August 2026 Edition
Start August Quiz
August 2026 Current Affairs MCQs & Solutions
Top national & international current affairs questions for CSS, PMS, FPSC, PPSC, and NTS screening tests.
#2661
According to the Pentagon, approximately how many US service members have been wounded since July 7, 2026?
(a) Nearly 50
(b) Nearly 100
(c) Nearly 150
(d) Nearly 200
Explanation: The Pentagon reported that nearly 100 US service members have sustained injuries, primarily minor concussions, since the onset of the current escalation on July 7, 2026. This figure highlights the intensity of the ongoing military exchanges. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017211/iran-targets-american-military-assets-in-gulf-warns-of-more-attacks-as-us-strikes-iran-for-10th-consecutive-day, 21 Jul 2026]
#2662
Who is the current Interior Minister of Iran who visited Islamabad on 2026-07-21?
(a) Eskandar Momeni
(b) Masoud Pezeshkian
(c) Mohsin Naqvi
(d) None of these
Explanation: Eskandar Momeni is the Iranian Interior Minister who led the delegation to Pakistan. Mohsin Naqvi is the Pakistani Interior Minister, and Masoud Pezeshkian is the President of Iran. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017273/iranian-interior-minister-meets-pm-shehbaz-in-islamabad, 21 Jul 2026]
#2663
Consider the following statements about the 11th HBL PSL final: 1. Peshawar Zalmi secured their second PSL title in the 2026 edition. 2. Aaron Hardie became the first player to take a four-wicket haul and score a 50 in a PSL final. 3. Hyderabad Kingsmen were the defending champions entering the 2026 final. 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. Statement 3 is incorrect because Hyderabad Kingsmen were debutants in the 2026 edition, not defending champions. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1997223/peshawar-zalmi-beat-hyderabad-kingsmen-by-5-wickets-lift-psl-trophy-a-second-time, 03 May 2026]
#2664
Which US-based technology firm held a meeting with Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb in July 2026 to discuss refinery modernization?
(a) General Electric
(b) Honeywell Technologies
(c) Caterpillar Inc.
(d) None of these
Explanation: The finance minister met with a delegation from Honeywell Technologies in Washington on July 20, 2026, to discuss upgrading Pakistan's refinery infrastructure. General Electric and Caterpillar are major industrial firms but were not the primary participants in this specific refinery modernization proposal. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017217/us-technology-firm-proposes-refinery-modernisation-plan-for-pakistan-in-meeting-with-finance-minister, 21 Jul 2026]
#2665
All of the following statements regarding the Prime Minister's 2026 visit to Qatar are TRUE EXCEPT:
(a) He signed a formal military alliance treaty during the visit.
(b) He discussed the importance of de-escalation in the Gulf region.
(c) He arrived in Doha after visiting Saudi Arabia.
(d) He met with Emir Tamim bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani.
Explanation: While the Prime Minister did meet the Emir and discuss regional stability, there is no mention of signing a formal military alliance treaty. The visit focused on strengthening existing cooperation in security, defense, and energy. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1992240/pm-shehbaz-arrives-in-turkiye-on-third-leg-of-tri-nation-tour-holds-meeting-with-fm-fidan, 16 Apr 2026]
#2666
What is the approximate total value of Canadian imports affected by the new US tariff measures announced in July 2026?
(a) 10 billion dollars
(b) 40 billion dollars
(c) 30 billion dollars
(d) 20 billion dollars
Explanation: The US Trade Representative's office confirmed that the new 50 percent tariffs apply to approximately 20 billion dollars worth of imports from Canada. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017209/us-imposes-new-50pc-tariffs-on-20bn-worth-of-canadian-products, 21 Jul 2026]
#2667
Which of the following statements regarding the 2026-07-21 visit of the Iranian Interior Minister is INCORRECT?
(a) The minister met with the Chief of Army Staff at the Prime Minister's House.
(b) The minister visited the Pakistan Monument in Islamabad.
(c) The minister held a meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif at the PM House.
(d) The minister was accompanied by a high-level delegation of senior government officials.
Explanation: The meeting with the Chief of Army Staff took place at the General Headquarters in Rawalpindi, not the Prime Minister's House in Islamabad. The other statements accurately reflect the events of the visit. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017273/iranian-interior-minister-meets-pm-shehbaz-in-islamabad, 21 Jul 2026]
#2668
Who led the Iranian delegation during the 2026 peace talks in Islamabad?
(a) Ali Larijani
(b) Abbas Araqchi
(c) Esmail Khatib
(d) Gholamreza Soleimani
Explanation: The Iranian delegation was led by Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf. The other individuals listed are either deceased or held different roles. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1992620/pakistan-escorted-iranian-negotiators-home-from-peace-talks-amid-concerns-of-israeli-attack-sources-say, 17 Apr 2026]
#2669
What was the average daily borrowing by the government from banks during the fiscal year 2026?
(a) Rs5.9 trillion
(b) Rs500 billion
(c) Rs16.4 billion
(d) Rs8 trillion
Explanation: The government's daily borrowing through banks averaged Rs16.4 billion in FY26. The Rs500 billion figure represents the average monthly borrowing. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017153/govt-borrows-rs59tr-from-banks-in-fy26, 21 Jul 2026]
#2670
Who among the following accompanied Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif during his meeting with the Turkish Foreign Minister in 2026?
(a) Ishaq Dar
(b) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari
(c) Khawaja Asif
(d) None of these
Explanation: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar was present during the meeting between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan. The other options are incorrect as they were not mentioned as part of this specific delegation. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1992240/pm-shehbaz-arrives-in-turkiye-on-third-leg-of-tri-nation-tour-holds-meeting-with-fm-fidan, 16 Apr 2026]
#2671
Which of the following statements regarding the fiscal situation in 2026 is INCORRECT?
(a) The government borrowed more in FY26 than it did in FY25.
(b) Debt servicing is projected to consume 50 percent of the total budget outlay in FY27.
(c) The government's borrowing from banks averaged Rs500 billion per month in FY26.
(d) The government allocated more funds to the PSDP than to debt servicing for FY27.
Explanation: The statement that the government allocated more to the PSDP than to debt servicing is incorrect, as debt servicing (Rs8 trillion) significantly exceeds the PSDP allocation (Rs1 trillion). [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017153/govt-borrows-rs59tr-from-banks-in-fy26, 21 Jul 2026]
#2672
Consider the following statements about the diplomatic visit on 2026-07-21: 1. The Iranian Interior Minister expressed appreciation for Pakistan's role in regional mediation. 2. The discussions focused exclusively on trade and economic cooperation. 3. Pakistan reiterated its commitment to regional peace and stability in the Gulf region. 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 2 is incorrect because the discussions were primarily focused on regional security, border management, and diplomatic mediation, rather than exclusively on trade. Statements 1 and 3 are factually accurate based on the official reports of the visit. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017273/iranian-interior-minister-meets-pm-shehbaz-in-islamabad, 21 Jul 2026]
#2673
Consider the following statements about the fiscal data released in 2026: 1. The government's borrowing from banks in FY26 was higher than in FY25. 2. Debt servicing costs are expected to consume half of the total budget outlay in FY27. 3. The corporate sector's investment in government papers is negligible compared to bank investments. 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 borrowing rose from Rs5.4 trillion to Rs5.9 trillion. Statement 2 is correct regarding the 50 percent budget consumption. Statement 3 is incorrect because the corporate sector accounts for a significant 25 percent of investment in government papers. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017153/govt-borrows-rs59tr-from-banks-in-fy26, 21 Jul 2026]
#2674
What was the specific amount of the proposed increase in the price of high-speed diesel (HSD) that the Prime Minister rejected on March 27, 2026?
(a) Rs 177 per litre
(b) Rs 203 per litre
(c) Rs 95 per litre
(d) Rs 76 per litre
Explanation: The Prime Minister announced the rejection of a Rs 203 per litre increase for HSD on March 27, 2026. The figure of Rs 177 was a previous recommendation rejected a week prior. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1985954/pm-shehbaz-again-rejects-increase-in-petrol-diesel-prices, 27 Mar 2026]
#2675
According to State Bank of Pakistan data, what was the total amount borrowed by the government from banks in the fiscal year 2026?
(a) Rs5.4 trillion
(b) Rs5.9 trillion
(c) Rs8.0 trillion
(d) None of these
Explanation: The government borrowed Rs5.9 trillion from banks in FY26. The figure Rs5.4 trillion represents the borrowing amount from the previous fiscal year, FY25. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017153/govt-borrows-rs59tr-from-banks-in-fy26, 21 Jul 2026]
#2676
Who led the Iranian delegation during the diplomatic talks held in Islamabad on April 11, 2026?
(a) Ishaq Dar
(b) Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf
(c) Ayaz Sadiq
(d) Mohsin Naqvi
Explanation: Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, the Speaker of the Iranian Parliament, headed the Iranian delegation. Ishaq Dar and Ayaz Sadiq are Pakistani officials who facilitated the talks. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1990743/stepping-stone-toward-durable-peace-pm-shehbaz-meets-us-vp-vance-as-islamabad-talks-commence, 11 Apr 2026]
#2677
Which critical maritime chokepoint was identified as the focus of US naval escort operations to ensure the continued flow of oil to global markets in March 2026?
(a) Strait of Malacca
(b) Strait of Hormuz
(c) Bab-el-Mandeb Strait
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Strait of Hormuz is the vital maritime passage mentioned in the context of US naval escort operations aimed at maintaining global energy stability. Other options like the Strait of Malacca are major chokepoints but were not the focus of the reported military activity. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980727/oil-plunges-15pc-amid-hopes-of-de-escalation, 11 Mar 2026]
#2678
Which official attended the July 16, 2026, meeting as the Governor of the State Bank of Pakistan?
(a) Tariq Bajwa
(b) Muhammad Aurangzeb
(c) Ahsan Iqbal
(d) Jameel Ahmad
Explanation: Jameel Ahmad is the Governor of the State Bank of Pakistan who attended the meeting. Muhammad Aurangzeb and Ahsan Iqbal were present as Federal Ministers, while Tariq Bajwa attended as a Special Assistant to the Prime Minister. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2015941/pm-shehbaz-warns-renewed-us-iran-conflict-could-hit-economy-again, 16 Jul 2026]
#2679
Which international organization issued a statement reaffirming its support for Somalia's unity following Israel's move in 2026?
(a) European Union
(b) Arab League
(c) Organisation of Islamic Cooperation
(d) North Atlantic Treaty Organization
Explanation: The General Secretariat of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) condemned the move and reaffirmed its support for the internationally recognized government of Somalia. The OIC emphasized its commitment to the country's territorial integrity. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1993013/12-countries-including-pakistan-condemn-israels-move-to-appoint-envoy-to-somaliland, 18 Apr 2026]
#2680
Who was appointed by Israel as the first non-resident ambassador to Somaliland in 2026?
(a) Michael Lotem
(b) David Barnea
(c) Gilad Erdan
(d) None of these
Explanation: Michael Lotem was officially appointed as Israel's first non-resident ambassador to the breakaway region of Somaliland. This appointment triggered a formal joint condemnation from twelve countries, including Pakistan. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1993013/12-countries-including-pakistan-condemn-israels-move-to-appoint-envoy-to-somaliland, 18 Apr 2026]