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.
#4341
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]
#4342
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]
#4343
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]
#4344
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]
#4345
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]
#4346
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]
#4347
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]
#4348
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]
#4349
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]
#4350
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]
#4351
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]
#4352
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]
#4353
By what percentage have fuel costs for Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) risen due to the Gulf crisis as of March 12, 2026?
(a) 24 percent
(b) 44 percent
(c) 34 percent
(d) 54 percent
Explanation: The PIA spokesman confirmed that fuel costs surged by 34 percent due to the regional conflict. This increase directly necessitated the adjustment of fuel surcharges on domestic and international flights. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981330/pia-raises-fuel-surcharge-as-gulf-crisis-drives-up-costs, 12 Mar 2026]
#4354
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]
#4355
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]
#4356
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]
#4357
Which Minister of State for Interior moved the bill in the National Assembly to transform the Frontier Constabulary into the Federal Constabulary on March 12, 2026?
(a) Shahid Khattak
(b) Syed Naveed Qamar
(c) Tallal Chaudhry
(d) Ghulam Mustafa Shah
Explanation: Tallal Chaudhry, the Minister of State for Interior, moved the bill in the National Assembly. Syed Naveed Qamar is a PPP MNA who proposed amendments, while Ghulam Mustafa Shah served as the Deputy Speaker during the session. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981390/pointing-out-of-lack-of-quorum-in-na-opposition-blocks-passage-of-bill-seeking-to-upgrade-fc-to-federal-force, 12 Mar 2026]
#4358
Which of the following statements regarding the Torkham border incident on March 12, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The humanitarian pause lasted until the body was successfully retrieved.
(b) The body was identified by Afghan authorities as an Afghan national.
(c) Both sides utilized white flags during the meeting at the Zero Point.
(d) The Pakistani delegation included local figures such as Mufti Ejaz and Shah Khalid.
Explanation: The statement that the body was successfully retrieved is incorrect, as the retrieval failed due to the expiration of the deadline and administrative delays. The other statements are factually accurate. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981371/brief-pause-in-fighting-between-pak-afghan-forces-to-identify-retrieve-body-at-torkham, 12 Mar 2026]
#4359
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]
#4360
In which stadium was the second ODI match between Pakistan and Bangladesh held in March 2026?
(a) Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium
(b) Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium
(c) Sylhet International Cricket Stadium
(d) Sheikh Abu Naser Stadium
Explanation: The match took place at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur. The other options are also cricket venues in Bangladesh but were not the site of this specific match. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981999/icc-reprimands-salman-ali-agha-for-breaching-code-of-conduct-in-bangladesh-odi, 14 Mar 2026]