March 2024 Edition

March 2024 Current Affairs MCQs & Solutions

Top national & international current affairs questions for CSS, PMS, FPSC, PPSC, and NTS screening tests.

Start March Quiz
#4921

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]
#4922

Which parliamentary official presided over the National Assembly session on March 13, 2026, when the quorum issue was raised?

(a) Speaker of the National Assembly
(b) Chairman of the Senate
(c) Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly
(d) Leader of the Opposition
Explanation: Deputy Speaker Ghulam Mustafa Shah was presiding over the session when the opposition pointed out the lack of quorum. The Speaker and Chairman of the Senate were not the presiding officers for this specific session. [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]
#4923

What is the primary reason the opposition was able to halt the legislative process for the Federal Constabulary bill on March 13, 2026?

(a) A presidential veto
(b) Lack of quorum
(c) Supreme Court stay order
(d) None of these
Explanation: The opposition pointed out the lack of quorum, which is the minimum number of members required to conduct parliamentary proceedings. Once the lack of quorum was established, the chair was forced to prorogue the session. [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]
#4924

Consider the following statements about the legislative developments on March 13, 2026: 1. The ordinance previously empowering the government to transform the FC had lapsed. 2. The opposition lawmakers tore apart copies of the agenda during the protest. 3. The government plans to reintroduce the bill in the upcoming sessions after Eid. 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 accurate based on the events of the session. The ordinance had lapsed, the opposition engaged in protest by tearing the agenda, and the government expressed intent to pursue the bill after the Eid holidays. [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]
#4925

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]
#4926

The decline in global crude oil prices on March 11, 2026, was primarily attributed to:

(a) Diplomatic signals regarding the potential end of the conflict with Iran
(b) Increased production from OPEC nations
(c) A sudden drop in global industrial demand
(d) New sanctions imposed on major oil exporters
Explanation: Crude prices plunged following remarks by US President Donald Trump suggesting that the conflict with Iran could end soon, which eased supply disruption concerns. Other options do not reflect the specific geopolitical catalyst mentioned in the market report. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980849/kse-100-ends-lower-after-early-rally-loses-steam, 11 Mar 2026]
#4927

Which of the following statements regarding the oil market situation on March 10, 2026, is INCORRECT?

(a) Brent futures experienced a decline of approximately 6.8 percent.
(b) Goldman Sachs immediately adjusted its fourth-quarter 2026 price forecast for Brent to $90 per barrel.
(c) US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude prices fell by approximately 6.8 percent.
(d) Volumes in Brent dropped to the lowest amount since February 27.
Explanation: Goldman Sachs explicitly stated it was not changing its oil price forecast for Brent at $66 per barrel for the fourth quarter of 2026, making the incorrect statement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980481/oil-sinks-7pc-as-trump-predicts-middle-east-de-escalation, 10 Mar 2026]
#4928

Consider the following statements about the regional conflict as of March 10, 2026: 1. Iranian strikes targeted energy installations in the Gulf region. 2. The US President characterized the appointment of the new supreme leader as a positive development for regional peace. 3. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that Iran's actions are defensive in nature. 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 Iran launched strikes on energy installations. Statement 3 is correct as the Foreign Minister described actions as defensive. Statement 2 is incorrect because President Trump called the appointment a 'big mistake'. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980416/oil-prices-go-haywire-as-iran-welcomes-new-supreme-leader, 10 Mar 2026]
#4929

On March 10, 2026, by what approximate percentage did global oil prices fall following comments regarding Middle East de-escalation?

(a) 5 percent
(b) 9 percent
(c) 7 percent
(d) 11 percent
Explanation: Oil prices plummeted by approximately 7 percent on March 10, 2026, after reaching highs above $119 per barrel. This correction was driven by market optimism following US President Donald Trump's predictions regarding the conflict. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980481/oil-sinks-7pc-as-trump-predicts-middle-east-de-escalation, 10 Mar 2026]
#4930

Consider the following statements about the oil market developments on March 10, 2026: 1. US President Donald Trump suggested that the war in the Middle East could conclude in the near future. 2. The Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps threatened to block oil exports from the region if attacks continued. 3. The Kremlin reported that Vladimir Putin shared proposals aimed at a quick settlement to the war. 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 accurate based on the report: Trump predicted a short-lived war, the IRGC issued threats regarding oil exports, and the Kremlin confirmed Putin's diplomatic proposals. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980481/oil-sinks-7pc-as-trump-predicts-middle-east-de-escalation, 10 Mar 2026]
#4931

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]
#4932

On March 21, at which locations on Earth are the durations of day and night approximately equal?

(a) All parallel of latitude
(b) The Tropic of Equator alone
(c) The Tropic of Capricorn alone
(d) The Tropic of Cancer alone
Explanation: March 21 marks the vernal equinox. During an equinox, the Sun is positioned directly above the Earth's equator. As a result, the circle of illumination passes through both the North and South Poles, causing day and night to be of equal length across all latitudes globally.
#4933

At which locations is the duration of day and night equal on the date of March 21?

(a) The Tropic of Capricorn alone
(b) All parallels of latitude
(c) The Tropic of Cancer alone
(d) The Tropic of Equator alone
Explanation: March 21 marks the vernal equinox. During an equinox, the Sun is positioned directly above the Earth's equator, causing the circle of illumination to pass through both poles. Consequently, all locations on Earth experience approximately 12 hours of daylight and 12 hours of darkness.
#4934

Which international observance is commemorated annually on March 21st?

(a) World environmental day
(b) Civil Aviation day.
(c) International day for eradication of poverty
(d) International day for elimination of Racial discrimination
Explanation: March 21st is officially designated by the United Nations as the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. This date was chosen to commemorate the 1960 Sharpeville massacre in South Africa, where police opened fire on peaceful demonstrators protesting against apartheid 'pass laws'. It serves as a global reminder of the ongoing struggle to combat racism and racial prejudice worldwide.
#4935

Which group conducted the historic 'Long March' in 1934?

(a) Chinese Communist
(b) George W. Marshall
(c) John W. Regon
(d) All of these
Explanation: The Long March was a significant military retreat undertaken by the Red Army of the Chinese Communist Party to evade the pursuit of the Kuomintang (Chinese Nationalist Party) army. Spanning from 1934 to 1935, this arduous journey covered thousands of miles across difficult terrain. It is considered a pivotal event in Chinese history, as it helped consolidate Mao Zedong's leadership and ensured the survival of the Communist movement.
#4936

Where was the ASEAN Summit held in October 2024?

(a) Bali, Indonesia
(b) Indonesia, Jakarta
(c) Cebu City, Philippines
(d) Laos, Vientiane
Explanation: The 44th and 45th ASEAN Summits were hosted by Laos in its capital city, Vientiane, in October 2024. These summits brought together leaders from Southeast Asian nations to discuss regional economic integration, security, and cooperation. The event served as a platform for addressing geopolitical challenges and strengthening the bloc's collective stance on international issues affecting the region.
#4937

In which city was the fourth Nuclear Security Summit held between March 31 and April 1, 2016?

(a) Washington DC
(b) France
(c) Austria
(d) Belgium
Explanation: The fourth Nuclear Security Summit, a world summit aimed at preventing nuclear terrorism, was hosted by the United States in Washington, D.C. This event brought together leaders from over 50 countries to discuss international cooperation on nuclear security, building upon the progress made in previous summits held in Washington, Seoul, and The Hague.
#4938

The Treaty of Rome, which established the European Economic Community (EEC), was signed on March 25 of which year?

(a) 1967
(b) 1951
(c) 1961
(d) 1957
Explanation: The Treaty of Rome was signed on March 25, 1957, by six founding countries: Belgium, France, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, and West Germany. This historic agreement created the European Economic Community, often referred to as the Common Market, which laid the foundational framework for the modern European Union.
#4939

If January 30, 2003, was a Thursday, what day of the week was March 2, 2003?

(a) Sunday
(b) Thursday
(c) Saturday
(d) Tuesday
Explanation: In 2003, February had 28 days. From January 30 to March 2, we count the remaining day in January (1 day), all of February (28 days), and the first two days of March. Total days = 1 + 28 + 2 = 31 days. Dividing 31 by 7 gives a remainder of 3. Adding 3 days to Thursday results in Sunday.
#4940

Who delivered the iconic 'I Have a Dream' speech during the 1963 March on Washington?

(a) George Washington
(b) Richard Nixon
(c) Johan F. Kennedy
(d) Martin Luther King
Explanation: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his famous 'I Have a Dream' speech on August 28, 1963, from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. The speech was a defining moment of the American Civil Rights Movement, calling for an end to racism and advocating for civil and economic rights for all citizens.