Why in the News?

A maritime patrol aircraft from the Indian Navy and a transport aircraft from the Indian Air Force (IAF) made a visit to Australia's Cocos (Keeling) Islands (CKI) recently.

About Cocos (Keeling) Islands:

• Location:
• The Cocos (Keeling) Islands are situated in the eastern Indian Ocean, approximately 2,900 kilometers (1,800 miles) northwest of the Australian city of Perth.
• Geography:
• Comprising coral atolls and islands, the archipelago includes North Keeling Island and the South Keeling Islands.
• Administrative Headquarters:
• The territory's administrative headquarters are located on West Island, situated in the southern atoll.
• Climate:
• The islands experience a warm and humid climate.
• Vegetation:
• The predominant vegetation consists of coconut palms, which were previously cultivated for copra on plantations.
• On North Keeling and Horsburgh islands, coarse grass serves as the primary ground cover.
• National Park:
• The northern atoll is home to Australia's most remote Commonwealth National Park, known as the Pulu Keeling National Park.
• Inhabitants:
• The population of the islands mainly comprises descendants of the original plantation workers, predominantly of Malay origin.
• Administration:
• The Cocos (Keeling) Islands are governed by an administrator appointed by the Australian governor-general. The islands became an Australian territory under the Cocos (Keeling) Islands Act 1955.