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.
#2941
On March 10, 2026, by what approximate percentage did global oil prices fall following comments regarding Middle East de-escalation?
(a) 5 percent
(b) 9 percent
(c) 7 percent
(d) 11 percent
Explanation: Oil prices plummeted by approximately 7 percent on March 10, 2026, after reaching highs above $119 per barrel. This correction was driven by market optimism following US President Donald Trump's predictions regarding the conflict. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980481/oil-sinks-7pc-as-trump-predicts-middle-east-de-escalation, 10 Mar 2026]
#2942
Consider the following statements about the oil market developments on March 10, 2026: 1. US President Donald Trump suggested that the war in the Middle East could conclude in the near future. 2. The Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps threatened to block oil exports from the region if attacks continued. 3. The Kremlin reported that Vladimir Putin shared proposals aimed at a quick settlement to the war. 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 report: Trump predicted a short-lived war, the IRGC issued threats regarding oil exports, and the Kremlin confirmed Putin's diplomatic proposals. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980481/oil-sinks-7pc-as-trump-predicts-middle-east-de-escalation, 10 Mar 2026]
#2943
Which of the following statements regarding the market conditions on March 9, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The KSE-100 index closed at 146,480.14 points.
(b) Gold prices fell by 2 percent amid geopolitical tensions.
(c) The market suspension was triggered by a 10 percent drop in the KSE-100 index.
(d) The government recently increased petrol and diesel prices by Rs55 per litre.
Explanation: The market suspension was triggered by a 5 percent drop in the KSE-30 index, not a 10 percent drop in the KSE-100 index. The other statements accurately reflect the market data and government policy actions reported on that date. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980057/bloodbath-at-psx-as-kse-100-slides-over-11000-points, 09 Mar 2026]
#2944
By how many points did the KSE-100 index decline on March 9, 2026?
(a) 9,780.15 points
(b) 157,496.10 points
(c) 13,157.62 points
(d) 11,015.96 points
Explanation: The KSE-100 index plummeted by 11,015.96 points during the trading session on March 9, 2026. While 9,780.15 points was the threshold that triggered the initial trading halt, the final decline recorded by the closing bell was 11,015.96 points. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980057/bloodbath-at-psx-as-kse-100-slides-over-11000-points, 09 Mar 2026]
#2945
What was the primary trigger for the temporary suspension of trading at the PSX on March 9, 2026?
(a) A 5 percent decline in the KSE-30 index
(b) A 6.99 percent decline in the KSE-100 index
(c) A 10 percent decline in the KSE-All Share index
(d) None of these
Explanation: According to PSX regulations, a market halt is triggered when the KSE-30 index falls by 5 percent from the previous day's close. This specific regulatory threshold was reached at 9:20am, leading to the suspension of equity-based markets. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980057/bloodbath-at-psx-as-kse-100-slides-over-11000-points, 09 Mar 2026]
#2946
Global oil prices surged by approximately what percentage on March 9, 2026?
(a) 15 percent
(b) 25 percent
(c) 20 percent
(d) 30 percent
Explanation: Global oil prices surged by approximately 25 percent on March 9, 2026, reaching their highest levels since mid-2022. This surge was a primary factor contributing to the negative investor sentiment and the subsequent market sell-off. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980057/bloodbath-at-psx-as-kse-100-slides-over-11000-points, 09 Mar 2026]
#2947
Consider the following statements about the market events of March 9, 2026: 1. The KSE-100 index experienced a decline of 6.99 percent. 2. Trading was halted at 9:20am due to regulatory triggers. 3. The market recovered fully to its previous close before the end of the session. 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 index fell by 6.99 percent and the halt occurred at 9:20am. Statement 3 is incorrect because the market remained deep in the red at the closing bell despite a brief recovery attempt. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980057/bloodbath-at-psx-as-kse-100-slides-over-11000-points, 09 Mar 2026]
#2948
Consider the following statements regarding the government's response to the March 2026 economic situation: 1. The Prime Minister directed that actionable proposals for austerity be presented within 48 hours. 2. The government announced a Rs55 per litre increase in petrol and high-speed diesel prices. 3. The Information Minister confirmed that the government would rely on private sector estimates for fuel pricing updates. 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 directives and the price hike announcement. Statement 3 is incorrect because the government emphasized that it would release accurate and verified information from official ministries, not private sector estimates. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979462/pm-tells-ministers-to-prepare-strategy-for-conserving-petroleum-products-ensuring-uninterrupted-supply, 07 Mar 2026]
#2949
On March 7, 2026, the Prime Minister directed which two federal ministers to visit provinces to coordinate petroleum conservation strategies?
(a) Finance and Petroleum
(b) Energy and Commerce
(c) Planning and Interior
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Prime Minister specifically tasked the finance and petroleum ministers to engage with provincial governments to ensure supply stability and austerity. Other combinations of ministries are incorrect as they do not hold primary jurisdiction over fuel pricing and supply chain management. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979462/pm-tells-ministers-to-prepare-strategy-for-conserving-petroleum-products-ensuring-uninterrupted-supply, 07 Mar 2026]
#2950
Who among the following associates of Asiya Andrabi was also sentenced by the Delhi court in March 2026?
(a) Fehmeeda Sofi
(b) Yasin Malik
(c) Mirwaiz Umar Farooq
(d) Syed Ali Geelani
Explanation: Fehmeeda Sofi and Nahida Nasreen were the two associates sentenced alongside Asiya Andrabi. The other individuals listed are prominent Kashmiri figures but were not the subjects of this specific court verdict. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1985165/fo-condemns-harsh-sentences-awarded-to-kashmiri-leader-asiya-andrabi-associates-by-delhi-court, 25 Mar 2026]
#2951
Consider the following statements about the IMF-Pakistan economic program: 1. The staff-level agreement for the current disbursement was reached on March 27, 2026. 2. The primary surplus target for the FY26 budget is set at 1.6 percent. 3. The IMF program aims to ensure inflation remains within the State Bank of Pakistan's target range. 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 provided information regarding the staff-level agreement date, the fiscal primary surplus target, and the inflation objectives set by the IMF and the State Bank of Pakistan. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1995256/imf-executive-board-to-meet-on-may-8-to-approve-disbursement-of-over-12bn-to-pakistan, 26 Apr 2026]
#2952
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]
#2953
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]
#2954
What is the duration of the physical closure of educational institutions in Sindh as announced in March 2026?
(a) March 1 to March 15
(b) March 20 to April 5
(c) March 10 to March 25
(d) March 16 to March 31
Explanation: The Sindh government mandated the closure of educational institutions from March 16 to March 31, 2026. Other options represent incorrect date ranges that do not align with the official provincial directive. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40410966/sindh-shuts-educational-institutions-until-from-march-16-to-31, 10 Mar 2026]
#2955
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]
#2956
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]
#2957
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]
#2958
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]
#2959
In which sector of Islamabad were the Aurat March activists detained by the police on March 8, 2026?
(a) Sector F-7
(b) Sector G-7
(c) Sector I-8
(d) Sector F-6
Explanation: The activists were detained near the Super Market located in Sector F-6. Other sectors listed are common residential or commercial areas in Islamabad but were not the site of this specific police action. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979796/dozens-of-aurat-march-activists-participants-detained-by-police-in-islamabad-ahead-of-international-womens-day-rally, 08 Mar 2026]
#2960
All of the following statements regarding the events of March 8, 2026, are TRUE EXCEPT:
(a) The marchers intended to head towards D-Chowk as their primary destination.
(b) The district administration had denied a no-objection certificate for the march.
(c) The police cited potential clashes with Lal Masjid management as a reason for the arrests.
(d) The Women's Police Station released a list of 19 women activists who were detained.
Explanation: The activists stated they had no intention of heading towards D-Chowk, making the false statement. The other options accurately reflect the details provided regarding the administrative denial and the police rationale. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979796/dozens-of-aurat-march-activists-participants-detained-by-police-in-islamabad-ahead-of-international-womens-day-rally, 08 Mar 2026]