January 2024 Edition
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January 2024 Current Affairs MCQs & Solutions
Top national & international current affairs questions for CSS, PMS, FPSC, PPSC, and NTS screening tests.
#1081
Which Gulf state's sovereign wealth fund, the 'Qatar Investment Authority' (QIA), has discussed a $2 billion investment in Pakistan's energy and aviation sectors in 2024-2025?
(a) Saudi Arabia
(b) Qatar
(c) United Arab Emirates
(d) Oman
Explanation: Qatar has shown strong interest in investing in Pakistan's state-owned enterprises (SOEs). The QIA's discussions revolve around the management and outsourcing of major airports and investing in renewable energy projects, reflecting Qatar's strategy of deepening economic footprints in South Asia.
#1082
In October 2024, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia signed 27 MoUs and agreements worth how much during a high-level investment summit in Islamabad?
(a) $1.2 Billion
(b) $2.2 Billion
(c) $5.0 Billion
(d) $10.0 Billion
Explanation: During the visit of a high-level Saudi investment delegation in October 2024, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia signed 27 MoUs and agreements worth $2.2 billion. These agreements cover various sectors such as construction, agriculture, energy, mining, and human resource development, signifying a shift from financial aid to a deep-rooted economic partnership.
#1083
The second phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) in 2024-2025 focuses primarily on which area?
(a) Road construction only
(b) Industrialization, Agriculture, and B2B cooperation
(c) Building nuclear power plants
(d) Abolishing all transit trade
Explanation: CPEC Phase II marks a transition from government-led infrastructure projects to business-to-business (B2B) cooperation. The priority is now on industrial relocation from China to Pakistan, agricultural modernization, and the operationalization of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) to boost export-oriented manufacturing.
#1084
The UAE-based 'AD Ports Group' signed a 25-year concession agreement in 2023-2024 to operate and develop which facility?
(a) Gwadar Port
(b) Karachi Gateway Terminal (Karachi Port)
(c) Port Qasim
(d) Keti Bandar
Explanation: The Abu Dhabi (AD) Ports Group signed a 25-year concession to manage and develop the container terminal at Karachi Port. This multi-million dollar investment is part of the UAE's strategy to enhance regional logistics and Pakistan's effort to attract investment into its maritime infrastructure.
#1085
Which Gulf state announced a $10 billion investment fund for Pakistan following a high-level visit in mid-2024?
(a) Saudi Arabia
(b) United Arab Emirates (UAE)
(c) Qatar
(d) Kuwait
Explanation: The UAE announced a $10 billion allocation for investment in Pakistan's economic sectors in 2024. This fund is being channeled through the SIFC to ensure efficient implementation of projects in energy, IT, and port infrastructure, further cementing the bilateral economic bond.
#1086
Which country provided a $2 billion liquidity support (loan rollover) to Pakistan in early 2024 to help maintain foreign exchange reserves?
(a) USA
(b) China
(c) Russia
(d) Japan
Explanation: China rolled over a $2 billion loan in March 2024 to support Pakistan's struggling foreign exchange reserves. This 'financial diplomacy' has been critical for Pakistan to meet the external financing requirements mandated by the IMF program and to avoid a sovereign default.
#1087
Pakistan hosted the 23rd Council of Heads of Government meeting of which organization in Islamabad in October 2024?
(a) SAARC
(b) Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO)
(c) OIC
(d) G20
Explanation: Pakistan hosted the SCO CHG meeting in October 2024, bringing together leaders from Russia, China, and Central Asia. The meeting focused on regional connectivity, digital economy, and trade, providing Pakistan a platform to present its geo-economic potential to Eurasian powers.
#1088
What percentage of the SDR quota was Pakistan's approved EFF in 2024, highlighting its significance in IMF history?
(a) 100%
(b) 425%
(c) 250%
(d) 600%
Explanation: The 2024 EFF for Pakistan was approved at approximately 425% of Pakistan's quota. This exceptional access level reflects the severity of Pakistan's financial challenges and the IMF's commitment to stabilizing the country's economy through a long-term structural reform program.
#1089
In 2024, Pakistan launched a 'Visa-Free' entry facility for citizens of GCC countries to promote which sector?
(a) Military recruitment
(b) Tourism and Business Investment
(c) Agricultural labor
(d) Nuclear research
Explanation: To facilitate the geo-economic shift, Pakistan significantly eased its visa regime for Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nationals. This policy aims to attract more Gulf tourists to Pakistan's northern areas and make it easier for investors to visit and monitor SIFC-linked projects.
#1090
Which commodity did Pakistan import from Russia for the first time in discounted prices in 2023-2024 to ease its energy crisis?
(a) Solar panels
(b) Crude Oil
(c) Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG)
(d) Nuclear fuel
Explanation: As part of its strategy to diversify energy sources and reduce the import bill, Pakistan received its first shipments of discounted Russian crude oil in mid-2023. This was a significant achievement in balancing relations between the West and Russia for national economic benefit.
#1091
In 2024, Pakistan and which country signed an agreement for a $1.2 billion 'Green Corridor' for agricultural exports?
(a) China
(b) United Arab Emirates (UAE)
(c) Saudi Arabia
(d) Australia
Explanation: The UAE and Pakistan established a 'Green Corridor' initiative to facilitate the rapid export of fresh Pakistani agricultural products to the Gulf. This agreement reduces logistics hurdles and ensures that Pakistani farmers get better prices in the international market.
#1092
In late 2024, Pakistan hosted an 'OIC Investment Forum' in Karachi to pitch projects in which sector?
(a) Textile dyes only
(b) Energy, Minerals, and Agriculture
(c) Nuclear weapons
(d) None of the above
Explanation: Pakistan leveraged its chairmanship of various OIC bodies to host an investment forum focusing on the SIFC sectors. The forum aimed to connect Pakistani businesses with capital from across the 57-member Islamic world, promoting intra-OIC trade and investment.
#1093
Which high-ranking Malaysian official visited Pakistan in October 2024 to discuss 'Halal Trade' and economic corridors?
(a) Mahathir Mohamad
(b) Anwar Ibrahim
(c) Najib Razak
(d) Muhyiddin Yassin
Explanation: Malaysian PM Anwar Ibrahim's visit to Islamabad in October 2024 was focused on expanding commercial ties. Both countries agreed to explore the potential of the global Halal economy, with Malaysia expressing interest in importing more Pakistani meat and rice.
#1094
The 26th Constitutional Amendment (2024) in Pakistan was presented to international investors as a way to ensure:
(a) Banning all religions
(b) Judicial predictability and legal stability for long-term contracts
(c) Abolishing the parliament
(d) Military rule
Explanation: The 26th Amendment was framed by the government as a reform to ensure a more efficient and predictable judicial system through specialized Constitutional Benches. For foreign investors, legal predictability is a key factor in making long-term commitments to projects like Reko Diq.
#1095
Which Pakistani official visited Riyadh in April 2024 to finalize the 'Macro-Economic Stability' framework?
(a) The President
(b) The Prime Minister and the Finance Minister
(c) The Mayor of Lahore
(d) The head of NADRA
Explanation: In April 2024, PM Shahbaz Sharif and his economic team visited Saudi Arabia. The visit was successful in securing a commitment from Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to fast-track a $5 billion investment package, which was a critical signal to the global markets.
#1096
The 'Transit Trade' agreement signed with which Central Asian country in 2022 led to a 100% increase in trade volume by 2024?
(a) Kazakhstan
(b) Uzbekistan
(c) Turkmenistan
(d) Tajikistan
Explanation: The Pakistan-Uzbekistan Transit Trade Agreement (UPPTA) has been a massive success. It allowed Uzbek goods to reach the Arabian Sea and Pakistani products to enter the heart of Central Asia, serving as a blueprint for similar agreements with other regional neighbors.
#1097
Which hydroelectric project on the Chenab River is currently being contested by Pakistan at the Hague-based Court of Arbitration as of 2024-2025?
(a) Salal Dam
(b) Ratle Hydroelectric Plant
(c) Mangla Dam
(d) Warsak Dam
Explanation: The 850 MW Ratle project is a major point of contention. Pakistan has raised objections to its design, specifically regarding the storage capacity and the speed at which India can manipulate water levels. In 2023, the World Bank allowed the simultaneous processes of a Neutral Expert and a Court of Arbitration to address the Ratle and Kishanganga disputes, highlighting the increasing complexity of water diplomacy.
#1098
What was the name of Pakistan's retaliatory military operation against militant hideouts in Iran on January 18, 2024?
(a) Operation Swift Retort
(b) Operation Marg Bar Sarmachar
(c) Operation Zarb-e-Azb
(d) Operation Sentinel
Explanation: Following Iranian missile strikes in Panjgur, the Pakistan Armed Forces launched 'Operation Marg Bar Sarmachar' (Death to the Insurgents). The operation targeted hideouts of Baloch separatist groups in the Sistan-Baluchestan province of Iran. This marked a rare direct military exchange between the two neighbors, though both sides subsequently moved to de-escalate and normalize diplomatic ties.
#1099
The 'One Document Regime' implemented by Pakistan in 2024 at its western borders primarily mandates what for Afghan nationals?
(a) Entry on local ID (Tazkira)
(b) Entry only on valid Passport and Visa
(c) Entry without any documentation
(d) Entry on special tribal permits
Explanation: To curb smuggling and the unregulated flow of people, Pakistan strictly implemented the 'One Document Regime' in 2024. This ended the decades-old practice of allowing tribes to cross the border on local IDs. The policy is part of a broader strategy to document all individuals entering Pakistan to improve national security and formalize the economy.
#1100
Which hydroelectric project on the Chenab River is currently being contested by Pakistan at the Hague-based Court of Arbitration as of 2024-2025?
(a) Baglihar Dam
(b) Ratle Hydroelectric Plant
(c) Mangla Dam
(d) Warsak Dam
Explanation: The 850 MW Ratle project is a major point of contention. Pakistan has raised objections to its design, specifically regarding the storage capacity and the speed at which India can manipulate water levels. In 2023, the World Bank allowed the simultaneous processes of a Neutral Expert and a Court of Arbitration to address the Ratle and Kishanganga disputes, reflecting the high stakes of water diplomacy.