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.
#3521
Consider the following statements regarding the government's fiscal policy announced on March 27, 2026: 1. The government reduced the development budget by Rs 100 billion to accommodate fuel subsidies. 2. The current market price of petrol in Pakistan is higher than the international market rate. 3. The Prime Minister urged citizens to adopt austerity measures in their daily travel habits.
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) All three
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct regarding the budget cut. Statement 2 is incorrect because the government is subsidizing the price, meaning the domestic price is significantly lower than the international market rate. Statement 3 is correct as the Prime Minister explicitly requested citizens to reconsider travel necessity. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1985954/pm-shehbaz-again-rejects-increase-in-petrol-diesel-prices, 27 Mar 2026]
#3522
Consider the following statements about the 2026 Israel-Lebanon ceasefire: 1. The conflict between the two nations escalated significantly on March 2, 2026. 2. The ceasefire agreement includes provisions to prevent non-state armed groups from conducting hostile activities. 3. This ceasefire marks the first time in 34 years that representatives from Israel and Lebanon have met in Washington, D.C. for such talks. 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 correct based on the provided information. The conflict escalation date, the security provisions regarding non-state actors, and the historical context of the Washington meetings are all verified details of the 2026 diplomatic event. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1992354/10-day-ceasefire-between-israel-lebanon-takes-effect, 16 Apr 2026]
#3523
Consider the following statements about the consultative meeting held on March 27, 2026: 1. The meeting aimed to transition from untargeted subsidies to a digital, app-based quota system. 2. Provincial governments were requested to share the additional costs of higher international petroleum prices. 3. The Petroleum Division reported that the current fuel supply situation in the country is unstable. 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 policy shift toward targeted subsidies and the federal request for provincial cost-sharing. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Petroleum Division reported that the supply situation remained stable and adequate. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1985900/centre-provinces-agree-on-rolling-out-app-based-fuel-quota-system-for-motorcycles-rickshaws, 27 Mar 2026]
#3524
Who confirmed the death of the fisherman to the media on March 8, 2026?
(a) Naqibullah Kakar
(b) Attaur Rehman
(c) Bilal Yaseen
(d) None of these
Explanation: Gwadar Deputy Commissioner Naqibullah Kakar officially confirmed the incident to the press. While District Police Officer Attaur Rehman also provided details, the primary confirmation of the event came from the Deputy Commissioner. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979820/gwadar-fisherman-killed-by-debris-from-israeli-projectile-in-iran-waters, 08 Mar 2026]
#3525
Which of the following statements regarding the incident on March 8, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The victim was a resident of a town in the Gwadar district.
(b) The debris that struck the boat originated from a US-made missile.
(c) The projectile was intercepted by Iranian air defense systems.
(d) The incident occurred in Iranian territorial waters.
Explanation: The debris was identified as originating from an Israeli projectile, not a US-made missile. The other statements accurately reflect the facts reported regarding the victim's origin, the interception mechanism, and the location of the incident. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979820/gwadar-fisherman-killed-by-debris-from-israeli-projectile-in-iran-waters, 08 Mar 2026]
#3526
How many pilgrims performed Umrah in 2025 according to the Saudi General Authority for Statistics?
(a) 23 million
(b) 33 million
(c) 53 million
(d) 43 million
Explanation: Official statistics from the Saudi General Authority for Statistics recorded nearly 43 million pilgrims for the year 2025. This figure highlights the significant scale of religious tourism in the Kingdom. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017249/saudi-govt-launches-multiple-entry-umrah-visa-with-one-year-validity, 21 Jul 2026]
#3527
Consider the following statements regarding the recent petroleum sector developments: 1. The PPDA strike was originally scheduled to commence on March 26, 2026. 2. The government increased petrol and diesel prices by Rs55 per litre in March 2026. 3. The prime minister has fully implemented the ECC's recommendation to increase dealer margins. 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 timeline of the strike and the price hike. Statement 3 is incorrect because the prime minister suspended the implementation of the margin increase. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1985299/petroleum-dealers-postpone-strike-in-light-of-middle-east-conflict, 25 Mar 2026]
#3528
Which of the following demands was NOT included in the resolution passed by the TTAP on March 11, 2026?
(a) The release of incarcerated PTI founder Imran Khan
(b) The immediate cessation of all trade with the United States
(c) The resolution of issues with Afghanistan through diplomatic channels
(d) The treatment of Afghan refugees in accordance with international laws
Explanation: The resolution called for diplomatic measures and restraint but did not demand a cessation of trade with the United States. The other three options were explicit demands or positions taken by the alliance in their resolution. [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]
#3529
Who chaired the meeting of the Tehreek Tahaffuz Ayeen-i-Pakistan (TTAP) held at the Parliament House on March 11, 2026?
(a) Imran Khan
(b) Mehmood Khan Achakzai
(c) Omar Ayub Khan
(d) None of these
Explanation: Mehmood Khan Achakzai is the Chairman of the TTAP and presided over the parliamentary meeting. Imran Khan is currently incarcerated, and Omar Ayub is a prominent opposition leader but did not chair this specific session. [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]
#3530
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]
#3531
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]
#3532
Who resigned from HDFC Bank in mid-March, citing concerns that bank practices were not in line with his personal ethics?
(a) Sashidhar Jagdishan
(b) Atanu Chakraborty
(c) Shaktikanta Das
(d) None of these
Explanation: Former chairman Atanu Chakraborty resigned abruptly in mid-March, triggering increased investor scrutiny. An external legal review later found no evidence to substantiate the governance concerns he raised. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40432017/indias-hdfc-bank-finds-no-improper-motive-in-deposit-pricing-review-penalises-executives, 27 Jul 2026]
#3533
Brent crude futures fell to approximately what price per barrel on March 11, 2026, following the market's reaction to de-escalation hopes?
(a) 105.60 dollars
(b) 92.45 dollars
(c) 84.73 dollars
(d) 119.00 dollars
Explanation: Brent futures dropped to $84.73 per barrel on March 11, 2026, representing a sharp decline from the session highs observed earlier in the week. The other values represent either higher price points or incorrect benchmarks. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980727/oil-plunges-15pc-amid-hopes-of-de-escalation, 11 Mar 2026]
#3534
All of the following factors contributed to the volatility of oil prices in March 2026 EXCEPT:
(a) Supply cuts by Saudi Arabia and other producers
(b) A permanent global transition to renewable energy sources
(c) Concerns regarding disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz
(d) Diplomatic proposals aimed at a settlement to the war
Explanation: The market volatility in March 2026 was driven by immediate geopolitical tensions and supply chain concerns, not by a long-term transition to renewable energy. The other three options are direct factors that influenced the price fluctuations described. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980727/oil-plunges-15pc-amid-hopes-of-de-escalation, 11 Mar 2026]
#3535
Who is the current Chairman of the Pakistan Vanaspati Manufacturers Association (PVMA) as of March 2026?
(a) Sheikh Umer Rehan
(b) Muhammad Zubair Motiwala
(c) Atif Ikram Sheikh
(d) None of these
Explanation: Sheikh Umer Rehan serves as the Chairman of the PVMA and issued the official statement regarding the stability of edible oil supplies. The other names listed are prominent business figures but do not hold this specific position. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980381/no-shortage-of-edible-oil-pvma, 10 Mar 2026]
#3536
Consider the following statements about the security situation addressed on March 10, 2026: 1. Pakistan claims that terrorist groups are using Afghanistan as a sanctuary. 2. India has been accused of stoking terrorism inside Pakistan from Afghan soil. 3. The Pakistani representative stated that the spillover effects of terrorism will remain confined to the border regions. 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 official Pakistani position. Statement 3 is incorrect because the representative explicitly warned that the spillover effects would not remain confined to Pakistan, but would impact the broader region. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40410948/pakistans-ct-operations-focused-on-neutralising-cross-border-threats-from-afghan-soil, 10 Mar 2026]
#3537
In March 2026, which US official stated that the American military had facilitated a shipment of oil to maintain global energy stability?
(a) Secretary of Energy
(b) Secretary of Defense
(c) Secretary of State
(d) Secretary of Treasury
Explanation: US Energy Secretary Chris Wright publicly confirmed that the American military facilitated oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz. This action was intended to reassure markets regarding the continuity of energy supplies. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980727/oil-plunges-15pc-amid-hopes-of-de-escalation, 11 Mar 2026]
#3538
On March 11, 2026, by what approximate percentage did global oil prices plunge following reports of potential de-escalation in the conflict with Iran?
(a) 5 percent
(b) 10 percent
(c) 20 percent
(d) 15 percent
Explanation: Oil prices experienced a significant correction of approximately 15 percent on March 11, 2026, as markets reacted to diplomatic signals suggesting a potential end to the conflict. This followed a period of extreme volatility where prices had previously surged to levels not seen since 2022. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980727/oil-plunges-15pc-amid-hopes-of-de-escalation, 11 Mar 2026]
#3539
Which geopolitical conflict was cited as a potential cause for supply chain disruptions affecting edible oil imports in March 2026?
(a) Russia-Ukraine conflict
(b) Israel-Palestine conflict
(c) US-Iran conflict
(d) China-Taiwan tensions
Explanation: The PVMA identified the US-Iran conflict as the primary source of regional geopolitical tension impacting maritime supply routes. While other conflicts exist, this specific event was the focus of the industry's supply chain assessment. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980381/no-shortage-of-edible-oil-pvma, 10 Mar 2026]
#3540
What was the new price of kerosene per litre following the government notification issued on March 7, 2026?
(a) Rs188.73
(b) Rs318.81
(c) Rs288.50
(d) Rs350.25
Explanation: The Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority issued a notification increasing the price of kerosene by Rs130.08, bringing the total to Rs318.81 per litre. Rs188.73 was the previous price effective from March 1, 2026. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979534/govt-hikes-kerosene-price-by-rs130-to-rs31881-per-litre, 07 Mar 2026]