April 2026 Edition

April 2026 Current Affairs MCQs & Solutions

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

Start April Quiz
#901

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]
#902

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]
#903

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]
#904

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(c) Taxes on sanitary pads and contraceptives have been completely withdrawn.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]
#905

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]
#906

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]
#907

Which of the following is NOT a stated concern or position of the PPP regarding the upcoming 2026-27 budget?

(a) Support for immediate reduction in development spending
(b) Preference for a broader tax base over taxing the existing base
(c) Dissatisfaction with the budget in its current form
(d) Opposition to the imposition of new taxes
Explanation: The PPP emphasized the need for development spending and inclusive growth, rather than supporting a reduction in such expenditures. The other three options accurately reflect the party's stated positions during the consultations. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2004970/another-meeting-expected-as-pml-n-ppp-continue-budget-discussions-ahead-of-june-10-presentation, 03 Jun 2026]
#908

Consider the following statements about the 2026-27 budget consultations: 1. The consultations were influenced by new fiscal demands from the IMF. 2. The FBR Chairman participated in the discussions regarding tax measures. 3. The budget presentation date was finalized as June 10, 2026, by the Prime Minister alone without coalition input. 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 the IMF demands were a central topic and the FBR Chairman was present. Statement 3 is incorrect because the date was decided through a unanimous recommendation by the coalition partners to the Prime Minister. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2004970/another-meeting-expected-as-pml-n-ppp-continue-budget-discussions-ahead-of-june-10-presentation, 03 Jun 2026]
#909

On what date is the federal budget for the fiscal year 2026-27 scheduled to be presented in the National Assembly?

(a) June 07, 2026
(b) June 10, 2026
(c) June 15, 2026
(d) June 20, 2026
Explanation: The government and coalition partners officially agreed to recommend that the budget be tabled on June 10, 2026. Other dates provided are distractors related to the surrounding political timeline. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2004970/another-meeting-expected-as-pml-n-ppp-continue-budget-discussions-ahead-of-june-10-presentation, 03 Jun 2026]
#910

Who currently serves as the Finance Minister of Pakistan involved in the 2026-27 budget consultations?

(a) Ishaq Dar
(b) Muhammad Aurangzeb
(c) Bilal Azhar Kayani
(d) None of these
Explanation: Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb is the incumbent Finance Minister. Ishaq Dar serves as the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, while Bilal Azhar Kayani is a Minister of State. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2004970/another-meeting-expected-as-pml-n-ppp-continue-budget-discussions-ahead-of-june-10-presentation, 03 Jun 2026]
#911

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]
#912

In the context of the 2026-27 budget preparations, which body is responsible for coordinating economic policies between the federal and provincial governments?

(a) National Finance Commission
(b) Economic Coordination Committee
(c) Council of Common Interests
(d) National Economic Council
Explanation: The National Economic Council (NEC) is the constitutional body responsible for reviewing the overall economic condition of the country and coordinating economic policies between the federal and provincial governments. While the NFC Award deals with revenue distribution, the NEC is the primary body for development budget oversight. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2006413/president-zardari-summons-na-senate-sessions-on-june-10, 09 Jun 2026]
#913

The National Assembly session summoned by President Zardari on June 10, 2026, was identified as which session of the 16th National Assembly?

(a) 26th session
(b) 27th session
(c) 28th session
(d) None of these
Explanation: The official notification issued by the presidency confirmed that the session convened on June 10, 2026, was the 28th session of the 16th National Assembly. The other options are incorrect as they do not align with the official parliamentary record for that date. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2006413/president-zardari-summons-na-senate-sessions-on-june-10, 09 Jun 2026]
#914

Consider the following statements about the economic indicators of Pakistan in FY2026: 1. The GDP growth rate of 3.7pc is the highest recorded in the past four years. 2. The electricity, gas, and water supply industry experienced contraction during the fiscal year. 3. Large-scale manufacturing (LSM) recorded a decline of 6.1pc during the period. 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 3.7 percent is the highest growth in four years. Statement 2 is correct because the electricity, gas, and water supply industry contracted due to subsidy declines. Statement 3 is incorrect because LSM actually saw a rebound of 6.1 percent, not a decline. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2006877/economy-grows-37pc-in-fy26-fastest-in-four-years-but-short-of-target, 11 Jun 2026]
#915

Who is the current Finance Minister of Pakistan responsible for presenting the federal budget for FY2026-27?

(a) Ishaq Dar
(b) Muhammad Aurangzeb
(c) Shaukat Tarin
(d) None of these
Explanation: Muhammad Aurangzeb is the incumbent Finance Minister tasked with presenting the federal budget. Ishaq Dar and Shaukat Tarin are former finance ministers and serve as incorrect distractors. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2006648/finance-minister-aurangzeb-to-present-budget-for-fy2026-27-on-june-12, 10 Jun 2026]
#916

Consider the following statements about the parliamentary sessions summoned in June 2026: 1. The President summoned both the National Assembly and the Senate to meet on June 10, 2026. 2. The federal budget for the fiscal year 2026-27 was scheduled to be presented in Parliament on June 10, 2026. 3. The National Economic Council meeting was postponed multiple times prior to the budget session. 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 both houses were summoned for June 10. Statement 2 is incorrect because, while the sessions were summoned on June 10, the budget presentation was expected on June 12. Statement 3 is correct as the NEC meeting faced multiple postponements due to negotiations over provincial shares. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2006413/president-zardari-summons-na-senate-sessions-on-june-10, 09 Jun 2026]
#917

Consider the following statements about the federal budget for FY2026-27: 1. The budget presentation is scheduled for June 12, 2026. 2. Provincial shares from the federal divisible pool are proposed to be increased significantly. 3. The government aims to cover an estimated Rs800 billion revenue shortfall.

(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 date. Statement 3 is correct regarding the revenue shortfall. Statement 2 is incorrect because the agreement stipulates that provincial shares will remain frozen at the current fiscal year's position. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2006648/finance-minister-aurangzeb-to-present-budget-for-fy2026-27-on-june-12, 10 Jun 2026]
#918

Which international agencies provided rating upgrades that reinforced investor confidence in Pakistan during 2026?

(a) Moody's and Standard and Poor's
(b) Standard and Poor's and Fitch
(c) Fitch and Moody's
(d) World Bank and IMF
Explanation: The government's commitment to IMF programs was reinforced by specific rating upgrades from Fitch and Moody's, which helped improve the overall investment climate. [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]
#919

Consider the following statements about Pakistan's economic outlook for 2026: 1. The government expects inflationary pressures to ease due to the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. 2. The size of the national economy reached 452.1 billion dollars by the end of the fiscal year. 3. The consumer price index (CPI) inflation for June 2026 was recorded at 15 percent. 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 Ministry of Finance report. Statement 3 is incorrect because the ministry anticipated June inflation to remain within the range of 11-12 percent, not 15 percent. [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]
#920

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]