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.
#2601
Consider the following statements about the diplomatic developments in Islamabad on March 29, 2026: 1. The meeting focused on the ongoing Middle East conflict and its regional impact. 2. The foreign ministers reaffirmed their commitment to the principles of the United Nations Charter. 3. Pakistan announced it would unilaterally mediate the conflict without the support of other regional partners. 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 the meeting addressed the regional crisis and emphasized the UN Charter. Statement 3 is incorrect because Pakistan sought and received the full support of the visiting foreign ministers for its mediation initiative. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1986541/iran-us-have-expressed-confidence-in-pakistan-to-facilitate-talks-will-be-honoured-to-host-dialogue-in-coming-days-fm-dar, 29 Mar 2026]
#2602
The ongoing conflict between the United States and Iran, as referenced in the March 2026 reports, escalated significantly following military strikes that began on:
(a) January 28, 2026
(b) February 28, 2026
(c) March 15, 2026
(d) February 15, 2026
Explanation: The conflict intensified following US and Israeli strikes on Iran that commenced on February 28, 2026. This date marks the beginning of the current phase of hostilities mentioned in the report. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1984912/pakistan-stands-ready-honoured-to-host-us-iran-talks-says-pm-shehbaz, 24 Mar 2026]
#2603
Consider the following statements about the diplomatic efforts of Pakistan in March 2026: 1. Pakistan is actively attempting to bring the United States and Iran to the negotiating table. 2. The quadrilateral meeting in Islamabad focused exclusively on bilateral trade agreements. 3. The Prime Minister emphasized the need for unity among Islamic countries to address the regional crisis. 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 Pakistan is mediating between the US and Iran. Statement 2 is incorrect because the meeting focused on the Middle East crisis and regional stability, not bilateral trade. Statement 3 is correct as the Prime Minister stressed the importance of unity within the Muslim Ummah. [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]
#2604
The temporary US waiver issued in March 2026 was intended to facilitate the sale of which specific commodity to India?
(a) Natural gas
(b) Refined petroleum products
(c) Russian oil stranded at sea
(d) None of these
Explanation: The US waiver was specifically designed to allow Russian oil that was stranded at sea to be sold to India. This was a temporary measure in response to the broader energy market disruptions. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979646/new-delhi-continues-importing-russian-oil, 08 Mar 2026]
#2605
Who served as the co-chairs for the symposium held on Capitol Hill on March 24, 2026?
(a) Tom Suozzi and Jack Bergman
(b) Paul Kapur and Natalie Baker
(c) Rizwan Saeed Sheikh and Donald Trump
(d) None of these
Explanation: Congressmen Tom Suozzi and Jack Bergman chaired the four-hour session. Paul Kapur and Natalie Baker were speakers or contributors, not the chairs of the event. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1985157/pakistans-mediation-offer-reflects-growing-diplomatic-confidence-capitol-hill-symposium-told, 25 Mar 2026]
#2606
Which of the following is NOT a primary focus of the backchannel discussions between the involved parties as of March 2026?
(a) De-escalation of military hostilities
(b) Reopening of the Strait of Hormuz
(c) Parameters for a broader end to the war
(d) Immediate integration of Iran into the G20
Explanation: The backchannel discussions focused on de-escalation, the Strait of Hormuz, and ending the war. Integration into the G20 is not a subject of these specific diplomatic negotiations. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1984912/pakistan-stands-ready-honoured-to-host-us-iran-talks-says-pm-shehbaz, 24 Mar 2026]
#2607
Consider the following statements about the diplomatic developments in March 2026: 1. Pakistan officially offered to host talks between the US and Iran. 2. The US President publicly acknowledged productive conversations with Tehran. 3. Direct contact between Washington and Tehran has been confirmed by the Iranian Foreign Ministry. 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 PM Shehbaz offered to host talks and President Trump confirmed productive conversations. Statement 3 is incorrect because the report explicitly states that no direct contact occurred between Washington and Tehran. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1984912/pakistan-stands-ready-honoured-to-host-us-iran-talks-says-pm-shehbaz, 24 Mar 2026]
#2608
Which three countries are actively engaged in back-channel diplomacy to mediate between the United States and Iran as of March 2026?
(a) Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar
(b) Pakistan, Egypt, and Turkiye
(c) Pakistan, Jordan, and Oman
(d) None of these
Explanation: Pakistan, Egypt, and Turkiye are identified as the primary mediators working to bridge the gap between the US and Iran. Other regional players like Saudi Arabia or Qatar are not mentioned as part of this specific tripartite diplomatic conduit. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1984640/pakistan-egypt-turkiye-engaged-in-back-channel-diplomacy-for-us-iran-de-escalation-sources, 23 Mar 2026]
#2609
Who is the current Supreme Leader of Iran as of March 20, 2026?
(a) Ali Khamenei
(b) Mojtaba Khamenei
(c) Ebrahim Raisi
(d) None of these
Explanation: Mojtaba Khamenei assumed the position of Supreme Leader following the assassination of his father, Ali Khamenei, on February 28, 2026. Ali Khamenei is the deceased predecessor, not the current leader. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1984126/supreme-leader-mojtaba-denies-irans-role-in-attacks-in-oman-turkiye-dubs-them-false-flag-tactic, 20 Mar 2026]
#2610
Which of the following statements regarding the US intelligence assessment of March 2026 is INCORRECT?
(a) The assessment identified Russia as a nation developing advanced missile delivery systems.
(b) The assessment predicted a decrease in global missile threats by the year 2035.
(c) The assessment claimed Pakistan's missile development could potentially include ICBMs.
(d) The assessment included North Korea among the nations posing a missile threat to the US.
Explanation: The assessment actually predicted a sharp rise in missile threats, estimating that threats to the US homeland will expand to more than 16,000 missiles by 2035. Therefore, the claim that threats will decrease is false. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1983677/fo-rejects-us-intelligence-chiefs-claims-about-pakistan-missile-threat, 19 Mar 2026]
#2611
Consider the following statements about the diplomatic exchange on March 19, 2026: 1. The Pakistan Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Hussain Andrabi rejected the US intelligence claims. 2. Former Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jil Abbas Jilani supported the US intelligence assessment regarding Pakistan's missile range. 3. The US intelligence report suggested that nations are seeking to understand US missile defense plans to shape their own development.
(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 FO spokesperson rejected the claims. Statement 2 is incorrect because Jalil Abbas Jilani explicitly dismissed the US assertion as not grounded in strategic reality. Statement 3 is correct as the DNI noted that identified nations seek to understand US defense plans to assess US intentions. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1983677/fo-rejects-us-intelligence-chiefs-claims-about-pakistan-missile-threat, 19 Mar 2026]
#2612
Who is the current Director of National Intelligence (DNI) of the United States as of March 19, 2026?
(a) William Burns
(b) Tulsi Gabbard
(c) Avril Haines
(d) None of these
Explanation: Tulsi Gabbard is the Director of National Intelligence who presented the 2026 Annual Threat Assessment to the US Senate Intelligence Committee. William Burns is the Director of the CIA, making him an incorrect choice. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1983677/fo-rejects-us-intelligence-chiefs-claims-about-pakistan-missile-threat, 19 Mar 2026]
#2613
What is the approximate range of missile capabilities attributed to India by the Pakistani Foreign Office in the March 2026 statement?
(a) Over 5,000 kilometers
(b) Over 8,000 kilometers
(c) Over 15,000 kilometers
(d) Over 12,000 kilometers
Explanation: The FO spokesperson explicitly mentioned that India's development of missile capabilities exceeds 12,000 kilometers. This figure is cited to contrast India's reach with Pakistan's defensive, regional-focused program. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1983677/fo-rejects-us-intelligence-chiefs-claims-about-pakistan-missile-threat, 19 Mar 2026]
#2614
Consider the following statements about the US-China summit in May 2026: 1. This visit marks the first time a US president has visited China in nearly ten years. 2. President Trump initially delayed the visit from March due to the war in the Middle East. 3. The US delegation includes the Secretary of State and the Secretary of Defence. 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. The visit is the first in nearly a decade, the delay was caused by the Middle East conflict, and both the Secretary of State (Marco Rubio) and Secretary of Defence (Pete Hegseth) were confirmed to be on the flight. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1999895/trump-arrives-in-beijing-for-high-stakes-meeting-with-chinese-president-xi, 13 May 2026]
#2615
Consider the following statements about the US-Saudi nuclear cooperation agreement: 1. The agreement includes provisions for bilateral safeguards. 2. The deal is subject to review by the US Congress. 3. The agreement was signed in 2025 to coincide with the mutual defence pact. 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 the deal includes bilateral safeguards and requires Congressional review. Statement 3 is incorrect because the nuclear agreement was signed in 2026, whereas the mutual defence pact mentioned in the text was signed in 2025. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017738/us-announces-civilian-nuclear-deal-with-saudi-arabia-says-it-includes-non-proliferation-safeguards, 23 Jul 2026]
#2616
In which specific location near the White House did the security breach occur on March 11, 2026?
(a) Lafayette Square
(b) National Mall
(c) Capitol Hill
(d) None of these
Explanation: The security breach involving the van occurred at Lafayette Square, which is situated directly north of the White House. The other locations listed are prominent landmarks in Washington, D.C., but were not the site of this specific incident. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980968/white-house-area-shut-down-after-van-breaches-security-barricade, 11 Mar 2026]
#2617
What was the primary outcome for the driver involved in the White House security breach on March 11, 2026?
(a) The driver escaped the scene
(b) The driver was taken into custody
(c) The driver was hospitalized for injuries
(d) The driver was released immediately
Explanation: Following the breach of the security barricade, the driver was apprehended by law enforcement and taken into custody for questioning. There were no reported injuries to the driver or others at the scene. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980968/white-house-area-shut-down-after-van-breaches-security-barricade, 11 Mar 2026]
#2618
The security incident at the White House on March 11, 2026, occurred during which time of day?
(a) Midnight
(b) Late evening
(c) Morning rush hour
(d) Afternoon peak hours
Explanation: The incident took place during the morning rush hour, which resulted in significant traffic congestion in downtown Washington, D.C. The timing necessitated a temporary shutdown of the surrounding area. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980968/white-house-area-shut-down-after-van-breaches-security-barricade, 11 Mar 2026]
#2619
Which of the following statements regarding the security incident on March 11, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The incident resulted in multiple reported injuries.
(b) A van breached a security barricade near the White House.
(c) A police bomb squad cleared the vehicle.
(d) The area was temporarily shut down by authorities.
Explanation: The statement regarding injuries is incorrect because authorities confirmed there were no reported injuries following the incident. The other three statements accurately describe the events that occurred on that date. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980968/white-house-area-shut-down-after-van-breaches-security-barricade, 11 Mar 2026]
#2620
Which of the following statements regarding the refinery project announced on March 11, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The project is located at the Port of Brownsville.
(b) The refinery is designed to process imported crude oil from the Middle East.
(c) Reliance Industries is involved as a partner in the project.
(d) The project is framed as a major investment in US energy infrastructure.
Explanation: The refinery is designed to process 100 per cent American shale oil, not imported crude from the Middle East. Therefore, statement C is factually incorrect. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980847/trump-touts-us-oil-refinery-deal-with-indias-energy-giant-reliance-industries, 11 Mar 2026]