1. Philippines

Why in the News?

1. India and the Philippines have elevated their bilateral relationship to a strategic partnership, enhancing cooperation in defence, maritime security, trade, and connectivity.
2. Three Indian naval ships are participating in a naval exercise in the Philippines for the first time.
3. Both countries finalized defence mechanisms, including training exchanges and joint maritime activities.
4. The two sides launched talks for a preferential trade agreement, announced upcoming direct flights, and India offered free e-tourist visas for Filipinos starting August 2025.

About Philippines

1. Location & Political Identity: The Philippines is an archipelagic country in Southeast Asia, located in the western Pacific Ocean. Its capital is Manila, while Quezon City is the largest city.
2. Geographical Composition: It comprises around 7,640 islands, grouped into three major regions — Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.
3. Surrounding Water Bodies: The country is bordered by the Philippine Sea (east), South China Sea (west and north), Celebes Sea (south), and Sulu Sea (southwest).
4. Neighbouring Landmasses: Nearby regions include Taiwan (north), Borneo (southwest), Sulawesi (southwest), and Palau (east).
5. Topographical Features:
   1. Highest peak: Mount Apo.
   2. Longest river: Cagayan River in northern Luzon.
   3. Major lakes and bays: Laguna de Bay (largest lake), connected to Manila Bay via the Pasig River.
6. Volcanic Activity: Located on the Pacific Ring of Fire, the Philippines is prone to frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. Prominent volcanoes include Mayon, Taal, and Mount Pinatubo.
7. Natural Wonders: Home to the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
8. Climate: The country experiences a tropical maritime and monsoonal climate, typically hot and humid.
9. Biodiversity & Resources: Recognized as a megadiverse country, it ranks as the second-largest producer of geothermal energy globally, after the United States.

2. Hiroshima and Nagasaki

Why in the News?

1. August 6, 2025, marks 80 years since the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, which killed over 2,00,000 people.
2. Recent nuclear threats by Russia and tensions in South Asia have raised concerns about the weakening of the norm of non-use.
3. Experts warn that growing complacency and the development of more “usable” nuclear weapons may increase the risk of future use.

About Hiroshima and Nagasaki

1. Hiroshima and Nagasaki are cities in Japan, located on the islands of Honshu and Kyushu
2. Hiroshima was a major military and industrial center with military camps, headquarters, and factories.
3. Nagasaki was a key port city and industrial hub, known for its shipbuilding and arms production.
4. On August 6, 1945, the U.S. dropped an atomic bomb named “Little Boy” on Hiroshima, killing around 1,40,000 people by the end of 1945.
5. On August 9, 1945, the U.S. dropped “Fat Man” on Nagasaki, resulting in around 74,000 deaths by the end of that year.
6. The bombings destroyed large parts of both cities, generated radioactive black rain, and caused long-term health effects like cancer, chronic illnesses, and radiation sickness among survivors.
7. Hiroshima’s temperature at the time of the blast reached an estimated 4,00,000°C, and Nagasaki saw destruction over an area of 7 sq km.
8. Today, both cities stand as global symbols of peace and anti-nuclear advocacy, with memorials like the Hiroshima Peace Memorial (Genbaku Dome) and the Nagasaki Peace Park.