PLACES IN NEWS 5th JULY 2025

PLACES IN NEWS 5th JULY 2025

05-07-2025

1. Argentina

Argentina

Why in the News?

  1. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has landed in Buenos Aires, Argentina, marking a historic bilateral visit, the first such trip by an Indian prime minister in 57 years, since Indira Gandhi’s 1968 visit.
  2. This two day mission is the third stop on his five-nation tour, following visits to Ghana and Trinidad & Tobago.

What are the Key Highlights?

  1. Geographical Overview:

Feature

Description

Continent

South America

Latitude/Longitude

Approximately 23°S to 55°S latitude

Borders

Chile (west), Bolivia & Paraguay (north), Brazil & Uruguay (northeast), Atlantic Ocean (east)

Length (N-S)

Approximate 3,650 km,  one of the longest north-south countries in the world

Capital

Buenos Aires (on the eastern coast, on the Río de la Plata estuary)

  1. Physical Geography:
    1. Andes Mountains (Western Argentina):
      1. Forms the natural boundary with Chile.
      2. Includes Aconcagua (6,961 m), highest mountain in the Americas.
      3. Significant for glacial water sources, tourism, and minerals.
    2. Patagonia (South Argentina):
      1. Cold desert and steppe region, includes plains and plateaus.
      2. Sparsely populated.
      3. Important for oil, gas, and sheep rearing.
      4. Home to Perito Moreno Glacier (a UNESCO World Heritage Site).
    3. Pampas (Central Argentina):
      1. Fertile plains known for extensive agriculture and cattle ranching.
      2. Argentina is one of the world's leading exporters of beef, soybeans, and wheat.
    4. Gran Chaco (North Argentina):
      1. Semi-arid lowland region.
      2. Rich in biodiversity but threatened by deforestation.
      3. Home to indigenous communities.
    5. Mesopotamia Region (Northeast):
      1. Between Paraná and Uruguay Rivers.
      2. Rich in forests and wetlands.
      3. Includes Iguazú Falls (UNESCO site, shared with Brazil).
  2. Hydrology and Rivers:

River

Significance

Parana River

Second-longest in South America, major for navigation and hydroelectric power (Itaipu Dam nearby)

Uruguay River

Eastern border with Uruguay

Rio de la Plata

Estuary formed by confluence of Paraná and Uruguay rivers, Buenos Aires lies on its banks

Colorado & Negro Rivers

Important in southern irrigation and hydroelectricity

 

  1. Important Places:

 

Place

Why Important

Buenos Aires

Capital, port city, political & economic hub

Mendoza

Near Andes, wine production & Aconcagua mountain base

Cordoba

Industrial & educational center

Rosario

Major port on Parana River, agriculture hub

Ushuaia

Southernmost city in the world, gateway to Antarctica

Iguazu Falls

World-famous waterfall, UNESCO heritage site

Falkland Islands (UK territory, claimed by Argentina)

Geopolitical hotspot

Tierra del Fuego

Archipelago shared with Chile; end of the mainland

 

  1. Other Important Information
    1. South-South Cooperation:
      1. Argentina is a part of the Global South, and India-Argentina ties are increasing in space tech, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and lithium.
    2. Lithium Triangle:
      1. Argentina, Bolivia, Chile form the Lithium Triangle — key for EV batteries.
    3. Climate & Biodiversity:
      1. Large latitudinal extent = varied ecosystems.
      2. Important examples for biogeography, climate zones, and conservation issues.
    4. Antarctica Connection:
      1. Ushuaia was used as a base for Antarctica expeditions.

2. Siang Upper Multipurpose Project

Siang Upper Multipurpose Project

Why in the News?

  1. The Siang Upper Multipurpose Storage Project, located in Arunachal Pradesh, has gained attention due to:
    1. Geopolitical concerns over China's dam-building upstream on the Yarlung Tsangpo (Brahmaputra).
    2. Potential for hydropower generation, flood control, and water storage.
    3. Concerns about ecological impacts and displacement of tribal populations.

Geographical Location:

Aspect

Details

River

Siang River (main stem of the Brahmaputra in Arunachal Pradesh)

State

Arunachal Pradesh

Districts Covered

Upper Siang District

Upstream Origin

Yarlung Tsangpo in Tibet, enters India as Siang

Downstream Confluence

Merges with Dibang and Lohit rivers to form Brahmaputra in Assam

Nearby Important Towns

Yingkiong, Tuting

 

Coordinates (Approx.)

Latitude: ~28.5° N, Longitude: ~95.0° E

Topography

Located in Eastern Himalayas, rugged terrain, deep gorges, and forested valleys

 

 

Project Features:

Parameter

Details

Type

Multipurpose Storage Project

Components

Hydropower, irrigation, flood moderation, water storage

Proposed Dam Height

Over 280 metres (One of the tallest in India)

Capacity

Estimated hydropower generation of 11,000 MW+

Authority

NHPC Ltd. (or relevant Central PSU)

Status

Under appraisal / planning stage

Objectives:

  1. Hydropower generation for the North-East and national grid.
  2. Flood control downstream in Assam.
  3. Strategic water storage against China's upstream dams.
  4. Irrigation and drinking water for downstream regions.

Environmental and Social Concerns:

Issue

Details

Displacement

Large-scale displacement of Adi and other tribal communities.

Biodiversity

Located in the Eastern Himalayas—a biodiversity hotspot with rare flora & fauna.

Seismic Zone

High seismic activity—Earthquake-prone area (Zone V).

Cultural Sites

Close to indigenous sacred sites and tribal heritage zones.

Deforestation

Risk of submergence of large forest areas.


Strategic & Geopolitical Relevance

  1. Counters Chinese hydropower projects on upstream Yarlung Tsangpo.
  2. Acts as India’s strategic water buffer.
  3. Ensures river flow regulation for downstream Assam and Bangladesh.
  4. Tied to India’s “Act East” Policy and Northeast infrastructure development.

 

 

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