July 2025 Edition
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July 2025 Current Affairs MCQs & Solutions
Top national & international current affairs questions for CSS, PMS, FPSC, PPSC, and NTS screening tests.
#1921
Who is the current US Treasury Secretary who met with Pakistan's Finance Minister in July 2026?
(a) Janet Yellen
(b) Timothy Geithner
(c) Steven Mnuchin
(d) Scott Bessent
Explanation: Scott Bessent is the US Treasury Secretary who held discussions with Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb regarding Pakistan's economic reforms. Janet Yellen is a former Treasury Secretary, making her an incorrect choice. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017582/us-treasury-secretary-welcomes-pakistans-economic-reforms-return-to-capital-markets, 22 Jul 2026]
#1922
Consider the following statements about the economic discussions held in July 2026: 1. The US Treasury Secretary explicitly approved the $10 billion exchange stabilisation facility during the meeting. 2. Pakistan is aiming to transition from macroeconomic stabilisation to export-led growth. 3. The US Treasury commended Pakistan's commitment to creating conditions for a return to international capital markets. 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 the US Treasury statement did not address or approve the $10 billion request. Statements 2 and 3 accurately reflect the official positions stated during the visit. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017582/us-treasury-secretary-welcomes-pakistans-economic-reforms-return-to-capital-markets, 22 Jul 2026]
#1923
Consider the following statements about the impact of Middle East tensions on global energy markets as of July 23, 2026: 1. Brent crude futures approached $99 a barrel in Asian trade. 2. The conflict has raised concerns regarding the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. 3. Brent crude prices have rallied 12% over the week ending July 23, 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 report. Brent crude reached nearly $99, the Strait of Hormuz is a focal point for supply disruption fears, and the 12% weekly rally is confirmed. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431465/indian-bonds-fall-for-third-session-as-oil-prices-near-100-a-barrel, 23 Jul 2026]
#1924
The decline in US stock markets on July 23, 2026, was primarily attributed to rising oil prices and which of the following factors?
(a) Disappointing corporate earnings in the tech sector
(b) Unexpected interest rate hikes by the Federal Reserve
(c) A sudden collapse in global semiconductor demand
(d) None of these
Explanation: The market downturn was driven by the dual impact of surging energy costs and investor skepticism regarding tech sector earnings, specifically from Alphabet and Tesla. Interest rate hikes were not mentioned as a factor in this specific market event. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431469/us-stocks-tumble-as-brent-oil-tops-100, 23 Jul 2026]
#1925
What was the benchmark three-month copper price per metric ton on the London Metal Exchange on July 23, 2026?
(a) $12,550.25
(b) $14,890.75
(c) $13,725.50
(d) $15,210.00
Explanation: The benchmark three-month copper price was recorded at $13,725.50 per metric ton on the LME on July 23, 2026. This figure reflects the market adjustment following the rise in global oil prices. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431447/copper-dips-as-soaring-oil-prices-weigh-on-economic-outlook, 23 Jul 2026]
#1926
As of July 23, 2026, the available LME copper stocks were at their lowest level since which month?
(a) January 2026
(b) March 2026
(c) May 2026
(d) June 2026
Explanation: Available LME copper stocks were reported at 107,850 tons, which represents the lowest inventory level since January 2026. This scarcity of supply has provided some support to copper prices despite broader economic headwinds. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431447/copper-dips-as-soaring-oil-prices-weigh-on-economic-outlook, 23 Jul 2026]
#1927
Which of the following statements regarding the copper market on July 23, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) Copper is considered a bellwether for the global economy.
(b) The Yangshan copper premium in China reached its lowest level since November 2022.
(c) Higher energy prices are increasing the likelihood of interest rate hikes.
(d) Strong copper shipments into the United States are occurring ahead of potential tariffs.
Explanation: The Yangshan copper premium in China was actually at its highest daily assessment since November 2022, not the lowest. The other statements accurately reflect the market conditions described. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431447/copper-dips-as-soaring-oil-prices-weigh-on-economic-outlook, 23 Jul 2026]
#1928
Which factor primarily contributed to the rise in global oil prices as of July 23, 2026?
(a) Increased global demand for aviation fuel
(b) Escalating hostilities in the Middle East
(c) OPEC production quota adjustments
(d) None of these
Explanation: Oil prices rose significantly due to escalating hostilities in the Middle East, specifically involving attacks on oil tankers. This geopolitical instability is the primary driver mentioned for the price surge. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431447/copper-dips-as-soaring-oil-prices-weigh-on-economic-outlook, 23 Jul 2026]
#1929
Consider the following statements about the global commodity market on July 23, 2026: 1. Copper prices declined due to the negative impact of soaring oil prices on the economic outlook. 2. The cash LME copper contract was trading at a discount compared to the three-month forward contract. 3. Oil prices rose for five consecutive days leading up to the report. 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 copper prices tracked equity markets downward due to oil price pressure. Statement 3 is correct as oil prices rose for a fifth day. Statement 2 is incorrect because the cash LME copper contract was trading at a premium, not a discount, over the three-month forward. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431447/copper-dips-as-soaring-oil-prices-weigh-on-economic-outlook, 23 Jul 2026]
#1930
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]
#1931
Consider the following statements about the State Bank of India's capital raising activities: 1. The board approved raising up to 600 billion rupees through debt in the current financial year. 2. The bank's previous perpetual bond issuance occurred in November 2025. 3. The 2026 perpetual debt issuance is designed to be Basel III-compliant. 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 regarding the 600 billion rupee board approval. Statement 3 is correct regarding Basel III compliance. Statement 2 is incorrect because the bank's previous perpetual bond issuance occurred in October 2024, whereas Canara Bank issued bonds in November 2025. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431637/indias-sbi-to-issue-first-rupee-denominated-perpetual-debt-of-2026-sources-say, 24 Jul 2026]
#1932
What is the revised markup rate fixed by the federal government for development loans and advances for the fiscal year 2025-26?
(a) 10.30 percent
(b) 17.74 percent
(c) 11.89 percent
(d) 17.84 percent
Explanation: The Ministry of Finance fixed the markup rate at 11.89 percent for the 2025-26 fiscal year. This represents a significant reduction from the 17.74 percent rate applied in the previous fiscal year. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018194/centre-cuts-markup-on-uplift-loans-to-1189pc, 24 Jul 2026]
#1933
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]
#1934
Which of the following statements regarding the market conditions on July 24, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The S&P 500 and Nasdaq were on track for a second straight weekly loss.
(b) The Dow Jones Industrial Average was set for a third consecutive week of declines.
(c) Oil prices surged above $100 a barrel on the preceding Thursday.
(d) Intel shares rose significantly following the announcement of upbeat quarterly results.
Explanation: Intel shares actually fell by 3.8% despite reporting quarterly profit and revenue that exceeded Wall Street estimates, making the statement about them rising incorrect. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431657/sampp-500-nasdaq-fall-as-investors-juggle-earnings-mideast-risks-and-tariffs, 24 Jul 2026]
#1935
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]
#1936
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]
#1937
What was the primary geopolitical catalyst cited for the decline in UAE stock markets on July 24, 2026?
(a) Escalating conflict in the Middle East
(b) Global interest rate hikes
(c) Collapse of major regional trade agreements
(d) Significant drop in global gold prices
Explanation: The decline was driven by investor caution regarding escalating regional tensions, specifically threats of military action following attacks on Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea. Interest rate hikes and trade agreements were not the primary drivers of this specific market movement. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431652/uae-stocks-slip-amid-escalating-middle-east-conflict, 24 Jul 2026]
#1938
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]
#1939
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]
#1940
Which central bank official is scheduled to speak on July 28, 2026, regarding the economic outlook?
(a) Adrian Orr
(b) Philip Lowe
(c) Michele Bullock
(d) Glenn Stevens
Explanation: RBA Governor Michele Bullock is scheduled to speak on Tuesday, July 28, 2026. Markets are anticipating her comments for potential hawkish signals amidst regional geopolitical tensions. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431969/australia-nz-dollars-climb-as-oil-slide-eases-rate-concerns, 27 Jul 2026]