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.
#13481
How much has been allocated for law and order in the Punjab budget for the fiscal year 2026-27?
(a) Rs152 billion
(b) Rs202 billion
(c) Rs252 billion
(d) Rs302 billion
Explanation: The government allocated Rs252 billion for law and order, which includes funding for police stations in riverine areas and crime scene units. Other options represent incorrect budgetary allocations. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2008300/punjab-finance-minister-presents-people-friendly-budget-in-assembly, 16 Jun 2026]
#13482
What is the total volume of the Punjab provincial budget for the fiscal year 2026-27?
(a) Rs5.9 trillion
(b) Rs4.9 trillion
(c) Rs6.9 trillion
(d) Rs7.9 trillion
Explanation: The provincial government officially proposed a budget of Rs5.9 trillion for the upcoming fiscal year. Other figures are incorrect distractors representing different potential fiscal scales. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2008300/punjab-finance-minister-presents-people-friendly-budget-in-assembly, 16 Jun 2026]
#13483
Consider the following statements about the consultative meeting held on March 27, 2026: 1. The meeting aimed to transition from untargeted subsidies to a digital, app-based quota system. 2. Provincial governments were requested to share the additional costs of higher international petroleum prices. 3. The Petroleum Division reported that the current fuel supply situation in the country is unstable. 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 policy shift toward targeted subsidies and the federal request for provincial cost-sharing. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Petroleum Division reported that the supply situation remained stable and adequate. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1985900/centre-provinces-agree-on-rolling-out-app-based-fuel-quota-system-for-motorcycles-rickshaws, 27 Mar 2026]
#13484
What is the newly announced minimum wage for workers in Sindh as per the 2026-27 budget?
(a) Rs35,000
(b) Rs43,000
(c) Rs38,000
(d) Rs48,000
Explanation: The provincial government increased the minimum wage to Rs43,000 to provide relief to the workforce. The other figures are incorrect as they do not align with the specific policy decision announced in the budget speech. [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]
#13485
What is the proposed percentage increase in the salaries of government employees in the 2026-27 Punjab budget?
(a) 7 percent
(b) 5 percent
(c) 3.5 percent
(d) 10 percent
Explanation: The budget proposes a 7 percent increase in salaries for government employees. The 3.5 percent figure refers to the increase in pensions for retired employees. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2008300/punjab-finance-minister-presents-people-friendly-budget-in-assembly, 16 Jun 2026]
#13486
Which specific initiative in the 2026-27 Punjab budget includes the establishment of Neuro Cath Labs?
(a) Nawaz Sharif Medical District
(b) Cardiac Care Program
(c) Emergency Health Response
(d) Stroke Initiative
Explanation: The government set aside Rs1.75 billion for Neuro Cath Labs under the Stroke Initiative. The Nawaz Sharif Medical District is a separate health infrastructure project. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2008300/punjab-finance-minister-presents-people-friendly-budget-in-assembly, 16 Jun 2026]
#13487
Consider the following statements about the PSX session on July 21, 2026: 1. The KSE-100 index gained 0.07 percent by the end of the session. 2. International oil prices increased by approximately 3 percent at the market open. 3. United Bank and Hub Power were among the top contributors to the benchmark index. 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 market report for July 21, 2026. The index gained 0.07 percent, oil prices rose by 3 percent, and the mentioned companies were key contributors to the recovery. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017152/stocks-eke-out-gains-amid-extreme-volatility, 21 Jul 2026]
#13488
Who led the government team during the negotiations with the All Pakistan Petrol Pumps Owners Association (APPPOA) in 2026?
(a) Humayun Khan
(b) Malik Khuda Bukhsh
(c) Ali Pervaiz Malik
(d) Nauman Ali Butt
Explanation: Ali Pervaiz Malik is the Petroleum Minister who led the government's delegation during the talks. The other individuals mentioned are representatives of the dealer associations. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017314/petrol-pump-owners-announce-nationwide-strike-after-talks-over-daily-pricing-fail, 21 Jul 2026]
#13489
Which of the following roads in Rawalpindi experienced the closure of petrol filling stations due to security measures in 2026?
(a) Adiala Road
(b) Jhelum Road
(c) Chaklala Road
(d) Murree Road
Explanation: Murree Road, along with Airport Road and Peshawar Road, was specifically identified as a route where commercial outlets and fuel stations were closed. The other options are major roads in the city but were not the primary focus of the specific security clampdown mentioned. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1990590/public-holiday-extended-in-pindi-markets-fuel-stations-along-key-roads-closed, 11 Apr 2026]
#13490
Which outgoing Prime Minister did Andy Burnham succeed on July 20, 2026?
(a) Rishi Sunak
(b) Boris Johnson
(c) Nigel Farage
(d) Keir Starmer
Explanation: Keir Starmer resigned from his position, leading to the appointment of Andy Burnham. Rishi Sunak and Boris Johnson are former Prime Ministers, while Nigel Farage is the leader of the Reform UK party. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017007/andy-burnham-becomes-uk-pm-says-britain-needs-to-regain-stability, 20 Jul 2026]
#13491
Consider the following statements about the Punjab budget for the fiscal year 2026-27: 1. The budget includes the imposition of new taxes to cover the fiscal deficit. 2. The proposed allocation for education is 15 percent higher than the previous fiscal year. 3. The government has allocated funds for the construction of police stations in riverine areas. 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 Chief Minister explicitly stated that the budget was prepared without imposing any new taxes. Statements 2 and 3 are factually accurate according to the budget speech. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2008300/punjab-finance-minister-presents-people-friendly-budget-in-assembly, 16 Jun 2026]
#13492
Consider the following statements about the energy policy changes announced on July 17, 2026: 1. The government intends to maintain strategic petroleum reserves to enhance energy security. 2. The new pricing mechanism requires ministerial approval for every daily adjustment. 3. The government is consulting with international experts to assess the feasibility of energy storage initiatives. 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 2 is incorrect because the minister explicitly stated that prices would be adjusted without requiring approval from him or other ministers, as part of the deregulation effort. Statements 1 and 3 are correct as they reflect the government's stated intent to study and build strategic reserves with international consultants. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016227/govt-to-fix-fuel-prices-daily-due-to-renewed-hostilities-in-persian-gulf-petroleum-minister, 17 Jul 2026]
#13493
Before his appointment as Prime Minister in 2026, what position did Andy Burnham hold?
(a) Mayor of Birmingham
(b) Mayor of London
(c) Mayor of Greater Manchester
(d) Mayor of Liverpool
Explanation: Andy Burnham served as the Mayor of Greater Manchester prior to his elevation to the premiership. He was widely referred to by the nickname 'King of the North' during his tenure in that role. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017007/andy-burnham-becomes-uk-pm-says-britain-needs-to-regain-stability, 20 Jul 2026]
#13494
The global oil crisis that necessitated Pakistan's austerity measures was triggered by the start of the Middle East war on which date in 2026?
(a) January 28, 2026
(b) April 28, 2026
(c) March 28, 2026
(d) February 28, 2026
Explanation: The conflict, which initiated the global oil crisis and subsequent austerity measures, began with attacks on February 28, 2026. The other dates are incorrect as they do not coincide with the start of the regional conflict. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1999437/pm-extends-austerity-drive-till-june-13-to-deal-with-impact-of-middle-east-war, 11 May 2026]
#13495
Who is the current Petroleum Minister of Pakistan as of July 2026?
(a) Musadik Malik
(b) Ali Pervaiz Malik
(c) Ishaq Dar
(d) None of these
Explanation: Ali Pervaiz Malik is the Petroleum Minister who announced the shift to daily fuel price adjustments. Musadik Malik is a common distractor as he has previously held energy-related portfolios. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016504/daily-fuel-price-adjustments-to-curb-market-abuse-ensure-fair-prices-petroleum-minister, 18 Jul 2026]
#13496
Which regulatory body has been tasked with determining fuel prices on a daily basis as of July 17, 2026?
(a) National Electric Power Regulatory Authority
(b) Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority
(c) Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Petroleum Minister announced that the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) is now responsible for daily fuel price adjustments based on international market trends. Other regulatory bodies like NEPRA deal with electricity, not petroleum pricing. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016227/govt-to-fix-fuel-prices-daily-due-to-renewed-hostilities-in-persian-gulf-petroleum-minister, 17 Jul 2026]
#13497
Which of the following is NOT a stated objective of the government's new energy policy announced on July 17, 2026?
(a) Increasing transparency in fuel pricing
(b) Immediate elimination of all petroleum levies
(c) Deregulation of the energy sector
(d) Establishing strategic petroleum reserves
Explanation: The government has not announced the elimination of petroleum levies; rather, it noted that these levies remain low. The other options are explicitly mentioned as goals or ongoing initiatives of the current administration. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016227/govt-to-fix-fuel-prices-daily-due-to-renewed-hostilities-in-persian-gulf-petroleum-minister, 17 Jul 2026]
#13498
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]
#13499
Which international benchmark crude oil price dropped below $90 a barrel on July 27, 2026?
(a) West Texas Intermediate
(b) North Sea Brent
(c) OPEC Reference Basket
(d) Dubai Crude
Explanation: North Sea Brent crude shed more than seven percent early on July 27, 2026, to briefly drop below $90 a barrel, contributing to improved market sentiment. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018715/psx-opens-week-in-the-green-gains-more-than-7000-points-to-close-above-178000-mark, 27 Jul 2026]
#13500
Which of the following institutions is NOT among those the Finance Minister is scheduled to meet during his July 2026 visit?
(a) US Export-Import Bank
(b) International Development Finance Corporation
(c) International Monetary Fund
(d) World Trade Organization
Explanation: The Finance Minister's schedule includes meetings with the USTR, Exim Bank, DFC, and the IMF. The World Trade Organization is not listed as a meeting partner for this specific bilateral visit to Washington. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016679/finance-minister-aurangzeb-arrives-in-us-on-3-day-visit-expected-to-hold-talks-on-trade-finance-investment, 19 Jul 2026]