#381

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.

#382

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.

#383

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.

#384

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.

#385

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.

#386

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.

#387

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.

#388

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.

#389

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.

#390

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.

#391

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.

#392

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.

#393

Who became the youngest Prime Minister in Thailand's history in August 2024?

(a) Srettha Thavisin

(b) Thaksin Shinawatra

(c) Paetongtarn Shinawatra

(d) Pita Limjaroenrat

Explanation: Paetongtarn Shinawatra, the daughter of former leader Thaksin Shinawatra, was elected by parliament as Thailand's Prime Minister in August 2024 at the age of 37.

#394

Which leader was re-elected for a third term as the Prime Minister of India in June 2024?

(a) Rahul Gandhi

(b) Narendra Modi

(c) Amit Shah

(d) Mamata Banerjee

Explanation: Narendra Modi secured a third consecutive term as Prime Minister after the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) won the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

#395

Lai Ching-te was inaugurated as the President of which territory in May 2024?

(a) Hong Kong

(b) Macau

(c) Taiwan

(d) Tibet

Explanation: Lai Ching-te (William Lai) of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) was inaugurated as the President of Taiwan in May 2024, succeeding Tsai Ing-wen.

#396

Who assumed office as the Secretary General of NATO in October 2024?

(a) Jens Stoltenberg

(b) Mark Rutte

(c) Ursula von der Leyen

(d) Kaja Kallas

Explanation: Former Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte took over as the Secretary General of NATO on October 1, 2024, succeeding Jens Stoltenberg.

#397

Bassirou Diomaye Faye was elected as the President of which West African country in March 2024?

(a) Mali

(b) Senegal

(c) Ghana

(d) Ivory Coast

Explanation: Bassirou Diomaye Faye, an opposition leader, won the 2024 Senegalese presidential election in the first round, becoming the country's youngest president.

#398

Who was elected as the President of Iran in July 2024 following the death of Ebrahim Raisi?

(a) Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf

(b) Saeed Jalili

(c) Masoud Pezeshkian

(d) Hassan Rouhani

Explanation: Reformist candidate Masoud Pezeshkian won the runoff election in July 2024 to become the President of Iran, following the death of President Raisi in a helicopter crash.

#399

Lawrence Wong became the Prime Minister of which country in May 2024?

(a) Malaysia

(b) Singapore

(c) Vietnam

(d) Philippines

Explanation: Lawrence Wong was sworn in as Singapore's fourth Prime Minister on May 15, 2024, succeeding Lee Hsien Loong.

#400

Who was elected President of Finland in early 2024?

(a) Sanna Marin

(b) Alexander Stubb

(c) Pekka Haavisto

(d) Sauli Niinistö

Explanation: Alexander Stubb won the Finnish presidential election in February 2024 and assumed office in March, succeeding Sauli Niinistö.

September 2024 Current Affairs MCQs & Solutions