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.
#2261
Consider the following statements about the security situation in Lakki Marwat: 1. The March 10, 2026, attack was the first time a quadcopter was used in the district. 2. Local police identified the perpetrators as suspected terrorists. 3. Previous quadcopter strikes in the region have targeted public spaces like football grounds. 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 report mentions a previous quadcopter strike in the same district approximately one month prior. Statements 2 and 3 are factually accurate based on the provided information. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980622/5-children-injured-in-quadcopter-attack-in-kps-lakki-marwat-officials, 10 Mar 2026]
#2262
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]
#2263
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]
#2264
What was the total amount generated by the government through the 5G spectrum auction concluded on March 10, 2026?
(a) $480 million
(b) $507 million
(c) $700 million
(d) None of these
Explanation: The government successfully auctioned 480 megahertz of spectrum, which generated a total revenue of $507 million. Option A is incorrect as it confuses the megahertz quantity with the dollar value. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980473/faster-cheaper-better-480mhz-sold-for-507m-as-5g-spectrum-auction-concludes, 10 Mar 2026]
#2265
On March 25, 2026, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a telephonic conversation with which Saudi leader to discuss regional de-escalation?
(a) King Salman bin Abdulaziz
(b) Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman
(c) Prince Faisal bin Farhan
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Prime Minister's Office confirmed that the conversation took place with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to discuss the ongoing regional crisis. While King Salman is the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, the direct diplomatic coordination regarding the current hostilities was conducted with the Crown Prince. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1985161/pm-shehbaz-hails-saudi-arabias-restraint-stresses-urgent-need-for-de-escalation-of-ongoing-iran-war, 25 Mar 2026]
#2266
The US proposal sent to Iran in March 2026 consists of how many points?
(a) 15 points
(b) 10 points
(c) 5 points
(d) 20 points
Explanation: The US proposal, which covers demands regarding nuclear and missile programs and trade route control, is a 15-point document. The other options are incorrect numerical distractors. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1985991/rubio-says-war-on-iran-to-last-weeks-not-months-no-us-ground-troops-needed, 27 Mar 2026]
#2267
Consider the following statements about the US-Iran conflict as of March 2026: 1. The US has officially ruled out the use of any ground troops in the region. 2. Iran has publicly rejected the 15-point proposal presented by the US. 3. The US has extended a deadline for Iran to reopen the blockaded Strait of Hormuz. 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 while Rubio stated the US can achieve aims without ground troops, the US is still deploying Marines and airborne soldiers to the region. Statements 2 and 3 are factually accurate based on the reported events. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1985991/rubio-says-war-on-iran-to-last-weeks-not-months-no-us-ground-troops-needed, 27 Mar 2026]
#2268
Which port authority issued the statement regarding the arrival of fuel-laden tankers in March 2026?
(a) Karachi Port Trust
(b) Port Qasim Authority
(c) Gwadar Port Authority
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Port Qasim Authority (PQA) issued the official statement detailing the arrival and berthing schedules of tankers like Torm Damini and Nave Atropos. Karachi Port Trust is a separate entity and was not the source of this specific fuel supply update. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980592/4-fuel-laden-ships-reach-pakistan-amid-concerns-about-shortages-3-yet-to-berth, 10 Mar 2026]
#2269
Consider the following statements about the LPG supply situation in March 2026: 1. The vessel MD23 discharged 3,500 tonnes of LPG. 2. Navigator Atlantic discharged LPG brought from Oman. 3. Navigator Aries discharged LPG mix brought from Iraq.
(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 PQA report regarding LPG cargoes. MD23 discharged 3,500 tonnes, Navigator Atlantic brought supply from Oman, and Navigator Aries brought supply from Iraq. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980592/4-fuel-laden-ships-reach-pakistan-amid-concerns-about-shortages-3-yet-to-berth, 10 Mar 2026]
#2270
According to the statement by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on March 27, 2026, what is the projected duration of the military operation in the Gulf?
(a) Several years
(b) Weeks, not months
(c) Exactly six months
(d) None of these
Explanation: Rubio explicitly stated that the operation is expected to conclude in a matter of weeks rather than months. This reflects the US administration's current assessment of the conflict's timeline. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1985991/rubio-says-war-on-iran-to-last-weeks-not-months-no-us-ground-troops-needed, 27 Mar 2026]
#2271
Which of the following statements regarding the fuel supply situation in March 2026 is INCORRECT?
(a) The tanker Torm Damini offloaded 37,000 tonnes of diesel.
(b) The tanker Nave Atropos is carrying 50,000 tonnes of petrol.
(c) The tanker Sea Clipper is carrying 34,000 tonnes of petrol.
(d) The tanker Spruce 2 is carrying 65,000 tonnes of petrol.
Explanation: The tanker Spruce 2 is carrying 55,000 tonnes of petrol, not 65,000 tonnes. The other figures provided for Torm Damini, Nave Atropos, and Sea Clipper are factually accurate according to the PQA report. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980592/4-fuel-laden-ships-reach-pakistan-amid-concerns-about-shortages-3-yet-to-berth, 10 Mar 2026]
#2272
Which of the following statements regarding the US position at the UN Security Council in March 2026 is INCORRECT?
(a) The US questioned the utility of continued international funding for Afghanistan.
(b) The US criticized the Taliban for restricting female national staff from working at UN offices.
(c) The US announced an immediate increase in humanitarian aid to fill the $1 billion shortfall.
(d) The US Ambassador emphasized that the Taliban's intransigence complicates international engagement.
Explanation: The US did not announce an increase in aid; rather, it suggested that the international community would be more willing to fill the funding shortfall if the Taliban ceased excluding women from basic rights. Options A, B, and D accurately reflect the US stance presented at the UNSC. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980478/us-designates-afghanistan-state-sponsor-of-wrongful-detention, 10 Mar 2026]
#2273
Who accompanied Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif during his diplomatic visit to Saudi Arabia on March 12, 2026?
(a) Ishaq Dar and Asim Munir
(b) Bilawal Bhutto and Nadeem Anjum
(c) Ahsan Iqbal and Sahir Shamshad Mirza
(d) None of these
Explanation: The official delegation included Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir. This reflects the high-level security and diplomatic nature of the visit. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981279/in-restricted-meeting-with-saudi-crown-prince-pm-shehbaz-assures-him-of-pakistans-full-solidarity-support, 12 Mar 2026]
#2274
Which countries participated in the quadrilateral ministerial meeting held in Islamabad on March 29, 2026?
(a) Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Turkiye
(b) Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Iran, and Turkiye
(c) Pakistan, Egypt, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia
(d) None of these
Explanation: The quadrilateral meeting in Islamabad focused on the Middle East crisis and included the foreign ministers of Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Turkiye. Iran was a subject of the mediation efforts discussed, not a participant in the quadrilateral ministerial group. [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]
#2275
Consider the following statements about the diplomatic visit on March 12, 2026: 1. The visit was conducted at the invitation of the Saudi Crown Prince. 2. The discussions focused exclusively on bilateral trade agreements. 3. The Prime Minister expressed appreciation for the Kingdom's long-standing support to 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: The visit was indeed at the invitation of the Crown Prince, and the Prime Minister conveyed appreciation for the Kingdom's support. However, the discussions were focused on regional security and tensions, not exclusively on trade. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981279/in-restricted-meeting-with-saudi-crown-prince-pm-shehbaz-assures-him-of-pakistans-full-solidarity-support, 12 Mar 2026]
#2276
The government's petroleum and carbon levy was announced in June 2025 as part of a commitment to which international organization?
(a) World Bank
(b) Asian Development Bank
(c) World Trade Organization
(d) International Monetary Fund
Explanation: The petroleum and carbon levy was implemented under an agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The World Bank and ADB are common distractors in fiscal policy contexts but were not the primary parties to this specific levy agreement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017280/jamaat-i-islami-announces-nationwide-road-blockade-against-petroleum-levy, 21 Jul 2026]
#2277
The primary surplus achieved by Pakistan during the period of July 2025 to April 2026 was:
(a) 3.5 percent of GDP
(b) 3.0 percent of GDP
(c) 2.5 percent of GDP
(d) 4.0 percent of GDP
Explanation: Effective expenditure management and revenue mobilization efforts enabled the government to achieve a primary surplus of 3.5 percent of GDP during the Jul-Apr period of the 2026 fiscal year. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2011978/govt-expects-easing-inflationary-pressure-in-new-fiscal-year-following-reopening-of-strait-of-hormuz, 30 Jun 2026]
#2278
According to the Ministry of Finance, the current account recorded a surplus of how much during the period of July 2025 to May 2026?
(a) 155 million dollars
(b) 255 million dollars
(c) 355 million dollars
(d) None of these
Explanation: The external sector remained stable, with the current account recording a surplus of 255 million dollars during the Jul-May period of the 2026 fiscal year, supported by remittances and IT exports. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2011978/govt-expects-easing-inflationary-pressure-in-new-fiscal-year-following-reopening-of-strait-of-hormuz, 30 Jun 2026]
#2279
Consider the following statements about the IMF-Pakistan economic program: 1. The staff-level agreement for the current disbursement was reached on March 27, 2026. 2. The primary surplus target for the FY26 budget is set at 1.6 percent. 3. The IMF program aims to ensure inflation remains within the State Bank of Pakistan's target range. 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 provided information regarding the staff-level agreement date, the fiscal primary surplus target, and the inflation objectives set by the IMF and the State Bank of Pakistan. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1995256/imf-executive-board-to-meet-on-may-8-to-approve-disbursement-of-over-12bn-to-pakistan, 26 Apr 2026]
#2280
Consider the following statements about the military actions conducted during Operation Ghazab lil-Haq: 1. Pakistan targeted Afghan military installations in Kabul and Nangarhar on the night of March 16, 2026. 2. The operation targeted drone storage and technical support infrastructure used for attacks against Pakistan. 3. The government claimed that civilian populations were the primary target of the precision engagements. 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 align with the official report of the strikes on March 16. Statement 3 is incorrect because the government explicitly stated that no civilian population or infrastructure was targeted. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1983439/pakistan-announces-temporary-pause-in-operation-ghazab-lil-haq-against-afghan-taliban, 18 Mar 2026]