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.
#2101
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]
#2102
Who confirmed the death of the fisherman to the media on March 8, 2026?
(a) Naqibullah Kakar
(b) Attaur Rehman
(c) Bilal Yaseen
(d) None of these
Explanation: Gwadar Deputy Commissioner Naqibullah Kakar officially confirmed the incident to the press. While District Police Officer Attaur Rehman also provided details, the primary confirmation of the event came from the Deputy Commissioner. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979820/gwadar-fisherman-killed-by-debris-from-israeli-projectile-in-iran-waters, 08 Mar 2026]
#2103
Which of the following statements regarding the incident on March 8, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The victim was a resident of a town in the Gwadar district.
(b) The debris that struck the boat originated from a US-made missile.
(c) The projectile was intercepted by Iranian air defense systems.
(d) The incident occurred in Iranian territorial waters.
Explanation: The debris was identified as originating from an Israeli projectile, not a US-made missile. The other statements accurately reflect the facts reported regarding the victim's origin, the interception mechanism, and the location of the incident. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979820/gwadar-fisherman-killed-by-debris-from-israeli-projectile-in-iran-waters, 08 Mar 2026]
#2104
Consider the following statements about the regional security context on March 8, 2026: 1. Iran has been conducting retaliatory strikes in Gulf countries targeting US assets. 2. The incident involved a projectile intercepted over the Sistan-Baluchistan province. 3. The victim was killed by a direct strike from an Iranian air defense missile. 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 has been targeting US assets in the region. Statement 2 is correct regarding the location of the interception. Statement 3 is incorrect because the victim was killed by falling debris from an intercepted projectile, not by a direct strike from an Iranian missile. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979820/gwadar-fisherman-killed-by-debris-from-israeli-projectile-in-iran-waters, 08 Mar 2026]
#2105
Which of the following statements regarding the drone incident on March 14, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The drones were described by the ISPR as rudimentary.
(b) The Pakistan Airports Authority denied that Islamabad's airspace was closed.
(c) The drones successfully hit their intended military targets.
(d) The state refers to the TTP as Fitna al-Khawarij.
Explanation: The ISPR explicitly stated that the drones failed to reach their intended targets and were intercepted by security forces. Therefore, the claim that they successfully hit military targets is false. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981957/rudimentary-drones-launched-by-afghan-taliban-injure-4-failed-to-reach-targets-ispr, 14 Mar 2026]
#2106
Consider the following statements about the events of March 14, 2026: 1. The drone attacks resulted in injuries to civilians in Quetta, Kohat, and Rawalpindi. 2. The Pakistan Airports Authority confirmed that Islamabad International Airport was permanently closed due to the security threat. 3. President Asif Ali Zardari condemned the drone attacks as an attempt to target civilian areas. 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 locations of the injuries. Statement 3 is correct as the President condemned the targeting of civilians. Statement 2 is incorrect because the Pakistan Airports Authority clarified that reports of the airport's closure were baseless. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981957/rudimentary-drones-launched-by-afghan-taliban-injure-4-failed-to-reach-targets-ispr, 14 Mar 2026]
#2107
Which of the following statements regarding the regional response to the March 2026 security situation is INCORRECT?
(a) Kuwait arrested three individuals for mocking the situation in the country via video.
(b) Qatar permitted the circulation of all social media footage to ensure transparency during the conflict.
(c) Saudi Arabia issued official warnings regarding the sharing of sensitive images and unreliable information.
(d) The UAE attorney general warned against documenting incident sites or damage caused by projectiles.
Explanation: Statement D is incorrect because Qatar actively arrested individuals for sharing footage and misleading information, rather than permitting it. The other three statements accurately reflect the actions taken by the respective Gulf nations. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980165/qatar-arrests-313-people-for-sharing-footage-misleading-information-amid-attacks-by-iran, 09 Mar 2026]
#2108
What is the percentage reduction in fuel allotted for official vehicles as announced by the Sindh government in March 2026?
(a) 20 percent
(b) 30 percent
(c) 50 percent
(d) 60 percent
Explanation: The provincial government mandated a 50 percent reduction in fuel allocations for official vehicles to save approximately Rs960 million. This is distinct from the 20 percent reduction applied to other non-essential expenditures like stationery. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980528/sindh-schools-to-close-from-march-16-31-friday-to-be-wfh-for-govt-offices-as-part-of-austerity-measures, 10 Mar 2026]
#2109
Which of the following is NOT a component of the austerity measures announced by the Sindh government in March 2026?
(a) Immediate privatization of all provincial government departments
(b) Ban on holding Iftar parties on government expenditure
(c) Reduction of fuel for official vehicles by 50 percent
(d) Restriction of official foreign travel to Economy Class
Explanation: The government did not announce the privatization of departments; rather, it focused on cutting operational costs such as travel, fuel, and event expenses. The other three options are verified components of the announced austerity package. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980528/sindh-schools-to-close-from-march-16-31-friday-to-be-wfh-for-govt-offices-as-part-of-austerity-measures, 10 Mar 2026]
#2110
Which specific department within the Qatari interior ministry was responsible for the arrests made on March 9, 2026?
(a) Department for Combating Economic and Cyber Crimes
(b) Directorate of National Intelligence and Security
(c) Bureau of Public Order and Strategic Communication
(d) None of these
Explanation: The arrests were conducted by the Department for Combating Economic and Cyber Crimes, which operates under the General Directorate of Criminal Investigations. The other options are incorrect organizational titles. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980165/qatar-arrests-313-people-for-sharing-footage-misleading-information-amid-attacks-by-iran, 09 Mar 2026]
#2111
Consider the following statements about the austerity measures announced by the Sindh government in March 2026: 1. Colleges and universities are directed to switch to online classes during the vacation period. 2. The government has imposed a complete ban on the purchase of all new vehicles, including ambulances. 3. Security protocols are being withdrawn from individuals who were utilizing them unnecessarily, such as former caretaker ministers. 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 higher education institutions are moving to online classes. Statement 3 is correct regarding the withdrawal of unnecessary security. Statement 2 is incorrect because the ban on new vehicles includes an exception for necessary items such as ambulances and law and order vehicles. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980528/sindh-schools-to-close-from-march-16-31-friday-to-be-wfh-for-govt-offices-as-part-of-austerity-measures, 10 Mar 2026]
#2112
What was the name of the Pakistani fisherman who lost his life in the incident on March 9, 2026?
(a) Muhammad Tayyab
(b) Naqibullah Kakar
(c) Attaur Rehman
(d) None of these
Explanation: Muhammad Tayyab was the fisherman from Gannz, Gwadar, who was killed by debris. Naqibullah Kakar and Attaur Rehman are the officials who confirmed the details of the incident. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40410710/iran-waters-gwadar-fisherman-killed-by-debris-from-israeli-projectile, 09 Mar 2026]
#2113
Consider the following statements about the incident involving the Gwadar fisherman: 1. The incident took place on March 7, 2026. 2. The projectile was identified by officials as being of Israeli origin. 3. The victim's body was transported back to his native town via sea. 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 the incident occurred on Saturday, March 7, 2026, but the report was published on March 9, 2026. Statements 2 and 3 are factually correct as per the official confirmation provided by the Gwadar Deputy Commissioner. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40410710/iran-waters-gwadar-fisherman-killed-by-debris-from-israeli-projectile, 09 Mar 2026]
#2114
On March 13, 2026, which technology was primarily utilized by Pakistani security forces to neutralize the two drones near Rawalpindi?
(a) Surface-to-air missiles
(b) Electronic countermeasures
(c) Anti-aircraft artillery
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Ministry of Information confirmed that the drones were brought down using electronic countermeasures. This technology is specifically designed to disrupt the control signals of unmanned aerial vehicles without requiring kinetic interception. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981736/2-rudimentary-drones-intercepted-brought-down-at-different-locations-adjacent-to-pindi-security-sources, 13 Mar 2026]
#2115
Which of the following statements regarding the drone incident on March 13, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The incident resulted in significant damage to military infrastructure at Faizabad.
(b) The drones were successfully brought down by security forces.
(c) The airspace was temporarily closed as a precautionary measure.
(d) Electronic countermeasures were employed to neutralize the threat.
Explanation: The Ministry of Information explicitly stated that no military or other infrastructure was hit, dismissing claims of damage or casualties as propaganda. Therefore, the statement claiming significant damage is incorrect. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981736/2-rudimentary-drones-intercepted-brought-down-at-different-locations-adjacent-to-pindi-security-sources, 13 Mar 2026]
#2116
Which authority issued a clarification regarding the status of flight operations at Islamabad International Airport on March 13, 2026?
(a) Civil Aviation Authority
(b) Pakistan Airports Authority
(c) Ministry of Defence
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) issued statements to clarify that flight operations were continuing without interruption, countering rumors of an airport closure. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981736/2-rudimentary-drones-intercepted-brought-down-at-different-locations-adjacent-to-pindi-security-sources, 13 Mar 2026]
#2117
Consider the following statements about the drone interception incident on March 13, 2026: 1. The drones were identified as rudimentary in nature. 2. The Afghan defence ministry claimed that a military center was targeted at Faizabad. 3. The Pakistan Airports Authority confirmed that flight operations were suspended for 24 hours due to the security threat. 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 accurate based on the reports. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Pakistan Airports Authority explicitly denied that flight operations were closed, stating they continued without interruption. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981736/2-rudimentary-drones-intercepted-brought-down-at-different-locations-adjacent-to-pindi-security-sources, 13 Mar 2026]
#2118
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]
#2119
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]
#2120
Which international agreement did India unilaterally suspend following the Pahalgam attack in 2025?
(a) Simla Agreement
(b) Tashkent Declaration
(c) Lahore Declaration
(d) Indus Waters Treaty
Explanation: India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty as part of its aggressive measures against Pakistan. The other agreements listed are historical diplomatic frameworks that were not the primary target of this specific suspension. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1994381/pakistan-rejects-indian-propaganda-on-pahalgam-attack-deplores-weaponisation-of-false-narrative, 23 Apr 2026]