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.
#19221
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]
#19222
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]
#19223
Who is the current Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces of Pakistan who visited Tehran in May 2026?
(a) General Qamar Javed Bajwa
(b) Field Marshal Asim Munir
(c) General Raheel Sharif
(d) None of these
Explanation: Field Marshal Asim Munir is the current Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces who led the mediation delegation to Tehran. The other names listed are former army chiefs. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2002541/encouraging-progress-made-during-cdf-munirs-tehran-visit-ispr, 23 May 2026]
#19224
Which Indian dam on the Sutlej River was reported to be filled to approximately 30 percent capacity on 2026-07-24?
(a) Bhakra Dam
(b) Pong Dam
(c) Salal Dam
(d) Thein Dam
Explanation: The Commissioner for Indus Waters informed the committee that the Bhakra Dam on the Sutlej River was at 30 percent capacity. The Pong Dam is located on the Beas River, and the Thein Dam is on the Ravi River. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431517/senate-panel-told-govt-unaware-of-indias-chenab-water-release, 24 Jul 2026]
#19225
Consider the following statements about the events at the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound on July 23, 2026: 1. Itamar Ben Gvir led hundreds of followers into the compound. 2. The visit was condemned by the Jordanian government. 3. The Turkish government officially supported the visit as a religious right. 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 minister led the group and Jordan issued a formal condemnation. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Turkish government strongly criticized the visit, labeling it a violation of the historical and legal status of the site. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017854/far-right-israeli-minister-ben-gvir-storms-al-aqsa-mosque-compound-with-hundreds-of-followers, 23 Jul 2026]
#19226
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]
#19227
Which body did the Senate Standing Committee on Information and Broadcasting direct the NCCIA to approach regarding a complaint against a newspaper columnist on 2026-07-24?
(a) Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority
(b) Press Council of Pakistan
(c) Federal Investigation Agency
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Senate Standing Committee ruled that the Press Council of Pakistan is the appropriate forum to examine published content by columnists. This directive aims to prevent the misuse of cybercrime laws against traditional media outlets. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431519/newspaper-columnist-senate-panel-orders-nccia-to-refer-complaint-to-pcp, 24 Jul 2026]
#19228
According to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Local Government (Amendment) Act, 2026, what is the required population range for a Village or Neighbourhood Council?
(a) 10,000 to 20,000
(b) 30,000 to 40,000
(c) 50,000 to 60,000
(d) 70,000 to 80,000
Explanation: The amendment stipulates a population range of 30,000 to 40,000 for Village and Neighbourhood Councils, subject to a 10% permissible variation. This specific range is the focal point of the ECP's objection regarding the feasibility of delimitation. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431520/ecp-opposes-key-amendment-to-kps-lg-law, 24 Jul 2026]
#19229
On July 24, 2026, the Foreign Office spokesperson identified which specific maritime area as a critical zone for Pakistani vigilance against Houthi threats?
(a) Bab el-Mandab
(b) Strait of Malacca
(c) Suez Canal
(d) Strait of Gibraltar
Explanation: The Foreign Office explicitly mentioned the Bab el-Mandab chokepoint as the area where Pakistani armed forces remain vigilant. The other options are major global maritime chokepoints but are not the focus of the current security warning. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017926/pakistan-warns-houthi-rebels-to-steer-clear-of-its-ships, 24 Jul 2026]
#19230
On July 23, 2026, the Indian government relaxed foreign investment rules to allow e-commerce companies to perform which of the following activities?
(a) Directly sell goods to domestic consumers at discounted rates
(b) Purchase products from Indian sellers for export to overseas customers
(c) Establish exclusive brick-and-mortar retail chains across India
(d) None of these
Explanation: The policy change specifically permits foreign-funded e-commerce platforms to procure goods from local sellers for the purpose of international exports. Option A is incorrect because the government continues to prohibit direct sales to domestic consumers to protect local retailers. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431461/india-relaxes-e-commerce-investment-rules-for-exports-in-win-for-amazon, 23 Jul 2026]
#19231
According to the data for June 2026, which energy source contributed the largest percentage to the national power supply?
(a) Wind energy
(b) Nuclear power
(c) Imported coal
(d) Hydropower
Explanation: Hydropower provided 39% of the total electricity supply in June 2026, making it the largest contributor. Nuclear power followed at 13.5%, while other sources like wind and solar contributed significantly smaller percentages. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016204/power-companies-seek-rs120-per-unit-fuel-cost-adjustment-for-august, 17 Jul 2026]
#19232
Consider the following statements about the 75th-anniversary ceremony held in May 2026: 1. President Asif Ali Zardari attended the ceremony in Islamabad. 2. The ceremony marked the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. 3. The Prime Minister stated that the world can move forward without China's technological and industrial contribution. 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. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Prime Minister emphasized that the world cannot move forward without China, given its industrial and technological advancements. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2002044/pm-shehbaz-lauds-steadfast-pak-china-friendship-says-beijing-supported-islamabad-in-unwavering-fashion, 21 May 2026]
#19233
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]
#19234
Consider the following statements about the diplomatic events of May 2026: 1. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi visited Tehran twice in less than a week to facilitate negotiations. 2. The first round of US-Iran talks in Islamabad resulted in a signed comprehensive peace agreement. 3. Field Marshal Asim Munir held meetings with Iranian officials to discuss regional peace and US-Iran talks. 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 Interior Minister made multiple trips to Tehran. Statement 2 is incorrect because the first round of talks ended without an agreement. Statement 3 is correct as the CDF's visit was explicitly for mediation and discussion of regional peace. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2002286/cdf-asim-munir-arrives-in-iran-as-part-of-ongoing-mediation-efforts-ispr, 22 May 2026]
#19235
Following the price adjustment announced on May 22, 2026, what is the new price of petrol per litre?
(a) Rs378.00
(b) Rs402.78
(c) Rs403.78
(d) None of these
Explanation: After the reduction of Rs6 per litre, the price of petrol was set at Rs403.78 per litre. High-speed diesel was set at Rs402.78 per litre. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2002321/govt-reduces-petrol-by-rs6-per-litre-high-speed-diesel-by-rs68, 22 May 2026]
#19236
The Foreign Office spokesperson who addressed the media regarding water security and nuclear developments on June 11, 2026, is:
(a) Mumtaz Zahra Baloch
(b) Tahir Andrabi
(c) Asim Iftikhar Ahmad
(d) None of these
Explanation: Tahir Andrabi served as the spokesperson during the June 11, 2026, press briefing. While Mumtaz Zahra Baloch is a known spokesperson, the specific briefing mentioned in the text was conducted by Andrabi. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2006857/any-attempt-to-block-water-will-have-far-reaching-consequences-warns-fo-after-indian-ministers-remarks, 11 Jun 2026]
#19237
Who serves as the Commissioner for Indus Waters for Pakistan as of 2026-07-24?
(a) Jam Saifullah
(b) Mehar Ali Shah
(c) Khalil Tahir
(d) None of these
Explanation: Mehar Ali Shah is the Commissioner for Indus Waters and also serves as the Additional Secretary at the Ministry of Water Resources. Jam Saifullah is the Chairman of the Senate Standing Committee on Water Resources, not the Commissioner. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431517/senate-panel-told-govt-unaware-of-indias-chenab-water-release, 24 Jul 2026]
#19238
Which constitutional article does the Election Commission of Pakistan cite as being undermined by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Local Government (Amendment) Act, 2026?
(a) Article 140-A
(b) Article 218
(c) Article 222
(d) Article 224
Explanation: The ECP explicitly referenced Article 222 of the Constitution of Pakistan, which protects the powers of the Election Commission from being abridged by provincial legislation. Article 140-A relates to the devolution of political, administrative, and financial responsibility to local governments, but is not the specific article cited in this dispute. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431520/ecp-opposes-key-amendment-to-kps-lg-law, 24 Jul 2026]
#19239
The group targeted by security forces during the July 2026 operation in Mastung is referred to as:
(a) Fitna al Hindustan
(b) Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan
(c) Balochistan Liberation Army
(d) None of these
Explanation: The authorities identified the neutralized militants as members of the group referred to as Fitna al Hindustan. The other options are distinct militant organizations. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431522/six-terrorists-killed-in-mastung, 24 Jul 2026]
#19240
Which of the following statements regarding Pakistan's maritime security policy as of July 24, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) Pakistan considers attacks on its flagged vessels a red line.
(b) The armed forces are responsible for the technical assessment of maritime threats.
(c) Pakistan has officially declared a naval blockade against Houthi-controlled ports.
(d) Pakistan maintains a mutual defense arrangement with Saudi Arabia.
Explanation: Pakistan has not declared a naval blockade; rather, it has warned against attacks on its own assets and pledged to ensure the flow of commercial shipping. The other three statements accurately reflect the government's stated position. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017926/pakistan-warns-houthi-rebels-to-steer-clear-of-its-ships, 24 Jul 2026]