#361

The 'Atlantic Declaration' of 2023-2024 is a new economic security framework between:

(a) US and UK

(b) US and France

(c) UK and EU

(d) Canada and UK

Explanation: The Atlantic Declaration established a new economic partnership between the US and UK to cooperate on critical technologies, clean energy, and supply chains.

#362

Which country has acted as a primary supplier of dual-use components and microchips to Russia, helping it bypass Western sanctions in 2024?

(a) Iran

(b) North Korea

(c) China

(d) Turkey

Explanation: Western officials have repeatedly identified Chinese entities as the main source of dual-use goods (like machine tools and microelectronics) sustaining Russia's defense industrial base.

#363

Which country paused the supply of Taurus cruise missiles to Ukraine in 2024 despite pressure from allies?

(a) France

(b) United Kingdom

(c) Germany

(d) Poland

Explanation: Germany, under Chancellor Scholz, consistently refused to send long-range Taurus missiles to Ukraine due to fears of escalation with Russia.

#364

Which nation signed the 'Reciprocal Access Agreement' (RAA) with Japan in 2024 to facilitate troop visits?

(a) India

(b) Philippines

(c) Vietnam

(d) Thailand

Explanation: Japan and the Philippines signed a Reciprocal Access Agreement in 2024, allowing their military forces to train on each other's soil.

#365

Who serves as the President of the European Commission, driving the 'de-risking' strategy towards China in 2024-2025?

(a) Charles Michel

(b) Ursula von der Leyen

(c) Roberta Metsola

(d) Olaf Scholz

Explanation: Ursula von der Leyen was re-elected for a second term in 2024 and has been a key proponent of 'de-risking' (reducing economic dependency) rather than 'de-coupling' from China.

#366

The 'IMEC' corridor, announced at the G20 2023 and progressed in 2024, is designed to link:

(a) India, Middle East, Europe

(b) India, Myanmar, Thailand

(c) Indonesia, Malaysia, China

(d) Iran, Moscow, Central Asia

Explanation: The India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) is a US-backed infrastructure project intended to counter China's BRI and integrate economic markets.

#367

Which country formally hosted the SCO Heads of Government summit in October 2024?

(a) China

(b) Russia

(c) Pakistan

(d) Kazakhstan

Explanation: Pakistan hosted the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Council of Heads of Government meeting in Islamabad in October 2024.

#368

Which country is the largest supplier of weapons to India, although its share has declined in recent years (2020-2024)?

(a) France

(b) United States

(c) Russia

(d) Israel

Explanation: Russia remains India's largest arms supplier, though India is actively diversifying its imports with purchases from France (Rafale) and the US (drones/engines).

#369

Which country announced in 2024 that it would double its defense spending to 2% of GDP, shifting from a pacifist stance?

(a) Japan

(b) Switzerland

(c) Ireland

(d) Austria

Explanation: Japan has undertaken a historic shift in its defense posture, committing to double military spending to meet the NATO standard of 2% of GDP by 2027.

#370

The 'Comprehensive Strategic Partnership' signed in 2024 between Russia and North Korea includes a clause on:

(a) Free Trade

(b) Mutual Defense Assistance

(c) Space Exploration

(d) Cultural Exchange

Explanation: The treaty signed by Putin and Kim Jong Un in June 2024 includes a mutual defense clause, requiring each side to provide immediate military assistance if the other is attacked.

#371

In 2024, the US reimposed oil sanctions on which country after it barred opposition candidates from elections?

(a) Iran

(b) Venezuela

(c) Russia

(d) Libya

Explanation: The US reimposed sanctions on Venezuela's oil sector in April 2024 after the Maduro government failed to uphold commitments to fair elections.

#372

Which country is the 'Strategic Partner' in the 'SOSA' (Security of Supply Arrangement) signed with the US in 2024?

(a) India

(b) Brazil

(c) South Africa

(d) Vietnam

Explanation: India and the US signed the Security of Supply Arrangement (SOSA) in 2024 to ensure reciprocal priority support for defense goods and services.

#373

The European Union opened accession negotiations in 2024 with:

(a) Turkey

(b) Ukraine and Moldova

(c) Georgia

(d) Armenia

Explanation: The EU formally opened accession talks with Ukraine and Moldova in June 2024, a historic step amidst the ongoing war in Ukraine.

#374

Which country blocked the sale of 'US Steel' to a Japanese company (Nippon Steel) in 2024 citing national security?

(a) United States

(b) Japan

(c) Canada

(d) Mexico

Explanation: The US administration expressed strong opposition to the acquisition of US Steel by Nippon Steel, citing the importance of domestic steel ownership for national security.

#375

Who was elected as the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom in July 2024, ending 14 years of Conservative rule?

(a) Rishi Sunak

(b) Keir Starmer

(c) Boris Johnson

(d) Ed Davey

Explanation: Keir Starmer led the Labour Party to a landslide victory in the general election held on July 4, 2024, becoming the new Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.

#376

Claudia Sheinbaum made history in 2024 by becoming the first female President of which country?

(a) Brazil

(b) Argentina

(c) Mexico

(d) Colombia

Explanation: Claudia Sheinbaum, a former mayor of Mexico City and climate scientist, was elected as Mexico's first female president in the June 2024 general election.

#377

Who was sworn in as the President of Indonesia in October 2024, succeeding Joko Widodo?

(a) Ganjar Pranowo

(b) Anies Baswedan

(c) Prabowo Subianto

(d) Gibran Rakabuming Raka

Explanation: Prabowo Subianto, the former Defense Minister, won the 2024 presidential election and was inaugurated as the 8th President of Indonesia in October 2024.

#378

Who became the Prime Minister of Japan in October 2024?

(a) Fumio Kishida

(b) Shigeru Ishiba

(c) Shinzo Abe

(d) Yoshihide Suga

Explanation: Shigeru Ishiba, a former Defense Minister, was elected as the leader of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and subsequently became the Prime Minister of Japan on October 1, 2024.

#379

Anura Kumara Dissanayake was elected as the President of which island nation in September 2024?

(a) Maldives

(b) Sri Lanka

(c) Mauritius

(d) Seychelles

Explanation: Anura Kumara Dissanayake, a leftist leader, won the 2024 Sri Lankan presidential election, promising reforms to address the country's economic crisis.

#380

Who took charge as the Chief Adviser of the interim government in Bangladesh in August 2024?

(a) Sheikh Hasina

(b) Khaleda Zia

(c) Muhammad Yunus

(d) Shahabuddin Chuppu

Explanation: Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus was appointed as the Chief Adviser of Bangladesh's interim government following the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August 2024.

April 2024 Current Affairs MCQs & Solutions