Description

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Context:

India and Chile have signed Terms of Reference (ToR) to commence discussions for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).

Chile Key Geographical Facts

Location	South America
Borders	North: Peru and Bolivia- East: Argentina- West: Pacific Ocean
Argentina–Chile Border	Longest border in South America and the third-longest globally
Andes Mountains	The world's longest continental mountain range
Atacama Desert	Driest non-polar desert in the world
Loa River	Chile's longest river (approx. 440 km)
Ojos del Salado	The world’s highest active volcano and 2nd highest peak in South America (6,880 m)
Natural Hazards	Frequent earthquakes and tsunamis due to location on the Pacific Ring of Fire

Economic Features

The world's biggest copper producer.

Member of the "Lithium Triangle" (alongside Argentina and Bolivia), which holds over 75% of the world's lithium reserves under salt flats.

Other resources include molybdenum, iron ore, lumber, hydropower, and precious metals.

Key Features of CEPA

Enhances the existing Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA).

Expands into new industries, including digital services, MSMEs, essential minerals, and investment collaboration.

It seeks to promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth.

Negotiations will begin in New Delhi from May 26 to 30, 2025.

Source: Indian Times

Practice Questions

Q. Consider the following statements about Chile's geographical features:

Chile is bordered by Peru and Bolivia to the north, Argentina to the east, and the Pacific Ocean to the west.

The Andes Mountains, located in Chile, is the longest continental mountain range in the world.

The Atacama Desert, located in Chile, is the second driest desert in the world after the Sahara.

Ojos del Salado, located in Chile, is the highest active volcano in the world and the second-highest peak in South America.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(A) 1, 2, and 4 only
(B) 1, 2, and 3 only
(C) 2, 3, and 4 only
(D) 1, 2, 3, and 4

Answer: (A)

Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct – Chile is indeed bordered by Peru and Bolivia to the north, Argentina to the east, and the Pacific Ocean to the west.

Statement 2 is correct – The Andes Mountains are the longest continental mountain range in the world.

Statement 3 is incorrect – The Atacama Desert is the driest non-polar desert in the world, not the second driest after the Sahara.

Statement 4 is correct – Ojos del Salado is the highest active volcano in the world and the second-highest peak in South America, standing at 6,880 meters.