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.
#2841
Consider the following statements regarding the austerity measures reviewed on March 14, 2026: 1. The government has imposed a complete ban on foreign visits for ministers and special assistants. 2. Savings generated from austerity measures are designated exclusively for public relief. 3. The government decided to increase the fuel allotment for official vehicles to ensure mobility during the 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 and 2 are correct as they reflect the official policy of banning foreign travel and using savings for public welfare. Statement 3 is incorrect because the government actually mandated a 50% cut in fuel allotment for official vehicles, not an increase. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1982016/employees-of-soes-other-govt-supervised-bodies-to-face-5-30pc-salary-cut-as-part-of-austerity-measures-pmo, 14 Mar 2026]
#2842
By what percentage have fuel costs for Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) risen due to the Gulf crisis as of March 12, 2026?
(a) 24 percent
(b) 44 percent
(c) 34 percent
(d) 54 percent
Explanation: The PIA spokesman confirmed that fuel costs surged by 34 percent due to the regional conflict. This increase directly necessitated the adjustment of fuel surcharges on domestic and international flights. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981330/pia-raises-fuel-surcharge-as-gulf-crisis-drives-up-costs, 12 Mar 2026]
#2843
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]
#2844
Consider the following statements about the diplomatic visit of March 12, 2026: 1. The visit was undertaken at the invitation of the Saudi Crown Prince. 2. The discussions focused exclusively on bilateral trade agreements. 3. Pakistan expressed its full solidarity with Saudi Arabia regarding the current regional security challenges. 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 visit was at the invitation of the Crown Prince. Statement 3 is correct regarding the expression of solidarity. Statement 2 is incorrect because the discussions focused on regional security and the ongoing conflict, not exclusively on trade. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981279/as-war-in-middle-east-escalates-pm-shehbaz-departs-on-brief-visit-to-saudi-arabia, 12 Mar 2026]
#2845
Consider the following statements about the energy crisis in South Asia as of March 11, 2026: 1. India is the world's fourth-largest buyer of liquefied natural gas (LNG). 2. Bangladesh has deployed police to patrol filling stations to maintain order. 3. The restaurant industry in India is predominantly dependent on commercial LPG for operations. 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. India's status as a major LNG buyer, the deployment of police in Bangladesh, and the reliance of the Indian restaurant sector on commercial LPG are all confirmed details. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980784/troops-guard-bangladesh-depots-after-oil-riots, 11 Mar 2026]
#2846
Who led the IMF mission that held discussions with Pakistani authorities in March 2026?
(a) Nathan Porter
(b) Iva Petrova
(c) Kristalina Georgieva
(d) None of these
Explanation: Iva Petrova headed the IMF mission that conducted the review discussions with Pakistan in early 2026. Nathan Porter is a former mission chief, and Kristalina Georgieva is the Managing Director of the IMF. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981220/imf-mission-fails-to-reach-staff-level-agreement-with-pakistan-talks-to-continue, 12 Mar 2026]
#2847
On March 11, 2026, the government announced plans to table legislation for SOE governance to meet structural benchmarks set by which international organization?
(a) World Bank
(b) International Monetary Fund
(c) Asian Development Bank
(d) None of these
Explanation: The government is finalizing legislation to meet structural benchmarks required for the successful conclusion of the IMF's Extended Fund Facility (EFF) and Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF) reviews. The World Bank and ADB are development partners, but the specific structural benchmark compliance mentioned is tied to the IMF. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980722/govt-to-table-soe-bills-for-imf-compliance, 11 Mar 2026]
#2848
Consider the following statements about the BPS-2026 notification: 1. The new pay scales apply to federal civil employees paid from both civil and defence estimates. 2. Employees posted abroad are eligible to receive the Ad hoc Relief Allowance-2026 during their foreign tenure. 3. The 2022 and 2025 ad hoc relief allowances were abolished upon the implementation of the new scales. 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 notification covers both civil and defence estimates. Statement 3 is correct as the 2022 and 2025 allowances were merged and abolished. Statement 2 is incorrect because employees posted abroad are explicitly excluded from receiving the allowance during their foreign posting. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431195/salary-increase-notified-govt-issues-revised-bps-2026-for-civil-servants, 22 Jul 2026]
#2849
Consider the following statements about the IMF mission to Pakistan in 2026: 1. The mission successfully reached a staff-level agreement on March 11, 2026. 2. Discussions were influenced by the impact of regional conflict on Pakistan's balance of payments. 3. The mission reviewed both the Extended Fund Facility and the Resilience and Sustainability Facility. 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 mission failed to reach a staff-level agreement by the conclusion date. Statements 2 and 3 are correct as they accurately reflect the scope of the review and the external factors influencing the economic outlook. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981220/imf-mission-fails-to-reach-staff-level-agreement-with-pakistan-talks-to-continue, 12 Mar 2026]
#2850
On March 11, 2026, which Iranian official stated that negotiations with the United States were no longer on the agenda?
(a) Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf
(b) Abbas Araghchi
(c) Eyal Zamir
(d) None of these
Explanation: Abbas Araghchi, serving as the Iranian Foreign Minister, explicitly ruled out negotiations with the United States during an interview with PBS News. Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf is the parliamentary speaker who focused on retaliatory threats rather than diplomatic agendas. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980759/iran-vows-to-keep-hormuz-strait-blocked-as-long-as-war-continues, 11 Mar 2026]
#2851
Consider the following statements about the conflict as of March 11, 2026: 1. The US administration has expressed consistent and unified messaging regarding potential talks with Tehran. 2. Iranian parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has decreed a policy of 'an eye for an eye' in response to strikes. 3. The US has requested that Israel avoid targeting Iranian energy infrastructure to prevent regional economic instability. 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 US has been sending 'mixed signals,' with the President suggesting talks while the Pentagon chief vows to ramp up strikes. Statements 2 and 3 are factually accurate based on the reported events. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980759/iran-vows-to-keep-hormuz-strait-blocked-as-long-as-war-continues, 11 Mar 2026]
#2852
Which official met with the Chinese delegation to discuss investment opportunities in Balochistan on March 11, 2026?
(a) Senate Deputy Chairman Syedal Khan
(b) Finance Minister of Balochistan
(c) Chairman of the Board of Investment
(d) None of these
Explanation: Senate Deputy Chairman Syedal Khan held the meeting with the Chinese delegation to discuss the $2.6 billion investment plan. The other options are incorrect as they do not accurately identify the official who hosted the delegation. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980763/chinese-firms-plan-to-invest-26bn-in-balochistan, 11 Mar 2026]
#2853
Consider the following statements about Pakistan's economic situation as of March 2026: 1. The total remittance inflow for the first eight months of FY26 was 26.5 billion dollars. 2. Saudi Aramco has reportedly reduced its oil production to about half capacity due to the Strait of Hormuz blockage. 3. The government expects to receive 50 billion dollars in total remittances during the full fiscal year 2026. 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 accurate based on the report. Statement 3 is incorrect because the expected total for FY26 is 40 billion dollars, not 50 billion. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980726/remittances-steady-but-war-risks-loom, 11 Mar 2026]
#2854
What is the total amount Chinese companies plan to invest in the manufacturing sector of Balochistan as of March 11, 2026?
(a) $1.6 billion
(b) $2.6 billion
(c) $3.6 billion
(d) $4.6 billion
Explanation: The investment plan announced on March 11, 2026, specifically earmarks $2.6 billion for the manufacturing sector in Balochistan. Other options represent incorrect figures that deviate from the official announcement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980763/chinese-firms-plan-to-invest-26bn-in-balochistan, 11 Mar 2026]
#2855
How much capital is specifically allocated for the mineral sector of Balochistan in the investment plan announced on March 11, 2026?
(a) $10 million
(b) $12 million
(c) $14 million
(d) $16 million
Explanation: The investment proposal includes $14 million dedicated to the mineral sector of Balochistan. This is distinct from the much larger $2.6 billion allocated for manufacturing. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980763/chinese-firms-plan-to-invest-26bn-in-balochistan, 11 Mar 2026]
#2856
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]
#2857
Which of the following statements regarding the market conditions as of March 11, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) Spot platinum prices fell by 5 percent.
(b) Spot gold prices were recorded at $5,202.10 per ounce.
(c) Oil prices dropped below $90 per barrel.
(d) Gold has risen more than 20 percent so far this year.
Explanation: Spot platinum actually rose by 0.1 percent, making the claim that it fell by 5 percent incorrect. The other statements accurately reflect the market data provided for the specified date. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980850/gold-edges-higher-on-safe-haven-demand-ahead-of-us-cpi-data, 11 Mar 2026]
#2858
Consider the following statements about the investment plan announced on March 11, 2026: 1. The investment plan aims to stimulate industrial activities and generate employment in Balochistan. 2. The Chinese delegation was accompanied by the former finance minister of Balochistan, Amjad Rasheed. 3. The proposed investment in the mineral sector is larger than the investment in the manufacturing sector. 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 investment aims to boost industry and jobs. Statement 2 is correct as Amjad Rasheed accompanied the delegation. Statement 3 is incorrect because the $2.6 billion manufacturing investment is significantly larger than the $14 million mineral sector investment. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980763/chinese-firms-plan-to-invest-26bn-in-balochistan, 11 Mar 2026]
#2859
Consider the following statements about the current economic and geopolitical environment as of March 11, 2026: 1. Gold is functioning as a safe-haven asset due to heightened geopolitical uncertainty. 2. The conflict has led to the stranding of oil tankers for more than a week. 3. Investors expect at least three rate cuts by the Federal Reserve in 2026. 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 accurate based on the report. Statement 3 is incorrect because investors expect at least two, not three, rate cuts by the Federal Reserve in 2026. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980850/gold-edges-higher-on-safe-haven-demand-ahead-of-us-cpi-data, 11 Mar 2026]
#2860
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]