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.
#3561
Consider the following statements regarding the UNSC debate on March 10, 2026: 1. India condemned cross-border airstrikes as a violation of the UN Charter. 2. Pakistan claimed that its actions in Afghanistan were taken in self-defense. 3. The Afghan representative Naseer Ahmad Faiq was praised by Pakistan for his neutral stance. 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 proceedings. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Pakistani envoy took exception to the remarks made by the Afghan representative, indicating a lack of alignment rather than praise. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980464/pakistan-india-exchange-sharp-words-at-un-security-council-over-afghanistan, 10 Mar 2026]
#3562
What was the total amount generated by the government through the 5G spectrum auction concluded on March 10, 2026?
(a) $480 million
(b) $507 million
(c) $700 million
(d) None of these
Explanation: The government successfully auctioned 480 megahertz of spectrum, which generated a total revenue of $507 million. Option A is incorrect as it confuses the megahertz quantity with the dollar value. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980473/faster-cheaper-better-480mhz-sold-for-507m-as-5g-spectrum-auction-concludes, 10 Mar 2026]
#3563
Consider the following statements about the fuel conservation measures announced on March 9, 2026: 1. The KP government implemented a 50 percent work-from-home policy for government departments. 2. The Punjab government has completely banned the use of all security protocol vehicles for ministers. 3. The KP government has decided to ensure the supply of diesel to farmers for wheat harvesting.
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) All three
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct as KP introduced a 50 percent work-from-home policy. Statement 2 is incorrect because Punjab restricted the use of protocol vehicles to one extra vehicle for security, rather than a total ban. Statement 3 is correct as the government explicitly vowed to ensure diesel supply for wheat harvesting. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980154/kp-cuts-fuel-allowance-for-govt-vehicles-punjab-and-balochistan-close-schools-amid-global-oil-crisis, 09 Mar 2026]
#3564
Who is the current Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa as of March 9, 2026?
(a) Ali Amin Gandapur
(b) Sohail Afridi
(c) Pervez Khattak
(d) None of these
Explanation: Sohail Afridi is identified as the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in the official government announcements regarding the fuel conservation measures. Ali Amin Gandapur is a former Chief Minister, making him a plausible but incorrect distractor. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980154/kp-cuts-fuel-allowance-for-govt-vehicles-punjab-and-balochistan-close-schools-amid-global-oil-crisis, 09 Mar 2026]
#3565
What was the name of the Pakistani fisherman who lost his life in the incident on March 9, 2026?
(a) Muhammad Tayyab
(b) Naqibullah Kakar
(c) Attaur Rehman
(d) None of these
Explanation: Muhammad Tayyab was the fisherman from Gannz, Gwadar, who was killed by debris. Naqibullah Kakar and Attaur Rehman are the officials who confirmed the details of the incident. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40410710/iran-waters-gwadar-fisherman-killed-by-debris-from-israeli-projectile, 09 Mar 2026]
#3566
Consider the following statements about the incident involving the Gwadar fisherman: 1. The incident took place on March 7, 2026. 2. The projectile was identified by officials as being of Israeli origin. 3. The victim's body was transported back to his native town via sea. 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 the incident occurred on Saturday, March 7, 2026, but the report was published on March 9, 2026. Statements 2 and 3 are factually correct as per the official confirmation provided by the Gwadar Deputy Commissioner. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40410710/iran-waters-gwadar-fisherman-killed-by-debris-from-israeli-projectile, 09 Mar 2026]
#3567
On March 8, 2026, Israeli forces conducted a rare airborne operation in which region of Lebanon?
(a) Bekaa Valley
(b) Tyre District
(c) Sidon Governorate
(d) None of these
Explanation: Israeli helicopters dropped troops near the town of Nabi Chit, which is located in the eastern Bekaa Valley. This operation was specifically aimed at searching for the remains of a missing Israeli airforce navigator. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979644/israel-pounds-beirut-warns-lebanon-of-heavy-price, 08 Mar 2026]
#3568
Who is the current Petroleum Minister of Pakistan as of March 2026?
(a) Ali Pervaiz Malik
(b) Shehbaz Sharif
(c) Ishaq Dar
(d) None of these
Explanation: Ali Pervaiz Malik is identified as the Petroleum Minister who provided statements regarding fuel costs in March 2026. Shehbaz Sharif is the Prime Minister, not the Petroleum Minister. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980901/tanker-drivers-claim-they-are-facing-long-waits-at-depots-due-to-fuel-shortage, 11 Mar 2026]
#3569
On March 13, 2026, which technology was primarily utilized by Pakistani security forces to neutralize the two drones near Rawalpindi?
(a) Surface-to-air missiles
(b) Electronic countermeasures
(c) Anti-aircraft artillery
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Ministry of Information confirmed that the drones were brought down using electronic countermeasures. This technology is specifically designed to disrupt the control signals of unmanned aerial vehicles without requiring kinetic interception. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981736/2-rudimentary-drones-intercepted-brought-down-at-different-locations-adjacent-to-pindi-security-sources, 13 Mar 2026]
#3570
The US proposal sent to Iran in March 2026 consists of how many points?
(a) 15 points
(b) 10 points
(c) 5 points
(d) 20 points
Explanation: The US proposal, which covers demands regarding nuclear and missile programs and trade route control, is a 15-point document. The other options are incorrect numerical distractors. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1985991/rubio-says-war-on-iran-to-last-weeks-not-months-no-us-ground-troops-needed, 27 Mar 2026]
#3571
Consider the following statements about the US-Iran conflict as of March 2026: 1. The US has officially ruled out the use of any ground troops in the region. 2. Iran has publicly rejected the 15-point proposal presented by the US. 3. The US has extended a deadline for Iran to reopen the blockaded Strait of Hormuz. 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 while Rubio stated the US can achieve aims without ground troops, the US is still deploying Marines and airborne soldiers to the region. Statements 2 and 3 are factually accurate based on the reported events. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1985991/rubio-says-war-on-iran-to-last-weeks-not-months-no-us-ground-troops-needed, 27 Mar 2026]
#3572
According to the statement by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on March 27, 2026, what is the projected duration of the military operation in the Gulf?
(a) Several years
(b) Weeks, not months
(c) Exactly six months
(d) None of these
Explanation: Rubio explicitly stated that the operation is expected to conclude in a matter of weeks rather than months. This reflects the US administration's current assessment of the conflict's timeline. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1985991/rubio-says-war-on-iran-to-last-weeks-not-months-no-us-ground-troops-needed, 27 Mar 2026]
#3573
Where were two tankers reported to be ablaze following attacks by suspected explosive-laden boats on March 12, 2026?
(a) Port of Bandar Abbas
(b) Port of Jebel Ali
(c) Port of Basra
(d) Port of Chabahar
Explanation: Reports confirmed that two tankers were hit and set ablaze in an Iraqi port, specifically identified as the Port of Basra. The other ports are located in Iran or the UAE. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981360/in-first-remarks-irans-new-supreme-leader-vows-to-avenge-martyrs-keep-strait-of-hormuz-closed, 12 Mar 2026]
#3574
Consider the following statements about the fuel situation in Pakistan in March 2026: 1. The government recently hiked fuel prices by approximately 20 percent. 2. Naval escorts were provided to vessels transporting fuel to ensure supply continuity. 3. The Petroleum Minister confirmed that fuel prices would see immediate and significant changes. 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 government hiked prices by 20 percent. Statement 2 is correct as naval escorts were deployed. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Minister stated there would be 'no immediate significant changes' in fuel costs. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980901/tanker-drivers-claim-they-are-facing-long-waits-at-depots-due-to-fuel-shortage, 11 Mar 2026]
#3575
Which of the following statements regarding the drone incident on March 13, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The incident resulted in significant damage to military infrastructure at Faizabad.
(b) The drones were successfully brought down by security forces.
(c) The airspace was temporarily closed as a precautionary measure.
(d) Electronic countermeasures were employed to neutralize the threat.
Explanation: The Ministry of Information explicitly stated that no military or other infrastructure was hit, dismissing claims of damage or casualties as propaganda. Therefore, the statement claiming significant damage is incorrect. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981736/2-rudimentary-drones-intercepted-brought-down-at-different-locations-adjacent-to-pindi-security-sources, 13 Mar 2026]
#3576
What specific austerity measure was announced by the Prime Minister in March 2026 to address fuel concerns?
(a) Increasing the work week to six days
(b) Banning private vehicle usage on weekends
(c) Slashing the government work week to four days
(d) Closing all international borders for trade
Explanation: The Prime Minister announced an austerity plan that included reducing the working week for government employees to four days to conserve fuel. The other options are either incorrect or not mentioned as part of the official austerity plan. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980901/tanker-drivers-claim-they-are-facing-long-waits-at-depots-due-to-fuel-shortage, 11 Mar 2026]
#3577
Which authority issued a clarification regarding the status of flight operations at Islamabad International Airport on March 13, 2026?
(a) Civil Aviation Authority
(b) Pakistan Airports Authority
(c) Ministry of Defence
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) issued statements to clarify that flight operations were continuing without interruption, countering rumors of an airport closure. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981736/2-rudimentary-drones-intercepted-brought-down-at-different-locations-adjacent-to-pindi-security-sources, 13 Mar 2026]
#3578
Consider the following statements about the administrative notification issued by the Sindh government on March 12, 2026: 1. The holiday was applicable to all government offices in the province. 2. The notification was issued to facilitate the closure of all private sector businesses. 3. Essential services were permitted to remain operational during the holiday. 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 3 are correct as the holiday applied to government offices and excluded essential services. Statement 2 is incorrect because the notification did not mandate the closure of private sector businesses. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981337/sindh-announces-public-holiday-on-march-13, 12 Mar 2026]
#3579
Which of the following statements regarding the Sindh government's notification of March 12, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The holiday was declared for March 13, 2026.
(b) The notification explicitly stated the holiday was for Jummatul Wida.
(c) The notification applied to local councils under provincial control.
(d) Essential services were excluded from the holiday mandate.
Explanation: The official notification issued by the government did not state the reason for the holiday; the reason was provided separately by a minister. Therefore, stating the notification itself contained the reason is incorrect. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981337/sindh-announces-public-holiday-on-march-13, 12 Mar 2026]
#3580
Consider the following statements about the drone interception incident on March 13, 2026: 1. The drones were identified as rudimentary in nature. 2. The Afghan defence ministry claimed that a military center was targeted at Faizabad. 3. The Pakistan Airports Authority confirmed that flight operations were suspended for 24 hours due to the security threat. 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 accurate based on the reports. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Pakistan Airports Authority explicitly denied that flight operations were closed, stating they continued without interruption. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981736/2-rudimentary-drones-intercepted-brought-down-at-different-locations-adjacent-to-pindi-security-sources, 13 Mar 2026]