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.
#2081
On March 23, 2026, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a telephone conversation with which Iranian leader to discuss regional de-escalation?
(a) Ebrahim Raisi
(b) Masoud Pezeshkian
(c) Ali Khamenei
(d) None of these
Explanation: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif spoke with President Masoud Pezeshkian on March 23, 2026, to address the ongoing hostilities in the Middle East. Ebrahim Raisi is a former president, and Ali Khamenei was the supreme leader who passed away during the conflict. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1984609/in-phone-call-with-pezeshkian-pm-stresses-urgent-need-for-collective-efforts-for-de-escalation-in-mideast, 23 Mar 2026]
#2082
Who is the current US Special Envoy to the Middle East involved in the 2026 diplomatic mediation efforts?
(a) Steve Witkoff
(b) Amos Hochstein
(c) Brett McGurk
(d) None of these
Explanation: Steve Witkoff is the US Special Envoy to the Middle East mentioned in the context of the 2026 back-channel communications. The other names are common distractors associated with previous US diplomatic roles in the region. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1984640/pakistan-egypt-turkiye-engaged-in-back-channel-diplomacy-for-us-iran-de-escalation-sources, 23 Mar 2026]
#2083
Consider the following statements about the 2026 diplomatic mediation efforts: 1. The mediation is described as a 'strategic synergy' between Ankara, Cairo, and Islamabad. 2. The conflict in the Middle East was triggered by attacks that resulted in the assassination of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. 3. Pakistan is leveraging its position to act as a 'net regional stabilizer'. 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. The mediation is a tripartite effort, the conflict involved the assassination of the supreme leader, and Pakistan is positioning itself as a regional stabilizer. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1984640/pakistan-egypt-turkiye-engaged-in-back-channel-diplomacy-for-us-iran-de-escalation-sources, 23 Mar 2026]
#2084
Consider the following statements about the current status of Pakistan's power sector negotiations: 1. Negotiations with CPEC-related power producers have resulted in significant tariff reductions as of May 2026. 2. The government is constrained by government-to-government frameworks when renegotiating CPEC energy contracts. 3. The government has successfully reduced the budgeted power sector subsidy from Rs1.287 trillion to Rs890 billion for the current year. 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 minister stated there has been 'no sufficient outcome' regarding CPEC-related negotiations. Statements 2 and 3 are factually accurate based on the minister's briefing regarding the framework constraints and the reduction in subsidy figures. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2004161/no-sufficient-outcome-yet-of-talks-to-secure-discounts-from-chinese-power-producers-leghari, 31 May 2026]
#2085
What is the total value of financial irregularities identified by the Auditor General of Pakistan in the Ministry of National Health Services as of June 2026?
(a) Rs1.48 billion
(b) Rs2.84 billion
(c) Rs3.41 billion
(d) Rs4.12 billion
Explanation: The audit report explicitly identifies irregularities amounting to Rs3.41 billion within the health sector. Other figures, such as Rs1.48 billion, refer to specific sub-categories like bank account management irregularities. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2010834/audit-report-identifies-rs341bn-worth-of-irregularities-in-health-sector, 25 Jun 2026]
#2086
The magnitude of the two major tremors that struck Venezuela in June 2026 were:
(a) 7.2 and 7.5
(b) 7.0 and 7.3
(c) 6.5 and 6.8
(d) 7.8 and 8.1
Explanation: The earthquakes were recorded at magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5. These are considered among the most significant seismic events in modern Latin American history. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2010996/death-toll-from-venezuela-earthquake-rises-to-920-as-foreign-rescue-teams-start-arriving, 26 Jun 2026]
#2087
Consider the following statements about the 2026 Venezuela earthquake disaster: 1. The earthquakes occurred approximately 160 kilometres west of Caracas. 2. Over 50,000 people were reported missing in the aftermath of the tremors. 3. The government successfully utilized heavy machinery in all affected regions immediately after the disaster. 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 factually correct based on the report. Statement 3 is incorrect because residents specifically decried the lack of state help and the absence of proper equipment and machinery to extract victims from the rubble. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2010996/death-toll-from-venezuela-earthquake-rises-to-920-as-foreign-rescue-teams-start-arriving, 26 Jun 2026]
#2088
On July 10, 2026, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a telephone conversation regarding regional stability with which Iranian leader?
(a) Ayatollah Ali Khamenei
(b) Masoud Pezeshkian
(c) Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei
(d) None of these
Explanation: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif spoke with President Masoud Pezeshkian to express concern over the escalation of hostilities. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is the late supreme leader, while Mojtaba Khamenei is the current supreme leader, making them incorrect in the context of the presidential call. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2014422/pm-shehbaz-calls-on-iran-other-parties-not-to-jeopardise-hard-earned-peace-gains, 10 Jul 2026]
#2089
Which of the following statements regarding the security situation in Balochistan in July 2026 is INCORRECT?
(a) The military spokesperson identified India as a source of support for the terrorists.
(b) The security operations in Balochistan are conducted solely by the Balochistan Police.
(c) The Provincial Apex Committee meeting was attended by the Chief of the Army Staff.
(d) A terrorist attack in the Zedi area of Khuzdar district was foiled on July 10, 2026.
Explanation: The statement that operations are conducted solely by the Balochistan Police is incorrect because the operations are joint efforts involving the Pakistan Army, Frontier Corps, and the Balochistan Police. The other statements are factually accurate based on the reports. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2014419/75-terrorists-killed-in-balochistan-since-july-5-says-cm-bugti, 10 Jul 2026]
#2090
How much financial aid did the United States pledge to Venezuela following the June 2026 earthquake disaster?
(a) 50 million dollars
(b) 100 million dollars
(c) 200 million dollars
(d) 150 million dollars
Explanation: The United States government mobilized $150 million in aid to support relief efforts. This was accompanied by a temporary easing of sanctions to ensure the aid could reach the affected population. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2010996/death-toll-from-venezuela-earthquake-rises-to-920-as-foreign-rescue-teams-start-arriving, 26 Jun 2026]
#2091
Who led the PPP Sindh chapter rally in Hyderabad on July 12, 2026?
(a) Tariq Shah Jamot
(b) Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari
(c) Nisar Ahmed Khuhro
(d) Ajiz Dhamra
Explanation: Nisar Ahmed Khuhro, the PPP Sindh chapter president, led the rally from Shahbaz Building Chowk to the local press club in Hyderabad on July 12, 2026. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2014901/we-will-not-give-up-indus-ppp-holds-sindh-wide-rallies-condemning-indias-threats-to-pakistans-water-share, 12 Jul 2026]
#2092
Which coastal city near Caracas was identified as one of the worst-affected areas by the 2026 earthquakes?
(a) Valencia
(b) La Guaira
(c) Caraballeda
(d) Maracaibo
Explanation: La Guaira is explicitly identified as the worst-affected coastal city where at least 100 buildings collapsed. While Caraballeda is in the same state, La Guaira is the primary city cited for the scale of destruction. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2010996/death-toll-from-venezuela-earthquake-rises-to-920-as-foreign-rescue-teams-start-arriving, 26 Jun 2026]
#2093
What is the name of the peace agreement signed between the United States and Iran in 2026?
(a) Geneva Accord
(b) Burgenstock Treaty
(c) Islamabad Peace Deal
(d) Hormuz Security Pact
Explanation: The agreement that ended the hostilities between the United States and Iran in 2026 is officially referred to as the Islamabad Peace Deal. While Geneva was mentioned as a potential site for subsequent talks, it is not the name of the primary agreement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2009269/pm-shehbaz-saudi-crown-prince-discuss-iran-us-talks-stress-peace-process-must-not-be-undermined, 19 Jun 2026]
#2094
Which of the following statements regarding the 2026 US-Iran peace process is INCORRECT?
(a) The peace deal includes a framework to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
(b) The peace deal was signed in person by the leaders in Switzerland.
(c) The peace deal requires negotiations on key issues to be completed within 60 days.
(d) Pakistan acted as a mediator throughout the conflict.
Explanation: The memorandum of understanding was electronically signed by the parties, not in person in Switzerland. The other statements accurately reflect the terms and context of the agreement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2009269/pm-shehbaz-saudi-crown-prince-discuss-iran-us-talks-stress-peace-process-must-not-be-undermined, 19 Jun 2026]
#2095
The conflict between the United States and Iran in 2026 officially began on which date?
(a) February 28, 2026
(b) March 15, 2026
(c) April 8, 2026
(d) June 19, 2026
Explanation: The military conflict, characterized by air attacks, commenced on February 28, 2026. This date marks the beginning of the hostilities that Pakistan later mediated. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2009269/pm-shehbaz-saudi-crown-prince-discuss-iran-us-talks-stress-peace-process-must-not-be-undermined, 19 Jun 2026]
#2096
Consider the following statements about the earthquake disaster in Venezuela: 1. The earthquakes struck on June 25, 2026, during a public holiday. 2. The US Geological Survey reported that the two major tremors occurred within one minute of each other. 3. More than 24,000 people were listed as unaccounted for on a tracking website by the morning of June 25, 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 reports regarding the timing of the quakes, the USGS data on the tremors, and the figures provided by the opposition-led tracking website. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2010737/thousands-feared-dead-in-venezuela-after-two-major-earthquakes-world-sends-aid-rescue-teams, 25 Jun 2026]
#2097
Which of the following is NOT a topic discussed during the meeting between the Prime Minister and the Interior Minister on June 6, 2026?
(a) The upcoming visit to Tehran
(b) The recent SCO conference in Bishkek
(c) The overall law and order situation in Pakistan
(d) The formal declaration of war against regional adversaries
Explanation: The meeting focused on diplomatic visits, regional security, and domestic law and order. There was no discussion regarding a formal declaration of war, making option D the incorrect statement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2005678/pm-shehbaz-meets-interior-minister-ahead-of-naqvis-iran-visit, 06 Jun 2026]
#2098
Which Pakistani official led the delegation to the United States in July 2026 to discuss economic cooperation?
(a) Muhammad Aurangzeb
(b) Ishaq Dar
(c) Shamshad Akhtar
(d) Miftah Ismail
Explanation: Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb led the delegation and held meetings with the US Treasury Secretary. The other individuals listed are former finance ministers or officials not involved in this specific 2026 visit. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017582/us-treasury-secretary-welcomes-pakistans-economic-reforms-return-to-capital-markets, 22 Jul 2026]
#2099
Which of the following is NOT a primary focus of the backchannel discussions between the involved parties as of March 2026?
(a) De-escalation of military hostilities
(b) Reopening of the Strait of Hormuz
(c) Parameters for a broader end to the war
(d) Immediate integration of Iran into the G20
Explanation: The backchannel discussions focused on de-escalation, the Strait of Hormuz, and ending the war. Integration into the G20 is not a subject of these specific diplomatic negotiations. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1984912/pakistan-stands-ready-honoured-to-host-us-iran-talks-says-pm-shehbaz, 24 Mar 2026]
#2100
Consider the following statements about the diplomatic situation in March 2026: 1. The conflict resulted in strained relations between Iran and various Gulf nations. 2. Iran has accepted responsibility for all retaliatory attacks targeting US bases in the region. 3. Pakistan has committed to playing a constructive role in facilitating regional peace. 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 2 is incorrect because Iran denies having a role in some of the attacks, despite accepting responsibility for others. Statements 1 and 3 are factually accurate based on the diplomatic context provided. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1984609/in-phone-call-with-pezeshkian-pm-stresses-urgent-need-for-collective-efforts-for-de-escalation-in-mideast, 23 Mar 2026]