March 2025 Edition
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March 2025 Current Affairs MCQs & Solutions
Top national & international current affairs questions for CSS, PMS, FPSC, PPSC, and NTS screening tests.
#1981
India's domestic defence production reached a record high of how much in the financial year ended March 2025?
(a) $10.09 billion
(b) $16.09 billion
(c) $12.09 billion
(d) $20.09 billion
Explanation: India's domestic defence production hit a record high of $16.09 billion in the financial year ending March 2025. This figure highlights the success of the government's push for local manufacturing. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2003481/india-seeks-proposals-for-5th-generation-combat-jets-ani, 27 May 2026]
#1982
The 20 billion dollars worth of goods subject to the new tariffs represent approximately what percentage of total US imports from Canada in 2025?
(a) 5.2 percent
(b) 8.4 percent
(c) 12.1 percent
(d) 15.5 percent
Explanation: According to US Census Bureau data, the 20 billion dollars in affected goods accounts for roughly 5.2 percent of the 382 billion dollars in total imports from Canada during 2025. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017209/us-imposes-new-50pc-tariffs-on-20bn-worth-of-canadian-products, 21 Jul 2026]
#1983
Consider the following statements about the US-Pakistan trade negotiations as of July 2026: 1. Pakistan successfully negotiated a reduction in the initial IEEPA-based tariff from 29 per cent to 19 per cent in 2025. 2. The temporary global tariff of 10 per cent imposed under Section 122 is scheduled to expire on July 24, 2026. 3. India is currently facing a lower proposed tariff under Section 301 than Pakistan. 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 2025 tariff reduction. Statement 2 is correct as the Section 122 tariff has a 150-day statutory limit expiring on July 24, 2026. Statement 3 is incorrect because India faces a 12.5% tariff, which is higher than Pakistan's 10%. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016679/finance-minister-aurangzeb-arrives-in-us-on-3-day-visit-expected-to-hold-talks-on-trade-finance-investment, 19 Jul 2026]
#1984
Which geopolitical conflict was cited as a potential cause for supply chain disruptions affecting edible oil imports in March 2026?
(a) Russia-Ukraine conflict
(b) Israel-Palestine conflict
(c) US-Iran conflict
(d) China-Taiwan tensions
Explanation: The PVMA identified the US-Iran conflict as the primary source of regional geopolitical tension impacting maritime supply routes. While other conflicts exist, this specific event was the focus of the industry's supply chain assessment. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980381/no-shortage-of-edible-oil-pvma, 10 Mar 2026]
#1985
What was the policy interest rate maintained by the State Bank of Pakistan as of March 10, 2026?
(a) 8.5 percent
(b) 9.5 percent
(c) 10.5 percent
(d) 11.5 percent
Explanation: The State Bank of Pakistan's monetary policy committee decided to keep the interest rate at 10.5 percent in March 2026. This rate was maintained despite calls from the business community for a reduction to support industrial growth. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980387/high-interest-rate-to-hit-economy-in-war-times-warn-businesses, 10 Mar 2026]
#1986
Which of the following is NOT identified as a potential economic impact of the Middle East conflict on Pakistan in the March 2026 report?
(a) Increased energy costs
(b) Immediate collapse of the banking sector
(c) Strain on remittance inflows
(d) Pressure on the exchange rate
Explanation: The report warns of inflation, import costs, and remittance strain, but it does not predict an immediate collapse of the banking sector. The other options are explicitly mentioned as risks to the external sector. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979649/external-sector-faces-instability-amid-middle-east-crisis, 08 Mar 2026]
#1987
According to the Planning Commission's March 2026 report, what percentage of Pakistan's total imports are accounted for by petroleum products?
(a) Nearly 10 percent
(b) Nearly 25 percent
(c) Nearly 40 percent
(d) None of these
Explanation: The report specifies that petroleum products constitute nearly one-quarter, or 25 percent, of Pakistan's total import bill. This high dependency makes the country particularly susceptible to global oil price volatility. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979649/external-sector-faces-instability-amid-middle-east-crisis, 08 Mar 2026]
#1988
Consider the following statements regarding the economic concerns raised by business leaders in March 2026: 1. Business leaders argued that high interest rates discourage capital investment and modernization. 2. The SBP acknowledged a decline in exports alongside an increase in imports as a sign of slowing economic activity. 3. The business community unanimously agreed that the 10.5 percent interest rate was the optimal level for economic 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: Statements 1 and 2 are correct as they reflect the concerns regarding investment and the SBP's own assessment of trade data. Statement 3 is incorrect because the business community expressed disappointment and advocated for a rate reduction, showing a lack of consensus on the optimality of the 10.5 percent rate. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980387/high-interest-rate-to-hit-economy-in-war-times-warn-businesses, 10 Mar 2026]
#1989
Which of the following statements regarding the edible oil supply situation in March 2026 is INCORRECT?
(a) The PVMA claims that domestic stocks are sufficient for two months.
(b) The government has imposed a total ban on all edible oil imports.
(c) Local manufacturers currently possess ample supplies of raw materials.
(d) Ongoing import consignments are currently in transit to Pakistan.
Explanation: The statement regarding a total ban on imports is false, as the industry is actively receiving and expecting new consignments to maintain market stability. The other three statements accurately reflect the information provided by the PVMA. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980381/no-shortage-of-edible-oil-pvma, 10 Mar 2026]
#1990
Consider the following statements about the LNG supply situation in 2026: 1. The Power Division requested 400 million mmcfd of LNG to mitigate summer loadshedding. 2. PLL successfully imported eight cargoes in March 2026 to stabilize the market. 3. The basket RLNG price in March 2026 was based on only two cargoes. 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 Power Division requested 400 million mmcfd. Statement 3 is correct as the basket price was based on only two cargoes in March. Statement 2 is incorrect because imports were significantly lower than eight cargoes due to force majeure. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1998447/pakistan-turns-down-two-lowest-evaluated-lng-bids, 07 May 2026]
#1991
Consider the following statements about the impact of rising fuel costs in March 2026: 1. Jet fuel accounts for 30-40% of airline operating expenses. 2. Domestic and international airfares have increased by 30-40% due to fuel costs. 3. The government has decided to permanently abolish the petroleum levy to provide relief to consumers. 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 government has actually protected its petroleum levy targets despite the subsidies provided. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1985067/govt-may-have-to-unfreeze-fuel-prices-amid-global-surge, 25 Mar 2026]
#1992
Consider the following statements about the energy crisis discussed in the March 2026 hearing: 1. The Strait of Hormuz historically accounts for 20 percent of global LNG and a quarter of seaborne oil. 2. The CPPA Chief stated that LNG-based plants can easily be run on domestic gas diverted from older fields. 3. Providing electricity from the national grid to K-Electric is described as beneficial for overall consumer costs.
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) All three
Explanation: Statement 2 is false because the CPPA chief explicitly stated that LNG-based plants cannot be run on domestic gas through diversion from older plants. Statements 1 and 3 are factually accurate based on the provided text. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1987262/lng-supplies-under-force-majeure-not-available-for-power-generation-say-officials, 31 Mar 2026]
#1993
On March 14, 2026, which US President claimed that multiple countries would deploy warships to maintain the openness of the Strait of Hormuz?
(a) Joe Biden
(b) Donald Trump
(c) Barack Obama
(d) None of these
Explanation: Donald Trump made the statement regarding the deployment of international warships to the Strait of Hormuz on March 14, 2026. The other listed individuals were not the serving US President on that date. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1982096/trump-claims-many-countries-will-send-warships-to-keep-strait-of-hormuz-open, 14 Mar 2026]
#1994
Which regulatory body conducted the public hearing regarding the unavailability of LNG supplies on March 31, 2026?
(a) National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA)
(b) Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA)
(c) Private Power and Infrastructure Board (PPIB)
(d) None of these
Explanation: The hearing regarding the fuel supply situation and power generation constraints was held by the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA). [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1987262/lng-supplies-under-force-majeure-not-available-for-power-generation-say-officials, 31 Mar 2026]
#1995
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]
#1996
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]
#1997
Consider the following statements about the energy crisis in South Asia as of March 11, 2026: 1. India is the world's fourth-largest buyer of liquefied natural gas (LNG). 2. Bangladesh has deployed police to patrol filling stations to maintain order. 3. The restaurant industry in India is predominantly dependent on commercial LPG for operations. 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. India's status as a major LNG buyer, the deployment of police in Bangladesh, and the reliance of the Indian restaurant sector on commercial LPG are all confirmed details. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980784/troops-guard-bangladesh-depots-after-oil-riots, 11 Mar 2026]
#1998
Consider the following statements about the energy market developments as of March 11, 2026: 1. The IEA's proposed oil release is intended to offset disruptions caused by the US-Israeli conflict with Iran. 2. Goldman Sachs analysts estimated that the proposed stockpile release would offset 12 days of Gulf export disruptions. 3. US crude prices reached their highest level since June 2022 on Monday, March 9, 2026. 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: the IEA is responding to the Iran conflict, Goldman Sachs provided the 12-day offset estimate, and WTI crude prices hit their highest point since June 2022 on the preceding Monday. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980857/oil-falls-on-report-of-iea-proposing-biggest-oil-release-ever, 11 Mar 2026]
#1999
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]
#2000
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]