Places in News Current Affairs MCQs

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Minister for Youth Welfare and Sports Development Udhayanidhi Stalin inaugurated the World Tamil Diaspora Day celebrations in Chennai on January 11, 2024. This event, spanning two days, was a significant gathering that brought together Tamils from about 58 countries, highlighting the global presence and cultural unity of the Tamil community. The celebration was marked by the participation of state ministers, people’s representatives, industrialists, writers, and others.

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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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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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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 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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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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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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Amidst ongoing conflict, Russia and Ukraine exchange accusations of launching kamikaze drones targeting Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant. Captured early in the war, the plant’s reactors are gradually being shut down despite intermittent attempts to reconnect to the Russian energy grid. Situated near Enerhodar in Zaporizhzhia Oblast, Ukraine, the plant’s six power units utilize VVER reactors. The proximity to the 1986 Chernobyl disaster site adds gravity to potential risks.