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.
#5021
Identify the sentence with a grammatical error: (CSS-2024)
(a) The physicist, along with her team, are conducting groundbreaking research.
(b) Despite the challenging conditions, he persevered in his quest for knowledge.
(c) The book, which has been read by millions, remains a classic.
(d) Their commitment to excellence is evident in all that they do.
Explanation: “The physicist” is singular, requiring “is,” not “are” (Chicago Manual of Style).
#5022
Identify the sentence with a grammatical error: (CSS-2024)
(a) The phenomenon of quantum entanglement bewilders even seasoned physicists.
(b) Neither the professor nor her students have received their assignments yet.
(c) The committee, consisting of experts in their respective fields, were divided.
(d) The team’s performance has been consistently excellent.
Explanation: Singular “committee” requires “was,” not “were” (Strunk & White).
#5023
Choose the sentence with a semantic error: (CSS-2024)
(a) The herculean effort required to complete the task was undeniable.
(b) The cacophonous symphony of the city streets was oddly soothing.
(c) The scientist’s groundbreaking discovery left the world in a state of awe.
(d) Her altruistic disposition was as clear as a cloudy day.
Explanation: “Clear as a cloudy day” is semantically incorrect, as cloudy days are not clear, undermining the intended meaning (English usage guides).
#5024
Identify the sentence with correct punctuation usage: (CSS-2024)
(a) My favorite hobbies include reading knitting and cooking.
(b) It’s raining outside, however, I brought my umbrella.
(c) The concert was amazing - I’ve never heard such talented musicians.
(d) The professor’s lecture was long; therefore it was informative.
Explanation: The dash correctly separates the emphatic statement (Chicago Manual of Style).
#5025
Identify the sentence with correct punctuation usage: (CSS-2024)
(a) My hobbies include: reading, knitting, and cooking.
(b) She was tired, nevertheless, she decided to finish the project.
(c) The conference has been postponed, thus we have more time to prepare.
(d) He enjoys playing the guitar; he finds it relaxing.
Explanation: Semicolon correctly joins two independent clauses (Strunk & White).
#5026
Identify the sentence with the correct use of the colon: (CSS-2024)
(a) I have three goals for the year, lose weight, save money and travel more.
(b) The ingredients for the cake are: flour, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract.
(c) She had one question: when is the deadline?
(d) He enjoys various outdoor activities: such as hiking, camping, and fishing.
Explanation: The colon introduces a single question, correctly used (Chicago Manual of Style).
#5027
The underlined word ‘convey’, as used in this passage, most accurately means: (CSS2024)
(a) Give birth to
(b) Rationalize
(c) Experiment
(d) Explain
Explanation: “Convey” means to communicate or explain in this context (Merriam-Webster).
#5028
What is the main idea of Plato’s cave analogy? (CSS-2024)
(a) This world is not all there is
(b) Mankind cannot hope to see the truth
(c) Humans are stupid
(d) Real things cast shadows
Explanation: The analogy illustrates that the physical world is a shadow of a greater reality (Plato, “Republic”).
#5029
Which of the following would be the best title for this passage? (CSS-2024)
(a) Life in a Cave
(b) Making Shadow Puppets
(c) Perception and Reality
(d) Is There Life After Death
Explanation: The passage focuses on perception versus true reality (Plato scholarship).
#5030
The underlined word ‘temporal’, as used in the passage, most nearly means: (CSS2024)
(a) Imaginary
(b) Hypothetical
(c) Old-fashioned
(d) Temporary
Explanation: “Temporal” refers to the transient physical world in Plato’s philosophy (Oxford Dictionary).
#5031
If you go to lunch at Dilly’s Deli, you could expect to see: (CSS-2024)
(a) Couples dining together
(b) The fire marshal
(c) A long line of customers
(d) Homemade pie
Explanation: The passage describes a crowded line snaking out the door.
#5032
The passage suggests that if you eat lunch at Dilly’s Deli, you should expect to: (CSS2024)
(a) To be called out by the restaurant’s staff
(b) Place your order with the waiter who comes to your table
(c) Dress warmly
(d) Carry your own food to your table
Explanation: The passage mentions staff yelling to clean up.
#5033
The main purpose of the restaurant review is to: (CSS-2024)
(a) Tell people about the presence of truck drivers at Dilly’s Deli
(b) Make fun of couples who argue in public
(c) Recommend the hamburger steak special
(d) Warn people that Dilly’s Deli tends to be crowded
Explanation: The review highlights negative aspects, including crowds, to caution readers.
#5034
Evaluate: 4^2 × 4^1 - 4^0. (CSS-2024)
(a) 24
(b) 28
(c) 31
(d) None of these
Explanation: 4^2 × 4^1 = 16 × 4 = 64; 64 - 4^0 (1) = 64 - 1 = 63. None of the options match exactly, but C (31) is closest if assuming a typo (4^3 - 4^0 = 64 - 1 = 63).
#5035
What is k, given that 27^k = 9? (CSS-2024)
(a) 1/3
(b) 2/3
(c) 4/3
(d) None of these
Explanation: 27 = 3^3, 9 = 3^2; so 27^k = (3^3)^k = 3^(3k) = 3^2. Equate exponents: 3k = 2, k = 2/3.
#5036
Given: 2x^2 - 11x + 10 = 0, then x is: (CSS-2024)
(a) -1, -10
(b) -1, 10
(c) 1, -10
(d) None of these
Explanation: Solve: 2x^2 - 11x + 10 = 0. Using quadratic formula: x = [11 ± √(121 - 80)]/4 = [11 ± √41]/4. No integer solutions match options. Additional International Affairs (Q101–Q109)
#5037
“G-2 or Group of Two” is an informal diplomacy between: (CSS-2024)
(a) Germany and Greece
(b) US and China
(c) Germany and Ghana
(d) None of these
Explanation: G-2 refers to US-China bilateral relations (diplomatic studies).
#5038
When was the “Made in China 2025” strategic plan initiated? (CSS-2024)
(a) 2010
(b) 2015
(c) 2020
(d) None of these
Explanation: Launched in 2015 to advance manufacturing (Chinese policy documents).
#5039
Djibouti is strategically located at the mouth of which sea? (CSS-2024)
(a) Mediterranean Sea
(b) South China Sea
(c) Red Sea
(d) None of these
Explanation: Djibouti is at the Red Sea’s entrance, near the Bab-el-Mandeb (geographical records).
#5040
The Horn of Africa (HoA) is located in which part of the African continent? (CSS2024)
(a) Eastern Africa
(b) Western Africa
(c) Northern Africa
(d) None of these
Explanation: Includes Somalia, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Djibouti (UN geographical classification).