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.
#2401
Who is the current Foreign Minister of Iran who met with the Pakistani delegation in Tehran on April 15, 2026?
(a) Abbas Araghchi
(b) Esmaeil Baqaei
(c) Hossein Amir-Abdollahian
(d) Mohammad Javad Zarif
Explanation: Abbas Araghchi is the Iranian Foreign Minister who welcomed Field Marshal Asim Munir in Tehran. Esmaeil Baqaei is the foreign ministry spokesman, not the Foreign Minister. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1991972/cdf-munir-visits-iran-alongside-delegation-as-part-of-mediation-efforts-holds-meeting-with-fm-araghchi, 15 Apr 2026]
#2402
Who is the current Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs visiting Pakistan in July 2026?
(a) Melanie Joly
(b) Anita Anand
(c) Chrystia Freeland
(d) None of these
Explanation: Anita Anand is the Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs who scheduled a visit to Pakistan in July 2026. The other names listed are former or alternative Canadian cabinet members, making them incorrect. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016734/canadian-foreign-minister-anita-anand-to-visit-pakistan-on-monday, 19 Jul 2026]
#2403
Consider the following statements about the Pakistan-Canada diplomatic engagement in 2026: 1. The sixth round of Bilateral Political Consultations was held in Islamabad in February 2026. 2. Canada hosted the second round of negotiations for a Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement in June 2026. 3. The Canadian Foreign Minister is expected to meet with the President of Pakistan during her visit. 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 regarding the 2026 diplomatic timeline. Statement 3 is incorrect because the report specifies that the Canadian Foreign Minister is expected to meet with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, not the President. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016734/canadian-foreign-minister-anita-anand-to-visit-pakistan-on-monday, 19 Jul 2026]
#2404
The mediation efforts led by Pakistan in April 2026 are primarily aimed at de-escalating tensions between which two countries?
(a) Pakistan and India
(b) Russia and Ukraine
(c) Saudi Arabia and Iran
(d) Iran and the United States
Explanation: The diplomatic efforts are focused on de-escalation between Iran and the United States, following direct talks held in Islamabad. The other options represent different geopolitical conflicts not addressed by this specific mediation mission. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1991972/cdf-munir-visits-iran-alongside-delegation-as-part-of-mediation-efforts-holds-meeting-with-fm-araghchi, 15 Apr 2026]
#2405
The visit of the Canadian Foreign Minister to Pakistan in July 2026 marks the first such visit in how many years?
(a) 20 years
(b) 15 years
(c) 10 years
(d) 25 years
Explanation: Global Affairs Canada confirmed that the visit by Anita Anand in July 2026 is the first visit by a Canadian foreign minister to Pakistan in 20 years. This highlights the significance of the current diplomatic engagement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016734/canadian-foreign-minister-anita-anand-to-visit-pakistan-on-monday, 19 Jul 2026]
#2406
Consider the following statements about the regional conflict as of March 10, 2026: 1. Iranian strikes targeted energy installations in the Gulf region. 2. The US President characterized the appointment of the new supreme leader as a positive development for regional peace. 3. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that Iran's actions are defensive in nature. 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 Iran launched strikes on energy installations. Statement 3 is correct as the Foreign Minister described actions as defensive. Statement 2 is incorrect because President Trump called the appointment a 'big mistake'. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980416/oil-prices-go-haywire-as-iran-welcomes-new-supreme-leader, 10 Mar 2026]
#2407
Consider the following statements about the 2026 report on gender-based violence: 1. The report is based on data gathered from official police records exclusively. 2. The report highlights that filing an FIR is only the initial step toward achieving justice. 3. The report suggests that resources should be directed toward districts with a disproportionate share of cases. 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 report is based on newspaper accounts, not exclusively on official police records. Statements 2 and 3 are accurate reflections of the report's findings regarding the judicial process and resource allocation. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018677/writing-on-the-wall, 27 Jul 2026]
#2408
Who was appointed as the new supreme leader of Iran following the death of his father in 2026?
(a) Abbas Araghchi
(b) Ali Larijani
(c) Mojtaba Khamenei
(d) None of these
Explanation: Mojtaba Khamenei was appointed as the new supreme leader of Iran in March 2026. Abbas Araghchi serves as the Foreign Minister, and Ali Larijani is a security official. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980416/oil-prices-go-haywire-as-iran-welcomes-new-supreme-leader, 10 Mar 2026]
#2409
Which of the following statements regarding the events of March 10, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) Brent crude oil prices experienced significant volatility during the day.
(b) Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed the Iranian conflict with US President Donald Trump.
(c) Iranian security officials expressed skepticism regarding the restoration of security in the Strait of Hormuz.
(d) The United States officially declared the war in the Middle East to be permanently concluded.
Explanation: President Trump predicted the war could be over soon, but he did not declare it permanently concluded. The other statements accurately reflect the reported events of that date. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980416/oil-prices-go-haywire-as-iran-welcomes-new-supreme-leader, 10 Mar 2026]
#2410
The 2600 MHz frequency band, which saw heavy competition during the 2026 auction, was subject to a price increase of what percentage over its base price?
(a) Ten per cent
(b) Five per cent
(c) Fifteen per cent
(d) Twenty per cent
Explanation: The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) decided to increase the bid price of the 2600 MHz band by five per cent of its base price to manage the high demand. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980473/faster-cheaper-better-480mhz-sold-for-507m-as-5g-spectrum-auction-concludes, 10 Mar 2026]
#2411
Consider the following statements about the 5G spectrum auction held in 2026: 1. The auction was conducted in three rounds of bidding. 2. All participating telecom companies were required to acquire at least 100 MHz of spectrum. 3. The 700 MHz band was acquired by Zong to expand services in rural areas. 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. Statement 3 is incorrect because it was Jazz, not Zong, that acquired the 700 MHz spectrum to expand services in rural and sparsely populated areas. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980473/faster-cheaper-better-480mhz-sold-for-507m-as-5g-spectrum-auction-concludes, 10 Mar 2026]
#2412
What was the total amount generated by the government through the 5G spectrum auction concluded on March 10, 2026?
(a) $480 million
(b) $507 million
(c) $700 million
(d) None of these
Explanation: The government successfully auctioned 480 megahertz of spectrum, which generated a total revenue of $507 million. Option A is incorrect as it confuses the megahertz quantity with the dollar value. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980473/faster-cheaper-better-480mhz-sold-for-507m-as-5g-spectrum-auction-concludes, 10 Mar 2026]
#2413
Which of the following statements regarding the 2026 5G spectrum auction is INCORRECT?
(a) Three telecom companies participated in the bidding process.
(b) The auction included the 3500 MHz frequency band.
(c) Jazz announced plans for 5G test trials at 180 towers.
(d) The government offered a total of 1000 MHz for auction.
Explanation: The government did not offer 1000 MHz; the total spectrum sold was 480 MHz, and the initial offering was significantly lower than 1000 MHz. The other statements are factually accurate based on the auction results. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980473/faster-cheaper-better-480mhz-sold-for-507m-as-5g-spectrum-auction-concludes, 10 Mar 2026]
#2414
Which state-owned enterprise was mentioned as having been privatized in the review meeting held on 28 July 2026?
(a) National Bank of Pakistan
(b) First Women Bank Limited
(c) State Bank of Pakistan
(d) Zarai Taraqiati Bank Limited
Explanation: First Women Bank Limited was cited alongside Pakistan International Airlines as an entity that has already undergone privatization. The other banks listed remain under state control or are not part of this specific privatization update. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2019009/pm-shehbaz-directs-elimination-of-unnecessary-positions-to-improve-govt-performance, 28 Jul 2026]
#2415
In which areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa were the intelligence-based operations conducted on May 21, 2026?
(a) Datta Khel, Spinwam, and Bannu
(b) Tank, Dera Ismail Khan, and Wana
(c) Mir Ali, Razmak, and Khyber
(d) None of these
Explanation: The ISPR confirmed that the operations conducted over the 48-hour period leading to May 21, 2026, were focused in the areas of Datta Khel, Spinwam, and Bannu. Other locations like Tank and Dera Ismail Khan have been sites of separate operations but were not the primary focus of this specific report. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2002065/security-forces-kill-23-terrorists-in-multiple-khyber-pakhtunkhwa-ibos-ispr, 21 May 2026]
#2416
Which of the following organizations has been closed as part of the federal government's right-sizing initiative as of 2026?
(a) Pakistan Public Works Department
(b) National Highway Authority
(c) Civil Aviation Authority
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Pakistan Public Works Department was explicitly identified as one of the institutions closed under the current right-sizing initiative to improve government efficiency. The other options are active state entities not included in this specific closure list. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2019009/pm-shehbaz-directs-elimination-of-unnecessary-positions-to-improve-govt-performance, 28 Jul 2026]
#2417
Consider the following statements about the fuel price situation in 2026: 1. The government reduced petrol prices for two consecutive weeks in May 2026. 2. The global fuel crunch was exacerbated by the conflict involving Iran. 3. The Petroleum Minister announced an increase in fuel prices on April 2, 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 provided information regarding the 2026 fuel price trends and the geopolitical context of the energy crisis. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2002321/govt-reduces-petrol-by-rs6-per-litre-high-speed-diesel-by-rs68, 22 May 2026]
#2418
On March 25, 2026, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a telephonic conversation with which Saudi leader to discuss regional de-escalation?
(a) King Salman bin Abdulaziz
(b) Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman
(c) Prince Faisal bin Farhan
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Prime Minister's Office confirmed that the conversation took place with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to discuss the ongoing regional crisis. While King Salman is the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, the direct diplomatic coordination regarding the current hostilities was conducted with the Crown Prince. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1985161/pm-shehbaz-hails-saudi-arabias-restraint-stresses-urgent-need-for-de-escalation-of-ongoing-iran-war, 25 Mar 2026]
#2419
Which of the following Iranian officials did Field Marshal Asim Munir NOT meet during his visit to Tehran in May 2026?
(a) Masoud Pezeshkian
(b) Ali Khamenei
(c) Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf
(d) Abbas Araghchi
Explanation: Field Marshal Asim Munir met with President Masoud Pezeshkian, Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. There is no mention of a meeting with the Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, in the official reports. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2002541/encouraging-progress-made-during-cdf-munirs-tehran-visit-ispr, 23 May 2026]
#2420
The US proposal sent to Iran in March 2026 consists of how many points?
(a) 15 points
(b) 10 points
(c) 5 points
(d) 20 points
Explanation: The US proposal, which covers demands regarding nuclear and missile programs and trade route control, is a 15-point document. The other options are incorrect numerical distractors. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1985991/rubio-says-war-on-iran-to-last-weeks-not-months-no-us-ground-troops-needed, 27 Mar 2026]