The correct answer is Barren Island. Explanation & Key Takeaways: • Barren Island is the only active volcano in India and is located in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. • It lies around 135 km northeast of Port Blair, the capital of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. • The volcano is situated on a small island with an area of approximately 8-10 sq. km, and most of the island is covered by the volcanic cone. • The first recorded eruption of Barren Island occurred in 1787, and it has been active sporadically since then. • The recent eruptions occurred in 1991, 1995, and 2017. These eruptions attracted global attention as Barren Island is one of the very few active volcanoes in South Asia. • It is part of the volcanic arc formed by the subduction of the Indian plate beneath the Burmese microplate along the Andaman Trench. • The island is uninhabited, and access to it is restricted. It is primarily used for research and geological studies. Related Concepts: • Geological Features of Barren Island: • Type: It is a stratovolcano, characterized by layers of solidified lava, volcanic ash, and tephra. • Crater: The main crater is located at the summit, where lava and ash eruptions occur. • Formation: It was formed due to the interaction of tectonic plates along the Andaman Trench. • Other Notable Volcanoes in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands: • Narcondam Island: An extinct volcano located northeast of Barren Island. • Baratang: Known for its mud volcanoes, which are formed due to the emission of gases and semi-liquid mud. • Global Significance of Barren Island: • Barren Island is part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, known for its high volcanic activity. • Its eruptions have provided valuable data to scientists for studying plate tectonics and volcanic processes in the Indian Ocean region. Important Notes: • Details of Other Options: • Narcondam: It is an extinct volcano located near Barren Island. Unlike Barren Island, it does not exhibit any volcanic activity. • Baratang: Known for its mud volcanoes, which are different from lava-spewing volcanoes. • Deccan Traps: Located in western India, these are flood basalt rock formations formed by volcanic activity millions of years ago during the Cretaceous-Paleogene extinction event. • Access and Research: • Access to Barren Island requires special permission from the government due to its hazardous nature and ecological sensitivity. • It has been a site of interest for volcanologists and geologists worldwide.