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.
#2861
Consider the following statements about the 2026 Eidul Fitr announcement: 1. The Central Ruet-i-Hilal Committee declared that the month of Ramazan would last for 30 days. 2. The official date for Eidul Fitr in Pakistan was set for March 21, 2026. 3. Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates celebrated Eidul Fitr on the same day as the rest of Pakistan. 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 the committee confirmed the 30-day duration and the March 21 date. Statement 3 is incorrect because Saudi Arabia and the UAE celebrated Eid on Friday, March 20, whereas the national announcement for Pakistan was for Saturday, March 21. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1983722/shawwal-moon-not-sighted-eidul-fitr-to-be-celebrated-on-saturday, 19 Mar 2026]
#2862
Who is the Chairman of the Central Ruet-i-Hilal Committee that announced the Eidul Fitr moon sighting status on March 19, 2026?
(a) Mufti Muneeb-ur-Rehman
(b) Maulana Abdul Khabeer Azad
(c) Mufti Shahabuddin Popalzai
(d) None of these
Explanation: Maulana Abdul Khabeer Azad serves as the Chairman of the Central Ruet-i-Hilal Committee and presided over the meeting in Islamabad. Mufti Muneeb-ur-Rehman is a former chairman, making him a plausible but incorrect distractor. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1983722/shawwal-moon-not-sighted-eidul-fitr-to-be-celebrated-on-saturday, 19 Mar 2026]
#2863
Which of the following entities is explicitly exempted from the four-day work week policy according to the March 2026 austerity review?
(a) Ministry of Petroleum
(b) Ministry of Finance
(c) Federal Board of Revenue (FBR)
(d) Prime Minister's Office
Explanation: The meeting chaired by the Prime Minister clarified that the four-day work week policy does not apply to law enforcement agencies and the FBR, as they must maintain normal operational duties. Other ministries are expected to adhere to the austerity-driven work schedule. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1982016/employees-of-soes-other-govt-supervised-bodies-to-face-5-30pc-salary-cut-as-part-of-austerity-measures-pmo, 14 Mar 2026]
#2864
Which of the following sectors was explicitly identified as having vast export potential during the meeting held on March 15, 2026?
(a) Textiles and garments
(b) Automobile manufacturing
(c) Information technology
(d) Meat and dairy
Explanation: The official briefing highlighted that Pakistan's agricultural sector, specifically including meat, poultry, dairy, and seafood, possesses significant export potential. Textiles and IT were not the focus of this food-security-centric meeting. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1982358/pm-shehbaz-directs-formulation-of-strategy-for-exporting-surplus-food-items-to-gulf-countries, 15 Mar 2026]
#2865
Consider the following statements about the medical disclosure of Benjamin Netanyahu: 1. The prostate cancer was identified as an early-stage malignant tumor. 2. The medical report indicated that the Prime Minister is currently in poor health. 3. The Prime Minister visited a Jerusalem cafe in March 2026 to refute rumors regarding his death.
(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 tumor was early-stage and malignant. Statement 2 is incorrect because the report stated he was in good health. Statement 3 is correct as he visited a cafe to refute death rumors. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1994721/netanyahu-says-he-was-successfully-treated-for-prostate-cancer, 24 Apr 2026]
#2866
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]
#2867
Consider the following statements about the political transition in the UK in 2026: 1. Andy Burnham was elected as the new Labour leader after a competitive vote against multiple candidates. 2. The Labour Party maintains its parliamentary majority based on the results of the 2024 general elections. 3. Andy Burnham previously served in the cabinet under former Prime Minister Gordon Brown. 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 incorrect because Burnham was confirmed as leader due to there being no other eligibly nominated candidate, not through a competitive vote. Statements 2 and 3 are factually accurate. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016211/andy-burnham-elected-new-labour-leader-now-set-to-be-uk-pm, 17 Jul 2026]
#2868
Consider the following statements about the events of March 2026: 1. Benjamin Netanyahu used his X account to address rumors of his death. 2. The Israeli Prime Minister's office confirmed that he had been injured in a strike. 3. The rumors were linked to an ongoing conflict involving US and Israeli strikes on Iran. 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 he posted a video on X. Statement 3 is correct as the context was the ongoing regional conflict. Statement 2 is false because his office explicitly stated he was fine and dismissed the rumors as fake news. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1982385/i-am-dead-for-coffee-israeli-pm-netanyahu-posts-his-video-amid-speculation-about-his-death, 15 Mar 2026]
#2869
On March 13, 2026, which Minister of State for Interior moved the bill in the National Assembly to transform the Frontier Constabulary into the Federal Constabulary?
(a) Tallal Chaudhry
(b) Syed Naveed Qamar
(c) Shahid Khattak
(d) Ghulam Mustafa Shah
Explanation: Tallal Chaudhry, as the Minister of State for Interior, presented the bill to the House. Syed Naveed Qamar is an MNA who proposed amendments, while Ghulam Mustafa Shah is the Deputy Speaker. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981390/pointing-out-lack-of-quorum-in-na-opposition-blocks-passage-of-bill-seeking-to-upgrade-fc-to-federal-force, 13 Mar 2026]
#2870
Which Minister of State for Interior moved the bill in the National Assembly to transform the Frontier Constabulary into the Federal Constabulary on March 12, 2026?
(a) Shahid Khattak
(b) Syed Naveed Qamar
(c) Tallal Chaudhry
(d) Ghulam Mustafa Shah
Explanation: Tallal Chaudhry, the Minister of State for Interior, moved the bill in the National Assembly. Syed Naveed Qamar is a PPP MNA who proposed amendments, while Ghulam Mustafa Shah served as the Deputy Speaker during the session. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981390/pointing-out-of-lack-of-quorum-in-na-opposition-blocks-passage-of-bill-seeking-to-upgrade-fc-to-federal-force, 12 Mar 2026]
#2871
Which of the following statements regarding the legislative status of the Federal Constabulary bill on March 13, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The bill sought to shift all powers and assets of the FC to the Federal Constabulary.
(b) The bill was introduced through a supplementary agenda.
(c) The bill faced criticism for granting the federal government broad authority to use the force nationwide.
(d) The bill was successfully passed by both Houses of Parliament on the same day.
Explanation: The bill was NOT passed; the legislative process was halted due to a lack of quorum. The other statements accurately reflect the content and procedural context of the bill. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981390/pointing-out-lack-of-quorum-in-na-opposition-blocks-passage-of-bill-seeking-to-upgrade-fc-to-federal-force, 13 Mar 2026]
#2872
Which parliamentary official presided over the National Assembly session on March 13, 2026, when the quorum issue was raised?
(a) Speaker of the National Assembly
(b) Chairman of the Senate
(c) Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly
(d) Leader of the Opposition
Explanation: Deputy Speaker Ghulam Mustafa Shah was presiding over the session when the opposition pointed out the lack of quorum. The Speaker and Chairman of the Senate were not the presiding officers for this specific session. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981390/pointing-out-lack-of-quorum-in-na-opposition-blocks-passage-of-bill-seeking-to-upgrade-fc-to-federal-force, 13 Mar 2026]
#2873
Which of the following statements regarding the legislative events of March 12, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The bill sought to shift all powers and assets of the FC to the Federal Constabulary.
(b) The opposition protested by tearing apart copies of the agenda.
(c) Amendments proposed by Syed Naveed Qamar were approved before the session was prorogued.
(d) The Deputy Speaker immediately accepted the opposition's call for a count of members.
Explanation: The Deputy Speaker, Ghulam Mustafa Shah, ignored the opposition's initial calls for a count of members. He only acted after the lack of quorum was formally pointed out by an MNA. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981390/pointing-out-of-lack-of-quorum-in-na-opposition-blocks-passage-of-bill-seeking-to-upgrade-fc-to-federal-force, 12 Mar 2026]
#2874
Which political figure pointed out the lack of quorum in the National Assembly on March 12, 2026?
(a) Tallal Chaudhry
(b) Shahid Khattak
(c) Syed Naveed Qamar
(d) Ghulam Mustafa Shah
Explanation: PTI-backed MNA Shahid Khattak pointed out the lack of quorum to the Deputy Speaker. This action effectively halted the legislative proceedings on the bill. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981390/pointing-out-of-lack-of-quorum-in-na-opposition-blocks-passage-of-bill-seeking-to-upgrade-fc-to-federal-force, 12 Mar 2026]
#2875
What is the primary reason the opposition was able to halt the legislative process for the Federal Constabulary bill on March 13, 2026?
(a) A presidential veto
(b) Lack of quorum
(c) Supreme Court stay order
(d) None of these
Explanation: The opposition pointed out the lack of quorum, which is the minimum number of members required to conduct parliamentary proceedings. Once the lack of quorum was established, the chair was forced to prorogue the session. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981390/pointing-out-lack-of-quorum-in-na-opposition-blocks-passage-of-bill-seeking-to-upgrade-fc-to-federal-force, 13 Mar 2026]
#2876
Consider the following statements about the diplomatic visit of March 12, 2026: 1. The visit was undertaken at the invitation of the Saudi Crown Prince. 2. The discussions focused exclusively on bilateral trade agreements. 3. Pakistan expressed its full solidarity with Saudi Arabia regarding the current regional security challenges. 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 visit was at the invitation of the Crown Prince. Statement 3 is correct regarding the expression of solidarity. Statement 2 is incorrect because the discussions focused on regional security and the ongoing conflict, not exclusively on trade. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981279/as-war-in-middle-east-escalates-pm-shehbaz-departs-on-brief-visit-to-saudi-arabia, 12 Mar 2026]
#2877
Consider the following statements about the legislative developments on March 13, 2026: 1. The ordinance previously empowering the government to transform the FC had lapsed. 2. The opposition lawmakers tore apart copies of the agenda during the protest. 3. The government plans to reintroduce the bill in the upcoming sessions after Eid. 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 events of the session. The ordinance had lapsed, the opposition engaged in protest by tearing the agenda, and the government expressed intent to pursue the bill after the Eid holidays. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981390/pointing-out-lack-of-quorum-in-na-opposition-blocks-passage-of-bill-seeking-to-upgrade-fc-to-federal-force, 13 Mar 2026]
#2878
Which official held a meeting with Saudi Defence Minister Khalid bin Salman Al Saud on March 7, 2026, to discuss regional security?
(a) Asim Munir
(b) Ahmad Farooq
(c) Tahir Andrabi
(d) Syed Mustafa Rabani
Explanation: Field Marshal Asim Munir visited Saudi Arabia on March 7, 2026, to meet with the Saudi Defence Minister regarding the security situation. The other individuals listed are diplomats or spokespersons. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981279/as-war-in-middle-east-escalates-pm-shehbaz-departs-on-brief-visit-to-saudi-arabia, 12 Mar 2026]
#2879
Who accompanied Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif during his official visit to Saudi Arabia on March 12, 2026?
(a) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari
(b) Ishaq Dar
(c) Khawaja Asif
(d) None of these
Explanation: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar accompanied the Prime Minister to Saudi Arabia. Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and Khawaja Asif were not mentioned as part of this specific delegation. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981279/as-war-in-middle-east-escalates-pm-shehbaz-departs-on-brief-visit-to-saudi-arabia, 12 Mar 2026]
#2880
On March 11, 2026, which Iranian official stated that negotiations with the United States were no longer on the agenda?
(a) Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf
(b) Abbas Araghchi
(c) Eyal Zamir
(d) None of these
Explanation: Abbas Araghchi, serving as the Iranian Foreign Minister, explicitly ruled out negotiations with the United States during an interview with PBS News. Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf is the parliamentary speaker who focused on retaliatory threats rather than diplomatic agendas. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980759/iran-vows-to-keep-hormuz-strait-blocked-as-long-as-war-continues, 11 Mar 2026]