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.
#2861
Consider the following statements about the Indian bond market and macroeconomic indicators as of July 24, 2026: 1. The 10-year U.S. Treasury yield reached its highest level since January 2025. 2. Brent crude prices briefly exceeded $100 per barrel for the first time in two months. 3. The probability of a Federal Reserve rate hike in September was estimated at 30%. 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. Statement 3 is incorrect because the probability of a Federal Reserve rate hike in September was reported at 80%, while the probability for July was 30%. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431650/india-bonds-end-three-day-losing-streak-but-post-second-straight-weekly-decline, 24 Jul 2026]
#2862
Consider the following statements about the regional security situation in March 2026: 1. The Strait of Hormuz mission is designed to secure the flow of oil and gas. 2. France deployed air defense units to Cyprus following drone attacks. 3. The conflict in the Middle East began in early 2026 following a direct invasion of France. 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 report. Statement 3 is incorrect because the conflict was triggered by US-Israeli strikes on Iran, not an invasion of France. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980406/france-allies-preparing-defensive-mission-to-reopen-strait-of-hormuz-says-macron, 10 Mar 2026]
#2863
Which of the following statements regarding the market performance in March 2026 is INCORRECT?
(a) Foreign corporates were net sellers of equities during the week.
(b) The KSE-100 index experienced a single-session decline of over 16,000 points on Monday.
(c) Cement despatches showed a year-on-year increase in February 2026.
(d) The rupee depreciated significantly against the dollar during the week.
Explanation: The rupee remained largely stable, appreciating marginally by 0.02 percent week-on-week. The other statements accurately reflect the market data provided for the period. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979645/stocks-nosedive-63pc-in-jittery-week-on-geopolitical-concerns, 08 Mar 2026]
#2864
What was the closing value of the KSE-100 index at the end of the trading week ending on March 8, 2026?
(a) 145,210 points
(b) 157,496 points
(c) 162,305 points
(d) None of these
Explanation: The KSE-100 index closed at 157,496 points after a weekly decline of 6.3 percent. This decline was primarily attributed to investor panic regarding regional geopolitical instability. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979645/stocks-nosedive-63pc-in-jittery-week-on-geopolitical-concerns, 08 Mar 2026]
#2865
Which of the following measures was initially proposed but subsequently shelved by the government in response to the potential fuel crisis in March 2026?
(a) Rationing of electricity for industrial zones
(b) Complete ban on private vehicle usage
(c) Work from home and distance learning
(d) Immediate closure of all public transport
Explanation: The government considered a national action plan involving work-from-home and distance learning to conserve fuel but decided to keep activities unchanged. The other options were not part of the official proposal mentioned. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979534/govt-hikes-kerosene-price-by-rs130-to-rs31881-per-litre, 07 Mar 2026]
#2866
Which of the following statements regarding the March 2026 fuel price hike is INCORRECT?
(a) The government decided to implement work-from-home measures for a month.
(b) The price of kerosene was increased by over Rs130 per litre.
(c) The notification for the price hike was issued by the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority.
(d) Long queues were reported at petrol pumps across several cities.
Explanation: The government explicitly decided to shelve the proposed work-from-home and distance learning measures rather than implement them. The other three statements are factually accurate based on the events of March 2026. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979534/govt-hikes-kerosene-price-by-rs130-to-rs31881-per-litre, 07 Mar 2026]
#2867
Consider the following statements about the fuel price adjustments in March 2026: 1. The price hike for kerosene was announced shortly after increases in petrol and high-speed diesel prices. 2. Kerosene demand in Pakistan is significantly higher than the combined monthly sales of petrol and high-speed diesel. 3. The government maintained that petroleum reserves were sufficient despite the price adjustments. 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 2 is incorrect because kerosene demand (10,000 tonnes) is significantly lower than the demand for petrol and diesel (700,000 to 800,000 tonnes). Statements 1 and 3 are accurate reflections of the government's position and the sequence of events. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979534/govt-hikes-kerosene-price-by-rs130-to-rs31881-per-litre, 07 Mar 2026]
#2868
According to the Economic Survey 2025-26, what was the total wheat production in Pakistan for FY26?
(a) 28.40 million tonnes
(b) 29.61 million tonnes
(c) 31.20 million tonnes
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Economic Survey 2025-26 reported that wheat production increased to 29.61 million tonnes in FY26, up from 28.40 million tonnes in the previous fiscal year. Option A represents the production figure for FY25, making it a plausible but incorrect distractor. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018192/private-sector-rejects-govt-wheat-import-plan, 25 Jul 2026]
#2869
The decline in global crude oil prices on March 11, 2026, was primarily attributed to:
(a) Diplomatic signals regarding the potential end of the conflict with Iran
(b) Increased production from OPEC nations
(c) A sudden drop in global industrial demand
(d) New sanctions imposed on major oil exporters
Explanation: Crude prices plunged following remarks by US President Donald Trump suggesting that the conflict with Iran could end soon, which eased supply disruption concerns. Other options do not reflect the specific geopolitical catalyst mentioned in the market report. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980849/kse-100-ends-lower-after-early-rally-loses-steam, 11 Mar 2026]
#2870
Which of the following statements regarding the KSE-100 market session on March 11, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The index experienced an intraday high of 158,624.51 points.
(b) The index began the session with a sharp rebound.
(c) The index closed lower compared to the previous session.
(d) The index maintained its early gains throughout the entire trading day.
Explanation: The index did not maintain its gains; the report states that the momentum faded and the index largely erased its early gains by 1pm. Options A, B, and D are factually accurate descriptions of the session. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980849/kse-100-ends-lower-after-early-rally-loses-steam, 11 Mar 2026]
#2871
Which two permanent members of the UN Security Council abstained from the vote on the resolution adopted on March 11, 2026?
(a) China and Russia
(b) United States and France
(c) France and United Kingdom
(d) United Kingdom and United States
Explanation: The resolution was adopted with 13 votes in favor, while China and Russia chose to abstain. The other permanent members (US, UK, and France) voted in favor. [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]
#2872
Who chaired the Capital Market Development Council (CMDC) meeting held on March 11, 2026?
(a) Muhammad Aurangzeb
(b) Shamshad Akhtar
(c) Miftah Ismail
(d) None of these
Explanation: Muhammad Aurangzeb, as the Finance Minister, chaired the CMDC meeting to discuss reforms for the capital market. The other individuals listed are former finance ministers and are not the current officeholder for the 2026 event. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980943/finance-minister-stresses-more-balanced-system-where-capital-markets-complement-banking-sector, 11 Mar 2026]
#2873
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]
#2874
Which company led the trading volume on the Pakistan Stock Exchange on March 11, 2026?
(a) K-Electric Limited
(b) Cnergyico PK Limited
(c) The Bank of Punjab
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Bank of Punjab led the trading activity with a volume of 37,706,784 shares. K-Electric and Cnergyico followed with lower trading volumes. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980849/kse-100-ends-lower-after-early-rally-loses-steam, 11 Mar 2026]
#2875
Consider the following statements about the current security dynamics between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia: 1. The Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement was signed in 2025. 2. Pakistan has publicly committed to providing military aid to Saudi Arabia regardless of the circumstances. 3. Pakistan has engaged in diplomatic efforts to prevent the escalation of conflict between Iran and Saudi Arabia. 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 agreement was signed in 2025. Statement 3 is correct as Pakistan has engaged in diplomatic mediation. Statement 2 is incorrect because the spokesperson explicitly stated that commenting on the specifics of military aid would be 'speculative and irresponsible'. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980894/no-matter-what-no-matter-when-pms-spokesperson-reiterates-support-for-saudi-arabia-before-it-is-needed, 11 Mar 2026]
#2876
Which article of the UN Charter is cited in the March 11, 2026, resolution to underscore the right to self-defense?
(a) Article 42
(b) Article 51
(c) Article 99
(d) Article 103
Explanation: Article 51 of the UN Charter recognizes the inherent right of individual or collective self-defense if an armed attack occurs against a member of the United Nations. This was explicitly invoked in the resolution. [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]
#2877
By what percentage did the KSE-100 index decline during the trading session on March 11, 2026?
(a) 2.53 per cent
(b) 0.2 per cent
(c) 3.10 per cent
(d) 2.02 per cent
Explanation: The KSE-100 index shed 318.65 points, which corresponds to a 0.2 per cent decline. The other percentages refer to the individual stock performance of The Bank of Punjab, K-Electric, and Cnergyico. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980849/kse-100-ends-lower-after-early-rally-loses-steam, 11 Mar 2026]
#2878
Consider the following statements about the capital market reforms discussed on March 11, 2026: 1. The reforms aim to mobilize long-term domestic savings for private sector investment. 2. The Finance Minister suggested that Pakistan should ignore international experiences to focus solely on local models. 3. Strengthening market-making mechanisms is considered essential for improving investor confidence. 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 3 are correct as they reflect the government's strategy to mobilize savings and improve market infrastructure. Statement 2 is incorrect because the Finance Minister explicitly directed institutions to review and adapt best practices from international and regional markets. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980943/finance-minister-stresses-more-balanced-system-where-capital-markets-complement-banking-sector, 11 Mar 2026]
#2879
On March 11, 2026, the KSE-100 index closed at which of the following levels?
(a) 156,177.12 points
(b) 158,624.51 points
(c) 155,858.47 points
(d) 155,652.35 points
Explanation: The KSE-100 index closed at 155,858.47 points after shedding 318.65 points. represents the previous day's closing, while C and D represent the intraday high and low, respectively. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980849/kse-100-ends-lower-after-early-rally-loses-steam, 11 Mar 2026]
#2880
Consider the following statements about the market performance on March 11, 2026: 1. The KSE-100 index shed 318.65 points during the session. 2. Global crude oil prices plunged by approximately 15 per cent. 3. The Bank of Punjab experienced a decline in its share price. 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 based on the report. Statement 3 is incorrect because The Bank of Punjab rose by 2.53 per cent, it did not decline. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980849/kse-100-ends-lower-after-early-rally-loses-steam, 11 Mar 2026]