Understanding the Renaming of Havelock Island

The question asks about the new name given to Havelock Island in December 2018. This event was part of a larger renaming initiative concerning several islands in the Andaman and Nicobar archipelago.

In December 2018, as a tribute to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose and his visit to the islands in 1943 where he hoisted the national flag, the Indian government announced the renaming of three significant islands:

• Ross Island
• Neil Island
• Havelock Island

Identifying the New Name for Havelock Island

Let's look at the renamings that took place:

• Ross Island was renamed as Netaji Subhash Bose Dweep.
• Neil Island was renamed as Shaheed Dweep.
• Havelock Island was renamed as Swaraj Dweep.

Comparing this with the options provided:

1. Veer Savarkar Island: This option is incorrect. While Veer Savarkar is a significant figure associated with the Andaman Islands (the airport in Port Blair is named after him), this island was not renamed Veer Savarkar Island in December 2018.
2. Netaji Subhash Bose Island: This option refers to the renaming of Ross Island, not Havelock Island.
3. Swaheed Dweep: This option is very close to the actual new name of Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep), but it is not the new name for Havelock Island.
4. Swaraj Dweep: This option correctly identifies the new name given to Havelock Island.

Therefore, Havelock Island was renamed as Swaraj Dweep in December 2018.

Summary of Island Renaming

Conclusion on Havelock Island's New Identity

Based on the historical facts and the renaming event in December 2018, Havelock Island is now officially known as Swaraj Dweep. This renaming aligns with the historical context of India's independence movement and Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose's connection with the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Revision Table: Havelock Island Renaming

Review the key details about the renaming of Havelock Island and related islands:

• Event: Renaming of three islands in Andaman & Nicobar.
• Date: December 2018.
• Islands Renamed: Havelock Island, Neil Island, Ross Island.
• New Names: Swaraj Dweep (Havelock), Shaheed Dweep (Neil), Netaji Subhash Bose Dweep (Ross).
• Significance: Tribute to India's independence struggle and Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose.

Additional Information: Andaman and Nicobar Islands Context

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are a union territory of India, located in the Bay of Bengal. They hold significant historical importance, particularly related to the Indian independence movement, including the infamous Cellular Jail (Kala Pani) in Port Blair.

The renaming of islands like Havelock Island (now Swaraj Dweep) is part of efforts to remove colonial names and connect these places more closely with India's own history and heroes. Havelock Island, known for its beautiful beaches like Radhanagar Beach, remains a popular tourist destination under its new name, Swaraj Dweep.