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.
#16481
All of the following are objectives or focus areas of the Finance Minister's visit to Washington in July 2026 EXCEPT:
(a) Discussing market access for Pakistani exports
(b) Exploring funding for infrastructure and energy projects
(c) Negotiating a broader economic partnership framework
(d) Finalizing a complete debt write-off for Pakistan
Explanation: The visit focused on trade, investment, and economic cooperation, including discussions on tariffs and project financing. There is no mention of a debt write-off, making it the incorrect statement among the options provided. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017217/us-technology-firm-proposes-refinery-modernisation-plan-for-pakistan-in-meeting-with-finance-minister, 21 Jul 2026]
#16482
Which of the following statements regarding the Iran-US talks in April 2026 is INCORRECT?
(a) The talks in Islamabad lasted for nearly 21 hours.
(b) Iran maintains that its right to enrich uranium is indisputable.
(c) The negotiations in Islamabad resulted in a comprehensive peace agreement.
(d) Messages between Iran and the US have continued to be exchanged through Pakistan.
Explanation: The talks in Islamabad did not yield a breakthrough or a formal agreement, making statement B incorrect. The other statements accurately reflect the reported status of the negotiations and Iran's official stance. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1991972/cdf-munir-visits-iran-alongside-delegation-as-part-of-mediation-efforts-holds-meeting-with-fm-araghchi, 15 Apr 2026]
#16483
Consider the following statements about the diplomatic developments in April 2026: 1. The US President indicated a preference for returning to Pakistan for further negotiations. 2. Iran has stated that the level of uranium enrichment is a negotiable issue. 3. The direct Iran-US talks in Islamabad were the first such engagement between the two nations since 1979. 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 talks were the highest engagement since 1979, not the first. Statements 1 and 2 are factually accurate based on the reported comments from the US President and the Iranian foreign ministry spokesman. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1991972/cdf-munir-visits-iran-alongside-delegation-as-part-of-mediation-efforts-holds-meeting-with-fm-araghchi, 15 Apr 2026]
#16484
Dr. Asif Mahmood was elected as the chair of which United States federal body in 2026?
(a) United States Commission on International Religious Freedom
(b) United States Commission on Civil Rights
(c) United States Commission on Human Rights
(d) None of these
Explanation: Dr. Asif Mahmood was elected chair of the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) for the 2026-27 term. The other options represent different federal commissions that do not focus specifically on the international religious freedom mandate. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017231/pakistan-origin-physician-asif-mahmood-elected-chair-of-us-commission-on-religious-freedom, 21 Jul 2026]
#16485
What was the intraday high reached by the KSE-100 index on July 21, 2026?
(a) 176,133.56
(b) 177,370.45
(c) 178,370.45
(d) 179,370.45
Explanation: The KSE-100 index reached an intraday high of 178,370.45 points at 10:09am before experiencing profit-taking later in the session. The closing value was 176,133.56 points. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017214/psx-gains-1200-points-during-intraday-trade-as-oil-eases-amid-us-iran-mediation-efforts, 21 Jul 2026]
#16486
Who presided over the three-judge Supreme Court bench that heard the plea on July 21, 2026?
(a) Justice Mansoor Ali Shah
(b) Justice Qazi Faez Isa
(c) Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar
(d) Justice Yahya Afridi
Explanation: The Supreme Court bench that took up the application for the early hearing of the sentence suspension plea was led by Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar. The other listed justices were not the presiding officers for this specific bench. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017251/sc-adjourns-hearing-on-imaan-hadis-plea-against-ihc-decision-on-sentence-suspension, 21 Jul 2026]
#16487
What is the primary concern regarding groundwater management in Pakistan as highlighted in the 2026 report?
(a) Unchecked extraction and pollution
(b) Excessive recharge rates
(c) Lack of available drilling technology
(d) Over-regulation of private wells
Explanation: The report notes that aquifers are being depleted faster than they can naturally recharge, a situation worsened by pollution. This combination threatens the long-term sustainability of groundwater supplies. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018921/water-policy, 28 Jul 2026]
#16488
The theme for World Hepatitis Day observed on July 28, 2026, was:
(a) Hepatitis: Let’s break it down
(b) Hepatitis: Time for action
(c) Hepatitis: Zero tolerance
(d) None of these
Explanation: The theme for the 2026 observance was 'Hepatitis: Let’s break it down', which serves as a call to remove barriers to prevention, testing, and treatment. Option D is incorrect because the theme is explicitly stated in the text. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018920/ending-hepatitis, 28 Jul 2026]
#16489
Who was elected as the vice chair of the USCIRF alongside Dr. Asif Mahmood for the 2026-27 term?
(a) CeCe Heil
(b) Hakeem Jeffries
(c) Kamala Harris
(d) None of these
Explanation: The USCIRF announced the unanimous election of Dr. Asif Mahmood as chair and CeCe Heil as vice chair for the 2026-27 term. The other individuals mentioned are political figures not serving in this specific commission role. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017231/pakistan-origin-physician-asif-mahmood-elected-chair-of-us-commission-on-religious-freedom, 21 Jul 2026]
#16490
Who was elected as the Chief Minister of Gilgit-Baltistan in June 2026?
(a) Amjad Hussain
(b) Bilal Yaseen
(c) Ahad Khan Cheema
(d) None of these
Explanation: Advocate Amjad Hussain was elected unopposed as the Chief Minister of Gilgit-Baltistan on June 22, 2026. The other names listed are either federal ministers or provincial officials not holding this specific office. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017241/centre-committed-to-working-closely-with-gb-government-pm-tells-cm-amjad-hussain, 21 Jul 2026]
#16491
Where did the Prime Minister of Pakistan meet the President to discuss the US-Iran dialogue on April 14, 2026?
(a) Prime Minister House
(b) Aiwan-i-Sadr
(c) Foreign Office
(d) None of these
Explanation: The meeting between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Asif Ali Zardari took place at the Aiwan-i-Sadr in Islamabad. Aiwan-i-Sadr is the official residence and workplace of the President of Pakistan. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1991689/pm-takes-president-into-confidence-on-us-iran-talks-briefs-him-on-upcoming-visits-to-saudi-arabia-turkiye, 14 Apr 2026]
#16492
Which of the following is NOT a primary focus area for the bilateral talks between Pakistan and Canada during the July 2026 visit?
(a) Trade and investment
(b) Education
(c) Military alliance formation
(d) People-to-people exchanges
Explanation: The bilateral talks focus on trade, investment, education, and people-to-people exchanges. Military alliance formation is not part of the stated agenda for this diplomatic visit. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016734/canadian-foreign-minister-anita-anand-to-visit-pakistan-on-monday, 19 Jul 2026]
#16493
Consider the following statements about the 2026 Pakistan-China Pharmaceutical and Healthcare B2B Investment Conference: 1. The conference was a two-day event held in Islamabad. 2. Over 200 Chinese companies participated in the event. 3. The conference included discussions on establishing local vaccine manufacturing facilities. 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 was a two-day event in Islamabad. Statement 2 is incorrect because 146 Chinese companies participated, not over 200 (over 200 Pakistani companies participated). Statement 3 is correct as local vaccine production was a priority discussed at the conference. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016621/pakistan-china-pharma-conference-ends-with-850m-agreements, 19 Jul 2026]
#16494
Consider the following statements about the diplomatic developments in April 2026: 1. The US-Iran talks in Islamabad concluded with a formal peace agreement signed by both delegations. 2. President Asif Ali Zardari praised the coordination between the civilian government and state institutions during the mediation process. 3. Negotiating teams from the US and Iran may return to Islamabad for further rounds of talks. 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 talks concluded without a formal agreement, although they did not result in a breakdown. Statements 2 and 3 are factually accurate based on the official reports regarding the mediation success and the potential for future rounds. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1991689/pm-takes-president-into-confidence-on-us-iran-talks-briefs-him-on-upcoming-visits-to-saudi-arabia-turkiye, 14 Apr 2026]
#16495
Consider the following statements about Dr. Asif Mahmood: 1. He has served as a member of the Medical Board of California. 2. He was elected chair of the USCIRF for the 2026-27 term. 3. He has lived in California since 1999. 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. Dr. Mahmood is a two-term member of the Medical Board of California, was elected chair of the USCIRF in 2026, and has resided in California since 1999. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017231/pakistan-origin-physician-asif-mahmood-elected-chair-of-us-commission-on-religious-freedom, 21 Jul 2026]
#16496
The joint statement condemning Israel's appointment of an envoy to Somaliland was issued on which date in 2026?
(a) April 15, 2026
(b) April 18, 2026
(c) April 20, 2026
(d) April 22, 2026
Explanation: The joint statement from the twelve countries, including Pakistan, was issued on April 18, 2026, following the announcement of the appointment earlier that week. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1993013/12-countries-including-pakistan-condemn-israels-move-to-appoint-envoy-to-somaliland, 18 Apr 2026]
#16497
What was the policy rate maintained by the State Bank of Pakistan as of June 15, 2026?
(a) 11.5 percent
(b) 10.5 percent
(c) 12.5 percent
(d) 13.5 percent
Explanation: The Monetary Policy Committee decided to keep the policy rate unchanged at 11.5 percent during its final review for FY26. This rate is maintained to guide inflation toward the medium-term target range. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2008043/central-bank-keeps-policy-rate-unchanged-at-115pc, 15 Jun 2026]
#16498
Consider the following statements about the 2026 diplomatic engagement between Pakistan and Kuwait: 1. The visit was initiated at the invitation of the Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister. 2. The discussions were limited exclusively to trade and energy sectors. 3. The visit included a call on the Pakistani leadership in Islamabad. 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 Ishaq Dar extended the invitation. Statement 3 is correct as the minister was expected to call on the leadership. Statement 2 is incorrect because the talks covered the full spectrum of bilateral relations, not just trade and energy. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40432027/kuwaiti-foreign-minister-to-visit-pakistan-on-tuesday-fo, 27 Jul 2026]
#16499
Who accompanied Field Marshal Asim Munir during his diplomatic visit to Tehran on April 15, 2026?
(a) Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar
(b) Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi
(c) Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb
(d) None of these
Explanation: Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi was part of the formal delegation that accompanied Field Marshal Asim Munir to Tehran. The other listed ministers were not reported as part of this specific security-focused delegation. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1991972/cdf-munir-visits-iran-alongside-delegation-as-part-of-mediation-efforts-holds-meeting-with-fm-araghchi, 15 Apr 2026]
#16500
The Pakistan-brokered ceasefire between the United States and Iran was scheduled to conclude on which date in 2026?
(a) April 19
(b) April 28
(c) April 25
(d) April 22
Explanation: The ceasefire, which paused hostilities following the February 2026 strikes, was set to expire on April 22, 2026. This date is critical as it marks the end of the diplomatic window for the current round of talks. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1993224/trump-says-us-representatives-heading-to-islamabad-will-be-there-tomorrow-evening-for-negotiations-with-iran, 19 Apr 2026]