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.
#1281
Which of the following statements regarding the 2026 European wildfires is INCORRECT?
(a) The fires were exacerbated by strong winds and scorching temperatures.
(b) Climate change is identified as a factor increasing the severity of European droughts.
(c) All wildfires in the region were officially attributed to arson by civil protection authorities.
(d) Three firefighters were reported killed during the July 2026 heatwave events.
Explanation: While arson was mentioned as a specific concern in the Calabria region, it is incorrect to state that all wildfires were attributed to arson, as other causes like mechanical sparks and environmental conditions were also cited. The other three statements are factually supported by the reports. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017997/deadly-wildfires-in-europe-force-thousands-to-flee, 24 Jul 2026]
#1282
Consider the following statements regarding the economic situation in India as of July 2026: 1. The United States is imposing new tariffs on Indian goods due to allegations regarding forced labour bans. 2. Indian benchmarks have experienced a decline of approximately 2% over the week. 3. IndiGo reported a profit for the current quarter despite the rising fuel prices. 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 and 2 are factually correct based on the report. Statement 3 is incorrect because IndiGo posted a loss, not a profit, driven by soaring fuel prices and regional uncertainty. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431590/indian-shares-to-open-lower-as-crude-tops-100, 24 Jul 2026]
#1283
What is the maturity period of the dollar bonds issued by ICICI Bank in July 2026?
(a) Three years
(b) Five years
(c) Four years
(d) Seven years
Explanation: The ICICI Bank dollar bond issue has a maturity period of five years. This aligns with the duration of other recent dollar debt sales by major Indian financial institutions. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431638/icici-bank-prices-1-billion-debt-in-largest-dollar-issue-by-indian-private-lender, 24 Jul 2026]
#1284
As of July 24, 2026, what is the primary reason cited for the surge in Brent crude oil prices exceeding $100 per barrel?
(a) Global supply chain disruptions in the semiconductor industry
(b) Escalating conflict in the Middle East
(c) Unexpected production cuts by OPEC+ members
(d) None of these
Explanation: The surge in crude oil prices is directly attributed to the escalating Middle East crisis, which has impacted shipping chokepoints. Other options, while relevant to global economics, are not the primary drivers mentioned for this specific price movement. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431590/indian-shares-to-open-lower-as-crude-tops-100, 24 Jul 2026]
#1285
Which institution introduced the swap facility that lowered hedging costs for Indian banks in 2026?
(a) State Bank of India
(b) Reserve Bank of India
(c) Ministry of Finance
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Reserve Bank of India introduced a swap facility allowing eligible external commercial borrowings to be hedged at a fixed rate of 1.5% per annum. This measure made overseas dollar fundraising more attractive for Indian lenders. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431638/icici-bank-prices-1-billion-debt-in-largest-dollar-issue-by-indian-private-lender, 24 Jul 2026]
#1286
Which Indian financial institution was the last to tap the market for Basel III-compliant additional Tier I perpetual bonds prior to the SBI issuance in 2026?
(a) Canara Bank
(b) ICICI Bank
(c) HDFC Bank
(d) Axis Bank
Explanation: Canara Bank was the last lender to issue such bonds, raising 35 billion rupees in November 2025. The other banks listed are major private sector players not mentioned in the context of this specific recent issuance. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431637/indias-sbi-to-issue-first-rupee-denominated-perpetual-debt-of-2026-sources-say, 24 Jul 2026]
#1287
What is the total value of the perpetual debt issuance planned by the State Bank of India in 2026?
(a) 35 billion rupees
(b) 50 billion rupees
(c) 600 billion rupees
(d) None of these
Explanation: The State Bank of India planned to raise 50 billion rupees through its perpetual bond issuance. While 600 billion rupees is the total board-approved limit for the financial year, 50 billion is the specific amount for this transaction. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431637/indias-sbi-to-issue-first-rupee-denominated-perpetual-debt-of-2026-sources-say, 24 Jul 2026]
#1288
Which sector led the gains on the FTSE 100 index on July 24, 2026?
(a) Pharmaceuticals and healthcare
(b) Retail and consumer goods
(c) Electronics and technology
(d) Investment banks and brokerages
Explanation: Investment banks and brokerages recorded a 1.6% rise, leading sectoral gains on the benchmark index. This was bolstered by positive analyst revisions for companies like 3i Group. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431643/londons-ftse-100-rises-as-hsbc-lifts-financial-stocks-middle-east-tensions-linger, 24 Jul 2026]
#1289
Which of the following statements regarding the market conditions on July 24, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) Energy shares experienced a decline due to regional tensions
(b) The FTSE 250 index also recorded a climb of 0.3%
(c) Oil prices remained stable throughout the trading session
(d) Investors monitored rising oil prices amid Middle East tensions
Explanation: Oil prices did not remain stable; they were volatile and retreated after initial concerns regarding energy flow disruptions in the Red Sea. The other statements accurately reflect the market data provided. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431643/londons-ftse-100-rises-as-hsbc-lifts-financial-stocks-middle-east-tensions-linger, 24 Jul 2026]
#1290
Which of the following factors was primarily responsible for the pressure on Indian bond sentiment during the week ending July 24, 2026?
(a) Surging oil prices
(b) Domestic political instability
(c) A sudden decline in tax revenue
(d) None of these
Explanation: Surging oil prices and higher U.S. Treasury yields were the primary drivers of negative sentiment in the Indian bond market. Domestic political instability and tax revenue are not cited as factors in this context. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431650/india-bonds-end-three-day-losing-streak-but-post-second-straight-weekly-decline, 24 Jul 2026]
#1291
Which of the following indices recorded a 0.2% decline to reach a near seven-week low on July 24, 2026?
(a) Saudi Stock Exchange
(b) Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange
(c) Dubai Financial Market
(d) Kuwait Stock Exchange
Explanation: The Dubai main market index slipped 0.2% to hit a near seven-week low on the specified date. The Abu Dhabi benchmark index experienced a smaller decline of 0.1%. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431652/uae-stocks-slip-amid-escalating-middle-east-conflict, 24 Jul 2026]
#1292
The humanitarian aid convoy involved in the incident on May 23, 2026, was known as the:
(a) Mediterranean Aid Mission
(b) Freedom Gaza Convoy
(c) Global Sumud Flotilla
(d) Humanity First Fleet
Explanation: The activists were part of the Global Sumud Flotilla attempting to breach the blockade of Gaza. The other options are plausible-sounding but incorrect names for this specific 2026 event. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2002539/france-bans-israeli-security-minister-ben-gvir-from-country, 23 May 2026]
#1293
What was the closing value of the FTSE 100 index on July 24, 2026?
(a) 10,474.68 points
(b) 10,674.68 points
(c) 10,574.68 points
(d) 10,774.68 points
Explanation: The blue-chip FTSE 100 index rose 0.3% to reach 10,674.68 points on the specified date. This reflects the market's reaction to the financial sector's performance despite geopolitical headwinds. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431643/londons-ftse-100-rises-as-hsbc-lifts-financial-stocks-middle-east-tensions-linger, 24 Jul 2026]
#1294
Consider the following statements about the aviation industry's response to the 2026 Middle East conflict: 1. Air New Zealand suspended its financial outlook for 2026 due to market uncertainty. 2. Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Etihad account for approximately one-third of passenger traffic between Europe and Asia. 3. British Airways-owner IAG announced immediate plans to increase ticket prices across all routes.
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) All three
Explanation: Statement 1 and 2 are factually correct based on the report. Statement 3 is incorrect because IAG explicitly stated it was well-hedged and had no immediate plans to change ticket prices. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980748/airlines-raise-ticket-prices-as-middle-east-conflict-drives-up-fuel-costs, 11 Mar 2026]
#1295
What is the total value of the dollar bond issued by ICICI Bank in July 2026?
(a) $500 million
(b) $800 million
(c) $1.25 billion
(d) $1 billion
Explanation: ICICI Bank priced a $1 billion five-year dollar bond, which represents the largest dollar issue by an Indian private lender in nearly 14 years. While the base issue size was $500 million, the final priced amount was $1 billion. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431638/icici-bank-prices-1-billion-debt-in-largest-dollar-issue-by-indian-private-lender, 24 Jul 2026]
#1296
What is the duration of the call option attached to the State Bank of India's 2026 perpetual debt issuance?
(a) Three years
(b) Seven years
(c) Five years
(d) Ten years
Explanation: The current issuance features a five-year call option. A ten-year call option was utilized by the bank in its previous issuance in October 2024. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431637/indias-sbi-to-issue-first-rupee-denominated-perpetual-debt-of-2026-sources-say, 24 Jul 2026]
#1297
Consider the following statements about the State Bank of India's capital raising activities: 1. The board approved raising up to 600 billion rupees through debt in the current financial year. 2. The bank's previous perpetual bond issuance occurred in November 2025. 3. The 2026 perpetual debt issuance is designed to be Basel III-compliant. 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 regarding the 600 billion rupee board approval. Statement 3 is correct regarding Basel III compliance. Statement 2 is incorrect because the bank's previous perpetual bond issuance occurred in October 2024, whereas Canara Bank issued bonds in November 2025. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431637/indias-sbi-to-issue-first-rupee-denominated-perpetual-debt-of-2026-sources-say, 24 Jul 2026]
#1298
The S&P/ASX 200 index closed at which of the following levels on July 24, 2026?
(a) 8,783.9 points
(b) 13,768.9 points
(c) 19,849.0 points
(d) 72,192.0 points
Explanation: The S&P/ASX 200 index was reported at 8,783.9 points. The other figures represent different indices like the S&P/NZX 50 or local market indicators. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431620/australian-shares-on-track-for-third-weekly-loss-as-miners-tech-weigh, 24 Jul 2026]
#1299
Consider the following statements about the market performance on July 24, 2026: 1. The FTSE 100 index rose by 0.3%. 2. Energy shares like BP and Shell saw gains due to rising oil prices. 3. The United States imposed new tariffs on goods from 60 trading partners. 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 FTSE 100 rose 0.3%. Statement 2 is incorrect because energy shares actually fell (BP down 1.6%, Shell down 0.9%). Statement 3 is correct as the US imposed new tariffs of 10% and 12.5% on goods from 60 trading partners. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431643/londons-ftse-100-rises-as-hsbc-lifts-financial-stocks-middle-east-tensions-linger, 24 Jul 2026]
#1300
Which of the following statements regarding the Australian market performance on July 24, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The S&P/ASX 200 index was on track for a third consecutive weekly loss.
(b) Gold miners lost as much as 3.1% as bullion prices retreated.
(c) The mining sub-index was poised for its worst weekly gain in history.
(d) Technology stocks hit their lowest level since mid-April.
Explanation: The mining sub-index was actually poised for its strongest weekly gain since about eight weeks ago, not its worst. The other statements accurately reflect the market conditions described. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431620/australian-shares-on-track-for-third-weekly-loss-as-miners-tech-weigh, 24 Jul 2026]