March 2025 Edition

March 2025 Current Affairs MCQs & Solutions

Top national & international current affairs questions for CSS, PMS, FPSC, PPSC, and NTS screening tests.

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#4381

Which of the following is NOT identified as a potential economic impact of the Middle East conflict on Pakistan in the March 2026 report?

(a) Increased energy costs
(b) Immediate collapse of the banking sector
(c) Strain on remittance inflows
(d) Pressure on the exchange rate
Explanation: The report warns of inflation, import costs, and remittance strain, but it does not predict an immediate collapse of the banking sector. The other options are explicitly mentioned as risks to the external sector. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979649/external-sector-faces-instability-amid-middle-east-crisis, 08 Mar 2026]
#4382

According to the Planning Commission's March 2026 report, what percentage of Pakistan's total imports are accounted for by petroleum products?

(a) Nearly 10 percent
(b) Nearly 25 percent
(c) Nearly 40 percent
(d) None of these
Explanation: The report specifies that petroleum products constitute nearly one-quarter, or 25 percent, of Pakistan's total import bill. This high dependency makes the country particularly susceptible to global oil price volatility. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979649/external-sector-faces-instability-amid-middle-east-crisis, 08 Mar 2026]
#4383

How many wickets did Nahid Rana take in the ODI match against Pakistan on March 11, 2026?

(a) 5 wickets
(b) 4 wickets
(c) 3 wickets
(d) 6 wickets
Explanation: Nahid Rana returned figures of 5-24, marking his first five-wicket haul in one-day internationals. This performance was instrumental in restricting Pakistan to 114 runs. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980951/nahid-rana-takes-5-wickets-as-bangladesh-crush-pakistan-in-odi-opener, 11 Mar 2026]
#4384

Consider the following statements about the security incident in Lakki Marwat on March 8, 2026: 1. The attack involved a gun battle between the police and the assailants. 2. The incident resulted in the death of a police constable and injury to a civilian. 3. The attack occurred in the Serai Naurang town of the district. 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 a gun battle erupted following the initial firing. Statement 3 is correct regarding the location. Statement 2 is incorrect because the report specifies that a civilian was killed and a police constable was injured, reversing the roles stated in the option. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979866/civilian-killed-cop-injured-as-armed-men-open-fire-on-police-in-kps-lakki-marwat, 08 Mar 2026]
#4385

Which of the following statements regarding the ODI match on March 11, 2026, is INCORRECT?

(a) Nahid Rana dismissed the top five Pakistani batters.
(b) Tanzid Hasan scored an unbeaten 67 runs.
(c) The match was held in Mirpur.
(d) Pakistan won the match by eight wickets.
Explanation: It was Bangladesh, not Pakistan, that won the match by eight wickets. The other three statements are factually accurate regarding the match proceedings. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980951/nahid-rana-takes-5-wickets-as-bangladesh-crush-pakistan-in-odi-opener, 11 Mar 2026]
#4386

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]
#4387

Which of the following regions is specifically identified by the PMD as being at risk of flash floods from March 28 to March 30, 2026?

(a) Sindh coastal areas
(b) Central Kashmir valleys
(c) Punjab agricultural plains
(d) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa local streams and nullahs
Explanation: The PMD advisory warns that flash floods are expected in the local streams and nullahs of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa specifically during the period of March 28 to March 30, 2026. Balochistan is identified as being at risk of flash floods earlier, from March 25 to 28. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1984621/met-office-predicts-rain-thunderstorms-across-country-from-march-24-30, 23 Mar 2026]
#4388

Consider the following statements regarding the economic concerns raised by business leaders in March 2026: 1. Business leaders argued that high interest rates discourage capital investment and modernization. 2. The SBP acknowledged a decline in exports alongside an increase in imports as a sign of slowing economic activity. 3. The business community unanimously agreed that the 10.5 percent interest rate was the optimal level for economic stability. 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 concerns regarding investment and the SBP's own assessment of trade data. Statement 3 is incorrect because the business community expressed disappointment and advocated for a rate reduction, showing a lack of consensus on the optimality of the 10.5 percent rate. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980387/high-interest-rate-to-hit-economy-in-war-times-warn-businesses, 10 Mar 2026]
#4389

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]
#4390

Consider the following statements about the legal developments involving Bushra Bibi: 1. She was sentenced to 17 years in the Toshakhana 2 case in December 2025. 2. The £190 million corruption case involves the retrieval of laundered money from the United Kingdom. 3. The jail authorities reported that she was diagnosed with retinal detachment in her right eye. 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 details provided in the case records. The Toshakhana 2 conviction occurred in December 2025, the nature of the £190 million case is correctly described, and the medical diagnosis of retinal detachment was confirmed by jail authorities. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1992994/bushra-bibi-moves-ihc-seeking-to-suspend-sentence-in-ps190m-corruption-case-on-medical-grounds, 18 Apr 2026]
#4391

What was the total score achieved by Pakistan in the ODI match against Bangladesh on March 11, 2026?

(a) 182 runs
(b) 161 runs
(c) 114 runs
(d) 214 runs
Explanation: Pakistan was bowled out for 114 runs, which stands as their lowest ODI total against Bangladesh. The figure 161 was their previous lowest total against Bangladesh, recorded during the 1999 World Cup. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980951/nahid-rana-takes-5-wickets-as-bangladesh-crush-pakistan-in-odi-opener, 11 Mar 2026]
#4392

Consider the following statements about the edible oil supply chain in Pakistan as of March 2026: 1. The PVMA has reported a critical shortage of raw materials for ghee production. 2. Maritime supply routes are being monitored due to regional geopolitical tensions. 3. Domestic reserves are projected to cover national demand for the next two 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: Statement 1 is incorrect because the PVMA explicitly stated there is no shortage of raw materials. Statements 2 and 3 are correct as they align with the association's assessment of regional risks and current stock levels. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980381/no-shortage-of-edible-oil-pvma, 10 Mar 2026]
#4393

In which stadium was the first ODI match between Bangladesh and Pakistan held on March 11, 2026?

(a) Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium
(b) Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium
(c) Sylhet International Cricket Stadium
(d) None of these
Explanation: The match took place at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur. The other options are also cricket venues in Bangladesh but were not the site of this specific event. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980951/nahid-rana-takes-5-wickets-as-bangladesh-crush-pakistan-in-odi-opener, 11 Mar 2026]
#4394

Consider the following statements about the ODI match held on March 11, 2026: 1. Nahid Rana became the first Bangladeshi bowler to dismiss the opposition's top five batters in an ODI innings. 2. Faheem Ashraf was the highest run-scorer for Pakistan in the match. 3. Bangladesh chased the target in under 20 overs. 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 Nahid Rana achieved this unique feat. Statement 3 is correct because Bangladesh reached the target in 15.1 overs. Statement 2 is incorrect because while Faheem Ashraf offered resistance, the text does not identify him as the highest scorer, and his contribution was 37 runs, which was the highest among the lower order but the match report highlights the overall collapse. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980951/nahid-rana-takes-5-wickets-as-bangladesh-crush-pakistan-in-odi-opener, 11 Mar 2026]
#4395

Which of the following statements regarding the March 8, 2026, border incident is INCORRECT?

(a) The Ghulam Khan border crossing remains fully operational for trade and travel.
(b) The incident involved an exchange of fire between two sides of the border.
(c) A child was killed as a result of the mortar shell explosion.
(d) Four people sustained injuries during the incident.
Explanation: The Ghulam Khan border crossing is currently closed due to the security situation, making the statement that it remains fully operational incorrect. The other statements accurately reflect the reported facts. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979869/child-killed-four-injured-after-mortar-shell-allegedly-fired-from-afghanistan-lands-in-north-waziristan-neighbourhood, 08 Mar 2026]
#4396

Asiya Andrabi, who was sentenced by a Delhi court on March 25, 2026, is the founder of which Kashmiri rights group?

(a) Dukhtaran-i-Millat
(b) Hurriyat Conference
(c) Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front
(d) None of these
Explanation: Asiya Andrabi is the founder of the Dukhtaran-i-Millat, also known as the Daughters of the Nation. The other organizations listed are distinct political or militant entities operating within the Kashmir region. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1985165/fo-condemns-harsh-sentences-awarded-to-kashmiri-leader-asiya-andrabi-associates-by-delhi-court, 25 Mar 2026]
#4397

Consider the following statements about the 2025 Pahalgam incident: 1. The attack primarily targeted tourists in the disputed Himalayan region. 2. It was the deadliest armed attack in the region since the year 2000. 3. India provided conclusive evidence linking Pakistan to the attack immediately after the incident. 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 report explicitly states that New Delhi blamed Pakistan without providing any evidence. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1994381/pakistan-rejects-indian-propaganda-on-pahalgam-attack-deplores-weaponisation-of-false-narrative, 23 Apr 2026]
#4398

What was the name of the military operation conducted by Pakistan in response to Indian adventurism following the 2025 Pahalgam attack?

(a) Operation Zarb-e-Azb
(b) Operation Bunyanum Marsoos
(c) Operation Swift Retort
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Foreign Office explicitly referenced Operation Bunyanum Marsoos as the response to India's military actions in 2025. Other operations listed are either historical or unrelated to this specific timeline. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1994381/pakistan-rejects-indian-propaganda-on-pahalgam-attack-deplores-weaponisation-of-false-narrative, 23 Apr 2026]
#4399

Who is the current Petroleum Minister of Pakistan as of March 2026?

(a) Muhammad Aurangzeb
(b) Ali Pervaiz Malik
(c) Murad Ali Shah
(d) None of these
Explanation: Ali Pervaiz Malik is the Petroleum Minister who briefed provincial leadership on fuel reserves. Muhammad Aurangzeb is the Finance Minister, and Murad Ali Shah is the Chief Minister of Sindh. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979807/three-petrol-shipments-expected-on-monday-petroleum-minister, 08 Mar 2026]
#4400

The armed attack on police in Serai Naurang on March 8, 2026, was carried out by assailants using which mode of transport?

(a) Motorcycles
(b) Pick-up trucks
(c) Sedan cars
(d) None of these
Explanation: Official reports confirmed that the armed men involved in the firing attack on the police patrol were riding motorcycles. Other vehicles like pick-up trucks are often used in different types of militant operations, but motorcycles were the specific mode identified in this instance. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979866/civilian-killed-cop-injured-as-armed-men-open-fire-on-police-in-kps-lakki-marwat, 08 Mar 2026]