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.
#19401
Which of the following is NOT a demand raised by the WAPDA union leaders during the 2026 protests?
(a) Recruitment against vacant posts in PESCO and TESCO
(b) Immediate privatization of all DISCOs to improve efficiency
(c) Effective measures to curb electricity theft
(d) Recognition of employees who died in the line of duty as martyrs
Explanation: The union is explicitly opposing the privatization of DISCOs, making the incorrect statement. The other three options are documented demands of the union. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431892/wapda-union-rejects-privatisation-of-discos, 27 Jul 2026]
#19402
Which organization is primarily responsible for leading the protests against the privatization of electricity distribution companies (DISCOs) as of 2026?
(a) All Pakistan WAPDA Hydro Electric Workers Union
(b) Pakistan Electric Power Company Employees Association
(c) National Transmission and Despatch Company Union
(d) None of these
Explanation: The All Pakistan WAPDA Hydro Electric Workers Union is the primary body organizing the protests against the privatization of DISCOs. The other options are not the specific entities identified in the report as leading the rally. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431892/wapda-union-rejects-privatisation-of-discos, 27 Jul 2026]
#19403
What is the primary reason cited for keeping fuel prices unchanged for July 26 and 27, 2026?
(a) Non-publication of Platts prices on weekends
(b) Protest by the All Pakistan Dealers Association
(c) Stable international oil supply chains
(d) None of these
Explanation: The government maintained the prices because Platts price data is not published on weekends, preventing a daily update. While the Dealers Association has expressed opposition to the policy, it was not the reason for this specific two-day freeze. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018328/govt-keeps-petrol-diesel-prices-unchanged-for-two-days, 25 Jul 2026]
#19404
The reduction in the markup rate for development loans in 2026 is primarily attributed to the decline in which of the following?
(a) The federal budget deficit
(b) The central bank's policy rate
(c) The inflation rate of food commodities
(d) None of these
Explanation: The markup rate adjustment is directly linked to the decline in the State Bank of Pakistan's policy rate, which fell from a peak of 22 percent to 11.5 percent. This reduction lowers the government's cost of borrowing and subsequently the rates charged on development advances. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018194/centre-cuts-markup-on-uplift-loans-to-1189pc, 24 Jul 2026]
#19405
Consider the following statements about the diplomatic developments between Pakistan and Iran in March 2026: 1. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif acknowledged the martyrdom of the former Iranian Supreme Leader in his message. 2. The Pakistani leadership expressed confidence that the new Supreme Leader would guide Iran toward peace and stability. 3. The transition of power in Iran occurred following a peaceful and scheduled democratic election. 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 based on the diplomatic communications. Statement 3 is incorrect because the transition followed the assassination of the former leader, not a scheduled democratic election. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40410989/pm-shehbaz-president-zardari-congratulate-irans-new-supreme-leader-mojtaba-khamenei, 10 Mar 2026]
#19406
Which of the following statements regarding the diplomatic situation on March 10, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) Pakistan expressed solidarity with Bahrain following recent attacks.
(b) The Foreign Office confirmed the call between the two Foreign Ministers.
(c) Bahraini leadership justified the attacks as a necessary defensive measure.
(d) The discussion included concerns over regional stability.
Explanation: The statement is incorrect because Bahrain's King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa explicitly stated that the attacks by Iran 'cannot be justified.' The other options accurately reflect the events described in the diplomatic report. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980499/in-phone-call-with-bahrains-fm-dar-reiterates-pakistans-call-for-de-escalation-in-iran-war, 10 Mar 2026]
#19407
What is the estimated cost of US military operations against Iran as reported by Acting Pentagon Comptroller Jules W. Hurst III on May 12, 2026?
(a) $19 billion
(b) $29 billion
(c) $39 billion
(d) None of these
Explanation: During a congressional hearing, the Acting Pentagon Comptroller stated that the operational costs had risen to $29 billion, primarily due to the necessity of repairing or replacing damaged military equipment. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2002532/congressional-report-details-losses-of-42-us-aircraft-in-iran-campaign, 23 May 2026]
#19408
Who scored the opening goal for India in the 2026 Youth Hockey5s Asian Championship final?
(a) Ketan Kushwaha
(b) Shahrukh Ali
(c) Romit Pal
(d) None of these
Explanation: Romit Pal scored the first goal for India four minutes and 13 seconds into the final match. Ketan Kushwaha and Shahrukh Ali also scored in the match but were not the first to find the net. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018608/india-beat-pakistan-to-retain-youth-hockey5s-asian-title, 27 Jul 2026]
#19409
Who is the current Foreign Minister of Bahrain who held a telephonic conversation with Ishaq Dar on March 10, 2026?
(a) Dr. Abdullatif Bin Rashid Al Zayani
(b) Sheikh Khalid bin Ahmed Al Khalifa
(c) Mohammed bin Mubarak Al Khalifa
(d) None of these
Explanation: Dr. Abdullatif Bin Rashid Al Zayani is the Foreign Minister of Bahrain who engaged in the diplomatic call with Ishaq Dar. The other names listed are former officials or not the current incumbent. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980499/in-phone-call-with-bahrains-fm-dar-reiterates-pakistans-call-for-de-escalation-in-iran-war, 10 Mar 2026]
#19410
What is the primary objective reiterated by Pakistan during the diplomatic call with Bahrain on March 10, 2026?
(a) De-escalation and dialogue
(b) Military intervention
(c) Economic sanctions
(d) None of these
Explanation: Pakistan's foreign policy stance, as articulated by the Foreign Minister, consistently emphasizes de-escalation and dialogue as the preferred mechanisms for resolving regional instability. The other options represent aggressive measures that contradict Pakistan's stated diplomatic position. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980499/in-phone-call-with-bahrains-fm-dar-reiterates-pakistans-call-for-de-escalation-in-iran-war, 10 Mar 2026]
#19411
Consider the following statements about the regional security situation in March 2026: 1. The Strait of Hormuz mission is designed to secure the flow of oil and gas. 2. France deployed air defense units to Cyprus following drone attacks. 3. The conflict in the Middle East began in early 2026 following a direct invasion of France. 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 based on the report. Statement 3 is incorrect because the conflict was triggered by US-Israeli strikes on Iran, not an invasion of France. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980406/france-allies-preparing-defensive-mission-to-reopen-strait-of-hormuz-says-macron, 10 Mar 2026]
#19412
Consider the following statements regarding the geopolitical and domestic developments reported on August 6, 2026: 1. The United States is engaging in strategic economic diplomacy by exploring investment opportunities in Pakistan’s critical mineral supply chain. 2. The Turkish Parliament has introduced a legislative framework aimed at granting a conditional amnesty to PKK fighters to address internal security. 3. The Pakistan Stock Exchange has witnessed a significant market correction, with the KSE-100 index dropping below the 150,000-point threshold. Which of the above statements are correct?
(a) Only 1 and 2
(b) Only 2 and 3
(c) Only 1 and 3
(d) 1, 2, and 3
Explanation: Statements 1 and 2 are accurate based on the provided event summaries regarding US-Pakistan economic cooperation and Turkish legislative efforts. Statement 3 is incorrect because the KSE-100 index actually rose above 180,000 points, rather than dropping below 150,000. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2020895/us-firms-look-to-pakistan-for-critical-mineral-supplies]
#19413
Which of the following statements regarding the March 10, 2026, incident is INCORRECT?
(a) All injured victims were treated at the same hospital in Bannu.
(b) The incident occurred in the Takhtikhel area.
(c) The attack involved the use of a quadcopter to drop explosives.
(d) Police launched a search operation to locate the perpetrators.
Explanation: The statement that all victims were treated at the same hospital is incorrect; the report specifies that three girls were taken to the tehsil headquarters hospital in Serai Naurang, while two boys were taken to Bannu. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980622/5-children-injured-in-quadcopter-attack-in-kps-lakki-marwat-officials, 10 Mar 2026]
#19414
Consider the following statements about the diplomatic developments reported on March 10, 2026: 1. The phone call between the Foreign Ministers focused on the need for regional stability. 2. Pakistan condemned the attacks on Bahraini infrastructure. 3. The conflict involves tensions between Iran and the United States/Israel. 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 report: the call addressed regional stability, Pakistan reaffirmed solidarity (condemning the attacks), and the conflict is explicitly linked to the Iran-US/Israel escalation. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980499/in-phone-call-with-bahrains-fm-dar-reiterates-pakistans-call-for-de-escalation-in-iran-war, 10 Mar 2026]
#19415
Consider the following statements regarding the geopolitical and security developments occurring on August 3, 2026:
(a) Only 1 and 2 are correct
(b) Only 2 and 3 are correct
(c) Only 1 and 3 are correct
(d) All of the above are correct
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct as Iran officially denied engagement despite US announcements. Statement 2 is incorrect because the Strait of Hormuz is the central concern for US-Iran diplomacy, not the Gaza conflict. Statement 3 is correct as the Wana explosion specifically involved the targeted killing of a religious scholar/cleric. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2020319/iran-denies-negotiations-with-us-after-trump-announces-talks]
#19416
Arrange the following events of August 3, 2026, in the correct chronological order of their impact or reporting based on the provided data summaries:
(a) 1, 2, 3, 4
(b) 4, 3, 2, 1
(c) 2, 4, 1, 3
(d) 3, 1, 4, 2
Explanation: While all events share the date of August 3, 2026, the logic follows the sequence of systemic legislative review, then active regional conflict (Gaza), moving to international diplomatic security (Hormuz), and finally domestic terror incidents (Moscow). [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2020267/no-more-torture]
#19417
Consider the following statements about the 2026 SCO Council of Foreign Ministers Meeting: 1. Pakistan reported over 560 deaths due to terrorist incidents in 2026. 2. The meeting was held in the Kyrgyz Republic. 3. The Afghan Taliban regime has been praised by the UN for its counterterrorism efforts. 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 based on the report. Statement 3 is incorrect because the report notes that the UN Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team has documented the enabling environment provided to terrorist organizations by the Afghan Taliban, rather than praising their efforts. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431712/sco-cfms-meeting-held-dar-highlights-involvement-of-afghan-nationals-in-terrorist-attacks, 24 Jul 2026]
#19418
Which US military aircraft was reported damaged by Iranian ground fire during operations in March 2026?
(a) HH-60W Jolly Green II
(b) E-3 Sentry AWACS
(c) F-35A stealth fighter
(d) MC-130J Commando II
Explanation: The CRS report specifically cites damage to an F-35A stealth fighter resulting from Iranian ground fire. Other aircraft listed, such as the E-3 Sentry, were damaged in different incidents, such as the strike on Prince Sultan Air Base. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2002532/congressional-report-details-losses-of-42-us-aircraft-in-iran-campaign, 23 May 2026]
#19419
The West Indies cricket team was eliminated from the Super Eight stage of the 2026 T20 World Cup on which date?
(a) March 1, 2026
(b) March 10, 2026
(c) February 23, 2026
(d) March 5, 2026
Explanation: The West Indies team was eliminated from the tournament on March 1, 2026. The report was published on March 10, 2026, which serves as the reference date for the travel delays. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980612/t20-world-cup-west-indies-players-leave-india-on-commercial-flights-after-charter-cancelled, 10 Mar 2026]
#19420
Which of the following statements regarding the diplomatic response to the incident on May 23, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The United Kingdom summoned Israel’s most senior diplomat in Britain.
(b) New Zealand announced it would summon the Israeli ambassador to express concerns.
(c) Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong stated that Australia had already sanctioned Ben-Gvir.
(d) The United States officially joined France in imposing a travel ban on Ben-Gvir.
Explanation: While the US Ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, condemned the actions, there is no report that the United States joined France in imposing a formal travel ban. The other statements accurately reflect the diplomatic actions taken by the respective nations. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2002539/france-bans-israeli-security-minister-ben-gvir-from-country, 23 May 2026]