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.
#3201
Consider the following statements about the diplomatic visit of the Canadian Foreign Minister to Pakistan on July 20, 2026: 1. The visit included the signing of a protocol on phyto-sanitary regulations for canola imports. 2. The Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (FIPPA) was discussed as a tool to boost investor confidence. 3. The Canadian Foreign Minister held meetings with both the Prime Minister and the Deputy Prime Minister of Pakistan. 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 official reports of the visit. The protocol was signed, FIPPA was highlighted as a key investment instrument, and the Foreign Minister met with both Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017004/canada-eyes-new-avenues-for-trade-economic-cooperation-with-pakistan-as-fm-anand-visits-islamabad, 20 Jul 2026]
#3202
Who is the current Prime Minister of Canada as referenced during the diplomatic visit to Islamabad on July 20, 2026?
(a) Justin Trudeau
(b) Anita Anand
(c) Mark Carney
(d) Stephen Harper
Explanation: The official statement from the Prime Minister's Office explicitly mentions that Foreign Minister Anita Anand visited Pakistan on the instructions of Prime Minister Mark Carney. While Anita Anand is the Foreign Minister, Mark Carney is identified as the head of government in this context. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017004/canada-eyes-new-avenues-for-trade-economic-cooperation-with-pakistan-as-fm-anand-visits-islamabad, 20 Jul 2026]
#3203
Which of the following is NOT a proposal or promise made by the PPP Chairman regarding AJK in his July 19, 2026, address?
(a) Ensuring the right to self-government
(b) Immediate annexation of AJK into the federal cabinet
(c) Creating employment opportunities for the youth
(d) Formation of a truth and reconciliation commission
Explanation: The PPP Chairman advocated for provisional representation in federal bodies and self-governance, but he did not propose the immediate annexation of AJK into the federal cabinet. The other options are accurate reflections of his stated policy goals. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016735/bilawal-seeks-better-results-in-upcoming-ajk-elections-as-ppp-hopes-to-form-govt, 19 Jul 2026]
#3204
The upcoming AJK regional elections mentioned in the July 19, 2026, address were scheduled for which date?
(a) July 27, 2026
(b) August 12, 2026
(c) July 30, 2026
(d) None of these
Explanation: The regional elections in AJK were scheduled for July 27, 2026, as stated during the rally held on July 19, 2026. None of the other dates provided correspond to the election schedule mentioned. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016735/bilawal-seeks-better-results-in-upcoming-ajk-elections-as-ppp-hopes-to-form-govt, 19 Jul 2026]
#3205
Who received the Iranian Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni upon his arrival in Islamabad on July 20, 2026?
(a) Mohsin Naqvi
(b) Syed Asim Munir
(c) Shehbaz Sharif
(d) None of these
Explanation: Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi officially received his Iranian counterpart, Eskandar Momeni, upon his arrival in Islamabad. While the visiting dignitary was scheduled to meet with the Prime Minister and the Army Chief, the reception at the airport was conducted by the Interior Minister. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017051/irans-interior-minister-eskandar-momeni-arrives-in-pakistan, 20 Jul 2026]
#3206
Which of the following statements regarding the diplomatic situation in July 2026 is INCORRECT?
(a) Pakistan has been leading peace efforts since the conflict began in February 2026.
(b) Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei stated that diplomatic exchanges with the US have completely ceased.
(c) The Islamabad MoU was a 14-point interim peace deal.
(d) The conflict has led to a surge in global oil prices.
Explanation: Statement C is incorrect because the Iranian foreign ministry spokesman explicitly stated that diplomatic exchanges with the US via mediators were ongoing, despite the military escalation. The other statements accurately reflect the status of the mediation and the economic impact of the conflict. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017051/irans-interior-minister-eskandar-momeni-arrives-in-pakistan, 20 Jul 2026]
#3207
Consider the following statements about the PPP's political stance in AJK as of July 19, 2026: 1. The PPP has been part of the government in AJK for the past six months. 2. The PPP Chairman proposed that AJK should have representation in the National Finance Commission. 3. The PPP is currently in a coalition government at the federal level led by the PML-N. 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 correct based on the address: the PPP has been in the AJK government for six months, the Chairman proposed representation in the National Finance Commission, and the party is part of the federal coalition led by Shehbaz Sharif. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016735/bilawal-seeks-better-results-in-upcoming-ajk-elections-as-ppp-hopes-to-form-govt, 19 Jul 2026]
#3208
During his visit to Manila on July 22, 2026, Ishaq Dar visited the headquarters of which international institution?
(a) World Bank
(b) Asian Development Bank
(c) International Monetary Fund
(d) Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank
Explanation: Ishaq Dar visited the Asian Development Bank (ADB) headquarters in Manila, where he was received by the Director General for the Central and West Asia Department. The other institutions listed were not the focus of this specific visit. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017480/dar-arrives-in-manila-to-attend-asean-regional-forum-ministerial-meeting, 22 Jul 2026]
#3209
Who received Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar upon his arrival at the airport in Manila on July 22, 2026?
(a) Khalilur Rehman
(b) Sergey Lavrov
(c) Elmer G. Cato
(d) Leah Gutierrez
Explanation: Elmer G. Cato, the assistant secretary at the Philippines’ foreign affairs department, received Ishaq Dar upon his arrival. Sergey Lavrov and Khalilur Rehman were counterparts met by Dar on the sidelines of the forum, while Leah Gutierrez is an official at the ADB. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017480/dar-arrives-in-manila-to-attend-asean-regional-forum-ministerial-meeting, 22 Jul 2026]
#3210
On July 22, 2026, which strategic waterway did the Houthi rebels threaten to block, impacting commercial shipping to Saudi Arabia?
(a) Bab el-Mandeb Strait
(b) Strait of Hormuz
(c) Suez Canal
(d) Malacca Strait
Explanation: The Houthi rebels specifically threatened the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, which serves as a critical gateway to the Red Sea. While the Strait of Hormuz is also a vital maritime chokepoint, the current threat cited in the report pertains to the Red Sea access. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017517/pakistan-condemns-houthis-threats-to-saudi-arabia-commercial-shipping-in-red-sea, 22 Jul 2026]
#3211
The current monsoon rain spell in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, which commenced on July 19, 2026, is expected to persist until which date?
(a) July 21, 2026
(b) July 23, 2026
(c) July 25, 2026
(d) July 27, 2026
Explanation: According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department, the monsoon spell that began on July 19 was forecasted to continue until July 23, 2026. This period marks the window of heightened alert for flash flooding. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017494/rain-related-fatalities-during-ongoing-monsoon-spell-rise-to-18-in-kp, 22 Jul 2026]
#3212
The youth-led protest movement that gained prominence in New Delhi in July 2026 is known as the:
(a) Cockroach movement
(b) Student Solidarity Front
(c) Youth Accountability League
(d) None of these
Explanation: The movement is officially referred to as the 'cockroach' movement, organized by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP). It began as an online satire before evolving into large-scale street protests. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017492/under-soaring-pressure-after-cockroach-movement-protests-indias-education-minister-promises-reforms-debate, 22 Jul 2026]
#3213
Consider the following statements about the monsoon-related damages in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa as of July 22, 2026: 1. The PDMA report indicated that 23 houses were partially damaged. 2. A total of 13 cattle perished during the four-day period. 3. The Wana-Gomal Zam Road blockage was caused primarily by riverine flooding rather than landslides. 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 PDMA report. Statement 3 is incorrect because the road blockage was specifically attributed to landslides and falling boulders from mountains, not riverine flooding. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017494/rain-related-fatalities-during-ongoing-monsoon-spell-rise-to-18-in-kp, 22 Jul 2026]
#3214
Which of the following statements regarding the US-Iran escalation as of July 22, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) President Trump threatened to strike any new sites where Iran attempts to resume nuclear activity.
(b) The United States has expressed a strong interest in immediate, unconditional diplomatic engagement with Tehran.
(c) The Strait of Hormuz has remained blocked as part of the ongoing regional tensions.
(d) US forces conducted bombing raids in the south and west of Iran.
Explanation: The report states that Washington has no interest in engaging with Tehran unless they are ready to meet in a 'meaningful way,' contradicting the claim that the US is seeking immediate, unconditional engagement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017405/trump-threatens-to-obliterate-any-active-nuclear-site-in-iran, 22 Jul 2026]
#3215
According to the Foreign Office statement issued on July 22, 2026, what is the primary justification for Pakistan's potential use of force?
(a) To expand regional influence
(b) To secure oil supply routes for global markets
(c) To enforce a blockade on Iranian ports
(d) To protect its maritime assets and national interests
Explanation: The Foreign Office explicitly stated that Pakistan reserves the right to use force in self-defense to protect its maritime assets and national interests. This is consistent with the United Nations Charter and international law. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017517/pakistan-condemns-houthis-threats-to-saudi-arabia-commercial-shipping-in-red-sea, 22 Jul 2026]
#3216
Consider the following statements about the regional security situation as of July 22, 2026: 1. The Houthi rebels are aligned with Iran in the ongoing Middle East conflict. 2. The 2022 truce between the Houthis and Saudi Arabia has been fully respected by all parties without any recent violations. 3. Pakistan has invoked its defense pact with Saudi Arabia through diplomatic intervention to deter Iranian strikes. 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 Houthis are aligned with Iran. Statement 2 is incorrect because the report notes that the 2022 truce has been threatened by recent exchanges of fire. Statement 3 is correct as Pakistan previously invoked the defense pact in March to deter strikes. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017517/pakistan-condemns-houthis-threats-to-saudi-arabia-commercial-shipping-in-red-sea, 22 Jul 2026]
#3217
Consider the following statements about Pakistan's economic indicators as of July 2026: 1. The IMF's Extended Fund Facility (EFF) programme was critical in restoring macroeconomic stability. 2. Pakistan's short-term credit rating was downgraded to 'B-' following the long-term rating upgrade. 3. The government's external principal payments over the next 12 months are estimated at $16.4 billion. 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 EFF was vital for stability. Statement 3 is correct regarding the $16.4 billion payment obligation. Statement 2 is incorrect because the short-term rating remained steady at 'B', not downgraded. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017530/sampp-global-ratings-upgrades-pakistans-sovereign-credit-rating-to-b, 22 Jul 2026]
#3218
Consider the following statements about the regional security situation as of July 2026: 1. The Houthis have enforced a maritime blockade in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait to disrupt Saudi oil supplies. 2. The UKMTO reported that a tanker in the Strait of Hormuz was struck by a projectile. 3. Iran has successfully maintained a continuous ceasefire with the United States since the beginning of the year. 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 report. Statement 3 is incorrect because the report explicitly mentions the breakdown of a fragile ceasefire almost two weeks prior to the July 22, 2026, publication. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017405/trump-threatens-to-obliterate-any-active-nuclear-site-in-iran, 22 Jul 2026]
#3219
Consider the following statements about Pakistan's engagement with the SCO: 1. Pakistan hosted the Meeting of the Council of Heads of Government in October 2024. 2. Pakistan leads an SCO working group specifically focused on poverty alleviation. 3. The SCO was originally formed in 2001 as a security cooperation group. 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. Pakistan hosted the 2024 government-level meeting, chairs the poverty alleviation working group, and the SCO was indeed founded in 2001 with a primary focus on security. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2008079/pakistan-to-assume-chairmanship-of-sco-council-of-heads-of-states-in-september, 15 Jun 2026]
#3220
The primary surplus achieved by Pakistan during the period of July 2025 to April 2026 was:
(a) 3.5 percent of GDP
(b) 3.0 percent of GDP
(c) 2.5 percent of GDP
(d) 4.0 percent of GDP
Explanation: Effective expenditure management and revenue mobilization efforts enabled the government to achieve a primary surplus of 3.5 percent of GDP during the Jul-Apr period of the 2026 fiscal year. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2011978/govt-expects-easing-inflationary-pressure-in-new-fiscal-year-following-reopening-of-strait-of-hormuz, 30 Jun 2026]