Keir Starmer resigned as Prime Minister in June 2026 following months of political turmoil. Andy Burnham was subsequently elected to replace him as the leader of the Labour Party. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016211/andy-burnham-elected-new-labour-leader-now-set-to-be-uk-pm, 17 Jul 2026]
492
On what date did the Foreign Office of Pakistan issue a statement rejecting the latest Indian propaganda regarding the Pahalgam incident?
The statement was published on April 23, 2026, addressing the one-year anniversary of the incident. The other dates represent either the original attack anniversary or dates associated with the 2025 conflict. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1994381/pakistan-rejects-indian-propaganda-on-pahalgam-attack-deplores-weaponisation-of-false-narrative, 23 Apr 2026]
493
To whom did Keir Starmer officially communicate his decision to resign on June 22, 2026?
Starmer confirmed that he informed King Charles III of his decision to resign on the morning of his announcement. While he also addressed the National Executive Committee regarding the contest timetable, the formal notification of his resignation was directed to the monarch. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2009971/uk-pm-starmer-announces-resignation-amid-mounting-pressure-says-will-give-successor-full-unequivocal-support, 22 Jun 2026]
494
According to the Chief of Defence Forces, what is considered the greatest strength of Balochistan?
While the CDF acknowledged the province's natural resources, he explicitly stated that the greatest strength of Balochistan is its resilient, patriotic, and vibrant people. This emphasizes a human-centric approach to national security. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431561/cdf-vows-to-dismantle-terrorist-infrastructure, 24 Jul 2026]
495
Which prestigious civilian award was conferred upon Prince Rahim al-Hussaini Aga Khan V in 2024?
The Nishan-i-Pakistan is the nation's highest civilian award, which was granted to the Prince in 2024 for his family's contributions to the country. The other options are lower-tier civil awards. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2001810/aga-khan-affirms-commitment-to-supporting-development-during-meeting-with-president-zardari, 20 May 2026]
496
Consider the following statements regarding policy developments and national events occurring in August 2026:
1. The Sindh Governor has taken steps toward institutional modernization by inaugurating an AI laboratory at an engineering university.
2. The Government of Pakistan has unveiled a roadmap to restructure and unbundle existing gas utility companies into five distinct entities.
3. The national transport sector has announced a nationwide protest action slated to commence on August 8 due to operational grievances.
All statements are verified: the Governor of Sindh inaugurated an AI laboratory at SSUET; the government formally proposed restructuring gas utilities SNGPL and SSGCL into five entities; and transport associations have confirmed a nationwide strike beginning August 8. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40433354/nehal-inaugurates-ai-lab-at-ssuet]
497
Who was the captain of the Bangladesh cricket team during the second Test match in May 2026?
Najmul Hossain Shanto served as the captain of the Bangladesh team during the series. Litton Das performed wicket-keeping duties, and Mahmudul Hasan Joy was a fielder. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2001532/taijul-puts-bangladesh-on-brink-of-test-series-win-over-pakistan, 19 May 2026]
498
Consider the following statements about the second Test match between Bangladesh and Pakistan:
1. Pakistan's captain Shan Masood scored a half-century during the fourth day.
2. Nahid Rana dismissed Saud Shakeel with a wide yorker.
3. The match was played at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Statements 1 and 2 are correct as Shan Masood scored 71 and Nahid Rana dismissed Saud Shakeel. Statement 3 is incorrect because the match was held at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium, not the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2001532/taijul-puts-bangladesh-on-brink-of-test-series-win-over-pakistan, 19 May 2026]
499
Which of the following statements regarding the second Test match on May 19, 2026, is INCORRECT?
Pakistan did not chase the target on the fourth day; they ended the day at 316-7, still needing 121 runs. The other three statements are factually accurate based on the match report. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2001532/taijul-puts-bangladesh-on-brink-of-test-series-win-over-pakistan, 19 May 2026]
500
Which Bangladeshi bowler took 4-113 to put Pakistan in a difficult position during the second Test on May 19, 2026?
Taijul Islam was the primary architect of the Bangladeshi bowling effort, claiming four wickets including key dismissals of Babar Azam and Salman Agha. Nahid Rana also contributed but did not take four wickets in this innings. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2001532/taijul-puts-bangladesh-on-brink-of-test-series-win-over-pakistan, 19 May 2026]
