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.
#2801
What was the specific amount of the proposed increase in the price of high-speed diesel (HSD) that the Prime Minister rejected on March 27, 2026?
(a) Rs 177 per litre
(b) Rs 203 per litre
(c) Rs 95 per litre
(d) Rs 76 per litre
Explanation: The Prime Minister announced the rejection of a Rs 203 per litre increase for HSD on March 27, 2026. The figure of Rs 177 was a previous recommendation rejected a week prior. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1985954/pm-shehbaz-again-rejects-increase-in-petrol-diesel-prices, 27 Mar 2026]
#2802
According to the Prime Minister's address on March 27, 2026, what is the total financial burden the federal government has borne over a three-week period to subsidize fuel prices?
(a) Rs 56 billion
(b) Rs 100 billion
(c) Rs 150 billion
(d) Rs 125 billion
Explanation: The government reported a cumulative fiscal burden of Rs 125 billion over three weeks to maintain current fuel prices. Rs 56 billion refers specifically to the burden borne during the week of the announcement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1985954/pm-shehbaz-again-rejects-increase-in-petrol-diesel-prices, 27 Mar 2026]
#2803
Match List I (Event/Entity) with List II (Context/Detail): 1. March 6, 2026 — a. Date of strike postponement announcement 2. March 13, 2026 — b. Date of initial strike announcement 3. March 25, 2026 — c. Date of price hike announcement 4. 800cc — d. Vehicle engine capacity threshold
(a) 1-c, 2-b, 3-a, 4-d
(b) 1-b, 2-c, 3-a, 4-d
(c) 1-c, 2-a, 3-b, 4-d
(d) 1-d, 2-b, 3-a, 4-c
Explanation: The price hike occurred on March 6, the strike was announced on March 13, the postponement was announced on March 25, and 800cc is the engine capacity threshold for the proposed quota system. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1985299/petroleum-dealers-postpone-strike-in-light-of-middle-east-conflict, 25 Mar 2026]
#2804
Consider the following statements regarding the government's fiscal policy announced on March 27, 2026: 1. The government reduced the development budget by Rs 100 billion to accommodate fuel subsidies. 2. The current market price of petrol in Pakistan is higher than the international market rate. 3. The Prime Minister urged citizens to adopt austerity measures in their daily travel habits.
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) All three
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct regarding the budget cut. Statement 2 is incorrect because the government is subsidizing the price, meaning the domestic price is significantly lower than the international market rate. Statement 3 is correct as the Prime Minister explicitly requested citizens to reconsider travel necessity. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1985954/pm-shehbaz-again-rejects-increase-in-petrol-diesel-prices, 27 Mar 2026]
#2805
Consider the following statements about the 2026 Israel-Lebanon ceasefire: 1. The conflict between the two nations escalated significantly on March 2, 2026. 2. The ceasefire agreement includes provisions to prevent non-state armed groups from conducting hostile activities. 3. This ceasefire marks the first time in 34 years that representatives from Israel and Lebanon have met in Washington, D.C. for such talks. 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 correct based on the provided information. The conflict escalation date, the security provisions regarding non-state actors, and the historical context of the Washington meetings are all verified details of the 2026 diplomatic event. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1992354/10-day-ceasefire-between-israel-lebanon-takes-effect, 16 Apr 2026]
#2806
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?
(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 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]
#2807
Consider the following statements regarding the recent petroleum sector developments: 1. The PPDA strike was originally scheduled to commence on March 26, 2026. 2. The government increased petrol and diesel prices by Rs55 per litre in March 2026. 3. The prime minister has fully implemented the ECC's recommendation to increase dealer margins. 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 timeline of the strike and the price hike. Statement 3 is incorrect because the prime minister suspended the implementation of the margin increase. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1985299/petroleum-dealers-postpone-strike-in-light-of-middle-east-conflict, 25 Mar 2026]
#2808
Which of the following demands was NOT included in the resolution passed by the TTAP on March 11, 2026?
(a) The release of incarcerated PTI founder Imran Khan
(b) The immediate cessation of all trade with the United States
(c) The resolution of issues with Afghanistan through diplomatic channels
(d) The treatment of Afghan refugees in accordance with international laws
Explanation: The resolution called for diplomatic measures and restraint but did not demand a cessation of trade with the United States. The other three options were explicit demands or positions taken by the alliance in their resolution. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981002/ttap-calls-on-govt-to-take-opposition-parliament-into-confidence-on-defence-pacts-amid-changing-regional-situation, 11 Mar 2026]
#2809
Who chaired the meeting of the Tehreek Tahaffuz Ayeen-i-Pakistan (TTAP) held at the Parliament House on March 11, 2026?
(a) Imran Khan
(b) Mehmood Khan Achakzai
(c) Omar Ayub Khan
(d) None of these
Explanation: Mehmood Khan Achakzai is the Chairman of the TTAP and presided over the parliamentary meeting. Imran Khan is currently incarcerated, and Omar Ayub is a prominent opposition leader but did not chair this specific session. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981002/ttap-calls-on-govt-to-take-opposition-parliament-into-confidence-on-defence-pacts-amid-changing-regional-situation, 11 Mar 2026]
#2810
Who presided over the high-level consultative meeting regarding the petroleum products situation on March 27, 2026?
(a) Mir Shoaib Nosherwani
(b) Ali Pervaiz Malik
(c) Shaza Fatima Khawaja
(d) Muhammad Aurangzeb
Explanation: Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb chaired the meeting. While other ministers like Ali Pervaiz Malik and Shaza Fatima Khawaja were present, they did not preside over the session. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1985900/centre-provinces-agree-on-rolling-out-app-based-fuel-quota-system-for-motorcycles-rickshaws, 27 Mar 2026]
#2811
Which prestigious civilian award was conferred upon Prince Rahim al-Hussaini Aga Khan V in 2024?
(a) Tamgha-i-Pakistan
(b) Hilal-i-Pakistan
(c) Sitara-i-Pakistan
(d) Nishan-i-Pakistan
Explanation: The Nishan-i-Pakistan is the nation's highest civilian award, which was granted to the Prince in 2024 for his family's contributions to the country. The other options are lower-tier civil awards. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2001810/aga-khan-affirms-commitment-to-supporting-development-during-meeting-with-president-zardari, 20 May 2026]
#2812
Consider the following statements about the TTAP meeting held on March 11, 2026: 1. The meeting demanded that the government take the opposition into confidence regarding defence pacts. 2. The participants condemned the joint US-Israeli attacks on Iran. 3. The resolution explicitly supported the use of Pakistani territory for regional military operations against neighbouring states. 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 core demands and condemnations of the resolution. Statement 3 is incorrect because the resolution specifically urged Muslim countries NOT to allow the use of their territories or resources against any other country. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981002/ttap-calls-on-govt-to-take-opposition-parliament-into-confidence-on-defence-pacts-amid-changing-regional-situation, 11 Mar 2026]
#2813
What is the primary reason cited for the anticipated disruptions in the supply chain of petroleum products in March 2026?
(a) Domestic refinery maintenance
(b) Middle East crisis
(c) Port congestion at Karachi
(d) Pipeline sabotage
Explanation: The notification explicitly links the anticipated disruptions to the Middle East crisis and the resulting logistical challenges in the Strait of Hormuz. Other options like refinery maintenance or port congestion are not the stated causes for this specific policy shift. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979478/kp-finance-dept-orders-adoption-of-fuel-conservation-measures-due-to-anticipated-disruptions, 07 Mar 2026]
#2814
Which provincial government department issued the directive for fuel conservation measures on March 7, 2026?
(a) Planning and Development Department
(b) Finance Department
(c) Local Government Department
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Finance Department issued the notification on March 7, 2026, to ensure the judicious use of petroleum products. Other departments like Planning or Local Government were not the primary issuers of this specific austerity directive. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979478/kp-finance-dept-orders-adoption-of-fuel-conservation-measures-due-to-anticipated-disruptions, 07 Mar 2026]
#2815
Consider the following statements regarding the fuel conservation measures issued in March 2026: 1. The directive applies to all offices working under the KP Finance Department. 2. The Prime Minister has directed the finance and petroleum ministers to coordinate with provinces for a conservation strategy. 3. The fuel conservation measures were implemented because the government has no petroleum reserves left. 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 scope of the provincial directive and the federal government's coordination efforts. Statement 3 is incorrect because the government explicitly assured the nation that petroleum reserves were sufficient. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979478/kp-finance-dept-orders-adoption-of-fuel-conservation-measures-due-to-anticipated-disruptions, 07 Mar 2026]
#2816
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 declared that the Al-Aqsa compound is a place of worship exclusively for Muslims. 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 joint statement. The ministers condemned the flag-raising, referenced the 2024 ICJ advisory opinion, and reiterated the exclusive status of the site for Muslim worship. [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]
#2817
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]
#2818
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]
#2819
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]
#2820
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]