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.
#2741
As of March 8, 2026, what is the primary operational status of Qatar Airways?
(a) Partial resumption for evacuation and cargo only
(b) Complete cessation of all flight activities
(c) Full resumption of all international routes
(d) Resumption of all flights to South Asian destinations
Explanation: The Qatar Civil Aviation Authority clarified that while limited navigational routes are open, these are restricted to passenger evacuation and air cargo, explicitly excluding scheduled commercial flights. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979639/mideast-airlines-begin-cautious-flight-resumption-amid-regional-tensions, 08 Mar 2026]
#2742
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]
#2743
On March 9, 2026, the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) maintained the key policy rate at which of the following levels?
(a) 8.5 percent
(b) 12.5 percent
(c) 10.5 percent
(d) 14.5 percent
Explanation: The SBP Monetary Policy Committee announced on March 9, 2026, that the policy rate would remain unchanged at 10.5 percent. This decision was made to maintain price stability amidst global economic uncertainty. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980133/sbp-maintains-policy-rate-at-105pc, 09 Mar 2026]
#2744
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]
#2745
Consider the following statements about the conflict escalation on March 8, 2026: 1. The United Nations Special Coordinator for Lebanon warned that military actions will not deliver a lasting win. 2. Approximately 300,000 people have been displaced due to evacuation orders. 3. Israel has claimed territorial sovereignty over parts of the Bekaa Valley. 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 correct based on the reports of displacement and UN statements. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Israeli Defence Minister explicitly stated that Israel has no territorial claims against Lebanon. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979644/israel-pounds-beirut-warns-lebanon-of-heavy-price, 08 Mar 2026]
#2746
On March 8, 2026, Israeli forces conducted a rare airborne operation in which region of Lebanon?
(a) Bekaa Valley
(b) Tyre District
(c) Sidon Governorate
(d) None of these
Explanation: Israeli helicopters dropped troops near the town of Nabi Chit, which is located in the eastern Bekaa Valley. This operation was specifically aimed at searching for the remains of a missing Israeli airforce navigator. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979644/israel-pounds-beirut-warns-lebanon-of-heavy-price, 08 Mar 2026]
#2747
According to the SBP statement released on March 9, 2026, what was the inflation rate recorded in February 2026?
(a) 5.8 percent
(b) 7.0 percent
(c) 8.2 percent
(d) None of these
Explanation: The SBP reported that inflation rose to 5.8 percent in January and 7 percent in February 2026. Option D is incorrect because 7 percent is explicitly mentioned as the February figure. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980133/sbp-maintains-policy-rate-at-105pc, 09 Mar 2026]
#2748
The Israeli military operation in the Bekaa Valley on March 8, 2026, was officially stated to be a search for the remains of which individual?
(a) Jonathan Pollard
(b) Eli Cohen
(c) Gilad Shalit
(d) Ron Arad
Explanation: The Israeli military stated the operation was intended to recover the remains of Ron Arad, an airforce navigator who has been missing in Lebanon since 1986. The other individuals listed are historical figures not involved in this specific search operation. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979644/israel-pounds-beirut-warns-lebanon-of-heavy-price, 08 Mar 2026]
#2749
Which of the following statements regarding the regional aviation situation on March 8, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) Saudia initiated a partial resumption of flights connecting Riyadh and Jeddah with Dubai.
(b) Oman Air suspended flights to destinations including Amman, Doha, and Baghdad.
(c) Qatar Airways resumed all scheduled commercial flights to and from Doha.
(d) Bahrain International Airport confirmed that its airspace remained temporarily closed.
Explanation: Statement D is incorrect because Qatar Airways specifically excluded scheduled commercial flights from its partial resumption of air navigation. The other three statements accurately reflect the operational status of those respective airlines and airports. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979639/mideast-airlines-begin-cautious-flight-resumption-amid-regional-tensions, 08 Mar 2026]
#2750
Which airline resumed a limited commercial flight schedule from March 6, 2026, following safety assessments?
(a) Oman Air
(b) SalamAir
(c) Gulf Air
(d) Etihad Airways
Explanation: Etihad Airways, based in Abu Dhabi, officially announced the resumption of limited commercial operations on March 6, 2026. Other carriers like Oman Air and SalamAir have instead focused on extending flight cancellations during this period. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979639/mideast-airlines-begin-cautious-flight-resumption-amid-regional-tensions, 08 Mar 2026]
#2751
Which organization announced a precautionary reduction in crude oil production on March 7, 2026?
(a) Saudi Aramco
(b) Kuwait Petroleum Corporation
(c) QatarEnergy
(d) None of these
Explanation: Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC) officially announced the production cut as a risk management strategy amid regional tensions. Saudi Aramco and QatarEnergy are distinct national entities not involved in this specific announcement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979510/kuwaits-national-oil-company-cuts-production-as-precaution-amid-iran-tensions, 07 Mar 2026]
#2752
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]
#2753
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]
#2754
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]
#2755
Consider the following statements about the energy situation in the Middle East as of March 2026: 1. Kuwait Petroleum Corporation has permanently ceased all oil exports due to the conflict. 2. The Strait of Hormuz is identified as a critical point of concern for the safe passage of ships. 3. Qatar has declared force majeure on its gas exports.
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) All three
Explanation: Statement 1 is false because the reduction is described as a 'precautionary' measure subject to review, not a permanent cessation. Statements 2 and 3 are factually accurate based on the reported events. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979510/kuwaits-national-oil-company-cuts-production-as-precaution-amid-iran-tensions, 07 Mar 2026]
#2756
Consider the following statements about the aviation disruptions in March 2026: 1. The disruptions were primarily caused by technical failures in regional air traffic control systems. 2. Dubai International Airport and Al Maktoum International Airport were among the facilities that reopened. 3. Pakistan's flight schedules to the Middle East experienced a mix of cancellations and operational flights. 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 false because the disruptions were linked to regional geopolitical tensions and airspace closures, not technical failures. Statements 2 and 3 are factually accurate based on the reported status of UAE airports and the impact on Pakistani flight connectivity. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979639/mideast-airlines-begin-cautious-flight-resumption-amid-regional-tensions, 08 Mar 2026]
#2757
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]
#2758
Who was appointed as the new Supreme Leader of Iran on March 12, 2026?
(a) Ali Khamenei
(b) Mojtaba Khamenei
(c) Ebrahim Raisi
(d) None of these
Explanation: Mojtaba Khamenei succeeded his father as the Supreme Leader of Iran. Ali Khamenei is the predecessor, and Ebrahim Raisi is not the current successor. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981360/in-first-remarks-irans-new-supreme-leader-vows-to-avenge-martyrs-keep-strait-of-hormuz-closed, 12 Mar 2026]
#2759
Where were two tankers reported to be ablaze following attacks by suspected explosive-laden boats on March 12, 2026?
(a) Port of Bandar Abbas
(b) Port of Jebel Ali
(c) Port of Basra
(d) Port of Chabahar
Explanation: Reports confirmed that two tankers were hit and set ablaze in an Iraqi port, specifically identified as the Port of Basra. The other ports are located in Iran or the UAE. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981360/in-first-remarks-irans-new-supreme-leader-vows-to-avenge-martyrs-keep-strait-of-hormuz-closed, 12 Mar 2026]
#2760
Under the Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement signed in September 2025, how are attacks on Pakistan or Saudi Arabia to be treated?
(a) As a violation of the UN Charter only
(b) As a matter for the Arab League to resolve
(c) As an act of aggression against both nations
(d) As a localized conflict requiring neutral mediation
Explanation: The 2025 agreement establishes a framework where an attack on one signatory is considered an act of aggression against the other, reinforcing the deep security ties between Islamabad and Riyadh. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017517/islamabad-condemns-houthis-threats-to-riyadh-warns-against-targeting-pakistani-maritime-interests, 22 Jul 2026]