April 2026 Edition
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April 2026 Current Affairs MCQs & Solutions
Top national & international current affairs questions for CSS, PMS, FPSC, PPSC, and NTS screening tests.
#501
Following the price revision on July 28, 2026, what is the new retail price of high-speed diesel per litre?
(a) Rs335.81
(b) Rs520.35
(c) Rs458.41
(d) Rs388.38
Explanation: The retail price of high-speed diesel was set at Rs388.38 per litre following the July 2026 adjustment. Rs335.81 is the new price for petrol. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2019031/govt-increases-petrol-price-by-rs163-hsd-price-by-rs155, 28 Jul 2026]
#502
According to the SBP statement released on March 9, 2026, what was the inflation rate recorded in February 2026?
(a) 5.8 percent
(b) 7.0 percent
(c) 8.2 percent
(d) None of these
Explanation: The SBP reported that inflation rose to 5.8 percent in January and 7 percent in February 2026. Option D is incorrect because 7 percent is explicitly mentioned as the February figure. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980133/sbp-maintains-policy-rate-at-105pc, 09 Mar 2026]
#503
Who is the current Petroleum Minister of Pakistan as of March 2026?
(a) Ali Pervaiz Malik
(b) Shehbaz Sharif
(c) Ishaq Dar
(d) None of these
Explanation: Ali Pervaiz Malik is identified as the Petroleum Minister who provided statements regarding fuel costs in March 2026. Shehbaz Sharif is the Prime Minister, not the Petroleum Minister. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980901/tanker-drivers-claim-they-are-facing-long-waits-at-depots-due-to-fuel-shortage, 11 Mar 2026]
#504
What is the proposed allocation for the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) in the 2026-27 budget?
(a) Rs71 billion
(b) Rs8,045 billion
(c) Rs15,264 billion
(d) Rs838 billion
Explanation: The BISP budget was increased by 17 percent to reach Rs838 billion, aiming to expand coverage to 12 million families. Rs71 billion is the allocation for the Apna Ghar housing scheme. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2007283/govt-unveils-rs188tr-budget-for-fy2026-27-gdp-growth-targeted-at-4pc, 12 Jun 2026]
#505
Which of the following sectors was NOT explicitly mentioned by the Finance Minister as receiving relief in the 2026-27 budget?
(a) IT sector
(b) Construction sector
(c) Agricultural sector
(d) Salaried class
Explanation: The Finance Minister specifically listed exporters, manufacturers, the IT sector, construction, and the salaried class as beneficiaries of relief measures. The agricultural sector was not included in this specific list of relief recipients. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2007374/finmin-aurangzeb-says-govt-committed-to-reducing-tax-burden-by-widening-tax-net, 12 Jun 2026]
#506
Consider the following statements about the fuel situation in Pakistan in March 2026: 1. The government recently hiked fuel prices by approximately 20 percent. 2. Naval escorts were provided to vessels transporting fuel to ensure supply continuity. 3. The Petroleum Minister confirmed that fuel prices would see immediate and significant changes. 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 government hiked prices by 20 percent. Statement 2 is correct as naval escorts were deployed. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Minister stated there would be 'no immediate significant changes' in fuel costs. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980901/tanker-drivers-claim-they-are-facing-long-waits-at-depots-due-to-fuel-shortage, 11 Mar 2026]
#507
Following the price revision on May 15, 2026, what is the new price of petrol per litre in Pakistan?
(a) Rs378.00
(b) Rs415.50
(c) Rs409.78
(d) Rs420.25
Explanation: According to the official notification, the price of petrol was set at Rs409.78 per litre following the Rs5 reduction. Rs378.00 was a previous price point mentioned in the context of earlier fiscal adjustments. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2000498/govt-reduces-petrol-diesel-prices-by-rs5, 15 May 2026]
#508
What specific austerity measure was announced by the Prime Minister in March 2026 to address fuel concerns?
(a) Increasing the work week to six days
(b) Banning private vehicle usage on weekends
(c) Slashing the government work week to four days
(d) Closing all international borders for trade
Explanation: The Prime Minister announced an austerity plan that included reducing the working week for government employees to four days to conserve fuel. The other options are either incorrect or not mentioned as part of the official austerity plan. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980901/tanker-drivers-claim-they-are-facing-long-waits-at-depots-due-to-fuel-shortage, 11 Mar 2026]
#509
Consider the following statements about the economic impact of the 2026 fuel crisis in Pakistan: 1. The government introduced a targeted fuel subsidy programme following significant price hikes in April 2026. 2. The conflict involving Iran began on February 28, 2026, triggering global supply chain disruptions. 3. The price of petrol and high-speed diesel is revised on a monthly basis by the Petroleum Division. 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 as they reflect the government's fiscal response and the timeline of the conflict. Statement 3 is incorrect because the government revises prices on a weekly basis, not monthly. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2000498/govt-reduces-petrol-diesel-prices-by-rs5, 15 May 2026]
#510
Consider the following statements regarding the developments in Pakistan's economic and legislative landscape on August 8, 2026:
(a) Only 1 and 2 are correct
(b) Only 2 and 3 are correct
(c) Only 1 and 3 are correct
(d) All statements are correct
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect as the BoP President advocated for a 'Welfare GDP' framework to address developmental economics, not specific agricultural cooperation with New Zealand. Statement 2 accurately reflects the KP Assembly's legislative action. Statement 3 accurately describes the economic indicators reported regarding inflation. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2021370/bank-of-punjab-chief-seeks-welfare-gdp]
#511
Which represents the correct order of institutional initiatives reported on August 5, 2026?
(a) 1. AI Lab inauguration; 2. Academic/Agri partnership; 3. Batting coach appointment; 4. Warning to cricketers
(b) 1. Batting coach appointment; 2. Warning to cricketers; 3. AI Lab inauguration; 4. Academic/Agri partnership
(c) 1. Academic/Agri partnership; 2. AI Lab inauguration; 3. Warning to cricketers; 4. Batting coach appointment
(d) 1. Warning to cricketers; 2. Batting coach appointment; 3. Academic/Agri partnership; 4. AI Lab inauguration
Explanation: The order reflects the administrative progression of educational and sporting institutional developments: the inauguration of the AI lab (SSUET), the agricultural partnership (Sindh/Ruhuna universities), the appointment of the national batting coach (Michael Smith), and the regulatory warning issued by the PCB regarding unsanctioned leagues. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40433354/nehal-inaugurates-ai-lab-at-ssuet]
#512
The government has set the GDP growth target for the fiscal year 2026-27 at:
(a) 3.6 percent
(b) 4.0 percent
(c) 8.2 percent
(d) None of these
Explanation: The government has officially targeted a GDP growth rate of 4 percent for the fiscal year 2026-27. While 3.6 percent is the fiscal deficit target and 8.2 percent is the inflation projection, 4 percent is the specific growth target. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2007283/govt-unveils-rs188tr-budget-for-fy2026-27-gdp-growth-targeted-at-4pc, 12 Jun 2026]
#513
What is the total budgetary outlay for the fiscal year 2026-27 as presented by the Finance Minister?
(a) Rs15.2 trillion
(b) Rs12.9 trillion
(c) Rs18.8 trillion
(d) Rs20.5 trillion
Explanation: The federal budget for FY2026-27 was announced with a total outlay of Rs18.8 trillion. This figure represents the government's primary fiscal plan for the upcoming year. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2007283/govt-unveils-rs188tr-budget-for-fy2026-27-gdp-growth-targeted-at-4pc, 12 Jun 2026]
#514
Consider the following statements about the 2026-27 federal budget: 1. The budget includes a flagship $1 billion initiative for the National Artificial Intelligence Ecosystem Development Programme. 2. The Final Tax Regime for IT and freelance exporters has been extended until FY30. 3. The federal government has allocated Rs8,045 billion specifically for markup payments. 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 correct based on the budget speech. The AI initiative is a $1 billion flagship project, the IT tax regime extension is set for three years until FY30, and the markup payment allocation is confirmed at Rs8,045 billion. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2007283/govt-unveils-rs188tr-budget-for-fy2026-27-gdp-growth-targeted-at-4pc, 12 Jun 2026]
#515
Which of the following statements regarding the 2026-27 budget is INCORRECT?
(a) The average inflation is projected at 8.2 percent.
(b) The government has proposed a 15 percent increase in the salaries and pensions of government employees.
(c) Taxes on sanitary pads and contraceptives have been completely withdrawn.
(d) The fiscal deficit is targeted to be contained at 3.6 percent of GDP.
Explanation: The budget proposed a 7 percent raise in salaries and pensions for government employees, not 15 percent. The other statements accurately reflect the fiscal projections and policy changes announced in the budget. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2007283/govt-unveils-rs188tr-budget-for-fy2026-27-gdp-growth-targeted-at-4pc, 12 Jun 2026]
#516
What is the targeted GDP growth rate for Pakistan in the fiscal year 2026-27?
(a) 3.5 percent
(b) 5.0 percent
(c) 4.5 percent
(d) 4.0 percent
Explanation: The government has set a GDP growth target of 4 percent for the fiscal year 2026-27 as part of its economic stabilization and growth strategy. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2007374/finmin-aurangzeb-says-govt-committed-to-reducing-tax-burden-by-widening-tax-net, 12 Jun 2026]
#517
What is the total size of the federal budget unveiled for the fiscal year 2026-27?
(a) Rs 15.5 trillion
(b) Rs 18.8 trillion
(c) Rs 20.2 trillion
(d) None of these
Explanation: The federal budget for the fiscal year 2026-27 was announced at Rs 18.8 trillion. This figure represents the government's primary fiscal planning document for the upcoming year. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2007374/finmin-aurangzeb-says-govt-committed-to-reducing-tax-burden-by-widening-tax-net, 12 Jun 2026]
#518
Arrange the following reported events in the correct chronological sequence based on their occurrence or the focus of the reporting on August 9, 2026:
(a) 1, 2, 3, 4
(b) 4, 3, 2, 1
(c) 2, 4, 1, 3
(d) 3, 1, 4, 2
Explanation: All events occurred on August 9, 2026. The logical sequence for reporting the impact of internal disruption (strike) leads to the clarification of defense policy (DPM Dar), followed by international economic indicators (China CPI), and finally, external geopolitical expansion (Egypt's interest). [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2021626/goods-oil-transporters-strike-threatens-industry-exports]
#519
Which of the following statements regarding the economic performance in FY2026 is INCORRECT?
(a) The fiscal deficit narrowed to 0.7pc of GDP during July-March FY26.
(b) The primary surplus strengthened to 3.2pc of GDP.
(c) The GDP growth rate exceeded the government target of 4.2pc.
(d) The industrial sector expanded by 3.51pc.
Explanation: The GDP growth rate of 3.7 percent fell short of the 4.2 percent target, making statement D incorrect. The other three statements accurately reflect the fiscal and sectoral data provided in the survey. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2006877/economy-grows-37pc-in-fy26-fastest-in-four-years-but-short-of-target, 11 Jun 2026]
#520
Which sector recorded a growth rate of 4.09pc in the fiscal year 2026?
(a) Services sector
(b) Industrial sector
(c) Agriculture sector
(d) Mining and quarrying sector
Explanation: The services sector recorded a growth of 4.09 percent during FY2026. The agriculture and industrial sectors recorded growth rates of 2.89 percent and 3.51 percent, respectively. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2006877/economy-grows-37pc-in-fy26-fastest-in-four-years-but-short-of-target, 11 Jun 2026]