July 2026 Edition

July 2026 Current Affairs MCQs & Solutions

Top national & international current affairs questions for CSS, PMS, FPSC, PPSC, and NTS screening tests.

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#16801

Consider the following statements about the maritime security situation reported in April 2026: 1. The Ministry of Maritime Affairs is coordinating with the Foreign Office to address the hijacking. 2. The hijacked tanker 'Owner 25' was carrying a crew that included an Indonesian captain. 3. The hijacking incident occurred on April 24, 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 correct based on the report. Statement 3 is incorrect because the hijacking occurred on April 21, 2026, not April 24, which was the date the Minister sought the report. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1994748/minister-seeks-details-on-reports-of-hijacking-of-tanker-with-pakistani-crew-near-somali-coast, 24 Apr 2026]
#16802

On March 8, 2026, the Prime Minister's Office announced that the government would unveil an austerity plan in response to a crisis caused by which of the following?

(a) US/Israel-Iran war
(b) Global wheat shortage
(c) Regional monsoon flooding
(d) None of these
Explanation: The government cited the global fuel crisis resulting from the US/Israel-Iran war as the primary driver for the proposed austerity measures. Other options are unrelated to the specific energy-focused policy announcement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979860/pm-shehbaz-to-announce-austerity-plan-tomorrow-amid-global-fuel-crisis, 08 Mar 2026]
#16803

Consider the following statements about the 2026 sentencing of Kashmiri leaders: 1. Asiya Andrabi received a life imprisonment sentence from the Delhi court. 2. The sentencing was criticized by the Prime Minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir. 3. The FO statement claimed that the sentencing was a result of a fair and transparent judicial process. 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 the FO explicitly criticized the process, citing concerns regarding due process and judicial independence. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1985165/fo-condemns-harsh-sentences-awarded-to-kashmiri-leader-asiya-andrabi-associates-by-delhi-court, 25 Mar 2026]
#16804

Which Pakistani batsman scored 65 runs off 92 balls during the match on May 30, 2026?

(a) Babar Azam
(b) Ghazi Ghori
(c) Sahibzada Farhan
(d) Maaz Sadaqat
Explanation: Ghazi Ghori contributed significantly to the chase with an innings of 65 runs. Babar Azam also scored a half-century, but his score was 69 runs. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2003971/pakistan-outspins-australia-in-milestone-odi-as-minhas-makes-history, 30 May 2026]
#16805

Which of the following statements regarding the LNG procurement process in May 2026 is INCORRECT?

(a) PLL floated urgent tenders on a 36-hour notice.
(b) The tenders were issued to address power shortfalls.
(c) Qatar has maintained full supply capacity to Pakistan despite regional tensions.
(d) TotalEnergies submitted a bid priced at $16.98 per mmBtu.
Explanation: Qatar declared force majeure on its global LNG contracts, including those with Pakistan, due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Therefore, the statement that Qatar maintained full supply capacity is false. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1998447/pakistan-turns-down-two-lowest-evaluated-lng-bids, 07 May 2026]
#16806

Arafat Minhas achieved a historic milestone during the ODI match against Australia on May 30, 2026, by becoming the first Pakistani bowler to:

(a) Take five wickets on his ODI debut
(b) Take a hat-trick on his ODI debut
(c) Score a century on his ODI debut
(d) Take ten wickets in a single match
Explanation: Arafat Minhas finished with figures of 5-32, making him the first home bowler to claim five wickets in an ODI debut. While other bowlers have taken wickets, this specific five-wicket feat on debut is a unique record for a Pakistani player in this format. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2003971/pakistan-outspins-australia-in-milestone-odi-as-minhas-makes-history, 30 May 2026]
#16807

The total value of mobile phone imports in Pakistan during the first nine months of the fiscal year 2026 reached:

(a) $1.129 billion
(b) $1.444 billion
(c) $1.650 billion
(d) None of these
Explanation: Mobile phone imports grew by 27.84 percent to $1.444 billion during the first nine months of the current fiscal year. The figure $1.129 billion represents the import value for the same period in the previous year. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1994373/customs-increases-import-valuation-for-62-old-and-used-mobile-phone-models, 23 Apr 2026]
#16808

Who is the current Foreign Minister of Iran who visited Pakistan in April 2026?

(a) Hossein Amir-Abdollahian
(b) Mohammad Javad Zarif
(c) Abbas Araghchi
(d) Ali Bagheri Kani
Explanation: Abbas Araghchi is the Iranian Foreign Minister who conducted the diplomatic visits to Pakistan in April 2026. The other individuals listed are former or alternative Iranian officials not serving in this capacity during the specified event. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1995258/irans-araghchi-visits-pakistan-for-2nd-time-in-two-days-envoy-says-trip-undertaken-to-discuss-regional-developments, 26 Apr 2026]
#16809

The global fuel supply crunch mentioned in the context of the 2026 price hikes is attributed to the closure of which strategic maritime chokepoint?

(a) Suez Canal
(b) Malacca Strait
(c) Bab-el-Mandeb Strait
(d) Strait of Hormuz
Explanation: The closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which historically handles one-fifth of global oil and gas supplies, is cited as a primary cause for the global fuel market volatility. The other straits listed are critical maritime routes but were not the focus of this specific supply disruption. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1994758/govt-hikes-petrol-high-speed-diesel-prices-by-rs26, 24 Apr 2026]
#16810

Consider the following statements about the 2026 cotton season: 1. The national cotton arrivals increased by 77.3 percent by July 15, 2026. 2. The Central Cotton Research Institute (CCRI) is located in Multan. 3. Weather fluctuations have had no impact on cotton growth in southern Punjab. 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 per the PCGA report. Statement 2 is correct as the CCRI is based in Multan. Statement 3 is incorrect because the report explicitly mentions that growth in southern Punjab slowed due to weather fluctuations. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016601/early-cotton-arrivals-hit-record-527900-bales, 19 Jul 2026]
#16811

The match held on May 30, 2026, at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium represented which milestone for the Pakistan national cricket team?

(a) Their 500th ODI match
(b) Their 750th ODI match
(c) Their 1,000th ODI match
(d) Their 1,200th ODI match
Explanation: The match against Australia was officially recognized as Pakistan's 1,000th One-Day International. This milestone highlights the longevity and participation of the team in the international cricket circuit. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2003971/pakistan-outspins-australia-in-milestone-odi-as-minhas-makes-history, 30 May 2026]
#16812

Consider the following statements about the 2026 customs valuation revision: 1. The revision specifically targets older and used mobile phone models. 2. Samsung devices recorded some of the steepest increases, particularly in the S10 and S21 series. 3. The valuation ruling was issued by the FBR on April 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 accurate. The ruling targets 62 older/used models, Samsung's older premium series saw significant jumps, and the ruling was officially issued on the specified date of April 23, 2026. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1994373/customs-increases-import-valuation-for-62-old-and-used-mobile-phone-models, 23 Apr 2026]
#16813

Which medical facility received the victims of the police patrol attack in Serai Naurang on March 8, 2026?

(a) Tehsil Headquarters Hospital, Serai Naurang
(b) District Headquarters Hospital, Lakki Marwat
(c) Combined Military Hospital, Bannu
(d) Khyber Teaching Hospital, Peshawar
Explanation: The victims, including the deceased civilian and the injured police constable, were transported to the Tehsil Headquarters Hospital located in Serai Naurang town. This facility serves as the primary medical center for the immediate area where the incident occurred. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979866/civilian-killed-cop-injured-as-armed-men-open-fire-on-police-in-kps-lakki-marwat, 08 Mar 2026]
#16814

Which police station registered the FIR regarding the incident reported on March 8, 2026?

(a) City Police Station
(b) Civil Lines Police Station
(c) Saddar Police Station
(d) Cantt Police Station
Explanation: The Civil Lines Police Station in Mandi Bahauddin was responsible for registering the FIR based on the complaint filed by the victim's mother. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979833/police-register-fir-after-15-year-old-allegedly-sexually-assaulted-in-mandi-bahauddin-hospital, 08 Mar 2026]
#16815

What was the primary reason for the disruption of LNG supplies from Qatar to Pakistan in early 2026?

(a) Technical issues at the Qatari liquefaction plant
(b) Failure of the regasification terminals
(c) Default on payment by the government
(d) Closure of the Strait of Hormuz
Explanation: The closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital maritime chokepoint, prevented LNG-loaded vessels from reaching their destinations, forcing Qatar to declare force majeure. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1994734/pakistan-secures-3-bids-for-spot-lng-cargoes, 24 Apr 2026]
#16816

Who served as the stand-in captain for the Australian cricket team during the ODI match on May 30, 2026?

(a) Pat Cummins
(b) Matthew Renshaw
(c) Mitchell Starc
(d) Josh Inglis
Explanation: With regular captain Pat Cummins absent, Josh Inglis took on the leadership role for the Australian side. Other players like Renshaw and Starc were present or mentioned, but Inglis held the captaincy. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2003971/pakistan-outspins-australia-in-milestone-odi-as-minhas-makes-history, 30 May 2026]
#16817

Which of the following statements regarding the FIR registered on March 8, 2026, is INCORRECT?

(a) The FIR was registered under Section 114 of the Pakistan Penal Code.
(b) The victim was 15 years old at the time of the incident.
(c) All three suspects were identified by name in the initial FIR.
(d) The incident occurred at a private hospital.
Explanation: The FIR named only one suspect, while the other two individuals were listed as unidentified. Therefore, the statement that all three were named is incorrect. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979833/police-register-fir-after-15-year-old-allegedly-sexually-assaulted-in-mandi-bahauddin-hospital, 08 Mar 2026]
#16818

On what date did the first non-Iranian tanker since the start of the 2026 conflict transit the Strait of Hormuz?

(a) March 12, 2026
(b) March 16, 2026
(c) March 20, 2026
(d) March 24, 2026
Explanation: A Pakistani oil tanker successfully transited the Strait of Hormuz on March 16, 2026, marking the first such voyage by a non-Iranian vessel since the onset of the conflict. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1986336/dpm-dar-says-iran-has-allowed-20-more-ships-under-pakistan-flag-to-cross-strait-of-hormuz, 28 Mar 2026]
#16819

According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department, a western disturbance is expected to approach which region first on March 24, 2026?

(a) Southwestern Balochistan
(b) Northern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
(c) Upper Gilgit-Baltistan
(d) None of these
Explanation: The PMD press release explicitly states that the western disturbance is likely to approach the southwestern parts of Balochistan on the evening or night of March 24, 2026. Other regions are forecasted to be affected in subsequent days. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1984621/met-office-predicts-rain-thunderstorms-across-country-from-march-24-30, 23 Mar 2026]
#16820

According to the statement made on July 22, 2026, which entity does the New York City Mayor identify as having the legal authority to execute an ICC warrant?

(a) The United States federal government
(b) The New York State Supreme Court
(c) The New York Police Department
(d) The United Nations Security Council
Explanation: The Mayor clarified that municipal authorities lack the power to enforce international warrants, explicitly calling upon the US federal government to intervene. The NYPD and state courts do not possess jurisdiction over international diplomatic arrests. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017473/he-is-a-war-criminal-mamdani-says-ny-cannot-arrest-netanyahu-on-icc-warrant-urges-us-federal-officials-to-step-in, 22 Jul 2026]