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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#17821

The terrorist neutralized by the CTD on July 18, 2026, was affiliated with which banned organization?

(a) Sipah-e-Sahaba Pakistan
(b) Lashkar-e-Jhangvi
(c) Balochistan Liberation Army
(d) Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan
Explanation: The slain terrorist was identified as a member of the Zakir Kochi Karwan group, which is a faction of the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan. The other organizations listed are distinct militant groups operating in different contexts. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016443/wanted-terrorist-killed-in-intelligence-based-operation-in-dera-ismail-khan-ctd, 18 Jul 2026]
#17822

On 2026-07-20, which US official explicitly stated that Benjamin Netanyahu would not face arrest while in the United States?

(a) Zohran Mamdani
(b) Donald Trump
(c) Sid Rosenberg
(d) None of these
Explanation: President Donald Trump issued a statement on social media affirming that the Israeli Prime Minister would not be arrested while in the United States. Zohran Mamdani is the Mayor of New York City who had previously suggested the possibility of such an arrest. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017066/trump-dismisses-ny-mayor-mamdanis-threat-to-arrest-netanyahu, 20 Jul 2026]
#17823

Consider the following statements about the security situation in Bannu as of July 19, 2026: 1. The intelligence-based operation was conducted for the third consecutive day. 2. A terrorist was killed while attempting to plant an improvised explosive device. 3. The military reported that 24 terrorists were killed in Bannu and its adjoining areas in the 24 hours preceding July 17, 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 factually accurate based on the report. The operation was in its third day, the terrorist was killed while planting an IED, and the ISPR confirmed the death of 24 terrorists in the preceding 24-hour window relative to the Friday report. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016737/one-terrorist-killed-8-others-held-as-joint-operation-continues-in-bannu, 19 Jul 2026]
#17824

Consider the following statements about the 2026 financial discussions between Pakistan and the United States: 1. The request for the $10 billion facility was officially confirmed by the Pakistani embassy in Washington. 2. The US Treasury issued a detailed public statement confirming the $10 billion request. 3. The proposed facility aims to improve Pakistan's access to international capital markets. 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 embassy confirmed the request. Statement 2 is incorrect because the US Treasury declined to comment on the specific request. Statement 3 is correct as the embassy readout highlighted road-to-market strategies and improved access to capital markets. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017402/aurangzeb-seeks-10bn-support-facility-from-us, 22 Jul 2026]
#17825

On July 22, 2026, which official stated that New York City lacks the legal authority to execute an ICC arrest warrant for Benjamin Netanyahu?

(a) Eric Adams
(b) Zohran Mamdani
(c) Bill de Blasio
(d) None of these
Explanation: Zohran Mamdani, as the Mayor of New York City, clarified that his administration lacks the independent legal authority to enforce international warrants. Eric Adams and Bill de Blasio are former mayors and were not the officials involved in this specific 2026 statement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017473/he-is-a-war-criminal-mamdani-says-nyc-cannot-arrest-netanyahu-on-icc-warrant-urges-us-federal-officials-to-step-in, 22 Jul 2026]
#17826

Who received the Iranian Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni upon his arrival in Islamabad on July 20, 2026?

(a) Mohsin Naqvi
(b) Syed Asim Munir
(c) Shehbaz Sharif
(d) None of these
Explanation: Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi officially received his Iranian counterpart, Eskandar Momeni, upon his arrival in Islamabad. While the visiting dignitary was scheduled to meet with the Prime Minister and the Army Chief, the reception at the airport was conducted by the Interior Minister. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017051/irans-interior-minister-eskandar-momeni-arrives-in-pakistan, 20 Jul 2026]
#17827

Which of the following statements regarding the diplomatic situation in July 2026 is INCORRECT?

(a) Pakistan has been leading peace efforts since the conflict began in February 2026.
(b) Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei stated that diplomatic exchanges with the US have completely ceased.
(c) The Islamabad MoU was a 14-point interim peace deal.
(d) The conflict has led to a surge in global oil prices.
Explanation: Statement C is incorrect because the Iranian foreign ministry spokesman explicitly stated that diplomatic exchanges with the US via mediators were ongoing, despite the military escalation. The other statements accurately reflect the status of the mediation and the economic impact of the conflict. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017051/irans-interior-minister-eskandar-momeni-arrives-in-pakistan, 20 Jul 2026]
#17828

What is the total amount of the Exchange Stabilization Support Facility requested by Pakistan from the United States in 2026?

(a) 5 billion dollars
(b) 8 billion dollars
(c) 12 billion dollars
(d) 10 billion dollars
Explanation: The request made by the Finance Minister to the US Treasury is for a $10 billion facility. Other figures are incorrect as they do not align with the official request reported. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017402/aurangzeb-seeks-10bn-support-facility-from-us, 22 Jul 2026]
#17829

Consider the following statements about the PPP's political stance in AJK as of July 19, 2026: 1. The PPP has been part of the government in AJK for the past six months. 2. The PPP Chairman proposed that AJK should have representation in the National Finance Commission. 3. The PPP is currently in a coalition government at the federal level led by the PML-N. 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 based on the address: the PPP has been in the AJK government for six months, the Chairman proposed representation in the National Finance Commission, and the party is part of the federal coalition led by Shehbaz Sharif. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016735/bilawal-seeks-better-results-in-upcoming-ajk-elections-as-ppp-hopes-to-form-govt, 19 Jul 2026]
#17830

Who led the joint intelligence-based operation in Bannu on July 19, 2026?

(a) Major General Ahmed Sharif
(b) Captain (retd) Muhammad Furqan Bilal
(c) Inspector General of Police KP
(d) Commissioner Bannu Division
Explanation: Captain (retd) Muhammad Furqan Bilal, the District Police Officer (DPO) of Bannu, led the operation. The other options represent higher-level administrative or military roles not directly leading this specific district-level IBO. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016737/one-terrorist-killed-8-others-held-as-joint-operation-continues-in-bannu, 19 Jul 2026]
#17831

All of the following categories of violations against journalists were documented in the second quarter of 2026 EXCEPT:

(a) Attempted murder
(b) Cyber-terrorism conviction
(c) Assault resulting in injury
(d) Kidnapping
Explanation: The report lists various violations including legal action, arrests, assault, and attempted murder. While legal actions under Peca are common, a 'cyber-terrorism conviction' is not listed as a specific category of violation in the report's findings. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017436/punjab-leads-tally-for-cases-involving-threats-to-journalists, 22 Jul 2026]
#17832

Which Chinese company signed an MoU with StarCharge Energy Pakistan on July 22, 2026, to develop EV charging infrastructure?

(a) Bahum Global Ltd
(b) BYD Auto Industry
(c) Great Wall Motor
(d) None of these
Explanation: Bahum Global Ltd is the Chinese firm that partnered with StarCharge Energy Pakistan to provide technological support for the EV charging network. Other major Chinese EV manufacturers like BYD are not the signatories mentioned in this specific agreement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017426/mou-signed-with-chinese-firm-for-ev-charging-stations, 22 Jul 2026]
#17833

Who currently serves as the Minister of State for Interior in the federal cabinet as of July 2026?

(a) Attaullah Tarar
(b) Tariq Fazal Chaudhry
(c) Tallal Chaudhry
(d) None of these
Explanation: Tallal Chaudhry is the Minister of State for Interior who publicly commented on the case. Attaullah Tarar is the Information Minister, and Tariq Fazal Chaudhry is the Parliamentary Affairs Minister. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016686/nccia-summons-imrans-sister-noreen-for-allegedly-disseminating-false-offensive-inflammatory-content, 19 Jul 2026]
#17834

Which legislative act was specifically mentioned as being used to initiate investigations or criminal proceedings against journalists in 2026?

(a) Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (Peca)
(b) Freedom of Information Ordinance
(c) Defamation Ordinance
(d) Press Council of Pakistan Ordinance
Explanation: The report notes that journalists frequently face legal proceedings under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (Peca), alongside anti-terrorism and other criminal laws. This reflects the broader trend of utilizing existing regulatory frameworks to exert pressure on the media. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017436/punjab-leads-tally-for-cases-involving-threats-to-journalists, 22 Jul 2026]
#17835

Analyze the following statements regarding contemporary governance and economic challenges reported on 08 August 2026:

(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 correct
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect because the Bank of Punjab President advocates for 'Welfare GDP' to address microeconomic prosperity, not to replace the Sensitive Price Index for inflation tracking. Statement 2 correctly reflects the KP Assembly's legislative activity regarding the amendment of laws on lawmakers' privileges. Statement 3 accurately reflects the bilateral nature of diplomatic engagements seeking to improve agriculture and education sectors between Pakistan and New Zealand. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2021413/kp-amends-controversial-law-on-lawmakers-privileges]
#17836

Which of the following sequences represents the correct thematic order of events reported on 08 August 2026, based on the regional and institutional scope of the developments?

(a) 1. Typhoon Dolphin impacts East Asia; 2. Hamas reaffirms peace plan; 3. Pakistan-New Zealand bilateral consultations; 4. KP Assembly amends privilege law
(b) 1. KP Assembly amends privilege law; 2. Pakistan-New Zealand bilateral consultations; 3. Hamas reaffirms peace plan; 4. Typhoon Dolphin impacts East Asia
(c) 1. Typhoon Dolphin impacts East Asia; 2. KP Assembly amends privilege law; 3. Pakistan-New Zealand bilateral consultations; 4. Hamas reaffirms peace plan
(d) 1. Hamas reaffirms peace plan; 2. Typhoon Dolphin impacts East Asia; 3. KP Assembly amends privilege law; 4. Pakistan-New Zealand bilateral consultations
Explanation: The events are ordered by their geopolitical scope: starting from regional climate events in East Asia, moving to international conflict mediation (Gaza), then bilateral state-level diplomacy (Pakistan-New Zealand), and finally concluding with sub-national provincial legislative reforms (KP Assembly). [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2021508/typhoon-dolphin-hits-japans-okinawa-china-shuts-ports-ahead-of-landfall]
#17837

Consider the following statements about the digital economy initiatives in Pakistan: 1. The 3rd LCCI IT Freelancing Awards 2026 served as a platform to discuss digital skills training. 2. Punjab is the first province to launch large-scale artificial intelligence initiatives. 3. Freelancers are described as digital ambassadors who contribute to the national economy through foreign exchange. 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 accurate based on the event details. The LCCI awards provided the venue for the announcement, Punjab is leading in AI initiatives, and freelancers are officially recognized as digital ambassadors contributing to foreign exchange reserves. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016952/china-to-train-03m-pakistani-youths-in-digital-skills-annually-says-ahsan-iqbal, 20 Jul 2026]
#17838

Consider the following statements about the negotiations between the government and petroleum dealers in 2026: 1. The APPPOA rejected the daily pricing mechanism as unworkable. 2. The Petroleum Division claimed that talks with the PPDA were successful. 3. The PPDA executive committee was authorized by its delegation to finalize the strike decision immediately during the meeting with Ogra. 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 APPPOA explicitly rejected the daily pricing. Statement 2 is correct as the Petroleum Division issued a statement claiming success with the PPDA. Statement 3 is incorrect because the PPDA delegation explicitly informed Ogra that they were not authorized to make a strike decision and needed to consult their executive committee. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017314/petrol-pump-owners-announce-nationwide-strike-after-talks-with-govt-over-daily-pricing-fail, 22 Jul 2026]
#17839

What percentage of the 22 documented cases of threats against journalists in the second quarter of 2026 involved state actors as the principal threat?

(a) 52 percent
(b) 68 percent
(c) 75 percent
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Freedom Network review identified state actors as the primary source of intimidation in 15 out of the 22 documented cases, which equates to approximately 68 percent. This highlights the growing trend of using administrative and legal mechanisms to target media practitioners. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017436/punjab-leads-tally-for-cases-involving-threats-to-journalists, 22 Jul 2026]
#17840

During his visit to Manila on July 22, 2026, Ishaq Dar visited the headquarters of which international institution?

(a) World Bank
(b) Asian Development Bank
(c) International Monetary Fund
(d) Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank
Explanation: Ishaq Dar visited the Asian Development Bank (ADB) headquarters in Manila, where he was received by the Director General for the Central and West Asia Department. The other institutions listed were not the focus of this specific visit. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017480/dar-arrives-in-manila-to-attend-asean-regional-forum-ministerial-meeting, 22 Jul 2026]