#461

Which state of the US faced severe flooding from 'Upper Midwest Flooding' in 2024, contributing to billion-dollar losses?

(a) Iowa

(b) Arizona

(c) Nevada

(d) Alaska

Explanation: The Upper Midwest, including states like Iowa, faced devastating flooding in 2024, which was categorized as a billion-dollar disaster.

#462

Which country announced plans to host the 'International Solar Alliance' annual assembly in 2024?

(a) India

(b) France

(c) Australia

(d) Chile

Explanation: India, as a founding member and host of the Secretariat, hosted the ISA assembly in New Delhi.

#463

Which African country was the first to unlock debt-for-nature swaps to protect its marine ecosystems in a major 2023/2024 deal?

(a) Gabon

(b) Chad

(c) Zimbabwe

(d) Mali

Explanation: Gabon completed a historic debt-for-nature swap in August 2023, refinancing massive debt to generate funds for marine conservation.

#464

The 'Sentinel-2C' satellite, launched in 2024, is part of which environmental monitoring program?

(a) NASA Artemis

(b) EU Copernicus

(c) SpaceX Starlink

(d) Google Earth

Explanation: Sentinel-2C is part of the European Union's Copernicus Earth observation program, providing vital data on vegetation, land use, and water quality.

#465

Which country faced a 'mega-drought' in 2024 that led to water rationing in its capital, Bogotá?

(a) Brazil

(b) Colombia

(c) Peru

(d) Venezuela

Explanation: Colombia faced a severe drought driven by El Niño, forcing the capital city of Bogotá to implement water rationing measures.

#466

The 26th Constitutional Amendment, passed in late 2024, fixed the tenure of the Chief Justice of Pakistan to:

(a) 2 years

(b) 3 years

(c) 4 years

(d) 5 years

Explanation: The 26th Amendment capped the tenure of the Chief Justice of Pakistan at a fixed term of 3 years.

#467

Which province passed a 'Defamation Bill' in 2024 that caused significant controversy?

(a) Sindh

(b) Punjab

(c) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

(d) Balochistan

Explanation: The Punjab Assembly passed the controversial Defamation Bill 2024, which was signed into law by the Acting Governor.

#468

The 26th Constitutional Amendment, passed in October 2024, capped the tenure of the Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) at:

(a) 2 years

(b) 3 years

(c) 4 years

(d) 5 years

Explanation: The 26th Amendment introduced a fixed tenure of three years for the Chief Justice of Pakistan, regardless of their age of superannuation.

#469

Which major reform was introduced in the government pension system in the Federal Budget 2024-25?

(a) Double Pension Scheme

(b) Contributory Pension Scheme

(c) Lifetime Pension for all family members

(d) Pension payment in Dollars

Explanation: To reduce the ballooning pension bill, the government introduced a 'Contributory Pension Scheme' for new employees, where they contribute a portion of their salary toward their retirement fund.

#470

The 'Tajir Dost Scheme' launched by the FBR in 2024 aims to:

(a) Provide loans to traders

(b) Bring retailers and wholesalers into the tax net

(c) Subsidize electricity for shops

(d) Allow duty-free imports for traders

Explanation: The Tajir Dost Scheme is a voluntary tax compliance registration scheme designed to bring unregistered retailers and wholesalers into the formal tax net to broaden the tax base.

#471

In September 2024, the IMF approved a new Extended Fund Facility (EFF) for Pakistan worth approximately:

(a) $3 Billion

(b) $7 Billion

(c) $10 Billion

(d) $1.2 Billion

Explanation: The IMF Executive Board approved a 37-month Extended Fund Facility (EFF) arrangement of about $7 billion to support Pakistan's economic stability and reform program.

#472

Which provincial government launched the 'Kisan Card' initiative in 2024 to provide direct subsidies and loans to farmers?

(a) Sindh

(b) Punjab

(c) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

(d) Balochistan

Explanation: The Punjab government, under CM Maryam Nawaz, launched the Kisan Card to provide subsidies on fertilizers and seeds and offer low-interest loans to farmers.

#473

The 'Winter Package 2024' announced by the Federal Government offers relief on:

(a) Gas tariffs for heaters

(b) Electricity tariff for incremental consumption

(c) Warm clothing prices

(d) Import of coal

Explanation: To encourage electricity usage in winter (when demand drops) and discourage gas usage, the government offered a reduced tariff rate for any electricity units consumed above the previous year's usage.

#474

Which new agency was notified in 2024 to replace the FIA's Cybercrime Wing for handling digital crimes?

(a) National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA)

(b) Digital Rights Authority

(c) Pakistan Cyber Force

(d) Federal Digital Investigation Bureau

Explanation: The government established the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) to take over the mandate of investigating cybercrimes from the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA).

#475

As part of the 2024-2025 reforms, the government terminated the contracts of several 'IPPs'. What does IPP stand for?

(a) International Power Providers

(b) Independent Power Producers

(c) Internal Policy Partners

(d) Integrated Public Projects

Explanation: The government terminated contracts with five Independent Power Producers (IPPs) in late 2024 to reduce 'capacity payments' and lower the overall cost of electricity.

#476

Under the 'Right-Sizing' policy of 2024, the government aims to:

(a) Increase the number of federal ministries

(b) Merge or dissolve unnecessary ministries and departments

(c) Increase the size of the parliament

(d) Expand the cabinet indefinitely

Explanation: The High-Powered Committee on Rightsizing, led by the Finance Minister, recommended abolishing or merging various ministries and departments to cut government expenditure.

#477

Which controversial bill regarding media was passed by the Punjab Assembly in 2024?

(a) Punjab Journalist Protection Act

(b) Punjab Defamation Act 2024

(c) Punjab Media Freedom Bill

(d) Punjab Digital Rights Act

Explanation: The Punjab Defamation Act 2024 was passed to address disinformation on social media, though it faced criticism for potentially curbing freedom of speech.

#478

The 'National Firewall' project installed in 2024 is intended for:

(a) Preventing physical border intrusions

(b) Internet traffic monitoring and filtering

(c) Stopping floods

(d) Protecting nuclear assets

Explanation: The government deployed a national firewall to monitor internet traffic, filter content deemed 'propaganda' or 'fake news', and manage cybersecurity threats.

#479

Which state-owned entity's privatization process faced significant bidding challenges in late 2024?

(a) Pakistan Railways

(b) Pakistan International Airlines (PIA)

(c) PSO

(d) NHA

Explanation: The privatization of PIA hit a snag when the final bidding process attracted lower-than-expected offers, leading to a review of the privatization strategy.

#480

Under the 2024 Finance Act, the government imposed higher tax rates on 'Non-Filers', including blocking their:

(a) Bank accounts

(b) Mobile SIM cards

(c) Passports

(d) All of the above

Explanation: To enforce tax compliance, the government empowered the FBR to block mobile SIMs and utility connections, and restrict foreign travel for non-filers.

July 2024 Current Affairs MCQs & Solutions