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.
#1241
Which of the following is NOT an investment avenue proposed by SEBI for portfolio managers in the July 2026 consultation paper?
(a) Direct real estate development
(b) Overseas listed debt
(c) Unlisted debt
(d) Overseas listed equity
Explanation: SEBI proposed allowing investments in overseas listed equity, overseas listed debt, and unlisted debt. Direct real estate development is not included in the proposed expansion of investment avenues for portfolio managers. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431463/indias-sebi-proposes-allowing-portfolio-managers-to-invest-overseas-in-to-be-listed-securities, 23 Jul 2026]
#1242
Which financial institution in the United Arab Emirates reported a net profit of 5.72 billion dirhams for the second quarter of 2026?
(a) Emirates NBD
(b) First Abu Dhabi Bank
(c) Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank
(d) None of these
Explanation: First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) reported a net profit of 5.72 billion dirhams for the quarter ending June 30, 2026. Emirates NBD and Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank are also major lenders in the region but did not report this specific profit figure. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431470/most-gulf-markets-gain-on-quarterly-earnings-but-geopolitical-risks-limit-upside, 23 Jul 2026]
#1243
Consider the following statements about the impact of Middle East tensions on global energy markets as of July 23, 2026: 1. Brent crude futures approached $99 a barrel in Asian trade. 2. The conflict has raised concerns regarding the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. 3. Brent crude prices have rallied 12% over the week ending July 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 factually accurate based on the report. Brent crude reached nearly $99, the Strait of Hormuz is a focal point for supply disruption fears, and the 12% weekly rally is confirmed. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431465/indian-bonds-fall-for-third-session-as-oil-prices-near-100-a-barrel, 23 Jul 2026]
#1244
What was the total amount of remittances received by Pakistan in February 2026?
(a) 2.5 billion dollars
(b) 3.3 billion dollars
(c) 4.0 billion dollars
(d) None of these
Explanation: The State Bank of Pakistan reported that remittances remained steady in February 2026, totaling 3.3 billion dollars. This figure highlights the resilience of inflows despite the onset of regional conflict. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980726/remittances-steady-but-war-risks-loom, 11 Mar 2026]
#1245
Under which specific European Union legislation was Google fined 890 million euros in July 2026?
(a) General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)
(b) Digital Services Act (DSA)
(c) Artificial Intelligence Act
(d) Digital Markets Act (DMA)
Explanation: The European Commission issued the fines specifically citing the Digital Markets Act (DMA), which aims to curb the market power of large technology firms. While the GDPR and DSA are other major EU regulatory frameworks, they were not the primary legal basis for these specific antitrust penalties. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017814/google-hit-with-1bn-eu-fine-in-constructive-talks-to-avoid-more-penalties, 23 Jul 2026]
#1246
Consider the following statements about Pakistan's economic situation as of March 2026: 1. The total remittance inflow for the first eight months of FY26 was 26.5 billion dollars. 2. Saudi Aramco has reportedly reduced its oil production to about half capacity due to the Strait of Hormuz blockage. 3. The government expects to receive 50 billion dollars in total remittances during the full fiscal year 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: Statements 1 and 2 are factually accurate based on the report. Statement 3 is incorrect because the expected total for FY26 is 40 billion dollars, not 50 billion. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980726/remittances-steady-but-war-risks-loom, 11 Mar 2026]
#1247
As of May 31, 2026, what was the total value of assets managed by India's portfolio management services industry?
(a) 18.07 trillion rupees
(b) 42.61 trillion rupees
(c) 55.30 trillion rupees
(d) None of these
Explanation: The assets managed by the Indian portfolio management services industry reached 42.61 trillion rupees by May 31, 2026. The figure of 18.07 trillion rupees represents the industry's asset size in April 2019. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431463/indias-sebi-proposes-allowing-portfolio-managers-to-invest-overseas-in-to-be-listed-securities, 23 Jul 2026]
#1248
The decline in US stock markets on July 23, 2026, was primarily attributed to rising oil prices and which of the following factors?
(a) Disappointing corporate earnings in the tech sector
(b) Unexpected interest rate hikes by the Federal Reserve
(c) A sudden collapse in global semiconductor demand
(d) None of these
Explanation: The market downturn was driven by the dual impact of surging energy costs and investor skepticism regarding tech sector earnings, specifically from Alphabet and Tesla. Interest rate hikes were not mentioned as a factor in this specific market event. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431469/us-stocks-tumble-as-brent-oil-tops-100, 23 Jul 2026]
#1249
Consider the following statements about the market conditions on July 23, 2026: 1. The Pakistani rupee closed at 277.90 in the inter-bank market. 2. Brent crude oil prices rose by approximately 7%. 3. The US dollar index strengthened significantly due to the Iran-US tensions. 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 inter-bank closing rate was 277.90. Statement 2 is correct as Brent futures rose by 7%. Statement 3 is incorrect because the US dollar index actually eased by 0.06% rather than strengthening significantly. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431436/pakistani-rupee-records-gain-against-us-dollar, 23 Jul 2026]
#1250
Which of the following statements regarding the 2026 EU fines against Google is INCORRECT?
(a) The European Commission has ruled out any future possibility of legal action against Google regarding AI Overviews.
(b) Google has been granted a period of 60 days to comply with the Commission's orders.
(c) The total value of the fines imposed on July 23, 2026, was approximately 1 billion USD.
(d) The fines were the first issued to Google under the Digital Markets Act.
Explanation: The Commission explicitly stated that it may apply the principles of the current decision to AI-generated summaries and that talks regarding AI Overviews would continue, making the claim that future action is ruled out incorrect. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017814/google-hit-with-1bn-eu-fine-in-constructive-talks-to-avoid-more-penalties, 23 Jul 2026]
#1251
On July 23, 2026, what was the primary geopolitical factor cited for the decline in Indian equity markets?
(a) Escalating tensions in the Middle East
(b) Unexpected interest rate hikes by the central bank
(c) Severe monsoon-related supply chain disruptions
(d) None of these
Explanation: The decline in Indian shares was attributed to rising oil prices caused by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. This surge in energy costs negatively impacted investor sentiment and global risk appetite. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431442/indian-shares-extend-drop-on-oil-surge-infosys-indigo-results-awaited, 23 Jul 2026]
#1252
Which commodity experienced a price increase of $4.52 per barrel on July 23, 2026, amid regional tensions?
(a) Brent crude
(b) Natural gas
(c) West Texas Intermediate
(d) None of these
Explanation: Brent crude futures rose by $4.52, or 4.80%, to reach $98.59 a barrel on July 23, 2026. This increase was driven by market concerns regarding shipping routes and regional geopolitical instability. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431470/most-gulf-markets-gain-on-quarterly-earnings-but-geopolitical-risks-limit-upside, 23 Jul 2026]
#1253
Which of the following is NOT a consequence of higher oil prices for the Indian economy as mentioned in the context of the July 23, 2026, market report?
(a) Increased inflationary pressure
(b) Decreased volatility in the currency market
(c) Widening current account deficit
(d) Slowing economic growth
Explanation: Higher oil prices typically increase currency volatility rather than decrease it. The other three options are explicitly cited as risks associated with the surge in oil prices. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431443/indian-rupee-ends-nearly-flat-as-central-bank-intervention-blunts-oil-strain, 23 Jul 2026]
#1254
Consider the following statements about the European Union's regulatory actions against Google in 2026: 1. The fines were issued due to Google favoring its own services in search results like hotels and flights. 2. Google has expressed that it may challenge the Commission's findings in court. 3. The European Commission has ceased all dialogue with Google following the imposition of these fines. 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 accurate as Google favored its own services and has indicated potential legal recourse. Statement 3 is false because the Commission explicitly noted a 'constructive dialogue' is ongoing to ensure compliance. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017814/google-hit-with-1bn-eu-fine-in-constructive-talks-to-avoid-more-penalties, 23 Jul 2026]
#1255
Consider the following statements about the market conditions on July 23, 2026: 1. The Dubai main share index was supported by a rise in Emirates NBD shares. 2. The Qatari index experienced a decline due to the performance of Qatar Gas Transport. 3. Saudi Aramco shares closed lower, contributing to the overall market volatility. 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 per the market data. Statement 3 is incorrect because Saudi Aramco shares actually closed 1% higher, not lower, on that day. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431470/most-gulf-markets-gain-on-quarterly-earnings-but-geopolitical-risks-limit-upside, 23 Jul 2026]
#1256
Consider the following statements about the SEBI proposals released on July 23, 2026: 1. The proposals aim to align portfolio manager regulations with those of mutual funds and alternative investment funds. 2. The net worth requirement for the new category of portfolio managers is proposed to be reduced to 20 million rupees. 3. Portfolio managers are currently permitted to invest in unlisted debt without any restrictions. 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 goal is regulatory alignment. Statement 2 is correct regarding the proposed net worth reduction. Statement 3 is incorrect because unlisted debt is currently not allowed for portfolio managers. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431463/indias-sebi-proposes-allowing-portfolio-managers-to-invest-overseas-in-to-be-listed-securities, 23 Jul 2026]
#1257
Which of the following indices recorded a decline on July 23, 2026, contrary to the general trend in the Gulf?
(a) Dubai main share index
(b) Abu Dhabi index
(c) Qatari index
(d) Saudi Arabia benchmark index
Explanation: The Qatari index dropped by 0.3% on July 23, 2026, while the indices for Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Saudi Arabia all recorded gains. The decline in Qatar was influenced by the retreat of Qatar Gas Transport. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431470/most-gulf-markets-gain-on-quarterly-earnings-but-geopolitical-risks-limit-upside, 23 Jul 2026]
#1258
On July 23, 2026, which international oil benchmark exceeded the $100 per barrel price threshold?
(a) West Texas Intermediate
(b) Brent North Sea crude
(c) OPEC Reference Basket
(d) None of these
Explanation: Brent North Sea crude is the specific benchmark cited as having topped $100 per barrel on the event date. West Texas Intermediate is a common alternative benchmark but was not the primary focus of this specific market report. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431469/us-stocks-tumble-as-brent-oil-tops-100, 23 Jul 2026]
#1259
Consider the following statements about the Indian market performance on July 23, 2026: 1. Both the Nifty 50 and BSE Sensex recorded their fourth consecutive session of losses. 2. The decline was limited to only three major sectors of the Indian economy. 3. Analysts identified a sustained rise in oil prices above $100 per barrel as a significant risk to future market performance. 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 indices logged their fourth straight session of losses. Statement 2 is incorrect because fifteen of the sixteen major sectors fell. Statement 3 is correct as analysts highlighted the $100 per barrel threshold as a critical risk factor. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431442/indian-shares-extend-drop-on-oil-surge-infosys-indigo-results-awaited, 23 Jul 2026]
#1260
Consider the following statements about the market situation on July 23, 2026: 1. The Dow Jones Industrial Average experienced a decline of 0.8 percent. 2. Investor skepticism was linked to high capital spending on new technologies by major firms. 3. The conflict in the Middle East was identified as a primary driver for the surge in oil prices. 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 report. The Dow Jones fell by 0.8 percent, tech firms faced skepticism over capital expenditure, and the Middle East conflict was the catalyst for the oil price surge. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431469/us-stocks-tumble-as-brent-oil-tops-100, 23 Jul 2026]