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.
#4161
Consider the following statements about the diplomatic situation in March 2026: 1. The sinking of the IRIS Dena represents the first such US naval action since World War Two. 2. The Iranian diplomats in Colombo have requested the return of the remains of the 84 deceased sailors. 3. The IRIS Lavan was permitted to dock in Sri Lanka on humanitarian grounds. 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 US action was described as the first of its kind since World War Two. Statement 2 is correct as Iranian diplomats requested the remains. Statement 3 is incorrect because the IRIS Lavan docked in India, not Sri Lanka. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979691/sri-lanka-to-treat-iranian-sailors-according-to-international-law, 08 Mar 2026]
#4162
Consider the following statements regarding the fuel price situation in March 2026: 1. The government decided to maintain normal activities for at least one week instead of implementing conservation measures. 2. International Brent crude prices were reported to be approaching the $100 per barrel psychological barrier. 3. The government increased the Petroleum Development Levy on high-speed diesel to offset the price hike. 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 deferred conservation plans. Statement 2 is correct as Brent crude was nearing the $100 mark. Statement 3 is incorrect because the levy on high-speed diesel was actually reduced, not increased. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979341/petrol-bomb-falls-on-pakistan-amid-war, 07 Mar 2026]
#4163
Which of the following statements regarding the fuel supply situation in March 2026 is INCORRECT?
(a) The tanker Torm Damini offloaded 37,000 tonnes of diesel.
(b) The tanker Nave Atropos is carrying 50,000 tonnes of petrol.
(c) The tanker Sea Clipper is carrying 34,000 tonnes of petrol.
(d) The tanker Spruce 2 is carrying 65,000 tonnes of petrol.
Explanation: The tanker Spruce 2 is carrying 55,000 tonnes of petrol, not 65,000 tonnes. The other figures provided for Torm Damini, Nave Atropos, and Sea Clipper are factually accurate according to the PQA report. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980592/4-fuel-laden-ships-reach-pakistan-amid-concerns-about-shortages-3-yet-to-berth, 10 Mar 2026]
#4164
Which of the following statements regarding the US position at the UN Security Council in March 2026 is INCORRECT?
(a) The US questioned the utility of continued international funding for Afghanistan.
(b) The US criticized the Taliban for restricting female national staff from working at UN offices.
(c) The US announced an immediate increase in humanitarian aid to fill the $1 billion shortfall.
(d) The US Ambassador emphasized that the Taliban's intransigence complicates international engagement.
Explanation: The US did not announce an increase in aid; rather, it suggested that the international community would be more willing to fill the funding shortfall if the Taliban ceased excluding women from basic rights. Options A, B, and D accurately reflect the US stance presented at the UNSC. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980478/us-designates-afghanistan-state-sponsor-of-wrongful-detention, 10 Mar 2026]
#4165
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]
#4166
Who accompanied Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif during his diplomatic visit to Saudi Arabia on March 12, 2026?
(a) Ishaq Dar and Asim Munir
(b) Bilawal Bhutto and Nadeem Anjum
(c) Ahsan Iqbal and Sahir Shamshad Mirza
(d) None of these
Explanation: The official delegation included Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir. This reflects the high-level security and diplomatic nature of the visit. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981279/in-restricted-meeting-with-saudi-crown-prince-pm-shehbaz-assures-him-of-pakistans-full-solidarity-support, 12 Mar 2026]
#4167
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]
#4168
Which countries participated in the quadrilateral ministerial meeting held in Islamabad on March 29, 2026?
(a) Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Turkiye
(b) Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Iran, and Turkiye
(c) Pakistan, Egypt, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia
(d) None of these
Explanation: The quadrilateral meeting in Islamabad focused on the Middle East crisis and included the foreign ministers of Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Turkiye. Iran was a subject of the mediation efforts discussed, not a participant in the quadrilateral ministerial group. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1986574/pm-shehbaz-commends-kingdoms-remarkable-restraint-in-meeting-with-saudi-fm-assures-him-of-pakistans-full-support, 29 Mar 2026]
#4169
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]
#4170
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]
#4171
Consider the following statements about the school closure directive in Sindh: 1. The closure applies to both public and private educational institutions. 2. The directive was issued by the Sindh School Education and Literacy Department. 3. The holiday was declared for March 11, 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: All three statements are factually accurate based on the official notification. The closure encompasses both sectors, was issued by the relevant department, and is scheduled for the specified date in 2026. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980177/public-private-schools-in-sindh-to-remain-closed-on-march-11-on-account-of-youm-i-ali, 09 Mar 2026]
#4172
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]
#4173
Which provincial department issued the notification regarding the closure of schools on March 11, 2026?
(a) Sindh Higher Education Commission
(b) Sindh School Education and Literacy Department
(c) Sindh Board of Technical Education
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Sindh School Education and Literacy Department is the specific administrative body responsible for issuing directives regarding the closure of public and private schools in the province. Other bodies like the Higher Education Commission handle university-level affairs, not primary or secondary school closures. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980177/public-private-schools-in-sindh-to-remain-closed-on-march-11-on-account-of-youm-i-ali, 09 Mar 2026]
#4174
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]
#4175
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]
#4176
Who was officially appointed as the new Supreme Leader of Iran in March 2026?
(a) Ali Khamenei
(b) Mojtaba Hosseini Khamenei
(c) Ruhollah Khomeini
(d) None of these
Explanation: Mojtaba Hosseini Khamenei was announced as the new Supreme Leader following the martyrdom of his predecessor. Ali Khamenei was the previous leader, and Ruhollah Khomeini was the founder of the Islamic Republic. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981500/read-the-full-text-of-irans-new-supreme-leader-mojtaba-khameneis-first-address, 12 Mar 2026]
#4177
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]
#4178
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]
#4179
In which legislative body was the Civil Servants (Amendment) Bill, 2024, discussed regarding the restriction of dual nationals?
(a) Punjab Assembly
(b) Senate of Pakistan
(c) National Assembly Standing Committee on Cabinet Secretariat
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Civil Servants (Amendment) Bill, 2024, was taken up by the National Assembly Standing Committee on Cabinet Secretariat. The Punjab Assembly resolution is a separate legislative action. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017045/pml-n-mpa-seeks-ban-on-appointment-of-dual-nationals-to-government-service, 20 Jul 2026]
#4180
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]