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.
#4601
In which city was the lawsuit filed by Anthropic against the United States government on March 10, 2026?
(a) San Francisco
(b) Washington
(c) New York
(d) Los Angeles
Explanation: The complaint was filed in federal court located in San Francisco. While Washington is the seat of the federal government and the Pentagon, the legal action itself was initiated in the Northern District of California. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980425/anthropic-takes-us-govt-to-court-over-security-risk-designation, 10 Mar 2026]
#4602
Who was presiding over the National Assembly session on March 10, 2026, when the proceedings were adjourned?
(a) Sardar Ayaz Sadiq
(b) Tariq Fazal Chaudhry
(c) Raja Pervaiz Ashraf
(d) Ghulam Mustafa Shah
Explanation: Ghulam Mustafa Shah was the deputy speaker presiding over the session during the protest. The other individuals listed are prominent political figures but were not the presiding officer at that specific time. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40410878/na-adjourned-after-oppositions-uproar-against-fuel-price-hike, 10 Mar 2026]
#4603
Which Pakistani official joined Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in extending formal congratulations to the new Iranian leadership on March 10, 2026?
(a) President Asif Ali Zardari
(b) Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar
(c) Chairman Senate Yusuf Raza Gilani
(d) Speaker National Assembly Ayaz Sadiq
Explanation: President Asif Ali Zardari issued a separate message of congratulations to the new Supreme Leader. The other officials were not cited as primary signatories in the official diplomatic communication regarding this specific event. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40410989/pm-shehbaz-president-zardari-congratulate-irans-new-supreme-leader-mojtaba-khamenei, 10 Mar 2026]
#4604
Consider the following statements about the security situation as of March 18, 2026: 1. The Kabul strike resulted in secondary detonations of old Russian Scud missiles. 2. The DG ISPR claimed that 81 locations in Afghanistan were targeted in airstrikes. 3. The Tarlai imambargah attack was cited as an example of terrorism originating from Afghanistan. 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 supported by the DG ISPR's briefing. The strike in Kabul involved the destruction of stored missiles, 81 locations were targeted to dismantle support infrastructure, and the Tarlai attack was specifically linked to Afghan-based terrorists. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1983447/our-intelligence-was-correct-dg-ispr-says-pakistan-hit-ammunition-storage-site-in-kabul-strike, 18 Mar 2026]
#4605
Consider the following statements about the administrative updates provided in the National Assembly on March 10, 2026: 1. Special women facilitation desks have been established at Islamabad police stations. 2. The Safe City Islamabad software is being used to maintain digital records for hostels and guest houses. 3. The hospital serving Capital Development Authority employees currently has 79 functional departments. 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 regarding police reforms and digital record-keeping. Statement 3 is incorrect because 79 refers to the number of vacant staff positions, not the number of hospital departments. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40410878/na-adjourned-after-oppositions-uproar-against-fuel-price-hike, 10 Mar 2026]
#4606
Consider the following statements about the diplomatic developments between Pakistan and Iran in March 2026: 1. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif acknowledged the martyrdom of the former Iranian Supreme Leader in his message. 2. The Pakistani leadership expressed confidence that the new Supreme Leader would guide Iran toward peace and stability. 3. The transition of power in Iran occurred following a peaceful and scheduled democratic election. 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 diplomatic communications. Statement 3 is incorrect because the transition followed the assassination of the former leader, not a scheduled democratic election. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40410989/pm-shehbaz-president-zardari-congratulate-irans-new-supreme-leader-mojtaba-khamenei, 10 Mar 2026]
#4607
Consider the following statements about the conflict in Lebanon as of March 2026: 1. The Foreign Office condemned the military aggression as a contravention of international law. 2. The conflict has resulted in over 1,000 civilian deaths according to the World Health Organisation. 3. Pakistan has expressed solidarity with the people of Lebanon. 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 cited international law violations. Statement 2 is incorrect because the total number of deaths reported was 486, not over 1,000. Statement 3 is correct as Pakistan expressed solidarity with the brotherly people of Lebanon. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980557/fo-calls-on-international-community-to-take-urgent-action-to-end-israeli-aggression-in-lebanon, 10 Mar 2026]
#4608
Which of the following statements regarding the diplomatic situation on March 10, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) Pakistan expressed solidarity with Bahrain following recent attacks.
(b) The Foreign Office confirmed the call between the two Foreign Ministers.
(c) Bahraini leadership justified the attacks as a necessary defensive measure.
(d) The discussion included concerns over regional stability.
Explanation: The statement is incorrect because Bahrain's King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa explicitly stated that the attacks by Iran 'cannot be justified.' The other options accurately reflect the events described in the diplomatic report. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980499/in-phone-call-with-bahrains-fm-dar-reiterates-pakistans-call-for-de-escalation-in-iran-war, 10 Mar 2026]
#4609
Who is the current Foreign Minister of Bahrain who held a telephonic conversation with Ishaq Dar on March 10, 2026?
(a) Dr. Abdullatif Bin Rashid Al Zayani
(b) Sheikh Khalid bin Ahmed Al Khalifa
(c) Mohammed bin Mubarak Al Khalifa
(d) None of these
Explanation: Dr. Abdullatif Bin Rashid Al Zayani is the Foreign Minister of Bahrain who engaged in the diplomatic call with Ishaq Dar. The other names listed are former officials or not the current incumbent. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980499/in-phone-call-with-bahrains-fm-dar-reiterates-pakistans-call-for-de-escalation-in-iran-war, 10 Mar 2026]
#4610
What is the primary objective reiterated by Pakistan during the diplomatic call with Bahrain on March 10, 2026?
(a) De-escalation and dialogue
(b) Military intervention
(c) Economic sanctions
(d) None of these
Explanation: Pakistan's foreign policy stance, as articulated by the Foreign Minister, consistently emphasizes de-escalation and dialogue as the preferred mechanisms for resolving regional instability. The other options represent aggressive measures that contradict Pakistan's stated diplomatic position. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980499/in-phone-call-with-bahrains-fm-dar-reiterates-pakistans-call-for-de-escalation-in-iran-war, 10 Mar 2026]
#4611
Consider the following statements about the regional security situation in March 2026: 1. The Strait of Hormuz mission is designed to secure the flow of oil and gas. 2. France deployed air defense units to Cyprus following drone attacks. 3. The conflict in the Middle East began in early 2026 following a direct invasion of France. 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 conflict was triggered by US-Israeli strikes on Iran, not an invasion of France. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980406/france-allies-preparing-defensive-mission-to-reopen-strait-of-hormuz-says-macron, 10 Mar 2026]
#4612
Which of the following statements regarding the March 10, 2026, incident is INCORRECT?
(a) All injured victims were treated at the same hospital in Bannu.
(b) The incident occurred in the Takhtikhel area.
(c) The attack involved the use of a quadcopter to drop explosives.
(d) Police launched a search operation to locate the perpetrators.
Explanation: The statement that all victims were treated at the same hospital is incorrect; the report specifies that three girls were taken to the tehsil headquarters hospital in Serai Naurang, while two boys were taken to Bannu. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980622/5-children-injured-in-quadcopter-attack-in-kps-lakki-marwat-officials, 10 Mar 2026]
#4613
Consider the following statements about the diplomatic developments reported on March 10, 2026: 1. The phone call between the Foreign Ministers focused on the need for regional stability. 2. Pakistan condemned the attacks on Bahraini infrastructure. 3. The conflict involves tensions between Iran and the United States/Israel. 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 call addressed regional stability, Pakistan reaffirmed solidarity (condemning the attacks), and the conflict is explicitly linked to the Iran-US/Israel escalation. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980499/in-phone-call-with-bahrains-fm-dar-reiterates-pakistans-call-for-de-escalation-in-iran-war, 10 Mar 2026]
#4614
Which US military aircraft was reported damaged by Iranian ground fire during operations in March 2026?
(a) HH-60W Jolly Green II
(b) E-3 Sentry AWACS
(c) F-35A stealth fighter
(d) MC-130J Commando II
Explanation: The CRS report specifically cites damage to an F-35A stealth fighter resulting from Iranian ground fire. Other aircraft listed, such as the E-3 Sentry, were damaged in different incidents, such as the strike on Prince Sultan Air Base. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2002532/congressional-report-details-losses-of-42-us-aircraft-in-iran-campaign, 23 May 2026]
#4615
The US Department of Defence has been operating under which alternative title since September 2025?
(a) Department of Security
(b) Department of Strategic Command
(c) Department of Defense Operations
(d) Department of War
Explanation: The CRS report notes that the Department of Defence adopted the title 'Department of War' following an executive order issued in September 2025. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2002532/congressional-report-details-losses-of-42-us-aircraft-in-iran-campaign, 23 May 2026]
#4616
On March 9, 2026, the KSE-100 index experienced a historic single-day decline of approximately how many points?
(a) 9,015 points
(b) 11,015 points
(c) 10,015 points
(d) 12,015 points
Explanation: The market recorded a decline of 11,015 points on March 9, 2026, which represented the second-largest single-day drop in the history of the index. This massive sell-off preceded the recovery observed on the following day. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980474/bulls-return-as-kse-100-surges-past-9000-points-market-closes-in-the-green, 10 Mar 2026]
#4617
Which of the following statements regarding the market performance in March 2026 is INCORRECT?
(a) Foreign corporates were net sellers of equities during the week.
(b) The KSE-100 index experienced a single-session decline of over 16,000 points on Monday.
(c) Cement despatches showed a year-on-year increase in February 2026.
(d) The rupee depreciated significantly against the dollar during the week.
Explanation: The rupee remained largely stable, appreciating marginally by 0.02 percent week-on-week. The other statements accurately reflect the market data provided for the period. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979645/stocks-nosedive-63pc-in-jittery-week-on-geopolitical-concerns, 08 Mar 2026]
#4618
What was the closing value of the KSE-100 index at the end of the trading week ending on March 8, 2026?
(a) 145,210 points
(b) 157,496 points
(c) 162,305 points
(d) None of these
Explanation: The KSE-100 index closed at 157,496 points after a weekly decline of 6.3 percent. This decline was primarily attributed to investor panic regarding regional geopolitical instability. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979645/stocks-nosedive-63pc-in-jittery-week-on-geopolitical-concerns, 08 Mar 2026]
#4619
Which of the following measures was initially proposed but subsequently shelved by the government in response to the potential fuel crisis in March 2026?
(a) Rationing of electricity for industrial zones
(b) Complete ban on private vehicle usage
(c) Work from home and distance learning
(d) Immediate closure of all public transport
Explanation: The government considered a national action plan involving work-from-home and distance learning to conserve fuel but decided to keep activities unchanged. The other options were not part of the official proposal mentioned. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979534/govt-hikes-kerosene-price-by-rs130-to-rs31881-per-litre, 07 Mar 2026]
#4620
Which of the following statements regarding the March 2026 fuel price hike is INCORRECT?
(a) The government decided to implement work-from-home measures for a month.
(b) The price of kerosene was increased by over Rs130 per litre.
(c) The notification for the price hike was issued by the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority.
(d) Long queues were reported at petrol pumps across several cities.
Explanation: The government explicitly decided to shelve the proposed work-from-home and distance learning measures rather than implement them. The other three statements are factually accurate based on the events of March 2026. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979534/govt-hikes-kerosene-price-by-rs130-to-rs31881-per-litre, 07 Mar 2026]