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.
#3721
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]
#3722
Consider the following statements about the legislative developments on March 13, 2026: 1. The ordinance previously empowering the government to transform the FC had lapsed. 2. The opposition lawmakers tore apart copies of the agenda during the protest. 3. The government plans to reintroduce the bill in the upcoming sessions after Eid. Which of the statements given above 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 events of the session. The ordinance had lapsed, the opposition engaged in protest by tearing the agenda, and the government expressed intent to pursue the bill after the Eid holidays. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981390/pointing-out-lack-of-quorum-in-na-opposition-blocks-passage-of-bill-seeking-to-upgrade-fc-to-federal-force, 13 Mar 2026]
#3723
Which official held a meeting with Saudi Defence Minister Khalid bin Salman Al Saud on March 7, 2026, to discuss regional security?
(a) Asim Munir
(b) Ahmad Farooq
(c) Tahir Andrabi
(d) Syed Mustafa Rabani
Explanation: Field Marshal Asim Munir visited Saudi Arabia on March 7, 2026, to meet with the Saudi Defence Minister regarding the security situation. The other individuals listed are diplomats or spokespersons. [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]
#3724
Who accompanied Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif during his official visit to Saudi Arabia on March 12, 2026?
(a) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari
(b) Ishaq Dar
(c) Khawaja Asif
(d) None of these
Explanation: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar accompanied the Prime Minister to Saudi Arabia. Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and Khawaja Asif were not mentioned as part of this specific delegation. [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]
#3725
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]
#3726
Consider the following statements about the security incident in Michigan: 1. The incident occurred on March 12, 2026. 2. The shooter was identified as a member of a known extremist group. 3. The Oakland County Sheriff confirmed that security personnel engaged the shooter in gunfire. 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 event occurred on March 12, 2026. Statement 3 is correct as the Sheriff confirmed security engaged the shooter. Statement 2 is incorrect because the shooter was described as an unidentified individual, not a member of a specific extremist group. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981410/gunman-dead-after-attack-on-michigan-synagogue, 12 Mar 2026]
#3727
According to the Annual Security Report 2025, what was the approximate percentage increase in violence in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa compared to the previous year?
(a) 22 percent
(b) 44 percent
(c) 66 percent
(d) 82 percent
Explanation: The report indicates a 44 percent year-on-year surge in violence in the province. The 82 percent figure refers to the province's share of the net national rise in fatalities, not the year-on-year growth rate. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981779/law-enforcers-kill-6-terrorists-in-lakki-marwat-operation-ctd, 13 Mar 2026]
#3728
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]
#3729
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]
#3730
In which area of Jammu did the assassination attempt on Farooq Abdullah occur on March 12, 2026?
(a) Greater Kailash
(b) Purani Mandi
(c) Royal Park
(d) None of these
Explanation: The incident took place at a wedding ceremony located in the Greater Kailash area of Jammu. While Royal Park is mentioned as the specific venue, Greater Kailash is the broader area identified in reports. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981258/man-arrested-after-attempt-on-life-of-former-occupied-kashmir-cm-farooq-abdullah, 12 Mar 2026]
#3731
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]
#3732
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]
#3733
Which of the following statements regarding the March 12, 2026, aircraft crash is INCORRECT?
(a) The crash resulted in the deaths of six US service members.
(b) The incident involved a second KC-135 aircraft that landed safely.
(c) The aircraft involved was a Boeing-manufactured tanker.
(d) The crash was confirmed to be the result of hostile fire.
Explanation: The statement that the crash was caused by hostile fire is incorrect. US Central Command explicitly stated that the incident was not the result of hostile or friendly fire. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981530/us-refuelling-aircraft-crashes-in-western-iraq-us-military, 12 Mar 2026]
#3734
Consider the following statements about the US-Saudi nuclear cooperation agreement: 1. The agreement includes provisions for bilateral safeguards. 2. The deal is subject to review by the US Congress. 3. The agreement was signed in 2025 to coincide with the mutual defence pact. 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 the deal includes bilateral safeguards and requires Congressional review. Statement 3 is incorrect because the nuclear agreement was signed in 2026, whereas the mutual defence pact mentioned in the text was signed in 2025. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017738/us-announces-civilian-nuclear-deal-with-saudi-arabia-says-it-includes-non-proliferation-safeguards, 23 Jul 2026]
#3735
In which region of Iraq did the US military refueling aircraft crash occur on March 12, 2026?
(a) Northern Iraq
(b) Western Iraq
(c) Southern Iraq
(d) Eastern Iraq
Explanation: The US military confirmed the crash took place in western Iraq. This region is a critical area for US aerial operations in the ongoing conflict. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981530/us-refuelling-aircraft-crashes-in-western-iraq-us-military, 12 Mar 2026]
#3736
Consider the following statements about the US military operations in the Middle East as of March 2026: 1. The US military has been conducting operations against Iran since February 28, 2026. 2. The KC-135 aircraft involved in the crash was manufactured by Lockheed Martin. 3. The US military reported that 150 US troops have been wounded in the conflict with Iran.
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) All three
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct as operations began on February 28, 2026. Statement 2 is incorrect because the KC-135 is manufactured by Boeing, not Lockheed Martin. Statement 3 is correct based on reports regarding US casualties in the conflict. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981530/us-refuelling-aircraft-crashes-in-western-iraq-us-military, 12 Mar 2026]
#3737
Which of the following is NOT a stated focus area of the comprehensive agricultural policy plan discussed on March 11, 2026?
(a) Climate-resilient agriculture
(b) Mandatory conversion of all land to organic farming
(c) Value addition in agricultural products
(d) Commercialization of research and development
Explanation: The forum focused on climate resilience, value addition, and the commercialization of research. There was no mention of a mandatory conversion to organic farming, making this the incorrect statement. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40411256/comprehensive-plan-to-devise-crop-wise-agricultural-policy, 11 Mar 2026]
#3738
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]
#3739
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]
#3740
The Regional Agricultural Forum meeting held on March 11, 2026, was chaired by the Vice Chancellor of which institution?
(a) University of Agriculture Faisalabad
(b) Ayub Agricultural Research Institute
(c) National Agricultural Research Centre
(d) None of these
Explanation: The meeting was chaired by Prof. Dr. Zulfiqar Ali, who serves as the Vice Chancellor of the University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF). The Ayub Agricultural Research Institute (AARI) was represented by its chief scientists but did not chair the forum. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40411256/comprehensive-plan-to-devise-crop-wise-agricultural-policy, 11 Mar 2026]