Islands
'India first country to name islands after soldiers', says Amit Shah
Shah said that it is an important day for the three wings of the Indian military
 "'India first country to name islands after soldiers', says Amit Shah")
Strong earthquake shakes Indonesia's main island; no tsunami alert
A strong earthquake shook parts of Indonesia's main island of Java on Saturday, causing panic and sending people into the streets, but there were no immediate reports of casualties. Officials said there was no danger of a tsunami. The U.S. Geological Survey measured the quake at magnitude 5.7 and said it was centred about 18 kilometers southeast of Banjar, a city between West Java and Central Java provinces, at a depth of 112 kilometers. A magnitude 5.6 earthquake on Nov. 21 killed at least 331 people and injured nearly 600 in West Java's Cianjur city. It was the deadliest quake in Indonesia since a 2018 quake and tsunami in Sulawesi killed about 4,340 people. Dwikorita Karnawati, head of Indonesia's Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysical Agency, said there was no danger of a tsunami but warned of possible aftershocks. The agency put a preliminary magnitude at 6.4. Variations in early measurements are common. High-rises in Jakarta, the capital, swayed for more than 10 seconds
 "Strong earthquake shakes Indonesia's main island; no tsunami alert")
Solomon Islands restricts ships' arrival amid concerns over security pact
The Solomon Islands on Wednesday asked countries to not send naval vessels to the South Pacific nation until approval processes are overhauled, amid concerns over a new security pact between the Solomons and China. The government made the request after the US Coast Guard cutter Oliver Henry and the British navy patrol boat HMS Spey cancelled planned port calls last week due to bureaucratic delays. The United States and Britain are among countries concerned that a new security pact with Beijing could lead to a Chinese naval base being constructed less than 2,000 kilometres (1,200 miles) off Australia's northeast coast. Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare said the Oliver Henry crew had failed to provide required information in time for his office to approve the visit. The Oliver Henry refuelled at Papua New Guinea instead. The HMS Spey withdrew its application to visit, Sogavare said. The delay in these approvals demonstrate the need for the government to review and refine its approval
 "Solomon Islands restricts ships' arrival amid concerns over security pact")
Exotic inflation: Price no worry for Indian collectors to get status pets
The prices are no deterrent for those eager to be 'different' or seeking exotic pets as status symbols.
 "Exotic inflation: Price no worry for Indian collectors to get status pets")
How scientists prevented an island in the Gulf of Mannar from disappearing
Scientists have been trying to stop Vaan Island in the Gulf of Mannar from disappearing. Their success means hope for other such threatened islands.
 "How scientists prevented an island in the Gulf of Mannar from disappearing")
Indonesia's Gili Islands are an underwater museum of art and marine life
Bit by bit, these sculptures are becoming home to soft corals and sponges. Soon, they will form coral reefs
 "Indonesia's Gili Islands are an underwater museum of art and marine life")
Spending the weekend dancing to tunes of indie music on a private island
Tycoons, listen up. James Tarmy has a list of perfect private islands for long-term getaways
 "Spending the weekend dancing to tunes of indie music on a private island")
PM Modi directs speedy development of islands; 26 identified
These islands are located along different parts of India's coastline, including some in the Andamans and Lakshadweep
 "PM Modi directs speedy development of islands; 26 identified")
