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.
#5101
Consider the following statements about the TTAP meeting held on March 11, 2026: 1. The meeting demanded that the government take the opposition into confidence regarding defence pacts. 2. The participants condemned the joint US-Israeli attacks on Iran. 3. The resolution explicitly supported the use of Pakistani territory for regional military operations against neighbouring states. 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 core demands and condemnations of the resolution. Statement 3 is incorrect because the resolution specifically urged Muslim countries NOT to allow the use of their territories or resources against any other country. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981002/ttap-calls-on-govt-to-take-opposition-parliament-into-confidence-on-defence-pacts-amid-changing-regional-situation, 11 Mar 2026]
#5102
Who resigned from HDFC Bank in mid-March, citing concerns that bank practices were not in line with his personal ethics?
(a) Sashidhar Jagdishan
(b) Atanu Chakraborty
(c) Shaktikanta Das
(d) None of these
Explanation: Former chairman Atanu Chakraborty resigned abruptly in mid-March, triggering increased investor scrutiny. An external legal review later found no evidence to substantiate the governance concerns he raised. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40432017/indias-hdfc-bank-finds-no-improper-motive-in-deposit-pricing-review-penalises-executives, 27 Jul 2026]
#5103
Brent crude futures fell to approximately what price per barrel on March 11, 2026, following the market's reaction to de-escalation hopes?
(a) 105.60 dollars
(b) 92.45 dollars
(c) 84.73 dollars
(d) 119.00 dollars
Explanation: Brent futures dropped to $84.73 per barrel on March 11, 2026, representing a sharp decline from the session highs observed earlier in the week. The other values represent either higher price points or incorrect benchmarks. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980727/oil-plunges-15pc-amid-hopes-of-de-escalation, 11 Mar 2026]
#5104
All of the following factors contributed to the volatility of oil prices in March 2026 EXCEPT:
(a) Supply cuts by Saudi Arabia and other producers
(b) A permanent global transition to renewable energy sources
(c) Concerns regarding disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz
(d) Diplomatic proposals aimed at a settlement to the war
Explanation: The market volatility in March 2026 was driven by immediate geopolitical tensions and supply chain concerns, not by a long-term transition to renewable energy. The other three options are direct factors that influenced the price fluctuations described. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980727/oil-plunges-15pc-amid-hopes-of-de-escalation, 11 Mar 2026]
#5105
Who is the current Chairman of the Pakistan Vanaspati Manufacturers Association (PVMA) as of March 2026?
(a) Sheikh Umer Rehan
(b) Muhammad Zubair Motiwala
(c) Atif Ikram Sheikh
(d) None of these
Explanation: Sheikh Umer Rehan serves as the Chairman of the PVMA and issued the official statement regarding the stability of edible oil supplies. The other names listed are prominent business figures but do not hold this specific position. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980381/no-shortage-of-edible-oil-pvma, 10 Mar 2026]
#5106
Consider the following statements about the security situation addressed on March 10, 2026: 1. Pakistan claims that terrorist groups are using Afghanistan as a sanctuary. 2. India has been accused of stoking terrorism inside Pakistan from Afghan soil. 3. The Pakistani representative stated that the spillover effects of terrorism will remain confined to the border regions. 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 official Pakistani position. Statement 3 is incorrect because the representative explicitly warned that the spillover effects would not remain confined to Pakistan, but would impact the broader region. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40410948/pakistans-ct-operations-focused-on-neutralising-cross-border-threats-from-afghan-soil, 10 Mar 2026]
#5107
In March 2026, which US official stated that the American military had facilitated a shipment of oil to maintain global energy stability?
(a) Secretary of Energy
(b) Secretary of Defense
(c) Secretary of State
(d) Secretary of Treasury
Explanation: US Energy Secretary Chris Wright publicly confirmed that the American military facilitated oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz. This action was intended to reassure markets regarding the continuity of energy supplies. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980727/oil-plunges-15pc-amid-hopes-of-de-escalation, 11 Mar 2026]
#5108
On March 11, 2026, by what approximate percentage did global oil prices plunge following reports of potential de-escalation in the conflict with Iran?
(a) 5 percent
(b) 10 percent
(c) 20 percent
(d) 15 percent
Explanation: Oil prices experienced a significant correction of approximately 15 percent on March 11, 2026, as markets reacted to diplomatic signals suggesting a potential end to the conflict. This followed a period of extreme volatility where prices had previously surged to levels not seen since 2022. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980727/oil-plunges-15pc-amid-hopes-of-de-escalation, 11 Mar 2026]
#5109
Which geopolitical conflict was cited as a potential cause for supply chain disruptions affecting edible oil imports in March 2026?
(a) Russia-Ukraine conflict
(b) Israel-Palestine conflict
(c) US-Iran conflict
(d) China-Taiwan tensions
Explanation: The PVMA identified the US-Iran conflict as the primary source of regional geopolitical tension impacting maritime supply routes. While other conflicts exist, this specific event was the focus of the industry's supply chain assessment. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980381/no-shortage-of-edible-oil-pvma, 10 Mar 2026]
#5110
What was the new price of kerosene per litre following the government notification issued on March 7, 2026?
(a) Rs188.73
(b) Rs318.81
(c) Rs288.50
(d) Rs350.25
Explanation: The Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority issued a notification increasing the price of kerosene by Rs130.08, bringing the total to Rs318.81 per litre. Rs188.73 was the previous price effective from March 1, 2026. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979534/govt-hikes-kerosene-price-by-rs130-to-rs31881-per-litre, 07 Mar 2026]
#5111
Which international agreement did India unilaterally suspend following the Pahalgam attack in 2025?
(a) Simla Agreement
(b) Tashkent Declaration
(c) Lahore Declaration
(d) Indus Waters Treaty
Explanation: India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty as part of its aggressive measures against Pakistan. The other agreements listed are historical diplomatic frameworks that were not the primary target of this specific suspension. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1994381/pakistan-rejects-indian-propaganda-on-pahalgam-attack-deplores-weaponisation-of-false-narrative, 23 Apr 2026]
#5112
Consider the following statements regarding the global oil market situation in March 2026: 1. Crude benchmarks had surged to their highest levels since 2022 prior to the price plunge. 2. The US administration expressed concerns that high energy prices could negatively impact consumer sentiment before midterm elections. 3. Market analysts suggested that the initial price surge was an overreaction to the upside, while the subsequent plunge was an overreaction to the downside. 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 market conditions and expert commentary provided in the report. The surge to 2022 levels, the political sensitivity of energy prices, and the assessment of market overreaction are all verified components of the event. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980727/oil-plunges-15pc-amid-hopes-of-de-escalation, 11 Mar 2026]
#5113
Who was the captain of the Bangladesh cricket team during the ODI match against Pakistan on March 11, 2026?
(a) Najmul Hossain Shanto
(b) Mehidy Hasan Miraz
(c) Litton Das
(d) Taskin Ahmed
Explanation: Mehidy Hasan Miraz served as the captain for Bangladesh in this match and also contributed with the ball, taking 3 wickets for 29 runs. Najmul Hossain Shanto played as a batter in the same match. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980951/nahid-rana-takes-5-wickets-as-bangladesh-crush-pakistan-in-odi-opener, 11 Mar 2026]
#5114
Which of the following areas is expected to experience snowfall over the hills during the weather system forecasted for March 2026?
(a) Coastal Sindh
(b) Southern Punjab
(c) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
(d) Central Balochistan
Explanation: The PMD forecast specifically mentions that snowfall over the hills is expected in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, as well as in Gilgit-Baltistan and Kashmir. Southern Punjab and coastal Sindh are not high-altitude regions prone to snowfall. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1984621/met-office-predicts-rain-thunderstorms-across-country-from-march-24-30, 23 Mar 2026]
#5115
What is the duration of the physical closure of educational institutions in Sindh as announced in March 2026?
(a) March 1 to March 15
(b) March 20 to April 5
(c) March 10 to March 25
(d) March 16 to March 31
Explanation: The Sindh government mandated the closure of educational institutions from March 16 to March 31, 2026. Other options represent incorrect date ranges that do not align with the official provincial directive. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40410966/sindh-shuts-educational-institutions-until-from-march-16-to-31, 10 Mar 2026]
#5116
What is the primary reason cited for the anticipated disruptions in the supply chain of petroleum products in March 2026?
(a) Domestic refinery maintenance
(b) Middle East crisis
(c) Port congestion at Karachi
(d) Pipeline sabotage
Explanation: The notification explicitly links the anticipated disruptions to the Middle East crisis and the resulting logistical challenges in the Strait of Hormuz. Other options like refinery maintenance or port congestion are not the stated causes for this specific policy shift. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979478/kp-finance-dept-orders-adoption-of-fuel-conservation-measures-due-to-anticipated-disruptions, 07 Mar 2026]
#5117
What was the policy interest rate maintained by the State Bank of Pakistan as of March 10, 2026?
(a) 8.5 percent
(b) 9.5 percent
(c) 10.5 percent
(d) 11.5 percent
Explanation: The State Bank of Pakistan's monetary policy committee decided to keep the interest rate at 10.5 percent in March 2026. This rate was maintained despite calls from the business community for a reduction to support industrial growth. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980387/high-interest-rate-to-hit-economy-in-war-times-warn-businesses, 10 Mar 2026]
#5118
Which of the following is NOT identified as a potential economic impact of the Middle East conflict on Pakistan in the March 2026 report?
(a) Increased energy costs
(b) Immediate collapse of the banking sector
(c) Strain on remittance inflows
(d) Pressure on the exchange rate
Explanation: The report warns of inflation, import costs, and remittance strain, but it does not predict an immediate collapse of the banking sector. The other options are explicitly mentioned as risks to the external sector. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979649/external-sector-faces-instability-amid-middle-east-crisis, 08 Mar 2026]
#5119
According to the Planning Commission's March 2026 report, what percentage of Pakistan's total imports are accounted for by petroleum products?
(a) Nearly 10 percent
(b) Nearly 25 percent
(c) Nearly 40 percent
(d) None of these
Explanation: The report specifies that petroleum products constitute nearly one-quarter, or 25 percent, of Pakistan's total import bill. This high dependency makes the country particularly susceptible to global oil price volatility. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979649/external-sector-faces-instability-amid-middle-east-crisis, 08 Mar 2026]
#5120
How many wickets did Nahid Rana take in the ODI match against Pakistan on March 11, 2026?
(a) 5 wickets
(b) 4 wickets
(c) 3 wickets
(d) 6 wickets
Explanation: Nahid Rana returned figures of 5-24, marking his first five-wicket haul in one-day internationals. This performance was instrumental in restricting Pakistan to 114 runs. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980951/nahid-rana-takes-5-wickets-as-bangladesh-crush-pakistan-in-odi-opener, 11 Mar 2026]