Places in News Current Affairs MCQs

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A magnitude-7.6 earthquake struck the Caribbean Sea southwest of the Cayman Islands. The Cayman Islands is a British overseas territory in the Caribbean, located south of Cuba and northwest of Jamaica. It consists of three islands: Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac, and Little Cayman. The islands are peaks of the Cayman Ridge, an underwater mountain range. Known for coral reefs, clear waters, and white sand beaches, Grand Cayman is the largest and most populous island. The territory covers 264 sq. km, with George Town as its capital.

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New Zealand’s Foreign Minister expressed “significant concern” over the Cook Islands signing a cooperation deal with China. The Cook Islands is located in the South Pacific Ocean, between Tonga and French Polynesia. It is a self-governing nation with a “free association” pact with New Zealand. The Cook Islands consist of 15 islands, divided into northern (coral atolls) and southern (volcanic, densely populated) groups.

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Monitoring lake changes is essential for sustaining ecosystems but is often missing in rejuvenation efforts. Lake Sapanca in northwestern Turkiye faces degradation due to urbanization and industrial expansion. Lake Sapanca is located in Turkey, specifically between the provinces of Sakarya to the east and Kocaeli to the west.

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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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A proposal to transfer water from Manikaran to Kasol for a hot bath facility has sparked local opposition. Manikaran is a small town in Himachal Pradesh, known for its hot springs and religious significance. It is situated in Parvati Valley along the Parvati River at 1,829 meters altitude. The town is famous for natural hot springs believed to have healing properties. The water is said to be radioactive and beneficial for rheumatism. Manikaran is a major pilgrimage site for Hindus and Sikhs, home to a Shiva temple, Manikaran Sahib Gurudwara, and a Rama temple.

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A volcano recently erupted at Mount Dukono in Indonesia. Mount Dukono, standing 1,087 meters above sea level, is one of Indonesia’s 127 active volcanoes. It is located on Halmahera Island.

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The Simandou mine in Guinea will significantly impact the global iron ore market, supplying 10% of China’s annual demand and competing with Australia and Brazil. It is located in the Simandou mountain range, Guinea. It is controlled by a 75% Chinese consortium. The mine boasts high-quality ore with 65% Fe content, one of the best globally. It has 2.4 billion tonnes of reserves, with a potential yield of 2.25 billion tonnes. The mining deposits, Pic de Fon and Ouéléba, cover 7.5 km in length and 1 km in width.

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A six-day survey in Majuli River Island, Assam, highlights rising human-wildlife conflict (HWC) concerns. Majuli is the world’s largest river island in Assam, covering 421 sq. km, formed by the Brahmaputra and Subansiri Rivers. It became India’s first island district in 2016 and is known for its lush greenery, water bodies, and paddy fields. The island is a hub of Assamese neo-Vaishnavite culture, with Satras preserving dance, literature, theatre, and mask-making.