Explanation

Bulgaria and Romania became Schengen members in March 31 2024, gaining access to open borders via sea and air routes.

This expansion aims to enhance regional integration and facilitate travel within the Schengen Area.

The Schengen Area encompasses 29 European countries that have abolished border controls at their mutual borders.

The 29 Schengen countries are: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Croatia, Bulgaria and Romania.

Explanation

In January 2024, Ethiopia announced an agreement with Somaliland to use the port of Berbera.

This deal aims to enhance Ethiopia’s access to maritime trade routes and boost regional economic development.

Explanation

Pakistan and Qatar signed an agreement on May 27, 2024, to improve job prospects for Pakistanis.

The accord focuses on facilitating employment opportunities for Pakistani workers in Qatar's growing economy.

Explanation

Last Member: On 7 March 2024, Sweden became the 32nd member.

List of NATO member countries

1.       Albania

2.       Belgium

3.       Bulgaria

4.       Canada

5.       Croatia

6.       Czechia

7.       Denmark

8.       Estonia

9.       France

10.   Germany

11.   Greece

12.   Hungary

13.   Iceland

14.   Italy

15.   Latvia

16.   Lithuania

17.   Luxembourg

18.   Montenegro

19.   Netherlands

20.   North Macedonia

21.   Norway

22.   Poland

23.   Portugal

24.   Romania

25.   Slovakia

26.   Slovenia

27.   Spain

28.   Turkiye

29.   United Kingdom

30.   United States

31.   Finland 2023

32.  Sweden 2024

NATO full form: North Atlantic Treaty Organization

Founded: 4 April 1949 (Washington, USA)

Headquarters: Brussels, Belgium

Total members: 32 (30 European & 2 North American countries)

Latest Member: Finland

NATO Type: Military Alliance

NATO Official Languages: English & French

Founding members: 12

Pakistan: Not a NATO member

Member Muslim country: Turkiye 

Explanation

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned over violent students-led protests

Resignation date: 5 August 2024

Since July 2024, Bangladesh has been engulfed by protests and violence as hundreds of thousands of students took to the streets against reserved quotas in government jobs.

The ‘Students Against Discrimination’ group led the demonstrations.

****

Explanation

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned over violent students-led protests

Resignation date: 5 August 2024

Since July 2024, Bangladesh has been engulfed by protests and violence as hundreds of thousands of students took to the streets against reserved quotas in government jobs.

The ‘Students Against Discrimination’ group led the demonstrations.

****

Explanation

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned over violent students-led protests

Resignation date: 5 August 2024

Since July 2024, Bangladesh has been engulfed by protests and violence as hundreds of thousands of students took to the streets against reserved quotas in government jobs.

The ‘Students Against Discrimination’ group led the demonstrations.

****

Explanation

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned over violent students-led protests

Resignation date: 5 August 2024

Since July 2024, Bangladesh has been engulfed by protests and violence as hundreds of thousands of students took to the streets against reserved quotas in government jobs.

The ‘Students Against Discrimination’ group led the demonstrations.

****

Explanation

Waker uz Zaman is the current Army Chief of Bangladesh.

Appointment Date: 23 June 2024

Following the resignation of Sheikh Hasina on 5 August 2024 in the wake of major protests, Waker-uz-Zaman formed an interim government.

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Updated & verified on 05 August 2024

Explanation

Vladimir Putin was inaugurated for his fifth consecutive term as President of Russia on May 7, 2024.

This date marks the formal beginning of his new term in office following the presidential election.