April 2026 Edition
Start April Quiz
April 2026 Current Affairs MCQs & Solutions
Top national & international current affairs questions for CSS, PMS, FPSC, PPSC, and NTS screening tests.
#1601
Who is the current Chairperson of the Central Ruet-i-Hilal Committee as of May 2026?
(a) Mufti Muneeb-ur-Rehman
(b) Maulana Abdul Khabeer Azad
(c) Mufti Shahabuddin Popalzai
(d) None of these
Explanation: Maulana Abdul Khabeer Azad serves as the Chairperson of the Central Ruet-i-Hilal Committee and presided over the meeting held in Karachi on May 17, 2026. Mufti Muneeb-ur-Rehman is a former chairperson, making him an incorrect choice. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2000923/zilhaj-moon-sighted-eidul-azha-to-fall-on-may-27, 17 May 2026]
#1602
On which date in 2026 was the Zilhaj moon officially sighted in Pakistan?
(a) May 15, 2026
(b) May 16, 2026
(c) May 18, 2026
(d) May 17, 2026
Explanation: The Central Ruet-i-Hilal Committee met on May 17, 2026, and confirmed the sighting of the crescent moon on that evening. This date marks the official start of the lunar month transition as reported. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2000923/zilhaj-moon-sighted-eidul-azha-to-fall-on-may-27, 17 May 2026]
#1603
On March 9, 2026, the KSE-100 index experienced a historic single-day decline of approximately how many points?
(a) 9,015 points
(b) 11,015 points
(c) 10,015 points
(d) 12,015 points
Explanation: The market recorded a decline of 11,015 points on March 9, 2026, which represented the second-largest single-day drop in the history of the index. This massive sell-off preceded the recovery observed on the following day. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980474/bulls-return-as-kse-100-surges-past-9000-points-market-closes-in-the-green, 10 Mar 2026]
#1604
Consider the following statements about the Muharram 1448 AH moon sighting: 1. The Ministry of Religious Affairs announced the moon sighting results based on the Central Ruet-i-Hilal Committee's decision. 2. The first of Muharram 1448 AH was set to begin on June 17, 2026. 3. The government provides security arrangements for religious processions held during the month. 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. The Ministry relies on the committee's findings, the date for the first of Muharram was officially set for June 17, and the government coordinates security for the processions. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2008058/muharram-moon-not-sighted-in-pakistan-ashura-to-fall-on-june-26, 15 Jun 2026]
#1605
Under which specific Indian legislation were Asiya Andrabi and her associates sentenced in 2026?
(a) Public Safety Act
(b) National Security Act
(c) Armed Forces Special Powers Act
(d) Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act
Explanation: The court utilized the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) to prosecute and sentence the individuals. The other acts listed are different legal frameworks used in India for security and detention purposes. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1985165/fo-condemns-harsh-sentences-awarded-to-kashmiri-leader-asiya-andrabi-associates-by-delhi-court, 25 Mar 2026]
#1606
Asiya Andrabi, who was sentenced by a Delhi court on March 25, 2026, is the founder of which Kashmiri rights group?
(a) Dukhtaran-i-Millat
(b) Hurriyat Conference
(c) Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front
(d) None of these
Explanation: Asiya Andrabi is the founder of the Dukhtaran-i-Millat, also known as the Daughters of the Nation. The other organizations listed are distinct political or militant entities operating within the Kashmir region. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1985165/fo-condemns-harsh-sentences-awarded-to-kashmiri-leader-asiya-andrabi-associates-by-delhi-court, 25 Mar 2026]
#1607
Consider the following statements about the 2026 sentencing of Kashmiri leaders: 1. Asiya Andrabi received a life imprisonment sentence from the Delhi court. 2. The sentencing was criticized by the Prime Minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir. 3. The FO statement claimed that the sentencing was a result of a fair and transparent judicial process. 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 the FO explicitly criticized the process, citing concerns regarding due process and judicial independence. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1985165/fo-condemns-harsh-sentences-awarded-to-kashmiri-leader-asiya-andrabi-associates-by-delhi-court, 25 Mar 2026]
#1608
Consider the following statements about the incident reported on 2026-03-09: 1. The Prime Minister expressed grief over the loss of two Pakistani lives. 2. The incident occurred due to missile debris in the UAE. 3. The government has announced financial compensation packages for the families. 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 report does not mention any specific financial compensation packages, only the facilitation of repatriation. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40410709/pm-condoles-death-of-two-pakistanis-in-dubai, 09 Mar 2026]
#1609
Who among the following associates of Asiya Andrabi was also sentenced by the Delhi court in March 2026?
(a) Fehmeeda Sofi
(b) Yasin Malik
(c) Mirwaiz Umar Farooq
(d) Syed Ali Geelani
Explanation: Fehmeeda Sofi and Nahida Nasreen were the two associates sentenced alongside Asiya Andrabi. The other individuals listed are prominent Kashmiri figures but were not the subjects of this specific court verdict. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1985165/fo-condemns-harsh-sentences-awarded-to-kashmiri-leader-asiya-andrabi-associates-by-delhi-court, 25 Mar 2026]
#1610
Which of the following statements regarding the FO statement on the 2026 sentencing is INCORRECT?
(a) It described the verdict as a grave miscarriage of justice.
(b) It called for the international community to take notice of the development.
(c) It explicitly endorsed the legal validity of the UAPA in the occupied territory.
(d) It reaffirmed support for the Kashmiri struggle for self-determination.
Explanation: The Foreign Office statement condemned the sentencing and questioned the judicial process, meaning it did not endorse the UAPA. Options A, B, and D are accurate reflections of the FO's official stance. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1985165/fo-condemns-harsh-sentences-awarded-to-kashmiri-leader-asiya-andrabi-associates-by-delhi-court, 25 Mar 2026]
#1611
The Foreign Office of Pakistan issued a formal statement regarding the sentencing of Kashmiri leaders on which date in 2026?
(a) March 20, 2026
(b) March 25, 2026
(c) March 30, 2026
(d) April 05, 2026
Explanation: The Foreign Office issued its condemnation on March 25, 2026, the same day the sentencing news was reported. The other dates are incorrect as they do not align with the event timeline. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1985165/fo-condemns-harsh-sentences-awarded-to-kashmiri-leader-asiya-andrabi-associates-by-delhi-court, 25 Mar 2026]
#1612
The central Ashura procession in Karachi departed from which location on June 26, 2026?
(a) Nishtar Park
(b) Qadam Gah Maula Ali
(c) Imambargah Ashiq Hussain
(d) None of these
Explanation: The main procession in Karachi commenced from Nishtar Park at approximately 9:30 am. Qadam Gah Maula Ali is the starting point for the Hyderabad procession, while Imambargah Ashiq Hussain is in Rawalpindi. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2011005/ashura-processions-conclude-peacefully-countrywide-amid-strict-security, 26 Jun 2026]
#1613
Consider the following statements about the security arrangements for Ashura 2026: 1. In Sindh, approximately 60,000 police and Rangers personnel were deployed for security. 2. Section 144 was imposed in the Rawalpindi district to maintain public order. 3. The Karachi police chief stated that mobile and internet services would remain fully operational throughout the city. 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 Sindh Chief Minister confirmed the deployment of 60,000 personnel. Statement 2 is correct as Section 144 was imposed in Rawalpindi. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Karachi police chief explicitly stated that mobile and internet services would likely be suspended along the procession route. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2011005/ashura-processions-conclude-peacefully-countrywide-amid-strict-security, 26 Jun 2026]
#1614
Which of the following is NOT a security measure implemented during the Ashura processions in 2026?
(a) Deployment of snipers on rooftops
(b) Mandatory closure of all private businesses nationwide
(c) Suspension of mobile and internet services
(d) Installation of CCTV cameras for monitoring
Explanation: While authorities implemented strict security measures like snipers, service suspensions, and CCTV monitoring, there was no nationwide mandatory closure of all private businesses. The other options are documented security protocols used to maintain public order. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2011005/ashura-processions-conclude-peacefully-countrywide-amid-strict-security, 26 Jun 2026]
#1615
The central procession in Islamabad on Muharram 9, 2026, originated from which location?
(a) Markazi Isna Ashari Imambargah
(b) Imambargah Hussainia Hall
(c) Imambargah Chahardah Masoomeen
(d) None of these
Explanation: The central procession in Islamabad was taken out from the Markazi Isna Ashari Imambargah in G-6/2. The other options refer to locations in different cities like Peshawar and Hyderabad. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2010752/countrywide-muharram-9-processions-conclude-peacefully-amid-strict-security, 25 Jun 2026]
#1616
In the context of the 2026 regional security situation, which of the following has been targeted by retaliatory strikes in the Middle East?
(a) Public healthcare hospitals
(b) Agricultural research centers
(c) Educational universities
(d) Energy installations
Explanation: The regional conflict has involved strikes against critical infrastructure, specifically including energy installations, airports, and military bases. Agricultural and educational facilities are not cited as primary targets in this security context. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1983459/saudi-arabia-to-celebrate-eidul-fitr-on-friday, 18 Mar 2026]
#1617
Which of the following is NOT a type of infrastructure mentioned as being targeted during the 2026 regional retaliatory strikes?
(a) Airports
(b) Telecommunication satellites
(c) Residential areas
(d) Military bases
Explanation: The reports specify that airports, residential areas, energy installations, and military bases were targeted. Telecommunication satellites are not mentioned in the context of these specific regional strikes. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1983459/saudi-arabia-to-celebrate-eidul-fitr-on-friday, 18 Mar 2026]
#1618
Which scientific organization provided a forecast that the Shawwal moon was unlikely to be visible on March 19, 2026?
(a) Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC)
(b) Pakistan Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (PCSIR)
(c) National Institute of Oceanography (NIO)
(d) Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO)
Explanation: SUPARCO is the national space agency responsible for atmospheric and astronomical forecasting in Pakistan. The other organizations listed are scientific bodies but do not specialize in lunar sighting predictions. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1983722/shawwal-moon-not-sighted-eidul-fitr-to-be-celebrated-on-saturday, 19 Mar 2026]
#1619
Which government ministry issued the official notification regarding the commencement of the month of Shawwal in 2026?
(a) Ministry of Interior
(b) Ministry of Information and Broadcasting
(c) Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony
(d) Ministry of Science and Technology
Explanation: The Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony is the designated authority responsible for issuing official notifications regarding moon sightings and religious observances. Other ministries listed are involved in different aspects of governance but do not handle this specific religious notification. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1983722/shawwal-moon-not-sighted-eidul-fitr-to-be-celebrated-on-saturday, 19 Mar 2026]
#1620
Consider the following statements about the 2026 Eidul Fitr announcement: 1. The Central Ruet-i-Hilal Committee declared that the month of Ramazan would last for 30 days. 2. The official date for Eidul Fitr in Pakistan was set for March 21, 2026. 3. Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates celebrated Eidul Fitr on the same day as the rest of Pakistan. 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 the committee confirmed the 30-day duration and the March 21 date. Statement 3 is incorrect because Saudi Arabia and the UAE celebrated Eid on Friday, March 20, whereas the national announcement for Pakistan was for Saturday, March 21. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1983722/shawwal-moon-not-sighted-eidul-fitr-to-be-celebrated-on-saturday, 19 Mar 2026]