July 2024 Edition
Start July Quiz
July 2024 Current Affairs MCQs & Solutions
Top national & international current affairs questions for CSS, PMS, FPSC, PPSC, and NTS screening tests.
#1641
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]
#1642
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]
#1643
Consider the following statements about development loans in Pakistan: 1. The markup rate for 2025-26 is lower than the rate charged in 2024-25. 2. The federal government charges markup on loans to provincial governments as a source of revenue. 3. Foreign re-lent loans are advanced by the federal government out of its own domestic resources. 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 rate dropped from 17.74 percent to 11.89 percent. Statement 2 is correct as markup on these loans is a key revenue stream. Statement 3 is incorrect because cash development loans are funded from domestic resources, while foreign re-lent loans are sourced from international lenders. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018194/centre-cuts-markup-on-uplift-loans-to-1189pc, 24 Jul 2026]
#1644
Which of the following statements regarding the market performance on July 27, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The Pakistani Rupee appreciated against the Euro in the open market.
(b) The US Dollar weakened against major peers like the Yen and the Euro.
(c) The Pakistani Rupee gained marginally against the US Dollar in the inter-bank market.
(d) Brent crude futures experienced a decline in price.
Explanation: In the open market, the Pakistani Rupee actually lost value against the Euro, closing at 319.79 for buying and 322.67 for selling. Therefore, the statement claiming appreciation is false. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431965/pakistani-rupee-registers-gain-against-us-dollar, 27 Jul 2026]
#1645
Consider the following statements about the economic indicators on July 27, 2026: 1. The Pakistani Rupee recorded a gain of Re0.01 against the US Dollar in the inter-bank market. 2. The State Bank of Pakistan increased the policy rate to 12.5%. 3. Brent crude futures fell by approximately 6% during the session. 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 Rupee gained Re0.01. Statement 2 is incorrect because the policy rate was maintained at 11.5%, not increased. Statement 3 is correct as Brent crude fell by about 6% to $90.93. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431965/pakistani-rupee-registers-gain-against-us-dollar, 27 Jul 2026]
#1646
Consider the following statements about Pakistan's external debt management for FY27: 1. The total external debt servicing requirement is lower than that of FY26. 2. Approximately $10-11 billion of the principal debt is expected to be rolled over or refinanced. 3. The SBP Governor reported that $6 billion of the total debt servicing was already settled by the end of July 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: All three statements are factually accurate based on the SBP Governor's briefing. The total debt servicing decreased from $26.5 billion in FY26 to $21.5 billion in FY27, with $6 billion already settled in July 2026. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40432030/pakistans-fy27-external-debt-servicing-projected-at-215bn-sbp-governor, 27 Jul 2026]
#1647
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]
#1648
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]
#1649
Consider the following statements about the Senate vehicle procurement controversy: 1. The vehicle was purchased during the 2024-2025 financial year. 2. The Senate Secretariat claimed the purchase was part of a transparent procurement process. 3. The vehicle was delivered to the Senate Chairperson in May 2025. 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 purchase occurred in the 2024-2025 financial year. Statement 2 is correct as the Secretariat cited a transparent procurement process. Statement 3 is incorrect because the vehicle was delivered in March 2026, not May 2025 (which was when the payment was made). [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1982703/rebuttal-on-purchase-of-luxury-vehicle-for-yousaf-raza-gilani-from-senate-budget-leaves-questions-unanswered, 16 Mar 2026]
#1650
Who was appointed as the Commander of the National Strategic Command (NSC) on July 24, 2026?
(a) General Sahir Shamshad Mirza
(b) General Aamer Raza
(c) General Asim Munir
(d) None of these
Explanation: General Aamer Raza was promoted to the rank of four-star general and appointed as the Commander of the National Strategic Command. General Sahir Shamshad Mirza is the incorrect choice as he was the last officer to serve as the Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee before that office was abolished. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431733/lt-gen-aamer-promoted-appointed-as-commander-nsc, 24 Jul 2026]
#1651
Where did the meeting between General Aamer Raza and Field Marshal Asim Munir take place on July 27, 2026?
(a) Prime Minister House, Islamabad
(b) Joint Staff Headquarters, Chaklala
(c) Aiwan-i-Sadr, Islamabad
(d) General Headquarters (GHQ), Rawalpindi
Explanation: The meeting occurred at the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi, where the CNSC was presented with a guard of honour. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018788/newly-appointed-cnsc-aamer-raza-meets-cdf-asim-munir-in-rawalpindi-ispr, 27 Jul 2026]
#1652
Which Turkish official received Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif upon his arrival at Istanbul's Ataturk Airport on July 3, 2026?
(a) Minister of Trade Professor Dr Omer Bolat
(b) Minister of Foreign Affairs Hakan Fidan
(c) Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Alparslan Bayraktar
(d) None of these
Explanation: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was officially received by the Turkish Minister of Trade, Professor Dr Omer Bolat, alongside Pakistan's Ambassador to Turkiye, Dr Yusuf Junaid. Other options represent high-ranking Turkish officials who were not the primary designated greeters at the airport. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2012743/pm-shehbaz-arrives-in-turkiye-on-official-visit, 03 Jul 2026]
#1653
Consider the following statements about the diplomatic engagement between Pakistan and Turkiye in July 2026: 1. The visit was preceded by the signing of three MoUs in the power sector. 2. The Prime Minister's visit to Turkiye was his first international trip of the year. 3. The discussions between the leaders focused on enhancing cooperation in trade and investment. 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 three MoUs were signed in the power sector prior to the visit. Statement 3 is correct as trade and investment were primary focus areas. Statement 2 is incorrect as there is no evidence provided to suggest this was the Prime Minister's first international trip of the year. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2012743/pm-shehbaz-arrives-in-turkiye-on-official-visit, 03 Jul 2026]
#1654
Which Pakistani minister accompanied Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif during his official visit to Turkiye in July 2026?
(a) Minister of Finance Muhammad Aurangzeb
(b) Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar
(c) Minister of Defence Khawaja Muhammad Asif
(d) Minister of Planning Ahsan Iqbal
Explanation: Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar, along with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar, accompanied the Prime Minister on his visit. The other ministers listed were not mentioned as part of the official delegation for this specific trip. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2012743/pm-shehbaz-arrives-in-turkiye-on-official-visit, 03 Jul 2026]
#1655
On July 23, 2026, what was the primary geopolitical factor cited for the decline in Indian equity markets?
(a) Escalating tensions in the Middle East
(b) Unexpected interest rate hikes by the central bank
(c) Severe monsoon-related supply chain disruptions
(d) None of these
Explanation: The decline in Indian shares was attributed to rising oil prices caused by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. This surge in energy costs negatively impacted investor sentiment and global risk appetite. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431442/indian-shares-extend-drop-on-oil-surge-infosys-indigo-results-awaited, 23 Jul 2026]
#1656
Consider the following statements about the Indian market performance on July 23, 2026: 1. Both the Nifty 50 and BSE Sensex recorded their fourth consecutive session of losses. 2. The decline was limited to only three major sectors of the Indian economy. 3. Analysts identified a sustained rise in oil prices above $100 per barrel as a significant risk to future market performance. 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 indices logged their fourth straight session of losses. Statement 2 is incorrect because fifteen of the sixteen major sectors fell. Statement 3 is correct as analysts highlighted the $100 per barrel threshold as a critical risk factor. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431442/indian-shares-extend-drop-on-oil-surge-infosys-indigo-results-awaited, 23 Jul 2026]
#1657
What was the price of benchmark three-month copper on the London Metal Exchange as of July 24, 2026?
(a) $12,450.25 per metric ton
(b) $13,626.50 per metric ton
(c) $14,890.75 per metric ton
(d) None of these
Explanation: The benchmark three-month copper price on the LME was recorded at $13,626.50 per metric ton on the specified date. This reflects a 0.2% increase following two sessions of decline. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431641/copper-edges-up-heads-for-weekly-gain-as-non-us-stocks-tighten, 24 Jul 2026]
#1658
What is the status of Comex copper stocks in the United States as of July 24, 2026?
(a) They have reached a record high of 639,147 metric tons.
(b) They have fallen to their lowest level since March.
(c) They have remained stagnant due to import bans.
(d) They have decreased by 5.2% due to reverse cancellations.
Explanation: Comex copper stocks in the U.S. rose to a record 639,147 metric tons, contrasting with the tightening inventories observed in the London Metal Exchange and Shanghai markets. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431641/copper-edges-up-heads-for-weekly-gain-as-non-us-stocks-tighten, 24 Jul 2026]
#1659
Which of the following statements regarding the copper market on July 24, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) Benchmark three-month copper on the LME rose by 0.2%.
(b) Oil prices exceeded $100 a barrel due to Middle East conflict escalation.
(c) Available LME inventory rose by 5.2% due to reverse cancellations.
(d) Aluminium prices increased by 0.7% alongside copper.
Explanation: Aluminium prices actually fell by 0.7% to $3,165.50 a ton, making the statement that they increased incorrect. The other three statements accurately reflect the market data provided. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431641/copper-edges-up-heads-for-weekly-gain-as-non-us-stocks-tighten, 24 Jul 2026]
#1660
Which of the following companies reported beating first-quarter profit expectations as of July 27, 2026?
(a) Tata Consumer
(b) Bank of Baroda
(c) HDFC Bank
(d) Axis Bank
Explanation: Tata Consumer reported beating profit expectations due to steady consumer demand. In contrast, Bank of Baroda reported a profit drop, and private lenders like HDFC and Axis faced margin concerns. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431956/indian-shares-set-to-open-higher-breaking-losing-run-as-oil-slides, 27 Jul 2026]