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.
#2401
Consider the following statements about the diplomatic developments in April 2026: 1. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif mediated the ceasefire between the United States and Iran. 2. The ceasefire agreement was initially rejected by all members of the Gulf Cooperation Council. 3. The Iranian President confirmed his country's participation in the proposed Islamabad negotiations. 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 Prime Minister helped mediate the deal. Statement 3 is correct as President Pezeshkian confirmed participation. Statement 2 is incorrect because the GCC members actually welcomed the ceasefire. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1989584/pm-shehbaz-asks-trump-to-extend-deadline-for-two-weeks-requests-iran-to-open-hormuz-for-corresponding-period, 07 Apr 2026]
#2402
Consider the following statements about the joint statement issued on April 23, 2026: 1. The ministers condemned the raising of the Israeli flag within the courtyards of Al-Aqsa Mosque. 2. The statement cited the 2024 advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice regarding illegal settlements. 3. The ministers declared that the Al-Aqsa compound is a place of worship exclusively for Muslims. 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 joint statement. The ministers condemned the flag-raising, referenced the 2024 ICJ advisory opinion, and reiterated the exclusive status of the site for Muslim worship. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1994444/pakistan-7-other-muslim-nations-reject-attempts-to-alter-historic-legal-status-quo-in-jerusalem-at-its-holy-sites, 23 Apr 2026]
#2403
Consider the following statements about the joint statement issued on April 23, 2026: 1. The ministers condemned the raising of the Israeli flag within the courtyards of Al-Aqsa Mosque. 2. The statement cited the 2024 advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice regarding illegal settlements. 3. The ministers called for the immediate annexation of the West Bank to ensure regional stability. 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 ministers condemned the raising of the Israeli flag. Statement 2 is correct as the statement referenced the 2024 ICJ advisory opinion. Statement 3 is incorrect because the ministers categorically rejected any attempts to annex occupied Palestinian territory. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1994444/pakistan-7-other-muslim-nations-reject-attempts-to-alter-historic-legal-status-quo-in-jerusalem-at-its-holy-sites, 23 Apr 2026]
#2404
The Diyat value for FY2026-27 represents an approximate percentage increase over the FY2025-26 value?
(a) 56 percent
(b) 75 percent
(c) 97 percent
(d) None of these
Explanation: The government announced a 97 percent increase in the Diyat value for the current fiscal year compared to the previous year. This sharp rise is attributed to the appreciation of silver prices. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2019000/govt-almost-doubles-blood-money-payment-to-heirs-of-victim-on-account-of-rising-silver-prices, 28 Jul 2026]
#2405
The 20 billion dollars worth of goods subject to the new tariffs represent approximately what percentage of total US imports from Canada in 2025?
(a) 5.2 percent
(b) 8.4 percent
(c) 12.1 percent
(d) 15.5 percent
Explanation: According to US Census Bureau data, the 20 billion dollars in affected goods accounts for roughly 5.2 percent of the 382 billion dollars in total imports from Canada during 2025. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017209/us-imposes-new-50pc-tariffs-on-20bn-worth-of-canadian-products, 21 Jul 2026]
#2406
Consider the following statements regarding the economic outlook as of June 2026: 1. The primary balance surplus for FY26 was estimated at 2.5 percent of GDP. 2. The MPC is targeting a primary balance surplus of 2 percent of GDP for FY27. 3. Headline inflation remained in single digits throughout April and May 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: Statements 1 and 2 are correct as they reflect the fiscal consolidation targets and estimates provided by the MPC. Statement 3 is incorrect because headline inflation rose to double digits in April and May 2026, not single digits. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2008043/central-bank-keeps-policy-rate-unchanged-at-115pc, 15 Jun 2026]
#2407
Which of the following statements regarding the status of the Strait of Hormuz as of April 17, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The Strait is open for all commercial vessels for the duration of the ceasefire.
(b) The reopening followed a ceasefire agreement reached in Lebanon.
(c) Iran has agreed to never again use the closure of the Strait as a weapon against the world.
(d) The United States has completely lifted its naval blockade on all ships entering the region.
Explanation: The statement that the US has completely lifted its naval blockade is incorrect; the US explicitly stated that the naval blockade remains in full force and effect specifically for ships sailing to Iranian ports. The other statements accurately reflect the conditions reported on April 17, 2026. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1992627/iran-says-strait-of-hormuz-open-for-commercial-vessels-after-lebanon-deal, 17 Apr 2026]
#2408
Match List I (Economic Indicator/Metric) with List II (Status/Value as of May 2026 report): 1. Total disbursements under two arrangements — a. 16 billion dollars 2. Foreign exchange reserves (Dec 2025) — b. 1.32 billion dollars 3. Latest IMF financing approval — c. 4.8 billion dollars 4. Foreign exchange reserves (June 2025) — d. 14.5 billion dollars
(a) 1-c, 2-a, 3-b, 4-d
(b) 1-b, 2-a, 3-c, 4-d
(c) 1-c, 2-d, 3-b, 4-a
(d) 1-a, 2-c, 3-b, 4-d
Explanation: The total disbursements under the EFF and RSF reached $4.8 billion, while the latest approval was $1.32 billion. Reserves grew from $14.5 billion in June 2025 to $16 billion in December 2025. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1998725/imfs-executive-board-approves-12-billion-financing-for-pakistans-reform-programme, 08 May 2026]
#2409
On April 17, 2026, which Iranian official announced that the Strait of Hormuz was open for commercial vessels?
(a) Abbas Araqchi
(b) Masoud Pezeshkian
(c) Mohammad Bagheri
(d) None of these
Explanation: Abbas Araqchi, the Iranian Foreign Minister, made the official announcement regarding the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz on April 17, 2026. The other individuals listed are not the Foreign Minister who issued this specific statement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1992627/iran-says-strait-of-hormuz-open-for-commercial-vessels-after-lebanon-deal, 17 Apr 2026]
#2410
Consider the following statements about the geopolitical situation in April 2026: 1. The US-Israeli conflict with Iran commenced in February 2026. 2. The United States prohibited Israel from further bombing in Lebanon. 3. The International Monetary Fund warned that a prolonged conflict could lead to a global recession. 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 information. The conflict began on February 28, 2026, the US issued a prohibition on further Israeli bombing in Lebanon, and the IMF issued warnings regarding the impact of the conflict on global economic growth. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1992627/iran-says-strait-of-hormuz-open-for-commercial-vessels-after-lebanon-deal, 17 Apr 2026]
#2411
During his previous visit in April 2026, Finance Minister Aurangzeb discussed Pakistan's plans to return to international capital markets using which financial instruments?
(a) Green Bonds and Samurai Bonds
(b) Sovereign Sukuk and Treasury Bills
(c) Panda Bonds and Eurobonds
(d) Development Loans and Grants
Explanation: The Finance Minister briefed investors on plans to re-enter international capital markets specifically through the issuance of Panda Bonds and Eurobonds. These instruments are intended to diversify Pakistan's external financing sources. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016679/finance-minister-aurangzeb-arrives-in-us-on-3-day-visit-expected-to-hold-talks-on-trade-finance-investment, 19 Jul 2026]
#2412
According to the IMF review of May 2026, what was the level of Pakistan's foreign exchange reserves at the end of December 2025?
(a) 16.0 billion dollars
(b) 14.5 billion dollars
(c) 18.2 billion dollars
(d) 20.5 billion dollars
Explanation: The IMF report confirmed that foreign exchange reserves reached $16 billion by the end of December 2025, an increase from the $14.5 billion recorded in June 2025. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1998725/imfs-executive-board-approves-12-billion-financing-for-pakistans-reform-programme, 08 May 2026]
#2413
Consider the following statements about the US-Pakistan trade negotiations as of July 2026: 1. Pakistan successfully negotiated a reduction in the initial IEEPA-based tariff from 29 per cent to 19 per cent in 2025. 2. The temporary global tariff of 10 per cent imposed under Section 122 is scheduled to expire on July 24, 2026. 3. India is currently facing a lower proposed tariff under Section 301 than Pakistan. 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 regarding the 2025 tariff reduction. Statement 2 is correct as the Section 122 tariff has a 150-day statutory limit expiring on July 24, 2026. Statement 3 is incorrect because India faces a 12.5% tariff, which is higher than Pakistan's 10%. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016679/finance-minister-aurangzeb-arrives-in-us-on-3-day-visit-expected-to-hold-talks-on-trade-finance-investment, 19 Jul 2026]
#2414
On April 18, 2026, the State Bank of Pakistan confirmed the repayment of how much debt to the United Arab Emirates?
(a) $1.5 billion
(b) $3.5 billion
(c) $2 billion
(d) $5 billion
Explanation: The State Bank of Pakistan officially announced on April 18, 2026, that the government had successfully repaid $2 billion to the UAE. While the total loan amount sought by the UAE was $3.5 billion, the specific payment confirmed on this date was $2 billion. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1993003/sbp-says-govt-has-paid-2bn-to-uae, 18 Apr 2026]
#2415
What is the final value of the Eurobond issuance announced by the government on April 20, 2026?
(a) $500 million
(b) $750 million
(c) $1 billion
(d) $2 billion
Explanation: The government initially planned a $500 million issuance but exercised a green-shoe option to increase the total to $750 million due to high investor demand. The $500 million figure represents the initial amount, not the final upsized total. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1993495/pakistan-increases-eurobond-from-500m-to-750m, 20 Apr 2026]
#2416
What was the new price of high-speed diesel per litre following the reduction announced on April 17, 2026?
(a) Rs353.43
(b) Rs366.58
(c) Rs378.00
(d) None of these
Explanation: Following the reduction of Rs32.12, the price of high-speed diesel was adjusted from Rs385.54 to Rs353.43 per litre. The other figures represent different price points mentioned in the context of recent fuel adjustments. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1992656/govt-slashes-diesel-price-by-rs32, 17 Apr 2026]
#2417
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]
#2418
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]
#2419
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]
#2420
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]