Places in News Current Affairs MCQs

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Iran has recently threatened to close the Strait of Gibraltar and the Mediterranean Sea unless Israel stops bombing Gaza. Strait of Gibraltar is a narrow strait that serves as a natural boundary between two continents and two countries. It separates Europe and Africa, specifically the southern coast of Spain in Europe and the northern coast of Morocco in Africa. The strait connects the Atlantic Ocean to the west with the Mediterranean Sea to the east, and its strategic location has been historically significant for trade and military navigation. The Strait of Gibraltar is approximately 14 kilometers (about 9 miles) wide at its narrowest point, making it one of the key maritime chokepoints in the world.

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The Amnya fort along the Amnya River in western Siberia consists of pit-house depressions with earthen walls and wooden palisades, suggesting advanced agricultural and defensive capabilities.

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Around 1,300 tabla players who performed during Tansen Samaroh entered the Guinness World Records for achieving the “largest tabla ensemble”. Tansen Samaroh is celebrated every year in the month of December in Gwalior district of Madhya Pradesh.

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The new airport in Ayodhya will be named after sage poet Maharishi Valmiki as ‘Maharishi Valmiki International Airport Ayodhya Dham’. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the newly built Ayodhya Airport on December 30, 2023. The news is significant as the airport naming indicates the focus on enhancing Ayodhya’s cultural heritage.

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The city of Nashik in Maharashtra has been selected by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India to host the National Youth Festival (NYF) 2024. As per recent announcements, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to inaugurate the 5-day youth festival in Nashik on January 12, which will see participation of around 7,500 youths from across India. NYF is held every year to celebrate the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda on January 12. The selection of Nashik as the host gained attention as preparations are underway to organize this youth-centric national event focused on cultural programmes and competitions.

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Smruti Mandir and Deekshabhoomi, both of which were recently in the news, are located in the city of Nagpur. Smruti Mandir is known for housing the memorial of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh’s (RSS) founder Keshav Baliram Hedgewar, while Deekshabhoomi is a significant landmark where Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar embraced Buddhism along with lakhs of his followers. These sites hold historical and cultural importance and recently attracted attention due to the visit of a Chinese delegation of Hindi scholars. Their visit to these landmarks in Nagpur was part of a cultural and educational exchange initiative, highlighting the city’s rich heritage and its significance in India’s historical and socio-political landscape.

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Tropical Cyclone Alvaro made a significant impact on southwest Madagascar, hitting the region on January 1st, 2024. This marked the first major cyclone influence during the 2023-2024 in the southwest Indian Ocean. The ongoing season, which spans from late October to May, has posed unprecedented challenges to the area, with Cyclone Alvaro being the latest destructive force.

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The Inland Waterways Authority of India, operating under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways (MoPSW), made history by organizing the inaugural meeting of the Inland Waterways Development Council (IWDC) in Kolkata. Led by Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, the event convened representatives from waterway states, central government officials, and experts on the MV Ganga Queen. The gathering discussed crucial initiatives, including the “Harit Nauka – Guidelines for Green Transition of Inland Vessels” and the “River Cruise Tourism Roadmap 2047,” with a focus on advancing the development of inland waterways in India.

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Archaeologists in Egypt have recently made significant discoveries at Saqqara, a historic site with a rich archaeological legacy. Saqqara is part of the necropolis of the ancient Egyptian city of Memphis, situated on the western bank of the Nile, 40 kilometers south of Cairo, the capital of Egypt. Named after the burial god Sokar, Saqqara served as an active burial ground for over 3500 years, making it Egypt’s largest archaeological site.

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The Delhi government unveiled free bus rides for the transgender community, marking a significant step towards inclusive public transportation. The decision awaits Cabinet approval, with plans to promptly implement the initiative. This move aims to facilitate accessible and cost-free travel for transgender individuals on public buses in Delhi.