Current Affairs Quiz [2024]

Moriyama faction

The slush fund scandal involving political fundraising parties, reported by various media outlets since around November 2023. As of January 2024, in addition to the Abe, Nikai, and Kishida factions, the Moriyama faction has announced its dissolution.

1.2 million yen

Under the new NISA system starting in 2024, the annual contribution limit for the Tsumitate NISA has been raised from 400,000 yen under the old NISA to 1,200,000 yen. This change allows investors to invest a larger amount tax-free.

Paris

The 2024 Summer Olympics are scheduled to be held in Paris, the capital of France. This will be the third time the Olympics are held in Paris, with the previous occasion in 1924. Therefore, the Paris 2024 Olympics mark the first time in 100 years that the Games will be hosted there.

Zannen Stone

Among the stones prepared for rebuilding Osaka Castle during the Edo period, those that were never actually used and later found along the Kizu River in southern Kyoto Prefecture were called “zannen-ishi” (literally, “regret stones”). For Expo 2025 Osaka, there are plans under consideration to use these zannen-ishi as pillars in the venue’s restrooms.

A.R.E. (Are)

The 2023 Buzzword of the Year was “Are (A.R.E.).” “Are” refers to the Hanshin Tigers’ first league title in 18 years and their first Japan Series championship in 38 years. During the final stretch of the season, the term “Are” flooded social media.

758,631 people

In 2023, the number of births in Japan was 758,631, a 5.1% decrease from the previous year. This is the lowest number of births on record, underscoring the severity of Japan’s declining birthrate.

Republican Party

Mr. Trump previously served as president as the Republican nominee and is running again as the Republican candidate in the 2024 election. In addition, with Nikki Haley withdrawing from the race in March, a head-to-head contest with the incumbent, Mr. Biden, is expected.