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.
#4441
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]
#4442
Which of the following statements regarding the Torkham border situation in March 2026 is INCORRECT?
(a) The repatriation process was suspended for several weeks due to a security official being injured in a firing incident.
(b) The border was closed for all trading activities since October of the previous year.
(c) Security officials from both sides held flag meetings to devise a mechanism for smooth repatriation.
(d) Transporters in Landi Kotal demanded the safe return of vehicles and drivers stranded in Afghanistan.
Explanation: The statement is incorrect because the suspension following the firing incident lasted only 12 hours, not several weeks. The other statements accurately reflect the security and logistical situation described in the report. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1987201/repatriation-of-afghans-resumes-at-torkham-as-border-reopens, 31 Mar 2026]
#4443
Which specific operation was cited as the cause for the month-long closure of the Torkham border prior to the March 2026 reopening?
(a) Operation Zarb-e-Azb
(b) Operation Radd-ul-Fasaad
(c) Operation Ghazab lil-Haq
(d) Operation Khyber-IV
Explanation: The border closure was linked to the launch of Operation Ghazab lil-Haq. The other operations listed are historical military campaigns that are not associated with the 2026 border events. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1987201/repatriation-of-afghans-resumes-at-torkham-as-border-reopens, 31 Mar 2026]
#4444
Consider the following statements about the security situation reported on March 30, 2026: 1. India is allegedly planning a false flag operation using Pakistani prisoners. 2. The prisoners involved include individuals currently held in Indian jails. 3. Security sources claim this move is intended to justify a permanent border closure. 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 supported by the security reports regarding the exploitation of prisoners. Statement 3 is incorrect as the reports cite diplomatic humiliation and diversion as the motives, not a permanent border closure. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1986909/india-planning-false-flag-operation-using-pakistani-prisoners-security-sources, 30 Mar 2026]
#4445
Consider the following statements about the energy crisis discussed in the March 2026 hearing: 1. The Strait of Hormuz historically accounts for 20 percent of global LNG and a quarter of seaborne oil. 2. The CPPA Chief stated that LNG-based plants can easily be run on domestic gas diverted from older fields. 3. Providing electricity from the national grid to K-Electric is described as beneficial for overall consumer costs.
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) All three
Explanation: Statement 2 is false because the CPPA chief explicitly stated that LNG-based plants cannot be run on domestic gas through diversion from older plants. Statements 1 and 3 are factually accurate based on the provided text. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1987262/lng-supplies-under-force-majeure-not-available-for-power-generation-say-officials, 31 Mar 2026]
#4446
On March 14, 2026, which US President claimed that multiple countries would deploy warships to maintain the openness of the Strait of Hormuz?
(a) Joe Biden
(b) Donald Trump
(c) Barack Obama
(d) None of these
Explanation: Donald Trump made the statement regarding the deployment of international warships to the Strait of Hormuz on March 14, 2026. The other listed individuals were not the serving US President on that date. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1982096/trump-claims-many-countries-will-send-warships-to-keep-strait-of-hormuz-open, 14 Mar 2026]
#4447
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]
#4448
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]
#4449
Which Iranian official serves as the secretary of the Supreme National Security Council and attended the Quds Day rally in Tehran on March 13, 2026?
(a) Masoud Pezeshkian
(b) Abbas Araghchi
(c) Ali Larijani
(d) Esmaeil Baqaei
Explanation: Ali Larijani is the secretary of the Supreme National Security Council who addressed the rally. Masoud Pezeshkian is the President, and Abbas Araghchi is the Foreign Minister, making them incorrect choices. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981719/deadly-blast-rocks-iran-as-leaders-rally-in-show-of-defiance, 13 Mar 2026]
#4450
Which regulatory body conducted the public hearing regarding the unavailability of LNG supplies on March 31, 2026?
(a) National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA)
(b) Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA)
(c) Private Power and Infrastructure Board (PPIB)
(d) None of these
Explanation: The hearing regarding the fuel supply situation and power generation constraints was held by the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA). [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1987262/lng-supplies-under-force-majeure-not-available-for-power-generation-say-officials, 31 Mar 2026]
#4451
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]
#4452
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]
#4453
Which of the following statements regarding the conflict events on March 13, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) Explosions occurred in Tehran near a pro-government rally.
(b) Iran launched a fresh salvo of missiles at Israel.
(c) The head of the judiciary was interviewed during a blast.
(d) The US military confirmed the capture of Tehran's central square.
Explanation: There is no report of the US military capturing Tehran's central square. The other three options are explicitly mentioned as occurring on that day. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981719/deadly-blast-rocks-iran-as-leaders-rally-in-show-of-defiance, 13 Mar 2026]
#4454
Consider the following statements about the conflict developments as of March 13, 2026: 1. The US Defence Secretary stated that over 15,000 targets have been struck since the war began. 2. Sirens were reported at Turkey's Incirlik airbase, a facility housing US troops. 3. Iran's Revolutionary Guards have promised to welcome all anti-government protests to foster national unity. 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 3 is incorrect because the Revolutionary Guards warned that protests would be met with a stronger response, not welcomed. Statements 1 and 2 are factually accurate based on the report. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981719/deadly-blast-rocks-iran-as-leaders-rally-in-show-of-defiance, 13 Mar 2026]
#4455
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]
#4456
Consider the following statements about the diplomatic developments in Islamabad on March 29, 2026: 1. The meeting focused on the ongoing Middle East conflict and its regional impact. 2. The foreign ministers reaffirmed their commitment to the principles of the United Nations Charter. 3. Pakistan announced it would unilaterally mediate the conflict without the support of other regional partners. 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 meeting addressed the regional crisis and emphasized the UN Charter. Statement 3 is incorrect because Pakistan sought and received the full support of the visiting foreign ministers for its mediation initiative. [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]
#4457
Which of the following is NOT a primary focus area mentioned in the March 2026 high-level meetings regarding national strategy?
(a) Institutional harmony
(b) Constitutional amendment drafting
(c) Energy supply pressures
(d) Regional security environment
Explanation: The meetings focused on national security, economic challenges, energy costs, and regional stability. Constitutional amendment drafting was not a stated agenda item for these specific consultative meetings. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1986837/president-zardari-pm-shehbaz-review-regional-situation-implications-for-pakistan, 30 Mar 2026]
#4458
Consider the following statements regarding the diplomatic status of the conflict as of March 25, 2026: 1. Iran has officially accepted the 15-point US peace plan. 2. The White House claims that negotiations with Iran are currently productive. 3. Iran maintains that no negotiations will occur until its five conditions are met. 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 Iran rejected the US proposal. Statements 2 and 3 are correct as they reflect the conflicting official positions of the White House and the Iranian government respectively. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1985253/iran-rejects-us-proposal-lays-out-5-conditions-for-ending-war, 25 Mar 2026]
#4459
Consider the following statements about the March 2026 high-level meetings: 1. The leadership emphasized the need for a coordinated national strategy and institutional harmony. 2. The Prime Minister repeatedly rejected proposals to increase oil prices to provide relief to the public. 3. The meeting was briefed on the upcoming diplomatic visit of the Foreign Minister to Washington. 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 stated policy of austerity and price management. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Foreign Minister's upcoming visit mentioned in the report was to Beijing, not Washington. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1986837/president-zardari-pm-shehbaz-review-regional-situation-implications-for-pakistan, 30 Mar 2026]
#4460
Who currently serves as the Director General (DG) of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) as per the March 2026 reports?
(a) Ishaq Dar
(b) Asim Munir
(c) Mohsin Naqvi
(d) Asim Malik
Explanation: Asim Malik is identified as the Director General of the ISI in the official reports of the meeting. Asim Munir is the Chief of Army Staff, while Mohsin Naqvi and Ishaq Dar hold ministerial portfolios. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1986837/president-zardari-pm-shehbaz-review-regional-situation-implications-for-pakistan, 30 Mar 2026]