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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#1781

Regarding the security and administrative developments reported on July 18, 2026, consider the following statements: 1. Security forces conducted an intelligence-based operation in Wana to intercept an explosive-laden vehicle. 2. The Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) neutralized a wanted terrorist specifically in the Dera Ismail Khan region. 3. The Lawyers Action Committee (LAC) has expressed support for the current government's judicial appointment process. Which of the following describes the accuracy of these statements?

(a) Only 1 and 2 are correct.
(b) Only 2 and 3 are correct.
(c) Only 1 and 3 are correct.
(d) All statements are correct.
Explanation: Statements 1 and 2 accurately reflect success in intelligence-based operations in Wana and DI Khan respectively. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Lawyers Action Committee has denounced the current judicial appointment process as 'horse trading' and has initiated a protest movement against it. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016455/terrorist-killed-as-security-forces-destroy-explosive-laden-vehicle-intended-for-suicide-attack-in-wana-state-media]
#1782

Which Iranian leader visited Islamabad on June 23, 2026, to advocate for a new regional security structure?

(a) Masoud Pezeshkian
(b) Ebrahim Raisi
(c) Hassan Rouhani
(d) Mohammad Mokhber
Explanation: Masoud Pezeshkian is the current President of Iran who visited Pakistan on the specified date. Ebrahim Raisi is a former president, making him an incorrect choice. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2010220/hands-of-friendship-iran-president-calls-for-new-regional-security-structure-among-muslim-nations, 23 Jun 2026]
#1783

What was the new price of kerosene per litre following the government notification issued on March 7, 2026?

(a) Rs188.73
(b) Rs318.81
(c) Rs288.50
(d) Rs350.25
Explanation: The Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority issued a notification increasing the price of kerosene by Rs130.08, bringing the total to Rs318.81 per litre. Rs188.73 was the previous price effective from March 1, 2026. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979534/govt-hikes-kerosene-price-by-rs130-to-rs31881-per-litre, 07 Mar 2026]
#1784

Consider the following statements about the fuel price revision on April 11, 2026: 1. The reduction in diesel prices was partially attributed to a correction in the pricing formula that previously benefited local refineries. 2. High-speed diesel is considered an inflationary item due to its extensive use in freight transportation. 3. The government reduced the petroleum levy on petrol to provide immediate relief to consumers. 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 the pricing formula correction and the inflationary nature of diesel. Statement 3 is incorrect because the government explicitly stated that tax rates, including the petroleum levy, were kept unchanged. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1990666/diesel-price-cut-by-rs135-petrol-sees-drop-of-rs12, 11 Apr 2026]
#1785

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]
#1786

Which military official held discussions regarding peace initiatives with the Iranian President during the June 23, 2026 visit?

(a) Field Marshal Asim Munir
(b) General Sahir Shamshad Mirza
(c) General Qamar Javed Bajwa
(d) General Raheel Sharif
Explanation: Field Marshal Asim Munir, as the Chief of Army Staff, met with the Iranian President to discuss regional peace initiatives. The other names represent former or different military leadership roles. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2010220/hands-of-friendship-iran-president-calls-for-new-regional-security-structure-among-muslim-nations, 23 Jun 2026]
#1787

Consider the following statements regarding the global oil market situation in March 2026: 1. Crude benchmarks had surged to their highest levels since 2022 prior to the price plunge. 2. The US administration expressed concerns that high energy prices could negatively impact consumer sentiment before midterm elections. 3. Market analysts suggested that the initial price surge was an overreaction to the upside, while the subsequent plunge was an overreaction to the downside. 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 market conditions and expert commentary provided in the report. The surge to 2022 levels, the political sensitivity of energy prices, and the assessment of market overreaction are all verified components of the event. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980727/oil-plunges-15pc-amid-hopes-of-de-escalation, 11 Mar 2026]
#1788

Following the price adjustment announced on July 21, 2026, what is the new price of petrol per litre?

(a) Rs458.41
(b) Rs367.21
(c) Rs320.73
(d) Rs520.35
Explanation: The price of petrol was set at Rs320.73 per litre following the increase. The other figures represent historical peaks or the current price of diesel. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017311/govt-increases-petrol-price-by-rs493-diesel-by-rs715-per-litre, 21 Jul 2026]
#1789

Consider the following statements about the fuel price update of July 2026: 1. The new fuel prices became applicable on July 22, 2026. 2. The price of petrol was increased by a higher margin than the price of high-speed diesel. 3. The government cited renewed regional hostilities in the Persian Gulf as a reason for the price hike. 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 notification specified July 22 as the effective date. Statement 3 is correct as the government cited Persian Gulf hostilities. Statement 2 is incorrect because petrol increased by Rs4.93, which is less than the Rs7.15 increase for diesel. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017311/govt-increases-petrol-price-by-rs493-diesel-by-rs715-per-litre, 21 Jul 2026]
#1790

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) issued a nationwide flood alert for the period of July 21 to July 24, 2026, covering which of the following risks?

(a) Flash floods, urban flooding, and landslides
(b) Drought, heatwaves, and forest fires
(c) Earthquakes, tremors, and building collapses
(d) Cyclones, tsunamis, and coastal erosion
Explanation: The NDMA alert specifically warned of flash floods, urban flooding, and landslides across multiple provinces due to the monsoon system. These are the primary hazards associated with heavy rainfall in the region. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017248/monsoon-rains-kill-12-in-kp-in-past-3-days-nationwide-flood-warning-issued, 21 Jul 2026]
#1791

Consider the following statements about the US-Iran conflict as of April 19, 2026: 1. The US-Israeli strikes on Iran commenced on February 28, 2026. 2. President Trump threatened to target Iranian power plants and bridges if the proposed deal is rejected. 3. The Strait of Hormuz was closed by Iran in response to the US blockade of Iranian ports. 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 report: the strikes began on February 28, the threat to infrastructure was explicitly made by President Trump, and Iran cited the US blockade as the reason for closing the Strait of Hormuz. [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]
#1792

Who presided over the Senate Standing Committee meeting on Economic Affairs held on July 22, 2026?

(a) Senator Rubina Khalid
(b) Senator Waqar Mehdi
(c) Senator Hidayatullah
(d) Senator Saifullah Abro
Explanation: Senator Saifullah Abro presided over the committee meeting that reviewed the utilization of foreign-funded projects. The other senators listed were members who participated in the questioning but did not chair the session. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017399/senate-panel-concerned-over-diversion-of-flood-rehabilitation-funds-in-kp, 22 Jul 2026]
#1793

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]
#1794

Which of the following statements regarding the fuel pricing policy as of July 2026 is INCORRECT?

(a) The government shifted from weekly to daily fuel price revisions.
(b) The government has mandated that fuel prices remain fixed for a period of six months.
(c) The price adjustments were influenced by regional hostilities in the Persian Gulf.
(d) The All Pakistan Dealers Association has expressed opposition to the daily pricing mechanism.
Explanation: The government has moved to a daily pricing mechanism to account for market volatility, making the claim of a six-month fixed price period factually incorrect. The other options accurately describe the current policy and the reaction of stakeholders. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017311/govt-increases-petrol-price-by-rs493-diesel-by-rs715-per-litre, 21 Jul 2026]
#1795

Which of the following statements regarding the FTO ruling on July 21, 2026, is INCORRECT?

(a) The FTO held that the FBR is duty-bound to provide a functional interface for taxpayers.
(b) The complainant was a salaried individual serving as a director in a private limited company.
(c) The FBR successfully argued that software limitations are a valid legal defense against tax credit claims.
(d) The FTO found that the department's silence on the matter constituted maladministration.
Explanation: The FTO explicitly rejected the FBR's attempt to use software limitations as a shield. Therefore, the statement that the FBR successfully used this as a legal defense is false. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017155/fbr-cannot-hide-behind-software-limitations-federal-tax-ombudsman, 21 Jul 2026]
#1796

What is the primary reason cited for the anticipated disruptions in the supply chain of petroleum products in March 2026?

(a) Domestic refinery maintenance
(b) Middle East crisis
(c) Port congestion at Karachi
(d) Pipeline sabotage
Explanation: The notification explicitly links the anticipated disruptions to the Middle East crisis and the resulting logistical challenges in the Strait of Hormuz. Other options like refinery maintenance or port congestion are not the stated causes for this specific policy shift. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979478/kp-finance-dept-orders-adoption-of-fuel-conservation-measures-due-to-anticipated-disruptions, 07 Mar 2026]
#1797

Consider the following statements about the diplomatic developments in April 2026: 1. The first round of direct US-Iran talks in Islamabad concluded with a formal peace agreement. 2. Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar held discussions with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi regarding regional stability. 3. The hostilities between the US and Iran were initially triggered by strikes occurring on February 28, 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: Statement 1 is incorrect because the first round of talks in Islamabad ended without a formal agreement, though it also avoided a breakdown. Statements 2 and 3 are factually accurate based on the reported diplomatic timeline. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1993250/in-45-minute-phone-call-with-pezeshkian-pm-shehbaz-reaffirms-pakistans-commitment-to-advancing-regional-peace, 19 Apr 2026]
#1798

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]
#1799

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]
#1800

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]