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.
#1261
The surge in global oil prices on July 23, 2026, was primarily triggered by tensions involving which of the following?
(a) Strait of Malacca
(b) Suez Canal
(c) Panama Canal
(d) Strait of Hormuz
Explanation: The rise in Brent crude prices was linked to fears of supply disruptions spreading beyond the Strait of Hormuz following attacks on Saudi oil tankers. This geopolitical risk directly impacted global energy markets. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431443/indian-rupee-ends-nearly-flat-as-central-bank-intervention-blunts-oil-strain, 23 Jul 2026]
#1262
In which French region were over 20,000 people evacuated due to a fire in a seaside pine forest in July 2026?
(a) Calabria
(b) Cotignac
(c) Le Porge
(d) Bordeaux
Explanation: The massive evacuation of over 20,000 people occurred in the region surrounding Bordeaux, France, where a fire ravaged a dense pine forest. While Le Porge is a specific town within that area, Bordeaux is the primary regional identifier used for the scale of the evacuation. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017997/deadly-wildfires-in-europe-force-thousands-to-flee, 24 Jul 2026]
#1263
Consider the following statements about the incident involving Itamar Ben-Gvir on May 23, 2026: 1. The minister posted a video showing activists with their hands tied and foreheads to the ground. 2. The video was captioned 'Welcome to Israel' by the minister. 3. The activists were intercepted while attempting to deliver aid to the West Bank. 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 correct regarding the content and caption of the video. Statement 3 is incorrect because the flotilla was attempting to reach Gaza, not the West Bank. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2002539/france-bans-israeli-security-minister-ben-gvir-from-country, 23 May 2026]
#1264
Which global commodity benchmark experienced a significant price surge exceeding $100 per barrel on July 23, 2026?
(a) West Texas Intermediate
(b) Natural gas
(c) Brent crude
(d) Arabian Light
Explanation: Brent futures rose significantly to reach $100.71 per barrel on July 23, 2026, driven by supply disruption concerns. West Texas Intermediate is a different benchmark and was not the primary focus of the reported price surge. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431436/pakistani-rupee-records-gain-against-us-dollar, 23 Jul 2026]
#1265
Which French official announced the entry ban against Itamar Ben-Gvir on May 23, 2026?
(a) Jean-Noel Barrot
(b) Antonio Costa
(c) Kaja Kallas
(d) None of these
Explanation: Jean-Noel Barrot is the French Foreign Minister who officially announced the ban on X. Antonio Costa and Kaja Kallas are European Union officials who condemned the actions but did not issue the French national ban. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2002539/france-bans-israeli-security-minister-ben-gvir-from-country, 23 May 2026]
#1266
Consider the following statements regarding the Indian market conditions on July 23, 2026: 1. The Nifty 50 benchmark index experienced a decline. 2. Brent crude oil prices approached the $100 per barrel threshold. 3. The Indian rupee showed significant appreciation against the dollar due to market optimism. 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: The Nifty 50 fell by 0.5%, and Brent crude prices neared $100 per barrel. The rupee did not appreciate significantly; it remained nearly flat due to central bank intervention, making statement 3 incorrect. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431443/indian-rupee-ends-nearly-flat-as-central-bank-intervention-blunts-oil-strain, 23 Jul 2026]
#1267
Which of the following statements regarding the market performance on July 23, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The Pakistani rupee gained value in the inter-bank market.
(b) The Pakistani rupee appreciated against the Euro in the open market.
(c) The US dollar index eased by 0.06% to 101.05.
(d) Brent crude prices reached their highest level in nearly two months.
Explanation: The report indicates that the Pakistani rupee lost value against the Euro in the open market, making statement C incorrect. All other statements accurately reflect the data provided for the event date. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431436/pakistani-rupee-records-gain-against-us-dollar, 23 Jul 2026]
#1268
Consider the following statements about the 2026 European wildfire situation: 1. The total area of land burnt in EU countries in 2026 reached the second largest on record. 2. Authorities in Spain allowed residents to return to their homes near Toledo after progress was made against a major wildfire. 3. The fires in the Bordeaux region were primarily caused by a volcanic eruption. 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 reflections of the 2026 wildfire events. Statement 3 is false because the fires were attributed to environmental conditions and human activity, not volcanic activity. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017997/deadly-wildfires-in-europe-force-thousands-to-flee, 24 Jul 2026]
#1269
Which of the following statements regarding the 2026 European wildfires is INCORRECT?
(a) The fires were exacerbated by strong winds and scorching temperatures.
(b) Climate change is identified as a factor increasing the severity of European droughts.
(c) All wildfires in the region were officially attributed to arson by civil protection authorities.
(d) Three firefighters were reported killed during the July 2026 heatwave events.
Explanation: While arson was mentioned as a specific concern in the Calabria region, it is incorrect to state that all wildfires were attributed to arson, as other causes like mechanical sparks and environmental conditions were also cited. The other three statements are factually supported by the reports. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017997/deadly-wildfires-in-europe-force-thousands-to-flee, 24 Jul 2026]
#1270
Consider the following statements regarding the economic situation in India as of July 2026: 1. The United States is imposing new tariffs on Indian goods due to allegations regarding forced labour bans. 2. Indian benchmarks have experienced a decline of approximately 2% over the week. 3. IndiGo reported a profit for the current quarter despite the rising fuel 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: Statement 1 and 2 are factually correct based on the report. Statement 3 is incorrect because IndiGo posted a loss, not a profit, driven by soaring fuel prices and regional uncertainty. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431590/indian-shares-to-open-lower-as-crude-tops-100, 24 Jul 2026]
#1271
What is the maturity period of the dollar bonds issued by ICICI Bank in July 2026?
(a) Three years
(b) Five years
(c) Four years
(d) Seven years
Explanation: The ICICI Bank dollar bond issue has a maturity period of five years. This aligns with the duration of other recent dollar debt sales by major Indian financial institutions. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431638/icici-bank-prices-1-billion-debt-in-largest-dollar-issue-by-indian-private-lender, 24 Jul 2026]
#1272
As of July 24, 2026, what is the primary reason cited for the surge in Brent crude oil prices exceeding $100 per barrel?
(a) Global supply chain disruptions in the semiconductor industry
(b) Escalating conflict in the Middle East
(c) Unexpected production cuts by OPEC+ members
(d) None of these
Explanation: The surge in crude oil prices is directly attributed to the escalating Middle East crisis, which has impacted shipping chokepoints. Other options, while relevant to global economics, are not the primary drivers mentioned for this specific price movement. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431590/indian-shares-to-open-lower-as-crude-tops-100, 24 Jul 2026]
#1273
Which institution introduced the swap facility that lowered hedging costs for Indian banks in 2026?
(a) State Bank of India
(b) Reserve Bank of India
(c) Ministry of Finance
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Reserve Bank of India introduced a swap facility allowing eligible external commercial borrowings to be hedged at a fixed rate of 1.5% per annum. This measure made overseas dollar fundraising more attractive for Indian lenders. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431638/icici-bank-prices-1-billion-debt-in-largest-dollar-issue-by-indian-private-lender, 24 Jul 2026]
#1274
Which Indian financial institution was the last to tap the market for Basel III-compliant additional Tier I perpetual bonds prior to the SBI issuance in 2026?
(a) Canara Bank
(b) ICICI Bank
(c) HDFC Bank
(d) Axis Bank
Explanation: Canara Bank was the last lender to issue such bonds, raising 35 billion rupees in November 2025. The other banks listed are major private sector players not mentioned in the context of this specific recent issuance. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431637/indias-sbi-to-issue-first-rupee-denominated-perpetual-debt-of-2026-sources-say, 24 Jul 2026]
#1275
What is the total value of the perpetual debt issuance planned by the State Bank of India in 2026?
(a) 35 billion rupees
(b) 50 billion rupees
(c) 600 billion rupees
(d) None of these
Explanation: The State Bank of India planned to raise 50 billion rupees through its perpetual bond issuance. While 600 billion rupees is the total board-approved limit for the financial year, 50 billion is the specific amount for this transaction. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431637/indias-sbi-to-issue-first-rupee-denominated-perpetual-debt-of-2026-sources-say, 24 Jul 2026]
#1276
Which sector led the gains on the FTSE 100 index on July 24, 2026?
(a) Pharmaceuticals and healthcare
(b) Retail and consumer goods
(c) Electronics and technology
(d) Investment banks and brokerages
Explanation: Investment banks and brokerages recorded a 1.6% rise, leading sectoral gains on the benchmark index. This was bolstered by positive analyst revisions for companies like 3i Group. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431643/londons-ftse-100-rises-as-hsbc-lifts-financial-stocks-middle-east-tensions-linger, 24 Jul 2026]
#1277
Which of the following statements regarding the market conditions on July 24, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) Energy shares experienced a decline due to regional tensions
(b) The FTSE 250 index also recorded a climb of 0.3%
(c) Oil prices remained stable throughout the trading session
(d) Investors monitored rising oil prices amid Middle East tensions
Explanation: Oil prices did not remain stable; they were volatile and retreated after initial concerns regarding energy flow disruptions in the Red Sea. The other statements accurately reflect the market data provided. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431643/londons-ftse-100-rises-as-hsbc-lifts-financial-stocks-middle-east-tensions-linger, 24 Jul 2026]
#1278
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]
#1279
Which of the following indices recorded a 0.2% decline to reach a near seven-week low on July 24, 2026?
(a) Saudi Stock Exchange
(b) Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange
(c) Dubai Financial Market
(d) Kuwait Stock Exchange
Explanation: The Dubai main market index slipped 0.2% to hit a near seven-week low on the specified date. The Abu Dhabi benchmark index experienced a smaller decline of 0.1%. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431652/uae-stocks-slip-amid-escalating-middle-east-conflict, 24 Jul 2026]
#1280
The humanitarian aid convoy involved in the incident on May 23, 2026, was known as the:
(a) Mediterranean Aid Mission
(b) Freedom Gaza Convoy
(c) Global Sumud Flotilla
(d) Humanity First Fleet
Explanation: The activists were part of the Global Sumud Flotilla attempting to breach the blockade of Gaza. The other options are plausible-sounding but incorrect names for this specific 2026 event. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2002539/france-bans-israeli-security-minister-ben-gvir-from-country, 23 May 2026]