Levant, (from the French lever, “to rise,” as in sunrise, meaning the east), historically, the region along the eastern Mediterranean shores, roughly corresponding to modern-day Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, and certain adjacent areas.
Why in the news?
The collapse of the Bashar al-Assad regime in Syria is expected to have far-reaching consequences for the region, posing a strategic threat to Iran’s regional dominance and weakening Tehran’s long-standing aim to establish a “Shiite Crescent” across the Middle East.
Shia Crescent: The Shia Crescent is the notionally crescent-shaped region of the Middle East where the majority population is Shia or a strong Shia minority exists. These areas are under Iranian control, as Iran has sought to unite all Shia Muslims under one banner.
Areas included: The crescent includes Lebanon, Syria, Bahrain, Iraq, Iran, Azerbaijan, Yemen, and western Afghanistan.
Levant Related MCQs
Ques: The Levant is a phrase used to describe:
(a) geographical subregion that borders Greece and Turkey
(b) geographical subregion that borders the Northern Mediterranean Sea and Turkey
(c) geographical subregion that borders the Southern Black Sea and Turkey
(d) geographical subregion that borders the Eastern Mediterranean Sea to West Asia.
Consider the following pairs with reference to the places and regions associated:
1. Hama – Turkey
2. Kwango Province – Nigeria
Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) None
Which of the following viruses is also known as the ‘bleeding eye’ virus?
(a) Avian influenza
(b) Hepatitis B virus
(c) Marburg virus
(d) Hepatitis E virus
MVD, sometimes known as the “bleeding eye virus,” is one of the worst diseases capable of infecting humans.
The report ‘Trade Watch’ has been released by:
(a) Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT)
(b) Department of Commerce
(c) NITI Aayog
(d) India Trade Promotion Organisation
With reference to the Minimum Support Price (MSP), consider the following statements:
1. The Government of India announces the minimum support prices at the beginning of the harvest season for certain crops.
2. Nigerseed is not covered under the MSP.
3. The MSP is announced on the recommendations of the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP).
4. MSPs are guaranteed a price for their produce from the Government.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) Only three
(d) All four
Read more: UPSC Interview 2024: Dates, Process, and Preparation Strategy
