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.
#2621
Consider the following statements about the diplomatic developments in 2026: 1. Pakistan initiated its mediation efforts immediately following the attacks on Iran on February 28, 2026. 2. The US peace proposal conveyed through Pakistan consisted of 10 clauses. 3. Iran has consistently demanded a permanent end to the war rather than a temporary ceasefire. 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 Pakistan began diplomatic outreach on the day the conflict started. Statement 2 is incorrect because the US proposal contained 15 points, not 10 (the 10 clauses were part of the Iranian response). Statement 3 is correct as Iran emphasized the necessity of a permanent end to the conflict in its communications. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1990234/pm-shehbaz-cdf-munir-discuss-pakistans-efforts-to-mediate-between-us-and-iran, 09 Apr 2026]
#2622
Consider the following statements regarding the diplomatic situation as of April 10, 2026: 1. The international community has a well-defined 'Plan B' in case the current peace talks fail. 2. Pakistan has successfully brokered a temporary ceasefire between the US and Iran. 3. The ongoing conflict is expected to have significant economic consequences globally. 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 Bilawal Bhutto Zardari explicitly stated that the world does not have a 'Plan B'. Statements 2 and 3 are factually accurate based on the provided text. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1990535/world-doesnt-have-a-plan-b-bilawal-stresses-need-for-us-iran-talks-to-lead-to-peaceful-resolution-of-conflict, 10 Apr 2026]
#2623
The trilateral meetings hosted by China in April 2026 spanned a duration of how many days?
(a) Three days
(b) Five days
(c) Seven days
(d) Ten days
Explanation: The Chinese foreign ministry stated that the meetings were held from April 1 to April 7, 2026, which constitutes a period of seven days. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1989918/afghanistan-pakistan-agree-to-avoid-escalation-during-china-hosted-talks-beijing, 08 Apr 2026]
#2624
On April 9, 2026, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met with which official to review Pakistan's mediatory efforts between the US and Iran?
(a) Chief of Defence Forces Asim Munir
(b) Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar
(c) President of Pakistan
(d) None of these
Explanation: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a meeting with Field Marshal Asim Munir, who serves as the Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff, to discuss the progress of regional peace initiatives. Ishaq Dar is the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, making him a separate official involved in the diplomatic process. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1990234/pm-shehbaz-cdf-munir-discuss-pakistans-efforts-to-mediate-between-us-and-iran, 09 Apr 2026]
#2625
In the context of the 2026 diplomatic efforts, how many clauses were included in the Iranian response to the US peace proposal?
(a) 5 clauses
(b) 10 clauses
(c) 15 clauses
(d) 20 clauses
Explanation: Iranian media reported that Tehran conveyed a 10-clause response to the US proposal, which included demands for the lifting of sanctions and a permanent end to the war. The 5-clause figure refers to an earlier set of conditions proposed by Iran, while the 15-point proposal originated from the US. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1990234/pm-shehbaz-cdf-munir-discuss-pakistans-efforts-to-mediate-between-us-and-iran, 09 Apr 2026]
#2626
Consider the following statements regarding Pakistan's diplomatic stance at the SCO meeting on July 24, 2026: 1. Pakistan emphasized that a stable Afghanistan is in the interest of all SCO member states. 2. The DPM highlighted that Afghan nationals have been involved in terrorist attacks within Pakistan. 3. Pakistan advocated for military intervention by the SCO to resolve the Afghan security crisis. 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 accurate reflections of the DPM's address. Statement 3 is incorrect because Pakistan explicitly stated that dialogue and diplomacy remain the only sustainable paths to resolving conflicts, rather than advocating for military intervention. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431639/dpm-ishaq-dar-urges-sco-to-hold-afghan-taliban-accountable-over-terrorism, 24 Jul 2026]
#2627
According to the statement made by Ishaq Dar on July 24, 2026, approximately how many terrorist incidents occurred in Pakistan during the current year?
(a) Over 1,000
(b) Over 1,500
(c) Over 2,000
(d) Over 2,500
Explanation: Ishaq Dar reported that over 2,000 terrorist incidents had occurred in Pakistan during the year 2026, resulting in the deaths of more than 560 citizens. This statistic underscores the urgency of his call for regional accountability. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431639/dpm-ishaq-dar-urges-sco-to-hold-afghan-taliban-accountable-over-terrorism, 24 Jul 2026]
#2628
Consider the following statements about the diplomatic engagement between Pakistan and China in 2026: 1. The meeting occurred on the sidelines of the SCO Council of Foreign Ministers. 2. China expressed support for Pakistan's upcoming chairmanship of the SCO Council of Heads of State. 3. The meeting was held in Islamabad to discuss bilateral trade tariffs. 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 accurate based on the diplomatic event. Statement 3 is incorrect because the meeting was held in the Kyrgyz Republic, not Islamabad, and focused on regional cooperation rather than trade tariffs. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431689/dar-chinese-fm-discuss-bilateral-ties, 24 Jul 2026]
#2629
In which country was the SCO Council of Foreign Ministers meeting held in 2026?
(a) Kazakhstan
(b) Kyrgyz Republic
(c) Tajikistan
(d) Uzbekistan
Explanation: The meeting took place in Cholpon-Ata, which is located in the Kyrgyz Republic. Other Central Asian states are often confused as hosts, but the Kyrgyz Republic was the specific venue for this event. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431689/dar-chinese-fm-discuss-bilateral-ties, 24 Jul 2026]
#2630
On the sidelines of which international forum did Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar meet with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on 2026-07-24?
(a) UN General Assembly
(b) SCO Council of Foreign Ministers
(c) SAARC Summit
(d) None of these
Explanation: The meeting occurred during the SCO Council of Foreign Ministers session held in Cholpon-Ata. This platform serves as a key venue for regional diplomatic engagement between Pakistan and China. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431689/dar-chinese-fm-discuss-bilateral-ties, 24 Jul 2026]
#2631
Consider the following statements about the 2026 UN General Assembly vote on the High Commissioner for Human Rights: 1. The renewal of the mandate was approved with 144 votes in favor. 2. Russia proposed an alternative extension of the mandate until December 31, 2026. 3. The United States supported the procedural timeline proposed by the Secretary-General. 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 vote count was 144 in favor. Statement 2 is correct as Russia proposed a shorter extension until the end of 2026. Statement 3 is incorrect because the United States strongly opposed the procedural timeline, accusing the Secretary-General of rushing the process. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018302/volker-turks-term-as-un-human-rights-chief-extended-despite-us-warnings, 25 Jul 2026]
#2632
During his visit to Manila on July 22, 2026, Ishaq Dar visited the headquarters of which international institution?
(a) World Bank
(b) Asian Development Bank
(c) International Monetary Fund
(d) Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank
Explanation: Ishaq Dar visited the Asian Development Bank (ADB) headquarters in Manila, where he was received by the Director General for the Central and West Asia Department. The other institutions listed were not the focus of this specific visit. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017480/dar-arrives-in-manila-to-attend-asean-regional-forum-ministerial-meeting, 22 Jul 2026]
#2633
What is the primary revenue target for the petroleum levy that Pakistan aims to achieve as discussed with the IMF in 2026?
(a) Rs1.2 trillion
(b) Rs1.8 trillion
(c) Rs1.468 trillion
(d) Rs2.1 trillion
Explanation: The government informed the IMF that it is well-positioned to meet the petroleum levy target of Rs1.468 trillion. Other figures are incorrect estimates of the stated fiscal goal. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1996451/govt-hikes-petrol-price-by-rs6-diesel-by-rs19, 30 Apr 2026]
#2634
Which of the following individuals was NOT reported as being present at the meeting between the Prime Minister and the President on April 14, 2026?
(a) Rana Sanaullah
(b) Bilal Yaseen
(c) Sherry Rehman
(d) Nayyar Bukhari
Explanation: Bilal Yaseen is the Punjab Housing Minister and was not present at the meeting at Aiwan-i-Sadr. The other individuals listed were explicitly mentioned as attendees in the official statement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1991689/pm-takes-president-into-confidence-on-us-iran-talks-briefs-him-on-upcoming-visits-to-saudi-arabia-turkiye, 14 Apr 2026]
#2635
Which of the following sectors was explicitly cited by the US administration as a reason for the discriminatory treatment leading to the 2026 tariffs?
(a) Aerospace components
(b) Pharmaceutical products
(c) Dairy goods
(d) Textile manufacturing
Explanation: The US administration identified dairy goods, along with alcohol and American-made cars, as sectors subject to discriminatory treatment by Canada, prompting the tariff response. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017209/us-imposes-new-50pc-tariffs-on-20bn-worth-of-canadian-products, 21 Jul 2026]
#2636
All of the following are objectives or focus areas of the Finance Minister's visit to Washington in July 2026 EXCEPT:
(a) Discussing market access for Pakistani exports
(b) Exploring funding for infrastructure and energy projects
(c) Negotiating a broader economic partnership framework
(d) Finalizing a complete debt write-off for Pakistan
Explanation: The visit focused on trade, investment, and economic cooperation, including discussions on tariffs and project financing. There is no mention of a debt write-off, making it the incorrect statement among the options provided. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017217/us-technology-firm-proposes-refinery-modernisation-plan-for-pakistan-in-meeting-with-finance-minister, 21 Jul 2026]
#2637
Which of the following statements regarding the Iran-US talks in April 2026 is INCORRECT?
(a) The talks in Islamabad lasted for nearly 21 hours.
(b) Iran maintains that its right to enrich uranium is indisputable.
(c) The negotiations in Islamabad resulted in a comprehensive peace agreement.
(d) Messages between Iran and the US have continued to be exchanged through Pakistan.
Explanation: The talks in Islamabad did not yield a breakthrough or a formal agreement, making statement B incorrect. The other statements accurately reflect the reported status of the negotiations and Iran's official stance. [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]
#2638
Consider the following statements about the diplomatic developments in April 2026: 1. The US President indicated a preference for returning to Pakistan for further negotiations. 2. Iran has stated that the level of uranium enrichment is a negotiable issue. 3. The direct Iran-US talks in Islamabad were the first such engagement between the two nations since 1979. 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 3 is incorrect because the talks were the highest engagement since 1979, not the first. Statements 1 and 2 are factually accurate based on the reported comments from the US President and the Iranian foreign ministry spokesman. [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]
#2639
Dr. Asif Mahmood was elected as the chair of which United States federal body in 2026?
(a) United States Commission on International Religious Freedom
(b) United States Commission on Civil Rights
(c) United States Commission on Human Rights
(d) None of these
Explanation: Dr. Asif Mahmood was elected chair of the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) for the 2026-27 term. The other options represent different federal commissions that do not focus specifically on the international religious freedom mandate. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017231/pakistan-origin-physician-asif-mahmood-elected-chair-of-us-commission-on-religious-freedom, 21 Jul 2026]
#2640
Who was elected as the vice chair of the USCIRF alongside Dr. Asif Mahmood for the 2026-27 term?
(a) CeCe Heil
(b) Hakeem Jeffries
(c) Kamala Harris
(d) None of these
Explanation: The USCIRF announced the unanimous election of Dr. Asif Mahmood as chair and CeCe Heil as vice chair for the 2026-27 term. The other individuals mentioned are political figures not serving in this specific commission role. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017231/pakistan-origin-physician-asif-mahmood-elected-chair-of-us-commission-on-religious-freedom, 21 Jul 2026]