July 2026 Edition
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July 2026 Current Affairs MCQs & Solutions
Top national & international current affairs questions for CSS, PMS, FPSC, PPSC, and NTS screening tests.
#20381
Consider the following statements about the 2026 Islamabad Talks: 1. The talks were facilitated by the Pakistani government to address the US-Iran conflict. 2. The visa-free entry policy applied to all international journalists regardless of their country of origin. 3. The Iranian delegation included the governor of Iran's central bank. 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 Pakistan acted as a mediator. Statement 2 is incorrect because the visa-free policy was restricted to delegates and journalists from the participating nations (US and Iran) only. Statement 3 is correct as the Iranian delegation included the governor of the central bank. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1990461/vance-en-route-iranian-delegation-touches-down-for-islamabad-talks, 10 Apr 2026]
#20382
Consider the following statements about the economic and diplomatic context of the April 10, 2026, announcement: 1. The government aimed to recover Rs129 billion spent on cushioning price shocks by withholding some relief from the public. 2. The Prime Minister rejected the advice to withhold full relief from the public. 3. The reduction in fuel prices was partially attributed to fiscal discipline and the utilization of government 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 incorrect because the Prime Minister rejected the advice to withhold relief to recover the Rs129 billion. Statements 2 and 3 are correct as the Prime Minister prioritized passing on the relief and cited fiscal discipline as a contributing factor. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1990554/govt-reduces-petrol-price-by-rs12-per-litre-hsd-by-rs135, 10 Apr 2026]
#20383
Which of the following statements regarding the 2026 visa fraud conspiracy is INCORRECT?
(a) The scheme involved staging armed robberies at convenience stores.
(b) Participants paid the organizer to be included in the scheme.
(c) Store owners were paid to allow their premises to be used for the staged crimes.
(d) The defendants are immune from deportation after serving their sentences.
Explanation: The statement that defendants are immune from deportation is incorrect, as the report explicitly states that all defendants are subject to deportation upon completion of any sentence imposed. The other options accurately describe the mechanics of the fraud. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1990558/us-jury-indicts-10-indians-for-visa-fraud-conspiracy-involving-staged-robberies-at-convenience-stores, 10 Apr 2026]
#20384
Which Pakistani official announced the visa-free boarding policy for delegates attending the 2026 Islamabad Talks?
(a) Mohsin Naqvi
(b) Asim Munir
(c) Sardar Ayaz Sadiq
(d) Ishaq Dar
Explanation: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar issued the directive to airlines to permit visa-free boarding for delegates and journalists from the participating nations. Mohsin Naqvi was responsible for security arrangements. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1990461/vance-en-route-iranian-delegation-touches-down-for-islamabad-talks, 10 Apr 2026]
#20385
Who represented the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) in the interview regarding the US-Iran peace talks on April 10, 2026?
(a) Asif Ali Zardari
(b) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari
(c) Yousuf Raza Gilani
(d) None of these
Explanation: Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, the Chairman of the PPP and a former foreign minister, provided the interview to Sky News. He articulated the necessity of a peaceful resolution to the conflict. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1990535/world-doesnt-have-a-plan-b-bilawal-stresses-need-for-us-iran-talks-to-lead-to-peaceful-resolution-of-conflict, 10 Apr 2026]
#20386
Approximately what percentage of retail integration had Pakistan State Oil (PSO) achieved at the time of the April 6, 2026 meeting?
(a) 40 percent
(b) 60 percent
(c) 80 percent
(d) 90 percent
Explanation: Reports indicated that PSO's retail integration was approximately 60 percent, a figure deemed insufficient by the cabinet committee given its status as a public sector entity. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1989171/ogra-pso-come-under-fire-for-poor-monitoring-of-oil-stocks, 06 Apr 2026]
#20387
Which of the following statements regarding the 2026 Islamabad peace talks is INCORRECT?
(a) The Iranian President confirmed Tehran's participation in the negotiations.
(b) The peace talks were initiated by the United Nations Security Council.
(c) The United States delegation includes special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.
(d) The talks are intended to achieve a lasting peace in the Middle East.
Explanation: The peace talks were initiated through the diplomatic efforts and invitation of the Pakistani Prime Minister, not the United Nations Security Council. The other three statements are factually accurate based on the event details. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1989847/us-iranian-delegations-expected-in-pakistan-on-friday-white-house-says-first-round-of-talks-to-be-held-on-saturday, 08 Apr 2026]
#20388
Consider the following statements about the visit of the Pakistani delegation to China on 2026-07-16: 1. Ishaq Dar held a bilateral meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. 2. Pakistan joined WAICO as a founding member. 3. The visit included participation in the World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) 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 correct. Ishaq Dar met with Wang Yi, Pakistan became a founding member of WAICO, and the delegation participated in the WAIC 2026. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2015858/pakistan-becomes-founding-member-of-world-artificial-intelligence-cooperation-organisation, 16 Jul 2026]
#20389
Consider the following statements about the diplomatic situation in Lebanon as of April 9, 2026: 1. The Lebanese government has demanded a ceasefire as a precondition for negotiations. 2. Hezbollah has expressed willingness to engage in direct negotiations with Israel. 3. The United Nations has described the Israeli assault on Lebanon as 'carnage'. 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 Lebanese government requested a ceasefire first. Statement 2 is incorrect because Hezbollah lawmaker Ali Fayyad explicitly rejected direct negotiations with Israel. Statement 3 is correct as the UN used the term 'carnage' to describe the assault. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1990283/israel-seeks-peace-talks-with-lebanon-as-soon-as-possible-as-world-condemns-tel-avivs-bombardment-amid-us-iran-truce, 09 Apr 2026]
#20390
Consider the following statements about the 2026 energy conservation policy: 1. The policy mandates that marriage halls and marquees must close by 10:00 PM. 2. The federal government has introduced a digital wallet subsidy initiative to assist with fuel costs. 3. The policy was implemented without any consultation with provincial chief ministers. 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 as they align with the government's announced measures. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Prime Minister explicitly expressed gratitude to the chief ministers of the provinces for reaching a consensus on the matter. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1989178/markets-malls-to-close-at-8pm-across-country-except-sindh-to-conserve-energy, 06 Apr 2026]
#20391
The peace talks hosted by Pakistan in April 2026 are aimed at resolving disputes between which two nations?
(a) Saudi Arabia and Iran
(b) Lebanon and Israel
(c) United States and Iran
(d) United States and Lebanon
Explanation: The diplomatic efforts led by Pakistan are specifically focused on mediating a settlement between the United States and Iran. The talks follow a ceasefire agreement between these two primary parties. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1989847/us-iranian-delegations-expected-in-pakistan-on-friday-white-house-says-first-round-of-talks-to-be-held-on-saturday, 08 Apr 2026]
#20392
What is the maximum prison sentence for the charge of conspiracy to commit visa fraud as stated in the 2026 indictment?
(a) Three years
(b) Seven years
(c) Five years
(d) Ten years
Explanation: The charge of conspiracy to commit visa fraud carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison. This is a standard federal penalty for this specific category of immigration-related fraud. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1990558/us-jury-indicts-10-indians-for-visa-fraud-conspiracy-involving-staged-robberies-at-convenience-stores, 10 Apr 2026]
#20393
According to the statements made on April 10, 2026, what is the primary challenge identified in the US-Iran diplomatic negotiations?
(a) Lack of international funding
(b) Wide trust deficit
(c) Disagreement on venue
(d) Absence of a mediator
Explanation: Bilawal Bhutto Zardari highlighted the 'wide trust deficit' between the two warring parties as a significant hurdle. While other factors like economic costs are mentioned, the trust deficit is the core diplomatic challenge cited. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1990535/world-doesnt-have-a-plan-b-bilawal-stresses-need-for-us-iran-talks-to-lead-to-peaceful-resolution-of-conflict, 10 Apr 2026]
#20394
Who is the current President of Iran that confirmed participation in the peace talks held in the context of the 2026 ceasefire?
(a) Ebrahim Raisi
(b) Hassan Rouhani
(c) Masoud Pezeshkian
(d) Mohammad Mokhber
Explanation: Masoud Pezeshkian is the President of Iran who confirmed Tehran's participation in the peace talks during a phone call with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The other individuals listed are either former presidents or officials not currently holding the presidency in 2026. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1989584/pm-shehbaz-asks-trump-to-extend-deadline-for-two-weeks-requests-iran-to-open-hormuz-for-corresponding-period, 07 Apr 2026]
#20395
What is the name of the military operation launched by Pakistan in February 2026 to target terrorist hideouts?
(a) Operation Zarb-e-Azb
(b) Operation Radd-ul-Fasaad
(c) Operation Ghazab lil-Haq
(d) None of these
Explanation: Operation Ghazab lil-Haq was initiated by Pakistan in late February 2026 following cross-border security incidents. The other options refer to historical military operations conducted by Pakistan in previous years. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1989918/afghanistan-pakistan-agree-to-avoid-escalation-during-china-hosted-talks-beijing, 08 Apr 2026]
#20396
Consider the following statements about the diplomatic efforts surrounding the Strait of Hormuz crisis: 1. Pakistan coordinated with China on a five-point initiative to restore maritime security. 2. The resolution demanded that Iran cease attacks on commercial ships and civilian infrastructure. 3. Pakistan hosted foreign ministers from Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Turkiye in late March 2026 to discuss the crisis. 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 diplomatic activities reported in the context of the crisis. Pakistan has actively engaged in regional diplomacy to contain the conflict and protect critical infrastructure. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1989533/china-russia-veto-un-resolution-to-reopen-strait-of-hormuz, 07 Apr 2026]
#20397
Who chaired the cabinet committee meeting held on April 6, 2026, to address petroleum monitoring and supply chain issues?
(a) Shehbaz Sharif
(b) Muhammad Aurangzeb
(c) Musadik Malik
(d) None of these
Explanation: Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb chaired the cabinet committee meeting on April 6, 2026. While Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif constituted the committee, he did not chair this specific session. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1989171/ogra-pso-come-under-fire-for-poor-monitoring-of-oil-stocks, 06 Apr 2026]
#20398
The Strait of Hormuz is a critical maritime corridor through which what percentage of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas flowed prior to the 2026 conflict?
(a) 20 percent
(b) 15 percent
(c) 10 percent
(d) 25 percent
Explanation: The Strait of Hormuz is identified as a vital global energy chokepoint, accounting for 20 percent of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas transit. Threats to this corridor have been a central point of tension in the US-Iran conflict. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1990234/pm-shehbaz-cdf-munir-discuss-pakistans-efforts-to-mediate-between-us-and-iran, 09 Apr 2026]
#20399
Which of the following statements regarding the 2026 ceasefire agreement is INCORRECT?
(a) The White House confirmed that the in-person talks in Islamabad were finalized and officially announced by President Trump.
(b) Israel supported the ceasefire deal but maintained it did not include Lebanon.
(c) The United States and Iran agreed to an immediate ceasefire.
(d) Saudi Arabia expressed hope that the truce would lead to a comprehensive de-escalation.
Explanation: The White House Press Secretary stated that while discussions about in-person talks were occurring, nothing was final until officially announced by the President or the White House. Therefore, stating that the talks were already finalized and announced is incorrect. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1989584/pm-shehbaz-asks-trump-to-extend-deadline-for-two-weeks-requests-iran-to-open-hormuz-for-corresponding-period, 07 Apr 2026]
#20400
Which of the following statements regarding the 2026 energy conservation policy is INCORRECT?
(a) Sindh is currently exempt from the 8:00 PM mandatory closure pending further consultations.
(b) All markets in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are permitted to remain open until 10:00 PM.
(c) The policy was formulated in response to fuel price hikes linked to the conflict in the Middle East.
(d) The federal government is providing free inter-city public transport in Gilgit and Muzaffarabad for one month.
Explanation: Only divisional headquarters in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are permitted to remain open until 9:00 PM, not 10:00 PM. The other statements accurately reflect the policy details regarding Sindh's exemption, transport subsidies, and the rationale behind the energy conservation measures. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1989178/markets-malls-to-close-at-8pm-across-country-except-sindh-to-conserve-energy, 06 Apr 2026]