PLACES IN NEWS 5th JULY 2025

1. 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:

2. 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).
3. Hydrology and Rivers:

4. Important Places:

5. 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

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:

Project Features:

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:

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.