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.
#2061
Who is the new Supreme Leader of Iran as of March 2026?
(a) Ali Khamenei
(b) Mojtaba Khamenei
(c) Hassan Rouhani
(d) Ebrahim Raisi
Explanation: Mojtaba Khamenei was named the new Supreme Leader of Iran following the death of his father, Ali Khamenei. Ali Khamenei is the former leader, while the other names are not current holders of this position. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1984191/trump-says-considering-winding-down-iran-war-but-rules-out-ceasefire, 21 Mar 2026]
#2062
Consider the following statements about the fuel price situation as of March 20, 2026: 1. The government has already implemented a price hike of Rs 55 per litre earlier in the month. 2. The most recent recommendation rejected by the PM included a Rs 177 per litre increase for high-speed diesel. 3. The government is funding the subsidies through new international loans. 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 Prime Minister's address. Statement 3 is incorrect because the government explicitly stated it is funding the subsidies through savings and cuts in development expenditure, not through new loans. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1984122/pm-shehbaz-rejects-recommendations-for-further-hike-in-petrol-diesel-prices, 20 Mar 2026]
#2063
Who currently serves as the Federal Minister for Petroleum in Pakistan as of March 21, 2026?
(a) Ishaq Dar
(b) Ali Pervaiz Malik
(c) Attaullah Tarar
(d) None of these
Explanation: Ali Pervaiz Malik is the Petroleum Minister who addressed the press conference regarding energy scarcity on March 21, 2026. Ishaq Dar serves as the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, while Attaullah Tarar is the Information Minister. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1984252/scarcity-of-energy-pm-shehbaz-urges-nation-govt-to-display-responsible-attitude, 21 Mar 2026]
#2064
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]
#2065
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]
#2066
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]
#2067
Consider the following statements about the Indian bond market and macroeconomic indicators as of July 24, 2026: 1. The 10-year U.S. Treasury yield reached its highest level since January 2025. 2. Brent crude prices briefly exceeded $100 per barrel for the first time in two months. 3. The probability of a Federal Reserve rate hike in September was estimated at 30%. 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. Statement 3 is incorrect because the probability of a Federal Reserve rate hike in September was reported at 80%, while the probability for July was 30%. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431650/india-bonds-end-three-day-losing-streak-but-post-second-straight-weekly-decline, 24 Jul 2026]
#2068
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]
#2069
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]
#2070
Which of the following statements regarding the KSE-100 market session on March 11, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The index experienced an intraday high of 158,624.51 points.
(b) The index began the session with a sharp rebound.
(c) The index closed lower compared to the previous session.
(d) The index maintained its early gains throughout the entire trading day.
Explanation: The index did not maintain its gains; the report states that the momentum faded and the index largely erased its early gains by 1pm. Options A, B, and D are factually accurate descriptions of the session. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980849/kse-100-ends-lower-after-early-rally-loses-steam, 11 Mar 2026]
#2071
Which company led the trading volume on the Pakistan Stock Exchange on March 11, 2026?
(a) K-Electric Limited
(b) Cnergyico PK Limited
(c) The Bank of Punjab
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Bank of Punjab led the trading activity with a volume of 37,706,784 shares. K-Electric and Cnergyico followed with lower trading volumes. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980849/kse-100-ends-lower-after-early-rally-loses-steam, 11 Mar 2026]
#2072
By what percentage did the KSE-100 index decline during the trading session on March 11, 2026?
(a) 2.53 per cent
(b) 0.2 per cent
(c) 3.10 per cent
(d) 2.02 per cent
Explanation: The KSE-100 index shed 318.65 points, which corresponds to a 0.2 per cent decline. The other percentages refer to the individual stock performance of The Bank of Punjab, K-Electric, and Cnergyico. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980849/kse-100-ends-lower-after-early-rally-loses-steam, 11 Mar 2026]
#2073
On March 11, 2026, the KSE-100 index closed at which of the following levels?
(a) 156,177.12 points
(b) 158,624.51 points
(c) 155,858.47 points
(d) 155,652.35 points
Explanation: The KSE-100 index closed at 155,858.47 points after shedding 318.65 points. represents the previous day's closing, while C and D represent the intraday high and low, respectively. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980849/kse-100-ends-lower-after-early-rally-loses-steam, 11 Mar 2026]
#2074
Consider the following statements about the market performance on March 11, 2026: 1. The KSE-100 index shed 318.65 points during the session. 2. Global crude oil prices plunged by approximately 15 per cent. 3. The Bank of Punjab experienced a decline in its share price. 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 and 2 are correct based on the report. Statement 3 is incorrect because The Bank of Punjab rose by 2.53 per cent, it did not decline. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980849/kse-100-ends-lower-after-early-rally-loses-steam, 11 Mar 2026]
#2075
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]
#2076
Which of the following statements regarding the events of March 10, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) Brent crude oil prices experienced significant volatility during the day.
(b) Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed the Iranian conflict with US President Donald Trump.
(c) Iranian security officials expressed skepticism regarding the restoration of security in the Strait of Hormuz.
(d) The United States officially declared the war in the Middle East to be permanently concluded.
Explanation: President Trump predicted the war could be over soon, but he did not declare it permanently concluded. The other statements accurately reflect the reported events of that date. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980416/oil-prices-go-haywire-as-iran-welcomes-new-supreme-leader, 10 Mar 2026]
#2077
Following the price revision on March 7, 2026, the Petroleum Development Levy (PDL) on high-speed diesel was adjusted to which of the following rates?
(a) Rs57 per litre
(b) Rs77 per litre
(c) Rs105 per litre
(d) None of these
Explanation: The government reduced the levy on high-speed diesel to Rs57 per litre from Rs77 per litre to mitigate the impact of the price hike. Rs105 per litre represents the new levy rate for petrol, not diesel. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979341/petrol-bomb-falls-on-pakistan-amid-war, 07 Mar 2026]
#2078
Which official announced the record-breaking fuel price hike during the press conference held on March 7, 2026?
(a) Ali Pervaiz Malik
(b) Ishaq Dar
(c) Muhammad Aurangzeb
(d) Shehbaz Sharif
Explanation: Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik announced the price hike during the press conference. While Ishaq Dar and Muhammad Aurangzeb were present, the announcement was delivered by the Petroleum Minister. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979341/petrol-bomb-falls-on-pakistan-amid-war, 07 Mar 2026]
#2079
Which of the following measures was NOT implemented by the government in response to the fuel crisis announced on March 7, 2026?
(a) Weekly review of petroleum prices
(b) Implementation of a work-from-home policy
(c) Crackdown on hoarding of petroleum products
(d) Adjustment of the Petroleum Development Levy
Explanation: The government explicitly decided to shelve the proposed fuel conservation plan, which included work-from-home and distance learning measures. The other three options were active policy decisions taken by the government. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979341/petrol-bomb-falls-on-pakistan-amid-war, 07 Mar 2026]
#2080
Consider the following statements regarding the fuel price situation in March 2026: 1. The government decided to maintain normal activities for at least one week instead of implementing conservation measures. 2. International Brent crude prices were reported to be approaching the $100 per barrel psychological barrier. 3. The government increased the Petroleum Development Levy on high-speed diesel to offset the price hike. 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 government deferred conservation plans. Statement 2 is correct as Brent crude was nearing the $100 mark. Statement 3 is incorrect because the levy on high-speed diesel was actually reduced, not increased. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979341/petrol-bomb-falls-on-pakistan-amid-war, 07 Mar 2026]