📰 Pakistan Affairs

Explanation: RAAST is Pakistan's first instant digital payment system, launched by the State Bank of Pakistan in 2021. It enables instant, free digital transactions between banks and mobile wallets.

Explanation: Gwadar Port in Balochistan is being developed with major Chinese investment under CPEC (China-Pakistan Economic Corridor). It is a key component of China's Belt and Road Initiative.

Explanation: According to the 2023 census, Pakistan's population was officially recorded at approximately 241.49 million, making it the fifth most populous country in the world.

Explanation: Pakistan became a full member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in June 2017 at the Astana Summit, alongside India. It had been an observer state since 2005.

Explanation: General Syed Asim Munir was appointed as the Chief of Army Staff of Pakistan in November 2022 and continues to serve in 2026.