April 2024 Edition
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April 2024 Current Affairs MCQs & Solutions
Top national & international current affairs questions for CSS, PMS, FPSC, PPSC, and NTS screening tests.
#2321
Who is the current Petroleum Minister of Pakistan as of April 2026?
(a) Muhammad Aurangzeb
(b) Ali Pervaiz Malik
(c) Bilal Yaseen
(d) None of these
Explanation: Ali Pervaiz Malik serves as the Petroleum Minister, while Muhammad Aurangzeb serves as the Finance Minister. The distinction is critical for identifying the officials responsible for economic and energy policy announcements. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1992656/govt-slashes-diesel-price-by-rs32, 17 Apr 2026]
#2322
Which of the following statements regarding the fuel price adjustments in April 2026 is INCORRECT?
(a) The government reduced the price of diesel by Rs32.12 per litre.
(b) The government announced a reduction in the price of petrol by Rs55 per litre on April 17, 2026.
(c) The Prime Minister's Office issued the statement regarding the diesel price reduction.
(d) High-speed diesel is used for large generators.
Explanation: The statement regarding a Rs55 reduction in petrol on April 17, 2026, is incorrect. The government only announced a reduction in diesel prices on that date, and the Rs55 figure refers to a previous price hike event. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1992656/govt-slashes-diesel-price-by-rs32, 17 Apr 2026]
#2323
Which of the following statements regarding the diplomatic meeting on April 18, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The Indian foreign secretary conveyed deep concern regarding the firing on merchant ships.
(b) The Iranian envoy agreed to convey India's views to the authorities in Iran.
(c) India recalled that Iran had previously facilitated the safe passage of ships bound for India.
(d) The meeting resulted in an immediate and permanent reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.
Explanation: The report does not state that the meeting resulted in a permanent reopening of the strait; rather, it notes that the Iranian envoy undertook to convey India's views to his government. Options A, B, and D are factually accurate descriptions of the diplomatic exchange. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1992990/new-delhi-summons-iranian-envoy-after-indian-flagged-tankers-shot-at-near-strait-of-hormuz, 18 Apr 2026]
#2324
Consider the following statements about the fuel price adjustments in April 2026: 1. The government reduced the petroleum levy by Rs80 per litre in early April 2026. 2. The price of petrol was set at Rs366.58 per litre in the week preceding April 17, 2026. 3. The government announced an unprecedented increase in fuel prices on April 2, 2026. 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 government's policy announcements in April 2026. The government implemented a levy reduction, maintained a specific petrol price, and executed a significant price hike earlier in the month. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1992656/govt-slashes-diesel-price-by-rs32, 17 Apr 2026]
#2325
What was the primary reason cited by Iran for closing the Strait of Hormuz to commercial shipping on April 18, 2026?
(a) United States blockade of Iranian ports
(b) Severe weather conditions in the Persian Gulf
(c) Routine naval military exercises
(d) Diplomatic dispute with the United Arab Emirates
Explanation: Iran declared the waterway closed for commercial ships due to the United States' continued blockade of its ports. This action directly impacted the transit of merchant vessels in the region. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1992990/new-delhi-summons-iranian-envoy-after-indian-flagged-tankers-shot-at-near-strait-of-hormuz, 18 Apr 2026]
#2326
In April 2026, the government raised $500 million in the international capital market through which financial instrument?
(a) Sovereign Sukuk
(b) Treasury Bill
(c) Commercial Loan
(d) Eurobond
Explanation: The government successfully raised $500 million through a Eurobond issuance in April 2026, marking the first such issuance in four years. This is part of a broader strategy to diversify financing sources beyond traditional bilateral loans. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1993003/sbp-says-govt-has-paid-2bn-to-uae, 18 Apr 2026]
#2327
To which High Court was Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani transferred in the notification issued on April 29, 2026?
(a) Lahore High Court
(b) Peshawar High Court
(c) Sindh High Court
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Ministry of Law and Justice notified the transfer of Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani to the Lahore High Court. The other options represent different High Courts to which other judges were transferred. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1996098/law-ministry-notifies-transfer-of-3-ihc-judges-to-other-high-courts, 29 Apr 2026]
#2328
Which vessel was identified as being involved in the shooting incident near the Strait of Hormuz on April 18, 2026?
(a) Sanmar Herald
(b) Larak Star
(c) Persian Pearl
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Sanmar Herald was identified by Indian government sources as the crude oil tanker that came under fire while attempting to transit the Strait of Hormuz. Other options are fabricated names that do not appear in the report. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1992990/new-delhi-summons-iranian-envoy-after-indian-flagged-tankers-shot-at-near-strait-of-hormuz, 18 Apr 2026]
#2329
What was the specific reduction in the price of high-speed diesel (HSD) announced on April 11, 2026?
(a) Rs12 per litre
(b) Rs17.33 per litre
(c) Rs25.31 per litre
(d) Rs135 per litre
Explanation: The government announced a reduction of Rs135 per litre for high-speed diesel, bringing the price down to Rs385.54. The other figures represent price cuts for petrol, kerosene, and light diesel oil respectively. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1990666/diesel-price-cut-by-rs135-petrol-sees-drop-of-rs12, 11 Apr 2026]
#2330
Which prestigious civilian award was conferred upon Prince Rahim al-Hussaini Aga Khan V in 2024?
(a) Tamgha-i-Pakistan
(b) Hilal-i-Pakistan
(c) Sitara-i-Pakistan
(d) Nishan-i-Pakistan
Explanation: The Nishan-i-Pakistan is the nation's highest civilian award, which was granted to the Prince in 2024 for his family's contributions to the country. The other options are lower-tier civil awards. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2001810/aga-khan-affirms-commitment-to-supporting-development-during-meeting-with-president-zardari, 20 May 2026]
#2331
Consider the following statements about Pakistan's external debt management in April 2026: 1. The UAE loan being repaid was originally extended in 2019. 2. Pakistan has requested significant changes to its $7 billion IMF lending programme due to the Middle East conflict. 3. The central bank's foreign exchange reserves were reported at $20.52 billion as of April 10, 2026. 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 UAE loan dates back to 2019. Statement 3 is correct regarding the reserve figures reported by the SBP. Statement 2 is incorrect because the Finance Minister stated that while the IMF programme is an option, the government has not yet requested changes to it. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1993003/sbp-says-govt-has-paid-2bn-to-uae, 18 Apr 2026]
#2332
Consider the following statements about the recent judicial transfers in April 2026: 1. The Islamabad Bar Council expressed concerns regarding the lack of transparency and uniform criteria in the transfer process. 2. The transferred judges were among those who previously reported alleged intelligence interference in judicial affairs. 3. Refusal to accept a transfer under the current constitutional framework may lead to proceedings under Article 209. 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 events of April 2026. The IBC criticized the process, the judges had a history of reporting interference, and the law now stipulates potential Article 209 proceedings for non-compliance. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1996098/law-ministry-notifies-transfer-of-3-ihc-judges-to-other-high-courts, 29 Apr 2026]
#2333
Who was identified by the US leadership as the head of the American delegation expected to travel to Pakistan on April 20, 2026?
(a) Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf
(b) Esmaeil Baqaei
(c) JD Vance
(d) Donald Trump
Explanation: US leadership confirmed that Vice President JD Vance was expected to lead the delegation to Pakistan. The other individuals listed are Iranian officials. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1993458/us-delegation-expected-in-islamabad-but-uncertainty-prevails-over-talks-amid-mixed-signals-from-iran, 20 Apr 2026]
#2334
What is the interest rate offered on the Eurobond issued by Pakistan in April 2026?
(a) 5.975 percent
(b) 8.975 percent
(c) 7.975 percent
(d) 6.975 percent
Explanation: The sovereign yield for the 2026 Eurobond issuance was set at 6.975 percent. This rate reflects the market's assessment of the risk and the government's re-entry into global capital markets. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1993495/pakistan-increases-eurobond-from-500m-to-750m, 20 Apr 2026]
#2335
How long did the telephone conversation between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Masoud Pezeshkian last on April 19, 2026?
(a) 15 minutes
(b) 45 minutes
(c) 30 minutes
(d) 60 minutes
Explanation: The official statement from the Prime Minister's Office confirmed that the conversation between the two leaders lasted for approximately 45 minutes. This duration allowed for a detailed exchange regarding the current regional security situation. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1993250/in-45-minute-phone-call-with-pezeshkian-pm-shehbaz-reaffirms-pakistans-commitment-to-advancing-regional-peace, 19 Apr 2026]
#2336
Consider the following statements about the situation in southern Lebanon as of April 2026: 1. A US-backed ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah took effect prior to the publication of the deployment map. 2. The deployment line runs 5-10 kilometres deep into Lebanese territory. 3. Israeli forces have allowed unrestricted access for Lebanese civilians to all villages south of the new line. 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 report. Statement 3 is incorrect because Israeli forces continue to prevent access to most villages located south of the newly defined line. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1993257/israeli-military-publishes-map-of-new-deployment-line-in-lebanon-bringing-dozens-of-villages-under-its-control, 19 Apr 2026]
#2337
Which of the following statements regarding the fuel price adjustment on April 11, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The price of light diesel oil (LDO) was reduced by Rs25.31 per litre.
(b) The government decided to retain a portion of the global price fall to recoup previous subsidy expenditures.
(c) Tax rates on all fuel products were kept unchanged during this price revision.
(d) The price of kerosene was reduced by Rs17.33 per litre.
Explanation: The Prime Minister explicitly rejected the proposal to retain part of the price fall to recoup subsidy costs, making statement A incorrect. All other statements accurately reflect the details provided in the announcement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1990666/diesel-price-cut-by-rs135-petrol-sees-drop-of-rs12, 11 Apr 2026]
#2338
Which maritime trade route was reported as closed by Iran on April 18, 2026, amid escalating tensions with the United States?
(a) Strait of Hormuz
(b) Suez Canal
(c) Bab-el-Mandeb Strait
(d) Panama Canal
Explanation: Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz, stating it would remain shut until the US ended its blockade of Iranian ports. The other straits are not involved in this specific diplomatic dispute. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1993458/us-delegation-expected-in-islamabad-but-uncertainty-prevails-over-talks-amid-mixed-signals-from-iran, 20 Apr 2026]
#2339
Consider the following statements regarding the diplomatic situation on April 20, 2026: 1. The US leadership confirmed that a delegation was en route to Islamabad. 2. Iranian officials expressed full confidence in the US commitment to the diplomatic process. 3. Security measures in Islamabad included the sealing of the Red Zone. 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 US leadership confirmed the delegation's travel. Statement 3 is correct as security was tightened in Islamabad. Statement 2 is incorrect because Iranian officials explicitly expressed a lack of trust in Washington's seriousness. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1993458/us-delegation-expected-in-islamabad-but-uncertainty-prevails-over-talks-amid-mixed-signals-from-iran, 20 Apr 2026]
#2340
Which specific area in Islamabad was subjected to restricted entry and work-from-home arrangements on April 20, 2026?
(a) Red Zone
(b) Diplomatic Enclave
(c) Blue Area
(d) F-6 Sector
Explanation: The Red Zone was the specific area where the district magistrate and Cabinet Division mandated work-from-home arrangements and restricted traffic access. Other areas like the Blue Area or F-6 were not the primary focus of these specific administrative directives. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1993252/islamabad-dc-dismisses-notification-falsely-announcing-closure-of-all-offices-in-twin-cities-from-april-20, 19 Apr 2026]