April 2024 Edition
Start April Quiz
April 2024 Current Affairs MCQs & Solutions
Top national & international current affairs questions for CSS, PMS, FPSC, PPSC, and NTS screening tests.
#2821
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]
#2822
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]
#2823
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]
#2824
According to the announcement made on April 19, 2026, which individual was reported to lead the American delegation for the negotiations in Islamabad?
(a) Jared Kushner
(b) Steve Kushner
(c) JD Vance
(d) None of these
Explanation: US media outlets reported that Vice President JD Vance was designated to lead the American delegation. While Jared and Steve Kushner were mentioned as part of the team, Vance was the lead official cited. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1993224/trump-says-us-representatives-heading-to-islamabad-will-be-there-tomorrow-evening-for-negotiations-with-iran, 19 Apr 2026]
#2825
Who led the Iranian delegation during the first round of direct US-Iran talks held in Islamabad in April 2026?
(a) Mohammed Bagher Ghalibaf
(b) Abbas Araghchi
(c) Mojtaba Khamenei
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Iranian delegation to the Islamabad talks was led by Parliament Speaker Mohammed Bagher Ghalibaf, accompanied by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. Option D is incorrect because the leader is explicitly identified in the report. [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]
#2826
What is the total amount the government spent on fuel subsidies over the month preceding the April 11, 2026, announcement?
(a) Rs129 billion
(b) Rs107 billion
(c) Rs81 billion
(d) Rs385 billion
Explanation: The Prime Minister noted that the government had spent Rs129 billion on fuel subsidies over the past month. The other figures refer to tax components or the final price of fuel. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1990666/diesel-price-cut-by-rs135-petrol-sees-drop-of-rs12, 11 Apr 2026]
#2827
Which of the following statements regarding the diplomatic situation as of April 19, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The first round of US-Iran talks in Islamabad ended without a formal agreement.
(b) The United States has officially confirmed that Iran has accepted the new deal proposed by President Trump.
(c) Iran has demanded the lifting of the US blockade on its ports as a precondition for talks.
(d) The Strait of Hormuz has been a focal point of the maritime standoff between the two nations.
Explanation: The United States has not confirmed Iran's acceptance; in fact, reports indicate that Iran's participation remains uncertain and that Tehran has expressed skepticism. Options A, B, and D are all factually supported by the provided text. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1993224/trump-says-us-representatives-heading-to-islamabad-will-be-there-tomorrow-evening-for-negotiations-with-iran, 19 Apr 2026]
#2828
The ex-depot price of petrol was fixed at which of the following rates on April 11, 2026?
(a) Rs450.15 per litre
(b) Rs385.54 per litre
(c) Rs366.58 per litre
(d) Rs369.72 per litre
Explanation: Following the Rs12 reduction, the new price for petrol was fixed at Rs366.58 per litre. The other values correspond to the new prices for HSD, kerosene, and light diesel oil. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1990666/diesel-price-cut-by-rs135-petrol-sees-drop-of-rs12, 11 Apr 2026]
#2829
Consider the following statements about the fuel price revision on April 11, 2026: 1. The reduction in diesel prices was partially attributed to a correction in the pricing formula that previously benefited local refineries. 2. High-speed diesel is considered an inflationary item due to its extensive use in freight transportation. 3. The government reduced the petroleum levy on petrol to provide immediate relief to consumers. 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 pricing formula correction and the inflationary nature of diesel. Statement 3 is incorrect because the government explicitly stated that tax rates, including the petroleum levy, were kept unchanged. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1990666/diesel-price-cut-by-rs135-petrol-sees-drop-of-rs12, 11 Apr 2026]
#2830
Which Iranian official stated on April 20, 2026, that Tehran had yet to decide on its participation in the next round of talks?
(a) Esmaeil Baqaei
(b) Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf
(c) Ali Khamenei
(d) None of these
Explanation: Foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei explicitly stated that no decision had been made regarding the next round of negotiations. Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf is the parliament speaker who also commented on the lack of trust. [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]
#2831
Consider the following statements about the US-Iran conflict as of April 19, 2026: 1. The US-Israeli strikes on Iran commenced on February 28, 2026. 2. President Trump threatened to target Iranian power plants and bridges if the proposed deal is rejected. 3. The Strait of Hormuz was closed by Iran in response to the US blockade of Iranian ports. 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 strikes began on February 28, the threat to infrastructure was explicitly made by President Trump, and Iran cited the US blockade as the reason for closing the Strait of Hormuz. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1993224/trump-says-us-representatives-heading-to-islamabad-will-be-there-tomorrow-evening-for-negotiations-with-iran, 19 Apr 2026]
#2832
Consider the following statements about the diplomatic developments in April 2026: 1. The first round of direct US-Iran talks in Islamabad concluded with a formal peace agreement. 2. Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar held discussions with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi regarding regional stability. 3. The hostilities between the US and Iran were initially triggered by strikes occurring on February 28, 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 incorrect because the first round of talks in Islamabad ended without a formal agreement, though it also avoided a breakdown. Statements 2 and 3 are factually accurate based on the reported diplomatic timeline. [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]
#2833
Which of the following statements regarding Pakistan's external debt management in April 2026 is INCORRECT?
(a) Pakistan repaid a $1.3 billion Eurobond on April 8, 2026.
(b) Pakistan returned $2 billion to the United Arab Emirates.
(c) Saudi Arabia reduced its support facility for Pakistan to $2 billion.
(d) The government is utilizing the Global Medium-Term Note (GMTN) programme.
Explanation: Saudi Arabia actually increased its support facility for Pakistan to $8 billion from $5 billion, rather than reducing it. The other statements accurately reflect the debt repayment and financing activities reported in April 2026. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1993495/pakistan-increases-eurobond-from-500m-to-750m, 20 Apr 2026]
#2834
Consider the following statements about the Eurobond issuance in April 2026: 1. It marked Pakistan's first return to international capital markets in four years. 2. The issuance was exclusively funded by domestic commercial banks. 3. The government intends to use the momentum to support future issuances under the GMTN programme. 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 issuance ended a four-year hiatus. Statement 2 is incorrect because the bonds were placed with global institutional investors, not domestic banks. Statement 3 is correct as the government explicitly stated the issuance builds momentum for future GMTN activity. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1993495/pakistan-increases-eurobond-from-500m-to-750m, 20 Apr 2026]
#2835
Which of the following statements regarding the administrative actions in Islamabad on April 20, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The Rawalpindi district administration suspended public and goods transport.
(b) The Cabinet Division advised federal government establishments in the Red Zone to adopt work-from-home arrangements.
(c) The Islamabad district magistrate suspended entry into the Red Zone.
(d) The Deputy Commissioner confirmed that all public and private offices in the twin cities were ordered to close indefinitely.
Explanation: The statement in is incorrect because the Deputy Commissioner explicitly dismissed the notification claiming a total closure of all offices as fake. The other three statements accurately reflect the official administrative directives issued for that date. [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]
#2836
The administrative measures taken in Islamabad on April 20, 2026, were primarily in anticipation of the arrival of:
(a) International sports teams
(b) Foreign delegations
(c) National assembly members
(d) None of these
Explanation: The security measures and traffic plans were implemented to facilitate the arrival of foreign delegations for diplomatic talks. The other options do not align with the stated purpose of the administrative security protocols. [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]
#2837
Consider the following statements about the administrative directives issued for April 20, 2026: 1. The Cabinet Division mandated that all federal government establishments in the Red Zone must remain fully operational with physical attendance. 2. The Islamabad district magistrate issued a notification allowing offices in the Red Zone to adopt work-from-home arrangements. 3. Public and heavy transport in Islamabad were suspended until further orders. 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 incorrect because the Cabinet Division actually directed a work-from-home arrangement, not full physical attendance. Statements 2 and 3 are factually correct based on the administrative notifications issued to manage security. [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]
#2838
In which judicial forum did Bushra Bibi file a petition on April 18, 2026, seeking the suspension of her sentence in the £190 million corruption case?
(a) Supreme Court of Pakistan
(b) Accountability Court of Rawalpindi
(c) Lahore High Court
(d) Islamabad High Court
Explanation: Bushra Bibi approached the Islamabad High Court (IHC) to seek relief regarding her incarceration. While accountability courts handle the initial trial, the IHC serves as the appellate authority for cases originating in the Islamabad jurisdiction. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1992994/bushra-bibi-moves-ihc-seeking-to-suspend-sentence-in-ps190m-corruption-case-on-medical-grounds, 18 Apr 2026]
#2839
Consider the following statements about the diplomatic developments in Islamabad in April 2026: 1. The Iranian delegation arrived in Islamabad on April 24, 2026. 2. The US delegation was sent to Pakistan to engage in direct talks with Iranian representatives. 3. Pakistan's Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar welcomed the Iranian delegation to Islamabad. 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 3 are factually correct. Statement 2 is incorrect because the talks were described as indirect, with Pakistan serving as the mediator, rather than direct talks between the two parties. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1994680/iranian-delegation-led-by-fm-araghchi-lands-in-islamabad-us-officials-to-also-arrive-in-pakistan, 24 Apr 2026]
#2840
Which of the following statements regarding the legal petition filed on April 18, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The petition seeks the suspension of the sentence on medical grounds.
(b) The petition claims that the jail authorities provided full access to medical records and operation notes.
(c) The petition alleges that the surgery was conducted without prior consent or consultation.
(d) The petition requests the court to summon jail administration and hospital officials.
Explanation: The petition explicitly alleges that jail authorities failed to provide medical records, diagnosis, or operation notes, making the incorrect statement. The other options accurately reflect the claims made in the legal filing. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1992994/bushra-bibi-moves-ihc-seeking-to-suspend-sentence-in-ps190m-corruption-case-on-medical-grounds, 18 Apr 2026]