The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has launched oil exploration over 124 million hectares of the Cuvette Centrale peatlands raising global ecological risk.
About the Cuvette Centrale Peatland Complex:
Location: Central Congo Basin, spanning the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Republic of Congo.
Size: Covers approximately 145,000–167,600 sq. km—larger than England and about 10% of the Congo Basin.
Peat Coverage: Around 40% of the region is underlain by peat—formed over 10,000 years due to flat terrain, rainforest climate, and slow-moving water.
Landscape: Features a mosaic of seasonal lakes, floating prairies, swamp forests, rivers, and grasslands.
Global Status: The world’s largest near-contiguous tropical peatland complex.
Ecological Significance:
Carbon Storage: Holds about 30–30.6 gigatonnes of carbon—
Equal to 3 years of global fossil fuel emissions.
Nearly 15 years of U.S. emissions.
About 28% of global tropical peat carbon stock.
Climate Impact: Acts as a major carbon sink, critical for regulating global temperatures and mitigating climate change.
Biodiversity: Habitat for forest elephants, lowland gorillas, and rare plant species.
Local Importance: Sustains indigenous livelihoods and maintains regional water cycles.
Conservation Status: Recognized as a transnational Ramsar wetland site, highlighting its international ecological value.
[UPSC 2024] One of the following regions has the world’s largest tropical peatland, which holds about three years’ worth of global carbon emissions from fossil fuels, and the possible destruction of which can exert a detrimental effect on the global climate. Which one of the following denotes that region?
Options: (a) Amazon Basin (b) Congo Basin* (c) Kikori basin (d) Rio De La Plata Basin
Iran’s Parliament has approved a motion to block the Strait of Hormuz, raising concerns worldwide.
About the Strait of Hormuz:
Geographic Location: The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow waterway that connects the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and eventually to the Arabian Sea.
Dimensions: It is about 167 km long and 33 km wide at its narrowest, making it one of the world’s most strategic maritime chokepoints.
Bordering Countries: The strait lies between Iran (north) and Oman (south), with nearby cities such as Bandar Abbas, Khasab, and Dubai.
Shipping Lanes: It contains designated lanes just 3 km wide in each direction to manage heavy oil tanker traffic.
Key Islands: Important islands include Qeshm, Hormuz, and Hengam (controlled by Iran) and disputed ones like Abu Musa and the Tunbs, claimed by both Iran and the UAE.
Naval Depth Advantage: Waters near the Musandam Peninsula reach depths over 650 feet, ideal for deep-draft oil tankers.
Security Risks: Due to its narrowness, the strait is vulnerable to disruption from mining, military action, or cyber interference.
Historical Tensions: It has witnessed frequent maritime tensions, especially during Iran–West conflicts but has never been fully blocked.
Its significance:
Global Oil Flow: Over 20 million barrels of crude oil per day pass through the strait, accounting for 25% of seaborne oil trade and 20% of global consumption.
Gas Exports: It is vital for LNG exports, especially from Qatar, reaching markets across the globe.
Asian Dependence: Countries like India, China, Japan, and South Korea import 69% of the oil that flows through the strait.
Market Sensitivity: Any disruption can spike global oil prices, increasing fuel and commodity costs worldwide.
Limited Alternatives: Overland pipelines like Saudi Arabia’s East-West (5 million bpd) and UAE’s Habshan-Fujairah (1.8 million bpd) offer only partial alternatives.
Implications of Blockade:
Shipping Costs: During geopolitical tensions, insurance and freight charges for using the strait surge significantly.
India’s Vulnerability: India relies heavily on the region for oil imports, so instability could raise inflation, disrupt energy supplies, and impact the trade balance.
Strategic Response: A full blockade could trigger direct military action, particularly from the US 5th Fleet based in Bahrain.
Mutual Economic Impact: Disruption would affect both exporters and importers, including Iran and its major customer, China.
[UPSC 2010] Which one of the following can one come across if one travels through the Strait of Malacca?
Options: (a) Bali (b) Brunei (c) Java (d) Singapore*
Mount Etna, Europe’s largest active volcano, has erupted sending ash, smoke, and rock fragments several kilometres into the sky.
Why do Volcanoes Erupt?
Magma Formation: Deep within Earth, high temperature and pressure melt rocks into magma.
Gas Expansion: Magma contains gases like water vapor, CO₂, and SO₂. As magma rises, the pressure drops, allowing these gases to form bubbles, increasing internal pressure.
Crustal Weaknesses: At tectonic boundaries or mantle plumes, cracks and faults in Earth’s crust provide pathways for magma to escape.
Eruption Mechanism:
As pressure builds, magma is pushed upwards.
If blocked, the gas expansion can explode through the crust, ejecting lava, ash, and gases.
Signals: If magma flow is suddenly stopped by solid rock, it may create low-frequency seismic waves (pre-eruption tremors).
About Mount Etna:
Location: Situated on the east coast of Sicily, Italy, near the city of Catania.
Type: Mount Etna is a stratovolcano (also called a composite volcano), which is formed from layers of hardened lava, volcanic ash, and rocks.
Height: It stands at approximately 3,300 meters, making it the tallest volcano in Europe south of the Alps.
Recognition: Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2013, with documented volcanic activity for at least 2,700 years.
Eruption Record: Etna is almost constantly active. Notable eruptions have occurred in 1400 B.C., 1669, 2001, 2018, 2021, 2024, and 2025.
Volcanic Activity Style: Known for Strombolian and effusive eruptions, with occasional Plinian eruptions (rare and more explosive).
Reasons Behind the June 2025 Eruption:
Nature of Eruption: The eruption is classified as either Strombolian or possibly Plinian, depending on interpretation:
Strombolian Eruption: Characterized by moderate explosive bursts, caused by gas bubbles in magma suddenly bursting at the surface.
Plinian Eruption: Some volcanologists suggest this classification due to the large ash column that may have reached the stratosphere.
Eruption Trigger: The eruption likely began due to pressure buildup from gas within the magma chamber, leading to collapse of the southeast crater and lava flows.
[UPSC 2024] Consider the following:
1. Pyroclastic debris
2. Ash and dust
3. Nitrogen compounds
4. Sulphur compounds
How many of the above are products of volcanic eruptions?
Options: (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) Only three (d) Only four*
What it is: The Zangezur Corridor is a proposed land route through Armenia’s Syunik Province that would connect Azerbaijan to its Nakhchivan region, cutting across Armenian land.
Who supports it: Azerbaijan and Turkiye back the project. They want a direct link without Armenian border checks or customs interference.
Route Details: The corridor would be about 43–44 km long and pass near the Iran-Armenia border, giving it high geopolitical value.
Working on a transport route via Iran–Armenia–Georgia to Europe, bypassing Pakistan and the Suez Canal.
Concerns: If the Zangezur Corridor bypasses Armenian control, it could:
Disrupt India’s land trade route to Europe,
Reduce Iran’s regional access,
Weaken India’s strategic reach.
Larger Geo-Politics: Turkiye and Azerbaijan’s growing influence in the region is worrying for India, especially since Turkiye opposes India’s IMEC (India-Middle East-Europe Corridor).
India’s Stand: India supports Armenia’s sovereignty and opposes unilateral moves, aiming to:
Protect its trade routes,
Preserve strategic balance, and
Counter regional encirclement.
[UPSC 2023] Consider the following pairs:
Regions often mentioned in news : Reason for being in news
1. North Kivu and Ituri : War between Armenia an Azerbaijan
2. Nagorno-Karabakh : Insurgency in Mozambique
3. Kherson and Zaporizhzhia : Dispute between Israel and Lebanon How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?
Options: (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None *
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Heard and McDonald Islands
Why in the News?
Donald Trump imposed a 10% tariff on imports from the Heard and McDonald Islands, despite no human presence there for nearly a decade.
About the Heard and McDonald Islands
The Heard and McDonald Islands are located in the Southern Ocean, approximately 4,100 km south-west of Perth, Australia, and 1,600 km to the north of the Antarctic coast.
The islands are unincorporated external territories of Australia, meaning they are not part of any Australian state but are directly administered by the Australian government.
The islands are home to seals, penguins, and albatrosses, and serve as crucial breeding grounds for these species.
The islands have been designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites due to their ecological significance, particularly their rich biodiversity.
Heard Island:
Heard Island spans an area of approximately 368 square kilometers.
The island’s highest point is Mawson Peak, an active volcano standing 2,745 meters (9,006 feet) above sea level.
Mawson Peak is one of the most active volcanoes in the southern hemisphere, with eruptions as recent as 2016.
McDonald Islands:
It is much smaller, covering only 2.5 square kilometers.
Geological Nature: These islands are volcanic and part of the same volcanic chain as Heard Island.
Climate
Both islands experience an extremely cold subantarctic climate, with heavy winds, snow, and ice for much of the year.
Temperatures rarely exceed 5°C (41°F) even in summer.
Strategic Significance
The islands are strategically located between Australia and Antarctica, important for monitoring the Southern Ocean, vital for global biodiversity and climate studies.
They play a key role in scientific research, particularly in volcanology, glaciology, and climate change, with Australia operating a research station on Heard Island.
The islands are protected under the Antarctic Treaty System, ensuring no military activity or commercial exploitation in the region.
Rich in marine resources, the surrounding waters are also safeguarded to prevent overfishing and environmental harm.
Their geopolitical importance grows as international competition and territorial claims around Antarctica and the Southern Ocean increase.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Gulf of Eilat
Why in the News?
Researchers have discovered a significant pause in coral reef growth in the Gulf of Eilat/Aqaba during the late Holocene period.
Key Highlights of the Study:
The study identified a 4,400 – 1,000-year hiatus in coral growth, similar to events observed in Mexico, Brazil, and Australia.
Scientists attribute this temporary halt to a sea-level drop caused by tectonic activity and cooling events, which exposed coral reefs and disrupted their development.
Despite this, the reef recovered by recolonizing from deeper coral communities, showcasing its natural resilience.
About Gulf of Eilat
Also known as the Gulf of Aqaba, it is a narrow extension of the Red Sea, located between the Sinai Peninsula (Egypt) and the Arabian Peninsula.
It connects to the Red Sea through the Strait of Tiran and borders Egypt, Israel, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia.
The city of Eilat (Israel) and Aqaba (Jordan) lie along its shores, making it a strategic trade and tourism hub.
Geographical and Political Significance:
Strategic Trade Route: Provides access to the Indian Ocean via the Red Sea, critical for Israel and Jordan’s maritime trade.
Bordering Multiple Nations: Shares coastlines with Egypt, Israel, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia, making it a key area for regional diplomacy and security.
Tourism & Marine Biodiversity: Known for coral reefs and marine life, attracting divers and boosting the economies of Eilat and Aqaba.
Geopolitical Sensitivity: The Strait of Tiran has been historically significant in Arab-Israeli conflicts, especially during the Six-Day War (1967) when Egypt blocked Israeli access.
Energy & Trade Importance: It is an alternative route for oil shipments and goods trade, reducing reliance on the Suez Canal.
PYQ:
[2014] Which of the following have coral reefs?
1. Andaman and Nicobar Islands
2. Gulf of Kachchh
3. Gulf of Mannar
4. Sunderbans
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Darfur Region
Why in the News?
At least 70 people were killed in a drone strike on the last working hospital in Sudan’s North Darfur capital.
About the Darfur Region
Details
Conflict-prone region in western Sudan, affected by ethnic violence and resource conflicts since 2003.
Site of one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises, with mass killings and displacement.
Home to multiple ethnic groups, with tensions between Arab pastoralists and non-Arab farming communities.
Janjaweed militias, backed by the Sudanese government, accused of genocide and mass atrocities.
Rapid Support Forces (RSF), formerly Janjaweed, play a key role in ongoing instability.
Renewed violence in 2023, worsening the humanitarian situation.
Geographical Location
Located in western Sudan, bordering Chad, Libya, and the Central African Republic.
Covers an area of about 493,180 sq. km, nearly the size of France.
Predominantly arid and semi-arid, with desert in the north and more fertile land in the south.
Climate-driven water and grazing conflicts, worsened by desertification and climate change.
Composed of five states: North, South, West, Central, and East Darfur.
El Fasher is the capital and largest city, serving as an administrative and humanitarian hub.
Impact of Conflict
Politically marginalized for decades, leading to armed uprisings against Sudan’s government.
Conflict escalated in 2003 with rebel groups like the Sudan Liberation Movement (SLM) and Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) demanding greater autonomy.
Remains a stronghold of rebel activity, contributing to Sudan’s broader instability.
Ongoing violence impacts regional security, affecting neighboring countries like Chad and the Central African Republic.
PYQ:
[2024] Consider the following statements :
Statement-I: There is instability and worsening security situation in the Sahel region.
Statement-II: There have been military takeovers/coups d’état in several countries of the Sahel region in the recent past.
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statement?
a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I
b) Bothe Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I
c) Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect
d) Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Lao PDR
Why in the News?
The Indian Embassy in Lao PDR has successfully rescued 67 Indian nationals who were trafficked and forced to work in cyber scam centres in the Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone (GTSEZ).
Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone (GTSEZ)
It is a semi-autonomous economic zone located in Bokeo Province, Lao PDR (Laos), near the borders of Thailand and Myanmar.
It is situated within the infamous Golden Triangle region, historically known for opium production and drug trafficking.
It was established to promote tourism, trade, and investment but has been widely criticized for illegal activities, including human trafficking, cyber fraud, and illicit gambling.
AboutLao PDR (Laos)
Details
Officially known as the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR).
Gained independence from France in 1953.
Experienced a civil war (1959–1975), leading to the communist Pathet Lao taking control and abolishing the monarchy in 1975.
One-party communist state under the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party (LPRP).
Economic growth driven by hydropower, mining, and agriculture, but remains one of ASEAN’s least developed nations.
2023 economic distress due to high debt and inflation, linked to China-backed infrastructure projects like the China-Laos Railway.
Geographical Location
Landlocked country in Southeast Asia, bordered by China (north), Vietnam (east), Cambodia (south), Thailand (west), and Myanmar (northwest).
Capital city:Vientiane, located along the Mekong River near Thailand.
Total area:236,800 sq. km, with a mountainous landscape and dense forests.
The Mekong River flows through Laos, supporting trade, agriculture, and hydropower projects.
Tropical monsoon climate with a wet season (May-Oct) and a dry season (Nov-Apr).
Political Aspects
One-party communist state, ruled by the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party (LPRP) since 1975.
The most heavily bombed country per capita in history due to the US Secret War (1964–1973).
Acts as a buffer state between China, Vietnam, and Thailand, playing a role in Mekong River trade and energy exports.
ASEAN Membership: Joined ASEAN in 1997, contributing to regional diplomacy and economic cooperation.
Challenges:
Major recipient of Chinese investment under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), with concerns over debt sustainability.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Trinidad and Tobago
Why in the News?
The government of Trinidad and Tobago declared a state of emergency on December 30, 2024, in response to escalating violence in the Caribbean nation.
About Trinidad and Tobago
Geography:
Located in the southern Caribbean, near Venezuela.
A dual-island nation consisting of Trinidad (4,768 sq. km) and Tobago (300 sq. km).
Total land area: 5,128 sq. km.
Climate: Tropical, with a dry season from January to May and a rainy season from June to December.
Population:
Approximately 1.5 million people.
Ethnic Composition: African (36.3%), Indian (35.4%), Mixed (22.8%), European, Chinese, and others.
Religions: Christianity (64%), Hinduism (18%), Islam (5%), and others.
Capital and Cities:
Capital: Port of Spain (Trinidad).
Other key cities: San Fernando, Chaguanas, and Scarborough (Tobago).
Political System:
Government Type: Parliamentary democracy under a constitutional republic.
Member of the Commonwealth of Nations.
Gained independence from the UK on August 31, 1962, and became a republic in 1976.
Infrastructure:
Ports: Port of Spain, Point Lisas, and Scarborough are critical for trade.
Airports: Piarco International Airport (Trinidad) and A.N.R. Robinson International Airport (Tobago).
Culture and Heritage:
Known for the Carnival, one of the world’s largest pre-Lenten celebrations.
Birthplace of Calypso music, Soca, and the Steelpan (the only acoustic musical instrument invented in the 20th century).
Geo-Political Significance
T&T is a major exporter of liquefied natural gas (LNG) and petrochemicals (methanol and ammonia), supplying markets in the U.S., Europe, and Latin America.
It is positioned at the crossroads of the Caribbean Sea and Atlantic Ocean, serving as a gateway between North and South America.
It is a founding member of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) advocating for regional economic integration, disaster response, and collective security.
It is a active member of the Commonwealth and the United Nations, pushing for climate change resilience and sustainable development initiatives.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Urengoy-Pomary-Uzhgorod pipeline;
Mains level: Geopolitical tension in Europe;
Why in the News?
For over 40 years, Russian gas has been transported to Europe through Ukraine, but these supplies are set to cease on January 1, following Ukraine’s Naftogaz decision not to renew its most recent five-year transit agreement with Russia’s Gazprom.
Note:Student you can use this content in Prelims for facts related to map and mains exam for substantiate the argument related to geopolitical tension in Europe.
Do you know about the Urengoy-Pomary-Uzhgorod pipeline?
The Urengoy-Pomary-Uzhgorod pipeline, also known as the Brotherhood pipeline, is a significant natural gas export route from Russia to Europe, primarily traversing Ukraine. The pipeline starts at the Urengoy gas field in northwest Siberia and extends southwest to Uzhhorod, Ukraine, near the Slovakian border.
It spans approximately 4,500 kilometers (2,800 miles), with about 1,160 kilometers (720 miles) located in Ukraine.
The pipeline was commissioned in 1984 and has been a crucial part of Russia’s gas export strategy to Europe.
What is the volume of gas supplied through Ukraine?
Historical Context: At its peak, the pipeline system, including the Urengoy-Pomary-Uzhgorod pipeline, delivered approximately 201 billion cubic meters (bcm) of gas to Europe in 2018. However, this volume has drastically decreased over the years due to geopolitical tensions and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Recent Figures: In 2023, only about 15 bcm of gas was shipped through Ukraine, a significant drop from 65 bcm when the last five-year contract began in 2020.
What are the Possible Impacts?
Economic Consequences for Ukraine: Ukraine is expected to lose up to $1 billion annually in transit fees due to the cessation of gas flows. To mitigate this loss, it plans to quadruple gas transmission tariffs for domestic consumers, which could burden its industry with additional costs exceeding $38.2 million per year.
Impact on Gazprom: Russia’s Gazprom is projected to lose around $5 billion in gas sales as a result of this halted transit.
European Energy Security: The European Union has prepared for this transition and does not anticipate immediate impacts on consumer prices.
Countries like Slovakia and Austria have secured alternative gas supplies from sources such as Norway and LNG imports from the U.S. and Qatar.
Hungary will continue receiving Russian gas through the TurkStream pipeline under the Black Sea.
TurkStream pipeline
Energy Crisis in Moldova: The cessation has led to an energy emergency in Transdniestria, a breakaway region of Moldova that relies on these transit flows, resulting in cutoffs of heating and hot water supplies for residents
Way forward:
Enhanced Energy Diversification: Europe and Ukraine should continue to strengthen alternative energy supply routes, including LNG imports and renewable energy projects, to reduce reliance on Russian gas and ensure long-term energy security.
Support for Affected Regions: Provide immediate humanitarian and financial assistance to regions like Transdniestria and Moldova for energy infrastructure upgrades, while encouraging energy-efficient solutions to mitigate the crisis.
Mains PYQ:
Q What is the significance of Indo-US defence deals over Indo-Russian defence deals? Discuss with reference to stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (UPSC IAS/2020)
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Nicaragua and its location
Why in the News?
Indian and Nicaragua has signed an umbrella agreement on Quick Impact Projects (QIPs).
The agreement aims at socio-economic development by implementing QIPs in Nicaragua, which will directly benefit local communities.
About Nicaragua: Quick Facts
Nicaragua is located in Central America, bordered by Honduras to the north, Costa Rica to the south, the Pacific Ocean to the west, and the Caribbean Sea to the east.
The capital of Nicaragua is Managua; official language spoken in Nicaragua is Spanish; currency is the Nicaraguan córdoba (NIO).
Nicaragua operates as a unitary presidential republic.
The country’s economy is primarily based on agriculture, including coffee, bananas, and sugar, along with manufacturing and mining.
Geographical Features:
Nicaragua’s topography is predominantly mountainous in the interior, with lowland plains along its Pacific and Caribbean coasts.
The country is home to over 20 volcanoes, with active ones such as Masaya and San Cristóbal.
The largest lake in Nicaragua is Lake Cocibolca, also known as Lake Nicaragua, which is one of the largest lakes in Latin America.
Nicaragua is also known for its significant rivers, including the San Juan River, which flows into the Caribbean Sea, and the Río Coco, the longest river in Central America.
India- Nicaragua Relations:
Diplomatic relations were established in March 1983, and the Indian Embassy in Panama is concurrently accredited to Nicaragua.
Nicaragua’s embassy in India was closed in 1990, and currently, Nicaragua is represented in India through its Embassy in Tokyo.
What are Quick Impact Projects (QIPs)?
QIPs are initiatives designed to deliver rapid and visible benefits to local communities, especially in areas with critical infrastructure and social development needs.
These projects are often implemented in a short time frame.
They are focused on addressing urgent and immediate issues that can have a significant positive impact on the community.
The term is commonly used by organizations like the UNHCR to describe such initiatives in crisis or displacement situations.
Examples of QIPs may include:
Building roads in remote areas to improve connectivity.
Establishing community centers that serve as hubs for local services.
Improving healthcare facilities with basic medical equipment and services.
Upgrading educational infrastructure by building schools or providing learning materials.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Jordan River and its Valley
Why in the News?
Extremist groups held drone strikes on Israeli territory in the Jordan Valley (which forms Jordan’s border with Israel and the West Bank).
About Jordan Valley:
Details
Geography
• Part of the Great Rift Valley, extending from the Sea of Galilee to the Dead Sea.
• Forms a natural border between Jordan, Israel, and the West Bank.
• Low-lying, with parts below sea level, especially near the Dead Sea.
Climate
• Semi-arid to arid, with hot summers and mild winters.
• Limited rainfall, necessitating irrigation for agriculture.
Significance
• An essential agricultural region, growing citrus, dates, and vegetables.
• The Jordan River is a vital water source for agriculture and drinking water.
• Ecological corridor for migratory birds.
History
• Rich in biblical and historical significance, including Jesus’ baptism in the Jordan River.
• Archaeological sites from ancient civilizations like the Canaanites and Romans.
Geopolitical Aspects
• Critical in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with strategic importance for security and border control.
• Vital for Palestinian economic development and a future state.
• Shared water resources create tensions between Israel, Jordan, and Syria.
Economic Activities
• Agriculture is the mainstay of the economy.
• Tourism is also significant due to religious and historical sites.
Environmental Concerns
• Water scarcity and the shrinking Dead Sea due to river diversion are major issues.
• Pollution and overuse of the Jordan River affect water quality and ecosystem health.
PYQ:
[2015] Which one of the following countries of South-West Asia does not open out to the Mediterranean Sea?
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Neom Megacity Project
Why in the News?
The Wall Street Journal has highlighted controversies surrounding the Neom Megacity Project, a key project of Saudi Arabia and world’s largest construction real-estate project.
AboutNeom Megacity Project:
Details
Location
Northwestern Tabuk Province, Saudi Arabia, along the Red Sea
Launched
2017 by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman
Part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.
Objective
To diversify Saudi Arabia’s economy and reduce its reliance on oil.
Size
26,500 sq km
Initially $500 billion, now estimated at $1.5 trillion
Completion Year
Expected by 2039
Key Projects
The Line: 170-km long linear city for 9 million residents
Oxagon: Octagonal industrial city
Trojena: Mountain resort for 2029 Asian Winter Games
Magna: Luxury coastal city
Sindalah: Luxury island, opening in 2024
Technological Focus
Renewable energy (solar, wind)
AI and robotics
Green hydrogen production
Environmental Goals
Powered by 95% renewable energy
Focus on sustainable development
Controversies surrounding the Project:
Displacement of Indigenous Tribes: The Huwaitat tribe has been forcibly displaced, leading to human rights concerns.
Slow Progress: Construction is behind schedule, with only 1.4 km of The Line expected to be completed by 2030.
Workplace Misconduct: Reports of toxic culture and unethical leadership, including neglect of worker safety.
Surveillance Concerns: Critics worry about the project’s use of real-time monitoring, raising privacy concerns.
Cost Overruns: The project’s budget has ballooned from $500 billion to $1.5 trillion, leading to scaled-down plans.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: St Martin’s Island
Why in the News?
The ousted Bangladeshi PM Sheikh Hasina claimed she could have stayed in power if she had given up St. Martin’s Island and parts of the Bay of Bengal to the United States.
About St Martin’s Island
St. Martin’s Island is located in the northeastern region of the Bay of Bengal, near the maritime boundary betweenBangladesh and Myanmar.
It lies about 9 kilometerssouth of the Cox’s Bazar-Teknaf peninsula in Bangladesh.
The island is approximately 7.3 km long and is mostly flat, with an elevation of about 3.6 meters above mean sea level.
It is Bangladesh’s only coral island and is surrounded by coral reefs that extend 10-15 km to the west-northwest of the island.
Historical Background:
The island was originally part of the Teknaf peninsula but gradually submerged into the sea around 5,000 years ago.
It resurfaced approximately 450 years ago.
Arab merchants were among the first settlers in the 18th century. They named it “Jazira” and later “Narikel Jinjira” (Coconut Island).
In 1900, British India annexed the island, and it became known as St. Martin’s Island, named after a Deputy Commissioner of Chittagong.
Strategic importance:
Near the Strait of Malacca: Close to one of the world’s busiest maritime routes, making it strategically important for military oversight.It offers potential for monitoring maritime activities, including strategic interests of global powers.
Border with Myanmar: Proximity to Myanmar adds significance in regional security dynamics.
Other significance for Bangladesh:
It is part of Bangladesh’s EEZ, rich in marine resources like fish, oil, and gas. Also a key tourist destination.
It is important for biodiversity, with coral reefs and diverse marine life.
PYQ:
[2023] Consider the following pairs:
Area of conflict mentioned in news: Country where it is located
1.Donbas: Syria
2.Kachin: Ethiopia
3.Tigray: North Yemen
How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?
