🗞️ Current AffairsUPSC 2022India and its Neighbourhood

The term “Levant” often heard in the news roughly corresponds to which of the following regions?

aRegion along the eastern Mediterranean shores
bRegion along North African shores stretching from Egypt to Morocco
cRegion along Persian Gulf and Horn of Africa
dThe entire coastal areas of Mediterranean Sea
✓ Correct answer: a) Region along the eastern Mediterranean shores
ExplanationThe Levant refers to the eastern Mediterranean region covering Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, Israel, Palestine and parts of Turkey and Egypt (Sinai Peninsula).It is derived from the French word lever (to rise) and signifies the eastward direction of the rising sun.This region has been historically significant for trade, ancient civilizations, and conflicts.The term is also asso- ciated with the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), a designated terrorist organization.Option (b) is incorrect : Region along North African shores stretching from Egypt to Morocco is generally referred to as the Maghreb, not the Levant.The Maghreb includes Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, and Mauritania with Egypt sometimes included in broader definitions.Option (c) is incorrect : Region along Persian Gulf and Horn of Africa includes countries such as Saudi Arabia, UAE, Oman, Yemen (Persian Gulf), and Somalia, Djibouti, Eritrea (Horn of Africa).Option (d) is incorrect : The Mediterranean coastline includes regions from Southern Europe, North Africa, and the Levant but the term “Levant” does not co

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