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.
#4421
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]
#4422
Consider the following statements about the events in Islamabad on March 8, 2026: 1. The police detained both male and female participants during the march. 2. The wife of the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan Secretary General was among those detained. 3. The marchers were permitted to reach the National Press Club before being arrested. 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 both men and women were detained, and the wife of the HRCP Secretary General was arrested at the police station. Statement 3 is incorrect because the police were already present at the National Press Club, preventing the marchers from reaching it. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979796/dozens-of-aurat-march-activists-participants-detained-by-police-in-islamabad-ahead-of-international-womens-day-rally, 08 Mar 2026]
#4423
All of the following are potential impacts of the weather system forecasted by the PMD for March 2026 EXCEPT:
(a) Landslides in vulnerable areas of upper KP, GB, and AJK
(b) Widespread flooding in the Indus River delta
(c) Decrease in daytime temperatures in upper parts of the country
(d) Hailstorm at isolated places in Islamabad
Explanation: The PMD warned of landslides, temperature drops, and hailstorms, but it did not issue a warning for widespread flooding in the Indus River delta. Flooding is not a standard consequence of the described westerly wave in this context. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980117/pmd-warns-winds-could-carry-pollutants-from-iran-worsen-air-quality-in-western-parts-of-pakistan, 09 Mar 2026]
#4424
Which prominent human rights defender was among those reported as detained by the police on March 8, 2026?
(a) Hina Jilani
(b) Asma Jahangir
(c) Tahira Abdullah
(d) Malala Yousafzai
Explanation: Tahira Abdullah, a well-known human rights defender, was explicitly named as one of the individuals taken into custody. The other figures listed were not involved in this specific event. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979796/dozens-of-aurat-march-activists-participants-detained-by-police-in-islamabad-ahead-of-international-womens-day-rally, 08 Mar 2026]
#4425
Consider the following statements about the PMD weather forecast for March 2026: 1. The weather system is expected to persist until March 31, 2026. 2. Hailstorms are expected only in the plains of Punjab. 3. Tourists are advised to avoid unnecessary travel during the forecast period. 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 system may persist until March 31. Statement 2 is incorrect because hailstorms are predicted for various regions, including Balochistan, Sindh, and Kashmir, not just Punjab. Statement 3 is correct as the PMD advised travelers to remain cautious and avoid unnecessary travel. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1984621/met-office-predicts-rain-thunderstorms-across-country-from-march-24-30, 23 Mar 2026]
#4426
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]
#4427
Which of the following regions was specifically mentioned by the PMD as likely to experience rain and thunderstorms between March 9 and March 12, 2026?
(a) Thar Desert
(b) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
(c) Coastal Sindh
(d) None of these
Explanation: The PMD forecast identified several districts in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, such as Dir, Kohistan, and Chitral, as areas expected to receive rain and thunderstorms. Thar and coastal Sindh were not included in this specific weather advisory. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980117/pmd-warns-winds-could-carry-pollutants-from-iran-worsen-air-quality-in-western-parts-of-pakistan, 09 Mar 2026]
#4428
Consider the following statements about the LNG supply situation in 2026: 1. The Power Division requested 400 million mmcfd of LNG to mitigate summer loadshedding. 2. PLL successfully imported eight cargoes in March 2026 to stabilize the market. 3. The basket RLNG price in March 2026 was based on only two cargoes. 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 Power Division requested 400 million mmcfd. Statement 3 is correct as the basket price was based on only two cargoes in March. Statement 2 is incorrect because imports were significantly lower than eight cargoes due to force majeure. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1998447/pakistan-turns-down-two-lowest-evaluated-lng-bids, 07 May 2026]
#4429
Consider the following statements about the weather and environmental situation in March 2026: 1. The PMD warned that winds could carry pollutants from Iran into western Pakistan. 2. The westerly wave is expected to bring rain and thunderstorms to Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir. 3. The PMD advised that daytime temperatures would increase significantly due to the incoming weather system. 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 align with the PMD's official forecast. Statement 3 is incorrect because the PMD predicted a decrease, not an increase, in daytime temperatures. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980117/pmd-warns-winds-could-carry-pollutants-from-iran-worsen-air-quality-in-western-parts-of-pakistan, 09 Mar 2026]
#4430
Which legal provision was cited by the district administration to justify the detention of marchers in Islamabad?
(a) Section 144 of the CrPC
(b) Section 124-A of the PPC
(c) Section 302 of the PPC
(d) None of these
Explanation: Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) empowers district administrations to prohibit assemblies of four or more people. This is the standard legal instrument used to restrict public gatherings in the federal capital. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979796/dozens-of-aurat-march-activists-participants-detained-by-police-in-islamabad-ahead-of-international-womens-day-rally, 08 Mar 2026]
#4431
All of the following are cited as areas of concern or policy focus for China in the March 2026 press conference EXCEPT:
(a) Tensions in the South China Sea
(b) Expansion of the BRICS currency
(c) Wars in the Middle East and Ukraine
(d) US-China trade tariffs
Explanation: The press conference specifically addressed trade tariffs, the South China Sea, and the conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine. The expansion of the BRICS currency was not a primary topic mentioned in the briefing. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979786/chinese-fm-urges-us-to-manage-differences-in-face-of-trade-woes, 08 Mar 2026]
#4432
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]
#4433
For how many hours were flight operations at Islamabad International Airport scheduled to be suspended on March 16, 2026?
(a) Five hours
(b) Three hours
(c) Four hours
(d) Two hours
Explanation: The PAA announced that flight operations would be temporarily suspended for a duration of two hours, specifically from 08:30am to 10:30am PKT on March 16, 2026. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1982043/flight-operations-at-islamabad-airport-to-remain-suspended-for-2-hours-on-march-16-paa, 14 Mar 2026]
#4434
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]
#4435
What was the approximate percentage increase in the price of kerosene announced in March 2026?
(a) 50 percent
(b) 60 percent
(c) 80 percent
(d) 70 percent
Explanation: The government increased the price of kerosene by Rs130.08 from a base of Rs188.73, which represents an increase of almost 70 percent. This was a significant adjustment compared to the previous monthly rates. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979534/govt-hikes-kerosene-price-by-rs130-to-rs31881-per-litre, 07 Mar 2026]
#4436
Consider the following statements about the impact of rising fuel costs in March 2026: 1. Jet fuel accounts for 30-40% of airline operating expenses. 2. Domestic and international airfares have increased by 30-40% due to fuel costs. 3. The government has decided to permanently abolish the petroleum levy to provide relief to consumers. 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 government has actually protected its petroleum levy targets despite the subsidies provided. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1985067/govt-may-have-to-unfreeze-fuel-prices-amid-global-surge, 25 Mar 2026]
#4437
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]
#4438
Consider the following statements about the airspace restrictions between Pakistan and India: 1. The airspace closure was initially implemented in response to tensions following an attack in Pahalgam. 2. Pakistan has offered a neutral probe into the allegations regarding the 2025 incident. 3. The airspace ban has been extended only once since its inception in 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: Statements 1 and 2 are factually correct regarding the origin of the tensions and Pakistan's diplomatic stance. Statement 3 is incorrect because the ban has been extended multiple times since 2025. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016474/paa-extends-airspace-ban-on-indian-aircraft-until-aug-23, 18 Jul 2026]
#4439
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]
#4440
According to security sources on March 30, 2026, what is the primary objective behind India's alleged plan to use Pakistani prisoners in a false flag operation?
(a) To facilitate a prisoner exchange program
(b) To divert attention from diplomatic humiliation
(c) To conduct a joint border security exercise
(d) None of these
Explanation: Security sources indicate that the operation is intended to cover up India's diplomatic failures and divert public attention away from Pakistan. Option A is incorrect as there is no mention of a prisoner exchange, and option C is factually inconsistent with the nature of a false flag operation. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1986909/india-planning-false-flag-operation-using-pakistani-prisoners-security-sources, 30 Mar 2026]