April 2025 Edition
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April 2025 Current Affairs MCQs & Solutions
Top national & international current affairs questions for CSS, PMS, FPSC, PPSC, and NTS screening tests.
#2041
The government's petroleum and carbon levy was announced in June 2025 as part of a commitment to which international organization?
(a) World Bank
(b) Asian Development Bank
(c) World Trade Organization
(d) International Monetary Fund
Explanation: The petroleum and carbon levy was implemented under an agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The World Bank and ADB are common distractors in fiscal policy contexts but were not the primary parties to this specific levy agreement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017280/jamaat-i-islami-announces-nationwide-road-blockade-against-petroleum-levy, 21 Jul 2026]
#2042
Consider the following statements about the 2026 mediation efforts: 1. The negotiations include discussions on the Strait of Hormuz and Iran's nuclear programme. 2. Pakistan's Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also participated in diplomatic efforts in Tehran. 3. The ceasefire that preceded these talks was established on 8th April, 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 provided report. The negotiations cover the specified technical frameworks, Interior Minister Naqvi was actively involved in multiple visits, and the ceasefire date is correctly cited as 8th April, 2026. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2002541/encouraging-progress-made-during-cdf-munirs-tehran-visit-ispr, 23 May 2026]
#2043
Consider the following statements about the current situation in the Strait of Hormuz: 1. The conflict involving the United States and Israel began in February 2026. 2. A ceasefire has been in effect in the region since April 2026. 3. The PGSA is the only body authorized to manage the strait, with no involvement from the Revolutionary Guards. 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 regarding the timeline of the conflict and the ceasefire. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Revolutionary Guards' navy actively shared and supported the announcement of the PGSA, indicating their involvement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2001272/iran-officially-announces-new-body-to-manage-strait-of-hormuz-top-security-council, 18 May 2026]
#2044
Consider the following statements about Pakistan's diplomatic role in 2026: 1. Pakistan successfully brokered a ceasefire between the US and Iran in April 2026. 2. The first round of direct US-Iran talks in Islamabad resulted in a comprehensive peace agreement. 3. The Prime Minister credited the political-military partnership for Pakistan's improved international image. 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 ceasefire was brokered in April 2026. Statement 2 is incorrect because the talks in Islamabad ended without a formal agreement, though they did not result in a breakdown. Statement 3 is correct as the Prime Minister explicitly cited this partnership as the reason for the country's positive image shift. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2000962/pm-shehbaz-credits-political-military-partnership-for-pakistans-recognition-as-us-iran-mediator-changed-image, 17 May 2026]
#2045
The primary surplus achieved by Pakistan during the period of July 2025 to April 2026 was:
(a) 3.5 percent of GDP
(b) 3.0 percent of GDP
(c) 2.5 percent of GDP
(d) 4.0 percent of GDP
Explanation: Effective expenditure management and revenue mobilization efforts enabled the government to achieve a primary surplus of 3.5 percent of GDP during the Jul-Apr period of the 2026 fiscal year. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2011978/govt-expects-easing-inflationary-pressure-in-new-fiscal-year-following-reopening-of-strait-of-hormuz, 30 Jun 2026]
#2046
According to the Ministry of Finance, the current account recorded a surplus of how much during the period of July 2025 to May 2026?
(a) 155 million dollars
(b) 255 million dollars
(c) 355 million dollars
(d) None of these
Explanation: The external sector remained stable, with the current account recording a surplus of 255 million dollars during the Jul-May period of the 2026 fiscal year, supported by remittances and IT exports. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2011978/govt-expects-easing-inflationary-pressure-in-new-fiscal-year-following-reopening-of-strait-of-hormuz, 30 Jun 2026]
#2047
Which of the following statements regarding the border security situation as of April 30, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) Pakistan has accused the Afghan Taliban regime of failing to ensure effective border management.
(b) The ISPR reported that the terrorists involved were foreign-sponsored.
(c) Security forces are conducting sanitization operations to eliminate remaining threats in the area.
(d) The infiltration attempts occurred exclusively within the Balochistan province.
Explanation: The infiltration attempts occurred in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, not Balochistan. The other statements accurately reflect the official position and actions reported by the ISPR. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1996454/13-terrorists-killed-as-bids-to-infiltrate-pak-afghan-border-in-kp-foiled-ispr, 30 Apr 2026]
#2048
Consider the following statements about the regional security situation as of May 4, 2026: 1. Iran's Revolutionary Guards Navy has claimed an expansion of areas under its control near the Strait of Hormuz. 2. The UAE has successfully maintained a total absence of drone and missile threats since the April 2026 ceasefire. 3. The Port of Khorfakkan was identified by Iranian authorities as being within their expanded area of control. 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 correct as they reflect the claims made by the Iranian Revolutionary Guards Navy regarding the expansion of their control. Statement 2 is incorrect because the ceasefire was shattered by the May 4, 2026, drone attack, and the UAE had faced significant threats throughout the conflict period. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1997510/fujairah-oil-zone-hit-by-drone-attack-as-uae-says-it-intercepted-iranian-missiles, 04 May 2026]
#2049
In which two districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa did the security forces foil infiltration attempts on April 30, 2026?
(a) Mohmand and North Waziristan
(b) Bajaur and Kurram
(c) South Waziristan and Orakzai
(d) Khyber and Dir
Explanation: The ISPR confirmed that the two separate infiltration attempts occurred in the Mohmand and North Waziristan districts. These areas are critical points along the Pak-Afghan border where security forces maintain high vigilance. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1996454/13-terrorists-killed-as-bids-to-infiltrate-pak-afghan-border-in-kp-foiled-ispr, 30 Apr 2026]
#2050
Which military wing issued the official statement regarding the border infiltration events on April 30, 2026?
(a) Ministry of Interior
(b) Inter-Services Public Relations
(c) National Counter Terrorism Authority
(d) Frontier Corps Command
Explanation: The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) is the media affairs wing of the Pakistan Armed Forces responsible for issuing official statements regarding military operations and security incidents. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1996454/13-terrorists-killed-as-bids-to-infiltrate-pak-afghan-border-in-kp-foiled-ispr, 30 Apr 2026]
#2051
Who is the current Petroleum Minister of Pakistan as of April 2026?
(a) Musadik Malik
(b) Ali Pervaiz Malik
(c) Jam Kamal Khan
(d) None of these
Explanation: Ali Pervaiz Malik is the Petroleum Minister who addressed the Reuters report regarding LNG procurement strategies. Musadik Malik is a common distractor due to his previous involvement in the energy ministry. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1992034/pakistan-considering-buying-lng-on-spot-market-to-offset-supply-disruptions-caused-by-iran-war-petroleum-minister, 15 Apr 2026]
#2052
Consider the following statements about the security operations reported on April 30, 2026: 1. The operations resulted in the death of 13 terrorists. 2. The engagements took place in the Mohmand and North Waziristan districts. 3. The ISPR claimed that the Afghan Taliban regime has successfully secured the border on their side. 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 ISPR report. Statement 3 is incorrect because the ISPR explicitly stated that the Afghan Taliban regime has failed to ensure effective border management. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1996454/13-terrorists-killed-as-bids-to-infiltrate-pak-afghan-border-in-kp-foiled-ispr, 30 Apr 2026]
#2053
Consider the following statements about the energy situation in Pakistan as of April 2026: 1. Spot LNG prices have surged to between $20 and $30 per mmBtu due to Middle East conflict. 2. Eight out of ten fertilizer plants in the country are currently operational despite gas supply disruptions. 3. The Baragzai X-01 well is expected to contribute approximately 25% of Pakistan's total crude output. 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 factually correct based on the report. Statement 3 is incorrect because the well is expected to contribute about 10% of crude output, not 25%. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1992034/pakistan-considering-buying-lng-on-spot-market-to-offset-supply-disruptions-caused-by-iran-war-petroleum-minister, 15 Apr 2026]
#2054
Which of the following statements regarding Pakistan's energy strategy in April 2026 is INCORRECT?
(a) Pakistan has completely eliminated its reliance on LNG imports due to domestic production.
(b) The government is prioritizing government-to-government LNG deals to avoid steep premiums.
(c) Officials are considering the use of furnace oil to limit load shedding despite potential tariff increases.
(d) Insurance costs for routes crossing the Strait of Hormuz are higher than those via the Red Sea.
Explanation: Pakistan has not eliminated its reliance on LNG; it remains exposed to supply shocks and continues to import LNG to meet peak summer power demand. The other statements accurately reflect the government's current energy policy. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1992034/pakistan-considering-buying-lng-on-spot-market-to-offset-supply-disruptions-caused-by-iran-war-petroleum-minister, 15 Apr 2026]
#2055
Who received Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif upon his arrival in Saudi Arabia on April 15, 2026?
(a) Prince Faisal bin Farhan
(b) Prince Saud bin Mushaal bin Abdulaziz
(c) Prince Khalid bin Salman
(d) Prince Bandar bin Sultan
Explanation: Prince Saud bin Mushaal bin Abdulaziz, the Deputy Governor of the Makkah Region, was among the officials who received the Prime Minister. The other princes listed were not mentioned as part of the reception committee. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1991908/pm-shehbaz-meets-saudi-crown-prince-in-jeddah-dar-says-avenues-to-further-enhance-cooperation-discussed, 15 Apr 2026]
#2056
Which of the following statements regarding the April 15, 2026, incident in Bajaur is INCORRECT?
(a) The mortar shells were fired from across the Afghan border.
(b) The Pakistan Army failed to respond to the mortar fire.
(c) The attack resulted in the deaths of three individuals, including children.
(d) Security sources held the Afghan Taliban responsible for the aggression.
Explanation: The statement that the Pakistan Army failed to respond is incorrect, as security sources confirmed that the army destroyed the gun position used for the firing in a retaliatory action. The other statements accurately reflect the reported facts of the event. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1992026/3-killed-in-kps-bajaur-as-mortar-shells-fired-from-across-afghan-border-security-sources, 15 Apr 2026]
#2057
Who served as the primary mediator for the direct negotiations between Lebanon and Israel held in Washington on April 14, 2026?
(a) Michael Needham
(b) Gideon Saar
(c) Marco Rubio
(d) Yechiel Leiter
Explanation: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio mediated the high-level talks between the Lebanese and Israeli ambassadors. While Michael Needham was present as a State Department Counselor, Rubio led the diplomatic effort. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1991749/lebanon-israel-agree-to-direct-negotiations-after-washington-talks, 14 Apr 2026]
#2058
Consider the following statements about the diplomatic visit of the Prime Minister in April 2026: 1. The visit to Saudi Arabia and Qatar was conducted in a bilateral context. 2. The Prime Minister is expected to hold a meeting with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Turkiye. 3. The delegation included the Information Minister and the Special Assistant to the Prime Minister.
(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 official reports regarding the Prime Minister's diplomatic tour. The visits to Saudi Arabia and Qatar were bilateral, the meeting with President Erdogan was planned for the Antalya Diplomacy Forum, and the delegation included both the Information Minister and the SAPM. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1991908/pm-shehbaz-meets-saudi-crown-prince-in-jeddah-dar-says-avenues-to-further-enhance-cooperation-discussed, 15 Apr 2026]
#2059
Consider the following statements about the diplomatic developments in April 2026: 1. The ceasefire between the US and Iran is scheduled to expire on April 22, 2026. 2. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif briefed President Asif Ali Zardari on his upcoming visits to Saudi Arabia and Turkiye. 3. The US and Iran have not engaged in any direct dialogue since 1979 prior to the 2026 Islamabad talks. 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 factually correct based on the report. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Islamabad talks marked the highest engagement since 1979, but it does not imply that no other form of dialogue occurred in the intervening decades. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1991712/trump-says-us-iran-talks-could-resume-over-the-next-two-days-were-more-inclined-to-go-to-pakistan, 14 Apr 2026]
#2060
Where did US President Donald Trump speak to reporters regarding the upcoming Iran talks on April 10, 2026?
(a) The White House
(b) Joint Base Andrews
(c) Camp David
(d) The Pentagon
Explanation: President Trump spoke to reporters at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, before boarding Air Force One. The White House and Pentagon are common locations for presidential briefings but were not the site of this specific event. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1990730/us-president-trump-projects-cautious-optimism-ahead-of-iran-talks, 11 Apr 2026]