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Type: World Mapping

  • Chancay Port Project in Peru

    Why in the News?

    The Chancay Port was inaugurated in Peru by Chinese President Xi Jinping.

    About Chancay Port Project:

    • The Chancay Port Project was inaugurated in Peru as part of a new land-sea corridor linking China with Latin America.
    • It is funded under Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), with a total cost of $3.6 billion.
    • The port can accommodate vessels up to 18,000 TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent unit), the largest shipping vessels in the world.
    • Ownership: 60% of the port is owned by China Ocean Shipping (Group) Company (COSCO), with the remaining stake held by a local company.
    • It is expected to generate $4.5 billion annually for Peru, equivalent to 1.8% of the country’s GDP.
    • Key Exports: The port will handle exports like copper, blueberries, soybeans, and lithium from the lithium triangle (Bolivia, Chile, and Argentina).

    Geo-strategic Location:

    • Proximity to Lima: Located 78 km north of Lima, Peru’s capital, in the small fishing town of Chancay.
    • Natural Deep-Water Port: Chancay is a natural deep-water port, ideal for accommodating large vessels.
    • Trade Gateway: Positioned strategically to facilitate trade between South America and Asia, reducing transit time for goods between the two continents.
    • Alternative to North America: It eliminates the need for Latin American exports to transit through ports in North America, offering a more direct route to Asia.

    Why it is a concern for USA?

    • Chinese Influence in Latin America: The US has traditionally viewed Latin America as its sphere of influence. The Chancay Port increases China’s economic and geopolitical presence in the region.
    • Strategic Gateway for China: The port strengthens China’s access to critical resources in South America, including lithium and copper, raising concerns about China’s growing dominance in the region.
    • US Trade Routes Disruption: The port reduces transportation time between Latin America and Asia, which could disrupt existing US trade routes and diminish its role as a trade facilitator.

    PYQ:

    [2017] What is the importance of developing Chabahar Port by India?

    (a) India’s trade with African countries will enormously increase.

    (b) India’s relations with oil-producing Arab countries will be strengthened.

    (c) India will not depend on Pakistan for access to Afghanistan and Central Asia.

    (d) Pakistan will facilitate and protect the installation of a gas pipeline between Iraq and India.

  • Salt Chimneys discovered in the Dead Sea

    Salt Chimneys discovered in the Dead Sea

    Why in the News?

    Researchers have identified unique salt chimneys on the Dead Sea floor.

    Key facts about the Dead Sea:

    Details
    Location • Located between Jordan and Israel, with the eastern shore in Jordan and the western shore in Israel.
    • The southern half of the western shore belongs to Israel, and the northern half is in the West Bank.• Divided by Al-Lisan peninsula into two basins: the northern basin is deep (400 m), and the southern basin is shallow (< 3 m).
    Geographical Features • 430.5 meters below sea level, the Earth’s lowest land-based feature.
    • Length: 50 km, Width: 15 km at its widest point.
    • Surrounded by the Judaea hills (west) and Transjordanian plateaus (east).
    Salinity and Density • Salinity: 34.2%, almost ten times saltier than ordinary seawater, making it the fourth saltiest water body in the world.
    • Density: 1.240 kg/L, which allows people to float easily.
    Inlets and Outlets • Main inlet: Jordan River.
    • No outlet, water loss occurs primarily through evaporation.
    • High salinity and harsh climate result in no life except for algae and microorganisms.

     

    About the Salt Chimneys 

    • Salt chimneys are tall, chimney-like structures made of crystallized salt, recently discovered on the Dead Sea floor.
    • They are found by researchers from the Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (UFZ) during an underwater survey.
    • These chimneys range from 1 to over 7m in height.
    • Formation Process:
      • Groundwater from surrounding aquifers flows through old salt deposits around the Dead Sea basin, dissolving halite (salt) and carrying it as brine.
      • Despite being saline, the brine is less dense than the Dead Sea water due to its high salinity, causing it to rise as a plume from the lake bed.
      • When this brine contacts the colder Dead Sea water, it rapidly crystallizes, forming chimney structures that can grow several centimeters in height each day.

    Potential Role in Sinkhole Forecasting

    • Thousands of sinkholes have appeared near the Dead Sea in recent decades; understanding chimney formation may aid in preventing future collapses in vulnerable areas.
    • Researchers have linked the formation of salt chimneys to underground cavities, which are often the precursors to sinkholes.
    • The location of these chimneys may help predict areas at high risk for sinkhole formation, offering a way to monitor and mitigate potential hazards.

  • In news: Flashpoint Reef

    China reasserted its claim over Flashpoint Reef (the Scarborough Shoal) in the South China Sea following Philippines’ establishment of defined sea boundaries.

    Why in the News?

    China reasserted its claim over Flashpoint Reef (the Scarborough Shoal) in the South China Sea following Philippines’ establishment of defined sea boundaries.

    Do you know?

    • Fiery Cross Reef is a rock located in the Spratly Islands. China first took possession of the feature in 1988.
    • Mischief Reef is a Low-Tide Elevation (LTE) within the Philippines’ EEZ. It is part of the submerged continental shelf of the adjacent coastal state, which is the Philippines.

    About the Flashpoint Reef 

    • It generally refers to Scarborough Shoal, a contested reef in the South China Sea.
    • Known as Huangyan Dao in China, this reef has become a focal point of territorial disputes between China and the Philippines.
    • It lies close to the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) but is also claimed by China, which asserts control over nearly the entire South China Sea under its nine-dash line claim.
    • China took control of the shoal in 2012 after a standoff with the Philippines, despite an international tribunal ruling in 2016 that invalidated China’s claims.

    Its significance in the South China Sea

    • It is strategically located near key shipping lanes that are essential for global trade, with about one-third of global shipping passing through the South China Sea.
    • Its proximity to the Philippines, Vietnam, and China makes it an ideal location for military outposts, providing control over surrounding waters and a base for monitoring activities in the region.
    • Control over Scarborough Shoal could allow China to extend its air and naval reach, reinforcing its influence and deterrence capabilities over other Southeast Asian nations.
    • The South China Sea, including Scarborough Shoal, is believed to hold vast reserves of oil and natural gas—up to 11 billion barrels of oil and 190 trillion cubic feet of natural gas.
    • This reef is strategically important due to its proximity to rich fishing grounds and potential undersea mineral resources.

    PYQ:

    [2011] Southeast Asia has captivated the attention of global community over space and time as a geostrategically significant region. Which among the following is the most convincing explanation for this global perspective?

    (a) It was the hot theatre during the Second World War

    (b) Its location between the Asian powers of China and India

    (c) It was the arena of superpower confrontation during the Cold War period

    (d) Its location between the Pacific and Indian oceans and its preeminent maritime character

  • Places in News: Loaita Island

    Why in the News?

    Philippine forces conducted combat exercises in the South China Sea to practice retaking the Loaita Island in the disputed waters.

    Loaita Island

    About Loaita Island:

    • Loaita Island, also known as Kota Island, has an area of 6.45 hectares and is the 10th largest of the naturally-occurring Spratly Islands.
    • The island is administered by the Philippines as part of Kalayaan, Palawan, and is also claimed by China, Taiwan, and Vietnam.
    • Loaita Island fringes the Loaita Bank, which includes shoals and reefs, and its western side features calcarenite outcrops visible at low tide.
    • The island is covered with mangrove bushes, coconut palms, and other small trees.
    • On May 22, 1963, a sovereignty stele was rebuilt on Loaita Island by South Vietnam, marking its claim.
    • The Philippines has stationed soldiers on the island since 1968, and the island contains minimal structures serving as shelters for the soldiers.
    China also reasserted its claim over Flashpoint Reef (the Scarborough Shoal) in the South China Sea following Philippines’ establishment of defined sea boundaries.

    About the Flashpoint Reef 

    • Flashpoint Reef generally refers to Scarborough Shoal (part of the
      Spratly Islands), a contested reef in the South China Sea.
    • Known as Huangyan Dao in China, this reef has become a focal point of territorial disputes between China and the Philippines.
    • Flashpoint Reef lies close to the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ); which asserts control over the entire South China Sea under its nine-dash line claim.
    • China took control of the shoal in 2012 after a standoff with the Philippines, despite an international tribunal ruling in 2016 that invalidated China’s claims.

    Do you know?

    • Fiery Cross Reef is a rock located in the Spratly Islands. China first took possession of the feature in 1988.
    • Mischief Reef is a Low-Tide Elevation (LTE) within the Philippines’ EEZ. It is part of the submerged continental shelf of the adjacent coastal state, which is the Philippines.

     

    PYQ:

    [2018] Consider the following pairs:

    Regions sometimes Country mentioned in news

    1. Catalonia — Spain
    2. Crimea — Hungary
    3. Mindanao — Philippines
    4. Oromia — Nigeria

    Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched?

    (a) 1, 2 and 3

    (b) 3 and 4 only

    (c) 1 and 3 only

    (d) 2 and 4 only

  • Places in news: Jordan Valley

    Jordan 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?

    (a) Syria

    (b) Jordan

    (c) Lebanon

    (d) Israel

  • Baku and South Caucasus Region

    South Caucasus Region (Transcaucasia)

    Why in the News?

    • The 29th COP to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) will begin on November 11, 2024, in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan.
      • As global leaders gather near the Caspian Sea, the surrounding region of the South Caucasus faces significant climate challenges.

    Key Areas at Risk:

    (1) Regional/transboundary areas:

    • Northern Armenia and southern Georgia
    • North-west Azerbaijan and north-east Georgia (Alazani/Ganykh river basin)

    (2) Within countries:

    • Yerevan and Ararat Valley (Armenia)
    • Lake Sevan (Armenia)
    • Kura-Ara(k)s lowlands (Azerbaijan)
    • Baku and Absheron peninsula (Azerbaijan)
    • Adjara and the Black Sea coast (Georgia)
    • Tbilisi, Mtskheta-Mtianeti, and Kakheti regions (Georgia)

     

    About South Caucasus Region (Transcaucasia):

    Details
    Location South of the Greater Caucasus Mountains, bordered by Russia (north), Turkey and Iran (south), between the Black Sea (west) and Caspian Sea (east).
    Countries Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia; includes disputed territories like Nagorno-Karabakh (Artsakh), Abkhazia, and South Ossetia.
    Mountains Lesser Caucasus Mountains (up to 3,000m); includes the Zangezur Range, Meskheti Range, and Armenian Highlands.
    Seas Between the Black Sea and Caspian Sea; Absheron Peninsula (Azerbaijan) extends into Caspian Sea, rich in oil.
    Rivers and Lakes Major rivers: Kura River (Georgia & Azerbaijan) and Aras River (Armenia & Azerbaijan). Key lake: Lake Sevan (Armenia).
    Climate
    • Continental climate: hot summers and cold winters;
    • Subtropical climate along Georgia’s Black Sea coast;
    • Semi-arid to desert climate near Caspian Sea, especially Azerbaijan.
    Natural Resources Rich in oil and natural gas, particularly in Azerbaijan; critical hub for energy pipelines like the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline.
    Geopolitical Importance Strategic transit route for energy resources to Europe; region of geopolitical tensions due to conflicts (Nagorno-Karabakh, South Ossetia, Abkhazia).

     

    PYQ:

    [2014] Turkey is located between:

    (a) Black Sea and Caspian Sea

    (b) Black Sea and Mediterranean Sea

    (c) Gulf of Suez and Mediterranean Sea

    (d) Gulf of Aqaba and Dead Sea

  • Why Chagos Islands matter?

    Why in the News?

    • British Foreign Minister announced that the deal with Mauritius has settled the long-standing dispute over the sovereignty of the Chagos Islands, the UK’s last overseas territory in Africa.
      • The agreement also ensures the long-term future of the Diego Garcia military base, which is jointly operated by the UK and US.

    About Chagos Islands (Archipelago)

    • The Chagos Archipelago is a group of 58 islands located in the Indian Ocean, approximately 500 km south of the Maldives.
    • It is a strategically significant area, with one of its islands, Diego Garcia, serving as a key military base jointly operated by the UK and US.
    • The archipelago has been at the centre of a decades-long sovereignty dispute between the UK and Mauritius.

    Key Deals and Agreements Related to the Chagos Archipelago

    1. British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT) Formation (1965)

    • The UK established the BIOT, incorporating the Chagos Archipelago.
    • The islands were detached from Mauritius before its independence.
    • Mauritius received a grant of 3 million pounds from the UK as compensation for the detachment.

    2. UK-US Agreement on Diego Garcia (1966)

    • Britain and the US signed a defense agreement, making the BIOT available for joint military purposes.
    • Diego Garcia became a key military outpost due to its strategic location in the Indian Ocean.
    • The land for the military base was acquired in 1967, and in 1971, the plantation on Diego Garcia was shut down.
    • The BIOT administration passed an Immigration Ordinance, which prohibited residents from remaining on the island without a permit. This led to the forced expulsion of around 2,000 Chagossians, many of whom were resettled in Mauritius and the UK.

    3. United Nations and International Court of Justice (ICJ) Involvement

    • 2017: The UN General Assembly requested the ICJ to issue an advisory opinion on the legal status of the Chagos Islands.
    • 2019: The ICJ ruled that the UK’s continued administration of the islands was illegal, and the detachment of the islands from Mauritius in 1965 was not done with the free consent of the Chagossians. The UNGA adopted a resolution calling on the UK to withdraw from the Chagos Archipelago within six months.

    4. UK-Mauritius Agreement (2023)

    • After years of dispute, Mauritius and the UK reached an agreement over the sovereignty of the Chagos Islands.
    • Under this agreement:
      • The UK has ceded its claims over the islands.
      • Mauritius is allowed to implement a resettlement program on the islands, excluding Diego Garcia.
      • The UK retains sovereignty over Diego Garcia, allowing the military base to remain operational for an initial period of 99 years.
      • A new trust fund is being created for the benefit of Chagossians.

    Why did the UK keep Diego Garcia Base?

    • US-UK Defense Agreement: The base is vital for joint military operations, allowing rapid deployment in critical areas.
    • Global Operations Hub: Key for US air and naval missions during conflicts like the Gulf War and War in Afghanistan.
    • Geopolitical Control: Ensures a strong US-UK presence in the Indian Ocean to counteract other powers, especially China.
    • Strategic Location: Diego Garcia monitors the Malacca Strait and other essential global trade routes, especially energy supplies.

    PYQ:

    [2013] Discuss the political developments in Maldives in the last two years. Should they be of any cause of concern to India?

  • Little Prespa Lake on Albanian-Greek Border slowly dying

    At the Albanian-Greek border, Little Prespa Lake is slowly drying.

    Why in the News?

    At the Albanian-Greek border, Little Prespa Lake is slowly drying.

    About Little Prespa Lake

    • Little Prespa Lake, also known as Small Lake Prespa, is located on the Albanian-Greek border.
    • The majority of the lake lies in Greek territory, with the southern tip extending into Albania.
    • The total area of the lake is approximately 450 hectares within Albanian territory, though much of this area has now transformed into swamps or dried up.
    • It is the smaller part of the nearby Great Prespa Lake, which lies to the south.
    • Historically, the lake was fed by snowmelt and precipitation, but these have reduced significantly due to climate change and human intervention.
    • In the 1970s, communist authorities in Albania diverted the Devoll River for agricultural irrigation around the city of Korca.
    • This diversion significantly reduced the water inflow to the lake, beginning its ecological decline.

    Impact of Little Prespa Lake’s Drying

    • The drying has led to the collapse of the fishing industry, depriving locals of their primary livelihood.
    • The once-thriving aquatic ecosystem has transformed into a marshland, resulting in biodiversity loss as fish populations vanish.
    • The diversion of the Devoll River for agricultural purposes has exacerbated the lake’s decline.
    • The lake could completely disappear if current trends continue, threatening the region’s environmental and economic stability.

    PYQ:

    [2018] Which of the following has/have shrunk immensely/dried up in the recent past due to human activities?

    1. Aral Sea

    2. Black Sea

    3. Lake Baikal

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 2 and 3

    (c) 2 only

    (d) 1 and 3

  • Philadelphi Corridor

    Why in the News?

    The Philadelphi Corridor is a key issue in ceasefire talks as Israel’s war on Gaza continues, with Palestinian deaths nearing 41,000.

    About Philadelphi Corridor

    • The Philadelphi Corridor is a strategically significant strip of land between the Gaza-Egypt border.
    • It spans about 14 kilometers in length and 100 meters in width.
    • This area plays a critical role in regional security and the geopolitics surrounding Gaza, Israel, and Egypt.
    • It runs from the Mediterranean Sea in the north to the Kerem Shalom crossing with Israel in the south.
    • It includes the Rafah crossing, the main border point between Gaza and Egypt.
    • It acts as a buffer zone between Egypt and Gaza, with control over it influencing security and smuggling activities in the region.

    Significance for Israel

    • The Corridor became significant after the 1979 Camp David peace treaty, allowing Israel to maintain a limited military presence.
    • In 2005, Israel withdrew from Gaza, including the corridor, leaving Egypt and the Palestinian Authority responsible for security.
    • In 2007, Hamas took control of Gaza, increasing smuggling activities through tunnels in the corridor.
    • Israel regained control of the corridor in May 2023 during a ground offensive in Gaza.
    • The corridor has since been central to Israel’s strategy for controlling arms smuggling and preventing Hamas from using it as a supply route.

  • Places in News: 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.

    About Neom 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.