“Exploring the World: Essential General Knowledge Facts”

Ziarat is a hill station in the Sibi division of the Balochistan province in Pakistan

It was established in July 1986, previously being part of Sibi District.

It is known as the “Fruit Basket of Pakistan”.

It has subdivided into two tehsils Ziarat and Sanjawi.The district contains a total of ten Union Councils.

Balochistan Plateau is located in the South west of Pakistan.

The Baluchistan Plateau covers most of Balochistan province, extending into Iran and Afghanistan. It is a dry, rugged, and mountainous region with significant mineral resources.

The famous Lake “Hamoon Mashkel” is present in Balochistan Plateau. It is the lake of saltwater.

Lake Hamoon Mashkel is a saltwater lake. It is located in the Washuk District of Balochistan, Pakistan. It is part of the Balochistan Plateau. It is known for its saline water.

The Sui Gas Field, located near Sui in Balochistan Province, Pakistan.
It was discovered by Pakistan Petroleum Limited in 1952.

Production of Sui gas began in 1955.
It remains the largest natural gas field in Pakistan.

Loraalai District is located in the Balochistan province of Pakistan.

It is located in the northeastern part of Balochistan province of Pakistan.

It is also known as Bori (Pashto: بورۍ)

It is 4,700 feet (1,400 m) above sea level.

Loralai District has the following Tehsils in it: Bori, Duki.

Kohlu is a district in eastern Balochistan.
It is known for its mountaineous terrain. It is home to the Marri tribe.
It has historical significance in Balochistan’s politics.

Christine Nöstlinger 

  • Born: 1936 | Died: 2018
  • Nationality: Austrian
  • Famous For: Children’s Literature
  • Awards: Hans Christian Andersen Award (1984), Austria’s State Prize (2003)
  • Notable Books: Konrad or the Factory-Made Boy, Fly Away Home

Additional Literature Questions

Q1: Who was the first Urdu novelist?
A: Deputy Nazir Ahmad.

Q2: What was his first novel?
A: Mirat-ul-Uroos (1869).

Q3: When did he pass away?
A: 1912.

Q4: Who is considered the first Marsiya writer in Urdu?
A: Mir Anis.

Q5: What is a “love story” (لو کہانی)?
A: A romantic tale, often tragic, passed through oral traditions.

Q6: When did love stories originate in Urdu literature?
A: Evolved during the medieval period, influenced by Persian and Arabic literature.

Q7: Who wrote the most books for children?
A: Ishtiaq Ahmed (Pakistan) and Christine Nöstlinger (Austria) are among the most prolific.

The capital of Serbia is Belgrade.

75 companions had compiled the Qur’an in the form of a book at the Cliphate Hazrat Abu Baker.

Surah Al-Mu’minoon is the 23rd Surah of the Holy Quran. It consists of 118 verses. It emphasizes the qualities of true believers.

Surah Yaseen is known as the heart of Quran.

Al-Baqarah (The Cow or The Heifer) is the second and longest chapter of the Quran, with 286 verses.
It derives its name from the story of the cow (vv. 67-73).
Verse 282, the longest verse, is known as ‘āyatu d-dayn.
It consists of 25,500 letters and is positioned in Juzʼ 1–3.
The chapter has 40 Rukus and is classified as Medinan.
Hazrat Ibrahim (علیہ السلام) is mentioned 13 times.
The verse 183 describes the obligation of fasting (soam).
Surah Aal-e-Imran is the second longest surah of Holy Quran.
Surah Al-Kausar is the shortest surah of Holy Quran.

It seems like there is some misunderstanding. Based on authentic sources and concordances of the Quran:

Fasting (Sawm) – The word “Sawm” (صوم) and its derivatives appear 14 times in the Quran.

Prayer (Salah) – The word “Salah” (صلاة) appears 67 times in the Quran.

  1. Which of the following is landlocked? (Answer: Uganda)
    • Uganda is a landlocked country in East Africa.
    • It shares borders with Kenya, South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, and Tanzania.
  2. Tahrir Square is situated in? (Answer: Cairo)
    • Tahrir Square is a major public square in Cairo, Egypt.
    • It became famous during the 2011 Egyptian Revolution.
  3. Benghazi is a city in? (Answer: Libya)
    • Benghazi is the second-largest city in Libya.
    • It was a key site during the Libyan Civil War.
  4. River Nile originates from? (Answer: Lake Victoria)
    • The White Nile, the major tributary of the Nile, originates from Lake Victoria.
    • Lake Victoria is shared by Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania.
    • Blue Nile originates from Tana.
  5. Greenwich is located in? (Answer: England)
    • Greenwich is a district in London, England.
    • It is famous for the Prime Meridian (0° longitude), which divides the Eastern and Western Hemispheres.
  6. Canton is a city in? (Answer: China)
    • Canton is the older English name for Guangzhou, a major city in southern China.
    • Guangzhou is a key economic hub in China.
  7. Indonesia and Malaysia are separated by? (Answer: Malacca Strait)
    • The Malacca Strait is a narrow waterway between Indonesia and Malaysia.
    • It is one of the busiest maritime trade routes in the world.
  8. Capital of Zimbabwe? (Answer: Harare)
    • Harare is the capital and largest city of Zimbabwe.
    • It serves as the country’s economic and political center.
  9. Myanmar is the new name of? (Answer: Burma)
    • The country officially changed its name from Burma to Myanmar in 1989.
    • The former capital, Rangoon, was also renamed Yangon.
  10. Morocco and Spain are separated by? (Answer: Strait of Gibraltar)
    • The Strait of Gibraltar connects the Atlantic Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea.
    • It is about 13 km wide at its narrowest point.
  11. The apex elected body in Israel is called? (Answer: Knesset)
    • The Knesset is the unicameral national legislature of Israel.
    • It has 120 members elected every four years.
  12. The Communist Revolution took place in Russia in the month of? (Answer: October)
    • The Russian Revolution of 1917 led to the overthrow of the Tsarist regime.
    • It is also known as the Bolshevik Revolution.
  13. Pulitzer is an American award in the field of? (Answer: Letters and Journalism)
    • The Pulitzer Prize was established in 1917 by Joseph Pulitzer.
    • It is awarded for achievements in journalism, literature, and musical composition.
  14. The name of the US envoy for Afghanistan and Pakistan? (Answer: Marc Grossman)
    • Marc Grossman served as the U.S. Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan from 2011 to 2012.
    • He succeeded Richard Holbrooke in this role.
    • Natalie A Baker is current charge d’ Affairs of US embassy in Islamabad.
    • A Chargé d’Affaires (CDA) is a diplomat who temporarily heads an embassy in the absence of a full ambassador. This role is usually assigned to the Deputy Chief of Mission (DCM) or another senior diplomat.The Chargé d’Affaires ad interim serves until a new ambassador is appointed. In the case of the U.S. Embassy in Pakistan, Natalie A. Baker is currently serving in this capacity after Ambassador Donald Blome left the post in January 2025.
  15. De facto means? (Answer: Actual, as a fact)
    • “De facto” refers to something existing in reality, even if not legally recognized.
    • It is often used in governance and diplomacy.
  16. Carte Blanche means? (Answer: Full discretionary powers)
    • “Carte Blanche” is a French phrase meaning “blank check” or complete authority.
    • It implies having unrestricted power to act as one sees fit.
  17. Corrigendum means? (Answer: Things to be corrected)
    • A corrigendum is a list of corrections for an already published document.
    • It is often issued in academic and official publications.
  18. Faux pas means? (Answer: A social blunder)
    • “Faux pas” is a French term meaning an embarrassing mistake in etiquette.
    • It is commonly used in social and diplomatic contexts.

Here are the objective points for the questions from the second page:

  1. Fifth Column refers to? (Answer: Treachery clique)
  • “Fifth Column” refers to a group of people who secretly undermine a larger group from within.
  • The term was first used during the Spanish Civil War in 1936.
  1. Paediatrics refers to? (Answer: Care of children)
  • Paediatrics is the branch of medicine dealing with children’s health.
  • It includes the treatment of infants, children, and adolescents.
  1. Pythagoras, a geometrical legend, belonged to? (Answer: Greece)
  • Pythagoras was an ancient Greek mathematician and philosopher.
  • He is best known for the Pythagorean Theorem.
  1. Asian Drama: An Inquiry into the Poverty of Nations was written by? (Answer: Gunnar Myrdal)
  • Gunnar Myrdal was a Swedish economist and sociologist.
  • His book “Asian Drama” (1968) analyzed economic and social issues in Asia.
  1. Tolstoy was the author of which famous novel? (Answer: War and Peace)
  • “War and Peace” was published in 1869.
  • It is a historical novel that portrays Russian society during the Napoleonic Wars.
  1. Which of the following ranks in the air force is the highest? (Answer: Air Commodore)
  • Air Commodore is a one-star rank in the air forces of many countries.
  • It is equivalent to a Brigadier in the Army.
  1. The headquarters of WTO is at? (Answer: Geneva)
  • The World Trade Organization (WTO) was established in 1995.
  • It is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland.
  1. The International Court of Justice sits at? (Answer: Hague)
  • The International Court of Justice (ICJ) is located in The Hague, Netherlands.
  • It was established in 1945 to settle disputes between states.
  1. Heat received by the Earth from the Sun is known as? (Answer: Solar radiation)
  • Solar radiation includes visible light, ultraviolet, and infrared rays.
  • It is the primary source of energy for Earth’s climate.
  1. The cheapest source of electricity radiation is? (Answer: Solar)
  • Solar power is one of the most cost-effective renewable energy sources.
  • It harnesses energy from the Sun using photovoltaic cells.
  1. The largest political agency in Pakistan’s tribal areas in terms of area is? (Answer: South Waziristan)
  • South Waziristan is the largest agency in the former FATA region.
  • It is now part of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.
  1. Lowari Pass connects? (Answer: Kaghan Valley with Chilas)
  • Lowari Pass is located in the Hindu Kush range in Pakistan.
  • It connects Chitral with the Dir and Kaghan regions.
  1. From Karachi, the farthest point on the coastal area of Pakistan is? (Answer: Jiwani)
  • Jiwani is a coastal town near the Iran-Pakistan border.
  • It is located in Balochistan near Gwadar.
  1. The circumference of the Earth is around? (Answer: 40,000 km)
  • The Earth’s circumference is approximately 40,075 km at the equator.
  • It is slightly smaller (about 40,008 km) from pole to pole due to flattening.
  1. The deepest point in the Pacific Ocean is? (Answer: Mariana Trench)
  • The Mariana Trench is the deepest oceanic trench, reaching about 10,994 meters.
  • It is located in the western Pacific Ocean near Guam.
  1. Mount Kilimanjaro is located in? (Answer: Tanzania)
  • Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa.
  • It has three volcanic cones: Kibo, Mawenzi, and Shira.
  1. Suez Canal links which two seas? (Answer: Mediterranean Sea and Red Sea)
  • The Suez Canal is an artificial waterway in Egypt.
  • It provides a direct route between Europe and Asia without passing around Africa.
  1. Quetta and D.I. Khan are connected by? (Answer: Zhob)
  • The Zhob region lies between Quetta and Dera Ismail Khan.
  • It is a major trade route in Balochistan.
  1. The nearest part of the atmosphere to Earth is called? (Answer: Troposphere)
  • The troposphere extends from the Earth’s surface up to about 8-15 km.
  • It contains most of the Earth’s weather systems.
  1. In old Athens, an amphitheater was built in? (Answer: Open air)
  • Greek amphitheaters were open-air structures used for performances and plays.
  • The Theatre of Dionysus in Athens is one of the earliest examples.
  1. The Special Theory of Relativity was proposed by? (Answer: Albert Einstein)
  • Einstein proposed the Special Theory of Relativity in 1905.
  • It introduced the famous equation E=mc².
  • Speed of light in the air= 3×10 8 m/s.
  1. Who discovered the Law of Motion? (Answer: Isaac Newton)
  • Newton formulated the three laws of motion in 1687.
  • These laws are fundamental to classical mechanics.
  1. “Composition of Alchemy” was written by? (Answer: Jabir ibn Hayyan)
  • Jabir ibn Hayyan was a pioneering chemist of the Islamic Golden Age.
  • He is considered the “father of alchemy” and early chemistry.
  1. The book “Al Qanun Fi Al Tibb” was written by? (Answer: Abu Ali Sina)
  • Abu Ali Sina, also known as Avicenna, was a Persian polymath.
  • His book “The Canon of Medicine” was used in medical education for centuries.
  1. Which sea has the longest shoreline? (Answer: Pacific Ocean)
  • The Pacific Ocean has the longest coastline, covering about 135,663 km.
  • It is the largest and deepest ocean on Earth.
  1. The current GDP growth rate in Pakistan is?
  1. Pakistan’s GDP Growth (FY 2023-24): Recorded at 2.5%, recovering from a 0.2% contraction in the previous fiscal year.
  2. Q1 GDP Growth (FY 2024-25): 0.92% growth in the first quarter (July–September 2024).
  3. Sector-wise Performance (Q1 2024-25):
    • Agriculture & Services: Showed positive growth.
    • Industrial Sector: Contracted by 1.03%.
  4. IMF Projection (FY 2024-25): Pakistan’s real GDP growth forecasted at 3.0%.
  5. Economic Outlook: Signs of gradual recovery, but challenges remain in sustaining higher growth.

39. The biggest bird is? (Answer: Ostrich)

  • The ostrich is the largest and heaviest living bird.
  • It is native to Africa and cannot fly but runs at high speeds.

40. May 3 each year is observed internationally as? (Answer: Press Freedom Day)

  • World Press Freedom Day was established by the UN in 1993.
  • It raises awareness about the importance of a free press.

41. Human Rights Organization ‘Human Rights Watch’ is based in? (Answer: New York)

  • Human Rights Watch (HRW) is an international NGO founded in 1978.
  • It advocates for human rights and reports on global violations.

42. Which of the following UN agencies has received the Nobel Peace Prize? (Answer: All of these – UNICEF, UNHCR, UN)

  • The UNHCR (1954, 1981), UNICEF (1965), and the UN (2001) have all won the Nobel Peace Prize.
  • These organizations work for global humanitarian causes.
  • Here’s a brief overview of why each organization received the Nobel Peace Prize:
    1. UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees) – 1954 & 1981
      • 1954: Recognized for its outstanding work in helping displaced persons and refugees after World War II.
      • 1981: Honored again for its continued humanitarian efforts in protecting and assisting refugees worldwide, particularly amid conflicts and crises.
    2. UNICEF (United Nations Children’s Fund) – 1965
      • Awarded for its efforts in providing humanitarian aid, education, healthcare, and emergency relief to children, especially in war-torn and developing countries.
      • The prize acknowledged UNICEF’s significant role in improving child welfare globally.
    3. United Nations (UN) – 2001
      • Shared the award with Kofi Annan (then UN Secretary-General) for promoting global peace, security, and human rights.

43. Almost 40% of the world’s oil supply passes through the strait of? (Answer: Hormuz)

  • The Strait of Hormuz is a crucial waterway between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman.
  • It is one of the world’s most strategically important chokepoints.

  • Strait of Hormuz 

    • Location: Between Iran (north) and Oman & UAE (south).
    • Strategic Importance: Connects the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and Arabian Sea.
    • Oil Trade: 20% of the world’s oil passes through it.
    • Geopolitical Tensions: Frequent conflicts, especially involving Iran & the U.S.
    • Security Concerns: Iran has threatened to close it, affecting global energy markets.

44. The famous city ‘Waterloo’ is in? (Answer: Belgium)

  • The Battle of Waterloo (1815) took place in present-day Belgium.
  • It marked Napoleon Bonaparte’s final defeat.

  • Napoleon Bonaparte – Key Facts

    • Born: August 15, 1769 (Corsica, France)
    • French Emperor: 1804–1814, briefly in 1815
    • Napoleonic Wars: Expanded French rule across Europe
    • Napoleonic Code (1804): Influenced modern legal systems
    • Defeat: Lost at Waterloo (1815)
    • Exiled & Died: Saint Helena (1821)

    The French Revolution (1789–1799) was a period of political and social upheaval in France, leading to the overthrow of the monarchy and rise of democracy. It resulted in the abolition of feudalism, the execution of King Louis XVI, and the rise of Napoleon Bonaparte.

45. Which of the following Gulf States has recently donated $300 million for the uplift of Pakistan? (Answer: Qatar)

  • In 2019, Qatar pledged a significant investment in Pakistan.
  • The funds aimed at stabilizing Pakistan’s economy.

IMF approved $7 billion extended fund facility for Pakistan with an initial disbursement of $1.1 billion.

In February 2025, the World Bank approved $20 billion lending package for Pakistan over the next decade to support the economy.

Asian Development Bank ADB, by March 2025, ADB had disbursed approximately $1.098 billion to Pakistan.

Saudi Arabia provided $3 billion in loan to Pakistan.

China rolled over $3 billion in loan and provided additional assistance including the deferred loan of $200 million.

Green Climate Fund, GCF, pledged $15 million to support Pakistani start-ups addressing climate change.

46. Who is Hemant Karkare? (Answer: Indian Anti-Terror Squad chief killed during Mumbai attack in 2008)

  • Hemant Karkare was a senior Indian police officer.
  • He was killed during the 2008 Mumbai terrorist attacks.

47. Israel’s brutal attack on Gaza started on 27 December 2008, killing more than 1300 Palestinians. The operation was named? (Answer: Operation Cast Lead)

  • “Operation Cast Lead” was an Israeli military operation in Gaza from December 2008 to January 2009.
  • It resulted in significant casualties and destruction.

48. Pakistan’s largest trading partner at present is? (Answer: China)

  • China is Pakistan’s largest trade partner due to CPEC and economic agreements.
  • Trade between the two countries includes electronics, machinery, and textiles.

  • Pakistan’s Largest Trading Partners 

    1. Largest Trading Partner (Overall): China
      • Total Trade Volume: Highest among all countries.
      • Imports from China (2023): $16.1 billion (22.99% of total imports).
    2. Largest Export Destination: United States
      • Exports to the U.S. (2023): $6.47 billion (20.13% of total exports).
    3. Other Major Trading Partners:
      • UAE, UK, Germany, Afghanistan, and Saudi Arabia also play significant roles in trade.

49. What is Khmer Rouge? (Answer: A Communist movement in Cambodia)

  • The Khmer Rouge was a radical communist regime in Cambodia (1975–1979).
  • Led by Pol Pot, it was responsible for mass killings known as the Cambodian Genocide.

50. The UN spends the largest amount, almost $8 billion annually, on? (Answer: Peacekeeping)

  • UN peacekeeping operations maintain international security and stability.
  • Major peacekeeping missions are deployed in conflict zones worldwide.

51. The oldest active search engine is? (Answer: WebCrawler)

  • WebCrawler was launched in 1994 and was the first to provide full-text search.
  • Other early search engines included Lycos and AltaVista.

52. The headquarters of IMF is located at? (Answer: Washington DC)

  • The International Monetary Fund (IMF) was founded in 1944.
  • It helps stabilize global financial markets and offers economic assistance.

53. The main factor attributed to the global financial crisis of 2008 is? (Answer: Huge trade imbalance between America and China)

  • The 2008 crisis was triggered by subprime mortgage lending and financial deregulation.
  • The trade imbalance between the US and China also contributed.

54. Chashma Nuclear Power plant was built with the assistance of? (Answer: China)

  • China assisted Pakistan in developing the Chashma Nuclear Power Plant.
  • It is located in Punjab and helps generate electricity.
  • The total capacity of Chashma Nuclear Power Plant is 1,345MW.

55. The term ‘Hung Parliament’ describes a situation in which?

  • A Hung Parliament occurs when no single party secures an absolute majority.
  • It often leads to coalition governments or political instability.

Pakistan-Afghanistan Transit Trade Agreement (PATTA)

  • Signed: 2010 (revised version of the 1965 agreement).
  • Purpose: Allows Afghanistan and Pakistan to transport goods through each other’s territory.
  • Significance: Enhances trade and economic ties between both nations.
  • Challenges: Smuggling and security concerns have affected its smooth implementation.

Insomnia

  • Definition: A sleep disorder causing difficulty in falling or staying asleep.
  • Causes: Stress, anxiety, caffeine, poor sleep habits, and medical conditions.

Myopia (Nearsightedness)

  • Definition: A vision condition where distant objects appear blurry while close objects are clear.
  • Cause: The eyeball is too long or the cornea is too curved, making light focus in front of the retina.
  • Correction: Concave lenses are used to correct myopia.

World’s Oldest Parliament

  • Althing (Iceland): Established in 930 AD, it is considered the oldest surviving parliament.
  • Function: Serves as Iceland’s national legislative body.

Last King of Afghanistan

  • Name: Mohammad Zahir Shah
  • Reign: 1933–1973 (ruled for 40 years).
  • Overthrown: In 1973, his cousin Daoud Khan declared Afghanistan a republic.
  • Exile: Lived in Italy until he returned in 2002 after the fall of the Taliban.

Ornithology

  • Definition: The branch of zoology that studies birds.
  • Experts: Ornithologists research bird behavior, evolution, and conservation.

British Court Government

  • Meaning: Refers to the system of governance in which the monarchy and court played a central role in British administration and politics.
  • Historical Context: Used especially in medieval and early modern England.
  • Vitamin C Deficiency
  • Disease Caused: Scurvy (causes fatigue, swollen gums, and bleeding).
  • Other Symptoms: Weakness, anemia, and delayed wound healing.

South Africa’s Case Against Israel at the International Criminal Court (ICC) on Palestine

  • Date: Filed in December 2023.
  • Allegations: South Africa accused Israel of committing genocide in Gaza.
  • Legal Basis: Case filed under the Genocide Convention of 1948.
  • Current Status: The International Court of Justice (ICJ) issued interim measures in January 2024, asking Israel to prevent genocide.

One Metric Ton in Kilograms

  • 1 metric ton = 1,000 kilograms (kg).

Swat Valley

  • Location: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, Pakistan.
  • Famous For: Beautiful mountains, rivers, and tourism.

Marco Polo

  • Who was he?: A Venetian explorer and merchant (1254–1324).
  • Famous For: His travels to China and documenting them in The Travels of Marco Polo.

Fleet Street

  • Meaning: Refers to the British newspaper and journalism industry.
  • Origin: Named after Fleet Street in London, once home to major newspaper offices.
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📍 English Language Educator | Blogger & Content Strategist | 7+ Years in Educational Blogging

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