March 2024 Edition
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March 2024 Current Affairs MCQs & Solutions
Top national & international current affairs questions for CSS, PMS, FPSC, PPSC, and NTS screening tests.
#2141
Consider the following statements about the diplomatic exchange on March 19, 2026: 1. The Pakistan Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Hussain Andrabi rejected the US intelligence claims. 2. Former Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jil Abbas Jilani supported the US intelligence assessment regarding Pakistan's missile range. 3. The US intelligence report suggested that nations are seeking to understand US missile defense plans to shape their own development.
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) All three
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct as the FO spokesperson rejected the claims. Statement 2 is incorrect because Jalil Abbas Jilani explicitly dismissed the US assertion as not grounded in strategic reality. Statement 3 is correct as the DNI noted that identified nations seek to understand US defense plans to assess US intentions. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1983677/fo-rejects-us-intelligence-chiefs-claims-about-pakistan-missile-threat, 19 Mar 2026]
#2142
Who is the current Director of National Intelligence (DNI) of the United States as of March 19, 2026?
(a) William Burns
(b) Tulsi Gabbard
(c) Avril Haines
(d) None of these
Explanation: Tulsi Gabbard is the Director of National Intelligence who presented the 2026 Annual Threat Assessment to the US Senate Intelligence Committee. William Burns is the Director of the CIA, making him an incorrect choice. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1983677/fo-rejects-us-intelligence-chiefs-claims-about-pakistan-missile-threat, 19 Mar 2026]
#2143
What is the approximate range of missile capabilities attributed to India by the Pakistani Foreign Office in the March 2026 statement?
(a) Over 5,000 kilometers
(b) Over 8,000 kilometers
(c) Over 15,000 kilometers
(d) Over 12,000 kilometers
Explanation: The FO spokesperson explicitly mentioned that India's development of missile capabilities exceeds 12,000 kilometers. This figure is cited to contrast India's reach with Pakistan's defensive, regional-focused program. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1983677/fo-rejects-us-intelligence-chiefs-claims-about-pakistan-missile-threat, 19 Mar 2026]
#2144
Consider the following statements about the joint statement issued on April 23, 2026: 1. The ministers condemned the raising of the Israeli flag within the courtyards of Al-Aqsa Mosque. 2. The statement cited the 2024 advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice regarding illegal settlements. 3. The ministers called for the immediate annexation of the West Bank to ensure regional stability. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) All three
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct as the ministers condemned the raising of the Israeli flag. Statement 2 is correct as the statement referenced the 2024 ICJ advisory opinion. Statement 3 is incorrect because the ministers categorically rejected any attempts to annex occupied Palestinian territory. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1994444/pakistan-7-other-muslim-nations-reject-attempts-to-alter-historic-legal-status-quo-in-jerusalem-at-its-holy-sites, 23 Apr 2026]
#2145
Consider the following statements about the US-China summit in May 2026: 1. This visit marks the first time a US president has visited China in nearly ten years. 2. President Trump initially delayed the visit from March due to the war in the Middle East. 3. The US delegation includes the Secretary of State and the Secretary of Defence. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) All three
Explanation: All three statements are factually accurate based on the report. The visit is the first in nearly a decade, the delay was caused by the Middle East conflict, and both the Secretary of State (Marco Rubio) and Secretary of Defence (Pete Hegseth) were confirmed to be on the flight. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1999895/trump-arrives-in-beijing-for-high-stakes-meeting-with-chinese-president-xi, 13 May 2026]
#2146
In 2024, which Indian regulatory body investigated Amazon for alleged breaches of competition laws related to deep discounting?
(a) Securities and Exchange Board of India
(b) Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority
(c) Reserve Bank of India
(d) Competition Commission of India
Explanation: The Competition Commission of India (the antitrust watchdog) conducted the investigation into Amazon's business practices. The other bodies listed regulate financial markets, banking, and insurance, respectively. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431461/india-relaxes-e-commerce-investment-rules-for-exports-in-win-for-amazon, 23 Jul 2026]
#2147
In which specific location near the White House did the security breach occur on March 11, 2026?
(a) Lafayette Square
(b) National Mall
(c) Capitol Hill
(d) None of these
Explanation: The security breach involving the van occurred at Lafayette Square, which is situated directly north of the White House. The other locations listed are prominent landmarks in Washington, D.C., but were not the site of this specific incident. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980968/white-house-area-shut-down-after-van-breaches-security-barricade, 11 Mar 2026]
#2148
What was the primary outcome for the driver involved in the White House security breach on March 11, 2026?
(a) The driver escaped the scene
(b) The driver was taken into custody
(c) The driver was hospitalized for injuries
(d) The driver was released immediately
Explanation: Following the breach of the security barricade, the driver was apprehended by law enforcement and taken into custody for questioning. There were no reported injuries to the driver or others at the scene. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980968/white-house-area-shut-down-after-van-breaches-security-barricade, 11 Mar 2026]
#2149
The security incident at the White House on March 11, 2026, occurred during which time of day?
(a) Midnight
(b) Late evening
(c) Morning rush hour
(d) Afternoon peak hours
Explanation: The incident took place during the morning rush hour, which resulted in significant traffic congestion in downtown Washington, D.C. The timing necessitated a temporary shutdown of the surrounding area. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980968/white-house-area-shut-down-after-van-breaches-security-barricade, 11 Mar 2026]
#2150
Which of the following statements regarding the security incident on March 11, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The incident resulted in multiple reported injuries.
(b) A van breached a security barricade near the White House.
(c) A police bomb squad cleared the vehicle.
(d) The area was temporarily shut down by authorities.
Explanation: The statement regarding injuries is incorrect because authorities confirmed there were no reported injuries following the incident. The other three statements accurately describe the events that occurred on that date. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980968/white-house-area-shut-down-after-van-breaches-security-barricade, 11 Mar 2026]
#2151
Which of the following statements regarding the refinery project announced on March 11, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The project is located at the Port of Brownsville.
(b) The refinery is designed to process imported crude oil from the Middle East.
(c) Reliance Industries is involved as a partner in the project.
(d) The project is framed as a major investment in US energy infrastructure.
Explanation: The refinery is designed to process 100 per cent American shale oil, not imported crude from the Middle East. Therefore, statement C is factually incorrect. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980847/trump-touts-us-oil-refinery-deal-with-indias-energy-giant-reliance-industries, 11 Mar 2026]
#2152
Consider the following statements about the refinery project announced on March 11, 2026: 1. The project involves a partnership with India's Reliance Industries. 2. The facility is intended to be the first major oil refinery built in the United States in half a century. 3. The project is entirely funded by the US federal government. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) All three
Explanation: Statements 1 and 2 are correct as they reflect the partnership with Reliance and the historical context of the refinery construction. Statement 3 is incorrect because the project is a private investment initiative, not a federally funded government project. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980847/trump-touts-us-oil-refinery-deal-with-indias-energy-giant-reliance-industries, 11 Mar 2026]
#2153
In which city was the lawsuit filed by Anthropic against the United States government on March 10, 2026?
(a) San Francisco
(b) Washington
(c) New York
(d) Los Angeles
Explanation: The complaint was filed in federal court located in San Francisco. While Washington is the seat of the federal government and the Pentagon, the legal action itself was initiated in the Northern District of California. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980425/anthropic-takes-us-govt-to-court-over-security-risk-designation, 10 Mar 2026]
#2154
Consider the following statements about the conflict in Lebanon as of March 2026: 1. The Foreign Office condemned the military aggression as a contravention of international law. 2. The conflict has resulted in over 1,000 civilian deaths according to the World Health Organisation. 3. Pakistan has expressed solidarity with the people of Lebanon. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) All three
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct as the FO cited international law violations. Statement 2 is incorrect because the total number of deaths reported was 486, not over 1,000. Statement 3 is correct as Pakistan expressed solidarity with the brotherly people of Lebanon. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980557/fo-calls-on-international-community-to-take-urgent-action-to-end-israeli-aggression-in-lebanon, 10 Mar 2026]
#2155
Which of the following statements regarding the diplomatic situation on March 10, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) Pakistan expressed solidarity with Bahrain following recent attacks.
(b) The Foreign Office confirmed the call between the two Foreign Ministers.
(c) Bahraini leadership justified the attacks as a necessary defensive measure.
(d) The discussion included concerns over regional stability.
Explanation: The statement is incorrect because Bahrain's King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa explicitly stated that the attacks by Iran 'cannot be justified.' The other options accurately reflect the events described in the diplomatic report. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980499/in-phone-call-with-bahrains-fm-dar-reiterates-pakistans-call-for-de-escalation-in-iran-war, 10 Mar 2026]
#2156
Who is the current Foreign Minister of Bahrain who held a telephonic conversation with Ishaq Dar on March 10, 2026?
(a) Dr. Abdullatif Bin Rashid Al Zayani
(b) Sheikh Khalid bin Ahmed Al Khalifa
(c) Mohammed bin Mubarak Al Khalifa
(d) None of these
Explanation: Dr. Abdullatif Bin Rashid Al Zayani is the Foreign Minister of Bahrain who engaged in the diplomatic call with Ishaq Dar. The other names listed are former officials or not the current incumbent. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980499/in-phone-call-with-bahrains-fm-dar-reiterates-pakistans-call-for-de-escalation-in-iran-war, 10 Mar 2026]
#2157
What is the primary objective reiterated by Pakistan during the diplomatic call with Bahrain on March 10, 2026?
(a) De-escalation and dialogue
(b) Military intervention
(c) Economic sanctions
(d) None of these
Explanation: Pakistan's foreign policy stance, as articulated by the Foreign Minister, consistently emphasizes de-escalation and dialogue as the preferred mechanisms for resolving regional instability. The other options represent aggressive measures that contradict Pakistan's stated diplomatic position. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980499/in-phone-call-with-bahrains-fm-dar-reiterates-pakistans-call-for-de-escalation-in-iran-war, 10 Mar 2026]
#2158
Consider the following statements about the diplomatic developments reported on March 10, 2026: 1. The phone call between the Foreign Ministers focused on the need for regional stability. 2. Pakistan condemned the attacks on Bahraini infrastructure. 3. The conflict involves tensions between Iran and the United States/Israel. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) All three
Explanation: All three statements are factually accurate based on the report: the call addressed regional stability, Pakistan reaffirmed solidarity (condemning the attacks), and the conflict is explicitly linked to the Iran-US/Israel escalation. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980499/in-phone-call-with-bahrains-fm-dar-reiterates-pakistans-call-for-de-escalation-in-iran-war, 10 Mar 2026]
#2159
Consider the following statements about the UNSC resolution adopted on March 11, 2026: 1. The resolution was adopted with 13 votes in favor. 2. Pakistan voted against the resolution due to its diplomatic ties with Tehran. 3. The resolution highlights the impact of attacks on maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) All three
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct as 13 members voted in favor. Statement 2 is incorrect because Pakistan was a co-sponsor and voted in favor of the resolution. Statement 3 is correct as the resolution specifically highlights the adverse impact on maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981123/unsc-adopts-resolution-against-irans-attacks-on-gulf-nations-tehran-decries-blatant-misuse-of-security-council, 11 Mar 2026]
#2160
Consider the following statements about the Pentagon's policy on AI as of March 2026: 1. Anthropic was designated as a 'Supply-Chain Risk to National Security' by the Pentagon. 2. The Pentagon allowed an immediate, total cessation of all Anthropic technology usage without any transition period. 3. Claude remains the only frontier AI model currently operating on the Defence Department’s classified systems. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) All three
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct as Anthropic was designated a security risk. Statement 2 is incorrect because the Pentagon allowed a six-month transition period for its own internal use. Statement 3 is correct as Claude is identified as the most widely deployed frontier model on classified systems. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980925/china-warns-us-ai-military-use-can-create-terminator-world, 11 Mar 2026]