International Places in news 2024 RAaH UPSC
Kilauea Volcano Eruption:
- • Location: Southern part of the Island of Hawaii (Big Island)
- • Characteristics: Youngest and most active shield volcano
- • Noteworthy Feature: Large summit caldera with a central crater
Al-Hakim Mosque Visit by Indian Prime Minister:
- Location: Cairo, Egypt
- Historical Significance: Named after Al-Hakim bi-Amr Allah, the Fatimid caliph
- UNESCO Recognition: Designated as a World Heritage Site in 1979
- Restoration: Undertaken with the support of the Dawoodi Bohra community
Chhukha Hydroelectric Project Tariff Revision:
- Location: South-western part of Bhutan
- Project Type: Run-of-the-river hydroelectric project
- Funding Structure: 60% grant and 40% loan from the Government of India (Gol)
Mayon Volcano Eruption in Southeastern Luzon, Philippines:
- Characteristics: Active volcano with a symmetrical shape
- Geographic Region: Southeastern Luzon, Philippines
- Geological Context: Part of the Pacific Ring of Fire region
Fraser Island Renamed as K’gari by the Australian Government:
- Location: Southeast coast of Queensland, Australia
- Significance: Largest sandy island globally
- Cultural Connection: Belongs to the Butchulla people
- Indigenous Perspective: Traditional name changed to K’gari
Anak Krakatau Volcano Eruption in Indonesia:
- Location: Sunda Strait, between Java and Sumatra islands
- Parentage: Offspring of the famous Krakatau
- Historical Context: Krakatau’s 1883 eruption caused global cooling
Stranded Migrants on Diego Garcia Island:
- Location: Largest coral atoll in the Chagos Archipelago
- Geopolitical Context: Part of the British Indian Ocean Territory
- Discovery: Identified by the Portuguese in the early 16th century
Resurgence of Lion and Leopard Populations in Kafue National Park:
- Location: Largest national park in Zambia
- Topography: Named after the Kafue River
- Wildlife Conservation: Significant improvement in lion and leopard populations
Impact of Eretmoptera murphyi on Soil Composition on Signy Island:
- Location: Small subantarctic island in Antarctica
- Research Station: Maintained by the British Antarctic Survey (BAS)
- Botanical Composition: Dominated by cryptogams; only two flowering plant species present
WHO Certification of Belize as a Malaria-Free Country:
- Location: Northeast coast of Central America, south of the Yucatan Peninsula
- Geographical Context: Bounded by Mexico, Guatemala, and the Caribbean Sea
- Natural Marvel: Belize Barrier Reef, the second-largest barrier reef globally
- Global Health Recognition: Certification by the World Health Organization
International Places in News 2024: Summary with Q&A
1. Kilauea Volcano Eruption:
Q: Where is the Kilauea Volcano located?
A: The Kilauea Volcano is situated in the southern part of the Island of Hawaii, commonly known as the Big Island.
Q: What makes Kilauea unique among volcanoes?
A: Kilauea is recognized as the youngest and most active shield volcano, featuring a large summit caldera with a central crater.
2. Al-Hakim Mosque Visit by Indian Prime Minister:
Q: Where is Al-Hakim Mosque located, and why is it historically significant?
A: Al-Hakim Mosque is located in Cairo, Egypt, and it is named after Al-Hakim bi-Amr Allah, the Fatimid caliph, contributing to its historical significance.
Q: When was Al-Hakim Mosque recognized by UNESCO, and why was it designated as a World Heritage Site?
A: Al-Hakim Mosque was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979, recognizing its historical and architectural importance.
3. Chhukha Hydroelectric Project Tariff Revision:
Q: Where is the Chhukha Hydroelectric Project situated, and what type of project is it?
A: The Chhukha Hydroelectric Project is located in the south-western part of Bhutan and is classified as a run-of-the-river hydroelectric project.
Q: What is the funding structure for the Chhukha Hydroelectric Project?
A: The project is funded by 60% grant and 40% loan from the Government of India (GoI), reflecting a collaborative effort in sustainable energy development.
4. Mayon Volcano Eruption in Southeastern Luzon, Philippines:
Q: What are the characteristics of Mayon Volcano?
A: Mayon Volcano is an active volcano known for its symmetrical shape and is situated in southeastern Luzon, Philippines.
Q: In what geological region is Mayon Volcano located?
A: Mayon Volcano is part of the Pacific Ring of Fire region, contributing to its geological significance.
5. Fraser Island Renamed as K’gari by the Australian Government:
Q: Where is Fraser Island located, and what is its significance?
A: Fraser Island is situated on the southeast coast of Queensland, Australia, and it is the largest sandy island globally.
Q: What is the cultural connection of Fraser Island, now named K’gari?
A: Fraser Island belongs to the Butchulla people, and the Australian government renamed it K’gari, honoring its indigenous cultural significance.
6. Anak Krakatau Volcano Eruption in Indonesia:
Q: Where is Anak Krakatau located, and what is its historical context?
A: Anak Krakatau is situated in the Sunda Strait, between Java and Sumatra islands, and it is the offspring of the famous Krakatau.
Q: How is Anak Krakatau historically linked to Krakatau?
A: Anak Krakatau’s historical context is tied to Krakatau’s 1883 eruption, which caused global cooling and is a significant event in volcanic history.
7. Stranded Migrants on Diego Garcia Island:
Q: Where is Diego Garcia Island located, and what is its geopolitical context?
A: Diego Garcia Island is the largest coral atoll in the Chagos Archipelago, and it is part of the British Indian Ocean Territory.
Q: When was Diego Garcia Island discovered?
A: Diego Garcia Island was identified by the Portuguese in the early 16th century, contributing to its historical significance.
8. Resurgence of Lion and Leopard Populations in Kafue National Park:
Q: Where is Kafue National Park located, and why is it significant for wildlife conservation?
A: Kafue National Park is the largest national park in Zambia and is named after the Kafue River. It has seen a significant improvement in lion and leopard populations, showcasing successful wildlife conservation efforts.
Q: What is the topography of Kafue National Park?
A: Kafue National Park is characterized by diverse topography and landscapes, making it an ideal habitat for a variety of wildlife species.
9. Impact of Eretmoptera murphyi on Soil Composition on Signy Island:
Q: Where is Signy Island located, and who maintains the research station?
A: Signy Island is a small subantarctic island in Antarctica, and the British Antarctic Survey (BAS) maintains the research station.
Q: What is the dominant botanical composition on Signy Island?
A: Signy Island is dominated by cryptogams, with only two flowering plant species present, making it an intriguing area for ecological research.
10. WHO Certification of Belize as a Malaria-Free Country:
Q: Where is Belize located, and what is its geographical context?
A: Belize is located on the northeast coast of Central America, south of the Yucatan Peninsula. It is bounded by Mexico, Guatemala, and the Caribbean Sea.
Q: What natural marvel is associated with Belize?
A: Belize is known for the Belize Barrier Reef, the second-largest barrier reef globally, showcasing its natural beauty and environmental significance.
Q: What global health recognition has Belize received recently?
A: Belize has been certified by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a malaria-free country, highlighting its achievements in public health and disease control.
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Places in news for UPSC 2024 (UPDATE 1)
Orkney Islands:
- Location: Archipelago of 70 islands, U.K.
- Status: Exploring separation, potential self-governing territory of Norway.
- Heritage: Heart of Neolithic Orkney, UNESCO World Heritage site.
- UPSC Perspective: Neolithic sites crucial for understanding early human civilizations.
Vilnius
- Location: Capital of Lithuania.
- Event: Conclusion of NATO Summit 2023.
- Recognition: UNESCO World Heritage Site for its old town architecture.
- UPSC Perspective: Geopolitical significance of NATO summits in Eastern Europe.
Kakhovka Dam
- Location: Dnieper River, southern Ukraine.
- Purpose: Built for hydroelectric power, irrigation, and navigation.
- Status: Collapse of the Soviet-era dam.
- UPSC Perspective: Infrastructure challenges and environmental impacts.
Batagaika Crater
- Location: Chersky Range, Sakha Republic, Russia.
- Nature: Largest permafrost crater, impacted by climate change.
- Nickname: “Gateway to the Underworld.“
- UPSC Perspective: Study of permafrost and climate change implications.
Cam Ranh Bay
- Location: Vietnam, Khanh Hoa Province.
- Significance: Strategic deep-water bay, handed over Indian Naval Ship Kirpan.
- Recognition: Considered Southeast Asia’s finest Deepwater shelter.
- UPSC Perspective: Geostrategic importance in maritime security.
Strait of Hormuz
- Location: At the mouth of the Persian Gulf, separating Iran and Oman.
- Incident: Iranian attempt to seize oil tankers near the Strait of Hormuz.
- UPSC Perspective: Key chokepoint, critical for global oil trade.
Crimean Bridge
- Location: Connects Russia and Crimea.
- Event: Section blown up recently, part of crucial transportation route.
- Name: Also known as Kerch bridge, opened in 2018.
- UPSC Perspective: Geopolitical tensions and infrastructure challenges.
Democratic Republic of Congo
- Location: Central Africa.
- Concern: Spike in cholera cases, raising health concerns.
- Size: 2nd largest African country, bordered by multiple nations and the South Atlantic Ocean.
- UPSC Perspective: Health challenges in African nations and their implications.
Ubinas Volcano
- Location: Moquegua region, Peru.
- Emergency: State of emergency declared due to ongoing volcanic activity.
- Type: Strato-volcano in the Andes, part of a volcanic zone extending from southern Peru to northern Chile.
- UPSC Perspective: Volcanic hazards and impact on local communities.
Peru
- Location: Western South America.
- Emergency: National emergency declared due to a surge in Guillain-Barre Syndrome cases.
- Features: 3rd largest South American country, bordered by Ecuador, Colombia, Brazil, Bolivia, Chile, and the Pacific Ocean.
- UPSC Perspective: Public health challenges in developing countries.
1. Orkney Isles Odyssey: Unraveling Neolithic Mysteries
Q: Where are the Orkney Islands located, and what unique exploration are they currently undertaking?
A: The Orkney Islands, an archipelago in the U.K., are contemplating separation and exploring the possibility of becoming a self-governing territory of Norway.
Q: What historical significance do the Orkney Islands hold, especially from an archaeological perspective?
A: Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Heart of Neolithic Orkney preserves ancient Neolithic sites crucial for understanding early human civilizations.
2. Vilnius Vista: NATO Summit’s Lithuanian Finale
Q: What is the capital of Lithuania, and what recent event marked its significance?
A: Vilnius is the capital of Lithuania, and it recently hosted the conclusion of the NATO Summit in 2023.
Q: Beyond its political role, what recognition does Vilnius hold?
A: Vilnius is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its old town architecture, adding cultural and historical depth to its geopolitical significance.
3. Kakhovka Chronicles: Soviet Dam’s Dilemma
Q: Where is the Kakhovka Dam located, and what was its primary purpose?
A: The Kakhovka Dam is situated on the Dnieper River in southern Ukraine, built for hydroelectric power, irrigation, and navigation.
Q: Why is the collapse of the Kakhovka Dam relevant in current discussions?
A: The recent collapse of this Soviet-era dam raises concerns about infrastructure challenges and potential environmental impacts, reflecting a critical UPSC topic.
4. Batagaika Ballet: Permafrost’s Performance in Sakha
Q: Where is the Batagaika Crater located, and why is it nicknamed the “Gateway to the Underworld”?
A: The Batagaika Crater is in the Chersky Range, Sakha Republic, Russia, and it’s the largest permafrost crater, impacted by climate change, earning its intriguing nickname.
Q: From a UPSC perspective, why is the study of the Batagaika Crater important?
A: Understanding permafrost and the implications of climate change, particularly through the lens of the “Gateway to the Underworld,” contributes to environmental knowledge.
5. Cam Ranh Canvas: Vietnam’s Deepwater Tapestry
Q: Where is Cam Ranh Bay located, and why is it considered strategically significant?
A: Cam Ranh Bay is in Vietnam’s Khanh Hoa Province, recognized as Southeast Asia’s finest deep-water shelter. It gained recent attention with the handover of Indian Naval Ship Kirpan.
Q: How does understanding the geostrategic importance of Cam Ranh Bay align with UPSC objectives?
A: Grasping the geopolitical significance of Cam Ranh Bay contributes to a comprehensive understanding of maritime security, a crucial aspect of the UPSC syllabus.
6. Hormuz Harmony: Key to Global Oil Trade
Q: Where is the Strait of Hormuz located, and what recent incident unfolded there?
A: The Strait of Hormuz is at the mouth of the Persian Gulf, and a recent incident involved an Iranian attempt to seize oil tankers near the strait.
Q: Why is the Strait of Hormuz considered a key geopolitical chokepoint, and how does it impact global affairs?
A: The Strait of Hormuz is vital for global oil trade, making it a critical chokepoint with substantial geopolitical implications studied in the context of UPSC exams.
7. Crimean Canvas: Infrastructure and Tensions Unveiled
Q: What does the Crimean Bridge connect, and why is it recently in the news?
A: The Crimean Bridge connects Russia and Crimea, and it recently made headlines due to the blowing up of a section, highlighting geopolitical tensions and infrastructure challenges.
Q: How does the incident at the Crimean Bridge tie into broader geopolitical discussions?
A: The Crimean Bridge incident sheds light on infrastructure challenges and geopolitical tensions, offering insights valuable for understanding contemporary global affairs.
8. Congo Chronicles: Health Concerns in Central Africa
Q: Where is the Democratic Republic of Congo located, and what health concern is currently in focus?
A: The Democratic Republic of Congo is in Central Africa, and a spike in cholera cases has raised significant health concerns.
Q: Why is the health situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo relevant for UPSC aspirants?
A: Understanding health challenges in African nations, as exemplified by the spike in cholera cases, is crucial for UPSC aspirants studying the health aspects of developing countries.
9. Ubinas Unleashed: Peru’s Volcanic Awakening
Q: Where is the Ubinas Volcano located, and why was a state of emergency recently declared?
A: The Ubinas Volcano is in the Moquegua region, Peru, and a state of emergency was declared due to ongoing volcanic activity.
Q: How does the situation at the Ubinas Volcano connect to UPSC topics?
A: The volcanic activity at Ubinas provides insights into volcanic hazards and their impact on local communities, aligning with UPSC studies on environmental challenges and disaster management.
10. Peruvian Puzzles: Guillain-Barre Syndrome Surge
Q: Where is Peru located, and why was a national emergency declared recently?
A: Peru is in Western South America, and a national emergency was declared due to a surge in Guillain-Barre Syndrome cases.
Q: How does the situation in Peru contribute to UPSC discussions?
A: The national emergency in Peru sheds light on public health challenges in developing countries, offering a valuable perspective for UPSC aspirants studying health-related issues.