August 2026 Edition

August 2026 Current Affairs MCQs & Solutions

Top national & international current affairs questions for CSS, PMS, FPSC, PPSC, and NTS screening tests.

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#2761

Consider the following statements regarding the global oil market situation in March 2026: 1. Crude benchmarks had surged to their highest levels since 2022 prior to the price plunge. 2. The US administration expressed concerns that high energy prices could negatively impact consumer sentiment before midterm elections. 3. Market analysts suggested that the initial price surge was an overreaction to the upside, while the subsequent plunge was an overreaction to the downside. Which of the statements given above 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 market conditions and expert commentary provided in the report. The surge to 2022 levels, the political sensitivity of energy prices, and the assessment of market overreaction are all verified components of the event. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980727/oil-plunges-15pc-amid-hopes-of-de-escalation, 11 Mar 2026]
#2762

Who was the captain of the Bangladesh cricket team during the ODI match against Pakistan on March 11, 2026?

(a) Najmul Hossain Shanto
(b) Mehidy Hasan Miraz
(c) Litton Das
(d) Taskin Ahmed
Explanation: Mehidy Hasan Miraz served as the captain for Bangladesh in this match and also contributed with the ball, taking 3 wickets for 29 runs. Najmul Hossain Shanto played as a batter in the same match. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980951/nahid-rana-takes-5-wickets-as-bangladesh-crush-pakistan-in-odi-opener, 11 Mar 2026]
#2763

The mass protests in New Delhi during July 2026 were primarily organized to demand the resignation of which Indian government official?

(a) Dharmendra Pradhan
(b) Amit Shah
(c) Nitin Gadkari
(d) S. Jaishankar
Explanation: The protests were triggered by alleged irregularities in the NEET examination, leading demonstrators to demand the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. The other listed ministers hold different portfolios and were not the primary targets of this specific protest movement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017219/indian-opposition-leader-gandhi-arrested-outside-pm-modis-delhi-residence-amid-mass-protest, 21 Jul 2026]
#2764

Who scored the winning goal for Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final?

(a) Lamine Yamal
(b) Ferran Torres
(c) Pedro Sanchez
(d) None of these
Explanation: Ferran Torres scored the only goal of the match during extra time to secure the victory for Spain. Lamine Yamal is a teammate, while Pedro Sanchez is the Prime Minister of Spain. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016966/viva-espana-spain-unites-in-joy-at-second-fifa-world-cup-crown, 20 Jul 2026]
#2765

Who presided over the Senate Standing Committee meeting on Economic Affairs held on July 22, 2026?

(a) Senator Rubina Khalid
(b) Senator Waqar Mehdi
(c) Senator Hidayatullah
(d) Senator Saifullah Abro
Explanation: Senator Saifullah Abro presided over the committee meeting that reviewed the utilization of foreign-funded projects. The other senators listed were members who participated in the questioning but did not chair the session. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017399/senate-panel-concerned-over-diversion-of-flood-rehabilitation-funds-in-kp, 22 Jul 2026]
#2766

Which of the following statements regarding the July 2026 protests in New Delhi is INCORRECT?

(a) The protests were primarily focused on alleged irregularities in the NEET examination.
(b) Delhi Police reported that over 100 police personnel were injured during the clashes.
(c) The protests were organized by the ruling party to support the Education Minister.
(d) Rahul Gandhi was detained while marching toward the Prime Minister's residence.
Explanation: The protests were organized by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) to demand the resignation of the Education Minister, not to support him. The other statements accurately reflect the reported facts regarding the cause, the police casualty figures, and the detention of the opposition leader. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017219/indian-opposition-leader-gandhi-arrested-outside-pm-modis-delhi-residence-amid-mass-protest, 21 Jul 2026]
#2767

On July 21, 2026, which Indian opposition leader was detained by police while protesting outside the Prime Minister's residence in New Delhi?

(a) Rahul Gandhi
(b) Mallikarjun Kharge
(c) Shashi Tharoor
(d) None of these
Explanation: Rahul Gandhi, the leader of the opposition in the lower house, was detained alongside other political figures during the protest. While other opposition leaders are active in Indian politics, he was the specific individual identified as being detained at the Prime Minister's residence on this date. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017219/indian-opposition-leader-gandhi-arrested-outside-pm-modis-delhi-residence-amid-mass-protest, 21 Jul 2026]
#2768

Which of the following statements regarding the 2026 FIFA World Cup is INCORRECT?

(a) The tournament featured 104 matches in total.
(b) Stadiums were filled to 99.7 percent of their capacity.
(c) The average attendance per match was 65,351.
(d) The tournament prize pool was decreased compared to the 2022 event.
Explanation: The prize pool was actually increased by 15 percent to 871 million dollars, not decreased. The other statements accurately reflect the attendance and match volume statistics reported for the 2026 event. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017102/with-more-game-fifa-showpiece-shatters-attendance-and-tv-records, 21 Jul 2026]
#2769

Consider the following statements about the political situation in India as of July 2026: 1. The protests in New Delhi represent the largest street rally in the capital in approximately five years. 2. The Cockroach Janta Party movement gained significant momentum through social media platforms. 3. The government immediately accepted the demands of the protesters following the meeting with JP Nadda. 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 reports of the protest scale and the CJP's social media growth. Statement 3 is incorrect because the government had not yet responded to the protesters' demands despite the meeting with the minister. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017219/indian-opposition-leader-gandhi-arrested-outside-pm-modis-delhi-residence-amid-mass-protest, 21 Jul 2026]
#2770

Which of the following statements regarding the FTO ruling on July 21, 2026, is INCORRECT?

(a) The FTO held that the FBR is duty-bound to provide a functional interface for taxpayers.
(b) The complainant was a salaried individual serving as a director in a private limited company.
(c) The FBR successfully argued that software limitations are a valid legal defense against tax credit claims.
(d) The FTO found that the department's silence on the matter constituted maladministration.
Explanation: The FTO explicitly rejected the FBR's attempt to use software limitations as a shield. Therefore, the statement that the FBR successfully used this as a legal defense is false. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017155/fbr-cannot-hide-behind-software-limitations-federal-tax-ombudsman, 21 Jul 2026]
#2771

What is the primary reason cited for the anticipated disruptions in the supply chain of petroleum products in March 2026?

(a) Domestic refinery maintenance
(b) Middle East crisis
(c) Port congestion at Karachi
(d) Pipeline sabotage
Explanation: The notification explicitly links the anticipated disruptions to the Middle East crisis and the resulting logistical challenges in the Strait of Hormuz. Other options like refinery maintenance or port congestion are not the stated causes for this specific policy shift. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979478/kp-finance-dept-orders-adoption-of-fuel-conservation-measures-due-to-anticipated-disruptions, 07 Mar 2026]
#2772

What was the policy interest rate maintained by the State Bank of Pakistan as of March 10, 2026?

(a) 8.5 percent
(b) 9.5 percent
(c) 10.5 percent
(d) 11.5 percent
Explanation: The State Bank of Pakistan's monetary policy committee decided to keep the interest rate at 10.5 percent in March 2026. This rate was maintained despite calls from the business community for a reduction to support industrial growth. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980387/high-interest-rate-to-hit-economy-in-war-times-warn-businesses, 10 Mar 2026]
#2773

Which of the following statements regarding Pakistan's external debt management in April 2026 is INCORRECT?

(a) Pakistan repaid a $1.3 billion Eurobond on April 8, 2026.
(b) Pakistan returned $2 billion to the United Arab Emirates.
(c) Saudi Arabia reduced its support facility for Pakistan to $2 billion.
(d) The government is utilizing the Global Medium-Term Note (GMTN) programme.
Explanation: Saudi Arabia actually increased its support facility for Pakistan to $8 billion from $5 billion, rather than reducing it. The other statements accurately reflect the debt repayment and financing activities reported in April 2026. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1993495/pakistan-increases-eurobond-from-500m-to-750m, 20 Apr 2026]
#2774

Consider the following statements about the Eurobond issuance in April 2026: 1. It marked Pakistan's first return to international capital markets in four years. 2. The issuance was exclusively funded by domestic commercial banks. 3. The government intends to use the momentum to support future issuances under the GMTN programme. 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 issuance ended a four-year hiatus. Statement 2 is incorrect because the bonds were placed with global institutional investors, not domestic banks. Statement 3 is correct as the government explicitly stated the issuance builds momentum for future GMTN activity. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1993495/pakistan-increases-eurobond-from-500m-to-750m, 20 Apr 2026]
#2775

Which of the following is NOT identified as a potential economic impact of the Middle East conflict on Pakistan in the March 2026 report?

(a) Increased energy costs
(b) Immediate collapse of the banking sector
(c) Strain on remittance inflows
(d) Pressure on the exchange rate
Explanation: The report warns of inflation, import costs, and remittance strain, but it does not predict an immediate collapse of the banking sector. The other options are explicitly mentioned as risks to the external sector. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979649/external-sector-faces-instability-amid-middle-east-crisis, 08 Mar 2026]
#2776

Consider the following statements regarding the economic outlook for Pakistan in 2026: 1. The Strait of Hormuz is a critical chokepoint through which approximately 20 percent of global oil passes. 2. The Planning Commission report suggests that Pakistan's development trajectory for FY26 remains positive despite external risks. 3. The government has advised citizens to increase fuel consumption to stimulate domestic industrial growth.

(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 report. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Planning Minister specifically urged citizens to adopt responsible consumption practices and avoid unnecessary travel, rather than increasing fuel consumption. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979649/external-sector-faces-instability-amid-middle-east-crisis, 08 Mar 2026]
#2777

According to the Planning Commission's March 2026 report, what percentage of Pakistan's total imports are accounted for by petroleum products?

(a) Nearly 10 percent
(b) Nearly 25 percent
(c) Nearly 40 percent
(d) None of these
Explanation: The report specifies that petroleum products constitute nearly one-quarter, or 25 percent, of Pakistan's total import bill. This high dependency makes the country particularly susceptible to global oil price volatility. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979649/external-sector-faces-instability-amid-middle-east-crisis, 08 Mar 2026]
#2778

Which of the following statements regarding the Senate session on May 12, 2026, is INCORRECT?

(a) The government rejected the impression that any specific province was being targeted by terrorists.
(b) The opposition and treasury reached a consensus on the immediate withdrawal of all security forces from KP.
(c) The Parliamentary Affairs Minister claimed that intelligence-based operations are currently underway.
(d) The government emphasized that there would be no compromise on the resolve to eliminate terrorism.
Explanation: There was no consensus on withdrawing security forces; rather, the government defended its ongoing intelligence-based operations. The other three statements accurately reflect the government's stance during the debate. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1999725/treasury-opposition-clash-in-senate-as-jui-f-senator-questions-terrorism-in-kp, 12 May 2026]
#2779

How many wickets did Nahid Rana take in the ODI match against Pakistan on March 11, 2026?

(a) 5 wickets
(b) 4 wickets
(c) 3 wickets
(d) 6 wickets
Explanation: Nahid Rana returned figures of 5-24, marking his first five-wicket haul in one-day internationals. This performance was instrumental in restricting Pakistan to 114 runs. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980951/nahid-rana-takes-5-wickets-as-bangladesh-crush-pakistan-in-odi-opener, 11 Mar 2026]
#2780

At which specific location in Islamabad did the Iranian President hold official meetings with the Prime Minister of Pakistan on June 23, 2026?

(a) Aiwan-e-Sadr
(b) Foreign Office
(c) Prime Minister House
(d) Parliament House
Explanation: The official meetings between the Iranian President and the Prime Minister took place at the Prime Minister House. Aiwan-e-Sadr is the President's official residence, which is a common distractor. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2010220/hands-of-friendship-iran-president-calls-for-new-regional-security-structure-among-muslim-nations, 23 Jun 2026]