1. What is the value of Pakistan’s current account surplus in July-Dec 2024, the highest in 15 years?

• A) $0.8 billion
• B) $1.2 billion
• C) $1.5 billion
• D) $2.0 billion
  Answer: B) $1.2 billion
  Explanation: Pakistan recorded a current account surplus of $1.2 billion in the first six months of FY25, marking a significant improvement after 15 years.

2. What was the percentage increase in Pakistan’s current account surplus in December 2024?

• A) 80%
• B) 90%
• C) 109%
• D) 120%
  Answer: C) 109%
  Explanation: The surplus in December 2024 surged by 109%, reaching $582 million, reflecting improved economic management.

3. What led to the 1,400-point climb in the PSX index recently?

• A) Improved foreign direct investment
• B) Easing political concerns
• C) Oil price recovery
• D) IMF negotiations
  Answer: B) Easing political concerns
  Explanation: The Pakistan Stock Exchange experienced a 1,400-point rally due to reduced political uncertainty.

4. Which policy change ended the monopoly of Sui companies over gas sales in Pakistan?

• A) Privatization of Sui companies
• B) Sale of 35% gas output to private parties
• C) Increased gas production incentives
• D) Implementation of a new pricing structure
  Answer: B) Sale of 35% gas output to private parties
  Explanation: The government allowed the sale of 35% of gas production to private entities, breaking the Sui companies’ monopoly.

5. What is the annual cap on third-party gas sales notified by the Petroleum Division?

• A) 50 MMCFD
• B) 75 MMCFD
• C) 100 MMCFD
• D) 150 MMCFD
  Answer: C) 100 MMCFD
  Explanation: The government capped third-party gas sales at 100 MMCFD as part of its new framework.

6. Which exchange rate showed a significant all-time high recently for expats in Oman?

• A) USD to PKR
• B) AED to PKR
• C) Omani Rial to PKR
• D) GBP to PKR
  Answer: C) Omani Rial to PKR
  Explanation: The Omani Rial exchange rate against the Pakistani Rupee reached an all-time high, benefiting expats.

7. What was the reported foreign direct investment (FDI) growth in the first half of FY25?

• A) 15%
• B) 20%
• C) 25%
• D) 30%
  Answer: B) 20%
  Explanation: Pakistan’s FDI in the first half of FY25 rose by 20%, totaling $1.3 billion.

8. Which sector’s gross refining margin has recently surged?

• A) Telecom
• B) Petroleum
• C) Cement
• D) Textile
  Answer: B) Petroleum
  Explanation: Local petroleum refineries reported a significant increase in gross refining margins.

9. Which project has TPL Properties launched in Karachi to transform the waterfront?

• A) The Mangrove
• B) Bayview Heights
• C) Ocean View Towers
• D) Harbour City
  Answer: A) The Mangrove
  Explanation: TPL Properties unveiled “The Mangrove,” a project aimed at revitalizing Karachi’s waterfront.

10. What triggered a significant surge in Gulf markets recently?

• A) Rising oil prices
• B) Hope for Fed rate cuts
• C) Increased regional investments
• D) Ceasefire in Gaza
  Answer: B) Hope for Fed rate cuts
  Explanation: Gulf markets rallied due to investor optimism about potential Fed interest rate reductions.

11. Which recent development in Pakistan’s telecom sector raised concerns among operators?

• A) 300% hike in fiber broadband router valuation
• B) Delay in 5G rollout
• C) Monopoly in mobile network spectrum
• D) Reduced investment in telecom infrastructure
  Answer: A) 300% hike in fiber broadband router valuation
  Explanation: Telecom operators expressed concerns over a 300% increase in fiber broadband router import costs, impacting the sector’s growth.

12. What is the projected growth rate of India’s GDP for FY25, according to FICCI?

• A) 6.0%
• B) 6.4%
• C) 6.7%
• D) 7.0%
  Answer: B) 6.4%
  Explanation: FICCI revised India’s GDP growth estimate for FY25 to 6.4% due to economic challenges.

13. What is the forecast for gold prices amid the Fed rate cut expectations?

• A) Third weekly gain
• B) Sharp decline
• C) Stable prices
• D) Record highs
  Answer: A) Third weekly gain
  Explanation: Gold prices are poised for a third consecutive weekly gain, supported by expectations of Federal Reserve rate cuts.

14. Which factor contributed to the launch delay of 5G technology in Pakistan?

• A) Telenor-PTCL merger delay
• B) Lack of government funding
• C) Opposition from telecom operators
• D) Insufficient infrastructure
  Answer: A) Telenor-PTCL merger delay
  Explanation: The Competition Commission of Pakistan’s (CCP) delayed decision on the Telenor-PTCL merger has impacted the timeline for 5G rollout.

15. What significant event occurred with Boeing’s 777X recently?

• A) Grounding of aircraft
• B) Resumption of test flights
• C) Completion of certification
• D) Engine malfunction during tests
  Answer: B) Resumption of test flights
  Explanation: Boeing resumed test flights of its 777X aircraft after resolving engine-related issues that led to its grounding.

16. What economic milestone was achieved by China’s central SOEs in 2024?

• A) Assets exceeded 90 trillion yuan
• B) Export growth reached 10%
• C) Record-breaking FDI inflows
• D) SOEs privatized in key sectors
  Answer: A) Assets exceeded 90 trillion yuan
  Explanation: China’s central state-owned enterprises (SOEs) achieved an asset valuation exceeding 90 trillion yuan in 2024.

17. What did Gulf markets react to in the past week?

• A) Strong US job data
• B) Gaza ceasefire hopes
• C) US dollar strength
• D) Oil price fluctuations
  Answer: B) Gaza ceasefire hopes
  Explanation: Gulf markets saw gains fueled by optimism over a Gaza ceasefire and potential Fed rate cuts.

18. Which company launched Xiaomi TVs in Pakistan recently?

• A) Air Link Communication Ltd.
• B) Telenor Pakistan
• C) PTCL
• D) Dawlance
  Answer: A) Air Link Communication Ltd.
  Explanation: Air Link’s subsidiary, Select Technologies, introduced Xiaomi TVs in Pakistan, marking a major development in the local tech market.

19. What issue led to data privacy concerns regarding TikTok and other Chinese firms?

• A) Illegal data transfer to China
• B) Violation of local tax laws
• C) Failure to comply with GDPR guidelines
• D) Unauthorized advertisements in Europe
  Answer: A) Illegal data transfer to China
  Explanation: European organizations raised concerns about data privacy violations by TikTok and other Chinese firms over alleged data transfers to China.

20. What initiative was recently launched by TPL Properties in Karachi?

• A) Smart urban housing project
• B) Coastal redevelopment program
• C) Waterfront project called “The Mangrove”
• D) High-rise commercial district
  Answer: C) Waterfront project called “The Mangrove”
  Explanation: TPL Properties launched “The Mangrove,” aiming to transform Karachi’s waterfront into a modern urban destination.