1. What is DeepSeek, and why has it been in the news recently?

A. A social media platform developed by China
B. A Chinese AI chatbot compared to OpenAI
C. A cybersecurity initiative in the US
D. A financial policy reform in China

Answer: B
Explanation: DeepSeek is a Chinese AI chatbot that has gained global attention for its advanced capabilities, likened to OpenAI’s models. It has been described by former US President Donald Trump as a “wake-up call” for US tech firms.

2. What prompted the State Bank of Pakistan to lower its policy rate to 12%?

A. Rising gold prices
B. Easing inflation
C. Strengthening currency
D. Decreased foreign reserves

Answer: B
Explanation: The State Bank of Pakistan reduced its key policy rate by 100 basis points to 12% due to easing inflation, signaling a focus on stimulating economic activity.

3. Which major global company is reportedly in talks to acquire TikTok?

A. Google
B. Amazon
C. Microsoft
D. Facebook

Answer: C
Explanation: Reports suggest that Microsoft is in discussions to acquire TikTok, as noted by Donald Trump in recent comments about the platform’s future in the US.

4. Why were Coca-Cola drinks recalled in Europe?

A. Packaging defects
B. High levels of chlorate
C. Contaminated water supply
D. Incorrect labeling

Answer: B
Explanation: Coca-Cola initiated a recall in several European countries due to higher-than-allowed levels of chlorate, a chemical that can have health implications.

5. What recent change has Saudi Arabia introduced regarding investments in Makkah and Madinah?

A. New property tax policies
B. Allowing foreign investments in real estate firms
C. Banning international developers
D. Subsidizing property for locals

Answer: B
Explanation: Saudi Arabia has allowed foreign investors to invest in property firms located in Makkah and Madinah, reflecting its broader economic diversification goals.

6. What recent development caused bearish sentiment in Pakistan’s PSX?

A. New tax reforms
B. Poor corporate earnings reports
C. High inflation figures
D. International sanctions

Answer: B
Explanation: The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) faced a sharp decline, losing nearly 1,500 points due to disappointing corporate earnings reports, reflecting a lack of positive market triggers.

7. What key challenge is Thailand’s automotive industry facing?

A. Rising electric vehicle competition
B. Declining exports to Europe
C. Lowest car production levels in four years
D. Supply chain disruptions due to geopolitical tensions

Answer: C
Explanation: Thailand’s car production has hit its lowest levels in four years, with a 17.37% year-on-year decline, underscoring the challenges faced by its automotive sector.

8. What caused DeepSeek to go offline temporarily?

A. System maintenance
B. Legal disputes with the US
C. A major cyberattack amid increased user activity
D. Lack of computing resources

Answer: C
Explanation: DeepSeek experienced a cyberattack as user activity surged, leading to temporary suspension of international user registrations.

9. What policy stance did the Bank of Japan (BOJ) recently take?

A. Cutting interest rates to negative levels
B. Raising rates gradually to 1.5% by July
C. Introducing digital currency pilots
D. Halting quantitative easing programs

Answer: B
Explanation: The BOJ indicated plans to raise rates by July, targeting a long-term rate of 1.5% as part of its broader monetary policy adjustments.

10. Why did gold prices see a recent drop in Pakistan?

A. Stronger US Dollar and reduced demand
B. Increase in local gold reserves
C. Fall in international oil prices
D. Regulatory interventions in the jewelry market

Answer: A
Explanation: Gold prices in Pakistan dropped due to a stronger US Dollar and trade war fears, affecting global and local markets alike.

11. Which of the following statements best describes the issue with SGS and Bureau Veritas’s merger talks?

A. The merger faced regulatory opposition
B. Shareholders rejected the $33 billion deal
C. Talks ended due to risk and valuation concerns
D. Bureau Veritas withdrew to focus on regional growth

Answer: C
Explanation: SGS and Bureau Veritas abandoned their $33 billion merger discussions due to concerns over risks and valuation discrepancies.

12. Why did the Indian Rupee log its worst performance in two weeks?

A. Weak yuan and souring global risk appetite
B. High oil import costs
C. Tightening of monetary policy by the RBI
D. Drop in foreign direct investments

Answer: A
Explanation: The Indian Rupee weakened, tracking Asian currencies, as global risk sentiment soured due to a weaker yuan and market uncertainties.

13. What was Donald Trump’s recent comment on Gulf stock markets?

A. Gulf markets will decline due to oil prices
B. Gulf markets gained after his trade-related comments
C. Gulf stock markets need regulatory reforms
D. Gulf markets are decoupling from global trends

Answer: B
Explanation: Gulf markets saw gains following Donald Trump’s remarks regarding trade and tariffs, boosting investor confidence temporarily.

14. What future initiative is Honda focusing on for its motorcycles business?

A. Expanding hybrid technology
B. Building an electric motorcycle factory in India by 2028
C. Launching new models with better fuel efficiency
D. Collaborating with Tesla for battery development

Answer: B
Explanation: Honda is planning to establish an electric motorcycle factory in India by 2028, showcasing its commitment to advancing sustainable mobility.

15. What global trend is reshaping developing economies according to WEF panelists?

A. Rising public debt levels
B. Increased foreign direct investment
C. Improved access to global trade networks
D. Reduction in global interest rates

Answer: A
Explanation: Rising public debt levels in developing economies were identified as a critical concern by experts at the World Economic Forum, calling for systemic policy shifts.