Today’s Current Affairs shed light on the increasing demand for Schengen visas in India, with a staggering 9.7 lakh applications last year, marking a 44% rise from 2022. The surge in applications, fueled by pent-up travel aspirations, has led to a scarcity of visa interview slots, causing frustration among eager travelers. Countries like China witnessed a remarkable 1,104% increase in applications, while Russia faced a decline due to geopolitical tensions. The struggle to secure timely visa appointments has prompted many to voice concerns against VFS Global, emphasizing the need for early travel planning. Despite challenges, recent policy changes offer hope for smoother visa processes for frequent travelers.
Question 1
- What was the demand for Schengen visas in India last year?
- A. 6.7 lakh applications
- B. 9.7 lakh applications
- C. 8.5 lakh applications
- D. 10.5 lakh applications
Answer: B. 9.7 lakh applications
Question 2
- Which country saw the highest increase in visa applications in 2023?
- A. India
- B. China
- C. Morocco
- D. Turkey
Answer: B. China
Question 3
- Which country slipped from rank 2 to rank 5 in visa applications?
- A. China
- B. India
- C. Morocco
- D. Russia
Answer: D. Russia
Question 4
- What is causing difficulties for travelers applying for Schengen visas?
- A. Unavailability of visa interview slots
- B. Lack of proper documentation
- C. High visa fees
- D. Complicated visa application process
Answer: A. Unavailability of visa interview slots
1. What was the demand for Schengen visas in India last year?
The demand for Schengen visas in India last year was 9.7 lakh applications.
2. What was the percentage increase in visa applications in India compared to the previous year?
The percentage increase in visa applications in India compared to the previous year was 44%.
3. Which country saw the highest increase in visa applications in 2023?
China saw the highest increase in visa applications in 2023, with a 1,104% increase over the previous year.
4. Why did Russia slip in the ranking of visa applications in 2023?
Russia slipped in the ranking of visa applications in 2023 due to the war on Ukraine and the resulting sanctions, which led to a 25% decrease in Schengen visa applications.
5. What was a major issue faced by Indians wanting to travel to Europe?
A major issue faced by Indians wanting to travel to Europe was the unavailability of visa interview slots, which hindered their travel plans.
Today's Current Affairs brings the spotlight on the surge in demand for Schengen visas in India, with a whopping 9.7 lakh applications recorded last year, a significant 44% increase from 2022. Among the top five countries, India witnessed the second highest rise in visa applications after China, with many attributing this surge to pent-up travel desires. However, the unavailability of visa interview slots has become a major hurdle for Indian travelers, with appointment dates extending as far as July for popular destinations like Germany and Italy. This visa bottleneck has forced many to settle for any available appointment, disrupting travel plans and leading to frustration among agents and travelers alike. Ultimately, the high demand for Schengen visas underscores the growing interest in international travel among Indians, despite the challenges posed by the current visa application process.
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