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1. Which country's ship, BRP Teresa Magbanua, recently left the disputed Sabina Shoal in the South China Sea?
The Philippine Coast Guard vessel BRP Teresa Magbanua concluded its mission at the disputed Sabina Shoal in the South China Sea after months of asserting Manila’s territorial claims. The ship's presence highlighted the ongoing tensions between the Philippines and China in the region, where China continues to expand its territorial assertions. This move reflects the geopolitical complexities of the South China Sea, reminiscent of earlier confrontations like the 2012 Scarborough Shoal standoff.
2. Which team did the Indian men's chess team defeat to clinch a vital win in the Chess Olympiad?
The Indian men's chess team, led by D Gukesh and Arjun Erigaise, secured a crucial victory against Azerbaijan in the 45th Chess Olympiad. Gukesh and Erigaise, both playing with the white pieces, delivered wins against their Azerbaijani opponents, Aydin Sulemali and Rauf Mamedov, respectively. This victory marked India's fifth straight win in the tournament, placing them in a strong position for a top-three finish.
3. Which Indian state is planning to establish a Rs 2 lakh crore worth of semiconductor park?
Uttar Pradesh is set to establish a semiconductor park in Jewar, near the Jewar International Airport. The Yamuna Authority has approved the project, which will span 1,000 acres and is expected to attract investments worth Rs 2 lakh crore. This project aims to create numerous job opportunities and promote infrastructure development, including roads, electricity, water supply, and sewer systems. The initiative highlights Uttar Pradesh's role in advancing India's tech industry and boosting the local economy.
4. Which Indian state reported its first confirmed Nipah virus infection this year, resulting in the death of a 24-year-old man?
Kerala reported its first confirmed Nipah virus infection of the year, with a 24-year-old man from Malappuram succumbing to the disease. Health Minister Veena George confirmed the case after testing by Kozhikode Medical College Hospital and the National Institute of Virology. In response, 16 committees were formed to trace contacts and prevent further spread. Kerala has experienced outbreaks of the Nipah virus in the past, and the state's health authorities are actively working to contain the situation.
5. Which country deployed its army to protect medical staff from violent attacks?
Italy faced an alarming rise in violent attacks on medical personnel, prompting the government to approve the deployment of the army to guard hospitals. Over 16,000 assaults on healthcare workers were reported in 2023, highlighting the urgent need for security measures. The situation, marked by incidents like the attack on the Policlinico hospital in Foggia, led to this drastic step as medical associations pushed for increased protection and reforms to address the underlying causes.
6. Which city in Uttar Pradesh attracts the most international tourists?
Agra stands as the most popular destination for international tourists visiting Uttar Pradesh, renowned for its iconic Taj Mahal and rich history. Despite fluctuations in tourist numbers, Agra continues to attract foreign visitors, cementing its place as a major attraction. Varanasi, on the other hand, has drawn the highest number of Indian tourists, especially since 2019, while Prayagraj remains a significant destination for domestic travellers.
7. Who completed the first private spacewalk at a record-setting height?
Jared Isaacman, a billionaire entrepreneur and space enthusiast, completed the first private spacewalk as part of the "Polaris Dawn" mission. His crew orbited at nearly 460 miles above Earth, setting a record for the highest private spacewalk. This mission marked a significant achievement for SpaceX, emphasizing the growing role of private ventures in space exploration. Isaacman’s success represents a new era in commercial space travel and underscores the future potential for non-governmental missions.
8. Who won the women's singles title at the Belgian International badminton tournament?
Anmol Kharb, a 17-year-old Indian shuttler, won her first international women's singles title at the Belgian International Badminton tournament. She triumphed over Denmark's Amalie Schulz in the final. Kharb's road to victory also saw her overcoming another Danish player, Irina Amalie Andersen, in the semifinal. This marks a major milestone in her badminton career, which already includes notable achievements like a gold medal at the Asia Team Championships.
9. Which country is battling devastating floods after Typhoon Yagi, leading to a rising death toll and displaced millions?
Myanmar is facing severe flooding caused by Typhoon Yagi, which has led to over 113 deaths and displaced more than 300,000 people. The catastrophic situation has overwhelmed the nation's military junta, prompting international aid efforts. The flooding has severely impacted infrastructure, making rescue and relief operations challenging, especially in remote regions like Shan State. Neighbouring countries, including Vietnam, Laos, and Thailand, are also experiencing flooding, but Myanmar is one of the worst affected, necessitating significant international support to manage the crisis.
10. Which location experienced a landslide that triggered a mega-tsunami, causing a mysterious nine-day seismic vibration across Earth?
A massive landslide in Greenland triggered a 650-foot high mega-tsunami, which led to a mysterious seismic vibration lasting nine days and was detected globally. Initially thought to be a technical error, the vibration was traced back to this unprecedented event. The seismic waves from the landslide reached as far as Antarctica in about an hour, underlining the significant environmental changes happening in the Arctic due to climate change, with experts warning of increasing hazards in the region.
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