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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#1661

What was the value of the GIFT Nifty futures as of 7:59 a.m. IST on July 27, 2026?

(a) 23,767.45
(b) 24,500.75
(c) 24,150.25
(d) 23,974.50
Explanation: The GIFT Nifty futures were recorded at 23,974.50, which indicated a positive opening for the benchmark Nifty 50 index above the previous Friday's close of 23,767.45. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431956/indian-shares-set-to-open-higher-breaking-losing-run-as-oil-slides, 27 Jul 2026]
#1662

Consider the following statements regarding the Indian market outlook as of July 27, 2026: 1. The U.S. Federal Reserve is widely expected to increase interest rates by 25 basis points this week. 2. The probability of a 25-basis-point rate hike by the Fed has risen to 36.3%. 3. Lower oil prices are expected to ease inflation concerns in India. 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: The Fed is widely expected to leave rates unchanged, making statement 1 incorrect. Statements 2 and 3 are factually accurate based on the market analysis provided. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431956/indian-shares-set-to-open-higher-breaking-losing-run-as-oil-slides, 27 Jul 2026]
#1663

On July 27, 2026, what was the primary factor cited for the expected rise in Indian equity markets?

(a) A sharp decline in global oil prices
(b) An unexpected interest rate cut by the Reserve Bank of India
(c) A surge in foreign direct investment inflows
(d) None of these
Explanation: The market recovery was driven by a 4.6% drop in Brent crude prices following a pause in strikes between the United States and Iran. Lower oil prices are beneficial for India as it is a major importer of the commodity. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431956/indian-shares-set-to-open-higher-breaking-losing-run-as-oil-slides, 27 Jul 2026]
#1664

What is the target inflation range set by the State Bank of Pakistan as mentioned in the July 2026 report?

(a) 3-5 percent
(b) 9-11 percent
(c) 7-9 percent
(d) 5-7 percent
Explanation: The SBP maintains a target inflation range of 5-7 percent. Current inflation levels of 11.1 percent are well above this threshold, necessitating a restrictive monetary policy. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018929/policy-rate-pause-splits-stakeholders, 28 Jul 2026]
#1665

What was the policy rate maintained by the State Bank of Pakistan as of July 28, 2026?

(a) 9.5 percent
(b) 10.5 percent
(c) 11.5 percent
(d) 12.5 percent
Explanation: The State Bank of Pakistan decided to keep the benchmark interest rate at 11.5 percent in its July 2026 review. This decision was made to balance macroeconomic stability against the demands for industrial growth. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018929/policy-rate-pause-splits-stakeholders, 28 Jul 2026]
#1666

Consider the following statements regarding the economic situation in Pakistan as of July 2026: 1. The SBP's decision to maintain the policy rate is supported by domestic trade bodies to curb inflation. 2. Private sector credit showed signs of recovery in June 2026. 3. Industrial stakeholders argue that a single-digit interest rate is necessary to improve export competitiveness. 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 domestic trade bodies (FPCCI, Korangi Association) criticized the policy rate as contractionary, not supportive. Statements 2 and 3 are factually accurate reflections of the economic sentiment and data reported in July 2026. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018929/policy-rate-pause-splits-stakeholders, 28 Jul 2026]
#1667

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]
#1668

For how many consecutive months has Japan's core inflation remained below the Bank of Japan's 2% target as of July 2026?

(a) Three months
(b) Five months
(c) Four months
(d) Six months
Explanation: The data indicates that Japan's core inflation has stayed below the central bank's 2% target for five straight months. This duration highlights the persistent challenge in reaching the BOJ's inflation goal. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431592/japan-june-core-inflation-accelerates-stays-below-boj-target, 24 Jul 2026]
#1669

What was the total value of Treasury bills awarded by the Philippine Bureau of the Treasury on July 27, 2026?

(a) $500 million
(b) $950 million
(c) $1.2 billion
(d) $810.1 million
Explanation: The Philippine Bureau of the Treasury awarded 50 billion pesos, which is equivalent to $810.1 million, during the auction held on July 27, 2026. This figure represents the total successful bid amount for the three tenors offered. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431975/philippines-awards-810mn-t-bill-offer, 27 Jul 2026]
#1670

What was the total volume of tenders received by the Philippine Bureau of the Treasury during the July 27, 2026 auction?

(a) 50 billion pesos
(b) 134.5 billion pesos
(c) 100 billion pesos
(d) 200 billion pesos
Explanation: The auction attracted significant market interest, resulting in total tenders of 134.5 billion pesos against an award of 50 billion pesos. This indicates a high demand for government debt instruments. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431975/philippines-awards-810mn-t-bill-offer, 27 Jul 2026]
#1671

Which of the following statements regarding the July 27, 2026, Philippine Treasury auction is INCORRECT?

(a) The total tenders received were less than the total amount awarded.
(b) The auction included 91-day, 182-day, and 364-day tenors.
(c) The average rate for 364-day bills was 5.950%.
(d) The total amount awarded was 50 billion pesos.
Explanation: The statement that tenders were less than the amount awarded is false; in fact, the total tenders of 134.5 billion pesos significantly exceeded the 50 billion pesos awarded. The other options accurately reflect the auction data. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431975/philippines-awards-810mn-t-bill-offer, 27 Jul 2026]
#1672

Consider the following statements about the Indian bond market and economic indicators as of July 27, 2026: 1. The 10-year Treasury yield eased to 4.64%. 2. The most liquid five-year swap rate dropped to settle at 6.36%. 3. Analysts at Capital Economics identified strong monsoon rainfall as a primary driver for economic growth. 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 market data provided. Statement 3 is incorrect because analysts identified weak, not strong, monsoon rainfall as a potential inflation risk. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40432016/india-10-year-bond-yield-logs-biggest-plunge-in-2-months-as-oil-rally-falters, 27 Jul 2026]
#1673

Which factor was primarily responsible for the sharp decline in Indian bond yields on July 27, 2026?

(a) A surge in monsoon rainfall
(b) A sudden increase in the current-account deficit
(c) An immediate hike in Federal Reserve rates
(d) A decline in crude oil prices
Explanation: The decline in bond yields was driven by a sharp drop in crude oil prices following a pause in US-Iran hostilities. Higher oil prices typically increase inflationary pressure and worsen the current-account balance, which would otherwise push yields higher. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40432016/india-10-year-bond-yield-logs-biggest-plunge-in-2-months-as-oil-rally-falters, 27 Jul 2026]
#1674

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]
#1675

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]
#1676

Consider the following statements about the current Middle Eastern energy landscape as of July 2026: 1. ADNOC has sold over 74 million barrels of crude in previous tenders since June. 2. The viability of the shuttle fleet service is currently considered certain and risk-free. 3. Spot premiums for Middle Eastern crude have reached a more than one-month high. 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 and 3 are factually correct based on the report. Statement 2 is incorrect because the report explicitly states that the viability of the shuttle fleet service is unclear due to ongoing hostilities. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431617/adnoc-offers-crude-oil-in-7th-tender-issued-since-june-sources-say, 24 Jul 2026]
#1677

Which of the following statements regarding ADNOC's July 2026 tender policy is INCORRECT?

(a) The tender includes crude loading from August to October.
(b) The tender is valid for only 24 hours after submission.
(c) The tender bid submission is due on July 27.
(d) Bids from buyers at a discounted differential are automatically rejected.
Explanation: The tender is valid until at least July 29, not 24 hours after submission. The other statements accurately reflect the terms set by ADNOC for the July 2026 tender. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431617/adnoc-offers-crude-oil-in-7th-tender-issued-since-june-sources-say, 24 Jul 2026]
#1678

The Saudi vessel targeted by Houthi rebels in the Red Sea on July 25, 2026, was identified as:

(a) NCC NOOR
(b) NCC FAJR
(c) NCC MASA
(d) NCC BADR
Explanation: Saudi state media confirmed that the vessel NCC MASA sustained minor hull damage while sailing in the Red Sea. The other options are plausible but incorrect names for the specific vessel involved in the incident. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018264/houthis-claim-strike-on-saudi-arabia-as-middle-east-conflict-deepens, 25 Jul 2026]
#1679

As of July 27, 2026, what is the primary factor contributing to the expected strengthening of the Indian rupee alongside RBI-led inflows?

(a) A significant decline in global crude oil prices
(b) An increase in domestic interest rates by the central bank
(c) A surge in foreign direct investment in the manufacturing sector
(d) None of these
Explanation: The decline in Brent crude prices, which fell to $93.02, reduces India's import bill, thereby supporting the rupee. RBI-led inflows are the secondary factor mentioned, making option A the correct primary driver. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431960/indian-rupee-set-to-rally-after-crude-drops-on-mideast-respite-rbi-led-inflows-build, 27 Jul 2026]
#1680

Which of the following statements regarding the market situation on July 27, 2026, is INCORRECT?

(a) The US dollar index slipped to 101.23.
(b) Brent crude prices increased due to heightened military activity.
(c) The British pound rose against the US dollar.
(d) The euro appreciated against the US dollar.
Explanation: Brent crude prices actually decreased (dropped) due to the pause in military strikes, not increased. Options A, B, and D are factually accurate based on the provided market data. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431957/dollar-pulls-back-as-us-iran-attacks-pause-oil-drops, 27 Jul 2026]