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.
#2621
Consider the following statements about the refinery project announced on March 11, 2026: 1. The project involves a partnership with India's Reliance Industries. 2. The facility is intended to be the first major oil refinery built in the United States in half a century. 3. The project is entirely funded by the US federal government. 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 partnership with Reliance and the historical context of the refinery construction. Statement 3 is incorrect because the project is a private investment initiative, not a federally funded government project. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980847/trump-touts-us-oil-refinery-deal-with-indias-energy-giant-reliance-industries, 11 Mar 2026]
#2622
In which city was the lawsuit filed by Anthropic against the United States government on March 10, 2026?
(a) San Francisco
(b) Washington
(c) New York
(d) Los Angeles
Explanation: The complaint was filed in federal court located in San Francisco. While Washington is the seat of the federal government and the Pentagon, the legal action itself was initiated in the Northern District of California. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980425/anthropic-takes-us-govt-to-court-over-security-risk-designation, 10 Mar 2026]
#2623
Consider the following statements about the conflict in Lebanon as of March 2026: 1. The Foreign Office condemned the military aggression as a contravention of international law. 2. The conflict has resulted in over 1,000 civilian deaths according to the World Health Organisation. 3. Pakistan has expressed solidarity with the people of Lebanon. 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 FO cited international law violations. Statement 2 is incorrect because the total number of deaths reported was 486, not over 1,000. Statement 3 is correct as Pakistan expressed solidarity with the brotherly people of Lebanon. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980557/fo-calls-on-international-community-to-take-urgent-action-to-end-israeli-aggression-in-lebanon, 10 Mar 2026]
#2624
Which of the following statements regarding the diplomatic situation on March 10, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) Pakistan expressed solidarity with Bahrain following recent attacks.
(b) The Foreign Office confirmed the call between the two Foreign Ministers.
(c) Bahraini leadership justified the attacks as a necessary defensive measure.
(d) The discussion included concerns over regional stability.
Explanation: The statement is incorrect because Bahrain's King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa explicitly stated that the attacks by Iran 'cannot be justified.' The other options accurately reflect the events described in the diplomatic report. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980499/in-phone-call-with-bahrains-fm-dar-reiterates-pakistans-call-for-de-escalation-in-iran-war, 10 Mar 2026]
#2625
Who is the current Foreign Minister of Bahrain who held a telephonic conversation with Ishaq Dar on March 10, 2026?
(a) Dr. Abdullatif Bin Rashid Al Zayani
(b) Sheikh Khalid bin Ahmed Al Khalifa
(c) Mohammed bin Mubarak Al Khalifa
(d) None of these
Explanation: Dr. Abdullatif Bin Rashid Al Zayani is the Foreign Minister of Bahrain who engaged in the diplomatic call with Ishaq Dar. The other names listed are former officials or not the current incumbent. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980499/in-phone-call-with-bahrains-fm-dar-reiterates-pakistans-call-for-de-escalation-in-iran-war, 10 Mar 2026]
#2626
What is the primary objective reiterated by Pakistan during the diplomatic call with Bahrain on March 10, 2026?
(a) De-escalation and dialogue
(b) Military intervention
(c) Economic sanctions
(d) None of these
Explanation: Pakistan's foreign policy stance, as articulated by the Foreign Minister, consistently emphasizes de-escalation and dialogue as the preferred mechanisms for resolving regional instability. The other options represent aggressive measures that contradict Pakistan's stated diplomatic position. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980499/in-phone-call-with-bahrains-fm-dar-reiterates-pakistans-call-for-de-escalation-in-iran-war, 10 Mar 2026]
#2627
Consider the following statements about the diplomatic developments reported on March 10, 2026: 1. The phone call between the Foreign Ministers focused on the need for regional stability. 2. Pakistan condemned the attacks on Bahraini infrastructure. 3. The conflict involves tensions between Iran and the United States/Israel. 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 call addressed regional stability, Pakistan reaffirmed solidarity (condemning the attacks), and the conflict is explicitly linked to the Iran-US/Israel escalation. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980499/in-phone-call-with-bahrains-fm-dar-reiterates-pakistans-call-for-de-escalation-in-iran-war, 10 Mar 2026]
#2628
Approximately how many Afghan resettlement approvals did the German interior ministry attempt to reverse in December 2025?
(a) More than 200
(b) More than 600
(c) More than 400
(d) More than 800
Explanation: The interior ministry reversed the approvals of more than 600 Afghans, labeling them as invalid. This figure represents the scale of the administrative action challenged in the court case. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018224/court-rules-against-berlin-in-afghan-resettlement-case, 25 Jul 2026]
#2629
Consider the following statements about the UNSC resolution adopted on March 11, 2026: 1. The resolution was adopted with 13 votes in favor. 2. Pakistan voted against the resolution due to its diplomatic ties with Tehran. 3. The resolution highlights the impact of attacks on maritime security in the 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 correct as 13 members voted in favor. Statement 2 is incorrect because Pakistan was a co-sponsor and voted in favor of the resolution. Statement 3 is correct as the resolution specifically highlights the adverse impact on maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981123/unsc-adopts-resolution-against-irans-attacks-on-gulf-nations-tehran-decries-blatant-misuse-of-security-council, 11 Mar 2026]
#2630
Consider the following statements about the Pentagon's policy on AI as of March 2026: 1. Anthropic was designated as a 'Supply-Chain Risk to National Security' by the Pentagon. 2. The Pentagon allowed an immediate, total cessation of all Anthropic technology usage without any transition period. 3. Claude remains the only frontier AI model currently operating on the Defence Department’s classified systems. 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 Anthropic was designated a security risk. Statement 2 is incorrect because the Pentagon allowed a six-month transition period for its own internal use. Statement 3 is correct as Claude is identified as the most widely deployed frontier model on classified systems. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980925/china-warns-us-ai-military-use-can-create-terminator-world, 11 Mar 2026]
#2631
Which of the following statements regarding the oil market situation on March 10, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) Brent futures experienced a decline of approximately 6.8 percent.
(b) Goldman Sachs immediately adjusted its fourth-quarter 2026 price forecast for Brent to $90 per barrel.
(c) US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude prices fell by approximately 6.8 percent.
(d) Volumes in Brent dropped to the lowest amount since February 27.
Explanation: Goldman Sachs explicitly stated it was not changing its oil price forecast for Brent at $66 per barrel for the fourth quarter of 2026, making the incorrect statement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980481/oil-sinks-7pc-as-trump-predicts-middle-east-de-escalation, 10 Mar 2026]
#2632
Which specific agency in Bahrain was responsible for the arrest of the six individuals on March 10, 2026?
(a) National Intelligence Agency
(b) Border Control Authority
(c) Public Security Force
(d) Anti-Cyber Crime Directorate
Explanation: The Bahraini interior ministry confirmed that the Anti-Cyber Crime Directorate conducted the arrests. This agency is tasked with monitoring digital platforms for content that threatens national security. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980603/bahrain-authorities-arrest-6-asians-including-5-pakistanis-for-allegedly-filming-sharing-videos-of-irans-attacks, 10 Mar 2026]
#2633
On March 10, 2026, by what approximate percentage did global oil prices fall following comments regarding Middle East de-escalation?
(a) 5 percent
(b) 9 percent
(c) 7 percent
(d) 11 percent
Explanation: Oil prices plummeted by approximately 7 percent on March 10, 2026, after reaching highs above $119 per barrel. This correction was driven by market optimism following US President Donald Trump's predictions regarding the conflict. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980481/oil-sinks-7pc-as-trump-predicts-middle-east-de-escalation, 10 Mar 2026]
#2634
Consider the following statements about the oil market developments on March 10, 2026: 1. US President Donald Trump suggested that the war in the Middle East could conclude in the near future. 2. The Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps threatened to block oil exports from the region if attacks continued. 3. The Kremlin reported that Vladimir Putin shared proposals aimed at a quick settlement to the war. 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: Trump predicted a short-lived war, the IRGC issued threats regarding oil exports, and the Kremlin confirmed Putin's diplomatic proposals. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980481/oil-sinks-7pc-as-trump-predicts-middle-east-de-escalation, 10 Mar 2026]
#2635
Consider the following statements about the security situation in Bahrain as of March 10, 2026: 1. The Bahraini interior ministry has warned that photographing vital facilities is considered an act of complicity in aggression. 2. The arrests were limited exclusively to Pakistani nationals. 3. The government has urged the public to rely solely on official sources for information during the ongoing regional conflict. 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 ministry explicitly warned against photographing vital sites. Statement 2 is incorrect because the group included a Bangladeshi national in addition to five Pakistanis. Statement 3 is correct as the ministry urged citizens to use official sources to avoid legal accountability. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980603/bahrain-authorities-arrest-6-asians-including-5-pakistanis-for-allegedly-filming-sharing-videos-of-irans-attacks, 10 Mar 2026]
#2636
Which of the following statements regarding the diplomatic communication from Pakistan to Iran in March 2026 is INCORRECT?
(a) Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to work closely with Iran.
(b) The Prime Minister offered condolences on the martyrdom of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
(c) The communication was sent to the former Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
(d) The Prime Minister expressed optimism for peace and stability in the region.
Explanation: The letter was addressed to the new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, not the former leader who had been assassinated. The other statements accurately reflect the content of the official correspondence. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980562/in-letter-to-mojtaba-khamenei-pm-shehbaz-reaffirms-commitment-to-continue-to-work-closely-with-iran, 10 Mar 2026]
#2637
Who was appointed as the new Supreme Leader of Iran by the Assembly of Experts in March 2026?
(a) Ebrahim Raisi
(b) Mojtaba Khamenei
(c) Hassan Rouhani
(d) Ali Khamenei
Explanation: Mojtaba Khamenei was named the new Supreme Leader following the assassination of his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The other options represent former leaders or figures who were not appointed to this specific position in 2026. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980562/in-letter-to-mojtaba-khamenei-pm-shehbaz-reaffirms-commitment-to-continue-to-work-closely-with-iran, 10 Mar 2026]
#2638
Consider the following statements about the diplomatic situation in March 2026: 1. The sinking of the IRIS Dena represents the first such US naval action since World War Two. 2. The Iranian diplomats in Colombo have requested the return of the remains of the 84 deceased sailors. 3. The IRIS Lavan was permitted to dock in Sri Lanka on humanitarian 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 correct as the US action was described as the first of its kind since World War Two. Statement 2 is correct as Iranian diplomats requested the remains. Statement 3 is incorrect because the IRIS Lavan docked in India, not Sri Lanka. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979691/sri-lanka-to-treat-iranian-sailors-according-to-international-law, 08 Mar 2026]
#2639
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]
#2640
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]