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.
#2561
On May 4, 2026, which specific facility in the United Arab Emirates was targeted by a drone attack?
(a) Jebel Ali Port
(b) Fujairah Oil Industry Zone
(c) Khalifa Port
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Fujairah Oil Industry Zone was the site of the drone attack on May 4, 2026, which caused a fire and injuries to three workers. Jebel Ali and Khalifa are other major UAE ports but were not the location of this specific incident. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1997510/fujairah-oil-zone-hit-by-drone-attack-as-uae-says-it-intercepted-iranian-missiles, 04 May 2026]
#2562
Consider the following statements about the regional security situation as of May 4, 2026: 1. Iran's Revolutionary Guards Navy has claimed an expansion of areas under its control near the Strait of Hormuz. 2. The UAE has successfully maintained a total absence of drone and missile threats since the April 2026 ceasefire. 3. The Port of Khorfakkan was identified by Iranian authorities as being within their expanded area of control. 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 claims made by the Iranian Revolutionary Guards Navy regarding the expansion of their control. Statement 2 is incorrect because the ceasefire was shattered by the May 4, 2026, drone attack, and the UAE had faced significant threats throughout the conflict period. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1997510/fujairah-oil-zone-hit-by-drone-attack-as-uae-says-it-intercepted-iranian-missiles, 04 May 2026]
#2563
Operation Ghazab lil-Haq was officially launched by Pakistan on which date in 2026?
(a) February 26
(b) March 16
(c) March 18
(d) None of these
Explanation: The operation was initiated on the night of February 26, 2026, following unprovoked firing from across the border. March 18 marks the date the temporary pause was announced, not the commencement of the operation. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1983439/pakistan-announces-temporary-pause-in-operation-ghazab-lil-haq-against-afghan-taliban, 18 Mar 2026]
#2564
What is the primary objective of the United States' 'Project Freedom' initiative announced in 2026?
(a) To enforce a permanent naval blockade in the Persian Gulf
(b) To conduct joint military exercises with regional allies
(c) To guide commercial vessels safely out of the Strait of Hormuz
(d) None of these
Explanation: Project Freedom is described as a humanitarian gesture intended to assist vessels that are stuck in the Strait of Hormuz due to the ongoing regional conflict. The initiative aims to ensure the safety of crews and the delivery of essential supplies. [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]
#2565
Who is the current Foreign Minister of Iran mentioned in the context of the 2026 diplomatic efforts?
(a) Ali Bagheri Kani
(b) Hossein Amir-Abdollahian
(c) Mohammad Javad Zarif
(d) Abbas Araghchi
Explanation: Abbas Araghchi is identified as the Iranian Foreign Minister who expressed readiness for diplomacy provided the United States alters its approach. The other individuals listed are either former officials or not the primary spokesperson for this specific event. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1996711/trump-not-satisfied-with-irans-new-proposal-says-truce-terminated-hostilities-as-war-powers-deadline-arrives, 01 May 2026]
#2566
Consider the following statements about the IMF-Pakistan economic program: 1. The staff-level agreement for the current disbursement was reached on March 27, 2026. 2. The primary surplus target for the FY26 budget is set at 1.6 percent. 3. The IMF program aims to ensure inflation remains within the State Bank of Pakistan's target range. 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 staff-level agreement date, the fiscal primary surplus target, and the inflation objectives set by the IMF and the State Bank of Pakistan. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1995256/imf-executive-board-to-meet-on-may-8-to-approve-disbursement-of-over-12bn-to-pakistan, 26 Apr 2026]
#2567
In which two districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa did the security forces foil infiltration attempts on April 30, 2026?
(a) Mohmand and North Waziristan
(b) Bajaur and Kurram
(c) South Waziristan and Orakzai
(d) Khyber and Dir
Explanation: The ISPR confirmed that the two separate infiltration attempts occurred in the Mohmand and North Waziristan districts. These areas are critical points along the Pak-Afghan border where security forces maintain high vigilance. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1996454/13-terrorists-killed-as-bids-to-infiltrate-pak-afghan-border-in-kp-foiled-ispr, 30 Apr 2026]
#2568
Consider the following statements about the 2026 global economic outlook: 1. The World Bank projects that inflation in developing economies will be higher than previously expected before the conflict. 2. Urea prices are expected to jump by 60% in 2026. 3. Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz is expected to return to pre-war levels by early 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 inflation was revised upward by one percentage point. Statement 2 is correct regarding the 60% jump in urea. Statement 3 is incorrect because the baseline assumption is a return to pre-war levels by late 2026, not early 2026. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1995842/energy-prices-expected-to-surge-24pc-reaching-highest-level-since-2022-russia-ukraine-war-world-bank-assessment, 28 Apr 2026]
#2569
Which military wing issued the official statement regarding the border infiltration events on April 30, 2026?
(a) Ministry of Interior
(b) Inter-Services Public Relations
(c) National Counter Terrorism Authority
(d) Frontier Corps Command
Explanation: The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) is the media affairs wing of the Pakistan Armed Forces responsible for issuing official statements regarding military operations and security incidents. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1996454/13-terrorists-killed-as-bids-to-infiltrate-pak-afghan-border-in-kp-foiled-ispr, 30 Apr 2026]
#2570
The IMF executive board meeting scheduled for May 8, 2026, is intended to approve a disbursement of approximately how much total funding to Pakistan?
(a) $4.5 billion
(b) $1.2 billion
(c) $7.0 billion
(d) $1.47 trillion
Explanation: The IMF board is meeting to approve a disbursement of over $1.2 billion, comprising $1 billion from the EFF and $210 million from the RSF. While $4.5 billion represents the total cumulative disbursement under these arrangements, the specific upcoming tranche is $1.2 billion. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1995256/imf-executive-board-to-meet-on-may-8-to-approve-disbursement-of-over-12bn-to-pakistan, 26 Apr 2026]
#2571
Who is the current Petroleum Minister of Pakistan as of April 2026?
(a) Musadik Malik
(b) Ali Pervaiz Malik
(c) Jam Kamal Khan
(d) None of these
Explanation: Ali Pervaiz Malik is the Petroleum Minister who addressed the Reuters report regarding LNG procurement strategies. Musadik Malik is a common distractor due to his previous involvement in the energy ministry. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1992034/pakistan-considering-buying-lng-on-spot-market-to-offset-supply-disruptions-caused-by-iran-war-petroleum-minister, 15 Apr 2026]
#2572
Consider the following statements about the security operations reported on April 30, 2026: 1. The operations resulted in the death of 13 terrorists. 2. The engagements took place in the Mohmand and North Waziristan districts. 3. The ISPR claimed that the Afghan Taliban regime has successfully secured the border on their side. 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 ISPR report. Statement 3 is incorrect because the ISPR explicitly stated that the Afghan Taliban regime has failed to ensure effective border management. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1996454/13-terrorists-killed-as-bids-to-infiltrate-pak-afghan-border-in-kp-foiled-ispr, 30 Apr 2026]
#2573
Consider the following statements about the military actions conducted during Operation Ghazab lil-Haq: 1. Pakistan targeted Afghan military installations in Kabul and Nangarhar on the night of March 16, 2026. 2. The operation targeted drone storage and technical support infrastructure used for attacks against Pakistan. 3. The government claimed that civilian populations were the primary target of the precision engagements. 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 correct as they align with the official report of the strikes on March 16. Statement 3 is incorrect because the government explicitly stated that no civilian population or infrastructure was targeted. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1983439/pakistan-announces-temporary-pause-in-operation-ghazab-lil-haq-against-afghan-taliban, 18 Mar 2026]
#2574
Consider the following statements about the energy situation in Pakistan as of April 2026: 1. Spot LNG prices have surged to between $20 and $30 per mmBtu due to Middle East conflict. 2. Eight out of ten fertilizer plants in the country are currently operational despite gas supply disruptions. 3. The Baragzai X-01 well is expected to contribute approximately 25% of Pakistan's total crude output. 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 factually correct based on the report. Statement 3 is incorrect because the well is expected to contribute about 10% of crude output, not 25%. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1992034/pakistan-considering-buying-lng-on-spot-market-to-offset-supply-disruptions-caused-by-iran-war-petroleum-minister, 15 Apr 2026]
#2575
For how many years had Viktor Orban ruled Hungary prior to his defeat in 2026?
(a) 10 years
(b) 12 years
(c) 20 years
(d) 16 years
Explanation: Viktor Orban had been in power for 16 years before conceding the 2026 election. He was seeking a fifth consecutive term. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1991135/viktor-orban-concedes-painful-defeat-to-conservative-peter-magyar-in-hungary-polls, 12 Apr 2026]
#2576
Which of the following statements regarding Pakistan's energy strategy in April 2026 is INCORRECT?
(a) Pakistan has completely eliminated its reliance on LNG imports due to domestic production.
(b) The government is prioritizing government-to-government LNG deals to avoid steep premiums.
(c) Officials are considering the use of furnace oil to limit load shedding despite potential tariff increases.
(d) Insurance costs for routes crossing the Strait of Hormuz are higher than those via the Red Sea.
Explanation: Pakistan has not eliminated its reliance on LNG; it remains exposed to supply shocks and continues to import LNG to meet peak summer power demand. The other statements accurately reflect the government's current energy policy. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1992034/pakistan-considering-buying-lng-on-spot-market-to-offset-supply-disruptions-caused-by-iran-war-petroleum-minister, 15 Apr 2026]
#2577
Who is the current Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Pakistan involved in the 2026 diplomatic efforts?
(a) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari
(b) Ishaq Dar
(c) Shah Mehmood Qureshi
(d) None of these
Explanation: Ishaq Dar serves as the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Pakistan and has been actively engaging with international counterparts to support the peace process. The other names listed are former foreign ministers. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1991712/trump-says-us-iran-talks-could-resume-over-the-next-two-days-were-more-inclined-to-go-to-pakistan, 14 Apr 2026]
#2578
Which of the following statements regarding the 2026 US-Iran diplomatic engagement is INCORRECT?
(a) President Donald Trump confirmed he would personally participate in the negotiations.
(b) The initial talks in Islamabad concluded without a formal agreement.
(c) The ceasefire is currently considered precarious due to potential naval blockades.
(d) Pakistan has been communicating with both sides regarding the timing of the next round.
Explanation: President Trump explicitly confirmed that he would not take part in the negotiations. The other statements accurately reflect the status of the talks and the ceasefire as of April 2026. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1991712/trump-says-us-iran-talks-could-resume-over-the-next-two-days-were-more-inclined-to-go-to-pakistan, 14 Apr 2026]
#2579
On what date was the ceasefire between the United States and Iran initially brokered in 2026?
(a) April 8, 2026
(b) April 14, 2026
(c) April 22, 2026
(d) None of these
Explanation: The ceasefire between the US and Iran was brokered on April 8, 2026. April 22, 2026, is the date the ceasefire is set to expire, making it a common distractor. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1991712/trump-says-us-iran-talks-could-resume-over-the-next-two-days-were-more-inclined-to-go-to-pakistan, 14 Apr 2026]
#2580
Who received Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif upon his arrival in Saudi Arabia on April 15, 2026?
(a) Prince Faisal bin Farhan
(b) Prince Saud bin Mushaal bin Abdulaziz
(c) Prince Khalid bin Salman
(d) Prince Bandar bin Sultan
Explanation: Prince Saud bin Mushaal bin Abdulaziz, the Deputy Governor of the Makkah Region, was among the officials who received the Prime Minister. The other princes listed were not mentioned as part of the reception committee. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1991908/pm-shehbaz-meets-saudi-crown-prince-in-jeddah-dar-says-avenues-to-further-enhance-cooperation-discussed, 15 Apr 2026]