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.
#2161
Consider the following statements regarding the government's fiscal policy announced on March 27, 2026: 1. The government reduced the development budget by Rs 100 billion to accommodate fuel subsidies. 2. The current market price of petrol in Pakistan is higher than the international market rate. 3. The Prime Minister urged citizens to adopt austerity measures in their daily travel habits.
(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 budget cut. Statement 2 is incorrect because the government is subsidizing the price, meaning the domestic price is significantly lower than the international market rate. Statement 3 is correct as the Prime Minister explicitly requested citizens to reconsider travel necessity. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1985954/pm-shehbaz-again-rejects-increase-in-petrol-diesel-prices, 27 Mar 2026]
#2162
Consider the following statements about the 2026 Israel-Lebanon ceasefire: 1. The conflict between the two nations escalated significantly on March 2, 2026. 2. The ceasefire agreement includes provisions to prevent non-state armed groups from conducting hostile activities. 3. This ceasefire marks the first time in 34 years that representatives from Israel and Lebanon have met in Washington, D.C. for such talks. 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 correct based on the provided information. The conflict escalation date, the security provisions regarding non-state actors, and the historical context of the Washington meetings are all verified details of the 2026 diplomatic event. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1992354/10-day-ceasefire-between-israel-lebanon-takes-effect, 16 Apr 2026]
#2163
Consider the following statements about the consultative meeting held on March 27, 2026: 1. The meeting aimed to transition from untargeted subsidies to a digital, app-based quota system. 2. Provincial governments were requested to share the additional costs of higher international petroleum prices. 3. The Petroleum Division reported that the current fuel supply situation in the country is unstable. 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 policy shift toward targeted subsidies and the federal request for provincial cost-sharing. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Petroleum Division reported that the supply situation remained stable and adequate. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1985900/centre-provinces-agree-on-rolling-out-app-based-fuel-quota-system-for-motorcycles-rickshaws, 27 Mar 2026]
#2164
How many pilgrims performed Umrah in 2025 according to the Saudi General Authority for Statistics?
(a) 23 million
(b) 33 million
(c) 53 million
(d) 43 million
Explanation: Official statistics from the Saudi General Authority for Statistics recorded nearly 43 million pilgrims for the year 2025. This figure highlights the significant scale of religious tourism in the Kingdom. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017249/saudi-govt-launches-multiple-entry-umrah-visa-with-one-year-validity, 21 Jul 2026]
#2165
Who presided over the high-level consultative meeting regarding the petroleum products situation on March 27, 2026?
(a) Mir Shoaib Nosherwani
(b) Ali Pervaiz Malik
(c) Shaza Fatima Khawaja
(d) Muhammad Aurangzeb
Explanation: Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb chaired the meeting. While other ministers like Ali Pervaiz Malik and Shaza Fatima Khawaja were present, they did not preside over the session. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1985900/centre-provinces-agree-on-rolling-out-app-based-fuel-quota-system-for-motorcycles-rickshaws, 27 Mar 2026]
#2166
Brent crude futures fell to approximately what price per barrel on March 11, 2026, following the market's reaction to de-escalation hopes?
(a) 105.60 dollars
(b) 92.45 dollars
(c) 84.73 dollars
(d) 119.00 dollars
Explanation: Brent futures dropped to $84.73 per barrel on March 11, 2026, representing a sharp decline from the session highs observed earlier in the week. The other values represent either higher price points or incorrect benchmarks. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980727/oil-plunges-15pc-amid-hopes-of-de-escalation, 11 Mar 2026]
#2167
All of the following factors contributed to the volatility of oil prices in March 2026 EXCEPT:
(a) Supply cuts by Saudi Arabia and other producers
(b) A permanent global transition to renewable energy sources
(c) Concerns regarding disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz
(d) Diplomatic proposals aimed at a settlement to the war
Explanation: The market volatility in March 2026 was driven by immediate geopolitical tensions and supply chain concerns, not by a long-term transition to renewable energy. The other three options are direct factors that influenced the price fluctuations described. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980727/oil-plunges-15pc-amid-hopes-of-de-escalation, 11 Mar 2026]
#2168
Consider the following statements about the security situation addressed on March 10, 2026: 1. Pakistan claims that terrorist groups are using Afghanistan as a sanctuary. 2. India has been accused of stoking terrorism inside Pakistan from Afghan soil. 3. The Pakistani representative stated that the spillover effects of terrorism will remain confined to the border regions. 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 official Pakistani position. Statement 3 is incorrect because the representative explicitly warned that the spillover effects would not remain confined to Pakistan, but would impact the broader region. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40410948/pakistans-ct-operations-focused-on-neutralising-cross-border-threats-from-afghan-soil, 10 Mar 2026]
#2169
In March 2026, which US official stated that the American military had facilitated a shipment of oil to maintain global energy stability?
(a) Secretary of Energy
(b) Secretary of Defense
(c) Secretary of State
(d) Secretary of Treasury
Explanation: US Energy Secretary Chris Wright publicly confirmed that the American military facilitated oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz. This action was intended to reassure markets regarding the continuity of energy supplies. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980727/oil-plunges-15pc-amid-hopes-of-de-escalation, 11 Mar 2026]
#2170
On March 11, 2026, by what approximate percentage did global oil prices plunge following reports of potential de-escalation in the conflict with Iran?
(a) 5 percent
(b) 10 percent
(c) 20 percent
(d) 15 percent
Explanation: Oil prices experienced a significant correction of approximately 15 percent on March 11, 2026, as markets reacted to diplomatic signals suggesting a potential end to the conflict. This followed a period of extreme volatility where prices had previously surged to levels not seen since 2022. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980727/oil-plunges-15pc-amid-hopes-of-de-escalation, 11 Mar 2026]
#2171
What was the new price of kerosene per litre following the government notification issued on March 7, 2026?
(a) Rs188.73
(b) Rs318.81
(c) Rs288.50
(d) Rs350.25
Explanation: The Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority issued a notification increasing the price of kerosene by Rs130.08, bringing the total to Rs318.81 per litre. Rs188.73 was the previous price effective from March 1, 2026. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979534/govt-hikes-kerosene-price-by-rs130-to-rs31881-per-litre, 07 Mar 2026]
#2172
Consider the following statements regarding the global oil market situation in March 2026: 1. Crude benchmarks had surged to their highest levels since 2022 prior to the price plunge. 2. The US administration expressed concerns that high energy prices could negatively impact consumer sentiment before midterm elections. 3. Market analysts suggested that the initial price surge was an overreaction to the upside, while the subsequent plunge was an overreaction to the downside. 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 market conditions and expert commentary provided in the report. The surge to 2022 levels, the political sensitivity of energy prices, and the assessment of market overreaction are all verified components of the event. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980727/oil-plunges-15pc-amid-hopes-of-de-escalation, 11 Mar 2026]
#2173
What is the primary reason cited for the anticipated disruptions in the supply chain of petroleum products in March 2026?
(a) Domestic refinery maintenance
(b) Middle East crisis
(c) Port congestion at Karachi
(d) Pipeline sabotage
Explanation: The notification explicitly links the anticipated disruptions to the Middle East crisis and the resulting logistical challenges in the Strait of Hormuz. Other options like refinery maintenance or port congestion are not the stated causes for this specific policy shift. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979478/kp-finance-dept-orders-adoption-of-fuel-conservation-measures-due-to-anticipated-disruptions, 07 Mar 2026]
#2174
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]
#2175
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]
#2176
Which provincial government department issued the directive for fuel conservation measures on March 7, 2026?
(a) Planning and Development Department
(b) Finance Department
(c) Local Government Department
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Finance Department issued the notification on March 7, 2026, to ensure the judicious use of petroleum products. Other departments like Planning or Local Government were not the primary issuers of this specific austerity directive. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979478/kp-finance-dept-orders-adoption-of-fuel-conservation-measures-due-to-anticipated-disruptions, 07 Mar 2026]
#2177
Consider the following statements regarding the fuel conservation measures issued in March 2026: 1. The directive applies to all offices working under the KP Finance Department. 2. The Prime Minister has directed the finance and petroleum ministers to coordinate with provinces for a conservation strategy. 3. The fuel conservation measures were implemented because the government has no petroleum reserves left. 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 scope of the provincial directive and the federal government's coordination efforts. Statement 3 is incorrect because the government explicitly assured the nation that petroleum reserves were sufficient. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979478/kp-finance-dept-orders-adoption-of-fuel-conservation-measures-due-to-anticipated-disruptions, 07 Mar 2026]
#2178
Who is the current Petroleum Minister of Pakistan as of March 2026?
(a) Muhammad Aurangzeb
(b) Ali Pervaiz Malik
(c) Murad Ali Shah
(d) None of these
Explanation: Ali Pervaiz Malik is the Petroleum Minister who briefed provincial leadership on fuel reserves. Muhammad Aurangzeb is the Finance Minister, and Murad Ali Shah is the Chief Minister of Sindh. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979807/three-petrol-shipments-expected-on-monday-petroleum-minister, 08 Mar 2026]
#2179
Consider the following statements about the fuel management strategy discussed in March 2026: 1. The government is developing a joint dashboard to monitor fuel reserves across provinces. 2. The Punjab Enforcement and Regulatory Authority has been tasked with monitoring the fuel supply situation. 3. The government has successfully secured a permanent exemption from the petroleum levy from the IMF. 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 administrative measures taken to monitor reserves and enforce regulations. Statement 3 is incorrect because the government is only planning to request relief, not that it has already secured a permanent exemption. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979807/three-petrol-shipments-expected-on-monday-petroleum-minister, 08 Mar 2026]
#2180
The government decided in principle to implement which of the following for petroleum prices effective from March 8, 2026?
(a) Monthly revisions
(b) Quarterly revisions
(c) Weekly revisions
(d) Annual revisions
Explanation: To better manage the volatility of international oil prices, the government decided to shift to weekly revisions of petroleum prices. This allows for more frequent adjustments in line with global market fluctuations. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979860/pm-shehbaz-to-announce-austerity-plan-tomorrow-amid-global-fuel-crisis, 08 Mar 2026]