#9341

Consider the following statements about the market performance on July 21, 2026: 1. The KSE-100 index opened in the green before experiencing a sharp dip after 12pm. 2. Global oil prices initially fell due to reports of mediation efforts between the US and Iran. 3. The market closed in the red after failing to recover from the midday selling pressure.

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) All three

Explanation: Statement 1 and 2 are factually correct. Statement 3 is incorrect because the index actually closed in the green with a gain of 205.83 points, despite the midday volatility. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017214/psx-gains-1200-points-during-intraday-trade-as-oil-eases-amid-us-iran-mediation-efforts, 21 Jul 2026]

#9342

Consider the following statements about the market conditions on July 21, 2026: 1. Brent crude futures rose by 1.8 per cent to $90.84 a barrel. 2. The US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude contract for September delivery rose by 1.8 per cent. 3. Investor sentiment was bolstered by optimism regarding the ongoing earnings season for oil and gas exploration companies. 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 market data reported for the session. Brent crude rose to $90.84, the September WTI contract rose by 1.8 per cent, and analysts specifically cited earnings optimism in the oil and gas sector as a supporting factor for investor sentiment. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017214/kse-100-makes-marginal-gains-as-global-energy-uncertainty-weighs-on-early-rally, 21 Jul 2026]

#9343

What was the approximate price level of Brent crude per barrel in Asian trade on July 27, 2026, following the reported decline?

(a) Below $85

(b) Above $102

(c) Exactly $98

(d) Below $93

Explanation: Brent crude prices fell to below $93 per barrel after the US and Iran paused strikes. The $102 figure refers to the peak price reached during the previous week of heightened tensions. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431972/indian-bonds-rebound-as-easing-middle-east-tensions-drag-oil-lower, 27 Jul 2026]

#9344

The government-mandated austerity drive, as extended by the Prime Minister, is scheduled to remain in effect until which date in 2026?

(a) May 31, 2026

(b) June 30, 2026

(c) June 13, 2026

(d) July 13, 2026

Explanation: The Cabinet Division notification explicitly states that the additional austerity measures are extended until June 13, 2026. Other options represent adjacent months or dates that do not align with the official notification period. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1999437/pm-extends-austerity-drive-till-june-13-to-deal-with-impact-of-middle-east-war, 11 May 2026]

#9345

What was the estimated age of the new moon at the time of sunset on March 19, 2026, according to Suparco?

(a) 12 hours and 41 minutes

(b) 10 hours and 20 minutes

(c) 14 hours and 15 minutes

(d) 16 hours and 30 minutes

Explanation: Suparco's technical assessment determined the age of the moon to be approximately 12 hours and 41 minutes at sunset on March 19, 2026. This age was considered insufficient for reliable sighting under standard conditions. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980975/eidul-fitr-likely-to-fall-on-march-21-suparco, 11 Mar 2026]

#9346

Which sector faced significant selling pressure on the PSX on July 21, 2026, due to policy uncertainty?

(a) Cement production

(b) Textile manufacturing

(c) Refinery stocks

(d) Oil and gas exploration

Explanation: Refinery stocks were specifically noted for bearing the brunt of selling pressure due to market speculation regarding potential delays in the implementation of the refinery policy. Other sectors like cement and textiles were actually highlighted as areas where investors expected strong earnings results. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017214/kse-100-makes-marginal-gains-as-global-energy-uncertainty-weighs-on-early-rally, 21 Jul 2026]

#9347

According to the revised schedule, which division is slated for the first phase of polling on July 27, 2026?

(a) Poonch division

(b) Muzaffarabad division

(c) Kotli division

(d) Mirpur division

Explanation: The AJK Election Commission designated the Mirpur division for the first phase of polling on July 27. Muzaffarabad and Poonch are scheduled for subsequent phases. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017254/ajk-election-commissioner-says-polls-to-be-held-in-three-phases-beginning-july-27, 21 Jul 2026]

#9348

Which of the following statements regarding the May 10, 2026, attack in Bannu is INCORRECT?

(a) The attack involved a vehicle laden with explosives.

(b) The rescue operation was concluded by Rescue 1122 on Sunday morning.

(c) The police post remained largely intact despite the intensity of the blast.

(d) Terrorists opened heavy fire following the initial explosion.

Explanation: The statement that the police post remained intact is false; reports confirm the post was completely destroyed by the powerful blast. The other statements accurately reflect the events of the attack. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1999132/15-police-personnel-martyred-in-bannu-suicide-attack, 10 May 2026]

#9349

On May 8, 2026, the IMF Executive Board approved a financing package for Pakistan totaling:

(a) 1.10 billion dollars

(b) 1.32 billion dollars

(c) 4.80 billion dollars

(d) 16.0 billion dollars

Explanation: The IMF approved $1.32 billion in financing during the May 2026 review. While $4.8 billion represents the total cumulative disbursements under the current arrangements, $1.32 billion is the specific amount approved in this tranche. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1998725/imfs-executive-board-approves-12-billion-financing-for-pakistans-reform-programme, 08 May 2026]

#9350

Which of the following statements regarding the 2026 Shawwal moon sighting is INCORRECT?

(a) The new moon was expected to be born on March 19, 2026.

(b) Suparco predicted the chances of sighting the crescent on March 19 were low.

(c) The Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee is not required to consider witness testimonies.

(d) The estimated interval between sunset and moonset was 28 minutes.

Explanation: The statement that the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee is not required to consider witness testimonies is false. The committee is explicitly mandated to make decisions based on credible witness testimonies and verified observations. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980975/eidul-fitr-likely-to-fall-on-march-21-suparco, 11 Mar 2026]

#9351

What was the primary geopolitical factor contributing to the rise in global oil prices on July 21, 2026?

(a) Sanctions on Russian energy exports

(b) Threats of a naval blockade by Yemen's Houthis

(c) OPEC production quota adjustments

(d) Disruption in the Suez Canal transit

Explanation: The rise in oil prices was attributed to continued hostilities in the Gulf and specific threats of a naval blockade of Saudi Arabia by Yemen's Houthi forces. This geopolitical instability directly impacted global energy market sentiment. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017214/kse-100-makes-marginal-gains-as-global-energy-uncertainty-weighs-on-early-rally, 21 Jul 2026]

#9352

Which official attended the July 16, 2026, meeting as the Governor of the State Bank of Pakistan?

(a) Tariq Bajwa

(b) Muhammad Aurangzeb

(c) Ahsan Iqbal

(d) Jameel Ahmad

Explanation: Jameel Ahmad is the Governor of the State Bank of Pakistan who attended the meeting. Muhammad Aurangzeb and Ahsan Iqbal were present as Federal Ministers, while Tariq Bajwa attended as a Special Assistant to the Prime Minister. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2015941/pm-shehbaz-warns-renewed-us-iran-conflict-could-hit-economy-again, 16 Jul 2026]

#9353

Which international organization issued a statement reaffirming its support for Somalia's unity following Israel's move in 2026?

(a) European Union

(b) Arab League

(c) Organisation of Islamic Cooperation

(d) North Atlantic Treaty Organization

Explanation: The General Secretariat of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) condemned the move and reaffirmed its support for the internationally recognized government of Somalia. The OIC emphasized its commitment to the country's territorial integrity. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1993013/12-countries-including-pakistan-condemn-israels-move-to-appoint-envoy-to-somaliland, 18 Apr 2026]

#9354

Who served as the Acting Chair during the IMF Executive Board meeting on May 8, 2026?

(a) Kristalina Georgieva

(b) Gita Gopinath

(c) Nigel Clarke

(d) David Malpass

Explanation: Nigel Clarke, the IMF Deputy Managing Director, presided over the meeting as the Acting Chair. The other individuals listed hold or have held different leadership roles within the IMF or World Bank. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1998725/imfs-executive-board-approves-12-billion-financing-for-pakistans-reform-programme, 08 May 2026]

#9355

Who was appointed by Israel as the first non-resident ambassador to Somaliland in 2026?

(a) Michael Lotem

(b) David Barnea

(c) Gilad Erdan

(d) None of these

Explanation: Michael Lotem was officially appointed as Israel's first non-resident ambassador to the breakaway region of Somaliland. This appointment triggered a formal joint condemnation from twelve countries, including Pakistan. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1993013/12-countries-including-pakistan-condemn-israels-move-to-appoint-envoy-to-somaliland, 18 Apr 2026]

#9356

During his previous visit in April 2026, Finance Minister Aurangzeb discussed Pakistan's plans to return to international capital markets using which financial instruments?

(a) Green Bonds and Samurai Bonds

(b) Sovereign Sukuk and Treasury Bills

(c) Panda Bonds and Eurobonds

(d) Development Loans and Grants

Explanation: The Finance Minister briefed investors on plans to re-enter international capital markets specifically through the issuance of Panda Bonds and Eurobonds. These instruments are intended to diversify Pakistan's external financing sources. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016679/finance-minister-aurangzeb-arrives-in-us-on-3-day-visit-expected-to-hold-talks-on-trade-finance-investment, 19 Jul 2026]

#9357

Which of the following statements regarding the KSE-100 market performance on July 21, 2026, is INCORRECT?

(a) The index closed with a decline of 0.12 per cent.

(b) The market experienced a sharp dip after 12pm.

(c) The index opened the session in the green.

(d) The index reached an intraday high of 178,370.45.

Explanation: The index actually closed with a gain of 0.12 per cent, not a decline. The other three statements accurately describe the market's opening, the timing of the mid-day dip, and the intraday peak. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017214/kse-100-makes-marginal-gains-as-global-energy-uncertainty-weighs-on-early-rally, 21 Jul 2026]

#9358

The commercial bunkering operation at Gwadar Port was conducted between which dates in 2026?

(a) July 1 and July 3

(b) July 9 and July 11

(c) July 5 and July 7

(d) July 13 and July 15

Explanation: The operation took place from July 9 to July 11, 2026. This timeframe is explicitly documented as the period of the first successful commercial bunkering. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2014650/gwadar-port-carries-out-first-successful-commercial-bunkering-operation, 11 Jul 2026]

#9359

Which of the following statements regarding the flood situation in Nuristan on July 21, 2026, is INCORRECT?

(a) The military was deployed to support the relief effort.

(b) The United Nations was involved in assessing the disaster.

(c) The death toll was confirmed to be exactly 100 people.

(d) Dozens of shops and buildings were destroyed by the flood.

Explanation: The report stated that 23 people were killed and around 100 were unaccounted for, not that 100 people were confirmed dead. The other statements accurately reflect the relief and damage assessment efforts. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017247/afghans-search-for-dozens-missing-some-with-bare-hands-after-devastating-flood-in-nuristan-province, 21 Jul 2026]

#9360

Which sector was specifically identified as a primary contributor to the market recovery on July 21, 2026?

(a) Textile manufacturing

(b) Pharmaceutical production

(c) Banking and refinery

(d) Automobile assembly

Explanation: Banking and refinery stocks were the primary drivers of the late-session recovery, offsetting early losses. Other sectors like textiles or pharmaceuticals were not cited as the main contributors to the index's rebound. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017152/stocks-eke-out-gains-amid-extreme-volatility, 21 Jul 2026]

January 2026 Current Affairs MCQs & Solutions