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.
#4501
Which scientific organization provided a forecast that the Shawwal moon was unlikely to be visible on March 19, 2026?
(a) Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC)
(b) Pakistan Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (PCSIR)
(c) National Institute of Oceanography (NIO)
(d) Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO)
Explanation: SUPARCO is the national space agency responsible for atmospheric and astronomical forecasting in Pakistan. The other organizations listed are scientific bodies but do not specialize in lunar sighting predictions. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1983722/shawwal-moon-not-sighted-eidul-fitr-to-be-celebrated-on-saturday, 19 Mar 2026]
#4502
Which of the following statements regarding the US intelligence assessment of March 2026 is INCORRECT?
(a) The assessment identified Russia as a nation developing advanced missile delivery systems.
(b) The assessment predicted a decrease in global missile threats by the year 2035.
(c) The assessment claimed Pakistan's missile development could potentially include ICBMs.
(d) The assessment included North Korea among the nations posing a missile threat to the US.
Explanation: The assessment actually predicted a sharp rise in missile threats, estimating that threats to the US homeland will expand to more than 16,000 missiles by 2035. Therefore, the claim that threats will decrease is false. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1983677/fo-rejects-us-intelligence-chiefs-claims-about-pakistan-missile-threat, 19 Mar 2026]
#4503
Which of the following statements regarding the diplomatic activities of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on March 20, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The Prime Minister announced a formal military intervention in the Middle East conflict.
(b) The Prime Minister discussed the situation in Iran and the Gulf region with Malaysian leadership.
(c) The Prime Minister expressed solidarity with Azerbaijan regarding attacks on its territory.
(d) The Prime Minister utilized the occasion of Eidul Fitr to facilitate diplomatic dialogue.
Explanation: The Prime Minister advocated for dialogue and diplomacy to resolve tensions; there was no announcement of military intervention. Options A, B, and D are factually accurate descriptions of the diplomatic events. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1984038/calls-for-de-escalation-in-middle-east-as-pm-shehbaz-speaks-to-several-world-leaders, 20 Mar 2026]
#4504
What was the primary meteorological cause for the heavy rainfall in Karachi on March 18, 2026?
(a) A tropical cyclone
(b) A westerly wave
(c) Monsoon currents
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Pakistan Meteorological Department explicitly identified a westerly wave as the system affecting most parts of the country, including Karachi. None of these is incorrect because the cause is clearly stated. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1983379/15-die-in-rain-related-incidents-as-heavy-showers-strong-winds-hit-parts-of-karachi, 18 Mar 2026]
#4505
Consider the following statements about the diplomatic exchange on March 19, 2026: 1. The Pakistan Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Hussain Andrabi rejected the US intelligence claims. 2. Former Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jil Abbas Jilani supported the US intelligence assessment regarding Pakistan's missile range. 3. The US intelligence report suggested that nations are seeking to understand US missile defense plans to shape their own development.
(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 spokesperson rejected the claims. Statement 2 is incorrect because Jalil Abbas Jilani explicitly dismissed the US assertion as not grounded in strategic reality. Statement 3 is correct as the DNI noted that identified nations seek to understand US defense plans to assess US intentions. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1983677/fo-rejects-us-intelligence-chiefs-claims-about-pakistan-missile-threat, 19 Mar 2026]
#4506
Consider the following statements about the conflict in the Strait of Hormuz as of March 16, 2026: 1. Iran has effectively closed the waterway using drones and naval mines. 2. The US-Israeli war on Iran is currently in its third week. 3. Dubai airport operations were temporarily suspended due to Iranian drone attacks. 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: the Strait is closed by mines and drones, the conflict is in its third week, and Dubai airport faced temporary closures due to Iranian drone activity. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1982742/trump-upset-as-key-us-partners-shun-call-for-hormuz-warship-escorts, 16 Mar 2026]
#4507
Who served as the Director of the National Counterterrorism Centre before resigning on March 17, 2026?
(a) Tulsi Gabbard
(b) Joseph Kent
(c) Donald Trump
(d) None of these
Explanation: Joseph Kent resigned from his position as the Director of the National Counterterrorism Centre to protest the US-Israeli war against Iran. Tulsi Gabbard is the Director of National Intelligence, not the NCTC Director. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1983065/iran-posed-no-imminent-threat-to-our-nation-senior-us-counter-terrorism-official-resigns-to-protest-mideast-war, 17 Mar 2026]
#4508
Who is the current Director of National Intelligence (DNI) of the United States as of March 19, 2026?
(a) William Burns
(b) Tulsi Gabbard
(c) Avril Haines
(d) None of these
Explanation: Tulsi Gabbard is the Director of National Intelligence who presented the 2026 Annual Threat Assessment to the US Senate Intelligence Committee. William Burns is the Director of the CIA, making him an incorrect choice. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1983677/fo-rejects-us-intelligence-chiefs-claims-about-pakistan-missile-threat, 19 Mar 2026]
#4509
The diplomatic discussions held by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on March 20, 2026, were primarily focused on which of the following objectives?
(a) Economic trade agreements
(b) Military alliance formation
(c) Climate change cooperation
(d) Regional de-escalation
Explanation: The primary focus of the calls with leaders from Azerbaijan, Malaysia, and Uzbekistan was the urgent need for de-escalation of hostilities in Iran and the Gulf region. While bilateral ties were mentioned, the core objective was conflict resolution through diplomacy. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1984038/calls-for-de-escalation-in-middle-east-as-pm-shehbaz-speaks-to-several-world-leaders, 20 Mar 2026]
#4510
On March 13, 2026, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced that the prices of which commodities would remain unchanged despite global market trends?
(a) Petroleum products
(b) Electricity tariffs
(c) Natural gas rates
(d) Wheat flour prices
Explanation: The Prime Minister decided against increasing petroleum prices to provide relief to the common man. This decision was made despite an uptick in global oil prices caused by regional tensions. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981713/pm-shehbaz-says-prices-of-petroleum-products-not-being-increased-despite-uptick-in-global-market, 13 Mar 2026]
#4511
Consider the following statements about the emergency response to the March 18, 2026, rainfall in Karachi: 1. The Sindh Chief Minister ordered the clearance of choking points in drains. 2. Traffic police were directed to deploy additional personnel to manage traffic flow. 3. The Karachi Gymkhana area remained fully accessible to all traffic throughout the night. 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 directives issued by the Sindh Chief Minister. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Karachi Mayor specifically announced that Club Road in front of Karachi Gymkhana was closed for traffic due to fallen trees. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1983379/15-die-in-rain-related-incidents-as-heavy-showers-strong-winds-hit-parts-of-karachi, 18 Mar 2026]
#4512
What is the approximate range of missile capabilities attributed to India by the Pakistani Foreign Office in the March 2026 statement?
(a) Over 5,000 kilometers
(b) Over 8,000 kilometers
(c) Over 15,000 kilometers
(d) Over 12,000 kilometers
Explanation: The FO spokesperson explicitly mentioned that India's development of missile capabilities exceeds 12,000 kilometers. This figure is cited to contrast India's reach with Pakistan's defensive, regional-focused program. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1983677/fo-rejects-us-intelligence-chiefs-claims-about-pakistan-missile-threat, 19 Mar 2026]
#4513
Which specific terrorist training camp located in the Paktia province of Afghanistan was reported as a target during the March 2026 strikes?
(a) Tarawo Camp
(b) Sher-e-Nau Camp
(c) Balkh Training Center
(d) None of these
Explanation: Security sources confirmed that the Sher-e-Nau terrorist camp in Paktia province was struck during the operation. Tarawo camp was also targeted, but it is located in Kandahar, not Paktia. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981638/info-minister-says-pakistan-targeted-terrorists-support-infrastructure-in-afghanistan-overnight, 13 Mar 2026]
#4514
Consider the following statements about the security situation in 2026: 1. The Afghan Taliban 313 Corps headquarters in Kabul was reported as a target during the March 2026 strikes. 2. Operation Ghazab lil-Haq was initiated in response to unprovoked firing from across the border. 3. The suicide bomber involved in the Bajaur attack was identified as a member of the Afghan Taliban's special forces. 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 security reports provided. The operation targeted the 313 Corps, was triggered by border firing, and the identified bomber had links to the Afghan Taliban's special forces. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981638/info-minister-says-pakistan-targeted-terrorists-support-infrastructure-in-afghanistan-overnight, 13 Mar 2026]
#4515
Consider the following statements about the 2026 Eidul Fitr announcement: 1. The Central Ruet-i-Hilal Committee declared that the month of Ramazan would last for 30 days. 2. The official date for Eidul Fitr in Pakistan was set for March 21, 2026. 3. Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates celebrated Eidul Fitr on the same day as the rest of Pakistan. 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 committee confirmed the 30-day duration and the March 21 date. Statement 3 is incorrect because Saudi Arabia and the UAE celebrated Eid on Friday, March 20, whereas the national announcement for Pakistan was for Saturday, March 21. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1983722/shawwal-moon-not-sighted-eidul-fitr-to-be-celebrated-on-saturday, 19 Mar 2026]
#4516
Who among the following was present at the meeting held on March 14, 2026, to review the implementation of austerity measures?
(a) Minister of Defence
(b) Chairman of the Federal Board of Revenue
(c) Governor of the State Bank of Pakistan
(d) None of these
Explanation: FBR Chairman Rashid Mahmood Langrial attended the meeting alongside the Finance and Petroleum ministers. The presence of the FBR head underscores the focus on revenue and fiscal management during the crisis. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1982016/employees-of-soes-other-govt-supervised-bodies-to-face-5-30pc-salary-cut-as-part-of-austerity-measures-pmo, 14 Mar 2026]
#4517
Which of the following statements regarding the drone incident on March 14, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The drones were described by the ISPR as rudimentary.
(b) The Pakistan Airports Authority denied that Islamabad's airspace was closed.
(c) The drones successfully hit their intended military targets.
(d) The state refers to the TTP as Fitna al-Khawarij.
Explanation: The ISPR explicitly stated that the drones failed to reach their intended targets and were intercepted by security forces. Therefore, the claim that they successfully hit military targets is false. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981957/rudimentary-drones-launched-by-afghan-taliban-injure-4-failed-to-reach-targets-ispr, 14 Mar 2026]
#4518
Which of the following statements regarding the March 18, 2026, weather event in Karachi is INCORRECT?
(a) The event involved heavy showers and strong winds.
(b) The Pakistan Meteorological Department predicted rainfall until Thursday.
(c) The rainfall was limited exclusively to the coastal areas of Clifton and Defence.
(d) The Karachi Mayor advised citizens to avoid unnecessary movement.
Explanation: Rainfall was reported across a wide range of areas including Gulshan-i-Iqbal, North Karachi, and I.I. Chundrigar Road, not just coastal areas. Therefore, the statement that it was limited to Clifton and Defence is false. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1983379/15-die-in-rain-related-incidents-as-heavy-showers-strong-winds-hit-parts-of-karachi, 18 Mar 2026]
#4519
Which of the following statements regarding the March 2026 strikes is INCORRECT?
(a) The strikes targeted logistic bases and training camps.
(b) The operation resulted in the destruction of an ammunition depot in Kabul.
(c) The strikes were conducted in response to cross-border terrorism.
(d) Civilian infrastructure was intentionally targeted to pressure the Afghan regime.
Explanation: The government explicitly stated that no civilian population or civilian infrastructure was targeted. Options A, B, and D are factually consistent with the reported military objectives. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981638/info-minister-says-pakistan-targeted-terrorists-support-infrastructure-in-afghanistan-overnight, 13 Mar 2026]
#4520
Who is the Chairman of the Central Ruet-i-Hilal Committee that announced the Eidul Fitr moon sighting status on March 19, 2026?
(a) Mufti Muneeb-ur-Rehman
(b) Maulana Abdul Khabeer Azad
(c) Mufti Shahabuddin Popalzai
(d) None of these
Explanation: Maulana Abdul Khabeer Azad serves as the Chairman of the Central Ruet-i-Hilal Committee and presided over the meeting in Islamabad. Mufti Muneeb-ur-Rehman is a former chairman, making him a plausible but incorrect distractor. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1983722/shawwal-moon-not-sighted-eidul-fitr-to-be-celebrated-on-saturday, 19 Mar 2026]