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.
#12161
On April 2, 2026, which Pakistani official issued a statement regarding the dangers of war between two nuclear-armed states?
(a) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari
(b) Khawaja Asif
(c) Ishaq Dar
(d) None of these
Explanation: Khawaja Asif, the Defence Minister of Pakistan, issued the statement on April 2, 2026, addressing his Indian counterpart, Rajnath Singh. The other individuals listed hold different portfolios or positions. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1987848/space-for-war-between-two-nuclear-states-inconceivable-asif-reminds-indian-counterpart, 02 Apr 2026]
#12162
Consider the following statements about the strategic discourse between Pakistan and India as of April 2, 2026: 1. Pakistan maintains that its defensive preparedness is absolute and calibrated. 2. The Pahalgam incident was characterized by Pakistan as a staged false flag operation. 3. India has provided conclusive evidence linking Pakistan to the Pahalgam incident. 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 reflects the official stance on defensive resolve. Statement 2 is correct as Pakistan explicitly labeled the incident a staged false flag. Statement 3 is incorrect because Pakistan has consistently maintained that India failed to provide any evidence for its allegations. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1987848/space-for-war-between-two-nuclear-states-inconceivable-asif-reminds-indian-counterpart, 02 Apr 2026]
#12163
Which of the following statements regarding the Quetta train bombing on May 24, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The incident resulted in zero civilian casualties.
(b) The shuttle train was traveling from Quetta Cantonment to the railway station.
(c) The attack involved a vehicle-borne suicide bomber.
(d) An emergency was declared in all major government hospitals in Quetta.
Explanation: The statement that there were zero civilian casualties is false, as the majority of the 14 victims were civilians, including pedestrians and passengers. The other statements accurately reflect the details of the event. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2002744/at-least-14-killed-20-injured-in-suicide-bombing-targeting-shuttle-train-in-quetta-balochistan-govt, 24 May 2026]
#12164
Which of the following statements regarding the 2026 Tezgam Express incident is INCORRECT?
(a) The incident occurred near Lodhran in Punjab.
(b) The Minister attributed the cause to mechanical and human error.
(c) The train was completely destroyed and abandoned at the site.
(d) An official inquiry into the derailment has been ordered.
Explanation: Option C is incorrect because the train was not abandoned; it was later dispatched to Karachi in a five-coach configuration. The other statements accurately reflect the details provided in the report. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1985160/railways-minister-says-tezgam-express-derailment-likely-due-to-mechanical-and-human-error, 25 Mar 2026]
#12165
Who is the current US Secretary of Defense as of May 30, 2026?
(a) Marco Rubio
(b) Tulsi Gabbard
(c) Pete Hegseth
(d) None of these
Explanation: Pete Hegseth is the serving US Secretary of Defense. Marco Rubio serves as the US Secretary of State, and Tulsi Gabbard is the former director of national intelligence. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2003936/us-pakistan-developing-true-friendship-hegseth-hails-islamabads-role-in-us-iran-negotiations, 30 May 2026]
#12166
Consider the following statements about the 2026 Tezgam Express derailment: 1. The incident resulted in zero fatalities among the passengers. 2. The train was traveling toward Lahore at the time of the derailment. 3. The Divisional Superintendent of Multan announced strict action against negligent officials. 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 there were no casualties. Statement 3 is correct regarding the DS Multan's announcement. Statement 2 is incorrect because the train was Karachi-bound, not Lahore-bound. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1985160/railways-minister-says-tezgam-express-derailment-likely-due-to-mechanical-and-human-error, 25 Mar 2026]
#12167
Who is the current Federal Minister for Railways as of 2026?
(a) Hanif Abbasi
(b) Muhammad Hanif Gul
(c) Tariq Khan
(d) None of these
Explanation: Hanif Abbasi is the Federal Minister for Railways who addressed the press regarding the Tezgam Express incident. Muhammad Hanif Gul is the Divisional Superintendent of Multan, and Tariq Khan is the train driver. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1985160/railways-minister-says-tezgam-express-derailment-likely-due-to-mechanical-and-human-error, 25 Mar 2026]
#12168
Consider the following statements about the security incidents in Bannu: 1. A suicide car bomb attack occurred at the Domel Police Station in April 2026. 2. Terrorists have utilized quadcopters to drop explosives on police stations in the district. 3. The July 15, 2026, attack resulted in zero injuries to police personnel. 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 Domel attack occurred in April 2026. Statement 2 is correct as quadcopter attacks have been reported in Bannu. Statement 3 is incorrect because the report confirms that a police official was among the injured. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2015690/at-least-5-injured-including-police-official-in-attack-on-bannu-police-station, 15 Jul 2026]
#12169
Consider the following statements about the security and operational status of the Saindak mine: 1. The government of Pakistan received security concerns from the mine operator in early July 2026. 2. China's foreign ministry stated it was fully aware of the specific security disruptions at the mine site. 3. Operation Shaban is a high-intensity counterterrorism campaign launched in response to attacks in Balochistan. 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 government received concerns in early July. Statement 3 is correct regarding the nature of Operation Shaban. Statement 2 is incorrect because China's foreign ministry stated it was unaware of the specific situation at the mine. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2015683/authorities-increasing-security-around-saindak-copper-and-gold-mine-in-balochistan-minister, 15 Jul 2026]
#12170
Consider the following statements about the diplomatic developments mentioned on May 30, 2026: 1. Pakistan served as the official interlocutor between Washington and Tehran. 2. The US Secretary of Defense expressed concerns that Pakistan's missile capabilities are currently a direct threat to the US. 3. The US President has referred to the Pakistani Army Chief as his 'favourite field marshal'. 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 the interlocutor. Statement 3 is correct as the US President used that specific phrasing. Statement 2 is incorrect because the Secretary of Defense explicitly stated that the US is not calling either country a threat to them at this time. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2003936/us-pakistan-developing-true-friendship-hegseth-hails-islamabads-role-in-us-iran-negotiations, 30 May 2026]
#12171
According to the PMD advisory issued on July 17, 2026, which weather system is expected to approach the upper parts of Pakistan on July 20, 2026?
(a) Tropical cyclone
(b) Westerly disturbance
(c) Heatwave front
(d) None of these
Explanation: The PMD advisory explicitly mentions that a westerly disturbance is expected to approach the upper parts of the country on July 20, 2026. This system, combined with monsoon currents from the Arabian Sea, is driving the widespread rain forecast. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016176/pmd-forecasts-widespread-rain-thunderstorms-across-country-until-july-25, 17 Jul 2026]
#12172
Who issued the official statement on behalf of the Pakistani Foreign Office rejecting India's comments on March 28, 2026?
(a) Asim Munir
(b) Tahir Andrabi
(c) Randhir Jaiswal
(d) S. Jaishankar
Explanation: Tahir Andrabi is the Foreign Office spokesperson who issued the rebuttal to the Indian Ministry of External Affairs. Randhir Jaiswal is the spokesperson for the Indian Ministry of External Affairs, while S. Jaishankar is the Indian External Affairs Minister. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1986308/exercise-in-deflection-masquerading-as-concern-fo-rejects-indias-comments-on-pakistans-shia-community, 28 Mar 2026]
#12173
Which Iranian city was reported to have suffered damage to its train station during the U.S. military strikes on July 17, 2026?
(a) Bandar Abbas
(b) Bandar Khamir
(c) Iranshahr
(d) Chabahar
Explanation: Reports indicated that the train station in the coastal city of Bandar Khamir was hit during the U.S. strikes. Bandar Abbas was targeted for its navy and Revolutionary Guards facilities, but the train station damage was specific to Bandar Khamir. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016140/iran-launches-fresh-attacks-on-american-facilities-in-gulf-after-sixth-consecutive-day-of-us-strikes, 17 Jul 2026]
#12174
On July 17, 2026, the United States military conducted strikes on Iranian military facilities located on which of the following islands?
(a) Kharg Island
(b) Qeshm Island
(c) Larak Island
(d) None of these
Explanation: The U.S. Central Command confirmed strikes on Iranian military capabilities, specifically identifying Qeshm Island as a target. While Kharg Island is mentioned as a potential future target for ground forces, it was not the site of the reported airstrikes on this date. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016140/iran-launches-fresh-attacks-on-american-facilities-in-gulf-after-sixth-consecutive-day-of-us-strikes, 17 Jul 2026]
#12175
During the Pakistan-China Pharmaceutical and Healthcare B2B Investment Conference held on July 17, 2026, the signed agreements were valued at approximately:
(a) $440 million
(b) $340 million
(c) $240 million
(d) $540 million
Explanation: The conference in Islamabad resulted in agreements between Pakistani and Chinese firms in the healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors valued at nearly $440 million. This investment is viewed as a significant step toward advancing CPEC 2.0. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016208/security-of-chinese-in-pakistan-paramount-for-us-says-pm-shehbaz, 17 Jul 2026]
#12176
Consider the following statements about the PMD weather advisory issued on July 17, 2026: 1. Monsoon currents from the Arabian Sea are expected to strengthen over the weekend. 2. The forecast for widespread rain and thundershowers extends until July 25, 2026. 3. The PMD has advised tourists to avoid unnecessary travel to vulnerable areas during the forecast period. 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 based on the PMD advisory. The monsoon currents are strengthening, the forecast period concludes on July 25, and the department explicitly advised tourists to avoid unnecessary travel to vulnerable areas. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016176/pmd-forecasts-widespread-rain-thunderstorms-across-country-until-july-25, 17 Jul 2026]
#12177
Consider the following statements regarding the diplomatic status of the conflict as of March 25, 2026: 1. Iran has officially accepted the 15-point US peace plan. 2. The White House claims that negotiations with Iran are currently productive. 3. Iran maintains that no negotiations will occur until its five conditions are met. 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 Iran rejected the US proposal. Statements 2 and 3 are correct as they reflect the conflicting official positions of the White House and the Iranian government respectively. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1985253/iran-rejects-us-proposal-lays-out-5-conditions-for-ending-war, 25 Mar 2026]
#12178
Which of the following is NOT a component of the reported 15-point peace proposal discussed on March 25, 2026?
(a) A one-month ceasefire between the involved parties
(b) The lifting of economic sanctions against Iran
(c) The surrender of Iran's enriched uranium stockpiles
(d) The immediate and unconditional annexation of disputed maritime territories
Explanation: The peace proposal focuses on nuclear non-proliferation, a ceasefire, and the lifting of sanctions. Annexation of territory is not part of the reported diplomatic framework. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1985150/us-reportedly-sends-peace-plan-as-iran-opens-strait-of-hormuz-to-non-hostile-oil-vessels, 25 Mar 2026]
#12179
Consider the following statements regarding the diplomatic developments reported on March 25, 2026: 1. The United States has proposed a one-month ceasefire to facilitate negotiations. 2. Iran has agreed to allow safe passage for all vessels, including those from hostile nations, through the Strait of Hormuz. 3. The proposed deal includes provisions for Iran to receive assistance in developing civil nuclear energy. 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 a one-month ceasefire is part of the proposal. Statement 2 is incorrect because Iran specifically limited safe passage to 'non-hostile' vessels. Statement 3 is correct as the proposal includes assistance for the Bushehr civil nuclear site. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1985150/us-reportedly-sends-peace-plan-as-iran-opens-strait-of-hormuz-to-non-hostile-oil-vessels, 25 Mar 2026]
#12180
On March 25, 2026, Iran announced that it would allow 'non-hostile' vessels to pass through which strategic maritime chokepoint?
(a) Strait of Malacca
(b) Strait of Hormuz
(c) Suez Canal
(d) Bab-el-Mandeb Strait
Explanation: The Strait of Hormuz is the gateway for approximately one-fifth of the world's oil. Iran's decision to allow safe passage for non-hostile vessels is a significant de-escalation measure. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1985150/us-reportedly-sends-peace-plan-as-iran-opens-strait-of-hormuz-to-non-hostile-oil-vessels, 25 Mar 2026]