Places in News Current Affairs MCQs

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On October 15, 2024, mysterious black, ball-shaped debris, likely tar balls, were discovered along Coogee Beach, Australia. Tar balls formed as a result of oil spills, mixing oil with seawater, sand, and debris into a hardened substance. Their size ranged from small pebbles to fist-sized, with surfaces that varied from smooth to rough. They posed environmental risks to marine life and human health due to toxic components like polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs).

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Chug Valley in Dirang, Arunachal Pradesh, once known for dense Cosmos flowers, has shrunk due to excessive human interference. The valley features green grasslands, pine trees, and the Dihing River, with the Duhumbi Monpa community residing in Chug village. The Cosmos flowers, blooming in September and October, act as pest repellents and attract pollinators. In 2024, Chug Valley won the 2nd Best Tourism Village Award, and Dammu’s Heritage Dine earned the Responsible Tourism Award.

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Japan’s Mount Fuji recently experienced its latest snowless period in 130 years. It is also known as Fuji-san. It is Japan’s highest mountain at 3,776 meters. It is located near the Pacific coast in Yamanashi and Shizuoka prefectures, about 100 km southwest of Tokyo-Yokohama. Unlike other tall mountains, it stands alone and is not part of a larger range. Mount Fuji is a dormant stratovolcano with its last eruption in 1707, yet still considered active. Its iconic shape comes from basaltic lava flows, with a smooth slope and a summit crater. Its volcanic activity is due to the Pacific Plate sinking under the Philippine Plate.

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The Reykjanes Peninsula in Iceland experienced its seventh volcanic eruption since December 2023. It is located in southwest Iceland. It is part of the submarine Reykjanes Ridge on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. The region hosts volcanic systems such as Reykjanes, Svartsengi, Fagradalsfjall, Krýsuvík, Brennisteinsfjöll, and Hengill. It features en-echelon fissure systems and attracts tourists for volcano tours, hiking trails, and the Blue Lagoon geothermal spa. The peninsula has a population of around 27,829 (2020), with Reykjanesbær as its largest settlement.

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A migrant boat sank near the Greek island of Samos, claiming eight lives, including six children. Samos, in the eastern Aegean Sea, is one of Greece’s largest and easternmost islands, just 1.7 km from the Turkish coast. The island spans 478 sq. km and features steep mountains, sandy beaches, olive groves, and pine forests. Mount Kerketeus is its highest peak at 1,433 meters. Samos has a Mediterranean climate with hot summers and mild winters. It hosts UNESCO World Heritage Sites like the Pythagoreion and Heraion. Samos is the birthplace of Pythagoras and astronomer Aristarchus.

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French President praised over 1,000 craftspeople who rebuilt Notre-Dame Cathedral after a devastating fire in 2019. Notre-Dame is a famous Gothic cathedral in located in Paris, France. It is known for its size, age, and architectural features. Its construction began in 1163 and continued throughout the Gothic period, completed by 1250. It was the site of significant events, including Napoleon’s coronation and royal weddings. A fire on April 15, 2019, severely damaged the roof and spire. The cathedral is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, showcasing naturalistic sculptures and stained-glass windows.

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The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has requested a response from the Geological Survey of India (GSI) regarding the deteriorating condition of Varkala cliff, a national geo-heritage site. It is located in Varkala, Kerala. The cliff stretches 3 km and exposes sedimentary rocks from the Mio-Pliocene Age (13 lakh to 2.5 crore years ago). Varkala is the only place on India’s west coast where these ancient sediments are visible. The cliff towers up to 80 meters and is home to the Papanasam Beach, known for its therapeutic springs. It supports local biodiversity and is essential for coastal aquifers and fishing communities.

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The Nazca Lines, ancient geoglyphs in Peru, have seen a surge in discoveries thanks to AI technology. A recent study utilized drones and AI to analyze over 600 sq km of the Nazca Pampa, leading to the identification of 303 new geoglyphs in just six months. This advancement marks a significant increase in archaeological discoveries, highlighting AI’s potential to revolutionize the field, similar to the impact of aerial imaging in the past. Nazca Lines (Pampa de Nazca) is located in the South American country Peru.

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Aleppo, Syria’s second-largest city, has been overtaken by Islamist rebel factions for the first time in over a decade. Located in northern Syria, about 30 miles from the Turkish border, Aleppo is a significant ancient trade hub. The Quwayq River runs through Aleppo, often drying up due to heavy water usage in Turkey. The terrorist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) is involved in the takeover. Aleppo is home to the UNESCO World Heritage site “Old City of Aleppo,” known for its medieval Islamic architecture, including the iconic citadel.

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Thousands of political prisoners were released from Syria’s Saydnaya Prison, infamous for inhumane conditions. Saydnaya Prison, near Damascus, was established in the 1980s and operated by the Syrian military police since 1987. The prison was notorious for being a “human slaughterhouse” with severe human rights violations. Syria, located in the Middle East, shares borders with Turkey, Iraq, Jordan, Israel, Lebanon, and the Mediterranean Sea. Its strategic location connects the Levant region to the broader Arab world.