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
11
What is the 'Alternative Energy Development Board' (AEDB) now merged with?
Answer:
Private Power and Infrastructure Board (PPIB)
The AEDB was merged with the PPIB to create a one-window facility for all independent power producers (IPPs). This was done to streamline the process for investors and improve coordination between traditional and renewable energy projects.
12
Which dam's reservoir is used for the 'Ghazi-Barotha' Hydropower Project?
Answer:
Tarbela Dam
The Ghazi-Barotha Hydropower Project is a major run-of-the-river power facility that utilizes the water released from the Tarbela Dam. It has a capacity of 1,450 MW and provides some of the cheapest electricity in the country.
13
What is the major challenge associated with 'Variable Renewable Energy' (VRE) like solar and wind in Pakistan?
Answer:
Their generation is intermittent and depends on weather conditions
VRE sources like wind and solar are intermittent; they don't produce power when the sun isn't shining or the wind isn't blowing. This requires the national grid to have 'spinning reserves' or battery storage to maintain a stable supply of electricity.
14
In Pakistan, which entity is responsible for the distribution of electricity in the city of Karachi?
Answer:
K-Electric (KE)
K-Electric is the only privatized, vertically integrated power utility in Pakistan. It is responsible for the generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity to the city of Karachi and its surrounding areas.
15
Which fuel is primarily used at the 'Haveli Bahadur Shah' and 'Bhikki' power plants?
Answer:
RLNG (Regasified Liquefied Natural Gas)
These are flagship 'Combined Cycle Power Plants' (CCPP) that utilize RLNG. They are among the most efficient gas-fired power plants in the world, significantly reducing the cost of electricity compared to older thermal units.
16
The 'Chashma' Nuclear Power Plant complex (C-1 to C-4) is located near which city?
Answer:
Mianwali
The Chashma Nuclear Power Plant complex is located near the town of Kundian in the Mianwali district. It consists of four operational reactors (C-1 through C-4) built with Chinese assistance, providing a steady base-load of power to Northern Pakistan.
17
Which of the following describes the 'Merit Order' in Pakistan's power dispatch?
Answer:
Dispatching power starting from the cheapest available source to the most expensive
The Economic Merit Order is a principle where the system operator (NTDC) dispatches electricity from generators based on their variable cost. Hydel and nuclear are usually at the top (cheapest), followed by gas/coal, with oil-based plants at the bottom (most expensive).
18
What is the primary reason for the 'Transmission & Distribution (T&D) Losses' in Pakistan?
Answer:
All of the above
T&D losses in Pakistan are significantly higher than international standards. They are caused by a combination of aging infrastructure (technical losses) and administrative issues like electricity theft and non-recovery of bills (non-technical losses).
19
Which area in Pakistan is currently witnessing a boom in off-grid 'Solar Home Systems' due to lack of grid connectivity?
Answer:
Remote districts of Balochistan and Tharparkar
In remote areas of Balochistan and the Thar desert where the national grid has not yet reached, off-grid solar systems have become the primary source of light and power for thousands of households, drastically improving their quality of life.
20
The 'Sahiwal Coal Power Plant' uses which technology to minimize its environmental impact?
Answer:
Super-critical technology
The Sahiwal plant uses advanced 'Super-critical' technology, which operates at higher temperatures and pressures than traditional coal plants. This makes it more efficient, reduces fuel consumption, and lowers carbon emissions per unit of electricity generated.