In April 2017, who was appointed as a United Nations Messenger of Peace?

Introduction / Context:
This question tests awareness of important international honours and appointments connected with the United Nations. The title United Nations Messenger of Peace is given to distinguished individuals who help focus world attention on the work of the UN. In April 2017, Nobel Peace Prize laureate Malala Yousafzai received this honour. Such current affairs based facts are common in general knowledge sections of competitive exams and help candidates stay updated on global issues related to education, peace, and human rights.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The month and year mentioned are April 2017.
• The designation is United Nations Messenger of Peace.
• Options include Scott Kelly, Lang Lang, Malala Yousafzai, Leonardo DiCaprio, and None of the above.
• Exactly one of these individuals received this title in April 2017.

Concept / Approach:
The approach is to recall UN news from that period. Malala Yousafzai was honoured as the youngest ever UN Messenger of Peace on 10 April 2017, with a special focus on girls education. Scott Kelly is an astronaut, Lang Lang is a pianist who had already been a UN Messenger of Peace earlier, and Leonardo DiCaprio was named a UN Messenger of Peace with a focus on climate change in 2014. Therefore, Malala is the only option that matches the date and context given in the question.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Note the date clue April 2017 and the specific title United Nations Messenger of Peace. Step 2: Recall that Malala Yousafzai, known for advocating girls education and surviving an attack by extremists, was appointed UN Messenger of Peace in April 2017. Step 3: Recognise that Leonardo DiCaprio had already been chosen as a UN Messenger of Peace earlier, around 2014, with a focus on climate change. Step 4: Understand that Scott Kelly and Lang Lang have other associations with the UN and public life but not this specific 2017 appointment. Step 5: Conclude that Malala Yousafzai is the correct answer.

Verification / Alternative check:
A simple check is to associate each name with their main cause. Malala is closely linked with education and peace, particularly for children and girls. The United Nations often chooses messengers whose life work already reflects the theme of their appointment. News reports from April 2017 described her new role and mentioned that she was already the youngest Nobel laureate. Cross checking these facts confirms that the question refers to Malala Yousafzai. Therefore, the answer is consistent with both date and theme.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Scott Kelly: A NASA astronaut known for his year in space, not appointed a UN Messenger of Peace in April 2017. Lang Lang: A famous pianist who has worked with the UN, but not named in this specific 2017 appointment. Leonardo DiCaprio: Already a UN Messenger of Peace focused on climate change, but appointed earlier, not in April 2017. None of the above: Incorrect because Malala Yousafzai is listed and fits the description exactly.

Common Pitfalls:
One pitfall is ignoring the year and jumping to an option that has the title but at a different time, such as Leonardo DiCaprio. Another error is confusing broader roles like UN goodwill ambassadors with the specific Messenger of Peace designation. Exam candidates should carefully notice time markers like April 2017 and link them with the correct news event. Reading regularly about United Nations appointments and awards helps avoid such confusion.

Final Answer:
In April 2017, Malala Yousafzai was appointed a United Nations Messenger of Peace.