Pakistan Studies/Affairs MCQs
Topic Notes: Pakistan Studies/Affairs
MCQs and preparation resources for competitive exams, covering important concepts, past papers, and detailed explanations.
Plato
- Biography: Ancient Greek philosopher (427–347 BCE), student of Socrates and teacher of Aristotle, founder of the Academy in Athens.
- Important Ideas:
- Theory of Forms
- Philosopher-King
- Ideal State
1
Following the 2019 aerial conflict, what major constitutional change did India enact in August 2019 that further strained relations?
Answer:
Revocation of Article 370
On August 5, 2019, a few months after the February conflict, the Indian government revoked Article 370 of its constitution, which gave special autonomous status to Jammu and Kashmir. Pakistan strongly condemned this move, leading to the suspension of bilateral trade and the downgrading of diplomatic ties.
2
What type of missile was used by the PAF to engage the Indian jets during the 2019 aerial skirmish?
Answer:
AIM-120C AMRAAM
Evidence presented following the engagement, including missile wreckage shown by Indian officials, suggested the use of the AIM-120C AMRAAM (Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile). This missile allows for beyond-visual-range (BVR) engagements, which was a critical factor in Pakistan's tactical advantage during the dogfight.
3
During the dogfight, the PAF claimed to have shot down two Indian aircraft. Besides the MiG-21, which other aircraft was claimed to have been hit?
Answer:
Sukhoi Su-30MKI
During the media briefings following Operation Swift Retort, the Pakistan military claimed that two Indian aircraft were shot down. While the MiG-21 wreckage and pilot were documented, Pakistan also claimed that a Sukhoi Su-30MKI was hit and fell on the Indian side of the Line of Control.
4
Which aircraft in the Pakistan Air Force inventory was officially credited with the 'kill' of the Indian MiG-21 during Operation Swift Retort?
Answer:
JF-17 Thunder
While the conflict involved multiple platforms, the JF-17 Thunder was credited by the Pakistan Air Force for playing a central role in Operation Swift Retort and downing the Indian aircraft. This marked a significant milestone for the indigenous aircraft program, showcasing its combat effectiveness in a real-world high-intensity engagement.
5
On which date was Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman released and handed over to India at the Wagah border?
Answer:
March 1, 2019
As a gesture of peace and in accordance with international standards, Prime Minister Imran Khan announced the release of the captured Indian pilot. Wing Commander Abhinandan was handed over to Indian authorities at the Wagah border on March 1, 2019, an act that was widely seen as a de-escalation move.
6
Who was the Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (DG ISPR) during the 2019 conflict?
Answer:
Major General Asif Ghafoor
Major General Asif Ghafoor served as the DG ISPR during the 2019 conflict. He became a prominent figure for his media briefings and the famous phrase 'Surprise' regarding Pakistan's planned response to Indian aggression. His active communication on social media played a key role in Pakistan's information warfare strategy during the crisis.
7
In which specific location in Pakistan did the Indian Air Force claim to have conducted an airstrike on February 26, 2019?
Answer:
Balakot
India claimed to have targeted a training camp in Balakot, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, on February 26, 2019. However, the Pakistan military and independent satellite imagery reports indicated that the bombs fell on an empty hillside, causing damage only to a few pine trees and no significant casualties or infrastructure damage.
8
The Pulwama attack, which served as the trigger for the 2019 standoff, occurred on which date?
Answer:
February 14, 2019
The Pulwama attack took place on February 14, 2019, when a suicide bomber targeted a convoy of Indian security personnel on the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway. This event led to a significant escalation in tensions between India and Pakistan, eventually leading to the aerial skirmishes later that month.
9
Which Indian Air Force pilot was captured by Pakistani forces after his MiG-21 Bison was shot down?
Answer:
Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman
Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman was the Indian pilot captured by Pakistani forces on February 27, 2019. His aircraft was engaged and shot down by the PAF during the aerial dogfight. He was held in custody for approximately 60 hours before being released as a gesture of peace at the Wagah border.
10
What was the name of the aerial counter-strike launched by the Pakistan Air Force on February 27, 2019?
Answer:
Operation Swift Retort
Operation Swift Retort was the codename for the retaliatory strikes conducted by the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) on February 27, 2019. This was in response to the Indian Air Force's violation of Pakistani airspace and the strike at Balakot the previous day. The operation resulted in the downing of two Indian jets and the capture of a pilot.