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.
#2161
Consider the following statements about the Prime Minister’s Office System (PMOS): 1. It was launched on July 22, 2026. 2. It is designed to manage the lifecycle of directives from issuance to post-implementation review. 3. It is mandatory for all federal ministries and divisions to adopt the system. 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 launch details provided. The system was launched on the specified date, covers the full lifecycle of directives, and is a mandatory requirement for federal entities. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431190/ai-powered-monitoring-system-pm-launches-pmos-to-manage-complete-lifecycle-of-directives, 22 Jul 2026]
#2162
Which of the following statements regarding the Ad hoc Relief Allowance-2026 is INCORRECT?
(a) It is subject to income tax.
(b) It is admissible during leave and suspension.
(c) It is applicable to contract employees appointed against civil posts.
(d) It counts towards pension and gratuity calculations.
Explanation: The notification explicitly states that the new allowance will not count towards pension, gratuity, or house rent calculations. Therefore, the statement claiming it counts towards these benefits is incorrect. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431195/salary-increase-notified-govt-issues-revised-bps-2026-for-civil-servants, 22 Jul 2026]
#2163
Consider the following statements about the BPS-2026 notification: 1. The new pay scales apply to federal civil employees paid from both civil and defence estimates. 2. Employees posted abroad are eligible to receive the Ad hoc Relief Allowance-2026 during their foreign tenure. 3. The 2022 and 2025 ad hoc relief allowances were abolished upon the implementation of the new scales. 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 covers both civil and defence estimates. Statement 3 is correct as the 2022 and 2025 allowances were merged and abolished. Statement 2 is incorrect because employees posted abroad are explicitly excluded from receiving the allowance during their foreign posting. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431195/salary-increase-notified-govt-issues-revised-bps-2026-for-civil-servants, 22 Jul 2026]
#2164
Consider the following statements about the economic discussions held in July 2026: 1. The US Treasury Secretary explicitly approved the $10 billion exchange stabilisation facility during the meeting. 2. Pakistan is aiming to transition from macroeconomic stabilisation to export-led growth. 3. The US Treasury commended Pakistan's commitment to creating conditions for a return to international capital markets. 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 US Treasury statement did not address or approve the $10 billion request. Statements 2 and 3 accurately reflect the official positions stated during the visit. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017582/us-treasury-secretary-welcomes-pakistans-economic-reforms-return-to-capital-markets, 22 Jul 2026]
#2165
Consider the following statements about the national innovation ecosystem proposed on July 22, 2026: 1. It aims to ensure that the knowledge behind robotics technology is indigenous and owned by Pakistan. 2. The initiative is intended to be confined to major cities to ensure high-tech efficiency. 3. It emphasizes the need for regulatory frameworks to govern the ethics of autonomous systems. 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 and 3 are correct as they reflect the Prime Minister's focus on indigenous ownership and ethical regulation. Statement 2 is incorrect because the Prime Minister explicitly stated that the revolution should not remain confined to major cities but should reach underserved communities. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431277/pm-shehbaz-calls-for-national-innovation-ecosystem-to-advance-indigenous-robotics-technology, 22 Jul 2026]
#2166
Consider the following statements about the 2026 UN Arria-Formula meeting on Syria: 1. Pakistan argued that transitional justice is vital for promoting reconciliation and restoring trust. 2. The meeting focused exclusively on military strategies for ending the Syrian conflict. 3. Pakistan emphasized that international mechanisms should respect Syria's national ownership. 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 and 3 are correct as they reflect Pakistan's focus on reconciliation and sovereignty. Statement 2 is incorrect because the meeting focused on transitional justice and missing persons, not military strategy. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017641/pakistan-opposes-externally-imposed-solutions-for-syria, 23 Jul 2026]
#2167
Which of the following statements regarding the Ukrainian drone strikes on July 23, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The strikes targeted logistics hubs of a major Russian online retailer
(b) The attacks were limited exclusively to sites located within the Moscow city limits
(c) Ukraine claimed the targeted sites were supplying components for the Russian military
(d) The strikes resulted in the evacuation of company logistics centers
Explanation: The strikes occurred in southern Russian cities such as Krasnodar and Nevinnomyssk, not exclusively in Moscow. The other statements accurately reflect the events of July 23, 2026. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017672/ukraines-drones-hit-stores-of-russian-retail-giant, 23 Jul 2026]
#2168
Following the price adjustment on July 22, 2026, what is the new price of high-speed diesel (HSD) per litre?
(a) Rs327.12
(b) Rs375.04
(c) Rs458.41
(d) Rs520.35
Explanation: The government notification issued on July 22, 2026, set the new price of high-speed diesel at Rs375.04 per litre. Rs327.12 is the corresponding price for petrol, while the other figures represent historical peak prices. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017573/govt-increases-petrol-price-by-rs639-diesel-by-rs783-per-litre, 22 Jul 2026]
#2169
Which international mediation effort by Pakistan was specifically recalled by the Iranian President during the July 2026 meeting?
(a) Negotiations between Iran and Saudi Arabia
(b) Dialogue between Iran and the United States
(c) Talks between Iran and the European Union
(d) Mediation between Iran and Israel
Explanation: President Pezeshkian explicitly acknowledged Pakistan's efforts to facilitate dialogue between Iran and the United States. While Pakistan has been involved in other regional mediations, this specific instance was highlighted in the diplomatic exchange. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017654/iranian-president-pezeshkian-calls-for-strengthening-pak-iran-relations, 23 Jul 2026]
#2170
Consider the following statements about the IMF mission to Pakistan in 2026: 1. The mission successfully reached a staff-level agreement on March 11, 2026. 2. Discussions were influenced by the impact of regional conflict on Pakistan's balance of payments. 3. The mission reviewed both the Extended Fund Facility and the Resilience and Sustainability Facility. 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 mission failed to reach a staff-level agreement by the conclusion date. Statements 2 and 3 are correct as they accurately reflect the scope of the review and the external factors influencing the economic outlook. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981220/imf-mission-fails-to-reach-staff-level-agreement-with-pakistan-talks-to-continue, 12 Mar 2026]
#2171
Consider the following statements about the environmental situation in Europe as of July 2026: 1. Europe is identified as the world's fastest-warming continent. 2. The Western Balkans have experienced a shift in danger from heatwaves to hailstorms. 3. The average high temperature in Western Europe was recorded as being three degrees above the 1961-1990 normal for July 22. 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. Europe is confirmed as the fastest-warming continent, the Western Balkans faced a transition to hailstorms, and the temperature anomaly for July 22 was indeed three degrees above the historical baseline. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017665/spain-france-struggle-with-wildfires-as-heat-grips-europes-south, 23 Jul 2026]
#2172
What is the maximum temperature range forecast for the Ebro and Guadalquivir valleys during the peak of the July 2026 heatwave?
(a) 42-44 degrees Celsius
(b) 39-42 degrees Celsius
(c) 35-37 degrees Celsius
(d) 45-47 degrees Celsius
Explanation: Meteorological forecasts for the Ebro and Guadalquivir valleys indicated potential highs of 42-44 degrees Celsius. The 39-42 range was forecast for broader swathes of the country, making 42-44 the specific peak for these valleys. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017665/spain-france-struggle-with-wildfires-as-heat-grips-europes-south, 23 Jul 2026]
#2173
Consider the following statements about the fuel pricing situation in Pakistan as of July 2026: 1. Petrol prices are primarily influenced by the needs of private transport and small vehicles. 2. The government previously utilized a weekly revision cycle for fuel prices before moving to daily adjustments. 3. Monthly sales of kerosene are significantly higher than those of petrol and high-speed diesel. 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 and 2 are correct as they reflect the usage patterns and the shift in policy. Statement 3 is incorrect because kerosene demand is only 10,000 tonnes monthly, whereas petrol and diesel sales reach 700,000 to 800,000 tonnes. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017573/govt-increases-petrol-price-by-rs639-diesel-by-rs783-per-litre, 22 Jul 2026]
#2174
Who is the CEO of the Russian retail giant Wildberries that was targeted in the July 2026 drone strikes?
(a) Vladimir Kondratyev
(b) Tatiana Kim
(c) Volodymyr Zelensky
(d) None of these
Explanation: Tatiana Kim is the CEO of Wildberries and publicly commented on the evacuation of the logistics centers following the attacks. Vladimir Kondratyev is the governor of the Krasnodar region, not the CEO of the company. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017672/ukraines-drones-hit-stores-of-russian-retail-giant, 23 Jul 2026]
#2175
Which of the following is NOT a stated condition or feature of the US-Saudi nuclear cooperation agreement as of 2026?
(a) It is contingent on Saudi Arabia joining the Abraham Accords.
(b) It is designed for civilian use of nuclear facilities.
(c) It requires submission to the US Congress for review.
(d) It mandates the immediate transfer of nuclear weapon technology to Riyadh.
Explanation: The agreement is strictly for civilian nuclear cooperation and explicitly excludes the transfer of nuclear weapon technology. The other options accurately reflect the conditions and procedural requirements mentioned in the diplomatic framework. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017738/trump-says-us-saudi-nuclear-deal-subject-to-riyadh-joining-abraham-accords, 23 Jul 2026]
#2176
Who is the current Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the United Nations who addressed the Arria-Formula meeting on Syria in 2026?
(a) Munir Akram
(b) Asim Iftikhar Ahmad
(c) Maleeha Lodhi
(d) None of these
Explanation: Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad represented Pakistan at the UN Arria-Formula meeting regarding Syria. Munir Akram and Maleeha Lodhi are former representatives, making them incorrect. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017641/pakistan-opposes-externally-imposed-solutions-for-syria, 23 Jul 2026]
#2177
Which of the following regions in Russia experienced a fatality during the drone strikes on July 23, 2026?
(a) Moscow region
(b) Siberia region
(c) Urals region
(d) Krasnodar region
Explanation: The governor of the Krasnodar region confirmed that one person was killed during the strikes on July 23, 2026. While other regions like the Urals have been hit in previous operations, this specific casualty occurred in the south. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017672/ukraines-drones-hit-stores-of-russian-retail-giant, 23 Jul 2026]
#2178
Consider the following statements about the Ukrainian military operations reported on July 23, 2026: 1. Ukraine has intensified strikes on Russian maritime assets in the Black and Azov Seas. 2. The UN reported a decrease in civilian casualties during the first half of 2026. 3. Ukrainian drone strikes have reached as far as the Urals and Siberia. 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 Ukraine has intensified maritime attacks. Statement 3 is correct as drones have reached deep into the Urals and Siberia. Statement 2 is incorrect because the UN reported a 37 percent increase in civilian casualties, not a decrease. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017672/ukraines-drones-hit-stores-of-russian-retail-giant, 23 Jul 2026]
#2179
In which Russian cities were the Wildberries logistics centers attacked by Ukrainian drones on July 23, 2026?
(a) Krasnodar and Nevinnomyssk
(b) Moscow and Saint Petersburg
(c) Rostov-on-Don and Volgograd
(d) None of these
Explanation: The strikes on July 23, 2026, specifically targeted Wildberries facilities in the southern Russian cities of Krasnodar and Nevinnomyssk. Other major Russian cities like Moscow or Volgograd were not the sites of this specific coordinated drone attack. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017672/ukraines-drones-hit-stores-of-russian-retail-giant, 23 Jul 2026]
#2180
The National Stabilization Plan 2026–2035 aims to integrate population welfare compliance with which of the following?
(a) National defense budget allocations
(b) Provincial tax collection systems
(c) Federal social protection initiatives
(d) Foreign direct investment policies
Explanation: The government has initiated efforts to link federal social protection programs directly to population welfare compliance to incentivize sustainable growth. This is a key component of the broader demographic strategy. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431434/pm-shehbaz-told-pakistan-aims-to-halve-population-growth-rate-by-2035, 23 Jul 2026]