Current Affairs Quiz [2024]

for the first time in 34 years

On February 22, 2024, the Nikkei Stock Average hit an all-time high for the first time in 34 years, since the bubble economy era of 1989. It reached 39,098.68 yen, surpassing the previous record of 38,915.87 yen set in 1989, and then climbed further in March 2024 to exceed the 40,000-yen level.

Apple Vision Pro

Apple's spatial computer released in the United States on February 2, 2024 is the Apple Vision Pro. Like the previously released Meta Quest, it is a goggle-type device and has garnered attention as a device that heralds a new era. However, as of February 2024, it has not yet been sold in Japan.

Intuitive Machines

The Nova-C lunar lander, which successfully achieved a lunar landing in February 2024, was developed by the American space exploration company Intuitive Machines. This marked the first time a private company succeeded in landing on the Moon. The Nova-C is nicknamed Odysseus.

bear

In February 2024, following sika deer and wild boar, a recommendation was made to add bears to the list of designated managed wildlife. By adding bears to this category, management measures are expected to be further strengthened to reduce human injuries and damage to agricultural crops caused by bears.

Bitcoin

Bitcoin set new all-time highs in February and March of 2024. On March 11, 2024, it briefly surpassed $72,000. In response, expectations for other cryptocurrencies, such as Ethereum, are also rising.

Tsuruga

In March 2024, the Hokuriku Shinkansen will be extended from Kanazawa to Tsuruga. This will further expand the Shinkansen network connecting the Hokuriku region and the Tokyo metropolitan area, and is expected to improve interregional access.

COVID-19 Vaccination Certificate App

With the spread of COVID-19, a vaccination certificate app was introduced in Japan to verify individuals’ vaccination status. However, due to a decline in opportunities to use it, it has been decided that the service will end at the end of March 2024. The COVID-19 contact-tracing app COCOA was discontinued in November 2022, while the Mynaportal service remains available.