Source: FE
Context: Prime Minister of India landed in the UK on a two-day visit to strengthen bilateral ties, with a key focus on the India-UK Free Trade Agreement and issues like extradition and extremism.
About United Kingdom:
- What is the United Kingdom?
-
- The United Kingdom (UK) is a sovereign island nation comprising England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
- It is located northwest of mainland Europe, surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, North Sea, Irish Sea, and the English Channel.
- Capital: London — a global financial, cultural, and political hub.
- Political System: Parliamentary constitutional monarchy.
- Neighbouring Countries:
-
- Shares land border only with the Republic of Ireland.
- Maritime neighbours include France, Norway, Belgium, and the Netherlands.
- UK vs England:
-
- England is just one of the four constituent countries of the United Kingdom.
- The term “UK” includes England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, whereas England refers only to its southern part.
- Physical Features:
- Mountains
-
-
- Ben Nevis (Scotland): UK’s highest peak (1,345 m), part of the Grampians; shaped by glaciation.
- Cambrian Mountains (Wales): Volcanic origin, biodiversity-rich; called Wales’ backbone.
- Pennines (England): “Backbone of England”, influencing rivers and climate patterns.
-
- Rivers
-
-
- Thames: Lifeline of London, historic trade and transport route.
- Severn: UK’s longest river; largest tidal range, key for hydropower.
- Clyde: Engine of Glasgow’s shipbuilding and industrial rise.
-
- Historical & Strategic Importance:
- India–UK Relations:
-
- Strategic partners under Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (2021).
- Collaboration in trade, defence, innovation, fintech, health, and climate.
- Talks on Free Trade Agreement aim to enhance $20 billion+ bilateral trade.
