March 2025 Edition
Start March Quiz
March 2025 Current Affairs MCQs & Solutions
Top national & international current affairs questions for CSS, PMS, FPSC, PPSC, and NTS screening tests.
#5001
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]
#5002
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]
#5003
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]
#5004
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]
#5005
Which of the following statements regarding the market conditions on March 9, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The KSE-100 index closed at 146,480.14 points.
(b) Gold prices fell by 2 percent amid geopolitical tensions.
(c) The market suspension was triggered by a 10 percent drop in the KSE-100 index.
(d) The government recently increased petrol and diesel prices by Rs55 per litre.
Explanation: The market suspension was triggered by a 5 percent drop in the KSE-30 index, not a 10 percent drop in the KSE-100 index. The other statements accurately reflect the market data and government policy actions reported on that date. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980057/bloodbath-at-psx-as-kse-100-slides-over-11000-points, 09 Mar 2026]
#5006
Which of the following statements regarding the situation in the Middle East as of March 10, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that a mass evacuation is currently required.
(b) Saudi Arabia's air and land borders remain open for travel.
(c) Two Pakistani drivers died in incidents related to missile interceptions in the UAE.
(d) Commercial flights are being utilized to repatriate stranded Pakistanis.
Explanation: The MoFA explicitly stated that there is no situation requiring a mass evacuation of Pakistani nationals. Options B, C, and D are all factually accurate details provided during the committee briefing. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980522/na-body-informed-mass-evacuation-from-middle-east-not-required, 10 Mar 2026]
#5007
By how many points did the KSE-100 index decline on March 9, 2026?
(a) 9,780.15 points
(b) 157,496.10 points
(c) 13,157.62 points
(d) 11,015.96 points
Explanation: The KSE-100 index plummeted by 11,015.96 points during the trading session on March 9, 2026. While 9,780.15 points was the threshold that triggered the initial trading halt, the final decline recorded by the closing bell was 11,015.96 points. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980057/bloodbath-at-psx-as-kse-100-slides-over-11000-points, 09 Mar 2026]
#5008
In the context of the March 10, 2026, UNSC session, what specific term did India use to describe its concern regarding regional trade vulnerabilities?
(a) Transit corridor exploitation
(b) Economic border sabotage
(c) Trade and transit terrorism
(d) Logistical warfare
Explanation: India's representative specifically used the phrase 'trade and transit terrorism' to argue that the vulnerabilities of land-locked developing countries should not be weaponized. This was a central point of contention during the Indian address. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980464/pakistan-india-exchange-sharp-words-at-un-security-council-over-afghanistan, 10 Mar 2026]
#5009
Which of the following claims was NOT made by the Pakistani representative during the UNSC debate on March 10, 2026?
(a) Pakistan's counter-terrorism operations are in conformity with international humanitarian law.
(b) India has consistently played the role of a spoiler in Afghanistan.
(c) India is a serial violator of international law.
(d) Pakistan supports the Taliban regime's current policy on inclusive governance.
Explanation: Pakistan actually urged the Taliban regime to fulfill its commitments regarding inclusive governance and the rights of women and girls, rather than expressing support for their current policies. The other three statements accurately reflect the arguments presented by the Pakistani envoy. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980464/pakistan-india-exchange-sharp-words-at-un-security-council-over-afghanistan, 10 Mar 2026]
#5010
Consider the following statements about the current economic environment as of March 10, 2026: 1. Gold prices are inversely related to the strength of the US dollar. 2. A potential de-escalation in the Middle East has led to a decrease in oil prices. 3. The Federal Reserve is expected to raise interest rates significantly at the March 18 meeting. 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 gold prices rise when the dollar weakens, and oil prices fell due to de-escalation news. Statement 3 is incorrect because investors expect the Fed to keep rates steady, not raise them significantly. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980485/gold-gains-on-weaker-dollar-easing-inflation-concerns, 10 Mar 2026]
#5011
Which of the following is NOT a component of the austerity measures announced by the Sindh government in March 2026?
(a) Immediate privatization of all provincial government departments
(b) Ban on holding Iftar parties on government expenditure
(c) Reduction of fuel for official vehicles by 50 percent
(d) Restriction of official foreign travel to Economy Class
Explanation: The government did not announce the privatization of departments; rather, it focused on cutting operational costs such as travel, fuel, and event expenses. The other three options are verified components of the announced austerity package. [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]
#5012
What was the primary trigger for the temporary suspension of trading at the PSX on March 9, 2026?
(a) A 5 percent decline in the KSE-30 index
(b) A 6.99 percent decline in the KSE-100 index
(c) A 10 percent decline in the KSE-All Share index
(d) None of these
Explanation: According to PSX regulations, a market halt is triggered when the KSE-30 index falls by 5 percent from the previous day's close. This specific regulatory threshold was reached at 9:20am, leading to the suspension of equity-based markets. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980057/bloodbath-at-psx-as-kse-100-slides-over-11000-points, 09 Mar 2026]
#5013
Which official body presided over the meeting regarding the status of Pakistani nationals in the Middle East on March 10, 2026?
(a) National Assembly Standing Committee on Overseas Pakistanis
(b) Senate Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs
(c) National Security Committee
(d) None of these
Explanation: The meeting was presided over by MNA Syed Agha Rafiullah, who heads the National Assembly Standing Committee on Overseas Pakistanis. This committee is the primary legislative body responsible for overseeing issues related to the Pakistani diaspora. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980522/na-body-informed-mass-evacuation-from-middle-east-not-required, 10 Mar 2026]
#5014
Consider the following statements about the briefing provided to the National Assembly committee on March 10, 2026: 1. The committee members expressed concern over the increase in airline fares for repatriation flights. 2. Officials confirmed that Pakistanis have successfully utilized land routes through Saudi Arabia and Oman to return home. 3. The Pakistani mission in the UAE reported that over 4,000 passengers have already departed via commercial flights. 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 members raised concerns about PIA fares. Statement 3 is correct as 4,400 passengers left the UAE. Statement 2 is incorrect because officials noted that while land routes are available, no Pakistani has yet opted to use them. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980522/na-body-informed-mass-evacuation-from-middle-east-not-required, 10 Mar 2026]
#5015
Where did the Aurat March activists hold their press conference following their release from police custody?
(a) Islamabad High Court
(b) Parliament House
(c) National Press Club
(d) Women Police Station
Explanation: The activists held their press conference at the National Press Club in Islamabad to demand an investigation into the alleged manhandling. The Women Police Station was the site of their detention, not the venue for their post-release press conference. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980248/islamabad-police-release-aurat-march-activists-a-day-after-detention-probe-demanded-into-manhandling-of-detainees, 09 Mar 2026]
#5016
Which of the following sectors is NOT exempted from the four-day work week policy announced in March 2026?
(a) Banking sector
(b) Essential services
(c) Public sector offices
(d) None of these
Explanation: The four-day work week policy specifically applies to the public sector, while the banking sector and essential services are explicitly exempted. Therefore, public sector offices are the only ones subject to the restriction. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980219/higher-education-goes-online-schools-shut-for-2-weeks-4-day-work-week-announced-as-austerity-measures, 09 Mar 2026]
#5017
Consider the following statements about the security situation in Bahrain as of March 10, 2026: 1. The Bahraini interior ministry has warned that photographing vital facilities is considered an act of complicity in aggression. 2. The arrests were limited exclusively to Pakistani nationals. 3. The government has urged the public to rely solely on official sources for information during the ongoing regional conflict. 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 ministry explicitly warned against photographing vital sites. Statement 2 is incorrect because the group included a Bangladeshi national in addition to five Pakistanis. Statement 3 is correct as the ministry urged citizens to use official sources to avoid legal accountability. [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]
#5018
Consider the following statements about the austerity measures announced by the Sindh government in March 2026: 1. Colleges and universities are directed to switch to online classes during the vacation period. 2. The government has imposed a complete ban on the purchase of all new vehicles, including ambulances. 3. Security protocols are being withdrawn from individuals who were utilizing them unnecessarily, such as former caretaker ministers. 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 higher education institutions are moving to online classes. Statement 3 is correct regarding the withdrawal of unnecessary security. Statement 2 is incorrect because the ban on new vehicles includes an exception for necessary items such as ambulances and law and order vehicles. [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]
#5019
Global oil prices surged by approximately what percentage on March 9, 2026?
(a) 15 percent
(b) 25 percent
(c) 20 percent
(d) 30 percent
Explanation: Global oil prices surged by approximately 25 percent on March 9, 2026, reaching their highest levels since mid-2022. This surge was a primary factor contributing to the negative investor sentiment and the subsequent market sell-off. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980057/bloodbath-at-psx-as-kse-100-slides-over-11000-points, 09 Mar 2026]
#5020
Consider the following statements regarding the UNSC debate on March 10, 2026: 1. India condemned cross-border airstrikes as a violation of the UN Charter. 2. Pakistan claimed that its actions in Afghanistan were taken in self-defense. 3. The Afghan representative Naseer Ahmad Faiq was praised by Pakistan for his neutral stance. 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 proceedings. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Pakistani envoy took exception to the remarks made by the Afghan representative, indicating a lack of alignment rather than praise. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980464/pakistan-india-exchange-sharp-words-at-un-security-council-over-afghanistan, 10 Mar 2026]