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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#3001

Which index serves as the benchmark for China's large-cap stocks mentioned in the context of the July 27, 2026 market performance?

(a) CSI300 Index
(b) Hang Seng Index
(c) Nikkei 225 Index
(d) KSE100 Index
Explanation: The CSI300 Index is the primary benchmark for large-cap stocks in China. The Hang Seng and Nikkei are indices for Hong Kong and Japan, respectively, while the KSE100 is the benchmark for the Pakistan Stock Exchange. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431979/china-stocks-rise-as-cxmts-debut-surge-revives-interest-in-battered-shares, 27 Jul 2026]
#3002

Which Kuwaiti military facility was specifically identified by the IRGC as a target of their missile and drone strikes on July 18, 2026?

(a) Camp Arifjan
(b) Bubiyan Naval Base
(c) Ahmed Al Jaber Air Base
(d) None of these
Explanation: The IRGC explicitly claimed to have struck a US military support center at Camp Arifjan. While other facilities in Kuwait were affected, Camp Arifjan was the specific site named in the context of the IRGC's operational claims. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016426/iran-hits-gulf-states-and-jordan-after-seventh-night-of-us-strikes, 18 Jul 2026]
#3003

Who is the current Finance Minister of Pakistan leading the trade and tariff negotiations in Washington as of July 2026?

(a) Muhammad Aurangzeb
(b) Ishaq Dar
(c) Shaukat Tarin
(d) None of these
Explanation: Muhammad Aurangzeb is the serving Finance Minister who traveled to Washington in July 2026 to engage with US officials regarding trade agreements and tariff structures. The other individuals listed are former finance ministers. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016143/finance-minister-to-visit-washington-for-trade-tariff-talks-with-us, 17 Jul 2026]
#3004

Consider the following statements about the conflict escalation on July 18, 2026: 1. Iran justified its actions by citing a Quranic command regarding reciprocal attacks. 2. The US and Iran have been testing escalation limits since the collapse of a ceasefire agreement. 3. Iranian health officials reported that over 500 people were killed in US strikes over the past three weeks. 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 IRGC cited a Quranic command for their actions. Statement 2 is correct regarding the testing of escalation limits. Statement 3 is incorrect because the report stated 50 people were killed and 500 were injured, not 500 killed. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016426/iran-hits-gulf-states-and-jordan-after-seventh-night-of-us-strikes, 18 Jul 2026]
#3005

Following its debut on July 27, 2026, CXMT Corp became the largest China-listed company by market capitalization, surpassing which of the following institutions?

(a) Industrial and Commercial Bank of China
(b) Bank of China
(c) China Construction Bank
(d) None of these
Explanation: CXMT Corp's market valuation exceeded 3 trillion yuan, allowing it to surpass the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China in market capitalization. The other options are major Chinese banks but were not the specific entity cited as being dwarfed by the new listing. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431979/china-stocks-rise-as-cxmts-debut-surge-revives-interest-in-battered-shares, 27 Jul 2026]
#3006

Which sector in the Australian market recorded a gain of 5.1% on July 27, 2026?

(a) Mining sector
(b) Financial sector
(c) Gold miners
(d) Technology sector
Explanation: Gold miners rose by 5.1% on July 27, 2026, supported by firmer bullion prices. This was their best session in more than three weeks. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431982/australian-shares-rise-nearly-1-as-middle-east-de-escalation-boosts-sentiment, 27 Jul 2026]
#3007

Consider the following statements about the security and operational status of the Saindak mine: 1. The government of Pakistan received security concerns from the mine operator in early July 2026. 2. China's foreign ministry stated it was fully aware of the specific security disruptions at the mine site. 3. Operation Shaban is a high-intensity counterterrorism campaign launched in response to attacks in Balochistan. 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 received concerns in early July. Statement 3 is correct regarding the nature of Operation Shaban. Statement 2 is incorrect because China's foreign ministry stated it was unaware of the specific situation at the mine. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2015683/authorities-increasing-security-around-saindak-copper-and-gold-mine-in-balochistan-minister, 15 Jul 2026]
#3008

During the Pakistan-China Pharmaceutical and Healthcare B2B Investment Conference held on July 17, 2026, the signed agreements were valued at approximately:

(a) $440 million
(b) $340 million
(c) $240 million
(d) $540 million
Explanation: The conference in Islamabad resulted in agreements between Pakistani and Chinese firms in the healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors valued at nearly $440 million. This investment is viewed as a significant step toward advancing CPEC 2.0. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016208/security-of-chinese-in-pakistan-paramount-for-us-says-pm-shehbaz, 17 Jul 2026]
#3009

Which of the following sectors was specifically highlighted for enhanced collaboration between Pakistan and China during the July 2026 meeting?

(a) Textile manufacturing
(b) Artificial intelligence
(c) Agricultural exports
(d) None of these
Explanation: The joint statement emphasized advancing high-quality development under CPEC 2.0, specifically mentioning collaboration in trade, investment, science and technology, the digital economy, and artificial intelligence. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016159/china-and-pakistan-call-on-us-iran-to-resume-talks-cease-hostilities, 17 Jul 2026]
#3010

Consider the following statements about the recent developments in the US-Iran conflict: 1. Renewed fighting in the Gulf region began on July 8, 2026. 2. The Islamabad MoU was intended to end the war after a 60-day negotiation period. 3. China and Pakistan have expressed satisfaction with the current stability in the Strait of Hormuz. 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 3 is incorrect because the countries expressed 'concern over the deterioration of the current situation' rather than satisfaction with stability. Statements 1 and 2 are factually accurate based on the provided text. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016159/china-and-pakistan-call-on-us-iran-to-resume-talks-cease-hostilities, 17 Jul 2026]
#3011

Which Pakistani official led the delegation to the United States in July 2026 to discuss economic cooperation?

(a) Muhammad Aurangzeb
(b) Ishaq Dar
(c) Shamshad Akhtar
(d) Miftah Ismail
Explanation: Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb led the delegation and held meetings with the US Treasury Secretary. The other individuals listed are former finance ministers or officials not involved in this specific 2026 visit. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017582/us-treasury-secretary-welcomes-pakistans-economic-reforms-return-to-capital-markets, 22 Jul 2026]
#3012

Consider the following statements about the SCO meeting held on July 17, 2026: 1. The meeting was attended by representatives from the SCO Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS). 2. The participants discussed and approved the plan for the 'Solidarity-2026' joint border operation. 3. The SCO currently comprises exactly eight member states. 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 RATS representatives attended. Statement 2 is correct as the plan for 'Solidarity-2026' was approved. Statement 3 is incorrect because the SCO currently comprises ten member states, not eight. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016226/pakistan-chairs-12th-sco-meeting-of-heads-of-border-services-fo, 17 Jul 2026]
#3013

Consider the following statements about the political transition in the UK in 2026: 1. Andy Burnham was elected as the new Labour leader after a competitive vote against multiple candidates. 2. The Labour Party maintains its parliamentary majority based on the results of the 2024 general elections. 3. Andy Burnham previously served in the cabinet under former Prime Minister Gordon Brown. 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 incorrect because Burnham was confirmed as leader due to there being no other eligibly nominated candidate, not through a competitive vote. Statements 2 and 3 are factually accurate. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016211/andy-burnham-elected-new-labour-leader-now-set-to-be-uk-pm, 17 Jul 2026]
#3014

Consider the following statements about the geopolitical situation reported on July 17, 2026: 1. The US Central Command reported a sixth consecutive night of strikes against Iranian military capabilities. 2. Qatar's defence ministry reported thwarting an Iranian missile attack. 3. Both Brent and WTI crude benchmarks have seen a decline of nearly 12 percent over the week. 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 based on the report. Statement 3 is incorrect because the benchmarks climbed nearly 12 percent, rather than declining. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016168/oil-rises-on-intensifying-us-iran-hostilities-threat-of-red-sea-closure, 17 Jul 2026]
#3015

Consider the following statements about Pakistan's diplomatic stance on July 22, 2026: 1. Pakistan condemned the Houthi militia for threats against Saudi Arabia. 2. The Foreign Office emphasized that such threats undermine the freedom of navigation. 3. Pakistan explicitly declared an immediate military intervention in the Red Sea. 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 Foreign Office statement. Statement 3 is incorrect because Pakistan reaffirmed its commitment to dialogue and diplomacy, and while it reserved the right to self-defense, it did not declare an immediate military intervention. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431293/pakistan-condemns-houthi-threats-against-saudi-arabia-red-sea-shipping, 22 Jul 2026]
#3016

What is the percentage rate of the Ad hoc Relief Allowance-2026 granted to federal civil employees effective from July 1, 2026?

(a) 5 percent
(b) 7 percent
(c) 10 percent
(d) 15 percent
Explanation: The government notification issued on July 22, 2026, explicitly states that a 7 percent Ad hoc Relief Allowance-2026 was granted to federal civil employees. This allowance is calculated based on the running basic pay under the new BPS-2026 structure. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431195/salary-increase-notified-govt-issues-revised-bps-2026-for-civil-servants, 22 Jul 2026]
#3017

Who is the current US Treasury Secretary who met with Pakistan's Finance Minister in July 2026?

(a) Janet Yellen
(b) Timothy Geithner
(c) Steven Mnuchin
(d) Scott Bessent
Explanation: Scott Bessent is the US Treasury Secretary who held discussions with Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb regarding Pakistan's economic reforms. Janet Yellen is a former Treasury Secretary, making her an incorrect choice. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017582/us-treasury-secretary-welcomes-pakistans-economic-reforms-return-to-capital-markets, 22 Jul 2026]
#3018

Consider the following statements about the Prime Minister’s Office System (PMOS): 1. It was launched on July 22, 2026. 2. It is designed to manage the lifecycle of directives from issuance to post-implementation review. 3. It is mandatory for all federal ministries and divisions to adopt the system. 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 launch details provided. The system was launched on the specified date, covers the full lifecycle of directives, and is a mandatory requirement for federal entities. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431190/ai-powered-monitoring-system-pm-launches-pmos-to-manage-complete-lifecycle-of-directives, 22 Jul 2026]
#3019

According to the Prime Minister's address on July 22, 2026, which sector was specifically highlighted as a beneficiary of the robotics and autonomous systems revolution for inclusive growth?

(a) Large-scale manufacturing
(b) Agricultural sector
(c) Financial banking sector
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Prime Minister emphasized that robotics and autonomous systems should improve the lives of farmers and small businesses, explicitly highlighting the agricultural sector as a key beneficiary for inclusive growth. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431277/pm-shehbaz-calls-for-national-innovation-ecosystem-to-advance-indigenous-robotics-technology, 22 Jul 2026]
#3020

Which of the following is NOT a category of Iranian military targets struck by the United States as of July 23, 2026?

(a) Coastal surveillance sites
(b) Missile and drone storage facilities
(c) Air defense assets
(d) Commercial oil refineries
Explanation: The United States Central Command specified that strikes targeted military capabilities, including air defense, surveillance, and storage facilities. Commercial oil refineries were not listed as targets in the official military report. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017740/houthis-attack-saudi-tankers-in-red-sea-as-us-strikes-iran-for-12th-consecutive-day, 23 Jul 2026]