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.
#1501
Consider the following statements about the global copper market as of July 27, 2026: 1. The U.S. Commerce Department was scheduled to complete a review of the copper market by June 30, 2026. 2. Copper prices on the LME were up 0.32% at 0700 GMT. 3. The Pentagon suspended airstrikes on Iran on the Friday preceding July 27, 2026. 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 provided information. The U.S. review deadline, the specific percentage increase of copper on the LME, and the timing of the Pentagon's suspension of airstrikes are all verified details. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40432002/copper-prices-rise-as-us-iran-lull-calms-oil-and-economic-growth-fears, 27 Jul 2026]
#1502
According to the Federation of Thai Industries, the production of which specific item dropped by 7.55% in June 2026?
(a) Automobiles
(b) Palm oil
(c) Electronics
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Federation of Thai Industries reported a 7.55% decline in automobile production. Palm oil production saw a much steeper decline of 33.2%, making it an incorrect choice. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431970/thai-june-factory-output-falls-31-yy-weaker-than-forecast, 27 Jul 2026]
#1503
What is the official forecast range for Thailand's factory output growth for the year 2026?
(a) 0.5% to 1.0%
(b) 1.0% to 2.0%
(c) 2.0% to 3.0%
(d) 3.0% to 4.0%
Explanation: The industry ministry has maintained its annual forecast for factory output to rise between 1.0% and 2.0%. This projection remains despite the recent monthly underperformance. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431970/thai-june-factory-output-falls-31-yy-weaker-than-forecast, 27 Jul 2026]
#1504
Which of the following factors is NOT cited as a primary risk or drag on Thailand's manufacturing production in the June 2026 report?
(a) Volatile energy costs
(b) Increased freight expenses
(c) Prolonged Middle East conflict
(d) Domestic labor shortages
Explanation: The report identifies energy costs, freight expenses, and Middle East tensions as primary risks. Domestic labor shortages are not mentioned as a factor in the June 2026 industrial performance report. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431970/thai-june-factory-output-falls-31-yy-weaker-than-forecast, 27 Jul 2026]
#1505
Consider the following statements about Thailand's industrial performance in June 2026: 1. The manufacturing production index fell by 3.1% year-on-year. 2. Market analysts had forecasted a growth of 0.2% for the month. 3. Palm oil production experienced a decline of 7.55% year-on-year. 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 correct. Statement 3 is incorrect because palm oil production fell by 33.2%, while the 7.55% figure refers to the decline in automobile production. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431970/thai-june-factory-output-falls-31-yy-weaker-than-forecast, 27 Jul 2026]
#1506
What new role will Tim Cook assume after stepping down as Apple's CEO in September 2026?
(a) Chief Hardware Officer
(b) Chief Technology Officer
(c) Chief Operating Officer
(d) Executive Chairman
Explanation: Upon stepping down from the CEO position, Tim Cook is slated to become the company's executive chairman. This transition allows him to remain involved with the firm while handing over daily operational leadership. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1993605/apple-says-chief-executive-tim-cook-stepping-down-in-september, 20 Apr 2026]
#1507
Who was appointed as the new chief hardware officer at Apple in 2026?
(a) Tim Cook
(b) John Ternus
(c) Johny Srouji
(d) Ben Bajarin
Explanation: Johny Srouji, who previously oversaw custom chip and sensor designs, was named the new chief hardware officer. John Ternus was promoted to the CEO position. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1993605/apple-says-chief-executive-tim-cook-stepping-down-in-september, 20 Apr 2026]
#1508
Consider the following statements about the 2026 Apple leadership transition: 1. John Ternus has historically focused on hardware engineering and product design. 2. Tim Cook has served as CEO of Apple for fifteen years. 3. The leadership change is intended to help Apple compete more effectively in the age of artificial intelligence. 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 Ternus led hardware engineering. Statement 2 is incorrect because Cook served as CEO from 2011 to 2026, which is 15 years, but the math is often a trap; however, 2011 to 2026 is exactly 15 years, making the statement factually true. Wait, 2026 minus 2011 is 15. Therefore, all three are correct. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1993605/apple-says-chief-executive-tim-cook-stepping-down-in-september, 20 Apr 2026]
#1509
Which of the following statements regarding the 2026 Apple leadership transition is INCORRECT?
(a) Tim Cook will retire from the company entirely upon stepping down.
(b) John Ternus joined Apple in 2001.
(c) Tim Cook will step down from the CEO role in September 2026.
(d) Johny Srouji was named chief hardware officer.
Explanation: The statement that Tim Cook will retire entirely is incorrect, as he is transitioning to the role of executive chairman. The other statements accurately reflect the leadership changes announced in 2026. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1993605/apple-says-chief-executive-tim-cook-stepping-down-in-september, 20 Apr 2026]
#1510
Who has been appointed to succeed Tim Cook as the Chief Executive Officer of Apple in 2026?
(a) Johny Srouji
(b) John Ternus
(c) Ben Bajarin
(d) None of these
Explanation: John Ternus, a veteran who joined Apple in 2001 and previously led hardware engineering, was named the successor to Tim Cook. Johny Srouji was appointed as the chief hardware officer, not the CEO. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1993605/apple-says-chief-executive-tim-cook-stepping-down-in-september, 20 Apr 2026]
#1511
Which of the following is NOT identified as a potential economic impact of the Middle East conflict on Pakistan in the March 2026 report?
(a) Increased energy costs
(b) Immediate collapse of the banking sector
(c) Strain on remittance inflows
(d) Pressure on the exchange rate
Explanation: The report warns of inflation, import costs, and remittance strain, but it does not predict an immediate collapse of the banking sector. The other options are explicitly mentioned as risks to the external sector. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979649/external-sector-faces-instability-amid-middle-east-crisis, 08 Mar 2026]
#1512
Consider the following statements regarding the economic outlook for Pakistan in 2026: 1. The Strait of Hormuz is a critical chokepoint through which approximately 20 percent of global oil passes. 2. The Planning Commission report suggests that Pakistan's development trajectory for FY26 remains positive despite external risks. 3. The government has advised citizens to increase fuel consumption to stimulate domestic industrial growth.
(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 correct based on the report. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Planning Minister specifically urged citizens to adopt responsible consumption practices and avoid unnecessary travel, rather than increasing fuel consumption. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979649/external-sector-faces-instability-amid-middle-east-crisis, 08 Mar 2026]
#1513
According to the Planning Commission's March 2026 report, what percentage of Pakistan's total imports are accounted for by petroleum products?
(a) Nearly 10 percent
(b) Nearly 25 percent
(c) Nearly 40 percent
(d) None of these
Explanation: The report specifies that petroleum products constitute nearly one-quarter, or 25 percent, of Pakistan's total import bill. This high dependency makes the country particularly susceptible to global oil price volatility. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979649/external-sector-faces-instability-amid-middle-east-crisis, 08 Mar 2026]
#1514
Which index experienced a decline of almost 19 percent from its all-time highs during July 2026?
(a) Philadelphia SE Semiconductor Index
(b) Nasdaq Composite Index
(c) S&P 500 Technology Index
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Philadelphia SE Semiconductor index faced significant turbulence in July 2026, dropping nearly 19 percent as investors reassessed the sustainability of the AI-driven market rally. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016222/apple-closes-in-on-nvidia-in-race-for-worlds-most-valuable-company, 17 Jul 2026]
#1515
Who resigned from OpenAI in March 2026 citing concerns over a Pentagon deal?
(a) Sam Altman
(b) Caitlin Kalinowski
(c) Mira Murati
(d) None of these
Explanation: Caitlin Kalinowski resigned from her role overseeing hardware at OpenAI in March 2026. She cited governance concerns regarding the company's agreement to deploy AI models on Pentagon cloud networks. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979824/openai-hardware-leader-resigns-after-deal-with-pentagon, 08 Mar 2026]
#1516
All of the following are cited as areas of concern or policy focus for China in the March 2026 press conference EXCEPT:
(a) Tensions in the South China Sea
(b) Expansion of the BRICS currency
(c) Wars in the Middle East and Ukraine
(d) US-China trade tariffs
Explanation: The press conference specifically addressed trade tariffs, the South China Sea, and the conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine. The expansion of the BRICS currency was not a primary topic mentioned in the briefing. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979786/chinese-fm-urges-us-to-manage-differences-in-face-of-trade-woes, 08 Mar 2026]
#1517
According to the study published on 2026-07-17, what percentage increase in annual case resolution was observed when judges were provided with AI access and targeted training?
(a) 4.2 percent
(b) 5.1 percent
(c) 7.8 percent
(d) 6.3 percent
Explanation: The study reported that the introduction of the AI assistant alongside targeted training resulted in an additional 1,848 cases being resolved per year, representing a 6.3 percent increase over the mean. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016213/study-finds-ai-use-in-trial-courts-results-in-over-6pc-more-cases-resolved-annually, 17 Jul 2026]
#1518
Consider the following statements regarding policy developments and national events occurring in August 2026: 1. The Sindh Governor has taken steps toward institutional modernization by inaugurating an AI laboratory at an engineering university. 2. The Government of Pakistan has unveiled a roadmap to restructure and unbundle existing gas utility companies into five distinct entities. 3. The national transport sector has announced a nationwide protest action slated to commence on August 8 due to operational grievances.
(a) Only 1 and 2 are correct
(b) Only 2 and 3 are correct
(c) Only 1 and 3 are correct
(d) 1, 2, and 3 are all correct
Explanation: All statements are verified: the Governor of Sindh inaugurated an AI laboratory at SSUET; the government formally proposed restructuring gas utilities SNGPL and SSGCL into five entities; and transport associations have confirmed a nationwide strike beginning August 8. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40433354/nehal-inaugurates-ai-lab-at-ssuet]
#1519
Which of the following sectors was specifically highlighted for enhanced collaboration between Pakistan and China during the July 2026 meeting?
(a) Textile manufacturing
(b) Artificial intelligence
(c) Agricultural exports
(d) None of these
Explanation: The joint statement emphasized advancing high-quality development under CPEC 2.0, specifically mentioning collaboration in trade, investment, science and technology, the digital economy, and artificial intelligence. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016159/china-and-pakistan-call-on-us-iran-to-resume-talks-cease-hostilities, 17 Jul 2026]
#1520
Consider the following statements about the recent developments in the US-Iran conflict: 1. Renewed fighting in the Gulf region began on July 8, 2026. 2. The Islamabad MoU was intended to end the war after a 60-day negotiation period. 3. China and Pakistan have expressed satisfaction with the current stability in the Strait of Hormuz. 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 3 is incorrect because the countries expressed 'concern over the deterioration of the current situation' rather than satisfaction with stability. Statements 1 and 2 are factually accurate based on the provided text. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016159/china-and-pakistan-call-on-us-iran-to-resume-talks-cease-hostilities, 17 Jul 2026]