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.
#2321
What was the new price of kerosene per litre following the government notification issued on March 7, 2026?
(a) Rs188.73
(b) Rs318.81
(c) Rs288.50
(d) Rs350.25
Explanation: The Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority issued a notification increasing the price of kerosene by Rs130.08, bringing the total to Rs318.81 per litre. Rs188.73 was the previous price effective from March 1, 2026. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979534/govt-hikes-kerosene-price-by-rs130-to-rs31881-per-litre, 07 Mar 2026]
#2322
Consider the following statements regarding the global oil market situation in March 2026: 1. Crude benchmarks had surged to their highest levels since 2022 prior to the price plunge. 2. The US administration expressed concerns that high energy prices could negatively impact consumer sentiment before midterm elections. 3. Market analysts suggested that the initial price surge was an overreaction to the upside, while the subsequent plunge was an overreaction to the downside. Which of the statements given above 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 market conditions and expert commentary provided in the report. The surge to 2022 levels, the political sensitivity of energy prices, and the assessment of market overreaction are all verified components of the event. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980727/oil-plunges-15pc-amid-hopes-of-de-escalation, 11 Mar 2026]
#2323
What was the policy interest rate maintained by the State Bank of Pakistan as of March 10, 2026?
(a) 8.5 percent
(b) 9.5 percent
(c) 10.5 percent
(d) 11.5 percent
Explanation: The State Bank of Pakistan's monetary policy committee decided to keep the interest rate at 10.5 percent in March 2026. This rate was maintained despite calls from the business community for a reduction to support industrial growth. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980387/high-interest-rate-to-hit-economy-in-war-times-warn-businesses, 10 Mar 2026]
#2324
Which of the following is NOT identified as a potential economic impact of the Middle East conflict on Pakistan in the March 2026 report?
(a) Increased energy costs
(b) Immediate collapse of the banking sector
(c) Strain on remittance inflows
(d) Pressure on the exchange rate
Explanation: The report warns of inflation, import costs, and remittance strain, but it does not predict an immediate collapse of the banking sector. The other options are explicitly mentioned as risks to the external sector. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979649/external-sector-faces-instability-amid-middle-east-crisis, 08 Mar 2026]
#2325
According to the Planning Commission's March 2026 report, what percentage of Pakistan's total imports are accounted for by petroleum products?
(a) Nearly 10 percent
(b) Nearly 25 percent
(c) Nearly 40 percent
(d) None of these
Explanation: The report specifies that petroleum products constitute nearly one-quarter, or 25 percent, of Pakistan's total import bill. This high dependency makes the country particularly susceptible to global oil price volatility. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979649/external-sector-faces-instability-amid-middle-east-crisis, 08 Mar 2026]
#2326
Consider the following statements regarding the economic concerns raised by business leaders in March 2026: 1. Business leaders argued that high interest rates discourage capital investment and modernization. 2. The SBP acknowledged a decline in exports alongside an increase in imports as a sign of slowing economic activity. 3. The business community unanimously agreed that the 10.5 percent interest rate was the optimal level for economic 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: Statements 1 and 2 are correct as they reflect the concerns regarding investment and the SBP's own assessment of trade data. Statement 3 is incorrect because the business community expressed disappointment and advocated for a rate reduction, showing a lack of consensus on the optimality of the 10.5 percent rate. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980387/high-interest-rate-to-hit-economy-in-war-times-warn-businesses, 10 Mar 2026]
#2327
Which of the following statements regarding the March 8, 2026, border incident is INCORRECT?
(a) The Ghulam Khan border crossing remains fully operational for trade and travel.
(b) The incident involved an exchange of fire between two sides of the border.
(c) A child was killed as a result of the mortar shell explosion.
(d) Four people sustained injuries during the incident.
Explanation: The Ghulam Khan border crossing is currently closed due to the security situation, making the statement that it remains fully operational incorrect. The other statements accurately reflect the reported facts. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979869/child-killed-four-injured-after-mortar-shell-allegedly-fired-from-afghanistan-lands-in-north-waziristan-neighbourhood, 08 Mar 2026]
#2328
Who is the current Petroleum Minister of Pakistan as of March 2026?
(a) Muhammad Aurangzeb
(b) Ali Pervaiz Malik
(c) Murad Ali Shah
(d) None of these
Explanation: Ali Pervaiz Malik is the Petroleum Minister who briefed provincial leadership on fuel reserves. Muhammad Aurangzeb is the Finance Minister, and Murad Ali Shah is the Chief Minister of Sindh. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979807/three-petrol-shipments-expected-on-monday-petroleum-minister, 08 Mar 2026]
#2329
Consider the following statements about the fuel management strategy discussed in March 2026: 1. The government is developing a joint dashboard to monitor fuel reserves across provinces. 2. The Punjab Enforcement and Regulatory Authority has been tasked with monitoring the fuel supply situation. 3. The government has successfully secured a permanent exemption from the petroleum levy from the IMF. 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 administrative measures taken to monitor reserves and enforce regulations. Statement 3 is incorrect because the government is only planning to request relief, not that it has already secured a permanent exemption. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979807/three-petrol-shipments-expected-on-monday-petroleum-minister, 08 Mar 2026]
#2330
The government decided in principle to implement which of the following for petroleum prices effective from March 8, 2026?
(a) Monthly revisions
(b) Quarterly revisions
(c) Weekly revisions
(d) Annual revisions
Explanation: To better manage the volatility of international oil prices, the government decided to shift to weekly revisions of petroleum prices. This allows for more frequent adjustments in line with global market fluctuations. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979860/pm-shehbaz-to-announce-austerity-plan-tomorrow-amid-global-fuel-crisis, 08 Mar 2026]
#2331
In which district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa did the mortar shell incident occur on March 8, 2026?
(a) South Waziristan
(b) North Waziristan
(c) Kurram District
(d) None of these
Explanation: The incident took place in the Ghulam Khan area of North Waziristan. South Waziristan and Kurram are adjacent districts but were not the site of this specific event. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979869/child-killed-four-injured-after-mortar-shell-allegedly-fired-from-afghanistan-lands-in-north-waziristan-neighbourhood, 08 Mar 2026]
#2332
What was the reported increase in the price of petroleum products announced by the government on March 6, 2026?
(a) Rs 55 per litre
(b) Rs 45 per litre
(c) Rs 35 per litre
(d) Rs 65 per litre
Explanation: The government officially announced a price hike of Rs 55 per litre for petroleum products to manage the regional energy crisis. This figure is a specific data point provided in the official government communication. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979860/pm-shehbaz-to-announce-austerity-plan-tomorrow-amid-global-fuel-crisis, 08 Mar 2026]
#2333
The injured victims of the March 8, 2026, incident were transported to which medical facility?
(a) District Headquarters Hospital, Bannu
(b) Tehsil Headquarters Hospital, Miranshah
(c) Combined Military Hospital, Peshawar
(d) None of these
Explanation: Local residents transported the injured to the Tehsil Headquarters Hospital in Miranshah for emergency treatment. Other hospitals listed are not the primary facilities mentioned for this specific incident. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979869/child-killed-four-injured-after-mortar-shell-allegedly-fired-from-afghanistan-lands-in-north-waziristan-neighbourhood, 08 Mar 2026]
#2334
On March 8, 2026, the Prime Minister's Office announced that the government would unveil an austerity plan in response to a crisis caused by which of the following?
(a) US/Israel-Iran war
(b) Global wheat shortage
(c) Regional monsoon flooding
(d) None of these
Explanation: The government cited the global fuel crisis resulting from the US/Israel-Iran war as the primary driver for the proposed austerity measures. Other options are unrelated to the specific energy-focused policy announcement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979860/pm-shehbaz-to-announce-austerity-plan-tomorrow-amid-global-fuel-crisis, 08 Mar 2026]
#2335
Consider the following statements about the government's austerity measures announced in March 2026: 1. The Prime Minister decided to review the work-from-home and distance learning plan on a weekly basis. 2. The government reported that the country currently lacks adequate reserves of petrol and diesel. 3. The Prime Minister urged federal and provincial ministers to play an effective role in resource provision. 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 PM decided to review the contingency plan weekly. Statement 2 is incorrect because the government explicitly stated that the country had adequate reserves of petrol and diesel. Statement 3 is correct as the PM called for active participation from all ministers. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979860/pm-shehbaz-to-announce-austerity-plan-tomorrow-amid-global-fuel-crisis, 08 Mar 2026]
#2336
All of the following are cited as areas of concern or policy focus for China in the March 2026 press conference EXCEPT:
(a) Tensions in the South China Sea
(b) Expansion of the BRICS currency
(c) Wars in the Middle East and Ukraine
(d) US-China trade tariffs
Explanation: The press conference specifically addressed trade tariffs, the South China Sea, and the conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine. The expansion of the BRICS currency was not a primary topic mentioned in the briefing. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979786/chinese-fm-urges-us-to-manage-differences-in-face-of-trade-woes, 08 Mar 2026]
#2337
What was the approximate percentage increase in the price of kerosene announced in March 2026?
(a) 50 percent
(b) 60 percent
(c) 80 percent
(d) 70 percent
Explanation: The government increased the price of kerosene by Rs130.08 from a base of Rs188.73, which represents an increase of almost 70 percent. This was a significant adjustment compared to the previous monthly rates. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979534/govt-hikes-kerosene-price-by-rs130-to-rs31881-per-litre, 07 Mar 2026]
#2338
Consider the following statements about the impact of rising fuel costs in March 2026: 1. Jet fuel accounts for 30-40% of airline operating expenses. 2. Domestic and international airfares have increased by 30-40% due to fuel costs. 3. The government has decided to permanently abolish the petroleum levy to provide relief to consumers. 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 factually correct based on the report. Statement 3 is incorrect because the government has actually protected its petroleum levy targets despite the subsidies provided. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1985067/govt-may-have-to-unfreeze-fuel-prices-amid-global-surge, 25 Mar 2026]
#2339
Consider the following statements about the government's economic response to the 2026 fuel crisis: 1. The government previously rejected multiple recommendations to increase fuel prices in March 2026. 2. The price of high-speed diesel was adjusted to Rs520.35 per litre. 3. The Prime Minister consulted the entire cabinet before finalizing the decision to suspend salaries for six months. 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 factually correct based on the government's announcements. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Prime Minister explicitly stated he was unable to consult the cabinet members due to the haste of the decision. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1988282/petrol-price-reduces-to-rs378-per-litre-as-govt-cuts-levy-by-rs80, 03 Apr 2026]
#2340
Who represented Pakistan during the diplomatic discussions in Beijing regarding the Middle East peace initiative on March 31, 2026?
(a) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari
(b) Ishaq Dar
(c) Shah Mahmood Qureshi
(d) None of these
Explanation: Ishaq Dar, serving as the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, visited Beijing to meet with his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi. The other individuals listed are former foreign ministers and were not involved in this specific 2026 diplomatic mission. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1987106/pakistan-china-issue-5-point-initiative-for-restoring-peace-in-middle-east, 31 Mar 2026]