January 2024 Edition

January 2024 Current Affairs MCQs & Solutions

Top national & international current affairs questions for CSS, PMS, FPSC, PPSC, and NTS screening tests.

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#1281

The 'National Education Policy 2024' places a renewed emphasis on which language for primary instruction?

(a) English only
(b) Mother tongue or Regional language
(c) Arabic only
(d) French
Explanation: Following modern pedagogical research, the 2024 policy encourages the use of the mother tongue or local regional languages for primary-level instruction to improve comprehension, with a gradual transition to Urdu and English.
#1282

The 'Reading Improvement Programme' (RIP) launched in 2024 focuses on which level?

(a) University
(b) Primary (Grade 1-3) for foundational literacy
(c) PhD level
(d) Vocational
Explanation: Recognizing that children were reaching Grade 5 without basic reading skills, the government launched RIP in 2024. It focuses on 'Foundational Literacy and Numeracy' (FLN) in the first three years of schooling.
#1283

As of the Pakistan Economic Survey 2024-25, what is the estimated total size of the labour force in Pakistan?

(a) 55.2 Million
(b) 65.8 Million
(c) 75.5 Million
(d) 85.1 Million
Explanation: According to the latest Labour Force Survey data and Economic Survey for 2024-25, Pakistan's total labour force stands at approximately 75.5 million people. This makes Pakistan the 9th largest labour force in the world. The growth in the labour force is driven by a high population growth rate and a significant 'youth bulge,' requiring the state to generate nearly 1.5 to 2 million jobs annually to keep unemployment stable.
#1284

Which country remains the top destination for Pakistani migrant workers seeking employment abroad in 2024-2025?

(a) United Arab Emirates
(b) Saudi Arabia
(c) Qatar
(d) United Kingdom
Explanation: The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) continues to be the primary destination for Pakistani labour migration, hosting over 50% of the workers who went abroad in the 2024-2025 period. This migration is facilitated by various bilateral agreements and the 'Vision 2030' projects in KSA, which require a massive influx of construction, hospitality, and technical workers from Pakistan.
#1285

The total workers' remittances received by Pakistan in FY 2024-2025 were approximately in what range?

(a) $15 - $20 Billion
(b) $20 - $25 Billion
(c) $29 - $32 Billion
(d) $45 - $50 Billion
Explanation: For the fiscal year 2024-2025, Pakistan's workers' remittances showed a resilient trend, hovering around the $30 billion mark (specifically projected between $29 and $32 billion based on SBP data). These remittances, primarily originating from KSA, UAE, UK, and USA, are the second most important source of foreign exchange after exports and are crucial for managing the Current Account Deficit.
#1286

The term 'Brain Drain' in Pakistan refers to the high migration rate of which group in 2024-2025?

(a) Unskilled construction workers
(b) Highly skilled professionals (Doctors, Engineers, IT experts)
(c) Subsistence farmers
(d) Retail shopkeepers
Explanation: Pakistan has seen a sharp increase in 'Brain Drain' in 2024 and 2025, with over 800,000 Pakistanis leaving the country in a single year, many of whom are highly skilled professionals. The migration of doctors, engineers, and software experts to Europe, North America, and the Gulf is driven by economic instability and the search for better career prospects, posing a long-term challenge to Pakistan's domestic human capital development.
#1287

What is the 'Minimum Wage' for unskilled workers in Pakistan for the fiscal year 2024-2025 (specifically for the federal and Punjab regions)?

(a) PKR 25,000
(b) PKR 30,000
(c) PKR 37,000
(d) PKR 50,000
Explanation: In the 2024-2025 budgets, the government increased the minimum wage for unskilled workers to PKR 37,000 per month. This increase was aimed at providing relief to low-income groups amidst high inflation. However, implementation remains a challenge, particularly in the informal sector where workers are often paid below the legal threshold.
#1288

The 'E-Migration' project launched in 2024 aims to:

(a) Ban migration
(b) Make the entire emigration process paperless and transparent
(c) Allow people to move without passports
(d) Give free tickets to everyone
Explanation: E-Migration is a flagship digital initiative of the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis. It integrates the BEOE, Protector of Emigrants, and OEPs into a single digital loop. This allows workers to track their applications, verify their contracts, and report abuse online, reducing corruption and delays in the process.
#1289

Which international boundary fencing has reduced 'cross-border daily wage labour' in the 2024-2025 period?

(a) Line of Control
(b) Pak-Afghan Border (Durand Line)
(c) Wagah Border
(d) Sino-Pak Border
Explanation: Historically, thousands of people crossed the Afghan border daily for trade and casual labour. However, with the completion of the border fence and the implementation of a 'One Document Regime' (Visa and Passport) in 2024-2025, this informal cross-border movement of labour has been strictly regulated for security reasons.
#1290

In 2024-2025, 'Digital Nomad' visas in other countries have allowed many Pakistani freelancers to:

(a) Stop working
(b) Live abroad while working for their global clients legally
(c) Join the army
(d) Become farmers
Explanation: The 'Digital Nomad' trend has seen many young Pakistani IT and creative professionals move to countries like Dubai, Portugal, or Thailand while keeping their Pakistani residency. This 'virtual migration' allows them to earn in dollars and provides them with global exposure, though the government is working to provide similar facilities within Pakistan's STZs.
#1291

Who is the recipient of the Nishan-e-Imtiaz in 2024 for her contribution to music and the preservation of classical 'Thumri' and 'Dadra' styles?

(a) Tina Sani
(b) Farida Khanum
(c) Nayyara Noor
(d) Iqbal Bano
Explanation: Farida Khanum, often called 'Malika-e-Ghazal,' is one of the most respected classical singers in Pakistan. She is celebrated for her command over the ghazal and classical semi-folk genres. In recent years, including the 2024 honors, she continues to be recognized as a living legend for her lifelong dedication to the refinement of Pakistani vocal music.
#1292

In 2024-2025, which literary figure was posthumously honored with a major state award for their contribution to Urdu poetry and drama?

(a) Amjad Islam Amjad
(b) Munir Niazi
(c) Ahmed Faraz
(d) Habib Jalib
Explanation: Amjad Islam Amjad was a legendary poet and playwright who passed away in 2023. In the 2024-2025 honors lists, his immense contribution to Urdu literature and the television industry (specifically his masterpiece drama 'Waris') continued to be recognized with posthumous high-level civil awards. He was a bridge between classical traditions and modern sensibility, remaining one of Pakistan's most popular literary icons until his death.
#1293

According to the Pakistan Economic Survey 2024-25, what is the estimated national literacy rate of Pakistan?

(a) 58%
(b) 62.8%
(c) 70%
(d) 75%
Explanation: Pakistan's national literacy rate is currently estimated at approximately 62.8%. While there has been a gradual improvement over the past decade, the rate remains significantly lower than the targets set by various national policies. The disparity between urban and rural areas remains sharp, with urban centers boasting much higher literacy levels compared to remote rural districts where access to quality schooling is limited.
#1294

In May 2024, the federal government declared a 'National Education Emergency' primarily to address which crisis?

(a) Teacher salaries
(b) The 26 million out-of-school children (OOSC)
(c) University rankings
(d) Internet connectivity in schools
Explanation: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif declared a National Education Emergency in May 2024 to tackle the alarming figure of approximately 26.2 million children who are currently out of school. The emergency aims to mobilize federal and provincial resources to ensure enrollment, improve school infrastructure, and provide quality learning materials, viewing the OOSC crisis as a significant threat to the country's socio-economic future.
#1295

The 'National Curriculum Framework (NCF) 2024' was introduced to evolve from which previous initiative?

(a) Education Policy 1998
(b) Single National Curriculum (SNC)
(c) Vision 2025
(d) Millennium Development Goals
Explanation: The NCF 2024 serves as a refined evolution of the Single National Curriculum (SNC) introduced earlier. While the SNC aimed for absolute uniformity, the NCF 2024 provides a more flexible, competency-based framework that allows provinces to adapt contents while adhering to core national standards. It emphasizes critical thinking, STEM education, and local cultural integration over rote memorization.
#1296

What percentage of GDP does Pakistan currently spend on education as of 2024-25?

(a) 1.7% to 1.9%
(b) 4.0%
(c) 5.5%
(d) 7.0%
Explanation: Public spending on education in Pakistan remains low, estimated at around 1.7% to 1.9% of the GDP. This is well below the international benchmark of 4% recommended for developing nations to achieve universal primary education. This lack of funding is a primary reason for the poor state of public school infrastructure and the high number of out-of-school children.
#1297

Which province launched the 'Kisan Card' that includes an educational subsidy for farmers' children in 2024?

(a) Sindh
(b) Punjab
(c) KPK
(d) Balochistan
Explanation: The Punjab government integrated educational incentives into the Kisan Card program in 2024-2025. This aims to provide financial support to small-scale farmers specifically for the schooling expenses of their children, thereby reducing the rate of child labor in the agricultural sector.
#1298

Which Pakistani province has the lowest literacy rate as of the latest 2024-25 data?

(a) Sindh
(b) Balochistan
(c) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
(d) Punjab
Explanation: Balochistan remains the province with the lowest literacy rate, estimated at around 44-46%. Severe geographic dispersion, lack of accessible schools in remote desert and mountain regions, and socio-economic challenges have historically hindered educational development in the province.
#1299

The 'E-Transfer' system for teachers in Punjab (2024-25) was designed to stop which practice?

(a) Teaching science
(b) Political interference and corruption in teacher postings
(c) Using the internet
(d) Retiring early
Explanation: The E-Transfer system is a digital portal where teachers can apply for transfers based on merit, seniority, and genuine need. It has successfully eliminated the 'Sifarish' (favouritism) culture, where political figures used to influence teacher postings, ensuring a more transparent and stable administrative system.
#1300

The 'National Education Policy 2024' places a renewed emphasis on which language for primary level instruction?

(a) English only
(b) Mother tongue or Regional language
(c) Arabic only
(d) French
Explanation: Following modern pedagogical research, the 2024 policy encourages the use of the mother tongue or local regional languages for instruction at the primary level (KG to Grade 3). This is intended to improve students' comprehension and foundational literacy before gradually transitioning to Urdu and English.