July 2024 Edition
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July 2024 Current Affairs MCQs & Solutions
Top national & international current affairs questions for CSS, PMS, FPSC, PPSC, and NTS screening tests.
#2681
Consider the following statements about the diplomatic meeting held on July 23, 2026: 1. The Iranian President described Pakistan as a brotherly country and a second home for Iranians. 2. The meeting involved the presentation of credentials by the new Pakistani ambassador. 3. The Iranian President expressed a desire to distance Iran from regional Muslim-majority nations. 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 event. Statement 3 is incorrect because the President specifically emphasized the need for promoting unity among Muslim countries, not distancing Iran from them. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017654/iranian-president-pezeshkian-calls-for-strengthening-pak-iran-relations, 23 Jul 2026]
#2682
Who was appointed as the new Pakistani ambassador to Iran as of July 23, 2026?
(a) Imran Ahmed Siddiqui
(b) Asif Durrani
(c) Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry
(d) None of these
Explanation: Imran Ahmed Siddiqui is the diplomat who presented his credentials to the Iranian President on the specified date. The other names are former diplomats or officials not currently serving in this specific capacity. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017654/iranian-president-pezeshkian-calls-for-strengthening-pak-iran-relations, 23 Jul 2026]
#2683
Who signed the civilian nuclear cooperation agreement on behalf of the United States on July 23, 2026?
(a) The Secretary of Energy
(b) The Secretary of Defense
(c) The Secretary of State
(d) The National Security Advisor
Explanation: The US Energy Secretary, Chris Wright, signed the agreements on peaceful nuclear cooperation and bilateral safeguards with his Saudi counterpart. The other officials listed were not the primary signatories for this specific energy-sector agreement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017738/us-announces-civilian-nuclear-deal-with-saudi-arabia-says-it-includes-non-proliferation-safeguards, 23 Jul 2026]
#2684
Who is the current Prime Minister of Lebanon as of July 2026?
(a) Nawaf Salam
(b) Joseph Aoun
(c) Abbas Yaghi
(d) Saad Hariri
Explanation: Nawaf Salam is identified as the Prime Minister of Lebanon who visited the town of Zawtar al-Gharbiya following the Israeli withdrawal. Joseph Aoun is mentioned as the President of Lebanon in the same context. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017639/lebanon-israel-to-hold-next-round-of-talks-in-italy-on-aug-4, 23 Jul 2026]
#2685
Who is the current President of Iran who received the credentials of the new Pakistani ambassador on July 23, 2026?
(a) Ebrahim Raisi
(b) Hassan Rouhani
(c) Masoud Pezeshkian
(d) Mohammad Mokhber
Explanation: Masoud Pezeshkian is the current President of Iran who met with the Pakistani ambassador in July 2026. Ebrahim Raisi was his predecessor, making him an incorrect distractor. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017654/iranian-president-pezeshkian-calls-for-strengthening-pak-iran-relations, 23 Jul 2026]
#2686
Which of the following is NOT a stated objective of the bilateral cooperation discussed between Pakistan and Iran on July 23, 2026?
(a) Establishing a joint military base in the Persian Gulf
(b) Strengthening unity among the Muslim Ummah
(c) Expanding cooperation across a wide range of sectors
(d) Promoting regional peace and security
Explanation: The diplomatic meeting focused on peace, security, and unity; there was no mention of establishing a joint military base. The other three options are explicitly mentioned as core goals of the bilateral relationship. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017654/iranian-president-pezeshkian-calls-for-strengthening-pak-iran-relations, 23 Jul 2026]
#2687
Consider the following statements about the Lebanon-Israel diplomatic process as of July 2026: 1. The talks are aimed at ending hostilities triggered by the wider US-Iran conflict. 2. Israel has completely withdrawn from all areas within the 10-kilometre buffer zone. 3. The Lebanese army has advised residents to delay returning to Zawtar al-Gharbiya due to unexploded ordnance. 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 conflict is linked to US-Iran tensions. Statement 3 is correct regarding the safety concerns for returning residents. Statement 2 is incorrect because Israel continues to occupy a 10-kilometre buffer zone along the border. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017639/lebanon-israel-to-hold-next-round-of-talks-in-italy-on-aug-4, 23 Jul 2026]
#2688
Which international mediation effort by Pakistan was specifically recalled by the Iranian President during the July 2026 meeting?
(a) Negotiations between Iran and Saudi Arabia
(b) Dialogue between Iran and the United States
(c) Talks between Iran and the European Union
(d) Mediation between Iran and Israel
Explanation: President Pezeshkian explicitly acknowledged Pakistan's efforts to facilitate dialogue between Iran and the United States. While Pakistan has been involved in other regional mediations, this specific instance was highlighted in the diplomatic exchange. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017654/iranian-president-pezeshkian-calls-for-strengthening-pak-iran-relations, 23 Jul 2026]
#2689
Consider the following statements about the diplomatic engagements of Pakistan on July 23, 2026: 1. Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar held a meeting with the Foreign Minister of Bangladesh. 2. The meetings were conducted on the sidelines of the 33rd ASEAN Regional Forum. 3. Pakistan and Russia agreed to reduce their engagement at multilateral forums. 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 Dar met with Bangladesh's Foreign Minister Khalilur Rehman in Manila during the ARF. Statement 3 is incorrect because the countries actually agreed to enhance, not reduce, coordination at multilateral forums. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431322/pakistan-russia-vow-stronger-cooperation, 23 Jul 2026]
#2690
Who represented Pakistan in the meeting with the Russian Foreign Minister on July 23, 2026?
(a) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari
(b) Shah Mehmood Qureshi
(c) Mohammad Ishaq Dar
(d) Jalil Abbas Jilani
Explanation: Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, serving as the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, represented Pakistan in the discussions with Sergey Lavrov. The other individuals listed are former foreign ministers of Pakistan. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431322/pakistan-russia-vow-stronger-cooperation, 23 Jul 2026]
#2691
The meeting between Pakistan and Russia on July 23, 2026, took place ahead of which specific event?
(a) 33rd ASEAN Regional Forum Ministerial Meeting
(b) Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit
(c) United Nations General Assembly Session
(d) None of these
Explanation: The bilateral meeting between the foreign ministers occurred in the context of the 33rd ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) Ministerial Meeting. This forum provides a platform for regional security and diplomatic dialogue. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431322/pakistan-russia-vow-stronger-cooperation, 23 Jul 2026]
#2692
On July 23, 2026, which maritime chokepoint was identified as the site of Houthi militia attacks on Saudi Arabian oil tankers?
(a) Strait of Hormuz
(b) Bab el-Mandeb Strait
(c) Suez Canal
(d) Strait of Malacca
Explanation: The Houthi militia targeted Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. This location is a critical maritime chokepoint for global oil supplies, distinct from the Strait of Hormuz. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431430/pakistan-reiterates-unwavering-support-for-saudi-arabias-security-sovereignty, 23 Jul 2026]
#2693
On July 23, 2026, which Pakistani diplomat at the UN Security Council accused India of weaponizing water against Pakistan?
(a) Ansar Shah
(b) Asim Iftikhar Ahmad
(c) Harish Parvathaneni
(d) None of these
Explanation: Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad represented Pakistan during the debate on 'Natural Resources Governance' and raised the issue of water weaponization. Ansar Shah is a first secretary who exercised the right of reply regarding terrorism allegations, while Harish Parvathaneni is the Indian Ambassador. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431428/at-un-pakistan-labels-india-sponsor-of-terrorism-rejects-cross-border-infiltration-claims, 23 Jul 2026]
#2694
In 2024, which Indian regulatory body investigated Amazon for alleged breaches of competition laws related to deep discounting?
(a) Securities and Exchange Board of India
(b) Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority
(c) Reserve Bank of India
(d) Competition Commission of India
Explanation: The Competition Commission of India (the antitrust watchdog) conducted the investigation into Amazon's business practices. The other bodies listed regulate financial markets, banking, and insurance, respectively. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431461/india-relaxes-e-commerce-investment-rules-for-exports-in-win-for-amazon, 23 Jul 2026]
#2695
Which of the following statements regarding India's e-commerce policy as of July 23, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) Foreign e-commerce companies are permitted to operate as marketplaces to connect buyers and sellers
(b) Foreign e-commerce companies are now fully permitted to sell goods directly to domestic consumers
(c) The government aims to facilitate greater exports through increased access to global markets
(d) Policy restrictions on foreign e-commerce have been a point of contention between New Delhi and Washington
Explanation: The government continues to prohibit foreign e-commerce companies from selling goods directly to domestic consumers to protect local brick-and-mortar retailers. Therefore, statement C is false. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431461/india-relaxes-e-commerce-investment-rules-for-exports-in-win-for-amazon, 23 Jul 2026]
#2696
Which of the following Republican members of the US House of Representatives voted in favor of the war powers resolution on July 23, 2026?
(a) Warren Davidson
(b) Mike Johnson
(c) Susan Collins
(d) John Fetterman
Explanation: Warren Davidson of Ohio was one of the four Republicans who crossed party lines to support the resolution. Susan Collins is a Senator, and Mike Johnson is the Speaker of the House who did not vote in favor. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017858/us-house-votes-to-curb-trumps-iran-war-powers-but-senate-backs-president, 23 Jul 2026]
#2697
Which of the following statements regarding the US legislative actions on July 23, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The House of Representatives passed a resolution to curb presidential war powers.
(b) The Senate voted to block a war powers measure similar to the one passed by the House.
(c) The Senate successfully passed a binding resolution to end military action against Iran.
(d) Four Republicans in the House voted in favor of the war powers resolution.
Explanation: The Senate did not pass a binding resolution; instead, it voted 49 to 47 to block its own war powers measure. The other three statements accurately reflect the events of that day. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017858/us-house-votes-to-curb-trumps-iran-war-powers-but-senate-backs-president, 23 Jul 2026]
#2698
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]
#2699
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]
#2700
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]