Places in News Current Affairs MCQs

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Former US President Joe Biden highlighted the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) post the Israel-Hamas ceasefire. IMEC, announced at the 2023 G20 meeting, aims to boost trade between India, the Arabian Peninsula, the Mediterranean, and Europe. Countries involved include India, the EU, the US, UAE, Saudi Arabia, France, Germany, and Italy. It features two corridors: eastern (India to Arabian Gulf) and northern (Gulf to Europe). A shipping route links Mumbai and Mundra to the UAE, and a rail network connects the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Haifa. Haifa connects by sea to Piraeus Port, Greece, linking to Europe.

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The US President signed an executive order renaming Denali to Mount McKinley. It is the highest peak in North America, located in south-central Alaska in the Alaska Range. Denali is a massive granite block uplifted by tectonic activity about 60 million years ago. It rises 18,000 feet from the Denali Fault to its southern summit. The upper half is covered with snowfields feeding glaciers like Kahiltna, Muldrow, Peters, Ruth, and Traleika. Denali is the central feature of Denali National Park and Preserve.

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Mount Ibu, a stratovolcano in Indonesia, has erupted frequently in January 2024. Stratovolcanoes are cone-shaped volcanoes built from layers of lava and ash. They are known for their explosive eruptions due to the thick, slow-moving lava. Mount Ibu is located in the Pacific Ring of Fire, a region of high volcanic activity. It is characterized by frequent eruptions, including lava flows and ash plumes.

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The International Criminal Court (ICC) Prosecutor urged the UN Security Council to address worsening atrocities in Sudan’s Darfur region. Darfur, in western Sudan, is home to around 80 tribes and ethnic groups facing ongoing tribal and ethnic conflicts. The crisis intensified in 2003 when rebel groups, Sudan Liberation Army and Justice and Equality Movement, took arms against the Sudanese government. The conflict stemmed from grievances over the unequal distribution of economic resources, causing widespread loss of lives and displacement.

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The US President signed an executive order to prepare a large-scale migrant detention center at Guantánamo Bay. Guantánamo Bay, located in southeastern Cuba, is a sheltered inlet with strategic importance, near the Windward Passage. It is served by the ports of Caimanera and Boquerón. “Gitmo” has housed terrorism suspects since 9/11 and has a Migrant Operations Centre for migrants from Haiti and Cuba. The current facility is small and cannot accommodate the 30,000 detainees expected in the new center.

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The world’s largest iceberg, A23a, is drifting toward South Georgia Island after breaking from Antarctica’s Filchner Ice Shelf. South Georgia Island is a mountainous, barren island in the South Atlantic Ocean. It is part of the British overseas territory of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands, covering 3,756 sq.km. The island has over 160 glaciers and peaks like Mount Paget (2,935 m).

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Madras High Court directed the Tamil Nadu government to maintain communal harmony at Thiruparankundram hill. Thiruparankundram hill is located in Madurai district, Tamil Nadu and has historical and religious significance. It houses the rock-cut Thiruparankundram temple, built in the 8th century by the Pandyas. It is one of six temples of Lord Muruga, the son of warrior goddess Korravai. The hill also has a Muslim shrine of Sikandar Shah, the last Sultan of the Madurai Sultanate. Jain caves are also found here, adding to its religious diversity.

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Amsterdam Island, also called Nouvelle Amsterdam, is a small French territory in the southern Indian Ocean. It is part of the French Southern and Antarctic Territories and is located midway between Australia, Antarctica, Madagascar, and other regions. The island is about 3,200 km away from neighboring territories. Amsterdam Island is an elliptical-shaped volcanic island, covering 55 sq.km with a 10 km length and 7 km width. The island has been burning for nearly a month.

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Mount Etna, Europe’s tallest and most active volcano, has erupted again, releasing lava and thick ash clouds. It is located in Sicily, Italy. It is Europe’s tallest active volcano and Italy’s highest peak south of the Alps. It is recognized as a Decade Volcano due to frequent eruptions near populated areas. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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Recent research reveals a significant pause in coral reef growth in the Gulf of Eilat (Gulf of Aqaba). The Gulf is located at the northern tip of the Red Sea, bordered by Egypt, Israel, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia. It is much deeper (1,850 meters) compared to the shallow Gulf of Suez (100 meters). The Gulf of Aqaba is known for its coral reefs, which are among the northernmost in the world.