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.
#5241
Who is the current Director of National Intelligence (DNI) of the United States as of March 19, 2026?
(a) William Burns
(b) Tulsi Gabbard
(c) Avril Haines
(d) None of these
Explanation: Tulsi Gabbard is the Director of National Intelligence who presented the 2026 Annual Threat Assessment to the US Senate Intelligence Committee. William Burns is the Director of the CIA, making him an incorrect choice. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1983677/fo-rejects-us-intelligence-chiefs-claims-about-pakistan-missile-threat, 19 Mar 2026]
#5242
The diplomatic discussions held by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on March 20, 2026, were primarily focused on which of the following objectives?
(a) Economic trade agreements
(b) Military alliance formation
(c) Climate change cooperation
(d) Regional de-escalation
Explanation: The primary focus of the calls with leaders from Azerbaijan, Malaysia, and Uzbekistan was the urgent need for de-escalation of hostilities in Iran and the Gulf region. While bilateral ties were mentioned, the core objective was conflict resolution through diplomacy. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1984038/calls-for-de-escalation-in-middle-east-as-pm-shehbaz-speaks-to-several-world-leaders, 20 Mar 2026]
#5243
On March 13, 2026, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced that the prices of which commodities would remain unchanged despite global market trends?
(a) Petroleum products
(b) Electricity tariffs
(c) Natural gas rates
(d) Wheat flour prices
Explanation: The Prime Minister decided against increasing petroleum prices to provide relief to the common man. This decision was made despite an uptick in global oil prices caused by regional tensions. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981713/pm-shehbaz-says-prices-of-petroleum-products-not-being-increased-despite-uptick-in-global-market, 13 Mar 2026]
#5244
Consider the following statements about the emergency response to the March 18, 2026, rainfall in Karachi: 1. The Sindh Chief Minister ordered the clearance of choking points in drains. 2. Traffic police were directed to deploy additional personnel to manage traffic flow. 3. The Karachi Gymkhana area remained fully accessible to all traffic throughout the night. 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 directives issued by the Sindh Chief Minister. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Karachi Mayor specifically announced that Club Road in front of Karachi Gymkhana was closed for traffic due to fallen trees. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1983379/15-die-in-rain-related-incidents-as-heavy-showers-strong-winds-hit-parts-of-karachi, 18 Mar 2026]
#5245
What is the approximate range of missile capabilities attributed to India by the Pakistani Foreign Office in the March 2026 statement?
(a) Over 5,000 kilometers
(b) Over 8,000 kilometers
(c) Over 15,000 kilometers
(d) Over 12,000 kilometers
Explanation: The FO spokesperson explicitly mentioned that India's development of missile capabilities exceeds 12,000 kilometers. This figure is cited to contrast India's reach with Pakistan's defensive, regional-focused program. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1983677/fo-rejects-us-intelligence-chiefs-claims-about-pakistan-missile-threat, 19 Mar 2026]
#5246
Which specific terrorist training camp located in the Paktia province of Afghanistan was reported as a target during the March 2026 strikes?
(a) Tarawo Camp
(b) Sher-e-Nau Camp
(c) Balkh Training Center
(d) None of these
Explanation: Security sources confirmed that the Sher-e-Nau terrorist camp in Paktia province was struck during the operation. Tarawo camp was also targeted, but it is located in Kandahar, not Paktia. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981638/info-minister-says-pakistan-targeted-terrorists-support-infrastructure-in-afghanistan-overnight, 13 Mar 2026]
#5247
Consider the following statements about the security situation in 2026: 1. The Afghan Taliban 313 Corps headquarters in Kabul was reported as a target during the March 2026 strikes. 2. Operation Ghazab lil-Haq was initiated in response to unprovoked firing from across the border. 3. The suicide bomber involved in the Bajaur attack was identified as a member of the Afghan Taliban's special forces. 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 security reports provided. The operation targeted the 313 Corps, was triggered by border firing, and the identified bomber had links to the Afghan Taliban's special forces. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981638/info-minister-says-pakistan-targeted-terrorists-support-infrastructure-in-afghanistan-overnight, 13 Mar 2026]
#5248
Consider the following statements about the 2026 Eidul Fitr announcement: 1. The Central Ruet-i-Hilal Committee declared that the month of Ramazan would last for 30 days. 2. The official date for Eidul Fitr in Pakistan was set for March 21, 2026. 3. Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates celebrated Eidul Fitr on the same day as the rest of Pakistan. 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 the committee confirmed the 30-day duration and the March 21 date. Statement 3 is incorrect because Saudi Arabia and the UAE celebrated Eid on Friday, March 20, whereas the national announcement for Pakistan was for Saturday, March 21. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1983722/shawwal-moon-not-sighted-eidul-fitr-to-be-celebrated-on-saturday, 19 Mar 2026]
#5249
Who among the following was present at the meeting held on March 14, 2026, to review the implementation of austerity measures?
(a) Minister of Defence
(b) Chairman of the Federal Board of Revenue
(c) Governor of the State Bank of Pakistan
(d) None of these
Explanation: FBR Chairman Rashid Mahmood Langrial attended the meeting alongside the Finance and Petroleum ministers. The presence of the FBR head underscores the focus on revenue and fiscal management during the crisis. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1982016/employees-of-soes-other-govt-supervised-bodies-to-face-5-30pc-salary-cut-as-part-of-austerity-measures-pmo, 14 Mar 2026]
#5250
Which of the following statements regarding the drone incident on March 14, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The drones were described by the ISPR as rudimentary.
(b) The Pakistan Airports Authority denied that Islamabad's airspace was closed.
(c) The drones successfully hit their intended military targets.
(d) The state refers to the TTP as Fitna al-Khawarij.
Explanation: The ISPR explicitly stated that the drones failed to reach their intended targets and were intercepted by security forces. Therefore, the claim that they successfully hit military targets is false. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981957/rudimentary-drones-launched-by-afghan-taliban-injure-4-failed-to-reach-targets-ispr, 14 Mar 2026]
#5251
Which of the following statements regarding the March 18, 2026, weather event in Karachi is INCORRECT?
(a) The event involved heavy showers and strong winds.
(b) The Pakistan Meteorological Department predicted rainfall until Thursday.
(c) The rainfall was limited exclusively to the coastal areas of Clifton and Defence.
(d) The Karachi Mayor advised citizens to avoid unnecessary movement.
Explanation: Rainfall was reported across a wide range of areas including Gulshan-i-Iqbal, North Karachi, and I.I. Chundrigar Road, not just coastal areas. Therefore, the statement that it was limited to Clifton and Defence is false. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1983379/15-die-in-rain-related-incidents-as-heavy-showers-strong-winds-hit-parts-of-karachi, 18 Mar 2026]
#5252
Which of the following statements regarding the March 2026 strikes is INCORRECT?
(a) The strikes targeted logistic bases and training camps.
(b) The operation resulted in the destruction of an ammunition depot in Kabul.
(c) The strikes were conducted in response to cross-border terrorism.
(d) Civilian infrastructure was intentionally targeted to pressure the Afghan regime.
Explanation: The government explicitly stated that no civilian population or civilian infrastructure was targeted. Options A, B, and D are factually consistent with the reported military objectives. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981638/info-minister-says-pakistan-targeted-terrorists-support-infrastructure-in-afghanistan-overnight, 13 Mar 2026]
#5253
Who is the Chairman of the Central Ruet-i-Hilal Committee that announced the Eidul Fitr moon sighting status on March 19, 2026?
(a) Mufti Muneeb-ur-Rehman
(b) Maulana Abdul Khabeer Azad
(c) Mufti Shahabuddin Popalzai
(d) None of these
Explanation: Maulana Abdul Khabeer Azad serves as the Chairman of the Central Ruet-i-Hilal Committee and presided over the meeting in Islamabad. Mufti Muneeb-ur-Rehman is a former chairman, making him a plausible but incorrect distractor. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1983722/shawwal-moon-not-sighted-eidul-fitr-to-be-celebrated-on-saturday, 19 Mar 2026]
#5254
What was the primary reason cited for the increase in RLNG prices for March 2026?
(a) Decrease in global crude oil production
(b) Increase in terminal charges and import-related costs
(c) Government decision to increase petroleum taxes
(d) Expansion of the national gas pipeline network
Explanation: Ogra attributed the price hike to higher terminal charges, import-related costs, and the delivered ex-ship (DES) price. These factors directly impact the cost structure of imported gas. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981311/ogra-notifies-massive-increase-in-rlng-price-for-march, 12 Mar 2026]
#5255
Which of the following entities is explicitly exempted from the four-day work week policy according to the March 2026 austerity review?
(a) Ministry of Petroleum
(b) Ministry of Finance
(c) Federal Board of Revenue (FBR)
(d) Prime Minister's Office
Explanation: The meeting chaired by the Prime Minister clarified that the four-day work week policy does not apply to law enforcement agencies and the FBR, as they must maintain normal operational duties. Other ministries are expected to adhere to the austerity-driven work schedule. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1982016/employees-of-soes-other-govt-supervised-bodies-to-face-5-30pc-salary-cut-as-part-of-austerity-measures-pmo, 14 Mar 2026]
#5256
Which of the following sectors was explicitly identified as having vast export potential during the meeting held on March 15, 2026?
(a) Textiles and garments
(b) Automobile manufacturing
(c) Information technology
(d) Meat and dairy
Explanation: The official briefing highlighted that Pakistan's agricultural sector, specifically including meat, poultry, dairy, and seafood, possesses significant export potential. Textiles and IT were not the focus of this food-security-centric meeting. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1982358/pm-shehbaz-directs-formulation-of-strategy-for-exporting-surplus-food-items-to-gulf-countries, 15 Mar 2026]
#5257
What technology did Pakistani forces utilize to shoot down three drones belonging to Fitna al-Khawarij during the March 2026 operations?
(a) Surface-to-air missiles
(b) Anti-aircraft artillery
(c) Electronic warfare
(d) Laser-guided interceptors
Explanation: Security sources reported that electronic warfare systems were successfully employed to neutralize the drones. This reflects the military's capability to counter asymmetric aerial threats. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981638/info-minister-says-pakistan-targeted-terrorists-support-infrastructure-in-afghanistan-overnight, 13 Mar 2026]
#5258
Which of the following is NOT a component of the austerity measures announced by the government in March 2026?
(a) A complete ban on the purchase of new government vehicles
(b) A ban on foreign visits for ministers and special assistants
(c) The redirection of board participation fees to government savings
(d) An immediate increase in the salaries of civil servants to combat inflation
Explanation: The government is implementing salary cuts, not increases, to manage fiscal deficits. The other options are all verified components of the austerity package. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1982016/employees-of-soes-other-govt-supervised-bodies-to-face-5-30pc-salary-cut-as-part-of-austerity-measures-pmo, 14 Mar 2026]
#5259
Consider the following statements regarding the austerity measures reviewed on March 14, 2026: 1. The government has imposed a complete ban on foreign visits for ministers and special assistants. 2. Savings generated from austerity measures are designated exclusively for public relief. 3. The government decided to increase the fuel allotment for official vehicles to ensure mobility during 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: Statement 1 and 2 are correct as they reflect the official policy of banning foreign travel and using savings for public welfare. Statement 3 is incorrect because the government actually mandated a 50% cut in fuel allotment for official vehicles, not an increase. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1982016/employees-of-soes-other-govt-supervised-bodies-to-face-5-30pc-salary-cut-as-part-of-austerity-measures-pmo, 14 Mar 2026]
#5260
Which of the following statements regarding the security situation in Bajaur as of March 13, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The abducted policeman was taken from the premises of the Badan police station.
(b) Four police officers were martyred in a patrol party attack in February 2026.
(c) A police officer was martyred in a fire attack on a police post in War Mamund in the week preceding the incident.
(d) Law enforcement personnel have faced an increasing number of attacks in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa recently.
Explanation: The police spokesperson explicitly dismissed reports that the officer was abducted from the Badan police station. The other statements accurately reflect the security context described in the reports. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981729/abducted-policeman-found-dead-in-kps-bajaur, 13 Mar 2026]