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.
#1961
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]
#1962
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]
#1963
What was the peak price per litre reached by high-speed diesel (HSD) on April 3, 2026?
(a) Rs335.86
(b) Rs458.40
(c) Rs311.47
(d) Rs520.35
Explanation: On April 3, 2026, HSD prices reached a peak of Rs520.35 per litre. The other figures represent different historical price points for either petrol or diesel. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2011069/govt-keeps-petrol-diesel-prices-unchanged-till-further-orders, 26 Jun 2026]
#1964
Which fiscal tool did the Prime Minister utilize to reduce the petrol price to Rs378 per litre following the April 2026 price hike?
(a) General sales tax
(b) Petroleum levy
(c) Customs duty
(d) Excise duty
Explanation: The government slashed the petroleum levy by Rs80 per litre to provide immediate relief to consumers. This is a common fiscal instrument used to adjust the final ex-depot price of fuel. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2011069/govt-keeps-petrol-diesel-prices-unchanged-till-further-orders, 26 Jun 2026]
#1965
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]
#1966
Who is the current Chief Minister of Sindh who announced the fare freeze on April 5, 2026?
(a) Syed Qaim Ali Shah
(b) Murad Ali Shah
(c) Sardar Ali Shah
(d) None of these
Explanation: Murad Ali Shah is the Chief Minister of Sindh who held the press conference at CM House to announce the agreement with transporters. The other names are either former chief ministers or provincial ministers not holding the CM office at the time of the event. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1988836/sindh-cm-secures-fare-freeze-after-talks-with-transporters-amid-fuel-price-hike, 05 Apr 2026]
#1967
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]
#1968
Consider the following statements about the Sindh government's relief measures announced on April 5, 2026: 1. The government decided to make all public bus travel entirely free across the province. 2. The total contribution by the Sindh government towards the overall subsidy framework is approximately Rs 14 billion. 3. The fare freeze agreement applies to both inter-city and intra-city routes. 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 government opted for a fare freeze rather than making buses free, which was a policy adopted by Punjab and Islamabad. Statements 2 and 3 are factually accurate regarding the financial contribution and the scope of the transport routes covered. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1988836/sindh-cm-secures-fare-freeze-after-talks-with-transporters-amid-fuel-price-hike, 05 Apr 2026]
#1969
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]
#1970
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]
#1971
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]
#1972
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]
#1973
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]
#1974
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]
#1975
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]
#1976
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]
#1977
Consider the following statements about the situation in the Strait of Hormuz as of April 2026: 1. The GCC has requested a UN mandate to use force to protect maritime routes. 2. The closure of the Strait has led to a sharp rise in global energy prices. 3. French President Emmanuel Macron has fully endorsed the military operation to reopen the Strait. 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 GCC's diplomatic request and the resulting economic impact. Statement 3 is incorrect because President Macron explicitly described a military operation to free the Strait as 'unrealistic'. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1987881/gulf-states-seek-un-mandate-for-force-to-protect-strait-of-hormuz, 02 Apr 2026]
#1978
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]
#1979
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]
#1980
Consider the following statements about the fuel price adjustments announced on April 2, 2026: 1. The price of kerosene was increased to Rs457.80 per litre. 2. The government rejected multiple previous recommendations for fuel price hikes since the regional conflict began. 3. The new fuel prices were made effective immediately on the day of the announcement. 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. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Petroleum Minister explicitly stated that the new prices would be effective from Friday, not the day of the announcement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1987901/govt-hikes-petrol-price-to-rs458-per-litre-hsd-price-to-rs520-per-litre, 02 Apr 2026]