Keir Starmer resigned from his position, leading to the appointment of Andy Burnham. Rishi Sunak and Boris Johnson are former Prime Ministers, while Nigel Farage is the leader of the Reform UK party. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017007/andy-burnham-becomes-uk-pm-says-britain-needs-to-regain-stability, 20 Jul 2026]
64572
Which US legislative provision was invoked by the Trump administration to impose a temporary global tariff of 10 per cent?
Following the invalidation of IEEPA-based tariffs by the Supreme Court, the administration invoked Section 122 of the Trade Act to implement a temporary 10% global tariff. Section 301 is a separate process related to specific trade practice investigations. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016679/finance-minister-aurangzeb-arrives-in-us-on-3-day-visit-expected-to-hold-talks-on-trade-finance-investment, 19 Jul 2026]
64573
Which specific initiative in the 2026-27 Punjab budget includes the establishment of Neuro Cath Labs?
The government set aside Rs1.75 billion for Neuro Cath Labs under the Stroke Initiative. The Nawaz Sharif Medical District is a separate health infrastructure project. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2008300/punjab-finance-minister-presents-people-friendly-budget-in-assembly, 16 Jun 2026]
64574
What is the primary objective of the Central Processing Unit mentioned in the Tax Asaan Scheme?
The Central Processing Unit is designed to automate tax monitoring and reduce the discretionary authority of tax officials. is incorrect as the scheme aims to limit, not increase, such powers. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2008354/aurangzeb-terms-tax-asaan-scheme-for-traders-a-paradigm-shift, 16 Jun 2026]
64575
What is the proposed percentage increase in the salaries of government employees in the 2026-27 Punjab budget?
The budget proposes a 7 percent increase in salaries for government employees. The 3.5 percent figure refers to the increase in pensions for retired employees. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2008300/punjab-finance-minister-presents-people-friendly-budget-in-assembly, 16 Jun 2026]
64576
What is the projected price of crude oil per barrel if the current Middle East conflict escalates further?
Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb stated that crude prices could reach 120 dollars per barrel if the conflict intensifies. This figure is a critical benchmark for Pakistan's economic planning. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979807/three-petrol-shipments-expected-on-monday-petroleum-minister, 08 Mar 2026]
64577
What is the newly announced minimum wage for workers in Sindh as per the 2026-27 budget?
The provincial government increased the minimum wage to Rs43,000 to provide relief to the workforce. The other figures are incorrect as they do not align with the specific policy decision announced in the budget speech. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2008557/sindh-cm-murad-ali-shah-presents-rs356tr-budget-with-no-new-taxes-7pc-pay-raise, 17 Jun 2026]
64578
Consider the following statements about the consultative meeting held on March 27, 2026:
1. The meeting aimed to transition from untargeted subsidies to a digital, app-based quota system.
2. Provincial governments were requested to share the additional costs of higher international petroleum prices.
3. The Petroleum Division reported that the current fuel supply situation in the country is unstable.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Statements 1 and 2 are correct as they reflect the policy shift toward targeted subsidies and the federal request for provincial cost-sharing. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Petroleum Division reported that the supply situation remained stable and adequate. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1985900/centre-provinces-agree-on-rolling-out-app-based-fuel-quota-system-for-motorcycles-rickshaws, 27 Mar 2026]
64579
What is the total volume of the Punjab provincial budget for the fiscal year 2026-27?
The provincial government officially proposed a budget of Rs5.9 trillion for the upcoming fiscal year. Other figures are incorrect distractors representing different potential fiscal scales. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2008300/punjab-finance-minister-presents-people-friendly-budget-in-assembly, 16 Jun 2026]
64580
Which of the following structural benchmarks is frequently mandated by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in its stabilization programs for Pakistan to address fiscal imbalances?
The IMF mandates the removal of energy subsidies and the adoption of cost-recovery pricing mechanisms as part of structural adjustment programs to reduce fiscal deficits and improve the financial viability of the energy sector.
