#20721

Consider the following statements about the diplomatic developments in April 2026: 1. The ceasefire between the US and Iran is scheduled to expire on April 22, 2026. 2. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif briefed President Asif Ali Zardari on his upcoming visits to Saudi Arabia and Turkiye. 3. The US and Iran have not engaged in any direct dialogue since 1979 prior to the 2026 Islamabad talks. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) All three

Explanation: Statement 1 and 2 are factually correct based on the report. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Islamabad talks marked the highest engagement since 1979, but it does not imply that no other form of dialogue occurred in the intervening decades. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1991712/trump-says-us-iran-talks-could-resume-over-the-next-two-days-were-more-inclined-to-go-to-pakistan, 14 Apr 2026]

#20722

Where did US President Donald Trump speak to reporters regarding the upcoming Iran talks on April 10, 2026?

(a) The White House

(b) Joint Base Andrews

(c) Camp David

(d) The Pentagon

Explanation: President Trump spoke to reporters at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, before boarding Air Force One. The White House and Pentagon are common locations for presidential briefings but were not the site of this specific event. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1990730/us-president-trump-projects-cautious-optimism-ahead-of-iran-talks, 11 Apr 2026]

#20723

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of the US approach to the 2026 Iran talks as described by President Trump?

(a) Reliance on a detailed, pre-determined backup plan

(b) Cautious optimism regarding the process

(c) Transactional framing of geopolitical interests

(d) Emphasis on the necessity of keeping straits open

Explanation: President Trump explicitly dismissed the need for a backup plan when asked about contingency planning. The other options accurately reflect his stated position on the talks. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1990730/us-president-trump-projects-cautious-optimism-ahead-of-iran-talks, 11 Apr 2026]

#20724

Who is the current President of Iran that confirmed participation in the peace talks held in the context of the 2026 ceasefire?

(a) Ebrahim Raisi

(b) Hassan Rouhani

(c) Masoud Pezeshkian

(d) Mohammad Mokhber

Explanation: Masoud Pezeshkian is the President of Iran who confirmed Tehran's participation in the peace talks during a phone call with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The other individuals listed are either former presidents or officials not currently holding the presidency in 2026. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1989584/pm-shehbaz-asks-trump-to-extend-deadline-for-two-weeks-requests-iran-to-open-hormuz-for-corresponding-period, 07 Apr 2026]

#20725

Which of the following statements regarding the 2026 ceasefire agreement is INCORRECT?

(a) The White House confirmed that the in-person talks in Islamabad were finalized and officially announced by President Trump.

(b) Israel supported the ceasefire deal but maintained it did not include Lebanon.

(c) The United States and Iran agreed to an immediate ceasefire.

(d) Saudi Arabia expressed hope that the truce would lead to a comprehensive de-escalation.

Explanation: The White House Press Secretary stated that while discussions about in-person talks were occurring, nothing was final until officially announced by the President or the White House. Therefore, stating that the talks were already finalized and announced is incorrect. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1989584/pm-shehbaz-asks-trump-to-extend-deadline-for-two-weeks-requests-iran-to-open-hormuz-for-corresponding-period, 07 Apr 2026]

#20726

Which strategic maritime chokepoint was highlighted by the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) as needing to be opened following the 2026 ceasefire?

(a) Strait of Malacca

(b) Strait of Hormuz

(c) Suez Canal

(d) Bab-el-Mandeb Strait

Explanation: The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) emphasized that the Strait of Hormuz should be opened to address traffic buildup and regional security. The other straits listed are not the primary focus of the current Iran-US diplomatic de-escalation. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1989584/pm-shehbaz-asks-trump-to-extend-deadline-for-two-weeks-requests-iran-to-open-hormuz-for-corresponding-period, 07 Apr 2026]

#20727

Consider the following statements about the diplomatic developments in April 2026: 1. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif mediated the ceasefire between the United States and Iran. 2. The ceasefire agreement was initially rejected by all members of the Gulf Cooperation Council. 3. The Iranian President confirmed his country's participation in the proposed Islamabad negotiations. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) All three

Explanation: Statement 1 is correct as the Prime Minister helped mediate the deal. Statement 3 is correct as President Pezeshkian confirmed participation. Statement 2 is incorrect because the GCC members actually welcomed the ceasefire. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1989584/pm-shehbaz-asks-trump-to-extend-deadline-for-two-weeks-requests-iran-to-open-hormuz-for-corresponding-period, 07 Apr 2026]

#20728

Which nation conducted its first nuclear weapon test in the Sahara Desert on February 13, 1960?

(a) Germany

(b) Britain

(c) USA

(d) France

Explanation: On February 13, 1960, France successfully detonated its first atomic bomb, codenamed 'Gerboise Bleue', in the Reggane region of the Algerian Sahara. This event marked France's entry into the group of nations possessing nuclear weapons. The test was part of a broader French nuclear development program that took place during the colonial era in Algeria.

#20729

Which nation declared its independence from Serbia in February 2008?

(a) Bosnia

(b) Mecedonia

(c) Kosovo

(d) Montenegro

Explanation: On February 17, 2008, the Assembly of Kosovo unilaterally declared independence from Serbia. This event followed years of international tension and administration by the United Nations. While its status remains a subject of international debate, Kosovo is recognized as a sovereign state by a significant number of countries worldwide.

#20730

As of February 2010, what was the total number of states that had signed and ratified the Kyoto Protocol?

(a) 91

(b) 130

(c) 187

(d) 192

Explanation: The Kyoto Protocol, an international treaty extending the 1992 United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, reached a significant milestone by 2010. By that time, the number of parties that had signed and ratified the agreement reached 192, reflecting a broad global consensus on addressing greenhouse gas emissions.

#20731

Which motion picture achieved the highest number of awards at the 95th Academy Awards ceremony held on February 25, 2023?

(a) Everything Everywhere All at Once

(b) Badman

(c) The Great Gatsby

(d) Gravity

Explanation: At the 95th Academy Awards, the film 'Everything Everywhere All at Once' dominated the ceremony by winning seven awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actress. The film was highly acclaimed for its unique narrative, creative direction, and exceptional performances, marking a historic night for the production team and the cast involved in the project.

#20732

Which country's membership in the Arab League was suspended on February 22, 2011, due to the regime's use of military force against its own civilians?

(a) Egypt

(b) Qatar

(c) Yemen

(d) Libya

Explanation: In February 2011, the Arab League took the significant diplomatic step of suspending Libya's membership. This action was a direct response to the Muammar Gaddafi regime's violent crackdown on protesters and the use of military force against civilians during the early stages of the Libyan Civil War, which eventually led to international intervention.

#20733

In which country were citizens granted the right to vote for the first time during the municipal elections held in February 2005?

(a) Oman

(b) Bahrain

(c) Kuwait

(d) Saudi Arabia

Explanation: In February 2005, Saudi Arabia conducted its first nationwide municipal elections. This event was historically significant as it marked the first time that male citizens were permitted to participate in a formal voting process to elect representatives for local municipal councils, representing a notable step in the country's political history.

#20734

What is the significance of February 5th in Pakistan?

(a) Mastry's day

(b) Accession day

(c) Black day

(d) Kashmir solidarity day

Explanation: February 5th is observed annually in Pakistan as Kashmir Solidarity Day. This day is marked to show support and sympathy for the people of Indian-administered Kashmir and their struggle for the right to self-determination. It involves public rallies, processions, and special programs across the country to highlight the ongoing political and human rights situation in the region.

#20735

If February 18, 2005, is a Friday, what day of the week will February 18, 2007, fall on?

(a) Monday

(b) Sunday

(c) Tuesday

(d) Wednesday

Explanation: To determine the day, we calculate the number of odd days. From February 18, 2005, to February 18, 2006, is one year (365 days), which contains one odd day. From February 18, 2006, to February 18, 2007, is another year, also containing one odd day. Total odd days equal two. Adding two days to Friday results in Sunday.

#20736

What is the official name of the cross-border freight train service between Pakistan and Afghanistan that was inaugurated on February 21, 2020?

(a) Transportation Route to Torkham (TRT)

(b) Goods in Transit to Afghanistan (GITA)

(c) Pak Afghan Transit Route (PATR)

(d) Torkhan-Peshawar Transit Route (TPTR)

Explanation: The freight train service launched to facilitate trade and transit between Pakistan and Afghanistan is officially known as 'Goods in Transit to Afghanistan' (GITA). This initiative was designed to enhance regional connectivity and streamline the movement of commercial goods across the border, significantly reducing logistical challenges for traders operating between the two neighboring nations.

#20737

Who served as the inaugural Chief Minister of Balochistan from May 1972 to February 1973?

(a) Akbar Bugti

(b) Sardar Akhtar Mengal

(c) Sardar Attaullah Mengal

(d) Abdullah Murrree

Explanation: Sardar Attaullah Mengal was a prominent Baloch nationalist leader who became the first elected Chief Minister of Balochistan following the 1970 general elections. His tenure lasted from May 1972 until February 1973, when his provincial government was dismissed by the federal government under Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. His leadership remains a significant chapter in the political history of the province and the broader national political landscape.

#20738

Who is the author of the book "Making Sense of Pakistan"? (2026)

(a) K.K Aziz

(b) Farzana Shaikh

(c) Ayesha Jalal

(d) Anatol Lieven

Explanation: The Lucknow Pact (1916) accepted the principle of separate electorates.

#20739

The edited volume "The Future of Pakistan" is authored by: (2026)

(a) Anatol Lieven

(b) Stephen P. Cohen

(c) Pervez Hoodbhoy

(d) None of these

Explanation: Stephen P. Cohen edited The Future of Pakistan.

#20740

The only Pakistani PM who visited the US and addressed a joint session of Congress is: (2026)

(a) Benazir Bhutto

(b) Liaquat Ali Khan

(c) Shaukat Aziz