July 2024 Edition

July 2024 Current Affairs MCQs & Solutions

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

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#2261

Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb arrived in Washington on July 19, 2026, for a visit lasting how many days?

(a) Three days
(b) Two days
(c) Four days
(d) Five days
Explanation: The Finance Minister arrived on July 19, 2026, for a scheduled three-day diplomatic visit to engage with US officials on trade and investment. This duration is explicitly stated in the official reporting of his itinerary. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016679/finance-minister-aurangzeb-arrives-in-us-on-3-day-visit-expected-to-hold-talks-on-trade-finance-investment, 19 Jul 2026]
#2262

Which of the following individuals did NOT attend the meeting chaired by the Prime Minister on July 16, 2026?

(a) Ahsan Iqbal
(b) Muhammad Aurangzeb
(c) Bilal Azhar Kayani
(d) None of these
Explanation: All three individuals listed (Ahsan Iqbal, Muhammad Aurangzeb, and Bilal Azhar Kayani) were explicitly mentioned as attendees of the meeting. Therefore, 'None of these' is the correct answer as there is no false option provided. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2015941/pm-shehbaz-warns-renewed-us-iran-conflict-could-hit-economy-again, 16 Jul 2026]
#2263

Consider the following statements about the energy policy changes announced on July 17, 2026: 1. The government intends to maintain strategic petroleum reserves to enhance energy security. 2. The new pricing mechanism requires ministerial approval for every daily adjustment. 3. The government is consulting with international experts to assess the feasibility of energy storage initiatives. 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 2 is incorrect because the minister explicitly stated that prices would be adjusted without requiring approval from him or other ministers, as part of the deregulation effort. Statements 1 and 3 are correct as they reflect the government's stated intent to study and build strategic reserves with international consultants. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016227/govt-to-fix-fuel-prices-daily-due-to-renewed-hostilities-in-persian-gulf-petroleum-minister, 17 Jul 2026]
#2264

In the context of the July 2026 wildfire dispute, the United States accused Canada of which of the following?

(a) Environmental sabotage
(b) Trade protectionism
(c) Wilful negligence
(d) Diplomatic isolation
Explanation: President Trump specifically characterized the Canadian handling of the wildfires as 'wilful negligence' during his public statements on July 21, 2026. This term was used to justify the demand for financial damages. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017162/trump-seeks-damages-from-canada-over-wildfires, 21 Jul 2026]
#2265

Who is the current Interior Minister of Iran who visited Islamabad on July 21, 2026?

(a) Eskandar Momeni
(b) Masoud Pezeshkian
(c) Sayyid Mojtaba Hosseini Khamenei
(d) None of these
Explanation: Eskandar Momeni is the Iranian Interior Minister who led the delegation to Pakistan. Masoud Pezeshkian is the President of Iran, and Sayyid Mojtaba Hosseini Khamenei is the Supreme Leader, making them incorrect choices. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017273/iranian-interior-minister-meets-pm-shehbaz-cdf-munir-in-islamabad, 21 Jul 2026]
#2266

Who officially commended the security forces for the successful operation in Wana on July 18, 2026?

(a) The Prime Minister
(b) The Chief of Army Staff
(c) The Governor of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
(d) The Interior Minister
Explanation: Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi issued a statement paying tribute to the security forces for their professional skill in foiling the terrorist plot. While other officials may oversee security, the report specifically identifies the Interior Minister as the one who provided this public commendation. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016455/terrorist-killed-as-security-forces-destroy-explosive-laden-vehicle-intended-for-suicide-attack-in-wana-state-media, 18 Jul 2026]
#2267

Who is the current Petroleum Minister of Pakistan as of July 2026?

(a) Musadik Malik
(b) Ali Pervaiz Malik
(c) Ishaq Dar
(d) None of these
Explanation: Ali Pervaiz Malik is the Petroleum Minister who announced the shift to daily fuel price adjustments. Musadik Malik is a common distractor as he has previously held energy-related portfolios. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016504/daily-fuel-price-adjustments-to-curb-market-abuse-ensure-fair-prices-petroleum-minister, 18 Jul 2026]
#2268

Which regulatory body has been tasked with determining fuel prices on a daily basis as of July 17, 2026?

(a) National Electric Power Regulatory Authority
(b) Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority
(c) Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Petroleum Minister announced that the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) is now responsible for daily fuel price adjustments based on international market trends. Other regulatory bodies like NEPRA deal with electricity, not petroleum pricing. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016227/govt-to-fix-fuel-prices-daily-due-to-renewed-hostilities-in-persian-gulf-petroleum-minister, 17 Jul 2026]
#2269

Which of the following is NOT a stated objective of the government's new energy policy announced on July 17, 2026?

(a) Increasing transparency in fuel pricing
(b) Immediate elimination of all petroleum levies
(c) Deregulation of the energy sector
(d) Establishing strategic petroleum reserves
Explanation: The government has not announced the elimination of petroleum levies; rather, it noted that these levies remain low. The other options are explicitly mentioned as goals or ongoing initiatives of the current administration. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016227/govt-to-fix-fuel-prices-daily-due-to-renewed-hostilities-in-persian-gulf-petroleum-minister, 17 Jul 2026]
#2270

Which of the following institutions is NOT among those the Finance Minister is scheduled to meet during his July 2026 visit?

(a) US Export-Import Bank
(b) International Development Finance Corporation
(c) International Monetary Fund
(d) World Trade Organization
Explanation: The Finance Minister's schedule includes meetings with the USTR, Exim Bank, DFC, and the IMF. The World Trade Organization is not listed as a meeting partner for this specific bilateral visit to Washington. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016679/finance-minister-aurangzeb-arrives-in-us-on-3-day-visit-expected-to-hold-talks-on-trade-finance-investment, 19 Jul 2026]
#2271

What was the total monetary value of the fine imposed by the EU on AliExpress on July 21, 2026?

(a) $630 million
(b) $200 million
(c) $120 million
(d) $550 million
Explanation: The EU imposed a fine of 550 million euros, which is equivalent to $630 million. The other figures represent fines previously issued to other companies like Temu and X. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017112/eu-imposes-630m-fine-on-aliexpress-over-illegal-products, 21 Jul 2026]
#2272

Who currently serves as the Petroleum Minister of Pakistan as of July 17, 2026?

(a) Attaullah Tarar
(b) Shehbaz Sharif
(c) Ali Pervaiz Malik
(d) Asim Munir
Explanation: Ali Pervaiz Malik is the Petroleum Minister who addressed the press conference regarding the new fuel pricing policy. Attaullah Tarar is the Information Minister, and Shehbaz Sharif is the Prime Minister. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016227/govt-to-fix-fuel-prices-daily-due-to-renewed-hostilities-in-persian-gulf-petroleum-minister, 17 Jul 2026]
#2273

Consider the following statements about the petroleum sector reform announced in July 2026: 1. The reform replaces the weekly price announcement cycle with a daily adjustment mechanism. 2. The policy was approved by the federal cabinet on the directive of the Prime Minister. 3. The Inland Freight Equalisation Margin (IFEM) is being excluded from the new pricing formula. 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 they reflect the core policy shift and the administrative approval process. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Petroleum Division is actively addressing technical matters, including the IFEM, within the new framework rather than excluding it. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016504/daily-fuel-price-adjustments-to-curb-market-abuse-ensure-fair-prices-petroleum-minister, 18 Jul 2026]
#2274

What specific type of threat did security forces neutralize in Wana on July 18, 2026?

(a) A coordinated drone strike
(b) An explosive-laden vehicle and motorcycle
(c) A hostage situation at a government office
(d) A cyber-attack on local infrastructure
Explanation: Security forces destroyed a vehicle and a motorcycle loaded with explosives that were intended for a suicide attack. The other options describe different types of security threats not present in this specific incident. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016455/terrorist-killed-as-security-forces-destroy-explosive-laden-vehicle-intended-for-suicide-attack-in-wana-state-media, 18 Jul 2026]
#2275

Consider the following statements about the security situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa as reported in July 2026: 1. Security forces foiled an attempted suicide attack in the Kari Kot area earlier in the week. 2. A suicide attack near Azam Warsak Bazaar in May 2026 resulted in civilian casualties. 3. The rest of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa witnessed a 23 percent increase in attacks in June 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 correct as the report mentions the Kari Kot incident. Statement 2 is correct regarding the May incident near Azam Warsak. Statement 3 is incorrect because the 23 percent figure refers to the decrease in tribal districts, while the rest of the province saw a 16 percent increase. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016455/terrorist-killed-as-security-forces-destroy-explosive-laden-vehicle-intended-for-suicide-attack-in-wana-state-media, 18 Jul 2026]
#2276

Which prestigious civilian award was conferred upon Prince Rahim al-Hussaini Aga Khan V in 2024?

(a) Tamgha-i-Pakistan
(b) Hilal-i-Pakistan
(c) Sitara-i-Pakistan
(d) Nishan-i-Pakistan
Explanation: The Nishan-i-Pakistan is the nation's highest civilian award, which was granted to the Prince in 2024 for his family's contributions to the country. The other options are lower-tier civil awards. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2001810/aga-khan-affirms-commitment-to-supporting-development-during-meeting-with-president-zardari, 20 May 2026]
#2277

Which of the following statements regarding the security operation in Wana on July 18, 2026, is INCORRECT?

(a) The operation was based on intelligence inputs.
(b) The target was an explosive-laden vehicle intended for a suicide attack.
(c) The operation resulted in zero casualties among the terrorists.
(d) The operation prevented potential civilian casualties.
Explanation: The report confirms that one terrorist was killed and five others were injured during the operation. Therefore, the statement that there were zero casualties among the terrorists is false. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016455/terrorist-killed-as-security-forces-destroy-explosive-laden-vehicle-intended-for-suicide-attack-in-wana-state-media, 18 Jul 2026]
#2278

In which district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa did security forces conduct the intelligence-based operation on July 18, 2026?

(a) North Waziristan
(b) Lower South Waziristan
(c) Upper South Waziristan
(d) None of these
Explanation: The operation took place in Wana, which is located in Lower South Waziristan. North Waziristan is a separate administrative district and is not the location mentioned in the report. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016455/terrorist-killed-as-security-forces-destroy-explosive-laden-vehicle-intended-for-suicide-attack-in-wana-state-media, 18 Jul 2026]
#2279

Which political organization was identified as the primary driver behind the student-led protests in New Delhi in July 2026?

(a) Aam Aadmi Party
(b) Cockroach Janta Party
(c) Samajwadi Party
(d) Trinamool Congress
Explanation: The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) is the movement that gained millions of followers on social media and organized the protests against examination irregularities. While the Samajwadi Party chief was present at the protest, the CJP is the entity credited with launching the movement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017219/indian-opposition-leader-gandhi-arrested-outside-pm-modis-delhi-residence-amid-mass-protest, 21 Jul 2026]
#2280

Regarding the security and administrative developments reported on July 18, 2026, consider the following statements: 1. Security forces conducted an intelligence-based operation in Wana to intercept an explosive-laden vehicle. 2. The Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) neutralized a wanted terrorist specifically in the Dera Ismail Khan region. 3. The Lawyers Action Committee (LAC) has expressed support for the current government's judicial appointment process. Which of the following describes the accuracy of these statements?

(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: Statements 1 and 2 accurately reflect success in intelligence-based operations in Wana and DI Khan respectively. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Lawyers Action Committee has denounced the current judicial appointment process as 'horse trading' and has initiated a protest movement against it. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016455/terrorist-killed-as-security-forces-destroy-explosive-laden-vehicle-intended-for-suicide-attack-in-wana-state-media]