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.
#2501
During his visit to Manila on July 22, 2026, Ishaq Dar visited the headquarters of which international institution?
(a) World Bank
(b) Asian Development Bank
(c) International Monetary Fund
(d) Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank
Explanation: Ishaq Dar visited the Asian Development Bank (ADB) headquarters in Manila, where he was received by the Director General for the Central and West Asia Department. The other institutions listed were not the focus of this specific visit. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017480/dar-arrives-in-manila-to-attend-asean-regional-forum-ministerial-meeting, 22 Jul 2026]
#2502
What is the primary revenue target for the petroleum levy that Pakistan aims to achieve as discussed with the IMF in 2026?
(a) Rs1.2 trillion
(b) Rs1.8 trillion
(c) Rs1.468 trillion
(d) Rs2.1 trillion
Explanation: The government informed the IMF that it is well-positioned to meet the petroleum levy target of Rs1.468 trillion. Other figures are incorrect estimates of the stated fiscal goal. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1996451/govt-hikes-petrol-price-by-rs6-diesel-by-rs19, 30 Apr 2026]
#2503
Which of the following individuals was NOT reported as being present at the meeting between the Prime Minister and the President on April 14, 2026?
(a) Rana Sanaullah
(b) Bilal Yaseen
(c) Sherry Rehman
(d) Nayyar Bukhari
Explanation: Bilal Yaseen is the Punjab Housing Minister and was not present at the meeting at Aiwan-i-Sadr. The other individuals listed were explicitly mentioned as attendees in the official statement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1991689/pm-takes-president-into-confidence-on-us-iran-talks-briefs-him-on-upcoming-visits-to-saudi-arabia-turkiye, 14 Apr 2026]
#2504
Which of the following sectors was explicitly cited by the US administration as a reason for the discriminatory treatment leading to the 2026 tariffs?
(a) Aerospace components
(b) Pharmaceutical products
(c) Dairy goods
(d) Textile manufacturing
Explanation: The US administration identified dairy goods, along with alcohol and American-made cars, as sectors subject to discriminatory treatment by Canada, prompting the tariff response. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017209/us-imposes-new-50pc-tariffs-on-20bn-worth-of-canadian-products, 21 Jul 2026]
#2505
All of the following are objectives or focus areas of the Finance Minister's visit to Washington in July 2026 EXCEPT:
(a) Discussing market access for Pakistani exports
(b) Exploring funding for infrastructure and energy projects
(c) Negotiating a broader economic partnership framework
(d) Finalizing a complete debt write-off for Pakistan
Explanation: The visit focused on trade, investment, and economic cooperation, including discussions on tariffs and project financing. There is no mention of a debt write-off, making it the incorrect statement among the options provided. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017217/us-technology-firm-proposes-refinery-modernisation-plan-for-pakistan-in-meeting-with-finance-minister, 21 Jul 2026]
#2506
Which of the following statements regarding the Iran-US talks in April 2026 is INCORRECT?
(a) The talks in Islamabad lasted for nearly 21 hours.
(b) Iran maintains that its right to enrich uranium is indisputable.
(c) The negotiations in Islamabad resulted in a comprehensive peace agreement.
(d) Messages between Iran and the US have continued to be exchanged through Pakistan.
Explanation: The talks in Islamabad did not yield a breakthrough or a formal agreement, making statement B incorrect. The other statements accurately reflect the reported status of the negotiations and Iran's official stance. [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]
#2507
Consider the following statements about the diplomatic developments in April 2026: 1. The US President indicated a preference for returning to Pakistan for further negotiations. 2. Iran has stated that the level of uranium enrichment is a negotiable issue. 3. The direct Iran-US talks in Islamabad were the first such engagement between the two nations since 1979. 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 3 is incorrect because the talks were the highest engagement since 1979, not the first. Statements 1 and 2 are factually accurate based on the reported comments from the US President and the Iranian foreign ministry spokesman. [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]
#2508
Dr. Asif Mahmood was elected as the chair of which United States federal body in 2026?
(a) United States Commission on International Religious Freedom
(b) United States Commission on Civil Rights
(c) United States Commission on Human Rights
(d) None of these
Explanation: Dr. Asif Mahmood was elected chair of the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) for the 2026-27 term. The other options represent different federal commissions that do not focus specifically on the international religious freedom mandate. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017231/pakistan-origin-physician-asif-mahmood-elected-chair-of-us-commission-on-religious-freedom, 21 Jul 2026]
#2509
Who was elected as the vice chair of the USCIRF alongside Dr. Asif Mahmood for the 2026-27 term?
(a) CeCe Heil
(b) Hakeem Jeffries
(c) Kamala Harris
(d) None of these
Explanation: The USCIRF announced the unanimous election of Dr. Asif Mahmood as chair and CeCe Heil as vice chair for the 2026-27 term. The other individuals mentioned are political figures not serving in this specific commission role. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017231/pakistan-origin-physician-asif-mahmood-elected-chair-of-us-commission-on-religious-freedom, 21 Jul 2026]
#2510
Where did the Prime Minister of Pakistan meet the President to discuss the US-Iran dialogue on April 14, 2026?
(a) Prime Minister House
(b) Aiwan-i-Sadr
(c) Foreign Office
(d) None of these
Explanation: The meeting between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Asif Ali Zardari took place at the Aiwan-i-Sadr in Islamabad. Aiwan-i-Sadr is the official residence and workplace of the President of Pakistan. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1991689/pm-takes-president-into-confidence-on-us-iran-talks-briefs-him-on-upcoming-visits-to-saudi-arabia-turkiye, 14 Apr 2026]
#2511
Which of the following is NOT a stated objective of the US military strikes against Iran as of July 21, 2026?
(a) Degrading Iranian maritime capabilities
(b) Neutralizing missile and drone launch sites
(c) Protecting commercial shipping in the Gulf
(d) Occupying Iranian coastal territory
Explanation: The US military stated its strikes were designed to degrade Iranian military capabilities, such as command centers and launch sites, to protect commercial shipping. There is no mention of an objective to occupy Iranian territory. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017211/iran-targets-american-military-assets-in-gulf-warns-of-more-attacks-as-us-strikes-iran-for-10th-consecutive-day, 21 Jul 2026]
#2512
Consider the following statements about the US-Canada trade situation as of July 2026: 1. The US President invoked Section 338 to retaliate against what the administration termed discriminatory trade practices. 2. The tariffs apply to a diverse range of goods including wine, cement, and ice hockey gear. 3. The US Trade Representative is currently holding bilateral talks regarding the USMCA with Canadian officials in Mexico City. 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 US Trade Representative is holding bilateral talks with Mexico, having pointedly left Canada out of those specific negotiations. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017209/us-imposes-new-50pc-tariffs-on-20bn-worth-of-canadian-products, 21 Jul 2026]
#2513
Which Indian minister was forced to resign following the weeks-long student agitation in 2026?
(a) Devendra Fadnavis
(b) Dharmendra Pradhan
(c) M.J. Akbar
(d) None of these
Explanation: Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned as a direct result of the student-led protests against the education system. While M.J. Akbar also resigned in the past, he is not the minister associated with the 2026 student agitation. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018933/well-begun-is-half-done, 28 Jul 2026]
#2514
Which of the following is NOT a primary focus area for the bilateral talks between Pakistan and Canada during the July 2026 visit?
(a) Trade and investment
(b) Education
(c) Military alliance formation
(d) People-to-people exchanges
Explanation: The bilateral talks focus on trade, investment, education, and people-to-people exchanges. Military alliance formation is not part of the stated agenda for this diplomatic visit. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016734/canadian-foreign-minister-anita-anand-to-visit-pakistan-on-monday, 19 Jul 2026]
#2515
Consider the following statements about the 2026 Pakistan-China Pharmaceutical and Healthcare B2B Investment Conference: 1. The conference was a two-day event held in Islamabad. 2. Over 200 Chinese companies participated in the event. 3. The conference included discussions on establishing local vaccine manufacturing facilities. 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 it was a two-day event in Islamabad. Statement 2 is incorrect because 146 Chinese companies participated, not over 200 (over 200 Pakistani companies participated). Statement 3 is correct as local vaccine production was a priority discussed at the conference. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016621/pakistan-china-pharma-conference-ends-with-850m-agreements, 19 Jul 2026]
#2516
Which specific Iranian military branch was identified by the United States as the primary target for retaliatory strikes on July 19, 2026?
(a) Basij Resistance Force
(b) Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC)
(c) Artesh (Regular Army of Iran)
(d) None of these
Explanation: The United States Central Command explicitly stated that the strikes were designed to punish the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) for their role in attacks against American service members. The Basij and Artesh are distinct branches of the Iranian armed forces not cited as the primary target in this specific operation. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016645/us-renews-strikes-on-iran-to-punish-irgc-for-troops-killing-tehran-targets-american-bases-in-kuwait, 19 Jul 2026]
#2517
Consider the following statements about the diplomatic developments in April 2026: 1. The US-Iran talks in Islamabad concluded with a formal peace agreement signed by both delegations. 2. President Asif Ali Zardari praised the coordination between the civilian government and state institutions during the mediation process. 3. Negotiating teams from the US and Iran may return to Islamabad for further rounds of talks. 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 talks concluded without a formal agreement, although they did not result in a breakdown. Statements 2 and 3 are factually accurate based on the official reports regarding the mediation success and the potential for future rounds. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1991689/pm-takes-president-into-confidence-on-us-iran-talks-briefs-him-on-upcoming-visits-to-saudi-arabia-turkiye, 14 Apr 2026]
#2518
Consider the following statements about Dr. Asif Mahmood: 1. He has served as a member of the Medical Board of California. 2. He was elected chair of the USCIRF for the 2026-27 term. 3. He has lived in California since 1999. 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. Dr. Mahmood is a two-term member of the Medical Board of California, was elected chair of the USCIRF in 2026, and has resided in California since 1999. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017231/pakistan-origin-physician-asif-mahmood-elected-chair-of-us-commission-on-religious-freedom, 21 Jul 2026]
#2519
The joint statement condemning Israel's appointment of an envoy to Somaliland was issued on which date in 2026?
(a) April 15, 2026
(b) April 18, 2026
(c) April 20, 2026
(d) April 22, 2026
Explanation: The joint statement from the twelve countries, including Pakistan, was issued on April 18, 2026, following the announcement of the appointment earlier that week. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1993013/12-countries-including-pakistan-condemn-israels-move-to-appoint-envoy-to-somaliland, 18 Apr 2026]
#2520
Which Yemeni group announced a maritime embargo on Saudi Arabia on July 20, 2026?
(a) The Houthi rebels
(b) The Southern Transitional Council
(c) Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula
(d) The Republican Guard
Explanation: The Houthi rebels declared an immediate maritime embargo on Saudi Arabia, framing it as a retaliatory measure. This action opened a new front in the regional conflict, specifically targeting Saudi Red Sea ports. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017211/iran-targets-american-military-assets-in-gulf-warns-of-more-attacks-as-us-strikes-iran-for-10th-consecutive-day, 21 Jul 2026]