Pakistan Studies/Affairs MCQs
Topic Notes: Pakistan Studies/Affairs
MCQs and preparation resources for competitive exams, covering important concepts, past papers, and detailed explanations.
Plato
- Biography: Ancient Greek philosopher (427–347 BCE), student of Socrates and teacher of Aristotle, founder of the Academy in Athens.
- Important Ideas:
- Theory of Forms
- Philosopher-King
- Ideal State
91
The 'Aman' series of naval exercises, hosted biennially by the Pakistan Navy, is a major initiative in which area of diplomacy?
Answer:
Maritime security and 'Blue' diplomacy
The 'AMAN' naval exercises bring together navies from dozens of countries, including rivals like the US, Russia, and China. It projects Pakistan as a bridge-builder in regional maritime security and demonstrates the navy's ability to coordinate large-scale international peacekeeping and anti-piracy efforts.
92
Pakistan officially applied for membership in which emerging global economic bloc in November 2023?
Answer:
BRICS
In late 2023, Pakistan formally applied to join the BRICS group (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa). This move is part of Pakistan's strategy to diversify its global partnerships and participate in a multi-polar world order led by the Global South.
93
In which city is the 'SAARC Energy Centre' permanently located?
Answer:
Islamabad
The SAARC Energy Centre was established in Islamabad in 2006. It serves as a focal point for regional energy cooperation, focusing on integrated energy markets, cross-border energy trade, and the development of renewable energy resources among South Asian nations.
94
Which international organization did Pakistan join as a full member in June 2017 to enhance Eurasian security and economic ties?
Answer:
SCO (Shanghai Cooperation Organization)
Pakistan (along with India) was admitted as a full member of the SCO during the Astana Summit in 2017. Membership in the SCO provides Pakistan with a platform for regional counter-terrorism cooperation (through RATS) and economic connectivity with Russia, China, and Central Asia.
95
Pakistan's 'Basmati Rice' dispute with India regarding Geographical Indication (GI) is handled under which WTO-linked agreement?
Answer:
TRIPS (Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights)
The dispute over the GI tag for Basmati rice is managed under the TRIPS agreement. Pakistan enacted its own Geographical Indications Act in 2020 to legally protect its indigenous products and strengthen its case in the international market and legal forums against unauthorized claims.
96
Which international body provided technical assistance for Pakistan's first-ever 'Digital Census' in 2023?
Answer:
UNFPA (UN Population Fund)
The UNFPA provided critical technical guidance and software support for the 7th Population and Housing Census (Digital Census) of Pakistan in 2023. This collaboration ensured that the demographic data collected met international standards for accuracy and digital transparency.
97
Pakistan is a member of the 'G-77' at the United Nations. What is the primary role of this group?
Answer:
Coordinating economic and developmental interests of developing nations
The Group of 77 (G77) is the largest intergovernmental organization of developing countries in the United Nations. Pakistan has served as its chair multiple times, using the platform to advocate for debt relief, climate finance, and a more equitable international trade system for the Global South.
98
Which international organization's 'Polio Eradication' initiative works closely with Pakistan's National Emergency Operation Centre?
Answer:
World Health Organization (WHO)
The WHO is the lead partner in Pakistan's fight to eradicate Polio. Together with UNICEF and other global partners, the WHO provides vaccines, technical expertise, and monitoring systems to ensure that Pakistan moves toward a polio-free status, which is a major goal for global public health diplomacy.
99
The 'Special Investment Facilitation Council' (SIFC), formed in 2023, primarily targets sovereign investments from which group of countries?
Answer:
Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)
The SIFC is a hybrid civil-military forum designed to provide a 'single-window' for foreign investors. Its primary focus is attracting multi-billion dollar investments from Gulf countries (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar) in sectors like agriculture, mining, IT, and energy to stabilize the economy through non-debt inflows.
100
What is the total value of the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) approved by the IMF for Pakistan in September 2024?
Answer:
$7 Billion
In September 2024, the IMF Executive Board approved a 37-month Extended Fund Facility (EFF) arrangement for Pakistan worth approximately $7 billion (SDR 5,320 million). This program aims to support Pakistan's efforts to consolidate macroeconomic stability and foster sustainable, inclusive growth through structural reforms.