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.
#2541
Who is the current Director General of the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) as of July 2026?
(a) Lieutenant General Babar Iftikhar
(b) Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry
(c) Major General Asif Ghafoor
(d) Lieutenant General Nadeem Anjum
Explanation: Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry is the official who conducted the press briefing on July 8, 2026, regarding the security situation in Balochistan. The other individuals listed are either former DG ISPRs or hold different high-ranking military positions. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2013924/cross-border-terrorism-will-be-crushed-with-full-might-of-the-state-field-marshal-asim-munir, 08 Jul 2026]
#2542
On July 17, 2026, which political leader initiated an election campaign in Azad Jammu and Kashmir with a pledge to represent the region's interests in the federal capital?
(a) Nawaz Sharif
(b) Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari
(c) Imran Khan
(d) None of these
Explanation: Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, as the Chairman of the Pakistan Peoples Party, officially launched the election campaign in AJK on July 17, 2026. He emphasized his role as a bridge between the federal government and the people of the region. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016221/bilawal-kicks-off-ajk-election-campaign-pledges-to-be-voice-of-people-in-centre, 17 Jul 2026]
#2543
Which organization provided the data indicating a decline in anti-state violence in Pakistan during the month of June 2026?
(a) Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies
(b) National Counter Terrorism Authority
(c) Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad
(d) Centre for Research and Security Studies
Explanation: The Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS) reported a decline in overall anti-state violence for June 2026, specifically noting a 31 percent reduction in attacks within Balochistan compared to May. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2013924/cross-border-terrorism-will-be-crushed-with-full-might-of-the-state-field-marshal-asim-munir, 08 Jul 2026]
#2544
What is the new price of high-speed diesel (HSD) per litre following the government's announcement on July 10, 2026?
(a) Rs310.71
(b) Rs458.41
(c) Rs281.00
(d) Rs323.30
Explanation: The government increased the price of high-speed diesel to Rs323.30 per litre. Rs310.71 is the current price of petrol, while the other figures represent historical price points. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2014423/govt-raises-petrol-price-by-rs1318-diesel-by-rs1380, 10 Jul 2026]
#2545
During the visit to Shanghai on 2026-07-16, the Pakistani delegation reaffirmed commitment to high-quality development under which framework?
(a) CPEC 2.0
(b) CPEC 1.0
(c) Belt and Road Initiative
(d) Global Development Initiative
Explanation: The Foreign Office confirmed that the leaders underscored the importance of advancing high-quality development specifically under CPEC 2.0. CPEC 1.0 refers to the earlier phase of the project. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2015858/pakistan-becomes-founding-member-of-world-artificial-intelligence-cooperation-organisation, 16 Jul 2026]
#2546
Consider the following statements about the security incidents in Hassan Khel: 1. The BDU official was killed while defusing an IED inside an active police station. 2. The incident on July 14, 2026, involved two IEDs, one of which had already been detonated by terrorists. 3. Victims of the July 1, 2026, suspected drone strike were transported to Shamshato Hospital. 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 police post was abandoned and vacant, not active. Statements 2 and 3 are factually accurate based on the reports of the events in Hassan Khel. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2015448/bomb-disposal-unit-official-martyred-in-ied-explosion-in-kps-peshawar-district-police, 14 Jul 2026]
#2547
Which specific counterterrorism and counterinsurgency campaign is currently being conducted in Balochistan as of July 2026?
(a) Operation Zarb-e-Azb
(b) Operation Shaban
(c) Operation Radd-ul-Fasaad
(d) Operation Khyber
Explanation: Operation Shaban is the high-intensity counterterrorism campaign currently active in Balochistan. Other options refer to historical military operations conducted in different regions or timeframes. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2015683/authorities-increasing-security-around-saindak-copper-and-gold-mine-in-balochistan-minister, 15 Jul 2026]
#2548
The total savings identified for the quarterly tariff adjustment (QTA) refund in 2026 amount to approximately:
(a) Rs42 billion
(b) Rs54 billion
(c) Rs74 billion
(d) Rs64 billion
Explanation: The total savings accrued for the first quarter of 2026, which are being passed on to consumers, amount to approximately Rs64 billion. This figure is derived from savings in capacity charges, market operator fees, and other operational adjustments. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1998087/power-consumers-to-get-rs175-per-unit-relief-over-next-3-months, 06 May 2026]
#2549
Which of the following statements regarding the 2026 electricity tariff adjustment is INCORRECT?
(a) The relief applies to all 11 Discos and K-Electric.
(b) The negative QTA is permanent and will not be subject to future fuel cost adjustments.
(c) The relief is based on savings from the first quarter of 2026.
(d) The relief period covers June, July, and August 2026.
Explanation: The negative QTA is a temporary adjustment for three months and does not preclude future monthly fuel cost adjustments (FCAs). FCAs remain an automatic mechanism to pass on fuel price variations to consumers. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1998087/power-consumers-to-get-rs175-per-unit-relief-over-next-3-months, 06 May 2026]
#2550
Which distribution company reported the highest savings leading to the QTA refund in 2026?
(a) Lahore Electric Supply Company
(b) Islamabad Electric Supply Company
(c) Faisalabad Electric Supply Company
(d) None of these
Explanation: Faisalabad Electric Supply Company (FESCO) leads the savings list with Rs10.45 billion, followed by Hyderabad Electric Supply Company. None of these is incorrect because FESCO is explicitly identified as the leader. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1998087/power-consumers-to-get-rs175-per-unit-relief-over-next-3-months, 06 May 2026]
#2551
Which of the following statements regarding the security incident on May 4, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The attack targeted a security forces' post near Azam Warsak Bazaar.
(b) The explosives-laden vehicle reached the intended target before detonating.
(c) One civilian was martyred as a result of the explosion.
(d) The explosion caused damage to a nearby religious seminary and residential houses.
Explanation: The statement that the vehicle reached its target is incorrect because security forces successfully destroyed the vehicle before it could reach the post. The other statements accurately describe the events of the day. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1997513/suicide-attack-foiled-on-army-check-post-in-south-waziristan-civilian-martyred-15-injured, 04 May 2026]
#2552
Consider the following statements about the 2026 electricity tariff adjustments: 1. The negative QTA is intended to replace a previous positive QTA of 42 paisa per unit. 2. The savings are primarily driven by lower capacity charges paid to power producers. 3. The relief is applicable to all consumers, including those under the special incremental consumption package. 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 the negative QTA replaces the 42 paisa positive QTA and is driven by capacity charge savings. Statement 3 is incorrect because the QTA does not apply to eligible consumers under the special tariff package for incremental consumption. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1998087/power-consumers-to-get-rs175-per-unit-relief-over-next-3-months, 06 May 2026]
#2553
Where were the injured civilians transported for medical treatment following the explosion on May 4, 2026?
(a) District Headquarters Hospital, Wana
(b) Combined Military Hospital, Bannu
(c) Lady Reading Hospital, Peshawar
(d) None of these
Explanation: The injured were transported to the District Headquarters Hospital in Wana, where a state of emergency was declared. The other options are major medical facilities in the region but were not the primary site for this specific incident's casualties. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1997513/suicide-attack-foiled-on-army-check-post-in-south-waziristan-civilian-martyred-15-injured, 04 May 2026]
#2554
The current US-Iran conflict, which led to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, officially commenced on which date in 2026?
(a) January 28, 2026
(b) March 28, 2026
(c) February 28, 2026
(d) April 28, 2026
Explanation: The war involving US and Israeli forces against Iran began on February 28, 2026. This date marks the start of the hostilities that necessitated the current maritime security measures. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1997773/us-threatens-devastating-response-to-any-iran-attack-on-shipping, 05 May 2026]
#2555
Which of the following statements regarding the US military posture in the Strait of Hormuz as of May 5, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The US is actively escorting every individual commercial ship through the Strait.
(b) The US has established a defensive umbrella referred to as a 'red, white and blue dome'.
(c) US destroyers are on station providing overwatch for commercial shipping.
(d) The US is utilizing electronic warfare capabilities to respond to potential threats.
Explanation: Admiral Brad Cooper clarified that the United States is not directly escorting ships, but rather has cleared a safe path and implemented multi-layered defenses. Therefore, the claim that they are escorting every ship is incorrect. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1997773/us-threatens-devastating-response-to-any-iran-attack-on-shipping, 05 May 2026]
#2556
What is the name of the US-led operation initiated to facilitate commercial shipping transit through the Strait of Hormuz as of May 5, 2026?
(a) Operation Prosperity Guardian
(b) Project Freedom
(c) Operation Sentinel
(d) None of these
Explanation: Project Freedom is the specific initiative launched by the United States to secure the Strait of Hormuz. Other options like Operation Prosperity Guardian are historical or unrelated maritime security operations. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1997773/us-threatens-devastating-response-to-any-iran-attack-on-shipping, 05 May 2026]
#2557
Consider the following statements about the situation in the Strait of Hormuz as of May 5, 2026: 1. The US-Iran ceasefire has been officially terminated by the Pentagon. 2. Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz in response to the US-Israeli war. 3. US forces have intercepted missiles and drones fired by Iran during the current conflict. 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 false because the Pentagon chief explicitly stated that the ceasefire still holds. Statements 2 and 3 are factually accurate based on the reported events. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1997773/us-threatens-devastating-response-to-any-iran-attack-on-shipping, 05 May 2026]
#2558
Which of the following statements regarding the border security situation as of April 30, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) Pakistan has accused the Afghan Taliban regime of failing to ensure effective border management.
(b) The ISPR reported that the terrorists involved were foreign-sponsored.
(c) Security forces are conducting sanitization operations to eliminate remaining threats in the area.
(d) The infiltration attempts occurred exclusively within the Balochistan province.
Explanation: The infiltration attempts occurred in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, not Balochistan. The other statements accurately reflect the official position and actions reported by the ISPR. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1996454/13-terrorists-killed-as-bids-to-infiltrate-pak-afghan-border-in-kp-foiled-ispr, 30 Apr 2026]
#2559
According to the Pentagon, approximately how many commercial vessels were reported as trapped in the Arabian Gulf as of May 5, 2026?
(a) Over 550
(b) Over 1,550
(c) Over 1,050
(d) Over 2,050
Explanation: General Dan Caine stated that there were more than 1,550 commercial vessels trapped in the region. This figure highlights the significant economic impact of the Strait's closure. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1997773/us-threatens-devastating-response-to-any-iran-attack-on-shipping, 05 May 2026]
#2560
Who serves as the current US Special Envoy on Middle East mentioned in the context of the 2026 diplomatic discussions?
(a) Amos Hochstein
(b) Steve Witkoff
(c) Brett McGurk
(d) David Satterfield
Explanation: Steve Witkoff is identified as the US Special Envoy on Middle East who confirmed that the United States was in conversation with Iran regarding the peace negotiations. The other individuals listed are known figures in US diplomacy but are not the subjects of this specific report. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1997230/iran-reviewing-us-response-to-14-point-plan-trump-says-washington-having-very-positive-discussions-with-tehran, 03 May 2026]