Static General Knowledge
75 static questions extracted from authentic past papers.
What is the capital of Iceland?
Explanation: Reykjavik is the capital and largest city of Iceland, and the northernmost capital of a sovereign state in the world.
Which global organization was established to regulate international trade?
Explanation: The World Trade Organization (WTO) was established on January 1, 1995, to regulate and facilitate international trade.
Mont Blanc, the highest peak in the Alps, is located in which country?
Explanation: Mont Blanc, standing at 4,808 metres, is the highest mountain in the Alps and is located on the border of France and Italy, with its summit on the French side.
Which famous fort was built by the Mughal Emperor Akbar?
Explanation: Agra Fort, also known as the Red Fort of Agra, was built by Emperor Akbar in 1565. It served as the main residence of the Mughal emperors until 1638 and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Which river has the largest volume of water discharge in the world?
Explanation: The Amazon River in South America has the largest volume of water discharge of any river in the world, accounting for approximately 20% of all freshwater discharged into the oceans globally.
Who is credited with inventing the lifeboat?
Explanation: Lionel Lukin, an English coachbuilder, is credited with inventing the first unsinkable lifeboat in 1785. He converted a Norwegian fishing boat into an "unimmergible" vessel, pioneering modern lifeboat design.
How many countries are there in Central Asia?
Explanation: There are 5 countries in Central Asia: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan — all former Soviet republics that became independent in 1991.
Geographically, Greenland is located in which continent?
Explanation: Geographically, Greenland is part of the North American continent. Although it is an autonomous territory of Denmark (a European country), its landmass lies on the North American tectonic plate.
Which of the following books was NOT written by Faiz Ahmad Faiz?
Explanation: Dard-e-Ashoob was NOT written by Faiz Ahmad Faiz. Faiz's notable works include Naqsh-e-Faryadi (1941), Zindan Naama (1956), and the famous poem Subh-e-Azadi. Dard-e-Ashoob belongs to another Urdu poet.
The famous Urdu literary work "Awaz-e-Dost" was written by which author?
Explanation: "Awaz-e-Dost" (Voice of a Friend) is a celebrated Urdu prose work written by Mukhtar Masood, a senior Pakistani civil servant and literary figure, published in 1973.
Which of the following books was NOT written by Dr. Henry Kissinger?
Explanation: "Politics and Governance" was NOT written by Henry Kissinger. His notable works include Diplomacy (1994), World Order (2014), and On China (2011). He was a prominent American diplomat and foreign policy scholar.
Nuclear energy accounts for approximately what percentage of total world energy demand?
Explanation: Nuclear energy accounts for approximately 5% of global total primary energy consumption. While it generates about 10% of the world's electricity, its share of total energy (including heat and transport) is around 5%.
SAVAK was the secret intelligence and security service of which country?
Explanation: SAVAK was Iran's secret police and intelligence service, established in 1957 under Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi with assistance from the CIA and Mossad. It was dissolved after the 1979 Iranian Revolution.
Who is the founder of Hamas, the Palestinian political and military organization?
Explanation: Sheikh Ahmed Yassin, a Palestinian cleric and quadriplegic activist, founded Hamas (Islamic Resistance Movement) in December 1987 during the First Intifada. He was assassinated by Israel in March 2004.
"Long Walk to Freedom" is the autobiography of which world leader?
Explanation: "Long Walk to Freedom" is the autobiography of Nelson Mandela, published in 1994. It chronicles his life story from his rural childhood in South Africa to his 27 years in prison and eventual rise as the country's first democratically elected president.
World Environment Day is observed every year on which date?
Explanation: World Environment Day is observed annually on 5th June, as designated by the United Nations in 1972. It is the largest global platform for environmental awareness and action.
Which country filed the Rohingya genocide case against Myanmar at the International Court of Justice (ICJ)?
Explanation: The Gambia filed a case against Myanmar at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in November 2019 on behalf of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), alleging genocide against the Rohingya Muslim minority.
Baht is the official currency of which country?
Explanation: The Baht (THB) is the official currency of Thailand. Bhutan uses the Ngultrum, Sri Lanka uses the Rupee, and Maldives uses the Rufiyaa.
Kyat is the official currency of which country?
Explanation: The Kyat (MMK) is the official currency of Myanmar (formerly Burma). Thailand uses the Baht, Bhutan uses the Ngultrum, and Sri Lanka uses the Rupee.
Ahmed Ben Bella, the first President, belongs to which country?
Explanation: Ahmed Ben Bella was the first President of Algeria (1963–1965) after the country gained independence from France. He was a key leader of the Algerian National Liberation Front (FLN).
Sheikh Abdul Aziz ibn Baz, the prominent Islamic scholar and Grand Mufti, belonged to which country?
Explanation: Sheikh Abdul Aziz ibn Baz (1912–1999) was a renowned Saudi Islamic scholar who served as the Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia from 1993 until his death in 1999.
Which of the following countries is NOT a member of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO)?
Explanation: Bangladesh is NOT a member of ECO. The 10 ECO member states are Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Turkey, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.
Which category of the Nobel Prize is NOT awarded in Sweden?
Explanation: The Nobel Peace Prize is the only Nobel Prize NOT awarded in Sweden. It is awarded annually in Oslo, Norway, as per Alfred Nobel's will. All other Nobel Prizes (Physics, Chemistry, Medicine, Literature, and Economics) are awarded in Stockholm, Sweden.
10 Downing Street is the official residence of whom?
Explanation: 10 Downing Street in London is the official residence and office of the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. It has served as the PM's residence since 1735.
Which vitamin is produced in the human body by sunlight?
Explanation: Vitamin D is synthesized in the skin when it is exposed to ultraviolet B (UVB) rays from sunlight.
The joint of the elbow is an example of which type of joint?
Explanation: The elbow joint is a classic example of a hinge joint, which allows movement in only one plane (flexion and extension), similar to the hinge of a door.
What is the primary cause of Type 2 diabetes?
Explanation: Type 2 diabetes is primarily caused by insulin resistance, where the body's cells fail to respond effectively to insulin, leading to elevated blood glucose levels over time.
What meteorological phenomenon occurs when rainfall exceeds 100 mm in a single hour?
Explanation: A cloudburst is an extreme and sudden rainfall event, typically defined as precipitation exceeding 100 mm per hour over a localized area, often causing flash floods.
What is the major component of natural gas?
Explanation: Natural gas is predominantly composed of methane (CH4), typically comprising 70–90% of its volume, making it the primary hydrocarbon in natural gas used for fuel.
What is the internationally used unit of sound intensity level?
Explanation: The decibel (dB) is the internationally standard unit used to measure sound intensity level. It is a logarithmic unit that expresses the ratio of a sound's intensity relative to a reference level.
SiO2 is the chemical formula for which common substance?
Explanation: SiO2, or silicon dioxide, is the primary component of sand and quartz. It is one of the most abundant compounds in the Earth's crust.
Which material is primarily used in constructing greenhouses to produce the greenhouse effect?
Explanation: Glass is primarily used in greenhouses because it allows sunlight (short-wave radiation) to enter but traps the infrared radiation (heat) emitted by the interior, creating a warm environment for plants.
What percentage of forest cover is ideally required for environmental stability of a country?
Explanation: According to international environmental standards and Pakistan's own environmental policy, a minimum of 33% forest cover is required for a country to maintain ecological balance and environmental stability.
Carbon fixation during photosynthesis takes place in which part of the chloroplast?
Explanation: Carbon fixation occurs in the stroma of the chloroplast during the Calvin Cycle (light-independent reactions), where CO2 is converted into glucose using ATP and NADPH produced in the light reactions.
Photochemical smog does NOT contain which of the following components?
Explanation: Photochemical smog primarily consists of ozone, aldehydes, peroxyacetyl nitrates (PANs), and nitrogen oxides formed by sunlight-driven reactions. Particulate matter is characteristic of industrial smog, not photochemical smog.
Which type of enzyme cuts DNA at specific recognition sequences?
Explanation: Restriction enzymes (also called restriction endonucleases) are molecular scissors that recognize and cut DNA at specific sequences called restriction sites. They are fundamental tools in genetic engineering.
What is the start codon in mRNA that initiates protein synthesis?
Explanation: AUG is the universal start codon in mRNA that signals the ribosome to begin translation of a protein. It codes for the amino acid methionine and marks the beginning of every polypeptide chain.
In which facility or container is milk stored upon arrival at dairy reception?
Explanation: At dairy reception facilities, fresh milk is stored in large refrigerated silo tanks (silos) that maintain optimal temperature and hygiene conditions until it is processed for pasteurization and packaging.
Which material is used along with steel as a coating layer in food can manufacturing?
Explanation: Food cans are made from steel coated with a thin layer of tin to prevent corrosion and rust. This is why food cans are commonly called "tin cans," even though the primary structural material is steel.
What is the structural composition of enzymes?
Explanation: Enzymes are biological catalysts made up of polypeptide chains (proteins). Their three-dimensional protein structure, especially the active site, determines their specificity and catalytic function.
Two or more populations of different species living together in the same area are collectively called?
Explanation: In ecology, a community refers to two or more populations of different species that coexist and interact in the same habitat or geographic area, forming a biotic unit.
Sedimentation is defined as what type of process in water treatment?
Explanation: Sedimentation is a primary physical water treatment process in which solid particles suspended in water settle to the bottom of a tank under gravity, clarifying the water before further treatment.
Droughts lead to wildfires due to which of the following reasons?
Explanation: Droughts contribute to wildfires through multiple mechanisms: they create arid, moisture-deficient conditions, dry out vegetation eliminating its natural fire resistance, and turn trees and shrubs into highly combustible fuel.
Which gas is primarily responsible for maintaining Earth's temperature through the greenhouse effect?
Explanation: Carbon dioxide (CO2) is the most significant greenhouse gas responsible for maintaining Earth's temperature by absorbing and re-emitting infrared radiation, preventing heat from escaping into space.
What is the chemical formula of Quartz?
Explanation: Quartz has the chemical formula SiO2 (silicon dioxide). It is one of the most abundant minerals in Earth's crust and is a key component of sand, granite, and many other rocks.
Which cellular organelle is known as the "factory" or site of ribosome production?
Explanation: The nucleolus is a dense region inside the cell nucleus where ribosomal RNA (rRNA) is synthesized and ribosomal subunits are assembled, earning it the name "ribosome factory."
Fruit ripening is primarily driven by which biological agents?
Explanation: Fruit ripening is primarily driven by enzymatic activity. Enzymes like cellulases, amylases, and pectinases break down cell walls and starches, softening the fruit and developing its flavor and color.
Which is the purest and highest quality form of coal?
Explanation: Anthracite is the purest and highest quality form of coal, containing 86–98% carbon and having the highest energy density. Lignite (brown coal) is the lowest quality with the least carbon content.
Which is the densest planet in our Solar System?
Explanation: Earth is the densest planet in the Solar System with an average density of approximately 5.51 g/cm³. Its dense iron-nickel core and rocky mantle contribute to this high density.
Two water molecules are bonded to each other by which type of bond?
Explanation: Water molecules are bonded to each other through hydrogen bonds — a relatively weak electrostatic attraction between the positively charged hydrogen of one molecule and the negatively charged oxygen of another.
S-waves (secondary seismic waves) can only pass through which medium after an earthquake?
Explanation: S-waves (shear waves) can only travel through solid materials because they require a medium that can resist shear stress. They cannot pass through liquids or gases, which is why the Earth's outer core (liquid) blocks S-waves.
Sucrose is a disaccharide formed by the combination of which two monosaccharides?
Explanation: Sucrose (common table sugar) is a disaccharide formed by a glycosidic bond between one molecule of glucose and one molecule of fructose. It is produced naturally in plants through photosynthesis.
The objective resolution was passed by the Constituent Assembly of Pakistan in:
Explanation: It was passed on March 12, 1949, under the leadership of Prime Minister Liaquat Ali Khan.
Which group captured the city of Lahore in 1758?
Explanation: The Marathas captured Lahore in 1758 during their northern campaigns, briefly extending their control over the Punjab region before the rise of Sikh power under Ranjit Singh.
What was the primary purpose of the Simon Commission (1927)?
Explanation: The Simon Commission was appointed in 1927 by the British government to review and recommend constitutional reforms in India. It was boycotted by Indians because no Indian member was included.
Azakhel Dry Port is located in which city?
Explanation: Azakhel Dry Port is located in Nowshera, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. It is a key inland cargo terminal facilitating trade with Afghanistan via the Torkham border crossing.
Pakistan's first Constituent Assembly lasted for how many years?
Explanation: Pakistan's first Constituent Assembly was constituted in 1947 and was dissolved in 1954 by Governor-General Ghulam Mohammad, lasting approximately 7 years without completing a permanent constitution.
Which commission was responsible for dividing Punjab into two parts during Partition in 1947?
Explanation: The Radcliffe Boundary Commission, headed by Sir Cyril Radcliffe, was responsible for drawing the boundary line that divided Punjab between India and Pakistan during the 1947 Partition.
The Pothohar Plateau is characterized by which type of climate and terrain?
Explanation: The Pothohar Plateau in northern Punjab is classified as a semi-arid to sub-humid zone, receiving moderate rainfall and characterized by undulating terrain, scrub forests, and rocky outcrops.
Who were among the earliest foreign rulers to control the Punjab region?
Explanation: Mahmood Ghaznavi was among the earliest Muslim rulers to conquer Punjab in the early 11th century, while Maharaja Ranjit Singh was the last independent ruler of Punjab before British annexation in 1849.
What was the primary goal of British colonial rule in Punjab?
Explanation: The primary objective of British colonial policy in Punjab, as in much of the Indian subcontinent, was the systematic exploitation of agricultural, mineral, and human resources to benefit the British Empire.
Who was NOT included in Pakistan's first cabinet formed after independence in 1947?
Explanation: Muhammad Ali Bogra was not part of Pakistan's first cabinet. He later became Prime Minister in 1953. Pakistan's first cabinet (1947) was led by PM Liaqat Ali Khan and included Zafarullah Khan, Malik Ghulam Muhammad, and others.
The Lowari Top mountain pass connects Peshawar to which region/district?
Explanation: The Lowari Top (Lowari Pass) is a high-altitude mountain pass in the Dir district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. It lies on the route connecting the Dir valley (accessible from Peshawar) to Chitral.
In which year was the Kartarpur Corridor between Pakistan and India inaugurated and operationalized?
Explanation: The Kartarpur Corridor was inaugurated on November 9, 2019, on the occasion of the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, allowing Sikh pilgrims from India to visit Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Pakistan visa-free.
What is the primary industry along the coastlines of Balochistan and Sindh?
Explanation: The fishing industry is the primary economic activity along the coastlines of Balochistan (Makran Coast) and Sindh (Arabian Sea coast), supporting millions of livelihoods and contributing significantly to Pakistan's seafood exports.
Who is the only person to have served as Vice President of Pakistan?
Explanation: Nurul Amin is the only person to have served as Vice President of Pakistan. He briefly held the position in December 1971, when Z.A. Bhutto was President, but the office was abolished shortly afterwards.
The Federal Constitutional Court in Pakistan was formed under which article of the Constitution?
Explanation: The 26th Constitutional Amendment modified Article 184 of the Constitution of Pakistan to create provisions for a Constitutional Bench within the Supreme Court for adjudicating constitutional matters.
Which is the largest desert of Pakistan?
Explanation: The Thar Desert, also known as the Great Indian Desert, is the largest in Pakistan, primarily located in Sindh.
Ghazwa-e-Badr was fought in which Hijri year?
Explanation: The Battle of Badr was fought on 17 Ramadan, 2 A.H. (624 CE).
On which date did Begum Nasim Wali Khan pass away?
Explanation: Begum Nasim Wali Khan, the prominent Pakistani politician and wife of Khan Abdul Wali Khan, passed away on 16 May 2021 as recorded in this paper's answer key.
Near which location did a PAF F-16 aircraft crash in 2020?
Explanation: A Pakistan Air Force F-16 aircraft crashed near the Shakarparian Hills area in Islamabad in 2020 during a training or ceremonial flight exercise.
Which female Pakistani cricket captain has been inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame?
Explanation: Sana Mir, former Pakistan women's cricket captain and a legendary all-rounder, was inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame in 2023, becoming the first Pakistani woman to receive this honor.
In which year did Pakistan first receive the EU's GSP+ (Generalized System of Preferences Plus) trade status?
Explanation: Pakistan was first granted the EU's GSP+ status in January 2014, providing Pakistani exports preferential tariff treatment in European markets in exchange for commitments on human rights and governance reforms.
Which natural disaster do both Pakistan and Bangladesh face almost every year?
Explanation: Both Pakistan and Bangladesh are highly vulnerable to annual flooding due to monsoon rains and their geography. Pakistan's Indus River basin and Bangladesh's low-lying delta make both nations among the most flood-prone in the world.
Approximately 80% of Pakistan's textile exports go to which region or trade bloc?
Explanation: The European Union is the largest destination for Pakistan's textile and garment exports, absorbing approximately 80% of Pakistan's total textile export value, aided significantly by the GSP+ preferential trade status.