March 2025 Edition
Start March Quiz
March 2025 Current Affairs MCQs & Solutions
Top national & international current affairs questions for CSS, PMS, FPSC, PPSC, and NTS screening tests.
#3301
Who presided over the high-level consultative meeting regarding the petroleum products situation on March 27, 2026?
(a) Mir Shoaib Nosherwani
(b) Ali Pervaiz Malik
(c) Shaza Fatima Khawaja
(d) Muhammad Aurangzeb
Explanation: Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb chaired the meeting. While other ministers like Ali Pervaiz Malik and Shaza Fatima Khawaja were present, they did not preside over the session. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1985900/centre-provinces-agree-on-rolling-out-app-based-fuel-quota-system-for-motorcycles-rickshaws, 27 Mar 2026]
#3302
Consider the following statements about the TTAP meeting held on March 11, 2026: 1. The meeting demanded that the government take the opposition into confidence regarding defence pacts. 2. The participants condemned the joint US-Israeli attacks on Iran. 3. The resolution explicitly supported the use of Pakistani territory for regional military operations against neighbouring states. 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 core demands and condemnations of the resolution. Statement 3 is incorrect because the resolution specifically urged Muslim countries NOT to allow the use of their territories or resources against any other country. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981002/ttap-calls-on-govt-to-take-opposition-parliament-into-confidence-on-defence-pacts-amid-changing-regional-situation, 11 Mar 2026]
#3303
What is the primary reason cited for the anticipated disruptions in the supply chain of petroleum products in March 2026?
(a) Domestic refinery maintenance
(b) Middle East crisis
(c) Port congestion at Karachi
(d) Pipeline sabotage
Explanation: The notification explicitly links the anticipated disruptions to the Middle East crisis and the resulting logistical challenges in the Strait of Hormuz. Other options like refinery maintenance or port congestion are not the stated causes for this specific policy shift. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979478/kp-finance-dept-orders-adoption-of-fuel-conservation-measures-due-to-anticipated-disruptions, 07 Mar 2026]
#3304
Which provincial government department issued the directive for fuel conservation measures on March 7, 2026?
(a) Planning and Development Department
(b) Finance Department
(c) Local Government Department
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Finance Department issued the notification on March 7, 2026, to ensure the judicious use of petroleum products. Other departments like Planning or Local Government were not the primary issuers of this specific austerity directive. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979478/kp-finance-dept-orders-adoption-of-fuel-conservation-measures-due-to-anticipated-disruptions, 07 Mar 2026]
#3305
Consider the following statements regarding the fuel conservation measures issued in March 2026: 1. The directive applies to all offices working under the KP Finance Department. 2. The Prime Minister has directed the finance and petroleum ministers to coordinate with provinces for a conservation strategy. 3. The fuel conservation measures were implemented because the government has no petroleum reserves left. 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 scope of the provincial directive and the federal government's coordination efforts. Statement 3 is incorrect because the government explicitly assured the nation that petroleum reserves were sufficient. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979478/kp-finance-dept-orders-adoption-of-fuel-conservation-measures-due-to-anticipated-disruptions, 07 Mar 2026]
#3306
The government decided in principle to implement which of the following for petroleum prices effective from March 8, 2026?
(a) Monthly revisions
(b) Quarterly revisions
(c) Weekly revisions
(d) Annual revisions
Explanation: To better manage the volatility of international oil prices, the government decided to shift to weekly revisions of petroleum prices. This allows for more frequent adjustments in line with global market fluctuations. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979860/pm-shehbaz-to-announce-austerity-plan-tomorrow-amid-global-fuel-crisis, 08 Mar 2026]
#3307
What was the reported increase in the price of petroleum products announced by the government on March 6, 2026?
(a) Rs 55 per litre
(b) Rs 45 per litre
(c) Rs 35 per litre
(d) Rs 65 per litre
Explanation: The government officially announced a price hike of Rs 55 per litre for petroleum products to manage the regional energy crisis. This figure is a specific data point provided in the official government communication. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979860/pm-shehbaz-to-announce-austerity-plan-tomorrow-amid-global-fuel-crisis, 08 Mar 2026]
#3308
On March 8, 2026, the Prime Minister's Office announced that the government would unveil an austerity plan in response to a crisis caused by which of the following?
(a) US/Israel-Iran war
(b) Global wheat shortage
(c) Regional monsoon flooding
(d) None of these
Explanation: The government cited the global fuel crisis resulting from the US/Israel-Iran war as the primary driver for the proposed austerity measures. Other options are unrelated to the specific energy-focused policy announcement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979860/pm-shehbaz-to-announce-austerity-plan-tomorrow-amid-global-fuel-crisis, 08 Mar 2026]
#3309
Consider the following statements about the government's austerity measures announced in March 2026: 1. The Prime Minister decided to review the work-from-home and distance learning plan on a weekly basis. 2. The government reported that the country currently lacks adequate reserves of petrol and diesel. 3. The Prime Minister urged federal and provincial ministers to play an effective role in resource provision. 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 PM decided to review the contingency plan weekly. Statement 2 is incorrect because the government explicitly stated that the country had adequate reserves of petrol and diesel. Statement 3 is correct as the PM called for active participation from all ministers. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979860/pm-shehbaz-to-announce-austerity-plan-tomorrow-amid-global-fuel-crisis, 08 Mar 2026]
#3310
Consider the following statements about the 2026 conflict dynamics: 1. The Lebanese government has officially sought full normalization of relations with Israel. 2. The Israeli military reported the death of 17 soldiers in southern Lebanon since the fighting erupted in March 2026. 3. US President Donald Trump expressed optimism regarding a potential peace deal between Israel and Lebanon 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: Statement 1 is false because the Lebanese Prime Minister explicitly stated that Lebanon is not seeking normalization, but rather a security agreement and withdrawal. Statements 2 and 3 are factually accurate based on the reported developments in the conflict. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1998133/israel-strikes-beirut-for-the-first-time-since-ceasefire, 06 May 2026]
#3311
Consider the following statements about Benjamin Netanyahu's recent health disclosures: 1. The Prime Minister's office confirmed that the prostate cancer was in an early stage. 2. Netanyahu visited a Jerusalem cafe in March 2026 to refute rumors of his death. 3. The medical report indicated that the Prime Minister is currently in poor health. 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 medical report explicitly stated that, aside from the treated cancer, the Prime Minister was in good health. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1994721/netanyahu-says-he-was-successfully-treated-for-prostate-cancer, 24 Apr 2026]
#3312
Consider the following statements about the repatriation of Afghan nationals: 1. The government reported that over 1.1 million Afghan nationals were deported in 2025. 2. The current repatriation drive was first launched in 2023. 3. The directive requires daily reporting to the Ministry of Interior starting from July 10, 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: Statement 1 is correct as 1,155,221 individuals were deported in 2025. Statement 2 is correct as the drive began in 2023. Statement 3 is incorrect because the daily reporting requirement commences on July 11, 2026, not July 10. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2011435/interior-ministry-issues-directive-to-arrest-afghan-nationals-without-valid-visas-from-july-10, 28 Jun 2026]
#3313
Consider the following statements about the government's economic response to the 2026 fuel crisis: 1. The government previously rejected multiple recommendations to increase fuel prices in March 2026. 2. The price of high-speed diesel was adjusted to Rs520.35 per litre. 3. The Prime Minister consulted the entire cabinet before finalizing the decision to suspend salaries for six months. 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 government's announcements. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Prime Minister explicitly stated he was unable to consult the cabinet members due to the haste of the decision. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1988282/petrol-price-reduces-to-rs378-per-litre-as-govt-cuts-levy-by-rs80, 03 Apr 2026]
#3314
Who represented Pakistan during the diplomatic discussions in Beijing regarding the Middle East peace initiative on March 31, 2026?
(a) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari
(b) Ishaq Dar
(c) Shah Mahmood Qureshi
(d) None of these
Explanation: Ishaq Dar, serving as the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, visited Beijing to meet with his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi. The other individuals listed are former foreign ministers and were not involved in this specific 2026 diplomatic mission. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1987106/pakistan-china-issue-5-point-initiative-for-restoring-peace-in-middle-east, 31 Mar 2026]
#3315
Consider the following statements about development loans in Pakistan: 1. The markup rate for 2025-26 is lower than the rate charged in 2024-25. 2. The federal government charges markup on loans to provincial governments as a source of revenue. 3. Foreign re-lent loans are advanced by the federal government out of its own domestic resources. 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 rate dropped from 17.74 percent to 11.89 percent. Statement 2 is correct as markup on these loans is a key revenue stream. Statement 3 is incorrect because cash development loans are funded from domestic resources, while foreign re-lent loans are sourced from international lenders. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018194/centre-cuts-markup-on-uplift-loans-to-1189pc, 24 Jul 2026]
#3316
Which of the following is NOT a symptom reported in relation to the eye health of Bushra Bibi in March 2026?
(a) Chronic retinal detachment
(b) Black spot in the right eye
(c) Blurring of vision
(d) Flashes in the right eye
Explanation: The reported symptoms included blurring of vision, a black spot, and flashes in the right eye. Chronic retinal detachment is a distinct and more severe clinical diagnosis not mentioned in the initial reports regarding her condition. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1986585/pti-concerned-over-reports-about-bushra-bibis-health-demands-she-be-taken-to-hospital-for-diagnosis-treatment, 29 Mar 2026]
#3317
Which medical institution's doctor reportedly examined Bushra Bibi regarding her eye health concerns in March 2026?
(a) Shifa International Hospital
(b) Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences
(c) Aga Khan University Hospital
(d) None of these
Explanation: The report circulating in March 2026 indicated that Bushra Bibi was examined by a doctor from the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (Pims). Shifa International Hospital is mentioned in the context of where the PTI founder's family prefers him to be treated, not where Bushra Bibi was examined. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1986585/pti-concerned-over-reports-about-bushra-bibis-health-demands-she-be-taken-to-hospital-for-diagnosis-treatment, 29 Mar 2026]
#3318
Which of the following statements regarding the diplomatic efforts in Islamabad on March 29, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The foreign ministers discussed ways to bring an early end to the regional war.
(b) The participants agreed to form a committee of senior officials to work out modalities for cooperation.
(c) The US and Iran have expressed confidence in Pakistan to facilitate potential talks.
(d) The meeting resulted in an immediate ceasefire agreement between all regional belligerents.
Explanation: While the ministers advocated for dialogue and diplomacy to end the conflict, no immediate ceasefire agreement was signed or announced during the meeting. The other statements accurately reflect the outcomes of the discussions. [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]
#3319
Consider the following statements about the recent diplomatic tensions between Pakistan and India: 1. The Pakistani Foreign Office accused India of systemic discrimination against Christians and Muslims. 2. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs claimed that Pakistan's remarks were part of a broader regional peace initiative. 3. The Pakistani Foreign Office cited that 55 Muslims were lynched in India during 2025. 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 highlighted discrimination against these groups. Statement 3 is correct as it reflects the data provided in the FO statement. Statement 2 is incorrect because the Indian Ministry of External Affairs actually accused Pakistan of systemic victimization of minorities, not a peace initiative. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1986308/exercise-in-deflection-masquerading-as-concern-fo-rejects-indias-comments-on-pakistans-shia-community, 28 Mar 2026]
#3320
Who issued the official statement on behalf of the Pakistani Foreign Office rejecting India's comments on March 28, 2026?
(a) Asim Munir
(b) Tahir Andrabi
(c) Randhir Jaiswal
(d) S. Jaishankar
Explanation: Tahir Andrabi is the Foreign Office spokesperson who issued the rebuttal to the Indian Ministry of External Affairs. Randhir Jaiswal is the spokesperson for the Indian Ministry of External Affairs, while S. Jaishankar is the Indian External Affairs Minister. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1986308/exercise-in-deflection-masquerading-as-concern-fo-rejects-indias-comments-on-pakistans-shia-community, 28 Mar 2026]