Explanation: The Nobel Prize in Literature 2023 was awarded to the Norwegian author Jon Fosse. He was recognized for his 'innovative plays and prose which give voice to the unsayable'. He writes in Nynorsk (New Norwegian) and is one of the most performed living playwrights.
42
The current Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is:
✅ Correct Answer:Mohsin Naqvi
Explanation: Mohsin Naqvi was elected unopposed as the Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) in February 2024 for a three-year term. He also served as the caretaker Chief Minister of Punjab and later became the Federal Interior Minister in the new government.
43
Which country became the 31st member of NATO in 2023?
✅ Correct Answer:Finland
Explanation: Finland officially joined NATO as its 31st member in April 2023. This historic move ended Finland's decades of military non-alignment. Sweden followed later as the 32nd member in 2024. Both Nordic countries joined in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
44
Who is the current President of the World Bank (2024)?
✅ Correct Answer:Ajay Banga
Explanation: Ajay Banga, an Indian-American business executive, assumed office as the President of the World Bank Group in June 2023. He was nominated by US President Joe Biden. He is the first-ever Sikh-American to head either of the two top international financial institutions (World Bank/IMF).
45
Which team won the PSL 9 (2024) title?
✅ Correct Answer:Islamabad United
Explanation: Islamabad United won the Pakistan Super League (PSL) Season 9 title by defeating Multan Sultans in a thrilling final in Karachi in March 2024. This was Islamabad United's third PSL title, making them the most successful franchise in the league's history.
46
Who was elected as the Chairman of the Senate of Pakistan in 2024?
✅ Correct Answer:Yousaf Raza Gilani
Explanation: Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani (PPP) was elected unopposed as the Chairman of the Senate of Pakistan in April 2024. He previously served as the Prime Minister of Pakistan (2008-2012). His election was part of the power-sharing agreement between PPP and PML-N.
47
Who became the first female Chief Minister of Punjab in 2024?
✅ Correct Answer:Maryam Nawaz
Explanation: Maryam Nawaz Sharif made history by becoming the first-ever female Chief Minister of Punjab province in February 2024. She is the daughter of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and belongs to the PML-N party. She pledged to prioritize IT, health, and youth development.
48
General Elections in Pakistan were held on which date in 2024?
✅ Correct Answer:February 8
Explanation: General Elections for the National Assembly and four Provincial Assemblies were held across Pakistan on February 8, 2024. The elections resulted in a coalition government led by PML-N and PPP. Independents backed by PTI also secured a significant number of seats.
49
Who was elected as the President of Iran in July 2024?
✅ Correct Answer:Masoud Pezeshkian
Explanation: Masoud Pezeshkian, a reformist candidate and heart surgeon, was elected as the new President of Iran in July 2024. The election was held following the tragic death of President Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash in May 2024. He promised to engage with the West.
50
Who became the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom in July 2024?
✅ Correct Answer:Keir Starmer
Explanation: Keir Starmer, the leader of the Labour Party, became the Prime Minister of the UK in July 2024 following a landslide victory in the general elections. His victory ended 14 years of Conservative Party rule. He replaced Rishi Sunak as the PM.
51
Who is the current Chancellor of Germany (2024)?
✅ Correct Answer:Olaf Scholz
Explanation: Olaf Scholz is the Chancellor of Germany. He assumed office in December 2021, succeeding Angela Merkel who led Germany for 16 years. He belongs to the Social Democratic Party (SPD). He leads a coalition government.
52
Which country is called the 'Playground of Europe'?
✅ Correct Answer:Switzerland
Explanation: Switzerland is known as the 'Playground of Europe' due to its beautiful Alps, ski resorts, and popularity as a destination for winter sports and tourism. Its neutral status and scenic beauty make it a favorite vacation spot for people across the continent.
53
The largest planet in our solar system is:
✅ Correct Answer:Jupiter
Explanation: Jupiter is the largest planet in our solar system. It is a gas giant with a mass more than two and a half times that of all the other planets combined. It is known for its Great Red Spot and has many moons, including Ganymede, the largest moon.
54
Who wrote the national anthem of Bangladesh?
✅ Correct Answer:Rabindranath Tagore
Explanation: Rabindranath Tagore wrote the national anthem of Bangladesh, 'Amar Sonar Bangla'. He also wrote the national anthem of India ('Jana Gana Mana'), making him the only person to have written the anthems for two different sovereign nations. He was a Nobel laureate poet.
55
Which gas is known as the 'Silent Killer'?
✅ Correct Answer:Carbon Monoxide
Explanation: Carbon Monoxide (CO) is called the Silent Killer because it is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas. If inhaled, it binds to hemoglobin in the blood more effectively than oxygen, leading to suffocation and death without the victim realizing it. It comes from incomplete combustion.
56
The study of maps is called:
✅ Correct Answer:Cartography
Explanation: Cartography is the study and practice of making maps. It combines science, aesthetics, and technique to model reality on a flat surface. A person who makes maps is called a cartographer. It is an essential tool for geography and navigation.
57
Which country has the most time zones?
✅ Correct Answer:France
Explanation: France has the most time zones (12), largely due to its various overseas territories and islands spread across the globe. Russia has 11 time zones, which is the most for a contiguous landmass. China, despite its size, uses only one official time zone (Beijing Time).
58
Who is the founder of Microsoft?
✅ Correct Answer:Bill Gates
Explanation: Bill Gates (along with Paul Allen) co-founded Microsoft in 1975. It became the world's largest personal computer software company. Gates was the richest person in the world for many years and is now a major philanthropist through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
59
The Panama Canal connects which two oceans?
✅ Correct Answer:Atlantic and Pacific
Explanation: The Panama Canal is an artificial waterway in Panama that connects the Atlantic Ocean with the Pacific Ocean. It cuts through the Isthmus of Panama and is a key conduit for international maritime trade, saving ships from traveling around the tip of South America.
60
Which day is celebrated as 'Earth Day'?
✅ Correct Answer:April 22
Explanation: Earth Day is celebrated annually on April 22. It aims to raise awareness about environmental protection and climate change. It was first celebrated in 1970. June 5 is World Environment Day, and March 22 is World Water Day.