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
Which mineral is commonly used to treat soil salinity or 'Kallar' land in Pakistan?
Answer:
Gypsum
Gypsum is an effective soil conditioner used to reclaim saline and sodic soils. It helps improve soil permeability and reduces the harmful effects of salts, making the land arable once again.
12
The 'Kallar' tract in Punjab is most famous for producing which crop?
Answer:
Basmati Rice
The Kallar tract, covering districts like Gujranwala and Sheikhupura, is world-famous for Basmati rice. The specific soil composition and climate here are what give Basmati rice its signature aroma and length.
13
What is the term for the commercial rearing of silkworms practiced in parts of Pakistan?
Answer:
Sericulture
Sericulture is the rearing of silkworms for silk production. It is a small-scale cottage industry in Pakistan, particularly in parts of Punjab and Azad Kashmir, providing extra income for rural households.
14
Which area of Pakistan is world-famous for producing the 'Chaunsa' variety of mango?
Answer:
All of the above
The entire southern belt including Multan, Mirpurkhas, and Rahim Yar Khan is famous for mangoes. The Chaunsa variety from these regions is highly demanded internationally for its sweetness and unique aroma.
15
What does 'GMO' stand for in the context of Pakistan's cotton seed technology?
Answer:
Genetically Modified Organism
GMO stands for Genetically Modified Organism. In Pakistan, Bt Cotton is a common GMO designed to resist certain pests like bollworms, though its long-term impact on the ecosystem is often debated.
16
Which vertebrate pest is known for causing significant damage to sugarcane and potato crops in Pakistan?
Answer:
Wild Boars
Wild boars are a major vertebrate pest in the irrigated plains of Punjab and Sindh. They damage roots and stems of crops like sugarcane and potatoes, causing millions in losses to farmers annually.
17
Which of the following is the largest crop of Pakistan in terms of production tonnage?
Answer:
Sugarcane
In terms of raw weight produced, sugarcane is the largest crop in Pakistan. For instance, in FY 2024-25, production reached over 84 million tonnes, far exceeding the tonnage of wheat or rice.
18
The 'Karez' system of irrigation is a unique traditional resource found in which province?
Answer:
Balochistan
The Karez is an ancient underground canal system used in the arid regions of Balochistan. It taps into groundwater and transports it through tunnels to avoid evaporation in the extreme heat.
19
What has been the general trend of average farm size in Pakistan over the last few decades?
Answer:
Decreasing
The average farm size in Pakistan has been decreasing due to population growth and the subdivision of land among heirs. This fragmentation makes it difficult for farmers to adopt expensive modern machinery and technologies.
20
Which institution is the apex body for agricultural research and coordination in Pakistan?
Answer:
PARC
The Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC) is the primary federal organization responsible for coordinating and promoting research in the agricultural sector to improve productivity and sustainability.