April 2026 Edition
Start April Quiz
April 2026 Current Affairs MCQs & Solutions
Top national & international current affairs questions for CSS, PMS, FPSC, PPSC, and NTS screening tests.
#681
Which of the following is NOT identified as a potential economic impact of the Middle East conflict on Pakistan in the March 2026 report?
(a) Increased energy costs
(b) Immediate collapse of the banking sector
(c) Strain on remittance inflows
(d) Pressure on the exchange rate
Explanation: The report warns of inflation, import costs, and remittance strain, but it does not predict an immediate collapse of the banking sector. The other options are explicitly mentioned as risks to the external sector. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979649/external-sector-faces-instability-amid-middle-east-crisis, 08 Mar 2026]
#682
Consider the following statements regarding the economic outlook for Pakistan in 2026: 1. The Strait of Hormuz is a critical chokepoint through which approximately 20 percent of global oil passes. 2. The Planning Commission report suggests that Pakistan's development trajectory for FY26 remains positive despite external risks. 3. The government has advised citizens to increase fuel consumption to stimulate domestic industrial growth.
(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 report. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Planning Minister specifically urged citizens to adopt responsible consumption practices and avoid unnecessary travel, rather than increasing fuel consumption. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979649/external-sector-faces-instability-amid-middle-east-crisis, 08 Mar 2026]
#683
According to the Planning Commission's March 2026 report, what percentage of Pakistan's total imports are accounted for by petroleum products?
(a) Nearly 10 percent
(b) Nearly 25 percent
(c) Nearly 40 percent
(d) None of these
Explanation: The report specifies that petroleum products constitute nearly one-quarter, or 25 percent, of Pakistan's total import bill. This high dependency makes the country particularly susceptible to global oil price volatility. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979649/external-sector-faces-instability-amid-middle-east-crisis, 08 Mar 2026]
#684
Which of the following is NOT a stated objective or component of the government's response to the 2026 fuel crisis?
(a) Providing relief to the masses once the situation stabilizes
(b) Ensuring the elite class sets an example of austerity
(c) Maintaining adequate reserves of petrol and diesel
(d) Immediate cessation of all international oil imports
Explanation: The government confirmed that the country has adequate reserves and is managing the crisis through conservation and price adjustments, not by ceasing all imports. The other options are explicitly mentioned as government policy goals. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979860/pm-shehbaz-to-announce-austerity-plan-tomorrow-amid-global-fuel-crisis, 08 Mar 2026]
#685
Who is the current Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas in India as of May 2026?
(a) Nitin Gadkari
(b) Hardeep Singh Puri
(c) Piyush Goyal
(d) None of these
Explanation: Hardeep Singh Puri is identified as the Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas who commented on the financial losses faced by oil marketing companies. The other names are prominent ministers but do not hold this specific portfolio. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1999209/modi-urges-indians-to-reduce-petrol-diesel-consumption-amid-middle-east-war-disruption, 10 May 2026]
#686
Consider the following statements regarding the economic concerns raised by business leaders in March 2026: 1. Business leaders argued that high interest rates discourage capital investment and modernization. 2. The SBP acknowledged a decline in exports alongside an increase in imports as a sign of slowing economic activity. 3. The business community unanimously agreed that the 10.5 percent interest rate was the optimal level for economic 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: Statements 1 and 2 are correct as they reflect the concerns regarding investment and the SBP's own assessment of trade data. Statement 3 is incorrect because the business community expressed disappointment and advocated for a rate reduction, showing a lack of consensus on the optimality of the 10.5 percent rate. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980387/high-interest-rate-to-hit-economy-in-war-times-warn-businesses, 10 Mar 2026]
#687
In 2026, Pakistan became the 28th permanent member of which international organization?
(a) International Olive Council
(b) International Food Policy Research Institute
(c) World Olive Oil Federation
(d) None of these
Explanation: Pakistan officially joined the International Olive Council in May 2026, becoming the first South Asian country to attain this status. This membership is crucial for aligning domestic production with international quality and trade standards. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018683/harvest-of-hope, 27 Jul 2026]
#688
Which of the following statements regarding the edible oil supply situation in March 2026 is INCORRECT?
(a) The PVMA claims that domestic stocks are sufficient for two months.
(b) The government has imposed a total ban on all edible oil imports.
(c) Local manufacturers currently possess ample supplies of raw materials.
(d) Ongoing import consignments are currently in transit to Pakistan.
Explanation: The statement regarding a total ban on imports is false, as the industry is actively receiving and expecting new consignments to maintain market stability. The other three statements accurately reflect the information provided by the PVMA. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980381/no-shortage-of-edible-oil-pvma, 10 Mar 2026]
#689
In May 2026, Pakistan LNG Limited rejected bids from which of the following companies?
(a) PetroChina and Vitol Bahrain
(b) BP Singapore and TotalEnergies
(c) OQ Trading and SOCAR Trading
(d) None of these
Explanation: PLL rejected the two lowest evaluated bids submitted by BP Singapore and TotalEnergies for the May 2026 delivery windows. Other companies like PetroChina and Vitol Bahrain also participated but were not the specific subjects of the rejection mentioned. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1998447/pakistan-turns-down-two-lowest-evaluated-lng-bids, 07 May 2026]
#690
What was the total value of Pakistan's exports to the Middle East in fiscal year 2026?
(a) $2.093 billion
(b) $3.093 billion
(c) $4.093 billion
(d) None of these
Explanation: According to State Bank of Pakistan data, exports to the Middle East reached $3.093 billion in FY26. This represents a decline of over 2 percent compared to the previous year. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018925/pakistans-exports-to-middle-east-dip-in-fy26, 28 Jul 2026]
#691
Which input factor was specifically cited by experts as a cause for concern regarding rising production costs in the 2026 cotton season?
(a) Irrigation water tariffs
(b) DAP fertilizer prices
(c) Pesticide import duties
(d) Labor wage inflation
Explanation: The report highlights that soaring DAP fertilizer prices are a primary concern for farmers. While other factors like labor or water are general agricultural issues, DAP prices were specifically noted as a threat to yield prospects. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016601/early-cotton-arrivals-hit-record-527900-bales, 19 Jul 2026]
#692
Which of the following Apple models remained stable with no change in valuation between the January ruling and the April 2026 ruling?
(a) iPhone 15 Pro Max
(b) iPhone XS Max
(c) iPhone SE 2
(d) iPhone 13
Explanation: The iPhone XS Max and the iPhone SE 3 were identified as the most stable models, showing no change in valuation between the two rulings. Other models like the iPhone 15 Pro Max and iPhone SE 2 experienced varying degrees of upward adjustment. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1994373/customs-increases-import-valuation-for-62-old-and-used-mobile-phone-models, 23 Apr 2026]
#693
All of the following statements regarding the 2026 cotton season report are TRUE EXCEPT:
(a) Balochistan recorded a 90 percent increase in cotton arrivals.
(b) Punjab contributed 201,497 bales to the total arrivals.
(c) Textile mills purchased 445,779 bales by July 15, 2026.
(d) Unsold stocks at ginning factories decreased compared to the previous year.
Explanation: The report states that unsold stocks at ginning factories actually rose to 82,121 bales from 47,771 bales a year earlier. Therefore, the statement that they decreased is false. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016601/early-cotton-arrivals-hit-record-527900-bales, 19 Jul 2026]
#694
Which of the following statements regarding the 2026 mobile phone customs valuation is INCORRECT?
(a) The new valuation applies to commercial quantities of used phones without accessories.
(b) The ruling preserves the framework for six-month activation and freight adjustment.
(c) The revision was aimed at lowering the tax burden for all imported mobile handsets.
(d) The Directorate held a stakeholder meeting on April 13, 2026, before finalizing the ruling.
Explanation: The revision was aimed at aligning assessed values with market rates, which resulted in higher duty and tax incidence per handset, not a reduction. Options A, B, and D are factually correct descriptions of the regulatory process. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1994373/customs-increases-import-valuation-for-62-old-and-used-mobile-phone-models, 23 Apr 2026]
#695
The Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (Ogra) notified an increase in the price of RLNG in April 2026 by what percentage range?
(a) 19-22 per cent
(b) 10-15 per cent
(c) 25-30 per cent
(d) 35-40 per cent
Explanation: Ogra notified a 19-22 per cent increase in RLNG prices due to higher terminal charges and lower import volumes. This adjustment reflects the rising costs of energy procurement in the current fiscal environment. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1998447/pakistan-turns-down-two-lowest-evaluated-lng-bids, 07 May 2026]
#696
Which of the following statements regarding the LNG procurement process in May 2026 is INCORRECT?
(a) PLL floated urgent tenders on a 36-hour notice.
(b) The tenders were issued to address power shortfalls.
(c) Qatar has maintained full supply capacity to Pakistan despite regional tensions.
(d) TotalEnergies submitted a bid priced at $16.98 per mmBtu.
Explanation: Qatar declared force majeure on its global LNG contracts, including those with Pakistan, due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Therefore, the statement that Qatar maintained full supply capacity is false. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1998447/pakistan-turns-down-two-lowest-evaluated-lng-bids, 07 May 2026]
#697
The total value of mobile phone imports in Pakistan during the first nine months of the fiscal year 2026 reached:
(a) $1.129 billion
(b) $1.444 billion
(c) $1.650 billion
(d) None of these
Explanation: Mobile phone imports grew by 27.84 percent to $1.444 billion during the first nine months of the current fiscal year. The figure $1.129 billion represents the import value for the same period in the previous year. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1994373/customs-increases-import-valuation-for-62-old-and-used-mobile-phone-models, 23 Apr 2026]
#698
Consider the following statements about the 2026 cotton season: 1. The national cotton arrivals increased by 77.3 percent by July 15, 2026. 2. The Central Cotton Research Institute (CCRI) is located in Multan. 3. Weather fluctuations have had no impact on cotton growth in southern Punjab. 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 per the PCGA report. Statement 2 is correct as the CCRI is based in Multan. Statement 3 is incorrect because the report explicitly mentions that growth in southern Punjab slowed due to weather fluctuations. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016601/early-cotton-arrivals-hit-record-527900-bales, 19 Jul 2026]
#699
Consider the following statements about the 2026 customs valuation revision: 1. The revision specifically targets older and used mobile phone models. 2. Samsung devices recorded some of the steepest increases, particularly in the S10 and S21 series. 3. The valuation ruling was issued by the FBR on April 23, 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 accurate. The ruling targets 62 older/used models, Samsung's older premium series saw significant jumps, and the ruling was officially issued on the specified date of April 23, 2026. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1994373/customs-increases-import-valuation-for-62-old-and-used-mobile-phone-models, 23 Apr 2026]
#700
What was the primary reason for the disruption of LNG supplies from Qatar to Pakistan in early 2026?
(a) Technical issues at the Qatari liquefaction plant
(b) Failure of the regasification terminals
(c) Default on payment by the government
(d) Closure of the Strait of Hormuz
Explanation: The closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital maritime chokepoint, prevented LNG-loaded vessels from reaching their destinations, forcing Qatar to declare force majeure. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1994734/pakistan-secures-3-bids-for-spot-lng-cargoes, 24 Apr 2026]