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.
#3601
The Regional Agricultural Forum meeting held on March 11, 2026, reviewed development activities for which of the following crops?
(a) Wheat, maize, and rice
(b) Tea, coffee, and cocoa
(c) Rubber, palm oil, and jute
(d) None of these
Explanation: The meeting reviewed ongoing development activities for several crops, including wheat, maize, rice, sugarcane, cotton, pulses, citrus, and fodder. Tea and rubber are not among the crops listed in the forum's review. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40411256/comprehensive-plan-to-devise-crop-wise-agricultural-policy, 11 Mar 2026]
#3602
Consider the following statements about the Regional Agricultural Forum meeting held on March 11, 2026: 1. The forum emphasized the need for strong academic-industry linkages. 2. The meeting identified climate change as a serious threat to food security. 3. The policy framework aims to make agriculture a less profitable sector to encourage industrial migration. 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 forum's goals of fostering innovation and addressing climate-related food insecurity. Statement 3 is incorrect because the forum aims to make agriculture a more profitable sector, not less. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40411256/comprehensive-plan-to-devise-crop-wise-agricultural-policy, 11 Mar 2026]
#3603
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]
#3604
Who was appointed as the new Supreme Leader of Iran on March 12, 2026?
(a) Ali Khamenei
(b) Mojtaba Khamenei
(c) Ebrahim Raisi
(d) None of these
Explanation: Mojtaba Khamenei succeeded his father as the Supreme Leader of Iran. Ali Khamenei is the predecessor, and Ebrahim Raisi is not the current successor. [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]
#3605
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]
#3606
Which of the following statements regarding the protest incident on March 8, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The FBI's Joint Terrorism Task Force participated in the investigation.
(b) Police arrested six people in connection with the unrest.
(c) The suspect named Amir Balat was detained by police.
(d) The devices were confirmed by the bomb squad to contain high-grade military explosives.
Explanation: The bomb squad stated that it was not yet clear if the devices contained energetic explosive material, only that they appeared to be jars with hardware and fuses. Therefore, the claim that they were confirmed to contain high-grade military explosives is false. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979791/new-york-police-probe-man-for-throwing-ignited-devices-near-anti-muslim-protest-in-front-of-mayor-mamdanis-house, 08 Mar 2026]
#3607
Who is the current Mayor of New York whose official residence was the site of the protest on March 8, 2026?
(a) Eric Adams
(b) Zohran Mamdani
(c) Bill de Blasio
(d) None of these
Explanation: Zohran Mamdani is the Mayor of New York whose residence, Gracie Mansion, was the location of the protest. Eric Adams and Bill de Blasio are former mayors, making them incorrect. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979791/new-york-police-probe-man-for-throwing-ignited-devices-near-anti-muslim-protest-in-front-of-mayor-mamdanis-house, 08 Mar 2026]
#3608
All of the following factors contributed to the volatility of oil prices in March 2026 EXCEPT:
(a) Supply cuts by Saudi Arabia and other producers
(b) A permanent global transition to renewable energy sources
(c) Concerns regarding disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz
(d) Diplomatic proposals aimed at a settlement to the war
Explanation: The market volatility in March 2026 was driven by immediate geopolitical tensions and supply chain concerns, not by a long-term transition to renewable energy. The other three options are direct factors that influenced the price fluctuations described. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980727/oil-plunges-15pc-amid-hopes-of-de-escalation, 11 Mar 2026]
#3609
Consider the following statements about the astronomical forecast for Eidul Fitr 2026: 1. The Pakistan Meteorological Department predicted that Ramazan would likely last 30 days. 2. The new moon of Shawwal 1447 AH was expected to be born on March 19, 2026. 3. Suparco confirmed that the sighting of the crescent was guaranteed on March 19, 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: Statements 1 and 2 are factually correct based on the provided data. Statement 3 is incorrect because Suparco explicitly stated that the chances of sighting the crescent on March 19 were low, not guaranteed. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980975/eidul-fitr-likely-to-fall-on-march-21-suparco, 11 Mar 2026]
#3610
What was the estimated age of the new moon at the time of sunset on March 19, 2026, according to Suparco?
(a) 12 hours and 41 minutes
(b) 10 hours and 20 minutes
(c) 14 hours and 15 minutes
(d) 16 hours and 30 minutes
Explanation: Suparco's technical assessment determined the age of the moon to be approximately 12 hours and 41 minutes at sunset on March 19, 2026. This age was considered insufficient for reliable sighting under standard conditions. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980975/eidul-fitr-likely-to-fall-on-march-21-suparco, 11 Mar 2026]
#3611
Which scientific organization provided a forecast that the Shawwal moon was unlikely to be visible on March 19, 2026?
(a) Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC)
(b) Pakistan Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (PCSIR)
(c) National Institute of Oceanography (NIO)
(d) Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO)
Explanation: SUPARCO is the national space agency responsible for atmospheric and astronomical forecasting in Pakistan. The other organizations listed are scientific bodies but do not specialize in lunar sighting predictions. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1983722/shawwal-moon-not-sighted-eidul-fitr-to-be-celebrated-on-saturday, 19 Mar 2026]
#3612
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]
#3613
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]
#3614
Consider the following statements about the security incident in Lakki Marwat on March 8, 2026: 1. The attack involved a gun battle between the police and the assailants. 2. The incident resulted in the death of a police constable and injury to a civilian. 3. The attack occurred in the Serai Naurang town of the district. 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 a gun battle erupted following the initial firing. Statement 3 is correct regarding the location. Statement 2 is incorrect because the report specifies that a civilian was killed and a police constable was injured, reversing the roles stated in the option. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979866/civilian-killed-cop-injured-as-armed-men-open-fire-on-police-in-kps-lakki-marwat, 08 Mar 2026]
#3615
The armed attack on police in Serai Naurang on March 8, 2026, was carried out by assailants using which mode of transport?
(a) Motorcycles
(b) Pick-up trucks
(c) Sedan cars
(d) None of these
Explanation: Official reports confirmed that the armed men involved in the firing attack on the police patrol were riding motorcycles. Other vehicles like pick-up trucks are often used in different types of militant operations, but motorcycles were the specific mode identified in this instance. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979866/civilian-killed-cop-injured-as-armed-men-open-fire-on-police-in-kps-lakki-marwat, 08 Mar 2026]
#3616
Which medical facility received the victims of the police patrol attack in Serai Naurang on March 8, 2026?
(a) Tehsil Headquarters Hospital, Serai Naurang
(b) District Headquarters Hospital, Lakki Marwat
(c) Combined Military Hospital, Bannu
(d) Khyber Teaching Hospital, Peshawar
Explanation: The victims, including the deceased civilian and the injured police constable, were transported to the Tehsil Headquarters Hospital located in Serai Naurang town. This facility serves as the primary medical center for the immediate area where the incident occurred. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979866/civilian-killed-cop-injured-as-armed-men-open-fire-on-police-in-kps-lakki-marwat, 08 Mar 2026]
#3617
Who issued the notification regarding the public holiday for educational institutions in Islamabad on March 13, 2026?
(a) The Prime Minister of Pakistan
(b) The Minister of Federal Education
(c) The Islamabad Deputy Commissioner
(d) The Chief Justice of the Islamabad High Court
Explanation: The notification was shared by the Islamabad Deputy Commissioner, Irfan Nawaz Memon, via his official social media account. The Deputy Commissioner holds the administrative authority to issue such directives within the Islamabad Capital Territory. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981400/educational-institutions-to-remain-closed-in-islamabad-on-friday, 12 Mar 2026]
#3618
Consider the following statements about the administrative decision regarding the March 13, 2026 holiday in Islamabad: 1. The holiday applies to all educational institutions within the Islamabad Capital Territory. 2. The notification was released by the office of the Deputy Commissioner. 3. The notification provided a detailed justification for the holiday based on religious observance. 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 holiday covers all institutions in the ICT and was issued by the Deputy Commissioner. Statement 3 is incorrect because the notification did not specify a reason for the holiday. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981400/educational-institutions-to-remain-closed-in-islamabad-on-friday, 12 Mar 2026]
#3619
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]
#3620
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]