July 2026 Edition
Start July Quiz
July 2026 Current Affairs MCQs & Solutions
Top national & international current affairs questions for CSS, PMS, FPSC, PPSC, and NTS screening tests.
#3541
Who is the political newcomer that defeated Viktor Orban in the 2026 Hungarian elections?
(a) Gergley Gulyas
(b) Peter Magyar
(c) JD Vance
(d) None of these
Explanation: Peter Magyar, a former government insider, emerged as the primary challenger and victor in the 2026 parliamentary elections. Gergley Gulyas is Orban's chief of staff. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1991135/viktor-orban-concedes-painful-defeat-to-conservative-peter-magyar-in-hungary-polls, 12 Apr 2026]
#3542
Which of the following statements regarding the 2026 military operations in Kandahar is INCORRECT?
(a) The strikes were conducted with the primary objective of targeting civilian population centers.
(b) The operation was launched following unprovoked firing from across the border.
(c) The strikes targeted military infrastructure and equipment storage facilities.
(d) The operation involved the use of both air strikes and ground-based weapons.
Explanation: The Pakistani government explicitly stated that no civilian population or infrastructure was targeted, refuting claims of civilian harm. Therefore, the statement that the primary objective was to target civilians is false. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1982323/overnight-strikes-in-afghanistans-kandahar-target-terrorist-hideouts-and-military-infrastructure-says-state-media, 15 Mar 2026]
#3543
Consider the following statements about the military actions reported on March 15, 2026: 1. The strikes targeted technical support infrastructure used by the Afghan Taliban. 2. Information Minister Attaullah Tarar confirmed the military action and shared footage of the strikes. 3. The operation was limited exclusively to air strikes with no ground-based involvement. 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 correct. Statement 3 is incorrect because the operation also involved ground-based forces, such as the destruction of the Badini Post using light and heavy weapons. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1982323/overnight-strikes-in-afghanistans-kandahar-target-terrorist-hideouts-and-military-infrastructure-says-state-media, 15 Mar 2026]
#3544
Which of the following institutions is a multilateral development partner mentioned for engagement during the 2026 visit?
(a) Federal Reserve Bank
(b) European Central Bank
(c) Bank of England
(d) Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB)
Explanation: The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) is a multilateral development bank that works alongside the World Bank and IMF. The other options are central banks or national institutions not categorized as multilateral development partners in this context. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1990747/aurangzeb-departs-for-us-to-participate-in-imf-wb-meetings, 11 Apr 2026]
#3545
Consider the following statements about the 2026 visit of the Finance Minister to the US: 1. The visit includes participation in the G-24 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors’ Meetings. 2. The Finance Minister is scheduled to address the Atlantic Council. 3. The primary objective of the visit is to secure immediate debt forgiveness from the World 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: Statements 1 and 2 are factually correct regarding the itinerary. Statement 3 is incorrect because the stated objective is to discuss the reform agenda and strengthen economic cooperation, not to secure debt forgiveness. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1990747/aurangzeb-departs-for-us-to-participate-in-imf-wb-meetings, 11 Apr 2026]
#3546
Consider the following statements about the 2026 Hungarian elections: 1. Peter Magyar's party secured more than two-thirds of the parliamentary seats. 2. Viktor Orban was seeking his fifth consecutive term in office. 3. The election results were finalized and confirmed by the European Union before Orban conceded. 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 Magyar won 137 seats (over two-thirds) and Orban was indeed seeking a fifth term. Statement 3 is incorrect because Orban conceded while results were still being counted and not yet final. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1991135/viktor-orban-concedes-painful-defeat-to-conservative-peter-magyar-in-hungary-polls, 12 Apr 2026]
#3547
Which of the following global credit rating agencies is the Finance Minister expected to interact with during the 2026 visit?
(a) Fitch Ratings
(b) Morningstar
(c) Kroll Bond Rating Agency
(d) None of these
Explanation: Fitch Ratings, along with Moody's and S&P Global, are the major credit rating agencies mentioned for engagement. Morningstar and Kroll are not listed as part of the scheduled high-level interactions. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1990747/aurangzeb-departs-for-us-to-participate-in-imf-wb-meetings, 11 Apr 2026]
#3548
Who led the Iranian delegation that arrived in Islamabad for the 2026 talks?
(a) Abbas Araghchi
(b) Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf
(c) Ali Khamenei
(d) None of these
Explanation: Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, the Speaker of the Iranian Parliament, led the delegation to Islamabad. Abbas Araghchi was part of the delegation as the Foreign Minister, but he was not the head of the delegation. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1990461/vance-en-route-iranian-delegation-touches-down-for-islamabad-talks, 10 Apr 2026]
#3549
Which of the following is NOT a precondition mentioned by the Iranian side for the commencement of negotiations in 2026?
(a) A ceasefire in Lebanon
(b) The release of Iran's blocked assets
(c) The immediate withdrawal of US forces from the Middle East
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Iranian side specifically cited a ceasefire in Lebanon and the release of blocked assets as their preconditions. The withdrawal of US forces was not listed as a specific precondition for these talks. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1990461/vance-en-route-iranian-delegation-touches-down-for-islamabad-talks, 10 Apr 2026]
#3550
Which US official was tasked with leading the American delegation to the 2026 Islamabad Talks?
(a) Donald Trump
(b) JD Vance
(c) Antony Blinken
(d) None of these
Explanation: US Vice President JD Vance was the official designated to lead the American delegation to Islamabad. Donald Trump provided the guidelines for the negotiations but did not travel to Pakistan himself. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1990461/vance-en-route-iranian-delegation-touches-down-for-islamabad-talks, 10 Apr 2026]
#3551
Who led the Iranian delegation during the peace talks held in Islamabad on April 11, 2026?
(a) Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf
(b) Hossein Amir-Abdollahian
(c) Ali Bagheri Kani
(d) None of these
Explanation: Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, the Speaker of the Iranian Parliament, led the Iranian delegation during the Islamabad talks. The other names listed are prominent Iranian officials but were not the heads of this specific delegation. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1990743/us-iran-search-for-breakthrough-in-islamabad-as-talks-stretch-into-third-round, 11 Apr 2026]
#3552
Who is the Israeli National Security Minister responsible for the April 2026 incursion into the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound?
(a) Benjamin Netanyahu
(b) Itamar Ben-Gvir
(c) Yoav Gallant
(d) None of these
Explanation: Itamar Ben-Gvir is the National Security Minister who led the incursion into the Al-Aqsa compound in April 2026. Benjamin Netanyahu is the Prime Minister, and Yoav Gallant is a separate cabinet official, making them incorrect choices. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1991141/israeli-minister-storms-al-aqsa-mosque-again-amid-restrictions-on-worshippers, 12 Apr 2026]
#3553
What is the name of the military operation launched by Pakistan in response to cross-border firing in 2026?
(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 launched in late February 2026 following unprovoked firing by the Afghan Taliban. Zarb-e-Azb and Radd-ul-Fasaad are previous military operations and are incorrect in this context. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1982323/overnight-strikes-in-afghanistans-kandahar-target-terrorist-hideouts-and-military-infrastructure-says-state-media, 15 Mar 2026]
#3554
Which of the following statements regarding the government's fuel price policy on April 10, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The government decided to discontinue all targeted subsidy initiatives immediately.
(b) The Prime Minister rejected the recommendation to only partially pass on the relief to the public.
(c) The price of kerosene was reduced by Rs17.33 per litre.
(d) The price of light diesel oil was reduced to Rs369.72 per litre.
Explanation: The government explicitly stated that targeted subsidy initiatives would not be discontinued. Options A, B, and D are factually correct statements regarding the policy announcement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1990554/govt-reduces-petrol-price-by-rs12-per-litre-hsd-by-rs135, 10 Apr 2026]
#3555
The 2026 US-Iran negotiations in Islamabad were held during a two-week pause in hostilities that originally commenced on:
(a) February 28, 2026
(b) January 28, 2026
(c) March 28, 2026
(d) April 10, 2026
Explanation: The conflict between the US and Iran, which prompted the mediation efforts, began on February 28, 2026. The talks in April were facilitated during a temporary pause in this specific conflict. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1990461/vance-en-route-iranian-delegation-touches-down-for-islamabad-talks, 10 Apr 2026]
#3556
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]
#3557
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]
#3558
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]
#3559
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]
#3560
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]