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.
#4461
Which of the following statements regarding the fuel price adjustment on April 11, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The price of light diesel oil (LDO) was reduced by Rs25.31 per litre.
(b) The government decided to retain a portion of the global price fall to recoup previous subsidy expenditures.
(c) Tax rates on all fuel products were kept unchanged during this price revision.
(d) The price of kerosene was reduced by Rs17.33 per litre.
Explanation: The Prime Minister explicitly rejected the proposal to retain part of the price fall to recoup subsidy costs, making statement A incorrect. All other statements accurately reflect the details provided in the announcement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1990666/diesel-price-cut-by-rs135-petrol-sees-drop-of-rs12, 11 Apr 2026]
#4462
Which maritime trade route was reported as closed by Iran on April 18, 2026, amid escalating tensions with the United States?
(a) Strait of Hormuz
(b) Suez Canal
(c) Bab-el-Mandeb Strait
(d) Panama Canal
Explanation: Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz, stating it would remain shut until the US ended its blockade of Iranian ports. The other straits are not involved in this specific diplomatic dispute. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1993458/us-delegation-expected-in-islamabad-but-uncertainty-prevails-over-talks-amid-mixed-signals-from-iran, 20 Apr 2026]
#4463
Consider the following statements regarding the diplomatic situation on April 20, 2026: 1. The US leadership confirmed that a delegation was en route to Islamabad. 2. Iranian officials expressed full confidence in the US commitment to the diplomatic process. 3. Security measures in Islamabad included the sealing of the Red Zone. 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 US leadership confirmed the delegation's travel. Statement 3 is correct as security was tightened in Islamabad. Statement 2 is incorrect because Iranian officials explicitly expressed a lack of trust in Washington's seriousness. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1993458/us-delegation-expected-in-islamabad-but-uncertainty-prevails-over-talks-amid-mixed-signals-from-iran, 20 Apr 2026]
#4464
According to the announcement made on April 19, 2026, which individual was reported to lead the American delegation for the negotiations in Islamabad?
(a) Jared Kushner
(b) Steve Kushner
(c) JD Vance
(d) None of these
Explanation: US media outlets reported that Vice President JD Vance was designated to lead the American delegation. While Jared and Steve Kushner were mentioned as part of the team, Vance was the lead official cited. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1993224/trump-says-us-representatives-heading-to-islamabad-will-be-there-tomorrow-evening-for-negotiations-with-iran, 19 Apr 2026]
#4465
Who led the Iranian delegation during the first round of direct US-Iran talks held in Islamabad in April 2026?
(a) Mohammed Bagher Ghalibaf
(b) Abbas Araghchi
(c) Mojtaba Khamenei
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Iranian delegation to the Islamabad talks was led by Parliament Speaker Mohammed Bagher Ghalibaf, accompanied by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. Option D is incorrect because the leader is explicitly identified in the report. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1993250/in-45-minute-phone-call-with-pezeshkian-pm-shehbaz-reaffirms-pakistans-commitment-to-advancing-regional-peace, 19 Apr 2026]
#4466
What is the total amount the government spent on fuel subsidies over the month preceding the April 11, 2026, announcement?
(a) Rs129 billion
(b) Rs107 billion
(c) Rs81 billion
(d) Rs385 billion
Explanation: The Prime Minister noted that the government had spent Rs129 billion on fuel subsidies over the past month. The other figures refer to tax components or the final price of fuel. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1990666/diesel-price-cut-by-rs135-petrol-sees-drop-of-rs12, 11 Apr 2026]
#4467
Which of the following statements regarding the diplomatic situation as of April 19, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The first round of US-Iran talks in Islamabad ended without a formal agreement.
(b) The United States has officially confirmed that Iran has accepted the new deal proposed by President Trump.
(c) Iran has demanded the lifting of the US blockade on its ports as a precondition for talks.
(d) The Strait of Hormuz has been a focal point of the maritime standoff between the two nations.
Explanation: The United States has not confirmed Iran's acceptance; in fact, reports indicate that Iran's participation remains uncertain and that Tehran has expressed skepticism. Options A, B, and D are all factually supported by the provided text. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1993224/trump-says-us-representatives-heading-to-islamabad-will-be-there-tomorrow-evening-for-negotiations-with-iran, 19 Apr 2026]
#4468
The ex-depot price of petrol was fixed at which of the following rates on April 11, 2026?
(a) Rs450.15 per litre
(b) Rs385.54 per litre
(c) Rs366.58 per litre
(d) Rs369.72 per litre
Explanation: Following the Rs12 reduction, the new price for petrol was fixed at Rs366.58 per litre. The other values correspond to the new prices for HSD, kerosene, and light diesel oil. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1990666/diesel-price-cut-by-rs135-petrol-sees-drop-of-rs12, 11 Apr 2026]
#4469
Consider the following statements about the fuel price revision on April 11, 2026: 1. The reduction in diesel prices was partially attributed to a correction in the pricing formula that previously benefited local refineries. 2. High-speed diesel is considered an inflationary item due to its extensive use in freight transportation. 3. The government reduced the petroleum levy on petrol to provide immediate relief to consumers. 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 reflect the pricing formula correction and the inflationary nature of diesel. Statement 3 is incorrect because the government explicitly stated that tax rates, including the petroleum levy, were kept unchanged. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1990666/diesel-price-cut-by-rs135-petrol-sees-drop-of-rs12, 11 Apr 2026]
#4470
Which Iranian official stated on April 20, 2026, that Tehran had yet to decide on its participation in the next round of talks?
(a) Esmaeil Baqaei
(b) Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf
(c) Ali Khamenei
(d) None of these
Explanation: Foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei explicitly stated that no decision had been made regarding the next round of negotiations. Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf is the parliament speaker who also commented on the lack of trust. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1993458/us-delegation-expected-in-islamabad-but-uncertainty-prevails-over-talks-amid-mixed-signals-from-iran, 20 Apr 2026]
#4471
Consider the following statements about the US-Iran conflict as of April 19, 2026: 1. The US-Israeli strikes on Iran commenced on February 28, 2026. 2. President Trump threatened to target Iranian power plants and bridges if the proposed deal is rejected. 3. The Strait of Hormuz was closed by Iran in response to the US blockade of Iranian ports. 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: the strikes began on February 28, the threat to infrastructure was explicitly made by President Trump, and Iran cited the US blockade as the reason for closing the Strait of Hormuz. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1993224/trump-says-us-representatives-heading-to-islamabad-will-be-there-tomorrow-evening-for-negotiations-with-iran, 19 Apr 2026]
#4472
Consider the following statements about the diplomatic developments in April 2026: 1. The first round of direct US-Iran talks in Islamabad concluded with a formal peace agreement. 2. Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar held discussions with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi regarding regional stability. 3. The hostilities between the US and Iran were initially triggered by strikes occurring on February 28, 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: Statement 1 is incorrect because the first round of talks in Islamabad ended without a formal agreement, though it also avoided a breakdown. Statements 2 and 3 are factually accurate based on the reported diplomatic timeline. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1993250/in-45-minute-phone-call-with-pezeshkian-pm-shehbaz-reaffirms-pakistans-commitment-to-advancing-regional-peace, 19 Apr 2026]
#4473
Which location served as the venue for the US-Iran peace talks held in April 2026?
(a) Prime Minister House
(b) Parliament House
(c) Foreign Office
(d) Serena Hotel
Explanation: The Iranian delegation was reported to be conferring at the Serena Hotel in Islamabad during the talks. The other locations are common government buildings but were not the site of the negotiations. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1990743/stepping-stone-toward-durable-peace-pm-shehbaz-meets-us-vp-vance-as-islamabad-talks-commence, 11 Apr 2026]
#4474
Which global event is scheduled to be hosted by Azerbaijan in May 2026?
(a) International Peace Dialogue
(b) Global Energy Summit
(c) Regional Trade Conference
(d) World Urban Forum
Explanation: The Prime Minister expressed his best wishes for the success of the upcoming World Urban Forum, which is being hosted by Azerbaijan. This event serves as a platform for advancing the global urban development agenda. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1999715/pm-shehbaz-azerbaijans-president-aliyev-discuss-peace-efforts-in-mideast-pmo, 12 May 2026]
#4475
Who is the current spokesperson for the Iranian Foreign Ministry who acknowledged Pakistan's mediation efforts on April 22, 2026?
(a) Esmaeil Baqaei
(b) Hossein Amir-Abdollahian
(c) Ali Bagheri Kani
(d) None of these
Explanation: Esmaeil Baqaei is the Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson who publicly expressed gratitude for Pakistan's diplomatic initiatives. The other names are prominent Iranian officials but do not hold this specific role in the context of the 2026 events. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1994127/iran-appreciates-pakistans-efforts-to-mediate-between-tehran-and-washington, 22 Apr 2026]
#4476
Which Pakistani official confirmed the ceasefire deadline as 4:50am PST on April 22, 2026?
(a) Asim Munir
(b) Shehbaz Sharif
(c) Attaullah Tarar
(d) None of these
Explanation: Information Minister Attaullah Tarar provided the specific timing for the ceasefire deadline. While Asim Munir and Shehbaz Sharif were involved in the diplomatic requests to the US, they did not provide this specific technical briefing. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1994127/iran-appreciates-pakistans-efforts-to-mediate-between-tehran-and-washington, 22 Apr 2026]
#4477
On May 6, 2026, Israel conducted an airstrike in Beirut targeting a commander of which specific Hezbollah unit?
(a) Al-Quds Force
(b) Radwan Force
(c) Badr Force
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Israeli military strike in Beirut's southern suburbs specifically targeted a commander associated with the Radwan force. The Al-Quds Force is an external operations unit of the Iranian IRGC, not a Hezbollah unit. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1998133/israel-strikes-beirut-for-the-first-time-since-ceasefire, 06 May 2026]
#4478
In the context of the 2026 conflict, what is the approximate depth of the self-declared security zone Israel has carved out in southern Lebanon?
(a) 5 kilometres
(b) 10 kilometres
(c) 15 kilometres
(d) 20 kilometres
Explanation: Israel has established a security zone extending approximately 10 kilometres into southern Lebanese territory. This zone is intended to mitigate rocket and drone threats from Hezbollah fighters. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1998133/israel-strikes-beirut-for-the-first-time-since-ceasefire, 06 May 2026]
#4479
Who is the current Prime Minister of Lebanon as of May 2026?
(a) Benjamin Netanyahu
(b) Joseph Aoun
(c) Nawaf Salam
(d) Israel Katz
Explanation: Nawaf Salam serves as the Prime Minister of Lebanon and has been involved in diplomatic discussions regarding the ceasefire. Joseph Aoun is the President of Lebanon. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1998133/israel-strikes-beirut-for-the-first-time-since-ceasefire, 06 May 2026]
#4480
Which military measure did the United States maintain despite the extension of the ceasefire in April 2026?
(a) The deployment of ground troops to the border
(b) A total air exclusion zone over Tehran
(c) A naval blockade of Iranian ports
(d) The imposition of a complete telecommunications blackout
Explanation: While the ceasefire was extended to allow for diplomatic negotiations, the United States explicitly stated that the naval blockade of Iranian ports would remain in place. This distinguishes the ceasefire from a total cessation of all hostile military posturing. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1993810/at-the-request-of-cdf-munir-pm-shehbaz-trump-announces-extension-in-ceasefire-until-iran-submits-proposal, 21 Apr 2026]