Places in News Current Affairs MCQs

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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 Cook Islands, self-governing since 1965, aims to mine minerals from its seabed for electric car batteries. The Cook Islands are located in the South Pacific Ocean, about 2,900 km northeast of New Zealand and 4,500 km south of Hawaii. Its 15 islands, once a New Zealand colony, host a vast territorial water area, comparable to Mexico’s size. Researchers found nodules rich in cobalt and manganese on the seabed, growing as thick as a credit card every million years. Technological barriers to extraction have recently eased, sparking international interest in the Cook Islands’ mineral potential.

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The Philippines challenges China over Scarborough Shoal’s environmental damage, urging international scrutiny. Situated in the South China Sea, the shoal is a vital fishing area rich in marine life, claimed by both China and the Philippines. Despite no physical structures, China controls it with a continuous coast guard presence since 2012, citing historical ownership dating back to the Yuan Dynasty. The dispute remains unresolved.

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India aims to operate Mongla Port in Bangladesh and build a new terminal to counter China’s regional influence. Mongla, the second largest seaport in Bangladesh, is strategically located 62 km from the Bay of Bengal, protected by the Sundarban forest. India’s interest in Mongla will improve access and reduce transportation costs to northeastern states like Assam and Tripura. India Ports Global Limited has expressed interest, following the 2015 MoU for transit.

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A Japanese town takes action to prevent tourist disturbances while photographing Mount Fuji. The iconic peak, standing at 3,776 meters, is located 100 km west of Tokyo on Honshu Island. It’s a dormant stratovolcano, last erupting in 1707, yet remains active. Mount Fuji boasts a smooth slope, wide base, and UNESCO World Heritage status since 2013. Despite volcanic activity, its summit is often snow-covered, offering a stunning skyline.

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During excavations for an airport on Crete, Greece’s largest island, a 4,000-year-old circular monument was discovered. Crete, the fifth largest Mediterranean island, covers 8,336 sq. km and features rugged mountains. Historically significant, it hosted the Minoan civilization (2700-1420 BCE) and has been ruled by various powers, including Romans, Byzantines, Venetians, and Ottomans. It became part of Greece after independence from Ottoman rule.

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The recent fire in Mangaf, Kuwait, resulting in the deaths of Indian migrant workers, highlights the poor living conditions and neglect of low-income workers’ rights in GCC states. The Kafala system ties migrant workers’ visas to their employers, granting employers extensive control and contributing to exploitation and vulnerability. Low wages, restricted movement, and the absence of worker unions further exacerbate these issues, worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic by confinement and deportations.

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Archaeologists discovered Tu’am, an ancient city known for its pearl trade, on UAE’s Siniyah Island, confirming its historical existence. Dating back to the fourth century, Tu’am thrived until succumbing to local conflicts and the bubonic plague. Excavations revealed ancient homes and a Christian monastery, aligning with historical records. This discovery establishes Siniyah Island as the true location of Tu’am, showcasing its significance as the largest known ancient town on the UAE’s Gulf coast.

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The ancient site on Greece’s Delos island, a key sanctuary of the Greek and Roman world and a UNESCO World Heritage site, faces destruction within decades due to rising sea levels and geological changes. Settled since the 3rd millennium B.C., Delos is vulnerable to increasing temperatures and humidity, which damage cultural heritage materials. Located in the Aegean Sea, the area is primarily Greek, with Turkey holding Imbros and Tenedos islands.

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Gunmen in Russia’s Dagestan Region killed 15 police officers and a priest. Dagestan, officially a part of the Russian Federation, is a predominantly Muslim region with a history of insurgency and terrorism. Its name, “Land of Mountains,” highlights its rugged terrain in the Eastern North Caucasus. The capital, Makhachkala, lies on the Caspian Sea coast. Avars are the largest ethnic group, followed by Dargins, Kumyks, and Lezgins, contributing to its diverse cultural fabric.