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.
#13661
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]
#13662
The temporary US waiver issued in March 2026 was intended to facilitate the sale of which specific commodity to India?
(a) Natural gas
(b) Refined petroleum products
(c) Russian oil stranded at sea
(d) None of these
Explanation: The US waiver was specifically designed to allow Russian oil that was stranded at sea to be sold to India. This was a temporary measure in response to the broader energy market disruptions. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979646/new-delhi-continues-importing-russian-oil, 08 Mar 2026]
#13663
What is the name of the peace agreement signed between the United States and Iran in 2026?
(a) Geneva Accord
(b) Burgenstock Treaty
(c) Islamabad Peace Deal
(d) Hormuz Security Pact
Explanation: The agreement that ended the hostilities between the United States and Iran in 2026 is officially referred to as the Islamabad Peace Deal. While Geneva was mentioned as a potential site for subsequent talks, it is not the name of the primary agreement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2009269/pm-shehbaz-saudi-crown-prince-discuss-iran-us-talks-stress-peace-process-must-not-be-undermined, 19 Jun 2026]
#13664
Which of the following statements regarding the 2026 US-Iran peace process is INCORRECT?
(a) The peace deal includes a framework to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
(b) The peace deal was signed in person by the leaders in Switzerland.
(c) The peace deal requires negotiations on key issues to be completed within 60 days.
(d) Pakistan acted as a mediator throughout the conflict.
Explanation: The memorandum of understanding was electronically signed by the parties, not in person in Switzerland. The other statements accurately reflect the terms and context of the agreement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2009269/pm-shehbaz-saudi-crown-prince-discuss-iran-us-talks-stress-peace-process-must-not-be-undermined, 19 Jun 2026]
#13665
The conflict between the United States and Iran in 2026 officially began on which date?
(a) February 28, 2026
(b) March 15, 2026
(c) April 8, 2026
(d) June 19, 2026
Explanation: The military conflict, characterized by air attacks, commenced on February 28, 2026. This date marks the beginning of the hostilities that Pakistan later mediated. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2009269/pm-shehbaz-saudi-crown-prince-discuss-iran-us-talks-stress-peace-process-must-not-be-undermined, 19 Jun 2026]
#13666
Which Pakistani official led the delegation to the United States in July 2026 to discuss economic cooperation?
(a) Muhammad Aurangzeb
(b) Ishaq Dar
(c) Shamshad Akhtar
(d) Miftah Ismail
Explanation: Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb led the delegation and held meetings with the US Treasury Secretary. The other individuals listed are former finance ministers or officials not involved in this specific 2026 visit. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017582/us-treasury-secretary-welcomes-pakistans-economic-reforms-return-to-capital-markets, 22 Jul 2026]
#13667
The decision to hold fuel prices in March 2026 was made following a consultative session that included which high-ranking official?
(a) Minister of Finance
(b) Governor of the State Bank
(c) Field Marshal Asim Munir
(d) Chairman of the FBR
Explanation: The consultative session involved federal and provincial representatives and was attended by the Chief of Defence Forces, Field Marshal Asim Munir. This reflects the high-level coordination regarding national economic security. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981713/pm-shehbaz-says-prices-of-petroleum-products-not-being-increased-despite-uptick-in-global-market, 13 Mar 2026]
#13668
The price of diesel, based on Platts, increased to more than how many dollars per barrel during the 2026 energy crisis?
(a) 100 dollars
(b) 150 dollars
(c) 250 dollars
(d) 200 dollars
Explanation: The Petroleum Minister noted that diesel prices, which are indexed to Platts, surged from $80 per barrel to over $200 per barrel. This reflects the unprecedented global oil price hike mentioned in the 2026 briefing. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1984252/scarcity-of-energy-pm-shehbaz-urges-nation-govt-to-display-responsible-attitude, 21 Mar 2026]
#13669
According to the government's 2026 energy briefing, how much in savings was generated through recent austerity measures?
(a) Rs 17 billion
(b) Rs 27 billion
(c) Rs 22 billion
(d) Rs 32 billion
Explanation: The Petroleum Minister confirmed that government-led austerity measures successfully accumulated Rs 27 billion in a special fund. These funds are designated to mitigate the impact of rising global oil prices on the general public. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1984252/scarcity-of-energy-pm-shehbaz-urges-nation-govt-to-display-responsible-attitude, 21 Mar 2026]
#13670
What is the official slogan announced by the Iranian leadership for the year 2026?
(a) Global solidarity against the Zionist enemy
(b) Resistance economy in light of national unity and national security
(c) Strengthening the Resistance Front through regional integration
(d) Economic prosperity through international cooperation
Explanation: The Supreme Leader declared 'resistance economy in light of national unity and national security' as the guiding slogan for the year to counter economic warfare. Other options represent general policy themes but are not the official slogan. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1984126/supreme-leader-mojtaba-denies-irans-role-in-attacks-in-oman-turkiye-dubs-them-false-flag-tactic, 20 Mar 2026]
#13671
Who is the current Supreme Leader of Iran as of March 20, 2026?
(a) Ali Khamenei
(b) Mojtaba Khamenei
(c) Ebrahim Raisi
(d) None of these
Explanation: Mojtaba Khamenei assumed the position of Supreme Leader following the assassination of his father, Ali Khamenei, on February 28, 2026. Ali Khamenei is the deceased predecessor, not the current leader. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1984126/supreme-leader-mojtaba-denies-irans-role-in-attacks-in-oman-turkiye-dubs-them-false-flag-tactic, 20 Mar 2026]
#13672
Who is the new Supreme Leader of Iran as of March 2026?
(a) Ali Khamenei
(b) Mojtaba Khamenei
(c) Hassan Rouhani
(d) Ebrahim Raisi
Explanation: Mojtaba Khamenei was named the new Supreme Leader of Iran following the death of his father, Ali Khamenei. Ali Khamenei is the former leader, while the other names are not current holders of this position. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1984191/trump-says-considering-winding-down-iran-war-but-rules-out-ceasefire, 21 Mar 2026]
#13673
Which two countries were specifically mentioned as providing uninterrupted crude oil supplies to Pakistan during the 2026 energy crisis?
(a) Kuwait and Oman
(b) Iran and Qatar
(c) Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates
(d) Iraq and Azerbaijan
Explanation: The government secured crude oil supplies from Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates through diplomatic channels to bypass regional maritime disruptions. These nations remain the primary partners in ensuring fuel supply continuity. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1984252/scarcity-of-energy-pm-shehbaz-urges-nation-govt-to-display-responsible-attitude, 21 Mar 2026]
#13674
Who currently serves as the Federal Minister for Petroleum in Pakistan as of March 21, 2026?
(a) Ishaq Dar
(b) Ali Pervaiz Malik
(c) Attaullah Tarar
(d) None of these
Explanation: Ali Pervaiz Malik is the Petroleum Minister who addressed the press conference regarding energy scarcity on March 21, 2026. Ishaq Dar serves as the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, while Attaullah Tarar is the Information Minister. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1984252/scarcity-of-energy-pm-shehbaz-urges-nation-govt-to-display-responsible-attitude, 21 Mar 2026]
#13675
Which maritime chokepoint is the primary focus of the US request for naval escort operations in 2026?
(a) Strait of Malacca
(b) Strait of Hormuz
(c) Bab-el-Mandeb Strait
(d) Suez Canal
Explanation: The Strait of Hormuz is the critical waterway mentioned in the context of US efforts to secure shipping lanes during the conflict with Iran. Other options are major global chokepoints but are not the subject of this specific diplomatic dispute. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1983125/trump-blasts-foolish-nato-on-iran-says-us-needs-no-help-after-allies-rebuff-call-for-help-on-hormuz, 17 Mar 2026]
#13676
Consider the following statements about the current geopolitical stance of Iran in 2026: 1. The Iranian leadership views the current regional conflict as an imposed war. 2. The Supreme Leader has accused Israel of using false flag tactics to create discord with neighbors. 3. Iran has officially accepted responsibility for all attacks occurring in Turkiye and Oman. 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 accurate reflections of the Supreme Leader's recent public statements. Statement 3 is false because Iran has explicitly denied responsibility for the attacks in Turkiye and Oman. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1984126/supreme-leader-mojtaba-denies-irans-role-in-attacks-in-oman-turkiye-dubs-them-false-flag-tactic, 20 Mar 2026]
#13677
Which of the following is NOT a measure suggested by the government to conserve energy in 2026?
(a) Increasing industrial electricity tariffs
(b) Promoting work from home
(c) Avoiding unnecessary travel
(d) Utilizing e-learning in universities
Explanation: The government suggested avoiding travel, working from home, and using e-learning to save fuel. Increasing industrial tariffs is a fiscal policy measure, not a conservation suggestion mentioned in the 2026 briefing. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1984252/scarcity-of-energy-pm-shehbaz-urges-nation-govt-to-display-responsible-attitude, 21 Mar 2026]
#13678
Consider the following statements about the 2026 energy governance measures: 1. The government has prioritized protecting the weakest sections of society over general subsidies. 2. The Strait of Hormuz remains the primary route for current oil imports from Saudi Arabia. 3. The government has established a committee to hold daily review meetings regarding oil reserves. 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 aims to divert resources to the weak strata. Statement 2 is incorrect because the Strait of Hormuz is closed, and oil is being sourced via the Red Sea and Fujairah. Statement 3 is correct as the Information Minister confirmed the formation of a committee for daily reviews. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1984252/scarcity-of-energy-pm-shehbaz-urges-nation-govt-to-display-responsible-attitude, 21 Mar 2026]
#13679
Consider the following statements about the government's economic policy in March 2026: 1. The government decided to increase petroleum prices to offset the fiscal deficit. 2. The Prime Minister emphasized that austerity measures are being implemented at both federal and provincial levels. 3. The government is utilizing block allocations to absorb the impact of global price volatility. 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 government explicitly decided NOT to increase prices. Statements 2 and 3 are correct as they reflect the government's stated strategy of austerity and the use of emergency block allocations. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981713/pm-shehbaz-says-prices-of-petroleum-products-not-being-increased-despite-uptick-in-global-market, 13 Mar 2026]
#13680
On March 13, 2026, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced that the prices of which commodities would remain unchanged despite global market trends?
(a) Petroleum products
(b) Electricity tariffs
(c) Natural gas rates
(d) Wheat flour prices
Explanation: The Prime Minister decided against increasing petroleum prices to provide relief to the common man. This decision was made despite an uptick in global oil prices caused by regional tensions. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981713/pm-shehbaz-says-prices-of-petroleum-products-not-being-increased-despite-uptick-in-global-market, 13 Mar 2026]