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.
#20701
The decline in global crude oil prices on March 11, 2026, was primarily attributed to:
(a) Diplomatic signals regarding the potential end of the conflict with Iran
(b) Increased production from OPEC nations
(c) A sudden drop in global industrial demand
(d) New sanctions imposed on major oil exporters
Explanation: Crude prices plunged following remarks by US President Donald Trump suggesting that the conflict with Iran could end soon, which eased supply disruption concerns. Other options do not reflect the specific geopolitical catalyst mentioned in the market report. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980849/kse-100-ends-lower-after-early-rally-loses-steam, 11 Mar 2026]
#20702
Consider the following statements about the transition of power in Iran in 2026: 1. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) pledged allegiance to the new Supreme Leader. 2. Analysts expect the new leader to delegate significant government and war-related responsibilities to other officials. 3. The United States government officially recognized the legitimacy of the new Supreme Leader immediately upon his appointment.
(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 the IRGC pledged support and analysts expect delegation of duties. Statement 3 is incorrect because the US President explicitly warned that the new leader would be 'unacceptable' without US approval. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980913/irans-new-supreme-leader-injured-but-safe-says-presidents-son, 11 Mar 2026]
#20703
Consider the following statements about the legal proceedings involving Senator Pauline Hanson: 1. The Federal Court of Australia dismissed Hanson's appeal on July 27, 2026. 2. Hanson argued that the racial discrimination law was constitutionally invalid. 3. The court ruled that Hanson's comments were protected under absolute free speech provisions. 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 the appeal was dismissed on the specified date and Hanson did challenge the constitutionality of the law. Statement 3 is incorrect because the court ruled that her comments were not protected and actually breached anti-discrimination laws. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018722/australian-politician-fails-to-overturn-racial-vilification-ruling-over-telling-muslim-senator-to-go-back-to-pakistan, 27 Jul 2026]
#20704
According to the French President, the 2026 wildfire situation is the most severe recorded since which historical period?
(a) The First World War
(b) The Second World War
(c) The Cold War
(d) The Great Depression
Explanation: President Emmanuel Macron characterized the 2026 wildfire crisis as the most severe since the Second World War. This highlights the unprecedented nature of the current climate-driven disaster. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018994/firefighters-in-france-spain-scramble-to-contain-blazes-as-new-heatwave-looms, 28 Jul 2026]
#20705
On July 28, 2026, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu traveled to Washington to meet with which US President?
(a) Joe Biden
(b) Donald Trump
(c) Barack Obama
(d) None of these
Explanation: Benjamin Netanyahu traveled to Washington in July 2026 for his eighth meeting with Donald Trump since Trump returned to office. The meeting was scheduled to address regional security concerns, particularly regarding Iran. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018884/iran-tops-agenda-as-netanyahu-due-to-meet-trump, 28 Jul 2026]
#20706
Which of the following statements regarding the oil market situation on March 10, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) Brent futures experienced a decline of approximately 6.8 percent.
(b) Goldman Sachs immediately adjusted its fourth-quarter 2026 price forecast for Brent to $90 per barrel.
(c) US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude prices fell by approximately 6.8 percent.
(d) Volumes in Brent dropped to the lowest amount since February 27.
Explanation: Goldman Sachs explicitly stated it was not changing its oil price forecast for Brent at $66 per barrel for the fourth quarter of 2026, making the incorrect statement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980481/oil-sinks-7pc-as-trump-predicts-middle-east-de-escalation, 10 Mar 2026]
#20707
Who is the current Foreign Minister of Iran who met with the Pakistani delegation in Tehran on April 15, 2026?
(a) Abbas Araghchi
(b) Esmaeil Baqaei
(c) Hossein Amir-Abdollahian
(d) Mohammad Javad Zarif
Explanation: Abbas Araghchi is the Iranian Foreign Minister who welcomed Field Marshal Asim Munir in Tehran. Esmaeil Baqaei is the foreign ministry spokesman, not the Foreign Minister. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1991972/cdf-munir-visits-iran-alongside-delegation-as-part-of-mediation-efforts-holds-meeting-with-fm-araghchi, 15 Apr 2026]
#20708
The mediation efforts led by Pakistan in April 2026 are primarily aimed at de-escalating tensions between which two countries?
(a) Pakistan and India
(b) Russia and Ukraine
(c) Saudi Arabia and Iran
(d) Iran and the United States
Explanation: The diplomatic efforts are focused on de-escalation between Iran and the United States, following direct talks held in Islamabad. The other options represent different geopolitical conflicts not addressed by this specific mediation mission. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1991972/cdf-munir-visits-iran-alongside-delegation-as-part-of-mediation-efforts-holds-meeting-with-fm-araghchi, 15 Apr 2026]
#20709
Consider the following statements about the regional conflict as of March 10, 2026: 1. Iranian strikes targeted energy installations in the Gulf region. 2. The US President characterized the appointment of the new supreme leader as a positive development for regional peace. 3. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that Iran's actions are defensive in nature. 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 Iran launched strikes on energy installations. Statement 3 is correct as the Foreign Minister described actions as defensive. Statement 2 is incorrect because President Trump called the appointment a 'big mistake'. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980416/oil-prices-go-haywire-as-iran-welcomes-new-supreme-leader, 10 Mar 2026]
#20710
On March 10, 2026, by what approximate percentage did global oil prices fall following comments regarding Middle East de-escalation?
(a) 5 percent
(b) 9 percent
(c) 7 percent
(d) 11 percent
Explanation: Oil prices plummeted by approximately 7 percent on March 10, 2026, after reaching highs above $119 per barrel. This correction was driven by market optimism following US President Donald Trump's predictions regarding the conflict. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980481/oil-sinks-7pc-as-trump-predicts-middle-east-de-escalation, 10 Mar 2026]
#20711
Consider the following statements about the oil market developments on March 10, 2026: 1. US President Donald Trump suggested that the war in the Middle East could conclude in the near future. 2. The Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps threatened to block oil exports from the region if attacks continued. 3. The Kremlin reported that Vladimir Putin shared proposals aimed at a quick settlement to the war. 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 report: Trump predicted a short-lived war, the IRGC issued threats regarding oil exports, and the Kremlin confirmed Putin's diplomatic proposals. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980481/oil-sinks-7pc-as-trump-predicts-middle-east-de-escalation, 10 Mar 2026]
#20712
Who among the following associates of Asiya Andrabi was also sentenced by the Delhi court in March 2026?
(a) Fehmeeda Sofi
(b) Yasin Malik
(c) Mirwaiz Umar Farooq
(d) Syed Ali Geelani
Explanation: Fehmeeda Sofi and Nahida Nasreen were the two associates sentenced alongside Asiya Andrabi. The other individuals listed are prominent Kashmiri figures but were not the subjects of this specific court verdict. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1985165/fo-condemns-harsh-sentences-awarded-to-kashmiri-leader-asiya-andrabi-associates-by-delhi-court, 25 Mar 2026]
#20713
Which of the following statements regarding the FO statement on the 2026 sentencing is INCORRECT?
(a) It described the verdict as a grave miscarriage of justice.
(b) It called for the international community to take notice of the development.
(c) It explicitly endorsed the legal validity of the UAPA in the occupied territory.
(d) It reaffirmed support for the Kashmiri struggle for self-determination.
Explanation: The Foreign Office statement condemned the sentencing and questioned the judicial process, meaning it did not endorse the UAPA. Options A, B, and D are accurate reflections of the FO's official stance. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1985165/fo-condemns-harsh-sentences-awarded-to-kashmiri-leader-asiya-andrabi-associates-by-delhi-court, 25 Mar 2026]
#20714
The Foreign Office of Pakistan issued a formal statement regarding the sentencing of Kashmiri leaders on which date in 2026?
(a) March 20, 2026
(b) March 25, 2026
(c) March 30, 2026
(d) April 05, 2026
Explanation: The Foreign Office issued its condemnation on March 25, 2026, the same day the sentencing news was reported. The other dates are incorrect as they do not align with the event timeline. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1985165/fo-condemns-harsh-sentences-awarded-to-kashmiri-leader-asiya-andrabi-associates-by-delhi-court, 25 Mar 2026]
#20715
Consider the following statements regarding the diplomatic developments mentioned on May 25, 2026: 1. The US is seeking to link the Iran peace deal to the expansion of the Abraham Accords. 2. Many nations targeted by the US demand have historically prioritized a two-state solution before normalizing relations with Israel. 3. Senator Lindsey Graham suggested that refusing to join the Abraham Accords would have no impact on future relationships with the US. 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 accurate based on the diplomatic context provided. Statement 3 is incorrect because Senator Graham explicitly warned that refusal to join would lead to 'severe repercussions' and make the peace proposal 'unacceptable'. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2003043/trump-demands-widespread-sign-up-to-abraham-accords-as-part-of-iran-peace-deal, 25 May 2026]
#20716
The primary strategic waterway mentioned in the 2026 Iran agreement as a target for reopening is:
(a) Strait of Hormuz
(b) Suez Canal
(c) Bab-el-Mandeb Strait
(d) Strait of Malacca
Explanation: The agreement specifically aims to reopen the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, which was impacted by the four months of military confrontation. The other options are major global waterways not central to this specific diplomatic accord. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2008356/trump-open-to-congressional-review-of-iran-deal-as-lawmakers-seek-details, 16 Jun 2026]
#20717
Consider the following statements about the 2026 Iran agreement: 1. The agreement was signed electronically by President Trump and Vice President Vance on the Sunday preceding June 16, 2026. 2. The full text of the memorandum of understanding has been released to the public to ensure transparency. 3. Senate Majority Leader John Thune has expressed that he currently lacks sufficient information to judge the merits of the deal. 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 deal was signed electronically on Sunday. Statement 2 is false because the administration has not yet released the text of the memorandum, which is the core of the lawmakers' complaints. Statement 3 is correct as Senator Thune explicitly stated he did not know enough about the deal to judge it. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2008356/trump-open-to-congressional-review-of-iran-deal-as-lawmakers-seek-details, 16 Jun 2026]
#20718
Which of the following statements regarding the political situation in the UK as of June 2026 is INCORRECT?
(a) The British Prime Minister is required to be a member of the House of Lords to lead the government.
(b) Keir Starmer has faced internal pressure following Labour's performance in local and regional polls.
(c) Andy Burnham serves as the Mayor of Greater Manchester.
(d) Peter Kyle serves as the Business Secretary in the current government.
Explanation: The statement that a Prime Minister must be a member of the House of Lords is incorrect; a Prime Minister must be a member of Parliament (typically the House of Commons). The other statements are factually accurate based on the provided information. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2009758/uk-pm-starmer-mulling-political-realities-senior-minister, 21 Jun 2026]
#20719
Arrange the following administrative and political developments of August 10, 2026, in the correct chronological order based on the nature of the events as provided in the reports: (I) Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim undergoes elective hernia surgery. (II) The Tarbela Dam achieves its maximum water storage capacity. (III) Voting commences in the Bagh and Haveli districts for AJK elections. (IV) Ten additional individuals are added to the Fourth Schedule in AJK.
(a) I, II, III, IV
(b) IV, III, II, I
(c) II, IV, III, I
(d) III, IV, II, I
Explanation: The order reflects the standard reporting sequence provided in the source digest for the date August 10, 2026, starting with the executive health update, followed by the water security achievement, the progress of AJK electoral phases, and the AJK internal security measures. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2021885/malaysia-pm-anwar-ibrahim-undergoes-elective-surgery-to-treat-hernia]
#20720
Which official residence is used by the British Prime Minister for countryside retreats and was the site of Starmer's weekend talks in June 2026?
(a) 10 Downing Street
(b) Buckingham Palace
(c) Chequers
(d) Windsor Castle
Explanation: Chequers is the official country house retreat for the British Prime Minister. 10 Downing Street is the primary office and residence in London. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2009758/uk-pm-starmer-mulling-political-realities-senior-minister, 21 Jun 2026]