The GDP growth for FY26 was provisionally estimated at 3.7 percent, showing an increase from the 3.2 percent recorded in FY25. The growth was primarily driven by the services and industry sectors. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2008043/central-bank-keeps-policy-rate-unchanged-at-115pc, 15 Jun 2026]
1372
Which of the following regional frameworks is primarily designed to facilitate collective security and political cooperation among its member states in the Persian Gulf region?
The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is a regional intergovernmental political and economic union consisting of all Arab states of the Persian Gulf, specifically focused on regional security and economic integration, distinguishing it from the broader mandates of the Arab League or the OIC.
Which of the following regional organizations serves as a primary framework for political and economic cooperation among the monarchies of the Arabian Peninsula?
The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is a regional intergovernmental political and economic union consisting of all Arab states of the Persian Gulf, except Iraq, serving as a key geopolitical framework.
The Strait of Hormuz serves as a critical maritime chokepoint for global energy security by connecting the Persian Gulf to which of the following bodies of water?
The Strait of Hormuz is a vital maritime passage connecting the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea, serving as the primary transit route for a significant portion of the world's seaborne petroleum.
In the context of energy geopolitics, the Strait of Hormuz functions as a critical maritime chokepoint primarily because it facilitates the transit of:
The Strait of Hormuz is a vital maritime chokepoint connecting the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman, through which a significant percentage of the world's total petroleum and liquefied natural gas exports must pass.
The OCAC identified the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz as the regions where geopolitical conflict has caused a dramatic surge in war-risk insurance premiums and freight rates. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980379/senate-panel-to-expose-fuel-price-hike-beneficiaries, 10 Mar 2026]
1377
Which of the following statements regarding China's gold imports in June 2026 is INCORRECT?
Total gold imports via Hong Kong were 78.147 tons in June, which was an increase of 19% compared to the 65.562 tons imported in May. Therefore, stating that total imports were lower is factually incorrect. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40432008/chinas-june-net-gold-imports-via-hong-kong-up-from-year-ago-down-from-may, 27 Jul 2026]
1378
Consider the following statements about China's gold trade in June 2026:
1. Net gold imports via Hong Kong more than doubled compared to the same month in the previous year.
2. Hong Kong has launched a central clearing system for gold to support its regional hub ambitions.
3. Data from Hong Kong provides a complete and exhaustive picture of all Chinese gold purchases.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Statement 1 is correct as net imports rose from 19.366 tons in June 2025 to 50.679 tons in June 2026. Statement 2 is correct regarding the new clearing system. Statement 3 is incorrect because gold is also imported via Shanghai and Beijing, meaning Hong Kong data is not exhaustive. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40432008/chinas-june-net-gold-imports-via-hong-kong-up-from-year-ago-down-from-may, 27 Jul 2026]
1379
What was the total volume of gold imported by China via Hong Kong in June 2026?
Total gold imports via Hong Kong reached 78.147 tons in June 2026. The figure 50.679 tons represents the net imports, while 65.562 tons was the total for the previous month. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40432008/chinas-june-net-gold-imports-via-hong-kong-up-from-year-ago-down-from-may, 27 Jul 2026]
1380
By the end of June 2026, what was the total volume of gold reserves held by China's central bank?
China's central bank reported gold reserves of 75.44 million fine troy ounces by the end of June 2026. The figure 74.96 million represents the reserves held in the preceding month. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40432008/chinas-june-net-gold-imports-via-hong-kong-up-from-year-ago-down-from-may, 27 Jul 2026]
