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.
#19901
Who serves as the United States Secretary of State during the 2026 military campaign against Iran?
(a) Antony Blinken
(b) Marco Rubio
(c) Mike Pompeo
(d) None of these
Explanation: Marco Rubio is identified as the Secretary of State who provided the classified briefing to US lawmakers regarding the military campaign. Antony Blinken and Mike Pompeo are former Secretaries of State and serve as distractors. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980866/us-lawmakers-warn-of-trumps-incoherent-iran-war-strategy-after-classified-briefing, 11 Mar 2026]
#19902
Consider the following statements about the aviation disruptions in March 2026: 1. The disruptions were primarily caused by technical failures in regional air traffic control systems. 2. Dubai International Airport and Al Maktoum International Airport were among the facilities that reopened. 3. Pakistan's flight schedules to the Middle East experienced a mix of cancellations and operational flights. 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 disruptions were linked to regional geopolitical tensions and airspace closures, not technical failures. Statements 2 and 3 are factually accurate based on the reported status of UAE airports and the impact on Pakistani flight connectivity. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979639/mideast-airlines-begin-cautious-flight-resumption-amid-regional-tensions, 08 Mar 2026]
#19903
Which of the following barrages in Sindh reported a 42 percent water shortage as of May 2026?
(a) Sukkur Barrage
(b) Guddu Barrage
(c) Taunsa Barrage
(d) Jinnah Barrage
Explanation: Guddu Barrage is specifically cited as experiencing a 42 percent water shortage, reflecting the severe impact of reduced water releases on Sindh's irrigation infrastructure. Taunsa and Jinnah barrages are located in Punjab. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2004154/sharjeel-memon-criticises-irsas-unjust-reduction-of-sindhs-water-share-urges-centre-to-take-notice, 31 May 2026]
#19904
Which official announced the record-breaking fuel price hike during the press conference held on March 7, 2026?
(a) Ali Pervaiz Malik
(b) Ishaq Dar
(c) Muhammad Aurangzeb
(d) Shehbaz Sharif
Explanation: Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik announced the price hike during the press conference. While Ishaq Dar and Muhammad Aurangzeb were present, the announcement was delivered by the Petroleum Minister. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979341/petrol-bomb-falls-on-pakistan-amid-war, 07 Mar 2026]
#19905
On which date in 2026 did the Sindh government announce the closure of schools for Youm-i-Ali?
(a) March 12, 2026
(b) March 10, 2026
(c) March 11, 2026
(d) March 9, 2026
Explanation: The official announcement regarding the holiday was published on March 9, 2026. This date marks the issuance of the directive by the provincial government. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980177/public-private-schools-in-sindh-to-remain-closed-on-march-11-on-account-of-youm-i-ali, 09 Mar 2026]
#19906
Consider the following statements about the 2026 US military operation in Iran: 1. The US Secretary of State declared that all future military actions would be defensive in nature. 2. Representative Sara Jacobs argued that the conflict remains ongoing despite the change in operational status. 3. The administration claimed that Iran has been completely stripped of all drone and maritime combat capabilities. 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 correct as they reflect the Secretary's testimony and the lawmaker's critique. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Secretary admitted that Iran still retained some drone and maritime combat capabilities. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2004963/rubio-declares-us-operation-against-iran-over-claims-washington-achieved-military-objectives, 03 Jun 2026]
#19907
Consider the following statements regarding the government's response to the March 2026 economic situation: 1. The Prime Minister directed that actionable proposals for austerity be presented within 48 hours. 2. The government announced a Rs55 per litre increase in petrol and high-speed diesel prices. 3. The Information Minister confirmed that the government would rely on private sector estimates for fuel pricing updates. 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 government's directives and the price hike announcement. Statement 3 is incorrect because the government emphasized that it would release accurate and verified information from official ministries, not private sector estimates. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979462/pm-tells-ministers-to-prepare-strategy-for-conserving-petroleum-products-ensuring-uninterrupted-supply, 07 Mar 2026]
#19908
Which vital maritime route remains closed according to the testimony provided during the 2026 House Foreign Affairs Committee hearing?
(a) Strait of Hormuz
(b) Strait of Malacca
(c) Suez Canal
(d) Bab-el-Mandeb Strait
Explanation: The Strait of Hormuz is identified as the critical maritime route that remains closed, impacting global oil exports. The other straits listed are not the focus of the current conflict described. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2004963/rubio-declares-us-operation-against-iran-over-claims-washington-achieved-military-objectives, 03 Jun 2026]
#19909
On March 7, 2026, the Prime Minister directed which two federal ministers to visit provinces to coordinate petroleum conservation strategies?
(a) Finance and Petroleum
(b) Energy and Commerce
(c) Planning and Interior
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Prime Minister specifically tasked the finance and petroleum ministers to engage with provincial governments to ensure supply stability and austerity. Other combinations of ministries are incorrect as they do not hold primary jurisdiction over fuel pricing and supply chain management. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979462/pm-tells-ministers-to-prepare-strategy-for-conserving-petroleum-products-ensuring-uninterrupted-supply, 07 Mar 2026]
#19910
According to the statement by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on March 27, 2026, what is the projected duration of the military operation in the Gulf?
(a) Several years
(b) Weeks, not months
(c) Exactly six months
(d) None of these
Explanation: Rubio explicitly stated that the operation is expected to conclude in a matter of weeks rather than months. This reflects the US administration's current assessment of the conflict's timeline. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1985991/rubio-says-war-on-iran-to-last-weeks-not-months-no-us-ground-troops-needed, 27 Mar 2026]
#19911
Which of the following measures was NOT implemented by the government in response to the fuel crisis announced on March 7, 2026?
(a) Weekly review of petroleum prices
(b) Implementation of a work-from-home policy
(c) Crackdown on hoarding of petroleum products
(d) Adjustment of the Petroleum Development Levy
Explanation: The government explicitly decided to shelve the proposed fuel conservation plan, which included work-from-home and distance learning measures. The other three options were active policy decisions taken by the government. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979341/petrol-bomb-falls-on-pakistan-amid-war, 07 Mar 2026]
#19912
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]
#19913
According to the US administration, which of the following was a primary objective achieved during the 2026 military operation?
(a) Establishment of a new democratic government in Tehran
(b) Complete annexation of the Persian Gulf coastline
(c) Destruction of Iran's conventional navy
(d) Total disarmament of all regional non-state actors
Explanation: The Secretary of State explicitly stated that the destruction of Iran's conventional navy and defense industrial base were key objectives of the operation. The other options were not cited as strategic goals of the campaign. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2004963/rubio-declares-us-operation-against-iran-over-claims-washington-achieved-military-objectives, 03 Jun 2026]
#19914
Consider the following statements about the water dispute in May 2026: 1. Sindh reported a 22 percent overall water shortage across the province. 2. IRSA justified the cuts as an effort to equalise shortages between Punjab and Sindh. 3. The Sindh government requested the immediate halting of the Taunsa-Panjnad link canal operations. 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 reported events of May 2026. The province faced a 22 percent shortage, IRSA cited 'shortage equalisation' as the policy, and the Sindh Irrigation Department formally requested the suspension of link canal extractions. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2004154/sharjeel-memon-criticises-irsas-unjust-reduction-of-sindhs-water-share-urges-centre-to-take-notice, 31 May 2026]
#19915
Consider the following statements about the diplomatic situation in March 2026: 1. The sinking of the IRIS Dena represents the first such US naval action since World War Two. 2. The Iranian diplomats in Colombo have requested the return of the remains of the 84 deceased sailors. 3. The IRIS Lavan was permitted to dock in Sri Lanka on humanitarian grounds. 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 US action was described as the first of its kind since World War Two. Statement 2 is correct as Iranian diplomats requested the remains. Statement 3 is incorrect because the IRIS Lavan docked in India, not Sri Lanka. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979691/sri-lanka-to-treat-iranian-sailors-according-to-international-law, 08 Mar 2026]
#19916
Consider the following statements regarding the fuel price situation in March 2026: 1. The government decided to maintain normal activities for at least one week instead of implementing conservation measures. 2. International Brent crude prices were reported to be approaching the $100 per barrel psychological barrier. 3. The government increased the Petroleum Development Levy on high-speed diesel to offset the price hike. 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 government deferred conservation plans. Statement 2 is correct as Brent crude was nearing the $100 mark. Statement 3 is incorrect because the levy on high-speed diesel was actually reduced, not increased. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979341/petrol-bomb-falls-on-pakistan-amid-war, 07 Mar 2026]
#19917
Which of the following statements regarding the fuel supply situation in March 2026 is INCORRECT?
(a) The tanker Torm Damini offloaded 37,000 tonnes of diesel.
(b) The tanker Nave Atropos is carrying 50,000 tonnes of petrol.
(c) The tanker Sea Clipper is carrying 34,000 tonnes of petrol.
(d) The tanker Spruce 2 is carrying 65,000 tonnes of petrol.
Explanation: The tanker Spruce 2 is carrying 55,000 tonnes of petrol, not 65,000 tonnes. The other figures provided for Torm Damini, Nave Atropos, and Sea Clipper are factually accurate according to the PQA report. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980592/4-fuel-laden-ships-reach-pakistan-amid-concerns-about-shortages-3-yet-to-berth, 10 Mar 2026]
#19918
Which of the following is NOT a stated objective or outcome claimed by the US administration regarding the 2026 operation?
(a) Significant reduction of missile launchers
(b) Immediate reopening of the Strait of Hormuz
(c) Destruction of the defense industrial base
(d) Reduction of drone stockpiles
Explanation: The administration claimed victory based on military degradation, but acknowledged that the Strait of Hormuz remained closed. Therefore, the reopening of the strait was not an achieved outcome. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2004963/rubio-declares-us-operation-against-iran-over-claims-washington-achieved-military-objectives, 03 Jun 2026]
#19919
Which of the following statements regarding the US position at the UN Security Council in March 2026 is INCORRECT?
(a) The US questioned the utility of continued international funding for Afghanistan.
(b) The US criticized the Taliban for restricting female national staff from working at UN offices.
(c) The US announced an immediate increase in humanitarian aid to fill the $1 billion shortfall.
(d) The US Ambassador emphasized that the Taliban's intransigence complicates international engagement.
Explanation: The US did not announce an increase in aid; rather, it suggested that the international community would be more willing to fill the funding shortfall if the Taliban ceased excluding women from basic rights. Options A, B, and D accurately reflect the US stance presented at the UNSC. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980478/us-designates-afghanistan-state-sponsor-of-wrongful-detention, 10 Mar 2026]
#19920
In the context of the 2026 Gulf conflict, which body did Marco Rubio meet with to discuss the operation?
(a) The United Nations Security Council
(b) G7 counterparts
(c) The Arab League
(d) The North Atlantic Council
Explanation: Rubio met with his G7 counterparts in France to coordinate on the ongoing military operation and diplomatic strategy. The other organizations were not cited as the primary venue for this specific meeting. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1985991/rubio-says-war-on-iran-to-last-weeks-not-months-no-us-ground-troops-needed, 27 Mar 2026]