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.
#1121
All of the following are cited as factors contributing to Pakistan's economic stability in 2026 EXCEPT:
(a) Record workers' remittances
(b) Increased reliance on foreign grants
(c) Expansion in large-scale manufacturing
(d) Continued growth in IT exports
Explanation: The government emphasizes fiscal discipline, remittances, and IT exports as drivers of stability. Reliance on foreign grants is not cited as a primary pillar of the current economic outlook. [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]
#1122
Which of the following statements regarding the oil market situation as of July 17, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) Brent crude futures experienced a rise of approximately 0.08 percent.
(b) The Red Sea has already been officially closed to all commercial shipping traffic.
(c) The US launched two major waves of air strikes in a single day on Wednesday.
(d) US West Texas Intermediate futures gained 16 cents per barrel.
Explanation: The Red Sea has not been closed; rather, there is a 'potential threat' of closure. Options A, B, and C are all factually accurate details reported on July 17, 2026. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016168/oil-rises-on-intensifying-us-iran-hostilities-threat-of-red-sea-closure, 17 Jul 2026]
#1123
Which of the following is NOT a factor currently influencing global market sentiment as of 2026-04-29?
(a) Anticipation of a US Federal Reserve interest rate decision
(b) Expectations of immediate global nuclear disarmament
(c) Concerns regarding the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz
(d) Earnings updates from major technology firms
Explanation: The report focuses on energy security, monetary policy, and corporate earnings; it does not mention global nuclear disarmament as a current market driver. The other three options are explicitly identified as key factors affecting investor behavior. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1996151/oil-spikes-while-stocks-slip-ahead-of-us-fed-rate-decision, 29 Apr 2026]
#1124
Consider the following statements about the 2026 global economic outlook: 1. The World Bank projects that inflation in developing economies will be higher than previously expected before the conflict. 2. Urea prices are expected to jump by 60% in 2026. 3. Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz is expected to return to pre-war levels by early 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 inflation was revised upward by one percentage point. Statement 2 is correct regarding the 60% jump in urea. Statement 3 is incorrect because the baseline assumption is a return to pre-war levels by late 2026, not early 2026. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1995842/energy-prices-expected-to-surge-24pc-reaching-highest-level-since-2022-russia-ukraine-war-world-bank-assessment, 28 Apr 2026]
#1125
Which international benchmark oil contract reached $117.81 per barrel on 2026-04-29?
(a) West Texas Intermediate
(b) Dubai Crude
(c) Brent Crude
(d) None of these
Explanation: Brent crude is the international benchmark cited in the report as reaching $117.81 per barrel. West Texas Intermediate is a US-based benchmark and is not the contract mentioned in this context. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1996151/oil-spikes-while-stocks-slip-ahead-of-us-fed-rate-decision, 29 Apr 2026]
#1126
Which maritime chokepoint is identified as the primary source of concern for global oil supply disruptions as of 2026-04-29?
(a) Strait of Hormuz
(b) Strait of Malacca
(c) Suez Canal
(d) Bab-el-Mandeb Strait
Explanation: The Strait of Hormuz is a vital oil shipping route currently threatened by a potential blockade, which has caused Brent crude prices to spike. Other options are major maritime chokepoints but are not the focus of the current geopolitical tension described. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1996151/oil-spikes-while-stocks-slip-ahead-of-us-fed-rate-decision, 29 Apr 2026]
#1127
Consider the following statements about the current economic climate as of 2026-04-29: 1. Brent crude prices have surged due to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. 2. The US Federal Reserve is expected to announce a significant reduction in interest rates. 3. Investors are scrutinizing the capital expenditure of major tech firms regarding artificial intelligence.
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) All three
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct as oil prices rose due to the blockade concerns. Statement 3 is correct as tech firm AI spending is a major focus. Statement 2 is incorrect because the report states the Fed is expected to keep interest rates unchanged, not reduce them. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1996151/oil-spikes-while-stocks-slip-ahead-of-us-fed-rate-decision, 29 Apr 2026]
#1128
Which organization is responsible for recommending that the US State Department designate India as a 'country of particular concern' in 2026?
(a) Human Rights Watch Executive Board
(b) United Nations Human Rights Council
(c) Amnesty International Global Secretariat
(d) United States Commission on International Religious Freedom
Explanation: The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) is the federal government entity tasked with monitoring religious freedom abroad and providing policy recommendations. Other organizations listed are international NGOs or UN bodies, not US federal commissions. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1998729/us-religious-freedom-commission-calls-for-india-to-be-listed-as-country-of-particular-concern, 08 May 2026]
#1129
What was the approximate price level of Brent crude per barrel in Asian trade on July 27, 2026, following the reported decline?
(a) Below $85
(b) Above $102
(c) Exactly $98
(d) Below $93
Explanation: Brent crude prices fell to below $93 per barrel after the US and Iran paused strikes. The $102 figure refers to the peak price reached during the previous week of heightened tensions. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431972/indian-bonds-rebound-as-easing-middle-east-tensions-drag-oil-lower, 27 Jul 2026]
#1130
What is the maturity period of the inaugural Panda bond issued by Pakistan on May 14, 2026?
(a) One year
(b) Three years
(c) Five years
(d) Ten years
Explanation: The inaugural Panda bond is a fixed-rate instrument with a three-year maturity. This duration is a standard feature for initial sovereign entries into the Chinese onshore market. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2000249/pakistan-raises-250m-equivalent-in-inaugural-panda-bond-issuance, 14 May 2026]
#1131
What was the total amount of public debt in Pakistan as of February 2026?
(a) Rs82.1 trillion
(b) Rs75.5 trillion
(c) Rs79.3 trillion
(d) Rs68.4 trillion
Explanation: Pakistan's total public debt reached Rs79.3 trillion in February 2026, marking a 1 percent increase month-on-month. This figure represents a 10 percent rise compared to the same period in the previous year. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979645/stocks-nosedive-63pc-in-jittery-week-on-geopolitical-concerns, 08 Mar 2026]
#1132
According to the CME’s FedWatch tool, what is the market expectation for the US Federal Reserve's interest rate decision in the meeting following July 27, 2026?
(a) No rate change
(b) A rate cut
(c) A rate hike
(d) A gradual phase-out of rates
Explanation: Market participants priced in a 63.7% probability that the Federal Reserve would maintain flat interest rates. Stable rates are viewed as beneficial for growth-dependent commodities like copper. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431973/copper-gains-on-mideast-de-escalation-oil-price-drop, 27 Jul 2026]
#1133
According to the statement made on July 22, 2026, which entity does the New York City Mayor identify as having the legal authority to execute an ICC warrant?
(a) The United States federal government
(b) The New York State Supreme Court
(c) The New York Police Department
(d) The United Nations Security Council
Explanation: The Mayor clarified that municipal authorities lack the power to enforce international warrants, explicitly calling upon the US federal government to intervene. The NYPD and state courts do not possess jurisdiction over international diplomatic arrests. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017473/he-is-a-war-criminal-mamdani-says-ny-cannot-arrest-netanyahu-on-icc-warrant-urges-us-federal-officials-to-step-in, 22 Jul 2026]
#1134
Consider the following statements about the conflict in the Strait of Hormuz as of March 16, 2026: 1. Iran has effectively closed the waterway using drones and naval mines. 2. The US-Israeli war on Iran is currently in its third week. 3. Dubai airport operations were temporarily suspended due to Iranian drone attacks. 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 report: the Strait is closed by mines and drones, the conflict is in its third week, and Dubai airport faced temporary closures due to Iranian drone activity. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1982742/trump-upset-as-key-us-partners-shun-call-for-hormuz-warship-escorts, 16 Mar 2026]
#1135
According to the CME Group’s FedWatch tool, investors expect the Federal Reserve to keep interest rates steady at their meeting on which date in 2026?
(a) April 12
(b) March 25
(c) April 05
(d) March 18
Explanation: Market participants anticipate the Federal Reserve will maintain current interest rates during their two-day meeting concluding on March 18, 2026. This expectation is based on data from the CME Group’s FedWatch tool. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980850/gold-edges-higher-on-safe-haven-demand-ahead-of-us-cpi-data, 11 Mar 2026]
#1136
Who chaired the Senate Standing Committee meeting held on 2026-07-23 regarding the payment of dues to former Pak PWD employees?
(a) Senator Nasir Mehmood
(b) Senator Ishaq Dar
(c) Senator Mushahid Hussain
(d) None of these
Explanation: Senator Nasir Mehmood chaired the Senate Standing Committee on Housing and Works during the session held on 2026-07-23. The committee focused on the administrative delays affecting the financial entitlements of former Pak PWD staff. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431367/salaries-payment-dues-of-ex-pak-pwd-employees-senate-body-concerned-over-delays, 23 Jul 2026]
#1137
Which of the following statements regarding the Senate Committee's findings on 2026-07-23 is INCORRECT?
(a) All 20,024 adjusted employees have received their full salary arrears as of the committee meeting.
(b) The Ministry of Finance issued letters for the clearance of outstanding salary arrears.
(c) The committee expressed concern over delays in salary payments to former Pak PWD employees.
(d) The committee chairman directed officials to avoid misleading the panel with repeated assurances.
Explanation: Statement C is incorrect because the report explicitly states that many employees are still awaiting payment of salaries and arrears, despite their adjustment. The other statements accurately reflect the proceedings of the committee meeting. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431367/salaries-payment-dues-of-ex-pak-pwd-employees-senate-body-concerned-over-delays, 23 Jul 2026]
#1138
For how many consecutive months has Japan's core inflation remained below the Bank of Japan's 2% target as of July 2026?
(a) Three months
(b) Five months
(c) Four months
(d) Six months
Explanation: The data indicates that Japan's core inflation has stayed below the central bank's 2% target for five straight months. This duration highlights the persistent challenge in reaching the BOJ's inflation goal. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431592/japan-june-core-inflation-accelerates-stays-below-boj-target, 24 Jul 2026]
#1139
Which of the following factors was primarily responsible for the pressure on Indian bond sentiment during the week ending July 24, 2026?
(a) Surging oil prices
(b) Domestic political instability
(c) A sudden decline in tax revenue
(d) None of these
Explanation: Surging oil prices and higher U.S. Treasury yields were the primary drivers of negative sentiment in the Indian bond market. Domestic political instability and tax revenue are not cited as factors in this context. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431650/india-bonds-end-three-day-losing-streak-but-post-second-straight-weekly-decline, 24 Jul 2026]
#1140
Which specific category of inflation in Japan slowed to 1.2% in June 2026 despite steady wage gains?
(a) Service inflation
(b) Energy inflation
(c) Food inflation
(d) None of these
Explanation: Service inflation slowed to 1.2% in June from 1.4% in May. This deceleration occurred even as nominal wages showed steady gains, complicating the inflation outlook. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431592/japan-june-core-inflation-accelerates-stays-below-boj-target, 24 Jul 2026]