
Several narrow sea channels or passages in this region have specific names, such as Ten Degree Channel, Six Degree Channel, and Duncan Passage. Duncan Passage separates parts of the Andaman group rather than the Nicobar group. Specifically, it lies between South Andaman Island to the north and Little Andaman Island to the south. By recalling this association and contrasting it with other well known channels, we can pick the correct option from the list.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that Duncan Passage is located to the south of South Andaman Island and to the north of Little Andaman Island. Step 2: Understand that it forms a marine passage within the Andaman group, not between the Andaman and Nicobar groups. Step 3: Compare the options: options involving Car Nicobar or Little Nicobar belong to the Nicobar group of islands, which are further south. Step 4: Since Duncan Passage separates South Andaman from Little Andaman, the correct pair must contain exactly these two islands. Step 5: Therefore, the option “South Andaman and Little Andaman” is the only correct answer.

Verification / Alternative check:
If you refer to a detailed map of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Duncan Passage is clearly marked between South Andaman Island and Little Andaman Island. The Ten Degree Channel, on the other hand, separates the Andaman group from the Nicobar group, while the Six Degree Channel lies further south near Great Nicobar. This cartographic evidence supports the conclusion that Duncan Passage specifically separates South Andaman and Little Andaman.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Little Andaman and Car Nicobar Island: These two islands are separated by a larger stretch of sea that includes the Ten Degree Channel, not Duncan Passage. Car Nicobar Island and Little Nicobar Island: Both islands belong to the Nicobar group, and the passage between them is not known as Duncan Passage. Little Nicobar Island and Great Nicobar Island: These are also part of the Nicobar group, separated by different local channels, not Duncan Passage.

Common Pitfalls:
Students often mix up the names of passages and channels because several of them occur in the same broad region. Confusing Duncan Passage with the Ten Degree or Six Degree Channels is a common error. To avoid this, remember three key associations: Duncan Passage between South Andaman and Little Andaman; Ten Degree Channel between Andaman and Nicobar groups; Six Degree Channel south of Great Nicobar towards Sumatra. Keeping these three straight will help you score well in related MCQs.

Final Answer:
Duncan Passage in the Andaman and Nicobar region lies between South Andaman and Little Andaman islands.