April 2025 Edition

April 2025 Current Affairs MCQs & Solutions

Top national & international current affairs questions for CSS, PMS, FPSC, PPSC, and NTS screening tests.

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#3341

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]
#3342

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]
#3343

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]
#3344

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]
#3345

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]
#3346

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]
#3347

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]
#3348

Which of the following statements regarding the diplomatic meeting on April 18, 2026, is INCORRECT?

(a) The Indian foreign secretary conveyed deep concern regarding the firing on merchant ships.
(b) The Iranian envoy agreed to convey India's views to the authorities in Iran.
(c) India recalled that Iran had previously facilitated the safe passage of ships bound for India.
(d) The meeting resulted in an immediate and permanent reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.
Explanation: The report does not state that the meeting resulted in a permanent reopening of the strait; rather, it notes that the Iranian envoy undertook to convey India's views to his government. Options A, B, and D are factually accurate descriptions of the diplomatic exchange. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1992990/new-delhi-summons-iranian-envoy-after-indian-flagged-tankers-shot-at-near-strait-of-hormuz, 18 Apr 2026]
#3349

How many pilgrims performed Umrah in 2025 according to the Saudi General Authority for Statistics?

(a) 23 million
(b) 33 million
(c) 53 million
(d) 43 million
Explanation: Official statistics from the Saudi General Authority for Statistics recorded nearly 43 million pilgrims for the year 2025. This figure highlights the significant scale of religious tourism in the Kingdom. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017249/saudi-govt-launches-multiple-entry-umrah-visa-with-one-year-validity, 21 Jul 2026]
#3350

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]
#3351

What was the primary reason cited by Iran for closing the Strait of Hormuz to commercial shipping on April 18, 2026?

(a) United States blockade of Iranian ports
(b) Severe weather conditions in the Persian Gulf
(c) Routine naval military exercises
(d) Diplomatic dispute with the United Arab Emirates
Explanation: Iran declared the waterway closed for commercial ships due to the United States' continued blockade of its ports. This action directly impacted the transit of merchant vessels in the region. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1992990/new-delhi-summons-iranian-envoy-after-indian-flagged-tankers-shot-at-near-strait-of-hormuz, 18 Apr 2026]
#3352

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]
#3353

To which High Court was Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani transferred in the notification issued on April 29, 2026?

(a) Lahore High Court
(b) Peshawar High Court
(c) Sindh High Court
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Ministry of Law and Justice notified the transfer of Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani to the Lahore High Court. The other options represent different High Courts to which other judges were transferred. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1996098/law-ministry-notifies-transfer-of-3-ihc-judges-to-other-high-courts, 29 Apr 2026]
#3354

Which vessel was identified as being involved in the shooting incident near the Strait of Hormuz on April 18, 2026?

(a) Sanmar Herald
(b) Larak Star
(c) Persian Pearl
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Sanmar Herald was identified by Indian government sources as the crude oil tanker that came under fire while attempting to transit the Strait of Hormuz. Other options are fabricated names that do not appear in the report. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1992990/new-delhi-summons-iranian-envoy-after-indian-flagged-tankers-shot-at-near-strait-of-hormuz, 18 Apr 2026]
#3355

What was the specific reduction in the price of high-speed diesel (HSD) announced on April 11, 2026?

(a) Rs12 per litre
(b) Rs17.33 per litre
(c) Rs25.31 per litre
(d) Rs135 per litre
Explanation: The government announced a reduction of Rs135 per litre for high-speed diesel, bringing the price down to Rs385.54. The other figures represent price cuts for petrol, kerosene, and light diesel oil respectively. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1990666/diesel-price-cut-by-rs135-petrol-sees-drop-of-rs12, 11 Apr 2026]
#3356

Consider the following statements about Pakistan's external debt management in April 2026: 1. The UAE loan being repaid was originally extended in 2019. 2. Pakistan has requested significant changes to its $7 billion IMF lending programme due to the Middle East conflict. 3. The central bank's foreign exchange reserves were reported at $20.52 billion as of April 10, 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 correct as the UAE loan dates back to 2019. Statement 3 is correct regarding the reserve figures reported by the SBP. Statement 2 is incorrect because the Finance Minister stated that while the IMF programme is an option, the government has not yet requested changes to it. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1993003/sbp-says-govt-has-paid-2bn-to-uae, 18 Apr 2026]
#3357

Consider the following statements about the recent judicial transfers in April 2026: 1. The Islamabad Bar Council expressed concerns regarding the lack of transparency and uniform criteria in the transfer process. 2. The transferred judges were among those who previously reported alleged intelligence interference in judicial affairs. 3. Refusal to accept a transfer under the current constitutional framework may lead to proceedings under Article 209. 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 April 2026. The IBC criticized the process, the judges had a history of reporting interference, and the law now stipulates potential Article 209 proceedings for non-compliance. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1996098/law-ministry-notifies-transfer-of-3-ihc-judges-to-other-high-courts, 29 Apr 2026]
#3358

Who was identified by the US leadership as the head of the American delegation expected to travel to Pakistan on April 20, 2026?

(a) Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf
(b) Esmaeil Baqaei
(c) JD Vance
(d) Donald Trump
Explanation: US leadership confirmed that Vice President JD Vance was expected to lead the delegation to Pakistan. The other individuals listed are Iranian officials. [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]
#3359

What is the interest rate offered on the Eurobond issued by Pakistan in April 2026?

(a) 5.975 percent
(b) 8.975 percent
(c) 7.975 percent
(d) 6.975 percent
Explanation: The sovereign yield for the 2026 Eurobond issuance was set at 6.975 percent. This rate reflects the market's assessment of the risk and the government's re-entry into global capital markets. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1993495/pakistan-increases-eurobond-from-500m-to-750m, 20 Apr 2026]
#3360

How long did the telephone conversation between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Masoud Pezeshkian last on April 19, 2026?

(a) 15 minutes
(b) 45 minutes
(c) 30 minutes
(d) 60 minutes
Explanation: The official statement from the Prime Minister's Office confirmed that the conversation between the two leaders lasted for approximately 45 minutes. This duration allowed for a detailed exchange regarding the current regional security situation. [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]