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.
#2741
The Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (Ogra) notified an increase in the price of RLNG in April 2026 by what percentage range?
(a) 19-22 per cent
(b) 10-15 per cent
(c) 25-30 per cent
(d) 35-40 per cent
Explanation: Ogra notified a 19-22 per cent increase in RLNG prices due to higher terminal charges and lower import volumes. This adjustment reflects the rising costs of energy procurement in the current fiscal environment. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1998447/pakistan-turns-down-two-lowest-evaluated-lng-bids, 07 May 2026]
#2742
Consider the following statements about the 2026 customs valuation revision: 1. The revision specifically targets older and used mobile phone models. 2. Samsung devices recorded some of the steepest increases, particularly in the S10 and S21 series. 3. The valuation ruling was issued by the FBR on April 23, 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 accurate. The ruling targets 62 older/used models, Samsung's older premium series saw significant jumps, and the ruling was officially issued on the specified date of April 23, 2026. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1994373/customs-increases-import-valuation-for-62-old-and-used-mobile-phone-models, 23 Apr 2026]
#2743
Who were the two federal ministers responsible for announcing the fuel price adjustments on April 2, 2026?
(a) Ali Pervaiz Malik and Muhammad Aurangzeb
(b) Bilal Yaseen and Shehbaz Sharif
(c) Muhammad Aurangzeb and Bilal Yaseen
(d) Ali Pervaiz Malik and Shehbaz Sharif
Explanation: Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik and Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb jointly announced the fuel price revisions on April 2, 2026. Other combinations include the Prime Minister or other provincial ministers who were not the primary spokespersons for this specific announcement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1994758/govt-hikes-petrol-high-speed-diesel-prices-by-rs26, 24 Apr 2026]
#2744
Which of the following companies did NOT submit a successful bid for the spot LNG cargoes in the April 2026 tender?
(a) TotalEnergies
(b) Vitol Bahrain
(c) OQ Trading
(d) Trafigura
Explanation: TotalEnergies, Vitol Bahrain, and OQ Trading were the three companies that secured the lowest bids. Trafigura was not among the successful bidders mentioned in the tender results. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1994734/pakistan-secures-3-bids-for-spot-lng-cargoes, 24 Apr 2026]
#2745
Consider the following statements about the fuel price management in Pakistan during 2026: 1. The government implemented a targeted fuel subsidy programme to assist the public. 2. The Prime Minister slashed the petroleum levy by Rs80 per litre on April 3, 2026. 3. Global fuel market volatility was triggered by the conflict involving Iran. 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 2026. The government introduced a targeted subsidy, the Prime Minister reduced the levy by Rs80 per litre on April 3, and the regional conflict involving Iran is the identified driver of global fuel market instability. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1994758/govt-hikes-petrol-high-speed-diesel-prices-by-rs26, 24 Apr 2026]
#2746
As part of the austerity measures announced on April 3, 2026, for how long will federal cabinet members not receive their salaries?
(a) Two months
(b) Four months
(c) Six months
(d) None of these
Explanation: The government extended the salary suspension for cabinet members from the previously planned two months to six months to address the ongoing fuel crunch. Option D is incorrect because the correct duration is explicitly stated as six months. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1988282/petrol-price-reduces-to-rs378-per-litre-as-govt-cuts-levy-by-rs80, 03 Apr 2026]
#2747
Which of the following statements regarding the government's fuel price adjustments on April 3, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The petrol levy was reduced by Rs80 per litre.
(b) The new petrol price is set to remain unchanged for at least one month.
(c) The new petrol price is effective across the entire country.
(d) The government increased the levy on diesel to Rs55 per litre.
Explanation: The government actually reduced the levy on diesel to zero, not increased it to Rs55. The other statements accurately reflect the policy measures announced by the Prime Minister. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1988282/petrol-price-reduces-to-rs378-per-litre-as-govt-cuts-levy-by-rs80, 03 Apr 2026]
#2748
How much did the government spend from national resources over the three weeks prior to April 3, 2026, to cushion the impact of rising oil prices?
(a) Rs80 billion
(b) Rs105 billion
(c) Rs129 billion
(d) Rs160 billion
Explanation: The Prime Minister stated that the government utilized Rs129 billion from national resources to subsidize the impact of international oil price hikes during the three weeks preceding the announcement. The other figures represent different levy rates or adjustments mentioned in the context of the policy. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1988282/petrol-price-reduces-to-rs378-per-litre-as-govt-cuts-levy-by-rs80, 03 Apr 2026]
#2749
The Foreign Office spokesperson who issued the statement regarding the UAE financial deposits on April 4, 2026, is:
(a) Mumtaz Zahra Baloch
(b) Tahir Andrabi
(c) Asim Iftikhar Ahmad
(d) None of these
Explanation: Tahir Andrabi is the official identified in the report as the Foreign Office spokesperson who clarified that the return of the UAE deposits was a routine financial transaction. The other names are prominent diplomats but were not the source of this specific statement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1988580/fo-rejects-misleading-unfounded-commentary-regarding-financial-deposits-from-uae, 04 Apr 2026]
#2750
Which of the following statements regarding the fuel price adjustment announced on April 30, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The price of petrol was increased by Rs6.51 per litre.
(b) The Petroleum Division confirmed that petrol stations would close from May 1 to May 5.
(c) The new prices were scheduled to become effective from May 1, 2026.
(d) The government aims to keep the primary balance target sacrosanct.
Explanation: The Petroleum Division and the All Pakistan Petrol Pump Owners Association explicitly refuted reports of petrol station closures or strikes. Options A, B, and D are factually accurate statements. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1996451/govt-hikes-petrol-price-by-rs6-diesel-by-rs19, 30 Apr 2026]
#2751
Consider the following statements about the fuel price situation in 2026: 1. The peak prices for both petrol and diesel were recorded on April 3, 2026. 2. The government reduced the petroleum levy by Rs80 per litre in April 2026 to provide immediate relief. 3. The June 19, 2026, price reduction was attributed to the restoration of energy shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. 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 correct. The peak occurred on April 3, the levy was slashed by Rs80 to provide relief, and the June reduction was linked to the easing of tensions and the restoration of shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2009236/pm-shehbaz-announces-reduction-in-prices-of-petrol-by-rs74-diesel-by-rs67, 19 Jun 2026]
#2752
By what percentage have oil prices increased due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East as of April 2026?
(a) 25 percent
(b) 40 percent
(c) 50 percent
(d) 75 percent
Explanation: The conflict has significantly disrupted energy supplies, leading to a 50 percent increase in oil prices. This surge is a primary driver of the projected global economic slowdown. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1990654/global-growth-to-suffer-due-to-middle-east-war-world-bank-chief, 11 Apr 2026]
#2753
Consider the following statements about the financial situation reported on April 4, 2026: 1. The total amount of debt to be returned to the UAE is $3.5 billion. 2. The repayment of these deposits is expected to reduce Pakistan's central bank reserves by approximately 18 percent. 3. The UAE deposits were rolled over multiple times since 2019. 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 report: the amount is $3.5 billion, the impact on reserves is estimated at an 18 percent reduction, and the deposits have been subject to multiple rollovers since 2019. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1988580/fo-rejects-misleading-unfounded-commentary-regarding-financial-deposits-from-uae, 04 Apr 2026]
#2754
What is the total amount of debt Pakistan has decided to return to the United Arab Emirates by the end of April 2026?
(a) $2.0 billion
(b) $12.5 billion
(c) $5.0 billion
(d) $3.5 billion
Explanation: The government announced the return of $3.5 billion in deposits to the UAE. This amount was part of the financial support provided in 2019 to stabilize the balance of payments. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1988321/pakistan-to-return-35bn-uae-debt-before-month-end-official, 03 Apr 2026]
#2755
Consider the following statements about development loans in Pakistan: 1. The markup rate for 2025-26 is lower than the rate charged in 2024-25. 2. The federal government charges markup on loans to provincial governments as a source of revenue. 3. Foreign re-lent loans are advanced by the federal government out of its own domestic resources. 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 rate dropped from 17.74 percent to 11.89 percent. Statement 2 is correct as markup on these loans is a key revenue stream. Statement 3 is incorrect because cash development loans are funded from domestic resources, while foreign re-lent loans are sourced from international lenders. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018194/centre-cuts-markup-on-uplift-loans-to-1189pc, 24 Jul 2026]
#2756
What was the peak price of high-speed diesel (HSD) per litre reached in Pakistan on April 3, 2026?
(a) Rs378.78
(b) Rs458.41
(c) Rs520.35
(d) None of these
Explanation: High-speed diesel reached its peak price of Rs520.35 per litre on April 3, 2026, during the height of the energy crisis. Rs458.41 was the peak price for petrol on the same date. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2009236/pm-shehbaz-announces-reduction-in-prices-of-petrol-by-rs74-diesel-by-rs67, 19 Jun 2026]
#2757
Which of the following statements regarding the government's subsidy initiatives announced on April 2, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) Large transport vehicles are eligible for a monthly subsidy of Rs80,000.
(b) Inter-city public service vehicles are eligible for a monthly subsidy of Rs100,000.
(c) The subsidy for two-wheelers is valid for a period of six months.
(d) Direct support of Rs70,000 is provided for trucks carrying essential food items.
Explanation: The subsidy for two-wheelers is provided for a duration of three months, not six months. The other statements accurately reflect the financial support measures announced by the Finance Minister. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1987901/govt-hikes-petrol-price-to-rs458-per-litre-hsd-price-to-rs520-per-litre, 02 Apr 2026]
#2758
Who is the current Petroleum Minister of Pakistan who announced the fuel price hike on April 2, 2026?
(a) Muhammad Aurangzeb
(b) Asif Ali Zardari
(c) Shehbaz Sharif
(d) Ali Pervaiz Malik
Explanation: Ali Pervaiz Malik serves as the Petroleum Minister and led the press conference regarding the fuel price adjustments. Muhammad Aurangzeb is the Finance Minister, while Shehbaz Sharif is the Prime Minister. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1987901/govt-hikes-petrol-price-to-rs458-per-litre-hsd-price-to-rs520-per-litre, 02 Apr 2026]
#2759
Which Apple mobile phone models remained stable with no change in valuation between the January and April 2026 rulings?
(a) iPhone 15 Pro Max and iPhone 14
(b) iPhone 13 and iPhone 12 Pro
(c) iPhone XS Max and iPhone SE 3
(d) iPhone 11 and iPhone XR
Explanation: The iPhone XS Max and iPhone SE 3 were identified as the most stable models, showing no change in their customs valuation between the two rulings. Other models experienced varying degrees of upward revision. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1994373/customs-increases-import-valuation-for-62-old-and-used-mobile-phone-models, 23 Apr 2026]
#2760
In 2024, which Indian regulatory body investigated Amazon for alleged breaches of competition laws related to deep discounting?
(a) Securities and Exchange Board of India
(b) Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority
(c) Reserve Bank of India
(d) Competition Commission of India
Explanation: The Competition Commission of India (the antitrust watchdog) conducted the investigation into Amazon's business practices. The other bodies listed regulate financial markets, banking, and insurance, respectively. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431461/india-relaxes-e-commerce-investment-rules-for-exports-in-win-for-amazon, 23 Jul 2026]