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:

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)

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:

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

 

4. 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

 

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:

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.