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.
#13421
Which of the following statements regarding the KSE-100 performance on July 21, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The index opened the session in the green.
(b) The market experienced broad-based profit-taking in the latter half of the session.
(c) Investor sentiment remained cautious due to global energy market uncertainty.
(d) The index closed with a significant gain of over 2,000 points.
Explanation: The index closed with a marginal gain of only 205.83 points, not 2,000 points. The 2,442.72 point figure mentioned in reports refers to the initial surge, not the final closing gain. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017214/psx-gains-2000-points-during-intraday-trade-as-oil-eases-amid-us-iran-mediation-efforts, 21 Jul 2026]
#13422
What was the level of SBP foreign exchange reserves as of June 5, 2026?
(a) 17.2 billion dollars
(b) 16.2 billion dollars
(c) 15.2 billion dollars
(d) 18.2 billion dollars
Explanation: The SBP foreign exchange reserves reached $17.2 billion by June 5, 2026, following the successful completion of IMF reviews for the Extended Fund Facility and Resilience and Sustainability Facility. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2008043/central-bank-keeps-policy-rate-unchanged-at-115pc, 15 Jun 2026]
#13423
Which US-based technology firm held a meeting with Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb in July 2026 to discuss refinery modernization?
(a) General Electric
(b) Honeywell Technologies
(c) Caterpillar Inc.
(d) None of these
Explanation: The finance minister met with a delegation from Honeywell Technologies in Washington on July 20, 2026, to discuss upgrading Pakistan's refinery infrastructure. General Electric and Caterpillar are major industrial firms but were not the primary participants in this specific refinery modernization proposal. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017217/us-technology-firm-proposes-refinery-modernisation-plan-for-pakistan-in-meeting-with-finance-minister, 21 Jul 2026]
#13424
What percentage increase in salaries and pensions was announced for government employees in the 2026-27 budget?
(a) 5 percent
(b) 11 percent
(c) 9 percent
(d) 7 percent
Explanation: The government announced a 7 percent increase in salaries and pensions for its employees. The other percentages are incorrect distractors that do not reflect the approved fiscal policy. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2008557/sindh-cm-murad-ali-shah-presents-rs356tr-budget-with-no-new-taxes-7pc-pay-raise, 17 Jun 2026]
#13425
What was the primary geopolitical factor influencing global oil price volatility on July 21, 2026?
(a) US-Iran diplomatic mediation efforts
(b) OPEC production quota adjustments
(c) Global supply chain disruptions in Asia
(d) Changes in US Federal Reserve interest rates
Explanation: Market volatility was driven by reports of mediation efforts between the US and Iran, contrasted against ongoing hostilities and threats of naval blockades in the Gulf. While other factors can influence oil, the specific context of this session was the US-Iran diplomatic situation. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017214/psx-gains-2000-points-during-intraday-trade-as-oil-eases-amid-us-iran-mediation-efforts, 21 Jul 2026]
#13426
Consider the following statements regarding the economic outlook as of June 2026: 1. The primary balance surplus for FY26 was estimated at 2.5 percent of GDP. 2. The MPC is targeting a primary balance surplus of 2 percent of GDP for FY27. 3. Headline inflation remained in single digits throughout April and May 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 correct as they reflect the fiscal consolidation targets and estimates provided by the MPC. Statement 3 is incorrect because headline inflation rose to double digits in April and May 2026, not single digits. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2008043/central-bank-keeps-policy-rate-unchanged-at-115pc, 15 Jun 2026]
#13427
Which brokerage house provided analysis regarding the profit-taking observed during the July 21, 2026, trading session?
(a) AKD Securities
(b) Arif Habib Limited
(c) JS Global Capital
(d) Topline Securities Ltd
Explanation: Topline Securities Ltd provided the market commentary noting that the early rally was short-lived due to broad-based profit-taking. While AKD Securities also provided research, the specific observation regarding profit-taking at elevated levels was attributed to Topline. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017214/kse-100-makes-marginal-gains-as-global-energy-uncertainty-weighs-on-early-rally, 21 Jul 2026]
#13428
Who presented the Punjab provincial budget for the fiscal year 2026-27 in the provincial assembly?
(a) Maryam Nawaz Sharif
(b) Mian Mujtabaur Rehman
(c) Ishaq Dar
(d) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari
Explanation: Mian Mujtabaur Rehman is the Finance Minister of Punjab who presented the budget. Maryam Nawaz Sharif is the Chief Minister who presided over the cabinet meeting that approved the budget. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2008300/punjab-finance-minister-presents-people-friendly-budget-in-assembly, 16 Jun 2026]
#13429
Which sector faced specific selling pressure on July 21, 2026, due to speculation regarding policy delays?
(a) Textile sector
(b) Cement sector
(c) Refinery sector
(d) Banking sector
Explanation: Topline Securities reported that refinery stocks experienced selling pressure due to market speculation that the long-awaited refinery policy might face further delays. Other sectors like cement and textiles were noted for their potential to post strong earnings rather than facing policy-related selling pressure. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017214/psx-gains-2000-points-during-intraday-trade-as-oil-eases-amid-us-iran-mediation-efforts, 21 Jul 2026]
#13430
What was the closing value of the KSE-100 index on July 21, 2026?
(a) 176,133.56 points
(b) 178,370.45 points
(c) 177,000.00 points
(d) None of these
Explanation: The KSE-100 index closed at 176,133.56 points on July 21, 2026. The value 178,370.45 represents the intraday high reached earlier in the same session. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017214/psx-gains-2000-points-during-intraday-trade-as-oil-eases-amid-us-iran-mediation-efforts, 21 Jul 2026]
#13431
Brent crude futures rose by 1.8 percent to reach which price per barrel on July 21, 2026?
(a) 90.84 dollars
(b) 83.96 dollars
(c) 84.60 dollars
(d) 92.84 dollars
Explanation: Brent crude futures rose by $1.62, or 1.8 percent, to reach $90.84 per barrel. The other figures represent different oil contract prices mentioned in the market data. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017214/psx-gains-1200-points-during-intraday-trade-as-oil-eases-amid-us-iran-mediation-efforts, 21 Jul 2026]
#13432
The flash floods in Nuristan on July 21, 2026, were primarily caused by which environmental phenomenon?
(a) Tectonic plate shifting
(b) Heavy rainfall and subsequent mudslides
(c) Glacial lake outburst floods
(d) None of these
Explanation: The disaster was triggered by heavy rainfall leading to flash floods and mudslides that brought boulders into the town. While residents compared the sound to an earthquake, it was a hydrological event, not a tectonic one. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017247/afghans-search-for-dozens-missing-some-with-bare-hands-after-devastating-flood-in-nuristan-province, 21 Jul 2026]
#13433
Consider the following statements about the KSE-100 market session on July 21, 2026: 1. The market reached an intraday high of over 178,000 points. 2. Oil and gas exploration companies are expected to post stronger-than-usual results. 3. The market closed lower than its opening value. 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 high was 178,370.45. Statement 2 is correct as analysts cited optimism for oil and gas exploration earnings. Statement 3 is incorrect because the market closed with a gain of 205.83 points, meaning it closed higher than the previous session's close, and the prompt does not state it closed lower than the opening value. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017214/psx-gains-2000-points-during-intraday-trade-as-oil-eases-amid-us-iran-mediation-efforts, 21 Jul 2026]
#13434
What is the total volume of the Sindh provincial budget presented for the fiscal year 2026-27?
(a) Rs2.56 trillion
(b) Rs4.56 trillion
(c) Rs3.56 trillion
(d) Rs5.56 trillion
Explanation: The Sindh Chief Minister presented a budget of Rs3.56 trillion for the upcoming fiscal year. Other options represent incorrect figures that deviate from the official budgetary announcement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2008557/sindh-cm-murad-ali-shah-presents-rs356tr-budget-with-no-new-taxes-7pc-pay-raise, 17 Jun 2026]
#13435
Consider the following statements about the Sindh budget for 2026-27: 1. The budget includes the imposition of new taxes to cover the deficit. 2. The allocation for the law and order sector is Rs222 billion. 3. The budget for people with disabilities is fully protected from expenditure rationalization. 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 budget was presented without imposing any new taxes. Statements 2 and 3 are factually accurate as per the budget speech regarding sector allocations and protected expenditures. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2008557/sindh-cm-murad-ali-shah-presents-rs356tr-budget-with-no-new-taxes-7pc-pay-raise, 17 Jun 2026]
#13436
Which of the following statements regarding the status of the Strait of Hormuz as of April 17, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The Strait is open for all commercial vessels for the duration of the ceasefire.
(b) The reopening followed a ceasefire agreement reached in Lebanon.
(c) Iran has agreed to never again use the closure of the Strait as a weapon against the world.
(d) The United States has completely lifted its naval blockade on all ships entering the region.
Explanation: The statement that the US has completely lifted its naval blockade is incorrect; the US explicitly stated that the naval blockade remains in full force and effect specifically for ships sailing to Iranian ports. The other statements accurately reflect the conditions reported on April 17, 2026. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1992627/iran-says-strait-of-hormuz-open-for-commercial-vessels-after-lebanon-deal, 17 Apr 2026]
#13437
What was the specific amount of the proposed increase in the price of high-speed diesel (HSD) that the Prime Minister rejected on March 27, 2026?
(a) Rs 177 per litre
(b) Rs 203 per litre
(c) Rs 95 per litre
(d) Rs 76 per litre
Explanation: The Prime Minister announced the rejection of a Rs 203 per litre increase for HSD on March 27, 2026. The figure of Rs 177 was a previous recommendation rejected a week prior. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1985954/pm-shehbaz-again-rejects-increase-in-petrol-diesel-prices, 27 Mar 2026]
#13438
On July 21, 2026, which organization deployed volunteers to provide emergency food, water, and tents to flood-affected residents in Nuristan?
(a) Afghan Red Crescent Society
(b) World Food Programme
(c) International Rescue Committee
(d) Doctors Without Borders
Explanation: The Afghan Red Crescent Society confirmed the deployment of dozens of volunteers to assist with immediate humanitarian needs. Other organizations like the WFP or IRC were not cited as the primary responders on the ground in this specific report. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017247/afghans-search-for-dozens-missing-some-with-bare-hands-after-devastating-flood-in-nuristan-province, 21 Jul 2026]
#13439
Match List I (Economic Indicator/Metric) with List II (Status/Value as of May 2026 report): 1. Total disbursements under two arrangements — a. 16 billion dollars 2. Foreign exchange reserves (Dec 2025) — b. 1.32 billion dollars 3. Latest IMF financing approval — c. 4.8 billion dollars 4. Foreign exchange reserves (June 2025) — d. 14.5 billion dollars
(a) 1-c, 2-a, 3-b, 4-d
(b) 1-b, 2-a, 3-c, 4-d
(c) 1-c, 2-d, 3-b, 4-a
(d) 1-a, 2-c, 3-b, 4-d
Explanation: The total disbursements under the EFF and RSF reached $4.8 billion, while the latest approval was $1.32 billion. Reserves grew from $14.5 billion in June 2025 to $16 billion in December 2025. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1998725/imfs-executive-board-approves-12-billion-financing-for-pakistans-reform-programme, 08 May 2026]
#13440
On April 17, 2026, which Iranian official announced that the Strait of Hormuz was open for commercial vessels?
(a) Abbas Araqchi
(b) Masoud Pezeshkian
(c) Mohammad Bagheri
(d) None of these
Explanation: Abbas Araqchi, the Iranian Foreign Minister, made the official announcement regarding the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz on April 17, 2026. The other individuals listed are not the Foreign Minister who issued this specific statement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1992627/iran-says-strait-of-hormuz-open-for-commercial-vessels-after-lebanon-deal, 17 Apr 2026]