April 2026 Edition

April 2026 Current Affairs MCQs & Solutions

Top national & international current affairs questions for CSS, PMS, FPSC, PPSC, and NTS screening tests.

Start April Quiz
#1821

Who served as the stand-in captain for the Australian cricket team during the ODI match on May 30, 2026?

(a) Pat Cummins
(b) Matthew Renshaw
(c) Mitchell Starc
(d) Josh Inglis
Explanation: With regular captain Pat Cummins absent, Josh Inglis took on the leadership role for the Australian side. Other players like Renshaw and Starc were present or mentioned, but Inglis held the captaincy. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2003971/pakistan-outspins-australia-in-milestone-odi-as-minhas-makes-history, 30 May 2026]
#1822

Consider the following statements about the government's austerity measures announced in March 2026: 1. The Prime Minister decided to review the work-from-home and distance learning plan on a weekly basis. 2. The government reported that the country currently lacks adequate reserves of petrol and diesel. 3. The Prime Minister urged federal and provincial ministers to play an effective role in resource provision. 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 PM decided to review the contingency plan weekly. Statement 2 is incorrect because the government explicitly stated that the country had adequate reserves of petrol and diesel. Statement 3 is correct as the PM called for active participation from all ministers. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979860/pm-shehbaz-to-announce-austerity-plan-tomorrow-amid-global-fuel-crisis, 08 Mar 2026]
#1823

Who is the designated US Special Envoy expected to lead the engagement with Iran as per the 2026 diplomatic developments?

(a) Steve Witkoff
(b) Henry Kissinger
(c) Abbas Araghchi
(d) None of these
Explanation: Steve Witkoff is identified as the US Special Envoy tasked with leading the engagement. Henry Kissinger is a historical figure associated with past US-China diplomacy, and Abbas Araghchi is the Iranian Foreign Minister. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1985071/islamabad-offers-to-host-us-iran-climbdown-effort, 25 Mar 2026]
#1824

Consider the following statements about the 2026 conflict dynamics: 1. The Lebanese government has officially sought full normalization of relations with Israel. 2. The Israeli military reported the death of 17 soldiers in southern Lebanon since the fighting erupted in March 2026. 3. US President Donald Trump expressed optimism regarding a potential peace deal between Israel and Lebanon in 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: Statement 1 is false because the Lebanese Prime Minister explicitly stated that Lebanon is not seeking normalization, but rather a security agreement and withdrawal. Statements 2 and 3 are factually accurate based on the reported developments in the conflict. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1998133/israel-strikes-beirut-for-the-first-time-since-ceasefire, 06 May 2026]
#1825

Benjamin Netanyahu delayed the release of his 2026 medical report by how many months?

(a) One month
(b) Three months
(c) Two months
(d) Four months
Explanation: Netanyahu stated he withheld the medical report for two months to prevent the spread of false propaganda by Iran. This delay was intended to maintain stability during the ongoing conflict. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1994721/netanyahu-says-he-was-successfully-treated-for-prostate-cancer, 24 Apr 2026]
#1826

At which location in Pakistan did the Iranian Foreign Minister arrive for his diplomatic visit in 2026?

(a) Allama Iqbal International Airport
(b) Jinnah International Airport
(c) Nur Khan Air Base
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Iranian Foreign Minister arrived at the Nur Khan air base in Rawalpindi. The other options are major civilian airports in Pakistan that were not the site of this specific diplomatic arrival. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1995258/irans-araghchi-visits-pakistan-for-2nd-time-in-two-days-envoy-says-trip-undertaken-to-discuss-regional-developments, 26 Apr 2026]
#1827

Who is the current Chief Minister of Sindh who announced the fare freeze on April 5, 2026?

(a) Syed Qaim Ali Shah
(b) Murad Ali Shah
(c) Sardar Ali Shah
(d) None of these
Explanation: Murad Ali Shah is the Chief Minister of Sindh who held the press conference at CM House to announce the agreement with transporters. The other names are either former chief ministers or provincial ministers not holding the CM office at the time of the event. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1988836/sindh-cm-secures-fare-freeze-after-talks-with-transporters-amid-fuel-price-hike, 05 Apr 2026]
#1828

Which of the following is NOT a stated objective or concern of Iran regarding the regional security framework in 2026?

(a) Promoting external interference to stabilize the region
(b) Reducing US military presence in the Middle East
(c) Ensuring security in the Strait of Hormuz
(d) Seeking sustainable political solutions to the conflict
Explanation: Iran explicitly advocates for a regional security framework free of outside interference, making the incorrect statement. The other options accurately reflect Iran's stated diplomatic positions during the 2026 crisis. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1995258/irans-araghchi-visits-pakistan-for-2nd-time-in-two-days-envoy-says-trip-undertaken-to-discuss-regional-developments, 26 Apr 2026]
#1829

Consider the following statements about the monsoon-related disaster response in July 2026: 1. The NDMA forecasted high-level flooding at Marala Headworks on the Chenab River. 2. Power restoration efforts in Peshawar were hindered by the continuation of heavy rainfall. 3. The PDMA reported that no animals perished during the three-day rain period in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. 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 NDMA specifically warned of high-level flooding at Marala Headworks. Statement 2 is correct as Pesco noted that rain hampered restoration efforts. Statement 3 is incorrect because the PDMA report explicitly stated that four animals perished across Upper Dir, Abbottabad, and Buner. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017248/monsoon-rains-kill-12-in-kp-in-past-3-days-nationwide-flood-warning-issued, 21 Jul 2026]
#1830

Which of the following statements regarding the US-Iran diplomatic process in April 2026 is INCORRECT?

(a) The first round of talks in Islamabad ended without a formal agreement
(b) The US president confirmed that future talks would be held remotely
(c) The US president expressed respect for Pakistan's mediatory role
(d) The ceasefire brokered by Pakistan was immediately abandoned after the first round of talks
Explanation: The ceasefire brokered by Pakistan was not abandoned; rather, it was extended by the US president until a unified proposal is submitted. Therefore, the statement claiming it was abandoned is incorrect. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1995275/great-respect-for-pakistan-and-they-will-stay-involved-but-we-are-going-to-do-it-by-phone-trump-on-iran-talks, 26 Apr 2026]
#1831

Consider the following statements about the legislative and diplomatic context of the 2026 US push against transnational repression: 1. The legislation aims to make transnational repression a specific federal crime for the first time. 2. The bill grants the FBI expanded authority to investigate foreign efforts to suppress dissent on American soil. 3. The legislation is exclusively focused on activities conducted by non-state actors and private intelligence firms. 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 bill targets foreign government-led repression and expands federal investigative powers. Statement 3 is incorrect because the legislation specifically targets efforts by foreign governments, not just non-state actors. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017401/india-scrutiny-fuels-us-push-to-criminalise-foreign-repression, 22 Jul 2026]
#1832

All of the following are cited as areas of concern or policy focus for China in the March 2026 press conference EXCEPT:

(a) Tensions in the South China Sea
(b) Expansion of the BRICS currency
(c) Wars in the Middle East and Ukraine
(d) US-China trade tariffs
Explanation: The press conference specifically addressed trade tariffs, the South China Sea, and the conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine. The expansion of the BRICS currency was not a primary topic mentioned in the briefing. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979786/chinese-fm-urges-us-to-manage-differences-in-face-of-trade-woes, 08 Mar 2026]
#1833

Which US government entity is tasked with a strengthened role in pursuing cases of transnational repression under the proposed 2026 legislation?

(a) Department of Homeland Security
(b) Central Intelligence Agency
(c) National Security Division of the Justice Department
(d) None of these
Explanation: The bill specifically empowers the US Justice Department’s National Security Division and the Assistant Attorney General for National Security to lead the prosecution of these cases. The CIA is an intelligence agency, not a prosecutorial body. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017401/india-scrutiny-fuels-us-push-to-criminalise-foreign-repression, 22 Jul 2026]
#1834

Which of the following statements regarding the tornado events of 2026-03-08 is INCORRECT?

(a) Tornadoes caused significant damage to trees and power infrastructure.
(b) Emergency management personnel were tasked with conducting damage assessments.
(c) At least a dozen people were reported injured in the affected areas.
(d) The storms were confined exclusively to the state of Oklahoma.
Explanation: The statement is incorrect because the tornadoes impacted both Oklahoma and Michigan. The other options accurately describe the damage, the role of emergency management, and the reported injuries. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979693/tornados-tear-through-central-us-leave-eight-dead, 08 Mar 2026]
#1835

The 'Stop Transnational Repression Act of 2026' was introduced in the United States by which of the following pairs of senators?

(a) Adam Schiff and John Curtis
(b) Chuck Schumer and Mitch McConnell
(c) Bernie Sanders and Ted Cruz
(d) None of these
Explanation: The legislation was sponsored by Democratic Senator Adam Schiff and Republican Senator John Curtis to address foreign government intimidation on US soil. Other pairs listed are prominent political figures but were not the sponsors of this specific bill. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017401/india-scrutiny-fuels-us-push-to-criminalise-foreign-repression, 22 Jul 2026]
#1836

What is the standard maximum initial admission period for foreign journalists (excluding those from China) under the 2026 DHS rule?

(a) 240 days
(b) 180 days
(c) 365 days
(d) 480 days
Explanation: The regulation establishes a 240-day limit for most foreign journalists, replacing the previous 'duration of status' system. This allows the government to conduct periodic reviews of visa holders. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016518/trump-administration-finalises-overhaul-of-foreign-journalists-visas-ends-duration-of-status-system, 18 Jul 2026]
#1837

Which international submarine cable system experienced a fault on July 2, 2026, leading to potential internet disruptions in Pakistan?

(a) SEA-ME-WE 3
(b) SEA-ME-WE 5
(c) SEA-ME-WE 4
(d) SEA-ME-WE 6
Explanation: The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority identified a fault in the SEA-ME-WE 5 (SMW5) system. While SMW6 is a newer cable, the specific disruption reported on the event date involved the SMW5 consortium. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2012491/submarine-cable-fault-may-cause-intermittent-internet-disruption-pta, 02 Jul 2026]
#1838

Consider the following statements about the abduction case reported on July 5, 2026: 1. The police rescued the victims after a car crash occurred near Bhatta Chowk. 2. The suspect, Muhammad Raza Dar, was apprehended after he voluntarily surrendered at the police station. 3. The police established contact with the victims through a conference call involving the Defence ASP. 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 3 are correct as the victims escaped after a crash and coordinated with the Defence ASP via a conference call. Statement 2 is incorrect because the police traced the suspect's location using technology and directed him to surrender, rather than him voluntarily walking into the station. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2013143/foreign-women-abduction-case-police-ordered-to-treat-minister-linked-suspect-like-any-other-criminal, 05 Jul 2026]
#1839

Which of the following statements regarding the economic and governance landscape of Pakistan on August 11, 2026, are correct?

(a) Only 1 and 2 are correct.
(b) Only 2 and 3 are correct.
(c) Only 1 and 3 are correct.
(d) All statements are correct.
Explanation: The State Bank of Pakistan warned of potential inflationary price spirals, and the Supreme Court declared retrospective tax penalties unlawful. The World Bank expressed concern specifically over the diversion of funds from the Balochistan housing program, not the federal policy. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2022040/sbp-warns-of-price-spirals]
#1840

Consider the following statements about the fuel price adjustment on July 3, 2026: 1. The price reduction was implemented to pass on the impact of lower global prices. 2. The government increased the petroleum levy, which prevented a larger decrease in fuel prices. 3. The ex-depot price of high-speed diesel was set at Rs309.50 per litre. 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 price cut was a response to global trends, the levy increase mitigated a larger price drop, and the new HSD price was officially set at Rs309.50. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2012738/govt-slashes-petrol-diesel-prices-by-rs197, 03 Jul 2026]