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.
#5061
Consider the following statements about the situation in occupied Kashmir as of March 2026: 1. The closure of the Jama Masjid in Srinagar was compared to the restrictions placed on Masjid al-Aqsa. 2. The Foreign Office of Pakistan has demanded that the United Nations take notice of the religious freedom violations. 3. The restrictions on religious gatherings in the valley have been in place for over two decades.
(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 official reports. Statement 3 is incorrect because the specific policy of sealing the mosque on the last Friday of Ramazan has been occurring for seven years, not two decades. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981738/fo-condemns-continued-closure-of-historic-mosque-in-occupied-kashmir-on-last-friday-of-ramazan, 13 Mar 2026]
#5062
Consider the following statements about the intelligence-based operation conducted on July 18, 2026: 1. The operation took place near the Tank-Dera Ismail Khan Road. 2. The terrorist was wanted for the killing of a CTD constable in 2025. 3. The terrorist surrendered immediately upon being surrounded by the CTD.
(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 operation occurred on the specified road and the individual was wanted for the 2025 killing of Constable Muhammad Ali. Statement 3 is incorrect because the terrorist refused to surrender and opened fire on the personnel. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016443/wanted-terrorist-killed-in-intelligence-based-operation-in-dera-ismail-khan-ctd, 18 Jul 2026]
#5063
The public holiday announced by the Sindh government on March 12, 2026, applied to which of the following entities?
(a) Private sector retail businesses
(b) Autonomous and semi-autonomous bodies
(c) International non-governmental organizations
(d) None of these
Explanation: The notification explicitly included autonomous and semi-autonomous bodies under the administrative control of the Sindh government. Private sector entities were not covered by this specific administrative order. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981337/sindh-announces-public-holiday-on-march-13, 12 Mar 2026]
#5064
The government's petroleum and carbon levy was announced in June 2025 as part of a commitment to which international organization?
(a) World Bank
(b) Asian Development Bank
(c) World Trade Organization
(d) International Monetary Fund
Explanation: The petroleum and carbon levy was implemented under an agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The World Bank and ADB are common distractors in fiscal policy contexts but were not the primary parties to this specific levy agreement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017280/jamaat-i-islami-announces-nationwide-road-blockade-against-petroleum-levy, 21 Jul 2026]
#5065
Under the Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement signed in September 2025, how are attacks on Pakistan or Saudi Arabia to be treated?
(a) As a violation of the UN Charter only
(b) As a matter for the Arab League to resolve
(c) As an act of aggression against both nations
(d) As a localized conflict requiring neutral mediation
Explanation: The 2025 agreement establishes a framework where an attack on one signatory is considered an act of aggression against the other, reinforcing the deep security ties between Islamabad and Riyadh. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017517/islamabad-condemns-houthis-threats-to-riyadh-warns-against-targeting-pakistani-maritime-interests, 22 Jul 2026]
#5066
The primary surplus achieved by Pakistan during the period of July 2025 to April 2026 was:
(a) 3.5 percent of GDP
(b) 3.0 percent of GDP
(c) 2.5 percent of GDP
(d) 4.0 percent of GDP
Explanation: Effective expenditure management and revenue mobilization efforts enabled the government to achieve a primary surplus of 3.5 percent of GDP during the Jul-Apr period of the 2026 fiscal year. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2011978/govt-expects-easing-inflationary-pressure-in-new-fiscal-year-following-reopening-of-strait-of-hormuz, 30 Jun 2026]
#5067
According to the Ministry of Finance, the current account recorded a surplus of how much during the period of July 2025 to May 2026?
(a) 155 million dollars
(b) 255 million dollars
(c) 355 million dollars
(d) None of these
Explanation: The external sector remained stable, with the current account recording a surplus of 255 million dollars during the Jul-May period of the 2026 fiscal year, supported by remittances and IT exports. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2011978/govt-expects-easing-inflationary-pressure-in-new-fiscal-year-following-reopening-of-strait-of-hormuz, 30 Jun 2026]
#5068
What is the official name given by the state to the military conflict that occurred between Pakistan and India in 2025?
(a) Marka-i-Haq
(b) Operation Bunyanum Marsoos
(c) Operation Sentinel
(d) Battle of the Frontier
Explanation: The state designated the entire conflict as 'Marka-i-Haq' (Battle of Truth). Operation Bunyanum Marsoos was a specific military operation conducted during that period. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1998318/we-are-prepared-dg-ispr-highlights-indigenous-military-capabilities-on-marka-i-haq-anniversary, 07 May 2026]
#5069
Consider the following statements about the Marka-i-Haq conflict: 1. The conflict escalation period lasted from April 2025 to May 2025. 2. The DG ISPR criticized the Indian military leadership for becoming politicized. 3. The conflict began with the Pahalgam incident. 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 provided text. The conflict spanned from the April 2025 Pahalgam incident to the May 2025 ceasefire, and the DG ISPR specifically highlighted the politicization of the Indian military as a strategic consequence. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1998318/we-are-prepared-dg-ispr-highlights-indigenous-military-capabilities-on-marka-i-haq-anniversary, 07 May 2026]
#5070
Which of the following statements regarding the 2025 Cambridge examination leaks is INCORRECT?
(a) Three question papers were partially leaked across Pakistan.
(b) The leaked papers included AS/A Level Computer Science Paper 22.
(c) The leaks were limited exclusively to O Level subjects.
(d) CIE offered free November 2025 resits for impacted candidates.
Explanation: The 2025 leaks specifically impacted AS and A Level papers, including Mathematics and Computer Science, not O Level subjects. Therefore, the statement claiming the leaks were limited to O Level is false. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1996140/amid-furore-on-social-media-cambridge-says-aware-of-reports-about-question-paper-leak, 29 Apr 2026]
#5071
Consider the following statements about the IMF-Pakistan economic program: 1. The staff-level agreement for the current disbursement was reached on March 27, 2026. 2. The primary surplus target for the FY26 budget is set at 1.6 percent. 3. The IMF program aims to ensure inflation remains within the State Bank of Pakistan's target range. 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 provided information regarding the staff-level agreement date, the fiscal primary surplus target, and the inflation objectives set by the IMF and the State Bank of Pakistan. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1995256/imf-executive-board-to-meet-on-may-8-to-approve-disbursement-of-over-12bn-to-pakistan, 26 Apr 2026]
#5072
Consider the following statements about the Senate vehicle procurement controversy: 1. The vehicle was purchased during the 2024-2025 financial year. 2. The Senate Secretariat claimed the purchase was part of a transparent procurement process. 3. The vehicle was delivered to the Senate Chairperson in May 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 purchase occurred in the 2024-2025 financial year. Statement 2 is correct as the Secretariat cited a transparent procurement process. Statement 3 is incorrect because the vehicle was delivered in March 2026, not May 2025 (which was when the payment was made). [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1982703/rebuttal-on-purchase-of-luxury-vehicle-for-yousaf-raza-gilani-from-senate-budget-leaves-questions-unanswered, 16 Mar 2026]
#5073
Consider the following statements about the military actions conducted during Operation Ghazab lil-Haq: 1. Pakistan targeted Afghan military installations in Kabul and Nangarhar on the night of March 16, 2026. 2. The operation targeted drone storage and technical support infrastructure used for attacks against Pakistan. 3. The government claimed that civilian populations were the primary target of the precision engagements. 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 align with the official report of the strikes on March 16. Statement 3 is incorrect because the government explicitly stated that no civilian population or infrastructure was targeted. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1983439/pakistan-announces-temporary-pause-in-operation-ghazab-lil-haq-against-afghan-taliban, 18 Mar 2026]
#5074
Which of the following statements regarding the March 16, 2026, military strikes is INCORRECT?
(a) The Afghan Taliban claimed the strikes hit a military training academy.
(b) The operation was conducted by the Pakistan Air Force.
(c) The strikes targeted ammunition storage facilities in Kabul.
(d) Secondary detonations were observed, indicating the presence of large ammunition depots.
Explanation: The Afghan Taliban spokesperson claimed that a drug rehabilitation hospital was targeted, not a military training academy. The other statements accurately reflect the details provided by the Pakistani government regarding the operation. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1982625/pakistani-forces-strike-afghan-talibans-military-installations-in-kabul-nangarhar-security-sources, 16 Mar 2026]
#5075
In which two Afghan locations did Pakistani forces conduct precision airstrikes on March 16, 2026?
(a) Kandahar and Herat
(b) Kabul and Nangarhar
(c) Helmand and Ghazni
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Pakistani government confirmed that military installations in Kabul and Nangarhar were the specific targets of the airstrikes. Kandahar and Herat were not mentioned as locations for this specific operation. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1982625/pakistani-forces-strike-afghan-talibans-military-installations-in-kabul-nangarhar-security-sources, 16 Mar 2026]
#5076
Consider the following statements about the security operations conducted on March 16, 2026: 1. The strikes were a response to unprovoked firing from across the border. 2. The operation targeted logistics and technical infrastructure used by terror proxies. 3. The Pakistani government admitted to significant collateral damage in residential areas of Kabul. 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 align with the official government account of the operation's purpose and targets. Statement 3 is incorrect because the government explicitly stated that the operation was precise and carefully undertaken to ensure no collateral damage occurred. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1982625/pakistani-forces-strike-afghan-talibans-military-installations-in-kabul-nangarhar-security-sources, 16 Mar 2026]
#5077
Consider the following statements about the military actions reported on March 15, 2026: 1. The strikes targeted technical support infrastructure used by the Afghan Taliban. 2. Information Minister Attaullah Tarar confirmed the military action and shared footage of the strikes. 3. The operation was limited exclusively to air strikes with no ground-based involvement. 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. Statement 3 is incorrect because the operation also involved ground-based forces, such as the destruction of the Badini Post using light and heavy weapons. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1982323/overnight-strikes-in-afghanistans-kandahar-target-terrorist-hideouts-and-military-infrastructure-says-state-media, 15 Mar 2026]
#5078
The quadrilateral moot held in Islamabad on March 29, 2026, focused on de-escalation efforts in which region?
(a) South Asia
(b) The Middle East
(c) Central Asia
(d) The Horn of Africa
Explanation: The quadrilateral moot involving Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Turkiye was specifically convened to address the escalating conflict in the Middle East. The discussions aimed to facilitate a ceasefire between the US and Iran. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1991120/dar-briefs-turkish-saudi-egyptian-fms-on-islamabad-talks-reaffirms-support-for-diplomacy-and-dialogue, 12 Apr 2026]
#5079
Consider the following statements about the diplomatic efforts surrounding the Strait of Hormuz crisis: 1. Pakistan coordinated with China on a five-point initiative to restore maritime security. 2. The resolution demanded that Iran cease attacks on commercial ships and civilian infrastructure. 3. Pakistan hosted foreign ministers from Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Turkiye in late March 2026 to discuss the crisis. 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 diplomatic activities reported in the context of the crisis. Pakistan has actively engaged in regional diplomacy to contain the conflict and protect critical infrastructure. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1989533/china-russia-veto-un-resolution-to-reopen-strait-of-hormuz, 07 Apr 2026]
#5080
India's domestic defence production reached a record high of how much in the financial year ended March 2025?
(a) $10.09 billion
(b) $16.09 billion
(c) $12.09 billion
(d) $20.09 billion
Explanation: India's domestic defence production hit a record high of $16.09 billion in the financial year ending March 2025. This figure highlights the success of the government's push for local manufacturing. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2003481/india-seeks-proposals-for-5th-generation-combat-jets-ani, 27 May 2026]