UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 4 February 2026

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 4 February 2026 covers important current affairs of the day, their backward linkages, their relevance for Prelims exam and MCQs on main articles

InstaLinks : Insta Links help you think beyond the current affairs issue and help you think multidimensionally to develop depth in your understanding of these issues. These linkages provided in this ‘hint’ format help you frame possible questions in your mind that might arise(or an examiner might imagine) from each current event. InstaLinks also connect every issue to their static or theoretical background.

Table of Contents

GS Paper 1:

• IOM Global Appeal 2026 Report

IOM Global Appeal 2026 Report

GS Paper 3:

• Increased Capital Spending for the Defence Sector

Increased Capital Spending for the Defence Sector

Content for Mains Enrichment (CME):

• IOM Global Appeal 2026 Report

IOM Global Appeal 2026 Report

Facts for Prelims (FFP):

• Solid Fuel Ducted Ramjet (SFDR) Technology

Solid Fuel Ducted Ramjet (SFDR) Technology

• Project Vault

Project Vault

• Removal of the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC)

Removal of the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC)

• Blue Line along the Lebanon–Israel frontier

Blue Line along the Lebanon–Israel frontier

• Peacocks

Peacocks

• Turtle Trails

Turtle Trails

Mapping:

• Seychelles

Seychelles

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 4 February 2026

GS Paper 1:

IOM Global Appeal 2026 Report

Source: IOM

Context: The IOM has requested USD 4.7 billion to assist 41 million people worldwide in 2026, marking a shift toward sharper prioritization amid a Humanitarian Reset and a constrained global funding landscape.

About IOM Global Appeal 2026 Report:

What it is?

The Global Appeal 2026 serves as IOM’s engine for transformation, aligning its operations with the Strategic Plan 2024–2028. It provides a roadmap for delivering life-saving assistance, driving long-term solutions to displacement, and facilitating safe, regular migration pathways while supporting the world’s most vulnerable populations.

Key Findings and Trends in the Report:

• Record Internal Displacement: At the end of 2024, internal displacement reached an all-time high of 83.4 million people.

• Climate Change Acceleration: Disaster-related displacement rose to 9.8 million in 2024, a 29% increase from the previous year.

• Deadliest Year on Record: With at least 9,197 recorded deaths in 2024, it was the deadliest year for migrants since 2014.

• Economic Impact of Remittances: Migrants sent USD 905 billion in international remittances in 2024, providing a vital lifeline for many countries.

• Narrowing Regular Pathways: Less than 20% of assessed countries have established programs facilitating regular labor migration.

• Workforce Indispensability: There are 168 million migrant workers worldwide, filling critical gaps in sectors like healthcare and innovation.

• Funding Gaps: Out of the USD 4.7 billion required, only USD 1.3 billion has been secured, leaving a USD 3.4 billion gap.

Reasons for Migration:

• Economic Opportunity: 168 million people migrate primarily to fill labor shortages and stimulate innovation.

• Conflict and Violence: Ongoing crises, such as those in Sudan and DR Congo, continue to push millions into displacement.

• Environmental Degradation: Extreme weather and climate shocks are forcing families to choose between staying and searching for safety.

• Protracted Crises: Displacement often lasts for years, driving onward migration as local resources and protection fail.

• Inequality and Hardship: Persistent economic disparities drive people toward dangerous, irregular journeys in search of dignity.

Challenges Associated:

• Lack of Social Security: Many migrants work in insecure jobs with no access to welfare or health benefits.

E.g. Despite the eShram portal, many unorganized migrant workers in cities like Mumbai still struggle to access local state-specific welfare schemes.

• Hazardous Living Conditions: Urban overcrowding often leads migrants to live in informal settlements with poor sanitation.

E.g. Internal migrants in Dharavi, Mumbai, face severe challenges with safe water and waste management due to extreme population density.

• Exploitation and Low Wages: Migrants often face risky working conditions and wage theft due to lack of legal protection.

E.g. Seasonal laborers in India’s construction industry (often from Bihar or UP) frequently report unsafe work environments and delayed payments.

• Restrictive Global Policies: Host nations are increasingly adopting narrower, more restrictive immigration laws.

E.g. The H-1B visa changes in 2025, including higher fees and wage-weighted selection, have increased hurdles for Indian IT professionals in the US.

• Harmful Narratives and Misinformation: Anti-immigrant sentiment is often fueled by disinformation, leading to social isolation.

E.g. Indian migrants in the UK and Canada faced heightened scrutiny and policy shifts in 2025 as those nations moved to cap international student intakes and reduce net migration.

Way Ahead:

• Route-Based Approach: Shift from fragmented responses to cohesive, data-informed strategies across entire migration corridors.

• Enhanced Localization: Strengthen the capacity of local and national actors to lead humanitarian and development actions.

• Regular Pathway Expansion: Support Member States in establishing flexible migration pathways that meet real labor market needs.

• Data-Driven Solutions: Scale the use of the Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM) to provide actionable insights for decision-makers.

• Resilience Funding: Mobilize flexible, unearmarked funding to preserve the core architecture required for agile field operations.

Conclusion:

The IOM Global Appeal 2026 underscores that migration is an essential part of the solution to global challenges like poverty and climate change. By prioritizing human dignity and system-wide efficiency, the IOM aims to transform migration into a safe, orderly, and beneficial process for all. Achieving this requires a collective global commitment to closing the massive funding gap and protecting those on the move.

Q. How does migration affect social empowerment of vulnerable groups? Discuss with reference to rural-urban mobility. (10 M)

#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 4 February 2026 GS Paper 3:

Increased Capital Spending for the Defence Sector

Source: TH

Subject: Defence/Economy

Context: The government announced a historic 15.2% hike in the total defence budget for FY2026-27, primarily to address tactical gaps exposed by the recent Operation Sindoor conflict.

• The allocation aims to strengthen India’s “security-development-self-reliance” balance amid rising geopolitical tensions.

About Increased Capital Spending for the Defence Sector:

What it is?

• Capital spending (or capital outlay) is the portion of the budget dedicated to modernization and the acquisition of new assets such as advanced weapons, fighter jets, ships, and submarines.

• For FY2026-27, capital outlay has surged by 8% to reach ₹2,19,306 crore, marking a strategic pivot from manpower costs to technology-intensive capability building.

Important Budget Announcements:

• Record Total Allocation: A total of ₹7.85 lakh crore was granted to the Ministry of Defence, the highest among all ministries.

• Modernization Surge: Capital outlay for new acquisitions rose by nearly 22%, totaling ₹2.19 lakh crore.

• Domestic Procurement Target: 75% of the capital acquisition budget—amounting to ₹1.39 lakh crore—is reserved for domestic industry.

• Border Infrastructure Hike: Allocation for the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) increased to ₹7,394 crore for strategic tunnels and bridges.

• R&D Expansion: Budget for DRDO rose to ₹29,100 crore to foster indigenous innovation in next-gen technology.

• Customs Duty Waivers: Basic customs duty was waived on raw materials for aircraft manufacturing to boost the domestic MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul) sector.

Need for Increasing the Defence Budget:

• Replenishment of War Reserves: Essential for replacing stocks depleted during active military engagements.

E.g. High capital outlay is needed to replenish ammunition and precision-guided munitions used during Operation Sindoor in May 2025.

• Countering Two-Front Threats: Necessary to address simultaneous security challenges from adversarial neighbors.

E.g. Modernizing air power and ground forces is critical to maintain deterrence along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) against China.

• Maritime Security in IOR: Strengthening undersea and surface capabilities to monitor the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).

E.g. Funding supports the Project 75(I) stealth submarine deal to counter growing foreign naval presence in Indian waters.

• Technological Superiority: Investing in “sunrise” sectors like AI, cyber, and unmanned systems for future warfare.

E.g. A 51% increase in the Agnipath scheme allocation reflects a push toward a leaner, tech-savvy force.

• Border Connectivity: Ensuring rapid troop mobilization through all-weather infrastructure in forward areas.

E.g. Increased BRO funding will expedite strategic projects like high-altitude tunnels to ensure year-round connectivity to the borders.

Issues Associated with the Defence Sector:

• Structural Imbalance: High manpower costs (salaries/pensions) continue to eat into the modernization fund.

E.g. Defence pensions alone cost ₹1.71 lakh crore in FY27, nearly rivaling the entire capital acquisition budget.

• Absorption Capacity: Domestic industries often struggle to execute large-scale contracts within strict timelines.

E.g. Fragmented planning and delayed trials have historically led to under-utilization of allocated capital funds.

• Import Dependency: Critical sub-systems and high-end tech like aero-engines are still largely imported.

E.g. The IAF’s 114 MRFA project remains dependent on foreign original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) for combat jet designs.

• Execution and Delivery Delays: Long gestation periods for indigenous platforms can lead to operational gaps.

E.g. The Project 75(I) submarine acquisition has faced years of delays, leaving the Navy with a shrinking underwater fleet.

• Budget as % of GDP: Despite absolute increases, spending remains below the recommended 2.5–3% of GDP.

E.g. The FY27 budget stands at approximately 1.99% of GDP, which experts argue may be insufficient for a full-scale two-front threat.

Way Ahead:

• Institutionalizing Emergency Procurement: Transform fast-track mechanisms used during crises into standard procedures for critical tech.

• Theaterisation and Jointness: Surge funding for “Joint Staff” to enhance inter-service coordination and resource sharing.

• Focus on IP-led Design: Shift from transactional manufacturing to owning Intellectual Property (IP) for at least 50% of contracts.

• Developing Export Hubs: Leverage the domestic base to target ₹35,000 crore in annual exports by 2027 via modular designs.

• Nurturing MSME Ecosystem: Integrate hundreds of Indian MSMEs into the global supply chain for high-end spares and sensors.

Conclusion:

The FY2026-27 defence budget acts as a stabilization measure that prioritizes immediate tactical readiness and long-term strategic autonomy. By earmarking 75% of acquisitions for domestic players, India is decisively moving toward becoming a self-reliant global defence hub. However, the success of this record outlay will depend on the industry’s ability to deliver advanced technology at the speed of operational relevance.

Q. Explain the role of the Chief of Defence Staff in promoting jointness among the armed forces. Analyse why jointness is critical for modern warfare. (10 M)

#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 4 February 2026 Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)

Waste-pickers enumeration under NAMASTE scheme

Context: The Union government released nationwide enumeration data of waste-pickers for the first time under the NAMASTE scheme.

• The data revealed that 84.5% of waste-pickers belong to SC, ST and OBC communities, highlighting deep social stratification in informal urban labour.

About Waste-pickers enumeration under NAMASTE scheme:

Key trends:

• Total waste-pickers enumerated: 52 lakh across 35 States/UTs

• Regional outliers:

• General category majority in Delhi and Goa West Bengal: 42.4% from General category

• General category majority in Delhi and Goa

• West Bengal: 42.4% from General category

• Linked sanitation data:

• 91.95% of sewer/septic tank workers belong to SC/ST/OBC groups

• 91.95% of sewer/septic tank workers belong to SC/ST/OBC groups

Significance

• Social justice lens: Confirms the caste-based concentration of hazardous informal labour, reinforcing concerns of occupational segregation.

• Policy targeting: Enables formal recognition by Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) and access to safety gear, insurance and welfare schemes.

• Human rights perspective: Supports India’s constitutional mandate to eliminate manual scavenging and hazardous sanitation work.

Relevance for UPSC examination:

• GS Paper II (Governance & Social Justice)

• Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections Role of State in social empowerment Issues related to marginalised communities

• Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections

• Role of State in social empowerment

• Issues related to marginalised communities

• GS Paper I (Indian Society)

• Caste, occupation and social stratification Urban informal sector and gendered labour

• Caste, occupation and social stratification

• Urban informal sector and gendered labour

• GS Paper III (Inclusive Growth)

• Informal economy Labour reforms and worker safety

• Informal economy

• Labour reforms and worker safety

#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 4 February 2026 Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Solid Fuel Ducted Ramjet (SFDR) Technology

Source: PIB

Subject: Science and Technology

Context: Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully demonstrated Solid Fuel Ducted Ramjet (SFDR) technology from Integrated Test Range, Chandipur.

About Solid Fuel Ducted Ramjet (SFDR) Technology:

What is it?

• SFDR is an air-breathing propulsion system for missiles that uses atmospheric oxygen for combustion and solid fuel burned in a controlled manner to provide sustained thrust at supersonic speeds.

• Unlike conventional rockets, it maintains high energy throughout flight—especially in the terminal phase.

Developed by: Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)

How it works?

• Initial acceleration: A nozzle-less ground booster propels the missile to the required Mach number.

• Ramjet takeover: Once sufficient speed is reached, atmospheric air is ingested and compressed by forward motion (no rotating compressors).

• Controlled combustion: Solid fuel burns steadily inside the duct as air flows through, regulated by a fuel flow controller.

• Sustained thrust: Continuous thrust keeps the missile fast and manoeuvrable till impact.

Key features

• Air-breathing propulsion: Uses atmospheric oxygen instead of carrying an onboard oxidiser, allowing more space for fuel and extending missile range.

• Sustained high-speed flight: Unlike rocket motors that burn out quickly, SFDR provides continuous thrust, maintaining supersonic speed throughout flight.

• High terminal energy: Retains high velocity in the final phase, increasing impact force and the probability of successfully destroying fast, manoeuvring targets.

• Greater manoeuvrability in end-game: Continuous thrust enables sharp evasive turns near the target, making interception by enemy countermeasures difficult.

• Reduced drag losses and improved range: Optimised airflow and sustained propulsion minimise energy loss, allowing engagement at longer distances.

• Indigenous combustion control at supersonic speeds: Stable fuel-air combustion at high Mach numbers has been successfully mastered domestically, a major technological breakthrough.

Applications:

• Long-range air-to-air missiles (BVRAAMs): Enables fighter aircraft to engage enemy jets from extended ranges while maintaining high kill effectiveness.

• Air superiority and BVR combat advantage: Allows pilots to strike first and disengage safely, shifting the balance in beyond-visual-range aerial warfare.

• Indigenisation of advanced propulsion: Reduces reliance on foreign missile technologies and strengthens India’s self-reliant defence ecosystem under Aatmanirbhar Bharat.

Project Vault

Source: BS

Subject: International Relations

Context: The United States has launched Project Vault, a $12 billion critical minerals stockpiling initiative, announced by Donald Trump to protect American industries from global supply disruptions.

About Project Vault:

What is Project Vault?

• Project Vault is a public–private stockpiling programme designed to purchase, store, and manage critical minerals and rare earth elements required for strategic civilian and defence industries in the United States, similar in concept to the Strategic Petroleum Reserve.

Launched by:

• US Government, announced by Donald Trump

• Funded through a mix of private capital and the US Export–Import Bank

• To secure uninterrupted access to critical minerals during global supply shocks.

• To reduce strategic dependence on China, which dominates mineral processing.

• To strengthen national security, advanced manufacturing, and clean energy supply chains.

Key features:

• Minerals covered: Rare earths and critical minerals such as cobalt, gallium, and other strategic metals

• Advance purchase commitments: Companies commit upfront to buy minerals later at fixed inventory prices.

• Stockpile access model: Firms can withdraw minerals if they replace equivalent quantities Full access allowed during major supply disruptions

• Firms can withdraw minerals if they replace equivalent quantities

• Full access allowed during major supply disruptions

• Price stabilisation mechanism: Mandatory repurchase at the same price to reduce market volatility.

• Private-sector execution: Commodity traders (e.g., Mercuria, Traxys) handle sourcing and storage.

• Industry participation: Companies like GM, Boeing, Google, Stellantis are already onboard.

Significance:

• Strategic autonomy: Reduces US vulnerability to geopolitical coercion and export controls.

• Industrial resilience: Protects automotive, aerospace, defence, EV, and tech sectors.

• National security: Ensures availability of minerals critical for jet engines, batteries, missiles, and electronics.

• Market stability: Dampens extreme price swings in rare earth markets.

Removal of the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC)

Source: DH

Subject: Polity

Context: West Bengal Chief Minister stated that the TMC is open to working with the Congress and other Opposition parties to initiate impeachment proceedings against Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar.

About Removal of the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC):

Who is the Chief Election Commissioner?

• The Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) is the head of the Election Commission of India (ECI), a constitutional body entrusted with the superintendence, direction, and control of elections to Parliament, State Legislatures, and the offices of the President and Vice-President.

Constitutional article associated:

• Article 324 of the Constitution of India Establishes the Election Commission of India Provides for its composition, powers, and independence

• Establishes the Election Commission of India

• Provides for its composition, powers, and independence

Appointment of the CEC:

• Appointed by the President of India.

• As per the Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Act, 2023: Selection is based on the recommendation of a three-member committee consisting of: Prime Minister Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha A Union Cabinet Minister nominated by the PM

• Selection is based on the recommendation of a three-member committee consisting of: Prime Minister Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha A Union Cabinet Minister nominated by the PM

• Prime Minister

• Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha

• A Union Cabinet Minister nominated by the PM

• Tenure: 6 years or till the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier.

Removal process of the CEC:

• Article 324(5) provides that the CEC can be removed in like manner and on like grounds as a Judge of the Supreme Court.

• This links the process to Article 124(4) (removal of SC judges)

Grounds for removal:

• Proved misbehaviour (e.g., abuse of office, corruption, failure to discharge constitutional duties)

• Incapacity (physical or mental inability to perform duties)

Procedure:

• Notice of motion introduced: A formal written notice alleging proved misbehaviour or incapacity of the CEC is introduced in either House of Parliament to initiate proceedings.

• Support by requisite MPs: The motion must be backed by a minimum number of Members of Parliament, ensuring that removal is not triggered by frivolous or partisan allegations.

• Inquiry by a committee: An independent inquiry committee is constituted to investigate the charges, examine evidence, and establish whether misbehaviour or incapacity is proved.

• Special majority in both Houses: The motion must secure a constitutional special majority—a majority of total membership and two-thirds of members present and voting—in both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.

• Presidential order of removal: Once Parliament adopts the motion, the President formally orders removal, acting without discretion and in accordance with Parliament’s decision.

Blue Line along the Lebanon–Israel frontier

Source: UN

Subject: International Relations/Mapping

Context: The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) temporarily suspended patrols along parts of the Blue Line after Israel announced the release of a chemical substance near the frontier.

About Blue Line along the Lebanon–Israel frontier:

What is the Blue Line?

• The Blue Line is a UN-identified line of withdrawal, marking Israel’s pullback from southern Lebanon.

• It is not an international border, but a temporary demarcation used to monitor compliance with UN resolutions.

Located in:

• Runs for about 120 km along southern Lebanon, separating it from Israel and the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights.

• Extends from the Mediterranean coast near Naqoura/Rosh HaNikra to the tri-junction area near Shebaa Farms.

Origin and history:

• 1978: UN Security Council adopted Resolutions 425 and 426 after Israel’s invasion of Lebanon, creating UNIFIL.

• 2000: Following Israel’s withdrawal from southern Lebanon, the United Nations delineated the Blue Line to verify compliance.

• Both Israel and Lebanon agreed to respect the line, while maintaining that it does not prejudice final border negotiations.

Key features:

• Temporary and technical line: Designed solely to confirm Israeli withdrawal, not to settle sovereignty claims.

• UN custodianship: Monitored and supervised by UNIFIL in coordination with the Lebanese Armed Forces.

• Sensitive zones: Includes disputed areas such as Shebaa Farms, Ghajar village, and Kfarchouba hills.

• Frequent violations: Aerial overflights, cross-border fire, and construction activities are regularly flagged by the UN.

• Security architecture: Israel has constructed a border barrier/fence along much of the line to prevent infiltration.

Significance:

• Regional stability: Central to preventing escalation between Israel and Hezbollah.

• UN peacekeeping mandate: Core operational area for UNIFIL under Resolution 1701.

• Civilian protection: Stability along the Blue Line is vital for the return of displaced residents and livelihoods.

Peacocks

Source: TOI

Subject: Species in News

Context: A pair of peacocks were spotted at an altitude of over 6,000 ft near Manali in Himachal Pradesh, an unusual sight for a species typically found in warmer lowland regions.

About Peacocks:

What is it?

• Peacocks are large, colourful birds of the pheasant family (Phasianidae), collectively called peafowl—the male is a peacock, the female a peahen, and the young are peachicks.

• India’s national bird is the *Indian or Blue Peacock (Pavo cristatus*).

Habitat and distribution:

• Naturally found in warm, semi-arid to moist deciduous forests, grasslands, and agricultural landscapes.

• In India, usually inhabit plains and low hills.

• Typical altitude: up to ~1,000 m, occasionally 1,500 m.

• Recent sightings at ~1,800 m (6,000 ft) in Himachal Pradesh are ecologically unusual.

IUCN conservation status:

• Indian (Blue) Peacock – Least Concern

• Green (Javanese) Peacock – Endangered

• Congo Peacock – Vulnerable

Characteristics:

• Physical:

• Males possess a long iridescent train with eye-shaped spots used in courtship displays. Strong legs, short rounded wings; capable of short flights and roosting on trees.

• Males possess a long iridescent train with eye-shaped spots used in courtship displays.

• Strong legs, short rounded wings; capable of short flights and roosting on trees.

• Social and behavioural:

• Generally ground-dwelling but roost in trees at night. Males form harems during the breeding season. Omnivorous: feed on seeds, insects, small reptiles, aiding pest control.

• Generally ground-dwelling but roost in trees at night.

• Males form harems during the breeding season.

• Omnivorous: feed on seeds, insects, small reptiles, aiding pest control.

• Other ecological traits:

• Sensitive to temperature and habitat changes. Known for adaptability, but extreme altitudinal shifts are rare.

• Sensitive to temperature and habitat changes.

• Known for adaptability, but extreme altitudinal shifts are rare.

Implications of high-altitude sightings:

• Indicator of climate change: Warming temperatures are making higher altitudes more habitable.

• Ecosystem stress signal: Suggests shifts in species distribution in the Himalayas.

• Human–wildlife interaction risks: New habitats may increase conflict and competition.

Turtle Trails

Source: DTE

Subject: Environment

Context: The Union Budget 2026–27 proposed developing ‘turtle trails’ along key Olive Ridley nesting sites in Odisha, Karnataka and Kerala to promote eco-tourism.

About Turtle Trails:

What it is?

• ‘Turtle trails’ refer to regulated eco-tourism pathways and guided experiences near sea turtle nesting beaches, aimed at promoting conservation awareness, community livelihoods and nature-based tourism.

States involved:

• Odisha – Rushikulya (Ganjam) and vicinity of Gahirmatha (Kendrapara)

• Karnataka – Coastal turtle nesting beaches

• Kerala – Key nesting stretches along the Arabian Sea coast

Key features:

• Guided and regulated access to turtle nesting areas, usually during breeding season

• Public awareness and education on marine biodiversity and conservation

• Community participation, involving local fishers, volunteers and NGOs

• Low-impact infrastructure, potentially temporary walkways or observation zones (as proposed)

• Integration with eco-tourism policy, aligned with livelihood generation and sustainable tourism goals

Significance:

• Helps sensitise the public to endangered species like the Olive Ridley sea turtle.

• Can generate alternative income for coastal communities through guided tourism.

• If well-designed, may replace unregulated tourism with scientifically managed access.

#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 4 February 2026 Mapping:

Seychelles

Source: DD News

Subject: Mapping

Context: Patrick Herminie, President of Seychelles, will pay a state visit to India at the invitation of Prime Minister of India.

About Seychelles:

What is it?

• Seychelles is a sovereign island country and archipelagic state comprising 115 islands, known for its high human development, blue economy focus, and strategic maritime location in the Indian Ocean.

Located in:

• Western Indian Ocean, about 1,500 km east of mainland Africa

• Neighbours: Maldives, Mauritius, Madagascar, Comoros, Réunion (France)

Capital: Victoria (on Mahé Island)

Key geographical features:

• Archipelagic composition: 115 islands grouped into Inner (granitic) and Outer (coralline) islands.

• Granitic islands (Mahé, Praslin, La Digue): among the oldest oceanic granite formations in the world.

• Coral atolls and reef systems: support rich marine biodiversity and the blue economy.

• Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ): ~1.35 million km², one of the largest relative to country size.

• High marine conservation: commitment to protect 30% of marine waters through Marine Protected Areas.

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