During the 12th meeting held on July 17, 2026, the participants supported a proposal for Tajikistan to host the joint border operation in 2027. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016226/pakistan-chairs-12th-sco-meeting-of-heads-of-border-services-fo, 17 Jul 2026]
682
Consider the following statements about the regulatory challenges posed by prediction markets:
1. Prediction markets allow users to bet on the outcomes of future events using real-time odds.
2. The French weather agency filed a complaint after a probe was hacked to influence betting outcomes.
3. The US White House suspended a teleprompter operator for allegedly betting on the content of presidential speeches.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
All three statements are factually accurate based on the reported incidents involving prediction markets. These examples illustrate the diverse risks, ranging from data manipulation to the misuse of sensitive information, that regulators are attempting to address. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016250/france-blocks-access-to-online-prediction-platform-polymarket, 17 Jul 2026]
683
According to the PMD advisory issued on July 17, 2026, which weather system is expected to approach the upper parts of Pakistan on July 20, 2026?
The PMD advisory explicitly mentions that a westerly disturbance is expected to approach the upper parts of the country on July 20, 2026. This system, combined with monsoon currents from the Arabian Sea, is driving the widespread rain forecast. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016176/pmd-forecasts-widespread-rain-thunderstorms-across-country-until-july-25, 17 Jul 2026]
684
Which of the following statements regarding the 2026 election security claims made by Donald Trump is INCORRECT?
Trump has consistently maintained that the 2020 election was rigged, whereas his own Justice Department and numerous audits found no evidence of fraud. Therefore, stating that he acknowledged the Justice Department's verification of the 2020 results is factually false. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016135/trump-revives-sweeping-election-fraud-claims-ahead-of-us-midterms-accuses-china-of-meddling, 17 Jul 2026]
685
Which of the following statements regarding the regulatory action against Polymarket is INCORRECT?
Polymarket is a US-based cryptocurrency platform, not a registered French entity. The other statements accurately reflect the regulatory context and the findings of the ANJ. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016250/france-blocks-access-to-online-prediction-platform-polymarket, 17 Jul 2026]
686
Consider the following statements about the conflict developments as of March 13, 2026:
1. The US Defence Secretary stated that over 15,000 targets have been struck since the war began.
2. Sirens were reported at Turkey's Incirlik airbase, a facility housing US troops.
3. Iran's Revolutionary Guards have promised to welcome all anti-government protests to foster national unity.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Statement 3 is incorrect because the Revolutionary Guards warned that protests would be met with a stronger response, not welcomed. Statements 1 and 2 are factually accurate based on the report. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981719/deadly-blast-rocks-iran-as-leaders-rally-in-show-of-defiance, 13 Mar 2026]
687
The Strait of Hormuz is primarily significant in the current conflict due to its role as a:
The Strait of Hormuz is recognized as the world's most important shipping route for oil and gas. Its closure or blockade by either party directly impacts global energy prices and maritime security. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016140/iran-launches-fresh-attacks-on-american-facilities-in-gulf-after-sixth-consecutive-day-of-us-strikes, 17 Jul 2026]
688
Consider the following statements about the military conflict in the Gulf as of July 17, 2026:
1. The U.S. military utilized fighter jets, aerial drones, and warships in its strikes.
2. Iran has proposed charging passage fees for ships using the Strait of Hormuz.
3. The U.S. has officially declared a permanent occupation of Qeshm Island.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Statement 1 is correct as the U.S. utilized a multi-domain force. Statement 2 is correct as Iran intends to charge fees following a 60-day negotiation period. Statement 3 is incorrect because there is no mention of a permanent U.S. occupation of Qeshm Island. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016140/iran-launches-fresh-attacks-on-american-facilities-in-gulf-after-sixth-consecutive-day-of-us-strikes, 17 Jul 2026]
689
Consider the following statements about the current situation in AJK:
1. The AJK Legislative Assembly has officially supported the retention of the refugee seats.
2. Federal paramilitary forces have been deployed to assist the local police in AJK.
3. The JAAC protest is scheduled to take place after the July 27 elections.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Statement 1 is correct as the assembly defended the status quo. Statement 2 is correct as federal paramilitary forces were dispatched to reinforce the police. Statement 3 is incorrect because the protest is scheduled for June 9, which is before the July 27 elections. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2005870/bilawal-says-will-meet-pm-shehbaz-over-ajk-situation-state-media-reports-jaac-head-office-sealed, 07 Jun 2026]
690
Which of the following is NOT a potential hazard identified by the PMD in their July 17, 2026, weather advisory?
The PMD warned that strong winds and lightning could damage weak structures, including electric poles, billboards, and solar panels. Volcanic activity is not a weather-related hazard associated with monsoon currents. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016176/pmd-forecasts-widespread-rain-thunderstorms-across-country-until-july-25, 17 Jul 2026]
