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.
#4741
As of March 11, 2026, the International Energy Agency (IEA) is considering a record-breaking release of oil reserves to counter supply disruptions caused by conflict in which region?
(a) South China Sea
(b) Gulf of Mexico
(c) North Sea
(d) Gulf region
Explanation: The IEA is proposing a massive release of oil reserves to address supply disruptions stemming from the conflict involving Iran and the Strait of Hormuz in the Gulf region. Other options represent different global maritime chokepoints not central to this specific energy crisis. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980857/oil-falls-on-report-of-iea-proposing-biggest-oil-release-ever, 11 Mar 2026]
#4742
Consider the following statements about the political transition in Bangladesh: 1. Tarique Rahman was sworn in as the Prime Minister of Bangladesh in February 2026. 2. The Awami League party remains a legally active and permitted political entity in Bangladesh. 3. The resignation of the president occurred amidst a period of significant political restructuring following the 2024 uprising. 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 Tarique Rahman took office in February 2026. Statement 3 is correct as the resignation is part of the post-2024 political shift. Statement 2 is incorrect because the Awami League party has been banned following the uprising. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018063/bangladesh-president-shahabuddin-76-resigns-citing-health-concerns, 24 Jul 2026]
#4743
Which of the following statements regarding the energy market situation as of March 11, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The IEA's proposed drawdown would exceed the 182 million barrels released in 2022.
(b) Brent futures traded down by approximately 1 per cent on the day of the report.
(c) The US Navy has officially agreed to provide military escorts for all commercial tankers in the Strait of Hormuz.
(d) ADNOC shut its Ruwais refinery following a drone strike.
Explanation: The US Navy has actually refused requests from the shipping industry for military escorts due to the high risk of attacks, making the incorrect statement. The other options accurately reflect the market and security conditions described in the report. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980857/oil-falls-on-report-of-iea-proposing-biggest-oil-release-ever, 11 Mar 2026]
#4744
Which of the following statements regarding the parliamentary proceedings on March 10, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The deputy speaker granted the opposition the floor to debate the fuel price hike.
(b) Opposition members raised slogans against the government's fuel price hike.
(c) The protest occurred immediately after the question hour.
(d) Lawmakers from PTI and JUI-F participated in the protest.
Explanation: The deputy speaker refused to grant the opposition the floor to address the fuel price hike, which directly led to the uproar and subsequent adjournment. The other statements accurately reflect the events of the session. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40410878/na-adjourned-after-oppositions-uproar-against-fuel-price-hike, 10 Mar 2026]
#4745
On March 10, 2026, the National Assembly session was adjourned following protests regarding an increase in the price of which commodities?
(a) Electricity and Gas
(b) Petrol and Diesel
(c) Wheat and Sugar
(d) None of these
Explanation: The session was adjourned due to opposition uproar specifically concerning a Rs55 per litre hike in petrol and diesel prices. Other commodities like electricity or food items were not the primary cause of the protest. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40410878/na-adjourned-after-oppositions-uproar-against-fuel-price-hike, 10 Mar 2026]
#4746
In which city was the lawsuit filed by Anthropic against the United States government on March 10, 2026?
(a) San Francisco
(b) Washington
(c) New York
(d) Los Angeles
Explanation: The complaint was filed in federal court located in San Francisco. While Washington is the seat of the federal government and the Pentagon, the legal action itself was initiated in the Northern District of California. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980425/anthropic-takes-us-govt-to-court-over-security-risk-designation, 10 Mar 2026]
#4747
Who was presiding over the National Assembly session on March 10, 2026, when the proceedings were adjourned?
(a) Sardar Ayaz Sadiq
(b) Tariq Fazal Chaudhry
(c) Raja Pervaiz Ashraf
(d) Ghulam Mustafa Shah
Explanation: Ghulam Mustafa Shah was the deputy speaker presiding over the session during the protest. The other individuals listed are prominent political figures but were not the presiding officer at that specific time. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40410878/na-adjourned-after-oppositions-uproar-against-fuel-price-hike, 10 Mar 2026]
#4748
Which Pakistani official joined Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in extending formal congratulations to the new Iranian leadership on March 10, 2026?
(a) President Asif Ali Zardari
(b) Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar
(c) Chairman Senate Yusuf Raza Gilani
(d) Speaker National Assembly Ayaz Sadiq
Explanation: President Asif Ali Zardari issued a separate message of congratulations to the new Supreme Leader. The other officials were not cited as primary signatories in the official diplomatic communication regarding this specific event. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40410989/pm-shehbaz-president-zardari-congratulate-irans-new-supreme-leader-mojtaba-khamenei, 10 Mar 2026]
#4749
Consider the following statements about the security situation as of March 18, 2026: 1. The Kabul strike resulted in secondary detonations of old Russian Scud missiles. 2. The DG ISPR claimed that 81 locations in Afghanistan were targeted in airstrikes. 3. The Tarlai imambargah attack was cited as an example of terrorism originating from Afghanistan. Which of the statements given above 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 supported by the DG ISPR's briefing. The strike in Kabul involved the destruction of stored missiles, 81 locations were targeted to dismantle support infrastructure, and the Tarlai attack was specifically linked to Afghan-based terrorists. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1983447/our-intelligence-was-correct-dg-ispr-says-pakistan-hit-ammunition-storage-site-in-kabul-strike, 18 Mar 2026]
#4750
Consider the following statements about the administrative updates provided in the National Assembly on March 10, 2026: 1. Special women facilitation desks have been established at Islamabad police stations. 2. The Safe City Islamabad software is being used to maintain digital records for hostels and guest houses. 3. The hospital serving Capital Development Authority employees currently has 79 functional departments. 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 regarding police reforms and digital record-keeping. Statement 3 is incorrect because 79 refers to the number of vacant staff positions, not the number of hospital departments. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40410878/na-adjourned-after-oppositions-uproar-against-fuel-price-hike, 10 Mar 2026]
#4751
Consider the following statements about the diplomatic developments between Pakistan and Iran in March 2026: 1. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif acknowledged the martyrdom of the former Iranian Supreme Leader in his message. 2. The Pakistani leadership expressed confidence that the new Supreme Leader would guide Iran toward peace and stability. 3. The transition of power in Iran occurred following a peaceful and scheduled democratic election. 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 diplomatic communications. Statement 3 is incorrect because the transition followed the assassination of the former leader, not a scheduled democratic election. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40410989/pm-shehbaz-president-zardari-congratulate-irans-new-supreme-leader-mojtaba-khamenei, 10 Mar 2026]
#4752
Which of the following statements regarding the diplomatic situation on March 10, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) Pakistan expressed solidarity with Bahrain following recent attacks.
(b) The Foreign Office confirmed the call between the two Foreign Ministers.
(c) Bahraini leadership justified the attacks as a necessary defensive measure.
(d) The discussion included concerns over regional stability.
Explanation: The statement is incorrect because Bahrain's King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa explicitly stated that the attacks by Iran 'cannot be justified.' The other options accurately reflect the events described in the diplomatic report. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980499/in-phone-call-with-bahrains-fm-dar-reiterates-pakistans-call-for-de-escalation-in-iran-war, 10 Mar 2026]
#4753
Who is the current Foreign Minister of Bahrain who held a telephonic conversation with Ishaq Dar on March 10, 2026?
(a) Dr. Abdullatif Bin Rashid Al Zayani
(b) Sheikh Khalid bin Ahmed Al Khalifa
(c) Mohammed bin Mubarak Al Khalifa
(d) None of these
Explanation: Dr. Abdullatif Bin Rashid Al Zayani is the Foreign Minister of Bahrain who engaged in the diplomatic call with Ishaq Dar. The other names listed are former officials or not the current incumbent. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980499/in-phone-call-with-bahrains-fm-dar-reiterates-pakistans-call-for-de-escalation-in-iran-war, 10 Mar 2026]
#4754
What is the primary objective reiterated by Pakistan during the diplomatic call with Bahrain on March 10, 2026?
(a) De-escalation and dialogue
(b) Military intervention
(c) Economic sanctions
(d) None of these
Explanation: Pakistan's foreign policy stance, as articulated by the Foreign Minister, consistently emphasizes de-escalation and dialogue as the preferred mechanisms for resolving regional instability. The other options represent aggressive measures that contradict Pakistan's stated diplomatic position. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980499/in-phone-call-with-bahrains-fm-dar-reiterates-pakistans-call-for-de-escalation-in-iran-war, 10 Mar 2026]
#4755
Consider the following statements about the regional security situation in March 2026: 1. The Strait of Hormuz mission is designed to secure the flow of oil and gas. 2. France deployed air defense units to Cyprus following drone attacks. 3. The conflict in the Middle East began in early 2026 following a direct invasion of France. 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 report. Statement 3 is incorrect because the conflict was triggered by US-Israeli strikes on Iran, not an invasion of France. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980406/france-allies-preparing-defensive-mission-to-reopen-strait-of-hormuz-says-macron, 10 Mar 2026]
#4756
Which of the following statements regarding the March 10, 2026, incident is INCORRECT?
(a) All injured victims were treated at the same hospital in Bannu.
(b) The incident occurred in the Takhtikhel area.
(c) The attack involved the use of a quadcopter to drop explosives.
(d) Police launched a search operation to locate the perpetrators.
Explanation: The statement that all victims were treated at the same hospital is incorrect; the report specifies that three girls were taken to the tehsil headquarters hospital in Serai Naurang, while two boys were taken to Bannu. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980622/5-children-injured-in-quadcopter-attack-in-kps-lakki-marwat-officials, 10 Mar 2026]
#4757
Consider the following statements about the diplomatic developments reported on March 10, 2026: 1. The phone call between the Foreign Ministers focused on the need for regional stability. 2. Pakistan condemned the attacks on Bahraini infrastructure. 3. The conflict involves tensions between Iran and the United States/Israel. 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 report: the call addressed regional stability, Pakistan reaffirmed solidarity (condemning the attacks), and the conflict is explicitly linked to the Iran-US/Israel escalation. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980499/in-phone-call-with-bahrains-fm-dar-reiterates-pakistans-call-for-de-escalation-in-iran-war, 10 Mar 2026]
#4758
Which US military aircraft was reported damaged by Iranian ground fire during operations in March 2026?
(a) HH-60W Jolly Green II
(b) E-3 Sentry AWACS
(c) F-35A stealth fighter
(d) MC-130J Commando II
Explanation: The CRS report specifically cites damage to an F-35A stealth fighter resulting from Iranian ground fire. Other aircraft listed, such as the E-3 Sentry, were damaged in different incidents, such as the strike on Prince Sultan Air Base. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2002532/congressional-report-details-losses-of-42-us-aircraft-in-iran-campaign, 23 May 2026]
#4759
On March 9, 2026, the KSE-100 index experienced a historic single-day decline of approximately how many points?
(a) 9,015 points
(b) 11,015 points
(c) 10,015 points
(d) 12,015 points
Explanation: The market recorded a decline of 11,015 points on March 9, 2026, which represented the second-largest single-day drop in the history of the index. This massive sell-off preceded the recovery observed on the following day. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980474/bulls-return-as-kse-100-surges-past-9000-points-market-closes-in-the-green, 10 Mar 2026]
#4760
Arrange the following major international and regional developments in the correct chronological order of their reported occurrences or scheduling (earliest to latest): 1. The 11th Pakistan Banking Awards. 2. The 2024 uprising in Bangladesh leading to the current political climate for Sheikh Hasina. 3. The reported monsoon-related fatalities in India reaching over 100 on August 6, 2026. 4. The legislative advancement of a conditional amnesty bill for PKK fighters in Turkey.
(a) 2, 3, 4, 1
(b) 3, 2, 4, 1
(c) 2, 1, 3, 4
(d) 4, 2, 3, 1
Explanation: The sequence is determined by the 2024 Bangladesh uprising, followed by the specific disaster reports from India (August 6, 2026), the legislative action in Turkey (August 6, 2026), and finally the scheduled Pakistan Banking Awards (August 21, 2026). [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2020870/floods-landslides-leave-over-100-dead-as-monsoon-batters-india]