July 2026 Edition
Start July Quiz
July 2026 Current Affairs MCQs & Solutions
Top national & international current affairs questions for CSS, PMS, FPSC, PPSC, and NTS screening tests.
#18721
Consider the following statements about the 2026 DHS visa regulation: 1. The regulation requires foreign journalists to seek government approval for extensions to remain in the US. 2. Press freedom advocates argue the policy could be used to retaliate against critical reporting. 3. The rule applies exclusively to journalists and does not affect academic or exchange visitors. 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 regulation also applies to 'F' (academic students) and 'J' (exchange visitors) visa categories. Statements 1 and 2 accurately reflect the procedural changes and the concerns raised by advocacy groups. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016518/trump-administration-finalises-overhaul-of-foreign-journalists-visas-ends-duration-of-status-system, 18 Jul 2026]
#18722
On July 18, 2026, which New York City official stated he was consulting the Law Department regarding the potential arrest of Benjamin Netanyahu?
(a) Eric Adams
(b) Zohran Mamdani
(c) Bill de Blasio
(d) None of these
Explanation: Zohran Mamdani is the current Mayor of New York City who publicly discussed the legal feasibility of arresting the Israeli Prime Minister. Eric Adams and Bill de Blasio are former mayors and are not involved in this specific 2026 legal review. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016505/netanyahu-belongs-in-the-hague-nyc-mayor-mamdani-mulls-whether-he-can-order-israeli-pms-arrest, 18 Jul 2026]
#18723
The recent exchange of attacks between Israel and Iran in June 2026 followed an Israeli airstrike on which specific location?
(a) Tehran city center
(b) Strait of Hormuz
(c) Beaufort Castle
(d) Southern suburbs of Beirut
Explanation: The hostilities were triggered by an Israeli airstrike on the southern suburbs of Beirut. Beaufort Castle is a historic site mentioned in the context of Israeli operations in Lebanon, but it was not the target of the specific airstrike that prompted the Iranian retaliation. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2006144/give-peace-a-little-more-chance-pm-shehbaz-calls-for-restraint-after-israel-iran-exchange-attacks, 08 Jun 2026]
#18724
Consider the following statements about the US-Iran peace process: 1. The peace deal is expected to be signed through an electronic process. 2. A previous round of talks held in Islamabad in April 2026 failed to produce a signed deal after 21 hours of negotiations. 3. The conflict between the two nations has been entirely limited to cyber warfare. 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 Prime Minister mentioned preparations for an electronic signing. Statement 2 is correct regarding the April 2026 talks in Islamabad. Statement 3 is incorrect because the conflict involved physical military strikes, including the downing of an Apache helicopter. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2007576/us-iran-peace-deal-inches-closer-as-pm-shehbaz-says-finalisation-expected-within-a-day, 13 Jun 2026]
#18725
Which global geopolitical event was primarily responsible for the energy crunch and subsequent fuel price hikes in Pakistan during early 2026?
(a) The Suez Canal blockage
(b) The Panama Canal drought
(c) The Strait of Hormuz blockade
(d) The Black Sea grain initiative collapse
Explanation: The energy crunch was driven by the US-Iran war and the resulting blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, which disrupted global oil shipping. The other options refer to different global logistical or geopolitical issues not cited as the cause of the 2026 fuel crisis. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2009236/pm-shehbaz-announces-reduction-in-prices-of-petrol-by-rs74-diesel-by-rs67, 19 Jun 2026]
#18726
Consider the following statements about the political situation involving Benjamin Netanyahu and NYC: 1. Benjamin Netanyahu faces an election scheduled for October 2026. 2. Danny Danon serves as Israel’s ambassador to the United Nations. 3. Mayor Mamdani has previously condemned Hamas as a terrorist organization. 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 provided information. Netanyahu faces an election in October 2026, Danny Danon is the Israeli UN ambassador, and Mayor Mamdani has publicly labeled Hamas a terrorist organization despite his criticism of Israeli policy. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016505/netanyahu-belongs-in-the-hague-nyc-mayor-mamdani-mulls-whether-he-can-order-israeli-pms-arrest, 18 Jul 2026]
#18727
Which specific framework for economic and strategic cooperation was emphasized during the 2026 bilateral meetings in Beijing?
(a) Global Security Framework
(b) Belt and Road Initiative 3.0
(c) Regional Connectivity Pact
(d) CPEC 2.0
Explanation: The discussions between the two foreign ministers specifically highlighted the advancement of CPEC 2.0 as a core component of their deepening economic and strategic cooperation. While the other options relate to broader Chinese initiatives, CPEC 2.0 is the specific bilateral mechanism mentioned. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1987106/pakistan-china-issue-5-point-initiative-for-restoring-peace-in-middle-east, 31 Mar 2026]
#18728
Consider the following statements about the 2026 fuel price developments: 1. The global fuel crisis is partially attributed to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. 2. The government has decided to cut public sector development programs to protect the primary balance target. 3. The All Pakistan Petrol Pump Owners Association supported the strike calls for May 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 correct as the Strait of Hormuz closure is a factor in the global fuel crisis. Statement 2 is correct as the government indicated that further cuts to development programs might be required to meet the primary balance. Statement 3 is incorrect because the association explicitly refuted the strike rumors. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1996451/govt-hikes-petrol-price-by-rs6-diesel-by-rs19, 30 Apr 2026]
#18729
Consider the following statements about the situation in the Strait of Hormuz as of April 2026: 1. The GCC has requested a UN mandate to use force to protect maritime routes. 2. The closure of the Strait has led to a sharp rise in global energy prices. 3. French President Emmanuel Macron has fully endorsed the military operation to reopen the Strait. 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 GCC's diplomatic request and the resulting economic impact. Statement 3 is incorrect because President Macron explicitly described a military operation to free the Strait as 'unrealistic'. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1987881/gulf-states-seek-un-mandate-for-force-to-protect-strait-of-hormuz, 02 Apr 2026]
#18730
Which of the following is NOT a stated objective or position of the new Iranian leadership in the April 2026 message?
(a) The call for Gulf nations to distance themselves from arrogant powers
(b) The commitment to protect legitimate national rights
(c) The demand for compensation for damages inflicted during the conflict
(d) The desire to initiate a full-scale war with the United States
Explanation: The Iranian leadership explicitly stated that they do not seek war with the United States or Israel, making the incorrect statement. The other options accurately reflect the demands and policy stances articulated in the message. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1990308/in-written-message-iran-supreme-leader-says-tehran-does-not-seek-war-but-will-not-renounce-legitimate-rights, 09 Apr 2026]
#18731
In 2026, Pakistan and China are commemorating which milestone in their bilateral diplomatic relations?
(a) 75th anniversary
(b) 60th anniversary
(c) 50th anniversary
(d) 100th anniversary
Explanation: The year 2026 marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China. This milestone was highlighted during the high-level meetings in Beijing to reaffirm their strategic partnership. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1987106/pakistan-china-issue-5-point-initiative-for-restoring-peace-in-middle-east, 31 Mar 2026]
#18732
Which of the following statements regarding the Torkham border situation in March 2026 is INCORRECT?
(a) The repatriation process was suspended for several weeks due to a security official being injured in a firing incident.
(b) The border was closed for all trading activities since October of the previous year.
(c) Security officials from both sides held flag meetings to devise a mechanism for smooth repatriation.
(d) Transporters in Landi Kotal demanded the safe return of vehicles and drivers stranded in Afghanistan.
Explanation: The statement is incorrect because the suspension following the firing incident lasted only 12 hours, not several weeks. The other statements accurately reflect the security and logistical situation described in the report. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1987201/repatriation-of-afghans-resumes-at-torkham-as-border-reopens, 31 Mar 2026]
#18733
Which of the following statements regarding the 2026 Youth Hockey5s Asian Championship is INCORRECT?
(a) India remained unbeaten against Pakistan throughout the tournament.
(b) Pakistan qualified for the final after finishing second in the group standings.
(c) Pakistan defeated Oman in their opening match of the tournament.
(d) India lost the final match to Pakistan by a margin of two goals.
Explanation: India won the final match 3-1, making the statement that they lost the final incorrect. The other three statements are factually accurate regarding the tournament's progression. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018608/india-beat-pakistan-to-retain-youth-hockey5s-asian-title, 27 Jul 2026]
#18734
Which sector in the Australian market recorded a gain of 5.1% on July 27, 2026?
(a) Mining sector
(b) Financial sector
(c) Gold miners
(d) Technology sector
Explanation: Gold miners rose by 5.1% on July 27, 2026, supported by firmer bullion prices. This was their best session in more than three weeks. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431982/australian-shares-rise-nearly-1-as-middle-east-de-escalation-boosts-sentiment, 27 Jul 2026]
#18735
The Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Plan (IFRP) process at Torkham was officially resumed on which date in 2026?
(a) March 28
(b) March 30
(c) March 31
(d) None of these
Explanation: The repatriation process under the IFRP was officially resumed on March 31, 2026, following successful flag meetings between security officials. The other dates provided do not correspond to the official resumption date mentioned in the event records. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1987201/repatriation-of-afghans-resumes-at-torkham-as-border-reopens, 31 Mar 2026]
#18736
What is the theme of the World Hepatitis Day observed on July 28, 2026?
(a) Hepatitis: Find the missing millions
(b) Hepatitis: Let’s break it down
(c) Hepatitis: Invest in elimination
(d) Hepatitis: Zero tolerance
Explanation: The theme for the 2026 observance is 'Hepatitis: Let’s break it down', which focuses on removing barriers to prevention, testing, and treatment. The other options are variations of past or hypothetical themes. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018920/ending-hepatitis, 28 Jul 2026]
#18737
Nawaz Sharif returned to Pakistan on June 16, 2026, after spending three weeks in which two countries?
(a) Switzerland and Saudi Arabia
(b) United Kingdom and United Arab Emirates
(c) Turkey and Qatar
(d) China and Malaysia
Explanation: Nawaz Sharif returned to Lahore after a three-week visit to Switzerland and Saudi Arabia. The other options represent common travel destinations for Pakistani officials but are not the locations mentioned in this context. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2008589/nawaz-urges-ajk-to-end-protests-sit-ins-and-engage-in-meaningful-dialogue-with-govt, 17 Jun 2026]
#18738
What was the peak price of high-speed diesel (HSD) per litre reached in Pakistan on April 3, 2026?
(a) Rs378.78
(b) Rs458.41
(c) Rs520.35
(d) None of these
Explanation: High-speed diesel reached its peak price of Rs520.35 per litre on April 3, 2026, during the height of the energy crisis. Rs458.41 was the peak price for petrol on the same date. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2009236/pm-shehbaz-announces-reduction-in-prices-of-petrol-by-rs74-diesel-by-rs67, 19 Jun 2026]
#18739
Consider the following statements about the political situation in AJK as of June 17, 2026: 1. The PML-N leadership expressed concern over the loss of lives during recent clashes. 2. AJK elections are scheduled to take place at the end of the following month. 3. The government of Pakistan has consistently supported the Kashmiri struggle for self-determination. 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 accurate: the leadership expressed sorrow over casualties, elections are slated for the end of July 2026, and the official stance of Pakistan remains supportive of the right to self-determination. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2008589/nawaz-urges-ajk-to-end-protests-sit-ins-and-engage-in-meaningful-dialogue-with-govt, 17 Jun 2026]
#18740
In the context of the Senate debate on June 17, 2026, which sector did Senator Abdul Qadir identify as a 'mafia' that allegedly caused the reversal of the government's solar policy?
(a) National Highway Authority
(b) Federal Board of Revenue
(c) Independent Power Producers
(d) State Bank of Pakistan
Explanation: Senator Abdul Qadir alleged that Independent Power Producers (IPPs) acted as a mafia that pressured the government to reverse its solar policy. He further criticized the burden of capacity charges associated with these power agreements. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2008601/ppp-lawmaker-calls-for-separate-south-punjab-province-in-senate, 17 Jun 2026]