Prime Minister’s Visit to Brunei

Context:

The Prime Minister’s visit to Brunei underscores 40 years of diplomatic relations, emphasizing Brunei’s strategic significance in India’s ‘Act East’ Policy.

Significance of the Visit:

• Opening of the Chancery: The Indian PM inaugurated the new Chancery of the Indian High Commission in Brunei, symbolizing the deepening of diplomatic ties.
• Cultural Engagement: A visit to the iconic Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque highlighted the cultural connections between India and Brunei.
• Population and Indian Diaspora: Brunei, with a population of about 450,500, has a notable Indian community of around 14,000, contributing significantly to sectors like healthcare and education.
• Strategic Role: Brunei plays a pivotal role in India’s ‘Act East’ Policy and its Indo-Pacific strategy, enhancing regional cooperation and countering China’s growing influence.
• Economic Cooperation: The visit also focused on enhancing trade and investment, especially given Brunei’s role as a major oil and gas producer, which is important for India’s energy needs.
• Meeting with the Sultan: Discussions with Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah, the longest-reigning monarch, focused on further strengthening bilateral relations.

About Brunei:

• Official Name: Brunei Darussalam. Capital: Bandar Seri Begawan.
• Geography: Located in Southeast Asia, on the northern coast of Borneo, Brunei consists of two non-contiguous areas and shares a border with Malaysia’s Sarawak state. It has a coastline along the South China Sea.
• Highest Peak: Bukit Pagon.
• Sovereignty: Brunei is the only fully sovereign state on the island of Borneo, the rest of which is shared by Malaysia and Indonesia. It operates as a constitutional absolute monarchy, with the Sultan as the ruler.

4. New Discoveries at Lothal

Context:

A recent study has confirmed the existence of a dockyard at Lothal in Gujarat, dating back to the Harappan Civilization. The research also indicates that the Sabarmati River once flowed near Lothal during this period.

Lothal:

• World’s Oldest Artificial Dock: Lothal is recognized as the oldest known artificial dock globally and was the only port town of the Harappan Civilization situated along the Bhogava River, a tributary of the Sabarmati River.
• Location: Situated in the Bhal region of Gujarat, near the Gulf of Khambhat.
• Discovery: It was discovered in 1954 by S.R. Rao. The name ‘Lothal’ in Gujarati translates to ‘the mound of the dead.’
• Key Features: Lothal is notable for its acropolis, bead factory, warehouses, and advanced drainage system.
• Town Structure: Like most Harappan settlements, Lothal was divided into two parts: the citadel and the lower town.
• UNESCO Nomination: Lothal has been nominated for inclusion as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.