Places in News Current Affairs MCQs

Notes:
Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council urged China to maintain the “status quo” in waters near Taiwan-controlled Kinmen islands, cautioning against coast guard incursions into restricted areas. Jan Jyh-horng, the council’s deputy head, emphasized the need for a controllable situation across the Strait in a press conference. Beijing initiated regular coast guard patrols around Kinmen last month following the deaths of two Chinese fishermen attempting to escape Taiwan’s coast guard.

Notes:
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.

Notes:
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.

Notes:
The Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, Maryland, collapsed when a container ship, manned entirely by Indian crew members, collided with its tower. Opened in 1977, the bridge spans the Patapsco River and Baltimore Harbor, honoring Francis Scott Key, author of the US national anthem. A continuous truss bridge, it ranks as the third longest of its kind globally.

Notes:
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.

Notes:
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.

Notes:
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.

Notes:
During his visit to Iran, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar discussed establishing a long-term cooperation framework for Chabahar port with Iranian Minister of Roads and Urban Development Mehrdad Bazrpash. Chabahar, Iran’s first deepwater port at the Gulf of Oman, is crucial for global trade. It’s part of the proposed International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), with two ports: Shahid Beheshti and Shahid Kalantari. India’s investment is focused on Shahid Beheshti port.

Notes:
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), Mumbai Circle celebrated World Heritage Day at Panhala Fort in Maharashtra. Traditionally linked with sage Parashar, it strategically lies along trade routes. Built by Shilahara ruler Bhoja in the 11th century, it passed through various dynasties including Yadavas, Bahamani, Adilshahi, Marathas, and Mughals. Features include three double-walled gates; Chaar Darwaja, now ruins, and Teen Darwaja, the main entrance, with a Persian inscription dating back to 1547-8 CE.

Notes:
The first case of bird flu killing a walrus was found on Hopen Island, part of Svalbard, Norway. Hopen Island is located in the Arctic Ocean, in the Svalbard Archipelago, which is part of Norway. The island is situated in the southern part of the archipelago, between the Barents Sea and the Greenland Sea. Hopen Island is one of the smaller islands in the Svalbard group, covering an area of about 47 square kilometers. The island’s landscape is mainly made up of low-lying tundra, rocky outcrops, and coastal cliffs.