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.
#4261
Consider the following statements about the PMD weather forecast for March 2026: 1. The weather system is expected to persist until March 31, 2026. 2. Hailstorms are expected only in the plains of Punjab. 3. Tourists are advised to avoid unnecessary travel during the forecast period. 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 system may persist until March 31. Statement 2 is incorrect because hailstorms are predicted for various regions, including Balochistan, Sindh, and Kashmir, not just Punjab. Statement 3 is correct as the PMD advised travelers to remain cautious and avoid unnecessary travel. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1984621/met-office-predicts-rain-thunderstorms-across-country-from-march-24-30, 23 Mar 2026]
#4262
Which of the following regions was specifically mentioned by the PMD as likely to experience rain and thunderstorms between March 9 and March 12, 2026?
(a) Thar Desert
(b) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
(c) Coastal Sindh
(d) None of these
Explanation: The PMD forecast identified several districts in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, such as Dir, Kohistan, and Chitral, as areas expected to receive rain and thunderstorms. Thar and coastal Sindh were not included in this specific weather advisory. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980117/pmd-warns-winds-could-carry-pollutants-from-iran-worsen-air-quality-in-western-parts-of-pakistan, 09 Mar 2026]
#4263
Consider the following statements about the LNG supply situation in 2026: 1. The Power Division requested 400 million mmcfd of LNG to mitigate summer loadshedding. 2. PLL successfully imported eight cargoes in March 2026 to stabilize the market. 3. The basket RLNG price in March 2026 was based on only two cargoes. 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 Power Division requested 400 million mmcfd. Statement 3 is correct as the basket price was based on only two cargoes in March. Statement 2 is incorrect because imports were significantly lower than eight cargoes due to force majeure. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1998447/pakistan-turns-down-two-lowest-evaluated-lng-bids, 07 May 2026]
#4264
Consider the following statements about the weather and environmental situation in March 2026: 1. The PMD warned that winds could carry pollutants from Iran into western Pakistan. 2. The westerly wave is expected to bring rain and thunderstorms to Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir. 3. The PMD advised that daytime temperatures would increase significantly due to the incoming weather system. 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 align with the PMD's official forecast. Statement 3 is incorrect because the PMD predicted a decrease, not an increase, in daytime temperatures. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980117/pmd-warns-winds-could-carry-pollutants-from-iran-worsen-air-quality-in-western-parts-of-pakistan, 09 Mar 2026]
#4265
Which legal provision was cited by the district administration to justify the detention of marchers in Islamabad?
(a) Section 144 of the CrPC
(b) Section 124-A of the PPC
(c) Section 302 of the PPC
(d) None of these
Explanation: Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) empowers district administrations to prohibit assemblies of four or more people. This is the standard legal instrument used to restrict public gatherings in the federal capital. [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]
#4266
Consider the following statements regarding the legal and political discourse surrounding the ICC warrant in New York: 1. The Mayor of New York City asserted that his office possesses the independent legal authority to execute the ICC warrant. 2. The US federal government holds the authority to execute international arrest warrants within the country. 3. The ICC warrant for Benjamin Netanyahu was initially announced in 2024. 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 false because the Mayor explicitly stated he does NOT have the authority. Statements 2 and 3 are factually correct based on the provided information. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017473/he-is-a-war-criminal-mamdani-says-ny-cannot-arrest-netanyahu-on-icc-warrant-urges-us-federal-officials-to-step-in, 22 Jul 2026]
#4267
For how many hours were flight operations at Islamabad International Airport scheduled to be suspended on March 16, 2026?
(a) Five hours
(b) Three hours
(c) Four hours
(d) Two hours
Explanation: The PAA announced that flight operations would be temporarily suspended for a duration of two hours, specifically from 08:30am to 10:30am PKT on March 16, 2026. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1982043/flight-operations-at-islamabad-airport-to-remain-suspended-for-2-hours-on-march-16-paa, 14 Mar 2026]
#4268
What was the approximate percentage increase in the price of kerosene announced in March 2026?
(a) 50 percent
(b) 60 percent
(c) 80 percent
(d) 70 percent
Explanation: The government increased the price of kerosene by Rs130.08 from a base of Rs188.73, which represents an increase of almost 70 percent. This was a significant adjustment compared to the previous monthly rates. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979534/govt-hikes-kerosene-price-by-rs130-to-rs31881-per-litre, 07 Mar 2026]
#4269
Consider the following statements about the government's economic response to the 2026 fuel crisis: 1. The government previously rejected multiple recommendations to increase fuel prices in March 2026. 2. The price of high-speed diesel was adjusted to Rs520.35 per litre. 3. The Prime Minister consulted the entire cabinet before finalizing the decision to suspend salaries for six months. 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 announcements. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Prime Minister explicitly stated he was unable to consult the cabinet members due to the haste of the decision. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1988282/petrol-price-reduces-to-rs378-per-litre-as-govt-cuts-levy-by-rs80, 03 Apr 2026]
#4270
Who represented Pakistan during the diplomatic discussions in Beijing regarding the Middle East peace initiative on March 31, 2026?
(a) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari
(b) Ishaq Dar
(c) Shah Mahmood Qureshi
(d) None of these
Explanation: Ishaq Dar, serving as the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, visited Beijing to meet with his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi. The other individuals listed are former foreign ministers and were not involved in this specific 2026 diplomatic mission. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1987106/pakistan-china-issue-5-point-initiative-for-restoring-peace-in-middle-east, 31 Mar 2026]
#4271
According to security sources on March 30, 2026, what is the primary objective behind India's alleged plan to use Pakistani prisoners in a false flag operation?
(a) To facilitate a prisoner exchange program
(b) To divert attention from diplomatic humiliation
(c) To conduct a joint border security exercise
(d) None of these
Explanation: Security sources indicate that the operation is intended to cover up India's diplomatic failures and divert public attention away from Pakistan. Option A is incorrect as there is no mention of a prisoner exchange, and option C is factually inconsistent with the nature of a false flag operation. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1986909/india-planning-false-flag-operation-using-pakistani-prisoners-security-sources, 30 Mar 2026]
#4272
Consider the following statements about development loans in Pakistan: 1. The markup rate for 2025-26 is lower than the rate charged in 2024-25. 2. The federal government charges markup on loans to provincial governments as a source of revenue. 3. Foreign re-lent loans are advanced by the federal government out of its own domestic resources. 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 rate dropped from 17.74 percent to 11.89 percent. Statement 2 is correct as markup on these loans is a key revenue stream. Statement 3 is incorrect because cash development loans are funded from domestic resources, while foreign re-lent loans are sourced from international lenders. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018194/centre-cuts-markup-on-uplift-loans-to-1189pc, 24 Jul 2026]
#4273
Which of the following statements regarding the Torkham border situation in March 2026 is INCORRECT?
(a) The repatriation process was suspended for several weeks due to a security official being injured in a firing incident.
(b) The border was closed for all trading activities since October of the previous year.
(c) Security officials from both sides held flag meetings to devise a mechanism for smooth repatriation.
(d) Transporters in Landi Kotal demanded the safe return of vehicles and drivers stranded in Afghanistan.
Explanation: The statement is incorrect because the suspension following the firing incident lasted only 12 hours, not several weeks. The other statements accurately reflect the security and logistical situation described in the report. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1987201/repatriation-of-afghans-resumes-at-torkham-as-border-reopens, 31 Mar 2026]
#4274
Which specific operation was cited as the cause for the month-long closure of the Torkham border prior to the March 2026 reopening?
(a) Operation Zarb-e-Azb
(b) Operation Radd-ul-Fasaad
(c) Operation Ghazab lil-Haq
(d) Operation Khyber-IV
Explanation: The border closure was linked to the launch of Operation Ghazab lil-Haq. The other operations listed are historical military campaigns that are not associated with the 2026 border events. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1987201/repatriation-of-afghans-resumes-at-torkham-as-border-reopens, 31 Mar 2026]
#4275
Consider the following statements about the security situation reported on March 30, 2026: 1. India is allegedly planning a false flag operation using Pakistani prisoners. 2. The prisoners involved include individuals currently held in Indian jails. 3. Security sources claim this move is intended to justify a permanent border closure. 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 supported by the security reports regarding the exploitation of prisoners. Statement 3 is incorrect as the reports cite diplomatic humiliation and diversion as the motives, not a permanent border closure. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1986909/india-planning-false-flag-operation-using-pakistani-prisoners-security-sources, 30 Mar 2026]
#4276
Consider the following statements about the energy crisis discussed in the March 2026 hearing: 1. The Strait of Hormuz historically accounts for 20 percent of global LNG and a quarter of seaborne oil. 2. The CPPA Chief stated that LNG-based plants can easily be run on domestic gas diverted from older fields. 3. Providing electricity from the national grid to K-Electric is described as beneficial for overall consumer costs.
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) All three
Explanation: Statement 2 is false because the CPPA chief explicitly stated that LNG-based plants cannot be run on domestic gas through diversion from older plants. Statements 1 and 3 are factually accurate based on the provided text. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1987262/lng-supplies-under-force-majeure-not-available-for-power-generation-say-officials, 31 Mar 2026]
#4277
Which of the following is NOT a symptom reported in relation to the eye health of Bushra Bibi in March 2026?
(a) Chronic retinal detachment
(b) Black spot in the right eye
(c) Blurring of vision
(d) Flashes in the right eye
Explanation: The reported symptoms included blurring of vision, a black spot, and flashes in the right eye. Chronic retinal detachment is a distinct and more severe clinical diagnosis not mentioned in the initial reports regarding her condition. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1986585/pti-concerned-over-reports-about-bushra-bibis-health-demands-she-be-taken-to-hospital-for-diagnosis-treatment, 29 Mar 2026]
#4278
Which medical institution's doctor reportedly examined Bushra Bibi regarding her eye health concerns in March 2026?
(a) Shifa International Hospital
(b) Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences
(c) Aga Khan University Hospital
(d) None of these
Explanation: The report circulating in March 2026 indicated that Bushra Bibi was examined by a doctor from the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (Pims). Shifa International Hospital is mentioned in the context of where the PTI founder's family prefers him to be treated, not where Bushra Bibi was examined. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1986585/pti-concerned-over-reports-about-bushra-bibis-health-demands-she-be-taken-to-hospital-for-diagnosis-treatment, 29 Mar 2026]
#4279
Which regulatory body conducted the public hearing regarding the unavailability of LNG supplies on March 31, 2026?
(a) National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA)
(b) Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA)
(c) Private Power and Infrastructure Board (PPIB)
(d) None of these
Explanation: The hearing regarding the fuel supply situation and power generation constraints was held by the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA). [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1987262/lng-supplies-under-force-majeure-not-available-for-power-generation-say-officials, 31 Mar 2026]
#4280
Which of the following statements regarding the diplomatic efforts in Islamabad on March 29, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The foreign ministers discussed ways to bring an early end to the regional war.
(b) The participants agreed to form a committee of senior officials to work out modalities for cooperation.
(c) The US and Iran have expressed confidence in Pakistan to facilitate potential talks.
(d) The meeting resulted in an immediate ceasefire agreement between all regional belligerents.
Explanation: While the ministers advocated for dialogue and diplomacy to end the conflict, no immediate ceasefire agreement was signed or announced during the meeting. The other statements accurately reflect the outcomes of the discussions. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1986541/iran-us-have-expressed-confidence-in-pakistan-to-facilitate-talks-will-be-honoured-to-host-dialogue-in-coming-days-fm-dar, 29 Mar 2026]