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.
#17701
What was the primary target of the Pakistani strike in Kabul as confirmed by the DG ISPR on March 18, 2026?
(a) A regional administrative office
(b) An ammunition storage site
(c) A border communication tower
(d) A civilian transport hub
Explanation: The DG ISPR confirmed that the strike in Kabul specifically targeted an ammunition and drone storage site. The secondary detonations observed in the area were attributed to the explosion of stored missiles and equipment. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1983447/our-intelligence-was-correct-dg-ispr-says-pakistan-hit-ammunition-storage-site-in-kabul-strike, 18 Mar 2026]
#17702
What is the percentage reduction in fuel allotted for official vehicles as announced by the Sindh government in March 2026?
(a) 20 percent
(b) 30 percent
(c) 50 percent
(d) 60 percent
Explanation: The provincial government mandated a 50 percent reduction in fuel allocations for official vehicles to save approximately Rs960 million. This is distinct from the 20 percent reduction applied to other non-essential expenditures like stationery. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980528/sindh-schools-to-close-from-march-16-31-friday-to-be-wfh-for-govt-offices-as-part-of-austerity-measures, 10 Mar 2026]
#17703
Which of the following statements regarding the market conditions on March 9, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The KSE-100 index closed at 146,480.14 points.
(b) Gold prices fell by 2 percent amid geopolitical tensions.
(c) The market suspension was triggered by a 10 percent drop in the KSE-100 index.
(d) The government recently increased petrol and diesel prices by Rs55 per litre.
Explanation: The market suspension was triggered by a 5 percent drop in the KSE-30 index, not a 10 percent drop in the KSE-100 index. The other statements accurately reflect the market data and government policy actions reported on that date. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980057/bloodbath-at-psx-as-kse-100-slides-over-11000-points, 09 Mar 2026]
#17704
Which of the following statements regarding the situation in the Middle East as of March 10, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that a mass evacuation is currently required.
(b) Saudi Arabia's air and land borders remain open for travel.
(c) Two Pakistani drivers died in incidents related to missile interceptions in the UAE.
(d) Commercial flights are being utilized to repatriate stranded Pakistanis.
Explanation: The MoFA explicitly stated that there is no situation requiring a mass evacuation of Pakistani nationals. Options B, C, and D are all factually accurate details provided during the committee briefing. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980522/na-body-informed-mass-evacuation-from-middle-east-not-required, 10 Mar 2026]
#17705
What is the primary objective behind the judiciary's decision to adopt a four-day work week in 2026?
(a) To facilitate the digitization of all historical court records
(b) To conserve resources amid potential fuel supply disruptions
(c) To increase the number of judges in the Supreme Court
(d) None of these
Explanation: The judiciary adopted these measures specifically to address the anticipated disruption in petroleum supply and rising global energy costs. Option A is incorrect as digitization is not the primary driver of this specific austerity policy. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980575/courts-join-others-in-adopting-austerity-measures-will-observe-4-day-work-week, 10 Mar 2026]
#17706
By how many points did the KSE-100 index decline on March 9, 2026?
(a) 9,780.15 points
(b) 157,496.10 points
(c) 13,157.62 points
(d) 11,015.96 points
Explanation: The KSE-100 index plummeted by 11,015.96 points during the trading session on March 9, 2026. While 9,780.15 points was the threshold that triggered the initial trading halt, the final decline recorded by the closing bell was 11,015.96 points. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980057/bloodbath-at-psx-as-kse-100-slides-over-11000-points, 09 Mar 2026]
#17707
According to the Sindh government's 2026 austerity measures, schools in the province will observe spring vacation during which period?
(a) March 1 to March 15
(b) March 16 to March 31
(c) April 1 to April 15
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Sindh government announced that schools will remain closed for spring vacation from March 16 to March 31, 2026. This is part of a broader set of austerity measures aimed at reducing provincial expenditures. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980528/sindh-schools-to-close-from-march-16-31-friday-to-be-wfh-for-govt-offices-as-part-of-austerity-measures, 10 Mar 2026]
#17708
In the context of the March 10, 2026, UNSC session, what specific term did India use to describe its concern regarding regional trade vulnerabilities?
(a) Transit corridor exploitation
(b) Economic border sabotage
(c) Trade and transit terrorism
(d) Logistical warfare
Explanation: India's representative specifically used the phrase 'trade and transit terrorism' to argue that the vulnerabilities of land-locked developing countries should not be weaponized. This was a central point of contention during the Indian address. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980464/pakistan-india-exchange-sharp-words-at-un-security-council-over-afghanistan, 10 Mar 2026]
#17709
Which of the following claims was NOT made by the Pakistani representative during the UNSC debate on March 10, 2026?
(a) Pakistan's counter-terrorism operations are in conformity with international humanitarian law.
(b) India has consistently played the role of a spoiler in Afghanistan.
(c) India is a serial violator of international law.
(d) Pakistan supports the Taliban regime's current policy on inclusive governance.
Explanation: Pakistan actually urged the Taliban regime to fulfill its commitments regarding inclusive governance and the rights of women and girls, rather than expressing support for their current policies. The other three statements accurately reflect the arguments presented by the Pakistani envoy. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980464/pakistan-india-exchange-sharp-words-at-un-security-council-over-afghanistan, 10 Mar 2026]
#17710
Which player was named as the 12th man in the ICC's Team of the Tournament for the 2026 T20 World Cup?
(a) Lungi Ngidi
(b) Blessing Muzarabani
(c) Shadley Van Schalkwyk
(d) Adil Rashid
Explanation: Shadley Van Schalkwyk from the USA was selected as the 12th player for the ICC's Team of the Tournament. The other players listed were part of the main 11-member squad. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980203/t20-world-cup-sahibzada-farhan-makes-it-to-iccs-team-of-the-tournament, 09 Mar 2026]
#17711
Consider the following statements about the current economic environment as of March 10, 2026: 1. Gold prices are inversely related to the strength of the US dollar. 2. A potential de-escalation in the Middle East has led to a decrease in oil prices. 3. The Federal Reserve is expected to raise interest rates significantly at the March 18 meeting. 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 correct as gold prices rise when the dollar weakens, and oil prices fell due to de-escalation news. Statement 3 is incorrect because investors expect the Fed to keep rates steady, not raise them significantly. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980485/gold-gains-on-weaker-dollar-easing-inflation-concerns, 10 Mar 2026]
#17712
What was the primary reason for the recent decline in Brent crude oil prices as of July 27, 2026?
(a) A global surplus in oil production
(b) A tentative truce between the US and Iran
(c) A significant drop in global industrial demand
(d) None of these
Explanation: Brent crude fell by more than 4% due to a tentative truce between the US and Iran, which halted a series of retaliatory attacks. This de-escalation reduced the geopolitical risk premium that had previously pushed oil prices above $100 per barrel. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431973/copper-gains-on-mideast-de-escalation-oil-price-drop, 27 Jul 2026]
#17713
Which policy was introduced for government offices on Fridays as part of the 2026 austerity measures?
(a) Complete closure of all offices
(b) Mandatory attendance at government buildings
(c) Half-day operations for all departments
(d) Work from home for government officials
Explanation: The government clarified that offices will not stop functioning on Fridays; instead, officials are required to work from home. This measure is intended to maintain administrative continuity while reducing operational costs. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980528/sindh-schools-to-close-from-march-16-31-friday-to-be-wfh-for-govt-offices-as-part-of-austerity-measures, 10 Mar 2026]
#17714
Which of the following is NOT a component of the austerity measures announced by the Sindh government in March 2026?
(a) Immediate privatization of all provincial government departments
(b) Ban on holding Iftar parties on government expenditure
(c) Reduction of fuel for official vehicles by 50 percent
(d) Restriction of official foreign travel to Economy Class
Explanation: The government did not announce the privatization of departments; rather, it focused on cutting operational costs such as travel, fuel, and event expenses. The other three options are verified components of the announced austerity package. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980528/sindh-schools-to-close-from-march-16-31-friday-to-be-wfh-for-govt-offices-as-part-of-austerity-measures, 10 Mar 2026]
#17715
What was the primary trigger for the temporary suspension of trading at the PSX on March 9, 2026?
(a) A 5 percent decline in the KSE-30 index
(b) A 6.99 percent decline in the KSE-100 index
(c) A 10 percent decline in the KSE-All Share index
(d) None of these
Explanation: According to PSX regulations, a market halt is triggered when the KSE-30 index falls by 5 percent from the previous day's close. This specific regulatory threshold was reached at 9:20am, leading to the suspension of equity-based markets. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980057/bloodbath-at-psx-as-kse-100-slides-over-11000-points, 09 Mar 2026]
#17716
Which official body presided over the meeting regarding the status of Pakistani nationals in the Middle East on March 10, 2026?
(a) National Assembly Standing Committee on Overseas Pakistanis
(b) Senate Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs
(c) National Security Committee
(d) None of these
Explanation: The meeting was presided over by MNA Syed Agha Rafiullah, who heads the National Assembly Standing Committee on Overseas Pakistanis. This committee is the primary legislative body responsible for overseeing issues related to the Pakistani diaspora. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980522/na-body-informed-mass-evacuation-from-middle-east-not-required, 10 Mar 2026]
#17717
Consider the following statements about the global commodity market as of July 27, 2026: 1. High energy prices are generally associated with increased inflation expectations and higher interest rates. 2. Copper is considered a growth-dependent commodity that can be negatively impacted by high interest rates. 3. The US dollar index has a negligible impact on the pricing of commodities traded in the greenback. 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 correct as they reflect standard economic relationships between energy costs, interest rates, and industrial demand. Statement 3 is incorrect because the US dollar index has a significant inverse relationship with commodity prices; a weaker dollar typically makes commodities cheaper for foreign buyers, thereby supporting prices. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431973/copper-gains-on-mideast-de-escalation-oil-price-drop, 27 Jul 2026]
#17718
Consider the following statements about the briefing provided to the National Assembly committee on March 10, 2026: 1. The committee members expressed concern over the increase in airline fares for repatriation flights. 2. Officials confirmed that Pakistanis have successfully utilized land routes through Saudi Arabia and Oman to return home. 3. The Pakistani mission in the UAE reported that over 4,000 passengers have already departed via commercial flights. 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 members raised concerns about PIA fares. Statement 3 is correct as 4,400 passengers left the UAE. Statement 2 is incorrect because officials noted that while land routes are available, no Pakistani has yet opted to use them. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980522/na-body-informed-mass-evacuation-from-middle-east-not-required, 10 Mar 2026]
#17719
The 2600 MHz frequency band, which saw heavy competition during the 2026 auction, was subject to a price increase of what percentage over its base price?
(a) Ten per cent
(b) Five per cent
(c) Fifteen per cent
(d) Twenty per cent
Explanation: The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) decided to increase the bid price of the 2600 MHz band by five per cent of its base price to manage the high demand. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980473/faster-cheaper-better-480mhz-sold-for-507m-as-5g-spectrum-auction-concludes, 10 Mar 2026]
#17720
Who was appointed as the captain of the ICC's Team of the Tournament for the 2026 T20 World Cup?
(a) Hardik Pandya
(b) Will Jacks
(c) Jason Holder
(d) Aidan Markram
Explanation: Aidan Markram of South Africa was named the captain of the ICC's Team of the Tournament. Hardik Pandya was included as a player, but not as the captain. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980203/t20-world-cup-sahibzada-farhan-makes-it-to-iccs-team-of-the-tournament, 09 Mar 2026]