Places in News Current Affairs MCQs

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Chinese citizens are occupying Xiaokang border defense villages along India’s northeastern border. China has built 628 well-off villages along India’s borders with Tibet over five years, covering Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh. In response, India launched the Vibrant Villages Programme in 2022, aiming to develop 663 border villages into modern tourist attractions. Zemithang, Taksing, and Chayang Tajo are located in the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh. The villages are part of the Vibrant Village Programme, a pilot initiative by the government to develop remote and border villages.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for Sikkim’s first railway station in Rangpo, celebrating a historic moment for the state. The station’s design, inspired by local culture and the Himalayan landscape, pays homage to Sikkim’s rich traditions. This initiative is part of a nationwide effort, with over 2,000 rail infrastructure projects worth Rs 41,000 crore, aiming to transform transportation networks, promote connectivity, and drive economic development across the country.

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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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Indian PM and Mauritius PM will inaugurate a modern airstrip and jetty on Agalega Island, Mauritius, strengthening connectivity with mainland Mauritius. Agalega, a dependency of Mauritius, comprises two outer islands in the southwest Indian Ocean, situated 1,050 km north of Mauritius Island, with a total area of 2,600 ha. The projects enhance transportation infrastructure for the remote islands.

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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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The Galapagos Islands, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Pacific Ocean, face a critical challenge with rising visitor numbers jeopardizing its delicate ecosystem. Comprising 19 islands and numerous islets, this volcanic archipelago hosts rich biodiversity. However, rapid human impact threatens its unique wildlife. Despite its designation as a World Heritage Site in 1978, conservation efforts must intensify to preserve its young, rugged landscape and diverse marine life.

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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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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.

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The Port of Baltimore, a vital seaport on the Patapsco River in Maryland, serves as a commercial hub connecting to the Atlantic Ocean. Despite its closure due to a bridge collapse on March 26, efforts are underway to remove containers from the stranded ship Dali, a 984-foot vessel. Once completed, it will take weeks to tow the ship and reopen the port, which ranks ninth in the U.S. by trade volume.