#1381

In 2024, Pakistan launched its first 'Remote Sensing' lunar orbiter named:

(a) PakMoon-1

(b) iCube-Qamar

(c) Badr-Lunar

(d) SUPARCO-X

Explanation: iCube-Qamar was Pakistan's first mission to the Moon, launched in May 2024 as part of China's Chang'e 6 mission. Developed by the Institute of Space Technology in collaboration with SUPARCO, it successfully sent images from the lunar orbit, marking a historic achievement for Pakistan's space program.

#1382

Which international boundary fencing project was prioritized for completion by the Shahbaz government in 2024 to curb smuggling?

(a) Line of Control

(b) Pak-Iran Border

(c) Working Boundary

(d) Sir Creek

Explanation: While the Afghan border was already largely fenced, the government accelerated the fencing of the 900 km border with Iran in 2024. This was coupled with the establishment of border markets and enhanced surveillance to stop the illegal flow of fuel and other commodities.

#1383

Who was the 'Caretaker Prime Minister' of Pakistan between the first and second terms of Shahbaz Sharif (Aug 2023 - Feb 2024)?

(a) Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar

(b) Justice (R) Nasir-ul-Mulk

(c) Shahid Khaqan Abbasi

(d) Mian Soomro

Explanation: Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar, a senator from Balochistan, served as the caretaker Prime Minister to oversee the 2024 general elections. His tenure was notable for maintaining economic continuity and supporting the initial operations of the SIFC.

#1384

Which Pakistani province announced its first-ever 'Deficit-Free' budget in 2024-2025 through radical fiscal reforms?

(a) Sindh

(b) Punjab

(c) KPK

(d) None of the above

Explanation: The Punjab government, under Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, presented a budget for 2024-2025 that focused on revenue mobilization without increasing the deficit. The budget prioritized digital health, education, and the 'Kisan Card' scheme for agricultural growth.

#1385

The 'Nadirra' (NADRA) system introduced which new digital feature in 2024 to facilitate Overseas Pakistanis?

(a) Digital Power of Attorney

(b) Online Marriage Registration

(c) Digital Inheritance Certificate

(d) All of the above

Explanation: NADRA launched several digital portals in 2024 to allow Overseas Pakistanis to manage legal and administrative tasks without visiting a consulate. This included the remote verification of inheritance and power of attorney, significantly easing the administrative burden on the diaspora.

#1386

Which project aimed to provide 'Free Health Insurance' to all citizens of Islamabad and Gilgit-Baltistan in 2024?

(a) Ehsaas Health

(b) Sehat Sahulat Program (Federal)

(c) PM Health Link

(d) Aman Card

Explanation: The federal government continued and expanded the Sehat Sahulat Program for the federal capital and territories under its jurisdiction. This provides up to $1$ million PKR coverage for hospitalization, ensuring that the poorest citizens have access to quality private healthcare.

#1387

The 'Single National Curriculum' was rebranded and updated by the Shahbaz government in 2024 under what name?

(a) National Education Standards

(b) National Curriculum Framework (NCF)

(c) Federal Core Curriculum

(d) Integrated Learning Model

Explanation: The government revised the previous curriculum model to make it more flexible and modern. The NCF 2024 focuses on critical thinking, STEM education, and local languages while ensuring a baseline standard of quality across all types of schools in the federal areas.

#1388

The 'National Clean Air Policy' approved in 2024 was primarily aimed at tackling the 'Smog' crisis in which province?

(a) Sindh

(b) Punjab

(c) Balochistan

(d) KPK

Explanation: The policy was introduced to combat the recurring toxic smog in Lahore and other cities. It involves stricter controls on industrial emissions, the promotion of Euro-5/6 fuels, and a crackdown on crop residue burning, with a focus on regional cooperation with India.

#1389

Which specialized 'Investment Desk' was established by the SIFC in 2024 specifically for Saudi Arabian investors?

(a) The Riyal Hub

(b) Saudi-Pakistan Investment Desk

(c) KSA Facilitation Center

(d) Gulf Gateway

Explanation: To manage the influx of interest from the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) and other entities, a dedicated facilitation desk was created. This led to agreements on an oil refinery in Gwadar and mineral exploration in Balochistan during the 2024-2025 period.

#1390

Which Pakistani official represented the country at the COP29 climate summit in late 2024, advocating for 'Climate Finance'?

(a) PM Shahbaz Sharif

(b) The Climate Change Minister

(c) The Foreign Minister

(d) Both a and b

Explanation: At COP29, Pakistan played a leading role in the G77 plus China group, demanding that developed nations provide 'Loss and Damage' funds for countries like Pakistan that contribute minimally to global emissions but suffer the most from climate disasters.

#1391

Who was the leader of the 'Long March' in 2009 that eventually led to the restoration of Chief Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry?

(a) Imran Khan

(b) Nawaz Sharif

(c) Asif Zardari

(d) Qazi Hussain Ahmed

Explanation: Nawaz Sharif led the 'Long March' toward Islamabad in March 2009. Facing a massive political mobilization and pressure from the military, the PPP government agreed to restore Iftikhar Chaudhry and other judges dismissed by Musharraf.

#1392

Which Pakistani minority leader and Federal Minister was assassinated in March 2011?

(a) Shahbaz Bhatti

(b) Kamran Michael

(c) Julius Salik

(d) Ramesh Kumar

Explanation: Shahbaz Bhatti, the Minister for Minorities Affairs and a devout Christian, was assassinated in Islamabad. He had been receiving threats for his stance against the blasphemy laws and his defense of minority rights.

#1393

In March 2022, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution introduced by Pakistan to designate March 15 as:

(a) International Day for Tolerance

(b) International Day to Combat Islamophobia

(c) World Peace Day

(d) Kashmir Solidarity Day

Explanation: A major diplomatic achievement for Imran Khan was the unanimous adoption of a resolution by the UN General Assembly in March 2022, designating March 15 as the 'International Day to Combat Islamophobia.' This followed Khan's persistent advocacy at various international forums, including his speeches at the UNGA, where he highlighted the rising global threat of religious discrimination against Muslims.

#1394

What was the 'Letter-gate' or 'Cipher' controversy that Imran Khan raised in March 2022?

(a) A corruption scandal

(b) An alleged threat letter from the US Department of State

(c) A secret deal with India

(d) A leaked military memo

Explanation: On March 27, 2022, during a public rally, Imran Khan brandished a paper, claiming it was a 'cipher' (secret diplomatic telegram) from Pakistan's ambassador in Washington. He alleged it contained a threat from US official Donald Lu, stating that 'all will be forgiven' if Khan was removed from power, fueling the narrative of a foreign-backed regime change.

#1395

According to the Pakistan Economic Survey 2024-25, what is the total share of the agriculture sector in Pakistan's GDP?

(a) 18.9%

(b) 21.2%

(c) 23.54%

(d) 25.1%

Explanation: The agriculture sector remains a vital component of Pakistan's economy. According to the Pakistan Economic Survey 2024-25, the sector's share in the national GDP was recorded at 23.54 percent, showing its significance as a primary driver of the economy despite climatic challenges.

#1396

What was the recorded growth rate of Pakistan's agriculture sector during the fiscal year 2024-25?

(a) 0.56%

(b) 1.55%

(c) 2.38%

(d) 4.22%

Explanation: In FY 2024-25, the agriculture sector in Pakistan grew by 0.56 percent. This modest growth was primarily driven by the livestock, forestry, and fisheries sub-sectors, which managed to offset declines observed in major crop yields.

#1397

Which sub-sector of agriculture contributed the most to the overall agricultural value added in FY 2024-25?

(a) Crops

(b) Livestock

(c) Fisheries

(d) Forestry

Explanation: Livestock is the largest sub-sector of agriculture in Pakistan, contributing approximately 63.60 percent to the agricultural value added and 14.97 percent to the national GDP in FY 2024-25. It has proven to be a resilient component of the rural economy.

#1398

What was the total production of wheat in Pakistan for the fiscal year 2024-25?

(a) 26.21 Million Tonnes

(b) 28.98 Million Tonnes

(c) 30.12 Million Tonnes

(d) 32.50 Million Tonnes

Explanation: Wheat production in Pakistan for FY 2024-25 was recorded at 28.98 million tonnes. Although a significant volume, it represented a decline compared to the previous year due to reduced cultivation area and unfavorable weather during the harvest cycle.

#1399

Which major crop experienced the sharpest decline in production during FY 2024-25?

(a) Rice

(b) Sugarcane

(c) Cotton

(d) Maize

Explanation: Cotton production suffered the most significant setback in FY 2024-25, declining by over 30 percent. The total production reached only 7.08 million bales, down from 10.22 million bales the previous year, primarily due to pest infestations and water issues.

#1400

Which sub-sector of agriculture recorded a growth of 1.42% in FY 2024-25?

(a) Forestry

(b) Fisheries

(c) Livestock

(d) Sugar industry

Explanation: The fisheries sector showed a steady growth of 1.42 percent in FY 2024-25. While it accounts for a small part of the GDP, it is a critical source of protein and provides livelihoods for coastal and inland fishing communities.

March 2024 Current Affairs MCQs & Solutions