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.
#4641
According to the 2026 UNAIDS report, by what percentage did global funding for HIV initiatives decline in 2025?
(a) 12 percent
(b) 15 percent
(c) 22 percent
(d) 18 percent
Explanation: The UNAIDS report released in 2026 explicitly states that global funding for HIV fell by 18 percent to $7.3 billion in 2025. This represents the lowest level of funding in nearly two decades. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018957/world-risks-hiv-resurgence-as-funding-falls-18pc-unaids-says, 28 Jul 2026]
#4642
Consider the following statements about the security situation in Lakki Marwat: 1. The March 10, 2026, attack was the first time a quadcopter was used in the district. 2. Local police identified the perpetrators as suspected terrorists. 3. Previous quadcopter strikes in the region have targeted public spaces like football grounds. 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 report mentions a previous quadcopter strike in the same district approximately one month prior. Statements 2 and 3 are factually accurate based on the provided information. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980622/5-children-injured-in-quadcopter-attack-in-kps-lakki-marwat-officials, 10 Mar 2026]
#4643
Which of the following statements regarding the IHC hearing on March 11, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The court imposed a fine of Rs100,000 on the NAB.
(b) The defense counsel argued that access to the incarcerated former premier had been curtailed for four months.
(c) The NAB prosecutor stated that the special prosecutor was absent due to urgent official duties at the Supreme Court.
(d) The defense counsel drew a parallel between the current case and the military tribunal conviction of Faiz Hameed.
Explanation: The NAB prosecutor claimed the special prosecutor was absent due to 'religious rituals,' not official duties at the Supreme Court. The other statements accurately reflect the proceedings described. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980875/ihc-fines-nab-rs100000-for-employing-delaying-tactics-in-ps190m-graft-case-against-imran-bushra, 11 Mar 2026]
#4644
Which of the following statements regarding the market events of March 10, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The State Bank of Pakistan increased the policy rate to 12.5% to curb inflation.
(b) Trading was temporarily suspended due to a 5% rise in the KSE-30 index.
(c) The market rally was partially attributed to improved global market conditions.
(d) The KSE-100 index closed the session in the green.
Explanation: The State Bank of Pakistan maintained the policy rate at 10.5%, not 12.5%. Options A, B, and C are factually accurate descriptions of the market conditions on that date. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980474/bulls-return-as-kse-100-surges-past-9000-points-market-closes-in-the-green, 10 Mar 2026]
#4645
Which of the following statements regarding the oil market situation on March 10, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) Brent futures experienced a decline of approximately 6.8 percent.
(b) Goldman Sachs immediately adjusted its fourth-quarter 2026 price forecast for Brent to $90 per barrel.
(c) US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude prices fell by approximately 6.8 percent.
(d) Volumes in Brent dropped to the lowest amount since February 27.
Explanation: Goldman Sachs explicitly stated it was not changing its oil price forecast for Brent at $66 per barrel for the fourth quarter of 2026, making the incorrect statement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980481/oil-sinks-7pc-as-trump-predicts-middle-east-de-escalation, 10 Mar 2026]
#4646
Consider the following statements about the market activity on March 10, 2026: 1. The KSE-100 index gained over 9,000 points during the trading session. 2. The market halt was triggered by a 5% increase in the KSE-100 index. 3. The rally followed a significant decline in the index on the previous trading day. 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 index advanced 9,696.98 points. Statement 2 is incorrect because the halt was triggered by the KSE-30 index, not the KSE-100. Statement 3 is correct as the rally followed the historic drop on March 9. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980474/bulls-return-as-kse-100-surges-past-9000-points-market-closes-in-the-green, 10 Mar 2026]
#4647
The Diyat value for FY2026-27 represents an approximate percentage increase over the FY2025-26 value?
(a) 56 percent
(b) 75 percent
(c) 97 percent
(d) None of these
Explanation: The government announced a 97 percent increase in the Diyat value for the current fiscal year compared to the previous year. This sharp rise is attributed to the appreciation of silver prices. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2019000/govt-almost-doubles-blood-money-payment-to-heirs-of-victim-on-account-of-rising-silver-prices, 28 Jul 2026]
#4648
Which Indian diplomat represented his country during the UNSC debate on Afghanistan on March 10, 2026?
(a) Parvathaneni Harish
(b) Ruchira Kamboj
(c) Syed Akbaruddin
(d) T.S. Tirumurti
Explanation: Parvathaneni Harish served as the Indian Permanent Representative who articulated India's concerns regarding cross-border violence during the session. The other options represent former Indian diplomats at the UN. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980464/pakistan-india-exchange-sharp-words-at-un-security-council-over-afghanistan, 10 Mar 2026]
#4649
Which company was identified as the heaviest mover during the market decline on March 9, 2026?
(a) K-Electric Limited
(b) First National Equities Limited
(c) The Bank of Punjab
(d) Engro Corporation
Explanation: K-Electric Limited was the heaviest mover during the session, tumbling 7.81 percent on a trading volume of over 127 million shares. The Bank of Punjab and First National Equities Limited also saw significant drops but had lower trading volumes. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980057/bloodbath-at-psx-as-kse-100-slides-over-11000-points, 09 Mar 2026]
#4650
On March 10, 2026, what was the primary reason cited for the rise in gold prices?
(a) A strengthening of the US dollar
(b) A weaker US dollar and easing energy costs
(c) An increase in global interest rates
(d) None of these
Explanation: Gold prices rose due to a weaker US dollar and expectations of lower inflation following a potential de-escalation in Middle East tensions, which caused oil prices to drop. A stronger dollar (Option A) typically makes gold more expensive for foreign buyers, leading to a price decline. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980485/gold-gains-on-weaker-dollar-easing-inflation-concerns, 10 Mar 2026]
#4651
Consider the following statements about the regional conflict as of March 10, 2026: 1. Iranian strikes targeted energy installations in the Gulf region. 2. The US President characterized the appointment of the new supreme leader as a positive development for regional peace. 3. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that Iran's actions are defensive in nature. 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 Iran launched strikes on energy installations. Statement 3 is correct as the Foreign Minister described actions as defensive. Statement 2 is incorrect because President Trump called the appointment a 'big mistake'. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980416/oil-prices-go-haywire-as-iran-welcomes-new-supreme-leader, 10 Mar 2026]
#4652
Which specific agency in Bahrain was responsible for the arrest of the six individuals on March 10, 2026?
(a) National Intelligence Agency
(b) Border Control Authority
(c) Public Security Force
(d) Anti-Cyber Crime Directorate
Explanation: The Bahraini interior ministry confirmed that the Anti-Cyber Crime Directorate conducted the arrests. This agency is tasked with monitoring digital platforms for content that threatens national security. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980603/bahrain-authorities-arrest-6-asians-including-5-pakistanis-for-allegedly-filming-sharing-videos-of-irans-attacks, 10 Mar 2026]
#4653
Who is the current head of the Senate Standing Committee on Economic Affairs as of March 10, 2026?
(a) Senator Saifullah Abro
(b) Senator Syed Nazir Abbas
(c) Senator Ishaq Dar
(d) None of these
Explanation: Senator Saifullah Abro is the chairman of the Senate Standing Committee on Economic Affairs. Dr. Syed Nazir Abbas is the Secretary General of the Oil Companies Advisory Council (OCAC), not the committee chairman. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980379/senate-panel-to-expose-fuel-price-hike-beneficiaries, 10 Mar 2026]
#4654
On March 10, 2026, by what approximate percentage did global oil prices fall following comments regarding Middle East de-escalation?
(a) 5 percent
(b) 9 percent
(c) 7 percent
(d) 11 percent
Explanation: Oil prices plummeted by approximately 7 percent on March 10, 2026, after reaching highs above $119 per barrel. This correction was driven by market optimism following US President Donald Trump's predictions regarding the conflict. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980481/oil-sinks-7pc-as-trump-predicts-middle-east-de-escalation, 10 Mar 2026]
#4655
Which of the following statements regarding the regional response to the March 2026 security situation is INCORRECT?
(a) Kuwait arrested three individuals for mocking the situation in the country via video.
(b) Qatar permitted the circulation of all social media footage to ensure transparency during the conflict.
(c) Saudi Arabia issued official warnings regarding the sharing of sensitive images and unreliable information.
(d) The UAE attorney general warned against documenting incident sites or damage caused by projectiles.
Explanation: Statement D is incorrect because Qatar actively arrested individuals for sharing footage and misleading information, rather than permitting it. The other three statements accurately reflect the actions taken by the respective Gulf nations. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980165/qatar-arrests-313-people-for-sharing-footage-misleading-information-amid-attacks-by-iran, 09 Mar 2026]
#4656
Which military operation was launched by Pakistan against the Afghan Taliban last month, as referenced on March 18, 2026?
(a) Operation Zarb-e-Azb
(b) Operation Radd-ul-Fasaad
(c) Operation Ghazab lil-Haq
(d) None of these
Explanation: Operation Ghazab lil-Haq was identified by the DG ISPR as the ongoing military campaign launched against the Afghan Taliban to counter terrorism. The other options refer to historical operations that are not the subject of this specific 2026 event. [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]
#4657
Who represented Pakistan at the United Nations Security Council session held on March 10, 2026?
(a) Asim Iftikhar Ahmad
(b) Munir Akram
(c) Maleeha Lodhi
(d) None of these
Explanation: Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad is the Permanent Representative of Pakistan who addressed the UNSC session on the specified date. Other names listed are former or different representatives not involved in this specific exchange. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980464/pakistan-india-exchange-sharp-words-at-un-security-council-over-afghanistan, 10 Mar 2026]
#4658
What was the primary target of the Pakistani strike in Kabul as confirmed by the DG ISPR on March 18, 2026?
(a) A regional administrative office
(b) An ammunition storage site
(c) A border communication tower
(d) A civilian transport hub
Explanation: The DG ISPR confirmed that the strike in Kabul specifically targeted an ammunition and drone storage site. The secondary detonations observed in the area were attributed to the explosion of stored missiles and equipment. [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]
#4659
What is the percentage reduction in fuel allotted for official vehicles as announced by the Sindh government in March 2026?
(a) 20 percent
(b) 30 percent
(c) 50 percent
(d) 60 percent
Explanation: The provincial government mandated a 50 percent reduction in fuel allocations for official vehicles to save approximately Rs960 million. This is distinct from the 20 percent reduction applied to other non-essential expenditures like stationery. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980528/sindh-schools-to-close-from-march-16-31-friday-to-be-wfh-for-govt-offices-as-part-of-austerity-measures, 10 Mar 2026]
#4660
Consider the following statements about the oil market developments on March 10, 2026: 1. US President Donald Trump suggested that the war in the Middle East could conclude in the near future. 2. The Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps threatened to block oil exports from the region if attacks continued. 3. The Kremlin reported that Vladimir Putin shared proposals aimed at a quick settlement to the war. 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 accurate based on the report: Trump predicted a short-lived war, the IRGC issued threats regarding oil exports, and the Kremlin confirmed Putin's diplomatic proposals. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980481/oil-sinks-7pc-as-trump-predicts-middle-east-de-escalation, 10 Mar 2026]