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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#1761

According to the CME’s FedWatch tool, what is the market expectation for the US Federal Reserve's interest rate decision in the meeting following July 27, 2026?

(a) No rate change
(b) A rate cut
(c) A rate hike
(d) A gradual phase-out of rates
Explanation: Market participants priced in a 63.7% probability that the Federal Reserve would maintain flat interest rates. Stable rates are viewed as beneficial for growth-dependent commodities like copper. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431973/copper-gains-on-mideast-de-escalation-oil-price-drop, 27 Jul 2026]
#1762

According to the statement made on July 22, 2026, which entity does the New York City Mayor identify as having the legal authority to execute an ICC warrant?

(a) The United States federal government
(b) The New York State Supreme Court
(c) The New York Police Department
(d) The United Nations Security Council
Explanation: The Mayor clarified that municipal authorities lack the power to enforce international warrants, explicitly calling upon the US federal government to intervene. The NYPD and state courts do not possess jurisdiction over international diplomatic arrests. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017473/he-is-a-war-criminal-mamdani-says-ny-cannot-arrest-netanyahu-on-icc-warrant-urges-us-federal-officials-to-step-in, 22 Jul 2026]
#1763

Consider the following statements regarding the legal and political discourse surrounding the ICC warrant in New York: 1. The Mayor of New York City asserted that his office possesses the independent legal authority to execute the ICC warrant. 2. The US federal government holds the authority to execute international arrest warrants within the country. 3. The ICC warrant for Benjamin Netanyahu was initially announced in 2024. 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 false because the Mayor explicitly stated he does NOT have the authority. Statements 2 and 3 are factually correct based on the provided information. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017473/he-is-a-war-criminal-mamdani-says-ny-cannot-arrest-netanyahu-on-icc-warrant-urges-us-federal-officials-to-step-in, 22 Jul 2026]
#1764

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]
#1765

Which of the following factors was primarily responsible for the pressure on Indian bond sentiment during the week ending July 24, 2026?

(a) Surging oil prices
(b) Domestic political instability
(c) A sudden decline in tax revenue
(d) None of these
Explanation: Surging oil prices and higher U.S. Treasury yields were the primary drivers of negative sentiment in the Indian bond market. Domestic political instability and tax revenue are not cited as factors in this context. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431650/india-bonds-end-three-day-losing-streak-but-post-second-straight-weekly-decline, 24 Jul 2026]
#1766

According to the CME FedWatch tool, what is the approximate market-priced probability of a Federal Reserve rate hike as of July 24, 2026?

(a) 33 percent
(b) 25 percent
(c) 12 percent
(d) 50 percent
Explanation: Markets are pricing in a roughly one-in-three chance (approximately 33%) of a rate hike, which represents an increase from the 12% probability observed a week earlier. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431657/sampp-500-nasdaq-fall-as-investors-juggle-earnings-mideast-risks-and-tariffs, 24 Jul 2026]
#1767

Consider the following statements about the market environment on July 24, 2026: 1. The Philadelphia SE Semiconductor index experienced a decline of 3.1%. 2. The Federal Reserve is expected to meet the following week to discuss monetary policy. 3. The U.S. military action against targets in Iran was a response to Houthi activities in Yemen. Which of the statements given above 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 provided report: the semiconductor index fell by 3.1%, the Fed is meeting the following week, and the U.S. strikes were linked to warnings regarding Iran and its Houthi allies. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431657/sampp-500-nasdaq-fall-as-investors-juggle-earnings-mideast-risks-and-tariffs, 24 Jul 2026]
#1768

Consider the following statements about the Indian bond market and macroeconomic indicators as of July 24, 2026: 1. The 10-year U.S. Treasury yield reached its highest level since January 2025. 2. Brent crude prices briefly exceeded $100 per barrel for the first time in two months. 3. The probability of a Federal Reserve rate hike in September was estimated at 30%. 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. Statement 3 is incorrect because the probability of a Federal Reserve rate hike in September was reported at 80%, while the probability for July was 30%. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431650/india-bonds-end-three-day-losing-streak-but-post-second-straight-weekly-decline, 24 Jul 2026]
#1769

All of the following statements regarding the market conditions on July 27, 2026, are true EXCEPT:

(a) The Federal Reserve is expected to definitely raise interest rates by 50 basis points.
(b) Bond markets received a boost from easing inflation fears.
(c) Brent crude prices experienced a decline.
(d) Yemen’s Houthis attacked Saudi oil installations.
Explanation: The market only implies a one-in-three chance of a rate hike, and analysts remain uncertain about the outcome, making the claim of a definite 50 basis point hike false. The other options accurately reflect the geopolitical and economic situation described. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431958/shares-bonds-make-guarded-gains-as-oil-slips, 27 Jul 2026]
#1770

Which of the following central banks is scheduled to hold a policy meeting on Thursday, July 30, 2026?

(a) Bank of England
(b) Bank of Japan
(c) Federal Reserve
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Bank of England is scheduled to hold its meeting on Thursday, while the Federal Reserve meets on Wednesday and the Bank of Japan on Friday. None of the other options match the Thursday schedule. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431958/shares-bonds-make-guarded-gains-as-oil-slips, 27 Jul 2026]
#1771

Consider the following statements about the market environment on July 27, 2026: 1. The decline in oil prices was attributed to a pause in Gulf fighting. 2. Markets perceive a high certainty that the Federal Reserve will implement a rate hike. 3. The Bank of Japan is expected to hold its policy steady during its upcoming meeting.

(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 de-escalation lowered oil prices. Statement 3 is correct as the Bank of Japan is expected to hold steady. Statement 2 is incorrect because market participants view the Fed's decision as unusually uncertain, not highly certain. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431958/shares-bonds-make-guarded-gains-as-oil-slips, 27 Jul 2026]
#1772

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]
#1773

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]
#1774

Which individual is identified as the Chair of the Federal Reserve in the context of the July 2026 policy discussions?

(a) Jerome Powell
(b) Kevin Warsh
(c) Sally Auld
(d) None of these
Explanation: The report identifies Kevin Warsh as the Chair of the Federal Reserve whose position on potential rate hikes remains a subject of market uncertainty. Jerome Powell is a common distractor as a former/actual chair, but the text specifies Warsh. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431958/shares-bonds-make-guarded-gains-as-oil-slips, 27 Jul 2026]
#1775

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]
#1776

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]
#1777

According to futures markets on July 27, 2026, what is the approximate probability that the Federal Reserve will keep interest rates unchanged?

(a) 62 percent
(b) 52 percent
(c) 45 percent
(d) 75 percent
Explanation: Futures markets indicated a 62 percent probability that the Federal Reserve would maintain current interest rates. This reflects market expectations regarding the policy stance of the new chairman. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40432022/dow-sampp-500-rise-as-oil-prices-tumble, 27 Jul 2026]
#1778

Consider the following statements about the market conditions on July 27, 2026: 1. Crude oil prices experienced a decline of more than six percent. 2. The Dow Jones Industrial Average recorded a gain of 0.7 percent. 3. The Federal Reserve decision is expected to be the first under the new chairman. 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 specifies that the upcoming decision is the second, not the first, under the new chairman. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40432022/dow-sampp-500-rise-as-oil-prices-tumble, 27 Jul 2026]
#1779

What was the primary geopolitical driver for the decline in oil prices on July 27, 2026?

(a) Increased production from OPEC nations
(b) De-escalation of military strikes between the US and Iran
(c) Global economic recession fears
(d) Strategic petroleum reserve releases
Explanation: The tumble in oil prices was directly attributed to the pause in military strikes between the United States and Iran. Other factors like OPEC production or recession fears were not cited as the immediate cause for the price drop on this date. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40432022/dow-sampp-500-rise-as-oil-prices-tumble, 27 Jul 2026]
#1780

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]