Places in News Current Affairs MCQs

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Violence erupted in Uttarakhand as a mosque and madrasa on Nazool land were demolished. Nazool land, owned by the government, is leased for 15-99 years and used for public purposes. Originating from British rule, it was confiscated from opposing kings and royals, marked as Nazool land. Governed by The Nazool Lands (Transfer) Rules, 1956, it’s often utilized for schools, hospitals, and housing societies. The government can renew or cancel leases, leading to recent conflicts in Uttarakhand.

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The former Vice-President of India and Union Minister for Culture will inaugurate the ‘Dakshin Bharat Sanskritik Kendra’ in Hyderabad, part of the Sangeet Natak Akademi, India’s national academy for music, dance, and drama. Established in 1953, it aims to preserve and promote India’s diverse cultural heritage. The Akademi operates autonomously under the Ministry of Culture, with a Chairman appointed by the President for a five-year term. Fully funded by the government, it coordinates regional Akademies, promotes research, and encourages collaboration for the enrichment of Indian culture.

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The Rajasthan Mines Department has discovered over 840 million tonnes of iron ore in Khoda, Dadaroli, Todupura, and Liloti near Hindon, Karauli. A composite license for iron ore blocks spanning 1,888 hectares is set for auction. Preliminary exploration revealed magnetite and hematite deposits across 462.3 hectares in Khoda, 754.38 hectares in Dadaroli, 260.71 hectares in Todupura, and 410.94 hectares in Liloti. The findings are expected to boost industrial investment, particularly benefiting steel, cement, coal, and related industries in the state, fostering economic growth and job opportunities.

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Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune officially inaugurated the Grand Mosque of Algiers, also known as Djamaa El-Djazair. The Grand Mosque of Algiers is the world’s third-largest mosque and features the world’s tallest minaret at 869 feet (265 meters).

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The Bihar Governor visited Thailand’s Ancient City of Ayutthaya, named after Lord Ram’s birth city in Ayodhya, India. Founded in 1350, it served as the Siamese Kingdom’s second capital. Flourishing from the 14th to the 18th centuries, it was a global diplomatic and commercial hub on an island strategically located above tidal bores, protecting it from sea attacks. Burmese forces razed it in 1767, leaving an extensive archaeological site with advanced water management and monumental structures.

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The Sri Lanka Sustainable Energy Authority recently partnered with an Indian company to construct “Hybrid Renewable Energy Systems” on Delft, Neduntheevu, Nainativu, and Analaitivu islands near Jaffna peninsula. Nainativu Island, located in the Palk Strait near Jaffna, holds historical significance and is a pilgrimage site for Hindus and Buddhists. Notably, it houses the Nagapooshani Amman Kovil, a historic Hindu temple dedicated to the principal goddess Amman, identified with the renowned Tamil deity Meenakshi. The Mahavamsa mentions Buddha’s second visit to the island.

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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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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.

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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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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.