August 2026 Edition
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August 2026 Current Affairs MCQs & Solutions
Top national & international current affairs questions for CSS, PMS, FPSC, PPSC, and NTS screening tests.
#2021
Following its debut on July 27, 2026, CXMT Corp became the largest China-listed company by market capitalization, surpassing which of the following institutions?
(a) Industrial and Commercial Bank of China
(b) Bank of China
(c) China Construction Bank
(d) None of these
Explanation: CXMT Corp's market valuation exceeded 3 trillion yuan, allowing it to surpass the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China in market capitalization. The other options are major Chinese banks but were not the specific entity cited as being dwarfed by the new listing. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431979/china-stocks-rise-as-cxmts-debut-surge-revives-interest-in-battered-shares, 27 Jul 2026]
#2022
What is the total amount of debt Pakistan has decided to return to the United Arab Emirates by the end of April 2026?
(a) $2.0 billion
(b) $12.5 billion
(c) $5.0 billion
(d) $3.5 billion
Explanation: The government announced the return of $3.5 billion in deposits to the UAE. This amount was part of the financial support provided in 2019 to stabilize the balance of payments. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1988321/pakistan-to-return-35bn-uae-debt-before-month-end-official, 03 Apr 2026]
#2023
Who represented Pakistan during the diplomatic discussions in Beijing regarding the Middle East peace initiative on March 31, 2026?
(a) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari
(b) Ishaq Dar
(c) Shah Mahmood Qureshi
(d) None of these
Explanation: Ishaq Dar, serving as the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, visited Beijing to meet with his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi. The other individuals listed are former foreign ministers and were not involved in this specific 2026 diplomatic mission. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1987106/pakistan-china-issue-5-point-initiative-for-restoring-peace-in-middle-east, 31 Mar 2026]
#2024
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]
#2025
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]
#2026
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]
#2027
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]
#2028
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]
#2029
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]
#2030
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]
#2031
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]
#2032
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]
#2033
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]
#2034
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]
#2035
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]
#2036
Which specific operation was cited as the cause for the month-long closure of the Torkham border prior to the March 2026 reopening?
(a) Operation Zarb-e-Azb
(b) Operation Radd-ul-Fasaad
(c) Operation Ghazab lil-Haq
(d) Operation Khyber-IV
Explanation: The border closure was linked to the launch of Operation Ghazab lil-Haq. The other operations listed are historical military campaigns that are not associated with the 2026 border events. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1987201/repatriation-of-afghans-resumes-at-torkham-as-border-reopens, 31 Mar 2026]
#2037
Consider the following statements about the Torkham border events in 2026: 1. The border was reopened for the repatriation of undocumented Afghans following a request from the Afghan side. 2. Security officials from both sides shared soft drinks as a gesture of mutual goodwill during the reopening. 3. The repatriation process is governed by the Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Plan (IFRP). 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. The reopening was requested by Afghan authorities, the gesture of sharing soft drinks was noted by officials, and the entire process is conducted under the framework of the IFRP. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1987201/repatriation-of-afghans-resumes-at-torkham-as-border-reopens, 31 Mar 2026]
#2038
Consider the following statements about the 2026 death penalty legislation: 1. The law was passed by the Israeli Knesset with a majority vote. 2. The legislation includes provisions that allow for the reduction of the death sentence to life imprisonment. 3. The law is applicable to all residents of Israel regardless of their legal status or location. 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 bill passed the Knesset. Statement 2 is correct as the law allows for reduction under special circumstances. Statement 3 is incorrect because the law creates distinct tracks for West Bank Palestinians versus Israeli citizens and residents of East Jerusalem. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1986920/israel-passes-law-making-death-penalty-default-sentence-for-palestinians-convicted-of-lethal-attacks, 30 Mar 2026]
#2039
Which of the following statements regarding the regional conflict in June 2026 is INCORRECT?
(a) Pakistan has been actively involved in mediation efforts between Washington and Tehran.
(b) The ceasefire established in April 2026 has remained entirely free of military incidents.
(c) Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif urged all sides to exercise restraint.
(d) Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi visited Tehran to deliver a message from the Chief of Defence Forces.
Explanation: The ceasefire has been repeatedly tested by military incidents in and around the Gulf region, making the claim that it remained 'entirely free' of incidents false. The other statements accurately reflect the diplomatic and political events of June 2026. [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]
#2040
On what date did the ceasefire between Washington and Tehran, which was mediated by Pakistan, officially take effect in 2026?
(a) February 28, 2026
(b) April 8, 2026
(c) June 8, 2026
(d) None of these
Explanation: The ceasefire between Washington and Tehran was established on April 8, 2026, following Pakistan-led mediation. February 28, 2026, marks the date of earlier airstrikes, while June 8, 2026, is the date of the Prime Minister's statement regarding the renewed hostilities. [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]