Places in News Current Affairs MCQs

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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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Mount Etna, Europe’s largest and most active volcano, recently produced rare volcanic vortex rings, where gas, mainly water vapor, forms perfect circles when released from its crater. This phenomenon, first noted in 1724, can last up to 10 minutes. Etna’s circular vent is a key characteristic. Similar events have been observed at various volcanoes worldwide. Situated on Sicily’s east coast, Etna boasts Italy’s highest peak south of the Alps.

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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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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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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.

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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.

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Experts fear that Kitum, the world’s deadliest cave in Mount Elgon National Park, Kenya, could harbor the next pandemic, Marburg virus, flagged as “epidemic-prone” by World Health Organization. Marburg Virus Disease (MVD) is a severe hemorrhagic fever affecting humans and primates, caused by a unique zoonotic RNA virus related to Ebola. Transmitted through bat-inhabited caves, it spreads via direct contact with infected bodily fluids, raising concerns about potential outbreaks and the need for heightened vigilance.

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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.

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The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) is set to build the Shinkun La Tunnel, spanning 4.1 km under the 16,580 feet high Shinku-La pass, linking Himachal’s Lahaul valley and Ladakh’s Zanskar valley. It will be the world’s longest high altitude highway tunnel. Costing Rs. 1,681.5 crores, it promises all-weather connectivity to Ladakh, shortening routes to border areas. Expected to streamline transportation, it will also provide security against long-range artillery shelling or missile firings.

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Pirates’ recent assault in the Gulf of Aden sparks alarm. The gulf acts as a crucial maritime corridor connecting the Red Sea and Arabian Sea. Named after Yemen’s Port of Aden, it borders Somalia to the south and Yemen to the north, with the Arabian Sea to the east and Djibouti to the west. The prominent Sheba Ridge characterizes its terrain, extending from the Indian Ocean ridge system.