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.
#1301
In 2024, the federal government declared 'Educational Emergency' in which specific administrative units first?
(a) Only in Sindh
(b) Federal Capital and Gilgit-Baltistan
(c) Only in Karachi
(d) Only in Lahore
Explanation: While the emergency is national, the federal government directed immediate high-priority actions and funding to the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) and Gilgit-Baltistan to pilot model enrollment drives and school meal programs, setting a benchmark for the provinces to follow.
#1302
The 'Reading Improvement Programme' (RIP) launched in 2024 focuses on which grade levels?
(a) University level
(b) Primary (Grade 1-3) for foundational literacy
(c) PhD level
(d) Vocational level
Explanation: RIP was launched to address the learning poverty in Pakistan, where many children reach Grade 5 without being able to read simple text. It focuses on the first three years of schooling to ensure strong foundational literacy and numeracy (FLN).
#1303
What is the approximate total public expenditure on health as a percentage of GDP in Pakistan for the fiscal year 2024-25?
(a) 0.5%
(b) 1.2%
(c) 3.5%
(d) 5.0%
Explanation: Public spending on health in Pakistan remains relatively low compared to international benchmarks, hovering around 1.2% of the GDP as of the 2024-25 economic survey data. While there has been an absolute increase in budget allocations at both federal and provincial levels, the sector still requires significant investment to meet the rising demands of a growing population and the goals of universal health coverage.
#1304
What is the average 'Life Expectancy' in Pakistan as per 2024-2025 health estimates?
(a) 55-58 years
(b) 67-68 years
(c) 75-78 years
(d) 82-85 years
Explanation: The average life expectancy in Pakistan has gradually improved to approximately 67-68 years as of 2025. This increase is credited to better immunization coverage, the expansion of primary healthcare services, and a reduction in communicable diseases. However, it still remains lower than many neighboring countries due to high rates of non-communicable diseases and environmental factors like air pollution.
#1305
The 'Maternal Mortality Ratio' (MMR) in Pakistan is approximately how many deaths per 100,000 live births as per recent 2024-2025 reports?
(a) 20
(b) 180-186
(c) 500
(d) 1000
Explanation: Pakistan's MMR has improved but remains high at approximately 180 to 186 deaths per 100,000 live births. The most common causes of death are postpartum hemorrhage, sepsis, and eclampsia. The government aims to bring this number down significantly by increasing the rate of 'Skilled Birth Attendance' (SBA) and improving emergency obstetric care in rural areas.
#1306
Which international boundary has a 'One-Document' regime implemented in 2024 to curb the cross-border movement of Polio and other diseases?
(a) Line of Control
(b) Pak-Afghan Border
(c) Wagah Border
(d) Sino-Pak Border
Explanation: The implementation of the 'One-Document Regime' (requiring a valid passport and visa) on the Pak-Afghan border is not just a security measure but also a health strategy. It allows for better screening and mandatory vaccination of travelers at crossing points like Torkham and Chaman, helping to prevent the re-introduction of the poliovirus into cleared areas.
#1307
Which province launched the 'Clinic on Wheels' project in 2024 to provide medical services to slum dwellers?
(a) Sindh
(b) Punjab
(c) KPK
(d) Balochistan
Explanation: The Punjab government, under Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz in 2024, launched the 'Clinic on Wheels' initiative. These mobile health units are equipped with basic diagnostic tools and doctors, visiting congested urban slums and remote villages where permanent health facilities are missing, providing immediate relief to thousands of underserved people.
#1308
In the 2024-2025 federal budget, the allocation for BISP was increased to approximately:
(a) PKR 300 Billion
(b) PKR 450 Billion
(c) PKR 593 Billion
(d) PKR 700 Billion
Explanation: Reflecting the government's commitment to protecting the most vulnerable against inflation, the budget for the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) was enhanced to PKR 593 billion for the fiscal year 2024-25. This increase aims to expand the beneficiary base and adjust the stipend amounts to maintain the purchasing power of the poor.
#1309
In 2024, which province launched the 'Himmat Card' to provide dedicated quarterly stipends to Persons with Disabilities (PWDs)?
(a) Sindh
(b) Punjab
(c) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
(d) Balochistan
Explanation: The Punjab government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz in 2024, launched the 'Himmat Card'. This initiative specifically targets non-working persons with disabilities, providing them with a quarterly stipend of PKR 10,500 to assist them in meeting their basic needs and improving their quality of life.
#1310
Which province introduced the 'Mazdoor Card' in 2024 to provide social security to industrial and domestic workers?
(a) Sindh
(b) Punjab
(c) KPK
(d) Balochistan
Explanation: The Mazdoor Card is an initiative of the Punjab Social Security Department. It aims to register all laborers (formal and informal) to provide them with healthcare facilities, marriage grants, and death grants, moving toward a formal social security net for the labor class.
#1311
The 'School Meal Program' (Free Lunch) was piloted in which federal territory in 2024 to improve student nutrition?
(a) Gilgit
(b) Islamabad
(c) Gwadar
(d) Muzaffarabad
Explanation: In 2024, the Ministry of Federal Education launched a program to provide free, nutritious mid-day meals to all primary students in public schools in Islamabad. This initiative aims to improve learning outcomes, reduce stunting, and encourage school enrollment in the capital territory.
#1312
The 'Poverty Scorecard' used by BISP is updated every few years. What is its primary data source as of 2024?
(a) Google Maps
(b) Door-to-door Digital NSER Survey
(c) Only tax returns
(d) Electricity bills
Explanation: To ensure that only the truly deserving receive benefits, the government conducts a nationwide digital survey. Enumerators visit every household with tablets to record assets and living conditions, creating a 'Poverty Score' that determines eligibility for multiple welfare programs.
#1313
Who became the first female Chief Minister in the history of Pakistan in February 2024?
(a) Sherry Rehman
(b) Maryam Nawaz Sharif
(c) Fahmida Mirza
(d) Hina Rabbani Khar
Explanation: Maryam Nawaz Sharif made history on February 26, 2024, when she was elected as the Chief Minister of Punjab, Pakistan's most populous province. This landmark appointment represented a significant shift in the country's political landscape, as she became the first woman to hold the office of Chief Executive of a province since the country's independence in 1947.
#1314
Which Pakistani woman made history in January 2022 by becoming the first female judge of the Supreme Court of Pakistan?
(a) Justice Syeda Tahira Safdar
(b) Justice Ayesha A. Malik
(c) Justice Musarrat Hilali
(d) Justice Majida Razvi
Explanation: Justice Ayesha A. Malik was sworn in as the first female judge of the Supreme Court of Pakistan in January 2022. Her elevation from the Lahore High Court was a historic moment for the Pakistani judiciary, which had not seen a woman on the apex court for 74 years. She is known for her landmark rulings, including the abolition of the 'virginity test' in rape cases.
#1315
According to the World Economic Forum's Global Gender Gap Report 2024, Pakistan is ranked at which position out of 146 countries?
(a) 120th
(b) 135th
(c) 145th
(d) 100th
Explanation: In the Global Gender Gap Report 2024, Pakistan was ranked 145th out of 146 countries, highlighting significant challenges in achieving gender parity. The report evaluates four key dimensions: Economic Participation and Opportunity, Educational Attainment, Health and Survival, and Political Empowerment. While there has been progress in political representation, Pakistan continues to struggle with low female labor force participation and high educational disparities.
#1316
Which Pakistani mountaineer became the first woman from the country to climb Mount Everest and K2 in a single season (2023-2024 cycle)?
(a) Samina Baig
(b) Naila Kiani
(c) Selena Khawaja
(d) Uzma Yusuf
Explanation: Naila Kiani has emerged as a prominent figure in Pakistani sports. In 2023 and 2024, she achieved remarkable feats by becoming the first Pakistani woman to scale multiple 8,000-meter peaks, including Mount Everest and K2, in very quick succession. Her achievements have brought international recognition to Pakistani female athletes and have inspired a new generation to take up adventure sports.
#1317
In the 2024-2025 context, what is the approximate percentage of female labor force participation in Pakistan?
(a) 10%
(b) 21% - 24%
(c) 45%
(d) 60%
Explanation: Female labor force participation in Pakistan remains relatively low, estimated at around 21% to 24% according to the latest Labor Force Surveys. This is due to various factors including cultural norms, lack of safe transport, and the high burden of unpaid domestic work. The government and private sector are currently working on 'Gender Inclusive' workplace policies to increase this participation to boost the national GDP.
#1318
The 26th Constitutional Amendment, passed in October 2024, has which implication for the judiciary that includes women?
(a) It bans women from becoming CJP
(b) It establishes constitutional benches which will include women judges based on seniority and merit
(c) It removes reserved seats
(d) It only applies to men
Explanation: The 26th Amendment introduced the concept of 'Constitutional Benches' in the Supreme Court. While it does not specifically mandate gender quotas, the inclusion of women judges like Justice Ayesha Malik and Justice Musarrat Hilali in these specialized benches is expected based on their expertise and seniority, further cementing the role of women in the country's constitutional law.
#1319
In 2024, which Pakistani province introduced a 'Quota' for women in the allotment of government-owned agricultural land to promote rural empowerment?
(a) Sindh
(b) Punjab
(c) KPK
(d) Balochistan
Explanation: Under the recent agricultural reforms in 2024-2025, the Punjab government has prioritized rural women in the distribution of state land for corporate and small-scale farming. This initiative aims to provide land ownership to women, which is a critical factor in their economic and social independence in rural communities.
#1320
The 'Womens Empowerment Package' announced in 2024-2025 includes which major feature for working mothers?
(a) Banning them from work
(b) Mandatory Day Care Centers in all government and large private offices
(c) Reducing their salaries
(d) Free luxury cars
Explanation: To encourage female labor force participation, the government has moved to enforce laws requiring workplaces to have day-care facilities. In 2024-2025, several grants were provided to offices to establish these centers, ensuring that working mothers can continue their careers while their children are in a safe and nearby environment.