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.
#3181
Who among the following was present at the meeting held on March 14, 2026, to review the implementation of austerity measures?
(a) Minister of Defence
(b) Chairman of the Federal Board of Revenue
(c) Governor of the State Bank of Pakistan
(d) None of these
Explanation: FBR Chairman Rashid Mahmood Langrial attended the meeting alongside the Finance and Petroleum ministers. The presence of the FBR head underscores the focus on revenue and fiscal management during the crisis. [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]
#3182
Which of the following statements regarding the drone incident on March 14, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The drones were described by the ISPR as rudimentary.
(b) The Pakistan Airports Authority denied that Islamabad's airspace was closed.
(c) The drones successfully hit their intended military targets.
(d) The state refers to the TTP as Fitna al-Khawarij.
Explanation: The ISPR explicitly stated that the drones failed to reach their intended targets and were intercepted by security forces. Therefore, the claim that they successfully hit military targets is false. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981957/rudimentary-drones-launched-by-afghan-taliban-injure-4-failed-to-reach-targets-ispr, 14 Mar 2026]
#3183
Which of the following statements regarding the March 18, 2026, weather event in Karachi is INCORRECT?
(a) The event involved heavy showers and strong winds.
(b) The Pakistan Meteorological Department predicted rainfall until Thursday.
(c) The rainfall was limited exclusively to the coastal areas of Clifton and Defence.
(d) The Karachi Mayor advised citizens to avoid unnecessary movement.
Explanation: Rainfall was reported across a wide range of areas including Gulshan-i-Iqbal, North Karachi, and I.I. Chundrigar Road, not just coastal areas. Therefore, the statement that it was limited to Clifton and Defence is false. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1983379/15-die-in-rain-related-incidents-as-heavy-showers-strong-winds-hit-parts-of-karachi, 18 Mar 2026]
#3184
Which of the following statements regarding the March 2026 strikes is INCORRECT?
(a) The strikes targeted logistic bases and training camps.
(b) The operation resulted in the destruction of an ammunition depot in Kabul.
(c) The strikes were conducted in response to cross-border terrorism.
(d) Civilian infrastructure was intentionally targeted to pressure the Afghan regime.
Explanation: The government explicitly stated that no civilian population or civilian infrastructure was targeted. Options A, B, and D are factually consistent with the reported military objectives. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981638/info-minister-says-pakistan-targeted-terrorists-support-infrastructure-in-afghanistan-overnight, 13 Mar 2026]
#3185
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]
#3186
What was the primary reason cited for the increase in RLNG prices for March 2026?
(a) Decrease in global crude oil production
(b) Increase in terminal charges and import-related costs
(c) Government decision to increase petroleum taxes
(d) Expansion of the national gas pipeline network
Explanation: Ogra attributed the price hike to higher terminal charges, import-related costs, and the delivered ex-ship (DES) price. These factors directly impact the cost structure of imported gas. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981311/ogra-notifies-massive-increase-in-rlng-price-for-march, 12 Mar 2026]
#3187
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]
#3188
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]
#3189
What technology did Pakistani forces utilize to shoot down three drones belonging to Fitna al-Khawarij during the March 2026 operations?
(a) Surface-to-air missiles
(b) Anti-aircraft artillery
(c) Electronic warfare
(d) Laser-guided interceptors
Explanation: Security sources reported that electronic warfare systems were successfully employed to neutralize the drones. This reflects the military's capability to counter asymmetric aerial threats. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981638/info-minister-says-pakistan-targeted-terrorists-support-infrastructure-in-afghanistan-overnight, 13 Mar 2026]
#3190
Consider the following statements about the legal proceedings concerning Margalla Hills National Park: 1. The Supreme Court's 2024 judgment declared the operator of Monal restaurant to be a trespasser. 2. The FCC ruling on July 13, 2026, maintained that administrative matters should be decided by relevant regulatory bodies. 3. The Supreme Court's 2024 judgment was based on the premise that the restaurants were beneficial for the park's biodiversity. 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 3 is incorrect because the Supreme Court's 2024 judgment argued the exact opposite: that the restaurants were damaging the park's biodiversity and environment. Statements 1 and 2 are accurate reflections of the legal history and the recent FCC findings. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2015144/fcc-sets-aside-sc-judgment-that-allowed-demolition-of-restaurants-in-margalla-hills-national-park, 13 Jul 2026]
#3191
Which of the following is NOT a component of the austerity measures announced by the government in March 2026?
(a) A complete ban on the purchase of new government vehicles
(b) A ban on foreign visits for ministers and special assistants
(c) The redirection of board participation fees to government savings
(d) An immediate increase in the salaries of civil servants to combat inflation
Explanation: The government is implementing salary cuts, not increases, to manage fiscal deficits. The other options are all verified components of the austerity package. [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]
#3192
Consider the following statements regarding the austerity measures reviewed on March 14, 2026: 1. The government has imposed a complete ban on foreign visits for ministers and special assistants. 2. Savings generated from austerity measures are designated exclusively for public relief. 3. The government decided to increase the fuel allotment for official vehicles to ensure mobility during the crisis. 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 and 2 are correct as they reflect the official policy of banning foreign travel and using savings for public welfare. Statement 3 is incorrect because the government actually mandated a 50% cut in fuel allotment for official vehicles, not an increase. [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]
#3193
Which of the following statements regarding the security situation in Bajaur as of March 13, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The abducted policeman was taken from the premises of the Badan police station.
(b) Four police officers were martyred in a patrol party attack in February 2026.
(c) A police officer was martyred in a fire attack on a police post in War Mamund in the week preceding the incident.
(d) Law enforcement personnel have faced an increasing number of attacks in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa recently.
Explanation: The police spokesperson explicitly dismissed reports that the officer was abducted from the Badan police station. The other statements accurately reflect the security context described in the reports. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981729/abducted-policeman-found-dead-in-kps-bajaur, 13 Mar 2026]
#3194
Consider the following statements about RLNG pricing and distribution in Pakistan: 1. The final sale price of RLNG includes profit margins for importers like Pakistan State Oil. 2. Unaccounted For Gas (UFG) refers to system losses that contribute to higher distribution costs. 3. The basket price for March 2026 was calculated based on a higher volume of cargoes compared to February 2026. 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 and 2 are correct as they describe the cost components and the impact of UFG. Statement 3 is incorrect because the number of cargoes decreased from eight in February to only two in March. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981311/ogra-notifies-massive-increase-in-rlng-price-for-march, 12 Mar 2026]
#3195
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]
#3196
Consider the following statements about the events of March 14, 2026: 1. The drone attacks resulted in injuries to civilians in Quetta, Kohat, and Rawalpindi. 2. The Pakistan Airports Authority confirmed that Islamabad International Airport was permanently closed due to the security threat. 3. President Asif Ali Zardari condemned the drone attacks as an attempt to target civilian areas. 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 regarding the locations of the injuries. Statement 3 is correct as the President condemned the targeting of civilians. Statement 2 is incorrect because the Pakistan Airports Authority clarified that reports of the airport's closure were baseless. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981957/rudimentary-drones-launched-by-afghan-taliban-injure-4-failed-to-reach-targets-ispr, 14 Mar 2026]
#3197
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]
#3198
What was the age of the police officer, Shah Munir Khan, who was killed in Bajaur in March 2026?
(a) 48 years
(b) 62 years
(c) 58 years
(d) 54 years
Explanation: Official reports identified the victim as 54-year-old Shah Munir Khan. The other options represent plausible age ranges for a senior police officer but are factually incorrect. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981729/abducted-policeman-found-dead-in-kps-bajaur, 13 Mar 2026]
#3199
The system losses at the distribution stage for Sui Southern Gas Company Limited (SSGCL) were reported at what percentage in March 2026?
(a) 7.47 percent
(b) 9.00 percent
(c) 10.60 percent
(d) 12.55 percent
Explanation: The report specifies that SSGCL's system losses at the distribution stage reached 12.55 percent. The other figures represent either previous levels or the losses associated with SNGPL. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981311/ogra-notifies-massive-increase-in-rlng-price-for-march, 12 Mar 2026]
#3200
Which of the following statements regarding the RLNG pricing notification for March 2026 is INCORRECT?
(a) The total number of cargoes imported in March 2026 was eight.
(b) The price increase for SSGCL at the transmission stage was 22 percent.
(c) The price increase for SNGPL at the transmission stage was 19.3 percent.
(d) The RLNG price increase was influenced by terminal charges.
Explanation: Only two cargoes were imported in March 2026, not eight. The other statements accurately reflect the data provided in the notification. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981311/ogra-notifies-massive-increase-in-rlng-price-for-march, 12 Mar 2026]