Places in News Current Affairs MCQs

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Recently, Prime Minister paid respects at Shankaracharya Temple, Jammu & Kashmir. Perched on Shankaracharya Hill, also called Hill of Solomon, in Srinagar, it dates back to 200 BCE, renovated in 9th century CE. Originally named Takht-i-Sulaiman, it was later renamed after Adi Shankaracharya. The oldest temple in Kashmir follows early Kashmiri architecture, showcasing Shikhara style with a horseshoe arch pattern. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, it sits at 1,000 feet, offering a commanding view of Srinagar. Also known as Jyesteshwara Temple or Pas-Pahar.

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As of March 2024, water is disappearing from Cuatro Cienegas, Mexico’s vital desert oasis, due to agricultural activities. The oasis is the Chihuahuan Desert’s most important wetland, and scientists say it can help them understand climate change, the origin of the Earth, and the chances of life on Mars. However, water is being used for alfalfa crops and other agricultural activities, causing the oasis to dry up. As a result, communities have to bring in water by truck when there is gasoline, which is a costly expense.

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Gorkha forts in Himachal Pradesh, relics of historical significance, suffer neglect. Gorkha Fort, atop Subathu hill, believed founded by Amar Singh Thapa to resist British, now lies in ruins. Also known as Banasar, Malaun, or Sabathu fort, it bears witness to fierce battles. Despite its historical importance, the fort faces neglect, highlighting the need for preservation efforts to safeguard this valuable piece of heritage.

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India recently applied to the International Seabed Authority (ISBA) for rights to explore the Afanasy Nikitin Seamount (AN Seamount) in the Indian Ocean. AN Seamount is a 400 km-long and 150 km-wide feature rich in cobalt, nickel, manganese, and copper. It lies 3,000 km from India’s coast, rising 1200 m above the ocean floor. Seamounts, formed through volcanic activity near mid-ocean ridges, are hotspots for marine life, with potential for active resource extraction.

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Amidst ongoing conflict, Russia and Ukraine exchange accusations of launching kamikaze drones targeting Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant. Captured early in the war, the plant’s reactors are gradually being shut down despite intermittent attempts to reconnect to the Russian energy grid. Situated near Enerhodar in Zaporizhzhia Oblast, Ukraine, the plant’s six power units utilize VVER reactors. The proximity to the 1986 Chernobyl disaster site adds gravity to potential risks.

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Qudsia Bagh, built in 1748 by Qudsia Begum, wife of Mughal Emperor Md Shah Rangeela, underwent recent restoration by Delhi Development Authority. It is located in North Delhi and it follows Persian char-bagh style. The Bagh’s remains include its grand western gateway, Qudsia Mosque, and pavilions in red sandstone. The mosque, a simple structure with three-storied walls, is ASI protected. It played roles in 1857 First War of Independence and Bhagat Singh’s activities.

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Archaeologists in Pompeii unearthed a black-walled banqueting hall adorned with vibrant frescoes depicting Greek mythology. Pompeii, a preserved ancient Roman city near Naples, Italy, lies at the base of Mount Vesuvius. Established in the Bronze Age, it thrived under Roman rule, boasting a population of 10-12,000. Buried by Vesuvius in 79 CE, Pompeii remained hidden until rediscovery in 1748. Its remarkably preserved state offers profound insights into Roman life, earning it UNESCO World Heritage status.

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Mount Ruang, a stratovolcano in Indonesia’s North Sulawesi province, recently erupted, sending an ash cloud over a mile high. Standing at 10,932 feet, it boasts a two-mile-wide caldera. Stratovolcanoes, like Ruang, are tall, steep, and cone-shaped, often found near subduction zones. They account for about 60% of Earth’s volcanoes, characterized by explosive eruptions due to cooler, more viscous lavas. Ruang’s summit typically features a small crater, sometimes filled with water or ice.

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The G-7 foreign ministers convened in Capri, Italy from April 17-19, 2024, led by Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani. Amid Iran’s attack on Israel and ongoing conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine, they issued three communiques condemning Iran’s actions and pledging sanctions. Representatives from EU joined. The ministers urged de-escalation and called upon Iran and Israel to prevent further conflict. Italy, as G7 chair, hosted the crucial diplomatic gathering.

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Russian peacekeepers are withdrawing from Nagorno-Karabakh after Azerbaijan regained control from Armenian separatists. Nagorno-Karabakh, also Artsakh, is a mountainous region in the South Caucasus, claimed by both Azerbaijan and Armenia since 1917. Although internationally recognized as part of Azerbaijan, it’s predominantly inhabited by ethnic Armenians with their own government. Both Armenians and Azerbaijanis have historical and religious ties to the region, leading to ongoing tension.