Places In News
‘Block 20’, which was seen in the news, is located in which country?
  • Iraq
  • China
  • Japan
  • South Africa
Explanation:
 

The Indian government is considering restarting operations in Block 20, formerly known as Block 8, in Iraq's Western Desert.

This significant exploration area, spanning 10,500 square kilometers, is operated by ONGC Videsh Ltd (OVL) and has been inactive due to force majeure since 2003, amid efforts to resume hydrocarbon exploration activities.

Rajkot International Airport has been inaugurated in which state?
  • Rajasthan
  • Gujarat
  • Punjab
  • Madhya Pradesh
Explanation: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated Rajkot International Airport and various development projects worth over Rs 860 crores in Rajkot, Gujarat. These initiatives include Sauni Yojana Link 3 Packages 8 and 9, upgrades to Dwarka Rural Water Supply and Sanitation, and preservation efforts for Uparkot Fort Phases I & II, aiming to boost infrastructure and heritage preservation in the region.
Cape Verde archipelago, which was seen in the news, is in which region?
  • Africa
  • Asia
  • Europe
  • Oceania
Explanation: Cape Verde, an archipelago in the central Atlantic Ocean, comprises 10 islands and various islets. Situated west of Cap-Vert, the westernmost point of continental Africa, it recently made headlines when a migrant boat off its coast led to fears of over 60 deaths, highlighting ongoing migration challenges in the region.
Tenerife, which was seen in the news, is located in which country?
  • Spain
  • Australia
  • Philippines
  • Indonesia
Explanation: A wildfire on Tenerife, Spain's largest Canary Island, has prompted the evacuation of over 26,000 people as it continues to burn uncontrollably. The fire has spread across more than 8,000 hectares with a perimeter of 70 km, underscoring the severe impact on residents and the challenge of containing such large-scale blazes.
.‘Kyiv and Lviv World Heritage Sites’ are in which country?
  • Russia
  • Ukraine
  • Belarus
  • Belgium
Explanation: Lampedusa is a small Italian island located in the Mediterranean Sea, south of Sicily and north of Tunisia. It gained international attention as a major point of entry for migrants and refugees crossing from North Africa to Europe. The island has been a focal point in discussions about European immigration policies and humanitarian efforts due to its proximity to migrant routes. Despite its natural beauty and marine biodiversity, Lampedusa has become synonymous with the challenges and tragedies faced by those seeking safety and opportunity in Europe, highlighting broader issues of migration, humanitarian aid, and international solidarity.
Sko valley, which was seen in the news, is located in which state/UT?
  • Ladakh
  • Arunachal Pradesh
  • Uttarakhand
  • Sikkim
Explanation: The Ministry of Home Affairs has recently opened 'Marsemik La and Sko Valley' in Ladakh to tourists, previously restricted due to their proximity to the strategic Chang Chenmo sector near Pangong Lake. This move allows tourists to trek through these high-altitude areas, promoting tourism while maintaining security measures.
‘Taupō volcano’, which was seen in the news, is located in which country?
  • Philippines
    • Explanation: Around 1,800 years ago, New Zealand's Taupō volcano erupted, sending glass fragments to Antarctica. Recently, scientists discovered six of these fragments buried under Antarctic ice, 280 meters deep. The find suggests these particles traveled about 5,000 kilometers, shedding light on ancient volcanic activity and atmospheric circulation between New Zealand and Antarctica.