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.
#1741
Consider the following statements about the diplomatic developments in Islamabad on March 29, 2026: 1. The meeting focused on the ongoing Middle East conflict and its regional impact. 2. The foreign ministers reaffirmed their commitment to the principles of the United Nations Charter. 3. Pakistan announced it would unilaterally mediate the conflict without the support of other regional partners. 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 meeting addressed the regional crisis and emphasized the UN Charter. Statement 3 is incorrect because Pakistan sought and received the full support of the visiting foreign ministers for its mediation initiative. [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]
#1742
Which of the following is NOT a primary focus area mentioned in the March 2026 high-level meetings regarding national strategy?
(a) Institutional harmony
(b) Constitutional amendment drafting
(c) Energy supply pressures
(d) Regional security environment
Explanation: The meetings focused on national security, economic challenges, energy costs, and regional stability. Constitutional amendment drafting was not a stated agenda item for these specific consultative meetings. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1986837/president-zardari-pm-shehbaz-review-regional-situation-implications-for-pakistan, 30 Mar 2026]
#1743
Consider the following statements regarding the diplomatic status of the conflict as of March 25, 2026: 1. Iran has officially accepted the 15-point US peace plan. 2. The White House claims that negotiations with Iran are currently productive. 3. Iran maintains that no negotiations will occur until its five conditions are met. 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 incorrect because Iran rejected the US proposal. Statements 2 and 3 are correct as they reflect the conflicting official positions of the White House and the Iranian government respectively. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1985253/iran-rejects-us-proposal-lays-out-5-conditions-for-ending-war, 25 Mar 2026]
#1744
Consider the following statements about the March 2026 high-level meetings: 1. The leadership emphasized the need for a coordinated national strategy and institutional harmony. 2. The Prime Minister repeatedly rejected proposals to increase oil prices to provide relief to the public. 3. The meeting was briefed on the upcoming diplomatic visit of the Foreign Minister to Washington. 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 stated policy of austerity and price management. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Foreign Minister's upcoming visit mentioned in the report was to Beijing, not Washington. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1986837/president-zardari-pm-shehbaz-review-regional-situation-implications-for-pakistan, 30 Mar 2026]
#1745
Who currently serves as the Director General (DG) of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) as per the March 2026 reports?
(a) Ishaq Dar
(b) Asim Munir
(c) Mohsin Naqvi
(d) Asim Malik
Explanation: Asim Malik is identified as the Director General of the ISI in the official reports of the meeting. Asim Munir is the Chief of Army Staff, while Mohsin Naqvi and Ishaq Dar hold ministerial portfolios. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1986837/president-zardari-pm-shehbaz-review-regional-situation-implications-for-pakistan, 30 Mar 2026]
#1746
The ongoing conflict between the United States and Iran, as referenced in the March 2026 reports, escalated significantly following military strikes that began on:
(a) January 28, 2026
(b) February 28, 2026
(c) March 15, 2026
(d) February 15, 2026
Explanation: The conflict intensified following US and Israeli strikes on Iran that commenced on February 28, 2026. This date marks the beginning of the current phase of hostilities mentioned in the report. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1984912/pakistan-stands-ready-honoured-to-host-us-iran-talks-says-pm-shehbaz, 24 Mar 2026]
#1747
Which official holds the dual portfolio of Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister in the current administration as of March 2026?
(a) Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari
(b) Mohsin Naqvi
(c) Ishaq Dar
(d) Asim Malik
Explanation: Ishaq Dar is identified as the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister. Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari is the PPP Chairperson, and Mohsin Naqvi is the Interior Minister. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1986837/president-zardari-pm-shehbaz-review-regional-situation-implications-for-pakistan, 30 Mar 2026]
#1748
In March 2026, the federal government held an expanded consultative meeting at Aiwan-i-Sadr that included representatives from which of the following?
(a) The Supreme Court of Pakistan
(b) The Election Commission of Pakistan
(c) Azad Jammu and Kashmir
(d) None of these
Explanation: The expanded consultative meeting at Aiwan-i-Sadr included the leadership of all provinces, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Azad Jammu and Kashmir. The judiciary and the Election Commission were not listed as participants in this executive-led consultative forum. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1986837/president-zardari-pm-shehbaz-review-regional-situation-implications-for-pakistan, 30 Mar 2026]
#1749
Which of the following statements regarding the diplomatic efforts in March 2026 is INCORRECT?
(a) Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a phone call with the Iranian President to discuss peace talks.
(b) Islamabad hosted foreign ministers from Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, and Egypt for regional discussions.
(c) The mediation process is being conducted exclusively by Pakistan without any external regional support.
(d) The United States President shared Deputy Prime Minister Dar's statement on the Truth Social platform.
Explanation: The statement is incorrect because Pakistan is explicitly working in collaboration with Ankara and Cairo to mediate the conflict. The other three options accurately reflect the diplomatic events described. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1986336/dpm-dar-says-iran-has-allowed-20-more-ships-under-pakistan-flag-to-cross-strait-of-hormuz, 28 Mar 2026]
#1750
Consider the following statements about the diplomatic efforts of Pakistan in March 2026: 1. Pakistan is actively attempting to bring the United States and Iran to the negotiating table. 2. The quadrilateral meeting in Islamabad focused exclusively on bilateral trade agreements. 3. The Prime Minister emphasized the need for unity among Islamic countries to address the regional 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 is correct as Pakistan is mediating between the US and Iran. Statement 2 is incorrect because the meeting focused on the Middle East crisis and regional stability, not bilateral trade. Statement 3 is correct as the Prime Minister stressed the importance of unity within the Muslim Ummah. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1986574/pm-shehbaz-commends-kingdoms-remarkable-restraint-in-meeting-with-saudi-fm-assures-him-of-pakistans-full-support, 29 Mar 2026]
#1751
Which of the following statements regarding the diplomatic outreach by Pakistan in March 2026 is INCORRECT?
(a) The Prime Minister expressed solidarity with the Iranian people.
(b) The Prime Minister officially declared war on the United States.
(c) The Prime Minister offered condolences for the loss of lives.
(d) The Prime Minister advocated for a return to dialogue and diplomacy.
Explanation: Pakistan maintained a stance of facilitating peace and de-escalation, not declaring war. The other three statements accurately reflect the content of the Prime Minister's official communication. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1984609/in-phone-call-with-pezeshkian-pm-stresses-urgent-need-for-collective-efforts-for-de-escalation-in-mideast, 23 Mar 2026]
#1752
On March 23, 2026, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a telephone conversation with which Iranian leader to discuss regional de-escalation?
(a) Ebrahim Raisi
(b) Masoud Pezeshkian
(c) Ali Khamenei
(d) None of these
Explanation: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif spoke with President Masoud Pezeshkian on March 23, 2026, to address the ongoing hostilities in the Middle East. Ebrahim Raisi is a former president, and Ali Khamenei was the supreme leader who passed away during the conflict. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1984609/in-phone-call-with-pezeshkian-pm-stresses-urgent-need-for-collective-efforts-for-de-escalation-in-mideast, 23 Mar 2026]
#1753
Which of the following is NOT a primary focus of the backchannel discussions between the involved parties as of March 2026?
(a) De-escalation of military hostilities
(b) Reopening of the Strait of Hormuz
(c) Parameters for a broader end to the war
(d) Immediate integration of Iran into the G20
Explanation: The backchannel discussions focused on de-escalation, the Strait of Hormuz, and ending the war. Integration into the G20 is not a subject of these specific diplomatic negotiations. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1984912/pakistan-stands-ready-honoured-to-host-us-iran-talks-says-pm-shehbaz, 24 Mar 2026]
#1754
Consider the following statements about the diplomatic situation in March 2026: 1. The conflict resulted in strained relations between Iran and various Gulf nations. 2. Iran has accepted responsibility for all retaliatory attacks targeting US bases in the region. 3. Pakistan has committed to playing a constructive role in facilitating regional peace. 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 2 is incorrect because Iran denies having a role in some of the attacks, despite accepting responsibility for others. Statements 1 and 3 are factually accurate based on the diplomatic context provided. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1984609/in-phone-call-with-pezeshkian-pm-stresses-urgent-need-for-collective-efforts-for-de-escalation-in-mideast, 23 Mar 2026]
#1755
Consider the following statements about the diplomatic developments in March 2026: 1. Pakistan officially offered to host talks between the US and Iran. 2. The US President publicly acknowledged productive conversations with Tehran. 3. Direct contact between Washington and Tehran has been confirmed by the Iranian Foreign Ministry. 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 PM Shehbaz offered to host talks and President Trump confirmed productive conversations. Statement 3 is incorrect because the report explicitly states that no direct contact occurred between Washington and Tehran. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1984912/pakistan-stands-ready-honoured-to-host-us-iran-talks-says-pm-shehbaz, 24 Mar 2026]
#1756
Who served as the Information Minister of Pakistan during the announcement of the temporary pause in March 2026?
(a) Shibli Faraz
(b) Marriyum Aurangzeb
(c) Fawad Chaudhry
(d) Attaullah Tarar
Explanation: Attaullah Tarar, as the Information Minister, officially announced the temporary pause in Operation Ghazab lil-Haq on March 18, 2026. The other individuals listed are former information ministers. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1984967/clerics-from-pakistan-afghanistan-appeal-to-authorities-to-extend-pause-in-fighting-till-eidul-azha, 24 Mar 2026]
#1757
On March 20, 2026, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a telephone conversation regarding regional de-escalation with the President of which country?
(a) Kazakhstan
(b) Azerbaijan
(c) Turkmenistan
(d) None of these
Explanation: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif spoke with President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan to discuss the hostilities in the Gulf region and exchange Eidul Fitr greetings. Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan were not mentioned as participants in these specific diplomatic calls. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1984038/calls-for-de-escalation-in-middle-east-as-pm-shehbaz-speaks-to-several-world-leaders, 20 Mar 2026]
#1758
Which three countries are actively engaged in back-channel diplomacy to mediate between the United States and Iran as of March 2026?
(a) Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar
(b) Pakistan, Egypt, and Turkiye
(c) Pakistan, Jordan, and Oman
(d) None of these
Explanation: Pakistan, Egypt, and Turkiye are identified as the primary mediators working to bridge the gap between the US and Iran. Other regional players like Saudi Arabia or Qatar are not mentioned as part of this specific tripartite diplomatic conduit. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1984640/pakistan-egypt-turkiye-engaged-in-back-channel-diplomacy-for-us-iran-de-escalation-sources, 23 Mar 2026]
#1759
Who received Field Marshal Asim Munir upon his arrival in the region on March 21, 2026?
(a) Rawalpindi Corps Commander
(b) Peshawar Corps Commander
(c) Quetta Corps Commander
(d) Lahore Corps Commander
Explanation: The Peshawar Corps Commander is responsible for the security of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa region and officially received the Army Chief upon his arrival. Other corps commanders oversee different geographical jurisdictions. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1984256/terrorists-operating-from-afghanistan-wont-be-allowed-to-undermine-pakistans-security-cdf-munir, 21 Mar 2026]
#1760
Consider the following statements about the security situation as of March 21, 2026: 1. The military leadership has expressed that sanctuaries across the border in Afghanistan pose a threat to Pakistan's security. 2. The Army Chief attributed operational successes to the sacrifices of the nation's martyrs. 3. The government has officially declared that all border security operations have been permanently concluded. 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 ISPR statement. Statement 3 is incorrect because the military continues to maintain a posture of vigilance and active defense against cross-border threats, rather than concluding operations. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1984256/terrorists-operating-from-afghanistan-wont-be-allowed-to-undermine-pakistans-security-cdf-munir, 21 Mar 2026]