Category: Current Affairs March 2024

Correct Answer: B. Romania

On 31 March, Bulgaria and Romania become Schengen members: the Schengen rules will apply in both Member States including on issuing Schengen visas and controls at the internal air and sea borders will be lifted. The Commission strongly welcomes this achievement, which follows the historic Council decision of December 2023. The Schengen accession of these two Member States will make the common area more attractive by significantly expanding the world’s largest common area without internal border controls. 

Correct Answer: B. 29

The Schengen Area comprises 29 European countries that have done away with border controls at their shared borders. It’s the world’s largest borderless zone, allowing for unrestricted movement.

Correct Answer: C. Ireland

Following Leo Varadkar’s departure, Simon Harris emerges as the sole candidate for Ireland’s next prime minister. At 37, he became the youngest Prime Minister in history. Harris, a Fine Gael stalwart since youth, held various party roles. As former health minister, he led Ireland’s COVID-19 response. Now, as minister of education, he’s primed for leadership.

Correct Answer: C. Vaughan Gething

Vaughan Gething to become Welsh first minister and Europe’s first Black leader. Zambian-born Gething will replace incumbent Mark Drakeford who in December announced his departure after five years leading the Welsh government, which has responsibility for a limited number of devolved areas including health and education.

Correct Answer: A. Vladimir Putin

President Vladimir V. Putin extended his rule over Russia until 2030, using a heavily stage-managed presidential election with no real competition to portray overwhelming public support for his domestic dominance and his invasion of Ukraine. Some Russians tried to turn the undemocratic vote into a protest, forming long lines at polling stations at a predetermined time — noon — to register their discontent. At the same time, Ukraine sought to cast its own vote of sorts by firing a volley of exploding drones at Moscow and other targets.

Correct Answer: C. Pokhara

Nepal’s government announced that Pokhara, a city in Gandaki province, will be the country’s tourism capital. The declaration took place during a ceremony at Barahi Ghat, on the shores of Phewa Lake. The city fulfilled all government criteria for the designation. This move is anticipated to elevate Pokhara’s status and draw increased global visitors, enhancing Nepal’s tourism industry.