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.
#5421
Consider the following statements about the global commodity market as of July 27, 2026: 1. High energy prices are generally associated with increased inflation expectations and higher interest rates. 2. Copper is considered a growth-dependent commodity that can be negatively impacted by high interest rates. 3. The US dollar index has a negligible impact on the pricing of commodities traded in the greenback. 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 standard economic relationships between energy costs, interest rates, and industrial demand. Statement 3 is incorrect because the US dollar index has a significant inverse relationship with commodity prices; a weaker dollar typically makes commodities cheaper for foreign buyers, thereby supporting prices. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431973/copper-gains-on-mideast-de-escalation-oil-price-drop, 27 Jul 2026]
#5422
Who is the current Petroleum Minister of Pakistan as of July 27, 2026?
(a) Musadik Malik
(b) Khaleeq Kiani
(c) Abidullah Afridi
(d) Ali Pervaiz Malik
Explanation: Ali Pervaiz Malik is the Petroleum Minister who held discussions with the Oil Tankers Contractors Association. Abidullah Afridi is the president of the OTCA, not the minister. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018766/petroleum-minister-hints-at-fuel-price-relief-after-pakistans-oil-cargoes-clear-bab-al-mandeb, 27 Jul 2026]
#5423
Which of the following factors is NOT cited as a reason for the market rally on July 27, 2026?
(a) An immediate reduction in the SBP policy rate
(b) A sharp decline in global oil prices
(c) Easing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East
(d) Improved investor sentiment following a pause in combat
Explanation: The SBP maintained the policy rate at 11.5 percent rather than reducing it. Therefore, an immediate reduction in the policy rate is an incorrect statement regarding the events of that day. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018715/psx-opens-week-in-the-green-gains-more-than-7000-points-to-close-above-178000-mark, 27 Jul 2026]
#5424
Which of the following companies was among the leading performers contributing to the PSX benchmark index rally on July 27, 2026?
(a) Engro Fertilizers
(b) Lucky Cement
(c) United Bank Limited
(d) None of these
Explanation: While UBL, FFC, ENGROH, MEBL, and LUCK were identified as leading contributors, the options provided (Engro Fertilizers, Lucky Cement, United Bank Limited) are individual entities. Since all three are correct, 'None of these' is the appropriate choice as it implies none of the single-option choices exclusively represent the list of top performers. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018715/psx-opens-week-in-the-green-gains-more-than-7000-points-to-close-above-178000-mark, 27 Jul 2026]
#5425
The KSE-100 index closed above which of the following thresholds on July 27, 2026?
(a) 168,000 points
(b) 198,000 points
(c) 188,000 points
(d) 178,000 points
Explanation: The KSE-100 index gained over 7,000 points to close at 178,262.33, successfully crossing the 178,000-point threshold. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018715/psx-opens-week-in-the-green-gains-more-than-7000-points-to-close-above-178000-mark, 27 Jul 2026]
#5426
Following the price revision on July 28, 2026, what is the new retail price of high-speed diesel per litre?
(a) Rs335.81
(b) Rs520.35
(c) Rs458.41
(d) Rs388.38
Explanation: The retail price of high-speed diesel was set at Rs388.38 per litre following the July 2026 adjustment. Rs335.81 is the new price for petrol. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2019031/govt-increases-petrol-price-by-rs163-hsd-price-by-rs155, 28 Jul 2026]
#5427
On July 27, 2026, the State Bank of Pakistan maintained the policy rate at which of the following levels?
(a) 10.5 percent
(b) 12.5 percent
(c) 11.5 percent
(d) 13.5 percent
Explanation: The State Bank of Pakistan maintained the policy rate at 11.5 percent during the announcement on July 27, 2026. Analysts viewed this as a cautious stance given the prevailing regional geopolitical tensions. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018715/psx-opens-week-in-the-green-gains-more-than-7000-points-to-close-above-178000-mark, 27 Jul 2026]
#5428
Consider the following statements about the PSX performance on July 27, 2026: 1. The KSE-100 index gained more than 7,000 points during the session. 2. The market rally was partially attributed to the resumption of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. 3. The index reached an intra-day peak of over 178,500 points. 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 market data from July 27, 2026. The index gained 7,241.13 points, investor sentiment improved due to hopes for shipping resumption, and the intra-day peak was 178,588.33 points. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018715/psx-opens-week-in-the-green-gains-more-than-7000-points-to-close-above-178000-mark, 27 Jul 2026]
#5429
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]
#5430
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]
#5431
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]
#5432
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]
#5433
Who currently serves as the Petroleum Minister of Pakistan as of July 2026?
(a) Nadeem Aziz Khan
(b) Ali Pervaiz Malik
(c) Khaleeq Kiani
(d) None of these
Explanation: Ali Pervaiz Malik is the Petroleum Minister who led the negotiations with the APPPOA. Nadeem Aziz Khan is the Information Secretary of the association, and Khaleeq Kiani is a journalist. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017561/petrol-pump-owners-defer-strike-call-after-talks-with-petroleum-minister, 22 Jul 2026]
#5434
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]
#5435
According to the Ministry of Finance, the current account recorded a surplus of how much during the period of July 2025 to May 2026?
(a) 155 million dollars
(b) 255 million dollars
(c) 355 million dollars
(d) None of these
Explanation: The external sector remained stable, with the current account recording a surplus of 255 million dollars during the Jul-May period of the 2026 fiscal year, supported by remittances and IT exports. [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]
#5436
Which of the following statements regarding the oil market situation as of July 17, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) Brent crude futures experienced a rise of approximately 0.08 percent.
(b) The Red Sea has already been officially closed to all commercial shipping traffic.
(c) The US launched two major waves of air strikes in a single day on Wednesday.
(d) US West Texas Intermediate futures gained 16 cents per barrel.
Explanation: The Red Sea has not been closed; rather, there is a 'potential threat' of closure. Options A, B, and C are all factually accurate details reported on July 17, 2026. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016168/oil-rises-on-intensifying-us-iran-hostilities-threat-of-red-sea-closure, 17 Jul 2026]
#5437
Consider the following statements about the security situation in AJK as of July 14, 2026: 1. The JAAC leader Khwaja Mehran issued a 48-hour deadline to close entry points to the state. 2. Rangers were deployed to assist the police in the operation against the armed group. 3. The government reported that the majority of the population continues to support the JAAC's blockade strategy. 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 Home Secretary's briefing. Statement 3 is incorrect because the government explicitly stated that the majority of the population has distanced itself from the JAAC. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2015416/ajk-govt-says-operation-under-way-to-reopen-routes-blocked-by-banned-jaac, 14 Jul 2026]
#5438
What is the new price of high-speed diesel (HSD) per litre following the government's announcement on July 10, 2026?
(a) Rs310.71
(b) Rs458.41
(c) Rs281.00
(d) Rs323.30
Explanation: The government increased the price of high-speed diesel to Rs323.30 per litre. Rs310.71 is the current price of petrol, while the other figures represent historical price points. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2014423/govt-raises-petrol-price-by-rs1318-diesel-by-rs1380, 10 Jul 2026]
#5439
Which official announced the government's operation to clear routes blocked by the JAAC on July 14, 2026?
(a) Chaudhry Guftar Hussain
(b) Khwaja Mehran
(c) Raja Farooq Haider
(d) None of these
Explanation: Chaudhry Guftar Hussain, the AJK Home Secretary, addressed the press conference on July 14, 2026, to detail the government's security operation. Khwaja Mehran is identified as the leader of the proscribed JAAC, not a government official. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2015416/ajk-govt-says-operation-under-way-to-reopen-routes-blocked-by-banned-jaac, 14 Jul 2026]
#5440
Following the price adjustment on July 17, 2026, what is the new price of petrol per litre?
(a) Rs316.15
(b) Rs266.00
(c) Rs354.35
(d) Rs458.41
Explanation: The price of petrol was set at Rs316.15 per litre following the increase. Rs354.35 is the new price for high-speed diesel. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016247/govt-increases-petrol-price-by-rs544-diesel-by-rs3105-per-litre-for-next-three-days, 17 Jul 2026]