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.
#961
Which factor was primarily responsible for the sharp decline in Indian bond yields on July 27, 2026?
(a) A surge in monsoon rainfall
(b) A sudden increase in the current-account deficit
(c) An immediate hike in Federal Reserve rates
(d) A decline in crude oil prices
Explanation: The decline in bond yields was driven by a sharp drop in crude oil prices following a pause in US-Iran hostilities. Higher oil prices typically increase inflationary pressure and worsen the current-account balance, which would otherwise push yields higher. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40432016/india-10-year-bond-yield-logs-biggest-plunge-in-2-months-as-oil-rally-falters, 27 Jul 2026]
#962
Who is the current head of the Senate Standing Committee on Economic Affairs as of March 10, 2026?
(a) Senator Saifullah Abro
(b) Senator Syed Nazir Abbas
(c) Senator Ishaq Dar
(d) None of these
Explanation: Senator Saifullah Abro is the chairman of the Senate Standing Committee on Economic Affairs. Dr. Syed Nazir Abbas is the Secretary General of the Oil Companies Advisory Council (OCAC), not the committee chairman. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980379/senate-panel-to-expose-fuel-price-hike-beneficiaries, 10 Mar 2026]
#963
As of the report date in 2026, what was the total value of Pakistan's foreign reserves, including central bank gold holdings?
(a) $6.7 billion
(b) $16.4 billion
(c) $25.3 billion
(d) $30.1 billion
Explanation: $25.3 billion is the figure reported for foreign reserves as of the end of the month preceding the July 2026 announcement. $6.7 billion was the multi-year low recorded in December 2022. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017530/sampp-global-ratings-upgrades-pakistans-sovereign-credit-rating-to-b, 22 Jul 2026]
#964
Consider the following statements about Pakistan's economic indicators as of July 2026: 1. The IMF's Extended Fund Facility (EFF) programme was critical in restoring macroeconomic stability. 2. Pakistan's short-term credit rating was downgraded to 'B-' following the long-term rating upgrade. 3. The government's external principal payments over the next 12 months are estimated at $16.4 billion. 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 EFF was vital for stability. Statement 3 is correct regarding the $16.4 billion payment obligation. Statement 2 is incorrect because the short-term rating remained steady at 'B', not downgraded. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017530/sampp-global-ratings-upgrades-pakistans-sovereign-credit-rating-to-b, 22 Jul 2026]
#965
The IMF executive board meeting scheduled for May 8, 2026, is intended to approve a disbursement of approximately how much total funding to Pakistan?
(a) $4.5 billion
(b) $1.2 billion
(c) $7.0 billion
(d) $1.47 trillion
Explanation: The IMF board is meeting to approve a disbursement of over $1.2 billion, comprising $1 billion from the EFF and $210 million from the RSF. While $4.5 billion represents the total cumulative disbursement under these arrangements, the specific upcoming tranche is $1.2 billion. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1995256/imf-executive-board-to-meet-on-may-8-to-approve-disbursement-of-over-12bn-to-pakistan, 26 Apr 2026]
#966
Consider the following statements about the geopolitical situation reported on July 17, 2026: 1. The US Central Command reported a sixth consecutive night of strikes against Iranian military capabilities. 2. Qatar's defence ministry reported thwarting an Iranian missile attack. 3. Both Brent and WTI crude benchmarks have seen a decline of nearly 12 percent over the week. 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 based on the report. Statement 3 is incorrect because the benchmarks climbed nearly 12 percent, rather than declining. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016168/oil-rises-on-intensifying-us-iran-hostilities-threat-of-red-sea-closure, 17 Jul 2026]
#967
On March 11, 2026, which Iranian official stated that negotiations with the United States were no longer on the agenda?
(a) Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf
(b) Abbas Araghchi
(c) Eyal Zamir
(d) None of these
Explanation: Abbas Araghchi, serving as the Iranian Foreign Minister, explicitly ruled out negotiations with the United States during an interview with PBS News. Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf is the parliamentary speaker who focused on retaliatory threats rather than diplomatic agendas. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980759/iran-vows-to-keep-hormuz-strait-blocked-as-long-as-war-continues, 11 Mar 2026]
#968
Consider the following statements about the conflict as of March 11, 2026: 1. The US administration has expressed consistent and unified messaging regarding potential talks with Tehran. 2. Iranian parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has decreed a policy of 'an eye for an eye' in response to strikes. 3. The US has requested that Israel avoid targeting Iranian energy infrastructure to prevent regional economic instability. 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 incorrect because the US has been sending 'mixed signals,' with the President suggesting talks while the Pentagon chief vows to ramp up strikes. Statements 2 and 3 are factually accurate based on the reported events. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980759/iran-vows-to-keep-hormuz-strait-blocked-as-long-as-war-continues, 11 Mar 2026]
#969
Consider the following statements about the current Middle Eastern energy landscape as of July 2026: 1. ADNOC has sold over 74 million barrels of crude in previous tenders since June. 2. The viability of the shuttle fleet service is currently considered certain and risk-free. 3. Spot premiums for Middle Eastern crude have reached a more than one-month high. 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 3 are factually correct based on the report. Statement 2 is incorrect because the report explicitly states that the viability of the shuttle fleet service is unclear due to ongoing hostilities. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431617/adnoc-offers-crude-oil-in-7th-tender-issued-since-june-sources-say, 24 Jul 2026]
#970
Which of the following statements regarding ADNOC's July 2026 tender policy is INCORRECT?
(a) The tender includes crude loading from August to October.
(b) The tender is valid for only 24 hours after submission.
(c) The tender bid submission is due on July 27.
(d) Bids from buyers at a discounted differential are automatically rejected.
Explanation: The tender is valid until at least July 29, not 24 hours after submission. The other statements accurately reflect the terms set by ADNOC for the July 2026 tender. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431617/adnoc-offers-crude-oil-in-7th-tender-issued-since-june-sources-say, 24 Jul 2026]
#971
The Saudi vessel targeted by Houthi rebels in the Red Sea on July 25, 2026, was identified as:
(a) NCC NOOR
(b) NCC FAJR
(c) NCC MASA
(d) NCC BADR
Explanation: Saudi state media confirmed that the vessel NCC MASA sustained minor hull damage while sailing in the Red Sea. The other options are plausible but incorrect names for the specific vessel involved in the incident. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018264/houthis-claim-strike-on-saudi-arabia-as-middle-east-conflict-deepens, 25 Jul 2026]
#972
According to the RBI chief, how much capital has been attracted by the dollar-mobilization schemes announced in June 2026?
(a) Nearly $15 billion
(b) Nearly $25 billion
(c) Nearly $32 billion
(d) Nearly $40 billion
Explanation: RBI chief Sanjay Malhotra confirmed that the dollar-mobilization schemes have successfully attracted nearly $32 billion in inflows as of July 2026. This liquidity helps the central bank manage currency volatility. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431960/indian-rupee-set-to-rally-after-crude-drops-on-mideast-respite-rbi-led-inflows-build, 27 Jul 2026]
#973
As of July 27, 2026, what is the primary factor contributing to the expected strengthening of the Indian rupee alongside RBI-led inflows?
(a) A significant decline in global crude oil prices
(b) An increase in domestic interest rates by the central bank
(c) A surge in foreign direct investment in the manufacturing sector
(d) None of these
Explanation: The decline in Brent crude prices, which fell to $93.02, reduces India's import bill, thereby supporting the rupee. RBI-led inflows are the secondary factor mentioned, making option A the correct primary driver. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431960/indian-rupee-set-to-rally-after-crude-drops-on-mideast-respite-rbi-led-inflows-build, 27 Jul 2026]
#974
Which of the following statements regarding the market situation on July 27, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The US dollar index slipped to 101.23.
(b) Brent crude prices increased due to heightened military activity.
(c) The British pound rose against the US dollar.
(d) The euro appreciated against the US dollar.
Explanation: Brent crude prices actually decreased (dropped) due to the pause in military strikes, not increased. Options A, B, and D are factually accurate based on the provided market data. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431957/dollar-pulls-back-as-us-iran-attacks-pause-oil-drops, 27 Jul 2026]
#975
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]
#976
Which port authority issued the statement regarding the arrival of fuel-laden tankers in March 2026?
(a) Karachi Port Trust
(b) Port Qasim Authority
(c) Gwadar Port Authority
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Port Qasim Authority (PQA) issued the official statement detailing the arrival and berthing schedules of tankers like Torm Damini and Nave Atropos. Karachi Port Trust is a separate entity and was not the source of this specific fuel supply update. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980592/4-fuel-laden-ships-reach-pakistan-amid-concerns-about-shortages-3-yet-to-berth, 10 Mar 2026]
#977
Consider the following statements about the LPG supply situation in March 2026: 1. The vessel MD23 discharged 3,500 tonnes of LPG. 2. Navigator Atlantic discharged LPG brought from Oman. 3. Navigator Aries discharged LPG mix brought from Iraq.
(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 PQA report regarding LPG cargoes. MD23 discharged 3,500 tonnes, Navigator Atlantic brought supply from Oman, and Navigator Aries brought supply from Iraq. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980592/4-fuel-laden-ships-reach-pakistan-amid-concerns-about-shortages-3-yet-to-berth, 10 Mar 2026]
#978
Which of the following statements regarding the fuel supply situation in March 2026 is INCORRECT?
(a) The tanker Torm Damini offloaded 37,000 tonnes of diesel.
(b) The tanker Nave Atropos is carrying 50,000 tonnes of petrol.
(c) The tanker Sea Clipper is carrying 34,000 tonnes of petrol.
(d) The tanker Spruce 2 is carrying 65,000 tonnes of petrol.
Explanation: The tanker Spruce 2 is carrying 55,000 tonnes of petrol, not 65,000 tonnes. The other figures provided for Torm Damini, Nave Atropos, and Sea Clipper are factually accurate according to the PQA report. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980592/4-fuel-laden-ships-reach-pakistan-amid-concerns-about-shortages-3-yet-to-berth, 10 Mar 2026]
#979
On July 22, 2026, which strategic waterway did the Houthi rebels threaten to block, impacting commercial shipping to Saudi Arabia?
(a) Bab el-Mandeb Strait
(b) Strait of Hormuz
(c) Suez Canal
(d) Malacca Strait
Explanation: The Houthi rebels specifically threatened the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, which serves as a critical gateway to the Red Sea. While the Strait of Hormuz is also a vital maritime chokepoint, the current threat cited in the report pertains to the Red Sea access. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017517/pakistan-condemns-houthis-threats-to-saudi-arabia-commercial-shipping-in-red-sea, 22 Jul 2026]
#980
According to the Foreign Office statement issued on July 22, 2026, what is the primary justification for Pakistan's potential use of force?
(a) To expand regional influence
(b) To secure oil supply routes for global markets
(c) To enforce a blockade on Iranian ports
(d) To protect its maritime assets and national interests
Explanation: The Foreign Office explicitly stated that Pakistan reserves the right to use force in self-defense to protect its maritime assets and national interests. This is consistent with the United Nations Charter and international law. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017517/pakistan-condemns-houthis-threats-to-saudi-arabia-commercial-shipping-in-red-sea, 22 Jul 2026]