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.
#1241
Consider the following statements about the EU-Pakistan diplomatic engagement in 2026: 1. The 8th round of the EU-Pakistan Strategic Dialogue was co-chaired by Ishaq Dar and Kaja Kallas. 2. The Prime Minister invited the Presidents of the European Council and the European Commission to visit Pakistan. 3. The EU High Representative described Pakistan as a minor regional power with limited strategic influence. 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 official proceedings and invitations extended by the Prime Minister. Statement 3 is incorrect because Kaja Kallas explicitly referred to Pakistan as a 'major regional power' and an 'important partner'. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2004340/pm-reaffirms-eu-ties-thanks-kallas-for-support-for-gulf-peace-efforts, 01 Jun 2026]
#1242
Which of the following is NOT a key area of cooperation mentioned in the 2026 EU-Pakistan Strategic Dialogue?
(a) Climate change
(b) Connectivity
(c) Sustainable development
(d) Space exploration
Explanation: The dialogue focused on trade, investment, climate change, security, migration, sustainable development, and connectivity. Space exploration was not identified as a primary pillar of the strategic engagement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2004340/pm-reaffirms-eu-ties-thanks-kallas-for-support-for-gulf-peace-efforts, 01 Jun 2026]
#1243
Consider the following statements about the conflict in the Strait of Hormuz as of March 16, 2026: 1. Iran has effectively closed the waterway using drones and naval mines. 2. The US-Israeli war on Iran is currently in its third week. 3. Dubai airport operations were temporarily suspended due to Iranian drone attacks. 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 accurate based on the report: the Strait is closed by mines and drones, the conflict is in its third week, and Dubai airport faced temporary closures due to Iranian drone activity. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1982742/trump-upset-as-key-us-partners-shun-call-for-hormuz-warship-escorts, 16 Mar 2026]
#1244
Consider the following statements about the environmental situation in Europe as of July 2026: 1. Europe is identified as the world's fastest-warming continent. 2. The Western Balkans have experienced a shift in danger from heatwaves to hailstorms. 3. The average high temperature in Western Europe was recorded as being three degrees above the 1961-1990 normal for July 22. 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 accurate based on the provided information. Europe is confirmed as the fastest-warming continent, the Western Balkans faced a transition to hailstorms, and the temperature anomaly for July 22 was indeed three degrees above the historical baseline. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017665/spain-france-struggle-with-wildfires-as-heat-grips-europes-south, 23 Jul 2026]
#1245
What is the maximum temperature range forecast for the Ebro and Guadalquivir valleys during the peak of the July 2026 heatwave?
(a) 42-44 degrees Celsius
(b) 39-42 degrees Celsius
(c) 35-37 degrees Celsius
(d) 45-47 degrees Celsius
Explanation: Meteorological forecasts for the Ebro and Guadalquivir valleys indicated potential highs of 42-44 degrees Celsius. The 39-42 range was forecast for broader swathes of the country, making 42-44 the specific peak for these valleys. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017665/spain-france-struggle-with-wildfires-as-heat-grips-europes-south, 23 Jul 2026]
#1246
Which of the following statements regarding the 2026 Bulgaria-US refueling agreement is INCORRECT?
(a) The aircraft are intended for logistical and in-flight refueling missions.
(b) The agreement was approved by the Bulgarian parliament with 136 votes in favor.
(c) The refueling missions are permitted to take place within Bulgarian airspace.
(d) The deployment is scheduled to conclude on October 1, 2026.
Explanation: The statement that missions are permitted within Bulgarian airspace is incorrect; Bulgarian officials explicitly stated that the aircraft will be refueled outside of Bulgarian airspace to maintain the country's non-combatant status. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017669/bulgaria-allows-us-to-station-refuelling-planes, 23 Jul 2026]
#1247
Which specific air base in Bulgaria was designated to host the United States refueling aircraft in 2026?
(a) Graf Ignatievo Air Base
(b) Bezmer Air Base
(c) Krumovo Air Base
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Bulgarian parliament authorized the stationing of US tanker aircraft at the Bezmer Air Base in the south-east of the country. Other options represent different Bulgarian military installations not involved in this specific deployment. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017669/bulgaria-allows-us-to-station-refuelling-planes, 23 Jul 2026]
#1248
Consider the following statements about the 2026 Bulgaria-US refueling agreement: 1. The agreement allows for the use of Bulgarian territory as a base for direct military attacks on Iran. 2. The deployment of US tanker aircraft is supported by a 2006 bilateral defense agreement. 3. Iran has warned that the authorization makes Bulgaria an accomplice to regional aggression. 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 Bulgarian Prime Minister explicitly stated that it is out of the question for military operations in the Middle East to be conducted from Bulgarian territory. Statements 2 and 3 are factually accurate based on the 2006 defense pact and the diplomatic warnings issued by Tehran. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017669/bulgaria-allows-us-to-station-refuelling-planes, 23 Jul 2026]
#1249
Which of the following statements regarding Pakistan's remittance inflows during the July-February period of FY26 is INCORRECT?
(a) Total remittances from Arab countries accounted for 53.3 percent of total inflows.
(b) Remittances from the United States were higher than those from the European Union.
(c) The UAE recorded a 12 percent increase in remittances to Pakistan.
(d) Remittances from the United Kingdom reached 4 billion dollars.
Explanation: The United States sent 2.3 billion dollars, whereas the European Union countries sent 3.5 billion dollars. Therefore, the statement that US inflows were higher is false. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980726/remittances-steady-but-war-risks-loom, 11 Mar 2026]
#1250
Which of the following is NOT a challenge highlighted by the Deputy Prime Minister during the 2026 ASEAN Regional Forum meeting?
(a) The Kashmir dispute
(b) The Indus Waters Treaty status
(c) The expansion of the European Union
(d) The humanitarian crisis in Gaza
Explanation: The Deputy Prime Minister specifically addressed the Kashmir dispute, the IWT, and the Gaza crisis as key challenges. The expansion of the European Union was not mentioned as a threat to peaceful coexistence in his address. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017794/kashmir-iwt-among-key-global-challenges-threatening-peaceful-coexistence-dar-tells-asean-moot, 23 Jul 2026]
#1251
Which of the following is NOT an investment avenue proposed by SEBI for portfolio managers in the July 2026 consultation paper?
(a) Direct real estate development
(b) Overseas listed debt
(c) Unlisted debt
(d) Overseas listed equity
Explanation: SEBI proposed allowing investments in overseas listed equity, overseas listed debt, and unlisted debt. Direct real estate development is not included in the proposed expansion of investment avenues for portfolio managers. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431463/indias-sebi-proposes-allowing-portfolio-managers-to-invest-overseas-in-to-be-listed-securities, 23 Jul 2026]
#1252
Which financial institution in the United Arab Emirates reported a net profit of 5.72 billion dirhams for the second quarter of 2026?
(a) Emirates NBD
(b) First Abu Dhabi Bank
(c) Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank
(d) None of these
Explanation: First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) reported a net profit of 5.72 billion dirhams for the quarter ending June 30, 2026. Emirates NBD and Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank are also major lenders in the region but did not report this specific profit figure. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431470/most-gulf-markets-gain-on-quarterly-earnings-but-geopolitical-risks-limit-upside, 23 Jul 2026]
#1253
Consider the following statements about the impact of Middle East tensions on global energy markets as of July 23, 2026: 1. Brent crude futures approached $99 a barrel in Asian trade. 2. The conflict has raised concerns regarding the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. 3. Brent crude prices have rallied 12% over the week ending July 23, 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: All three statements are factually accurate based on the report. Brent crude reached nearly $99, the Strait of Hormuz is a focal point for supply disruption fears, and the 12% weekly rally is confirmed. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431465/indian-bonds-fall-for-third-session-as-oil-prices-near-100-a-barrel, 23 Jul 2026]
#1254
What was the total amount of remittances received by Pakistan in February 2026?
(a) 2.5 billion dollars
(b) 3.3 billion dollars
(c) 4.0 billion dollars
(d) None of these
Explanation: The State Bank of Pakistan reported that remittances remained steady in February 2026, totaling 3.3 billion dollars. This figure highlights the resilience of inflows despite the onset of regional conflict. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980726/remittances-steady-but-war-risks-loom, 11 Mar 2026]
#1255
Under which specific European Union legislation was Google fined 890 million euros in July 2026?
(a) General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)
(b) Digital Services Act (DSA)
(c) Artificial Intelligence Act
(d) Digital Markets Act (DMA)
Explanation: The European Commission issued the fines specifically citing the Digital Markets Act (DMA), which aims to curb the market power of large technology firms. While the GDPR and DSA are other major EU regulatory frameworks, they were not the primary legal basis for these specific antitrust penalties. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017814/google-hit-with-1bn-eu-fine-in-constructive-talks-to-avoid-more-penalties, 23 Jul 2026]
#1256
Which country was the largest source of remittances for Pakistan during the July-February period of FY26?
(a) United Arab Emirates
(b) United Kingdom
(c) United States
(d) Saudi Arabia
Explanation: Saudi Arabia remained the top source of remittances, contributing 6.163 billion dollars during the first eight months of FY26. The UAE followed as the second-largest source. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980726/remittances-steady-but-war-risks-loom, 11 Mar 2026]
#1257
Consider the following statements about Pakistan's economic situation as of March 2026: 1. The total remittance inflow for the first eight months of FY26 was 26.5 billion dollars. 2. Saudi Aramco has reportedly reduced its oil production to about half capacity due to the Strait of Hormuz blockage. 3. The government expects to receive 50 billion dollars in total remittances during the full fiscal year 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: Statements 1 and 2 are factually accurate based on the report. Statement 3 is incorrect because the expected total for FY26 is 40 billion dollars, not 50 billion. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980726/remittances-steady-but-war-risks-loom, 11 Mar 2026]
#1258
As of May 31, 2026, what was the total value of assets managed by India's portfolio management services industry?
(a) 18.07 trillion rupees
(b) 42.61 trillion rupees
(c) 55.30 trillion rupees
(d) None of these
Explanation: The assets managed by the Indian portfolio management services industry reached 42.61 trillion rupees by May 31, 2026. The figure of 18.07 trillion rupees represents the industry's asset size in April 2019. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431463/indias-sebi-proposes-allowing-portfolio-managers-to-invest-overseas-in-to-be-listed-securities, 23 Jul 2026]
#1259
The decline in US stock markets on July 23, 2026, was primarily attributed to rising oil prices and which of the following factors?
(a) Disappointing corporate earnings in the tech sector
(b) Unexpected interest rate hikes by the Federal Reserve
(c) A sudden collapse in global semiconductor demand
(d) None of these
Explanation: The market downturn was driven by the dual impact of surging energy costs and investor skepticism regarding tech sector earnings, specifically from Alphabet and Tesla. Interest rate hikes were not mentioned as a factor in this specific market event. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431469/us-stocks-tumble-as-brent-oil-tops-100, 23 Jul 2026]
#1260
Consider the following statements about the market conditions on July 23, 2026: 1. The Pakistani rupee closed at 277.90 in the inter-bank market. 2. Brent crude oil prices rose by approximately 7%. 3. The US dollar index strengthened significantly due to the Iran-US tensions. 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 inter-bank closing rate was 277.90. Statement 2 is correct as Brent futures rose by 7%. Statement 3 is incorrect because the US dollar index actually eased by 0.06% rather than strengthening significantly. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431436/pakistani-rupee-records-gain-against-us-dollar, 23 Jul 2026]