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.
#2921
Consider the following statements about the situation in the Strait of Hormuz as of April 2026: 1. The GCC has requested a UN mandate to use force to protect maritime routes. 2. The closure of the Strait has led to a sharp rise in global energy prices. 3. French President Emmanuel Macron has fully endorsed the military operation to reopen the Strait. 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 reflect the GCC's diplomatic request and the resulting economic impact. Statement 3 is incorrect because President Macron explicitly described a military operation to free the Strait as 'unrealistic'. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1987881/gulf-states-seek-un-mandate-for-force-to-protect-strait-of-hormuz, 02 Apr 2026]
#2922
Which of the following statements regarding the 2026 Youth Hockey5s Asian Championship is INCORRECT?
(a) India remained unbeaten against Pakistan throughout the tournament.
(b) Pakistan qualified for the final after finishing second in the group standings.
(c) Pakistan defeated Oman in their opening match of the tournament.
(d) India lost the final match to Pakistan by a margin of two goals.
Explanation: India won the final match 3-1, making the statement that they lost the final incorrect. The other three statements are factually accurate regarding the tournament's progression. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018608/india-beat-pakistan-to-retain-youth-hockey5s-asian-title, 27 Jul 2026]
#2923
What was the peak price of high-speed diesel (HSD) per litre reached in Pakistan on April 3, 2026?
(a) Rs378.78
(b) Rs458.41
(c) Rs520.35
(d) None of these
Explanation: High-speed diesel reached its peak price of Rs520.35 per litre on April 3, 2026, during the height of the energy crisis. Rs458.41 was the peak price for petrol on the same date. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2009236/pm-shehbaz-announces-reduction-in-prices-of-petrol-by-rs74-diesel-by-rs67, 19 Jun 2026]
#2924
In the context of the Senate debate on June 17, 2026, which sector did Senator Abdul Qadir identify as a 'mafia' that allegedly caused the reversal of the government's solar policy?
(a) National Highway Authority
(b) Federal Board of Revenue
(c) Independent Power Producers
(d) State Bank of Pakistan
Explanation: Senator Abdul Qadir alleged that Independent Power Producers (IPPs) acted as a mafia that pressured the government to reverse its solar policy. He further criticized the burden of capacity charges associated with these power agreements. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2008601/ppp-lawmaker-calls-for-separate-south-punjab-province-in-senate, 17 Jun 2026]
#2925
Consider the following statements about the 2026 death penalty legislation: 1. The law was passed by the Israeli Knesset with a majority vote. 2. The legislation includes provisions that allow for the reduction of the death sentence to life imprisonment. 3. The law is applicable to all residents of Israel regardless of their legal status or location. 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 bill passed the Knesset. Statement 2 is correct as the law allows for reduction under special circumstances. Statement 3 is incorrect because the law creates distinct tracks for West Bank Palestinians versus Israeli citizens and residents of East Jerusalem. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1986920/israel-passes-law-making-death-penalty-default-sentence-for-palestinians-convicted-of-lethal-attacks, 30 Mar 2026]
#2926
Which of the following statements regarding the government's subsidy initiatives announced on April 2, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) Large transport vehicles are eligible for a monthly subsidy of Rs80,000.
(b) Inter-city public service vehicles are eligible for a monthly subsidy of Rs100,000.
(c) The subsidy for two-wheelers is valid for a period of six months.
(d) Direct support of Rs70,000 is provided for trucks carrying essential food items.
Explanation: The subsidy for two-wheelers is provided for a duration of three months, not six months. The other statements accurately reflect the financial support measures announced by the Finance Minister. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1987901/govt-hikes-petrol-price-to-rs458-per-litre-hsd-price-to-rs520-per-litre, 02 Apr 2026]
#2927
Consider the following statements about the US-Iran MoU signed in June 2026: 1. The US has already begun lifting its naval blockade as part of the agreement. 2. Vice President JD Vance expressed full confidence that the deal would be universally welcomed by the Israeli government. 3. The agreement includes a 60-day timeline for finalizing technical details. 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 Vance confirmed the US has allowed ships to pass through the blockade. Statement 3 is correct regarding the 60-day timeline. Statement 2 is incorrect because Vance explicitly rebuked Israeli critics of the deal, indicating it was not universally welcomed. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2008928/wake-up-us-vp-vance-rebukes-israeli-critics-of-iran-deal, 18 Jun 2026]
#2928
Who is the District Police Officer (DPO) of Bannu who confirmed the security incident on July 15, 2026?
(a) Captain (retd) Salman Khan
(b) Muhammad Waseem Khan
(c) Captain (retd) Ahmed Raza
(d) Captain (retd) Muhammad Furqan Bilal
Explanation: Captain (retd) Muhammad Furqan Bilal is the DPO of Bannu who officially confirmed the attack on the police station. Muhammad Waseem Khan is the journalist who reported the event. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2015690/at-least-5-injured-including-police-official-in-attack-on-bannu-police-station, 15 Jul 2026]
#2929
Which political party's senator demanded the creation of a separate South Punjab province during the Senate budget debate on June 17, 2026?
(a) Pakistan Peoples Party
(b) Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf
(c) Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan
(d) Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz
Explanation: Senator Rana Mahmoodul Hassan, representing the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), formally demanded the creation of a separate South Punjab province during the Senate proceedings on June 17, 2026. He emphasized the need for administrative bifurcation to address regional grievances. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2008601/ppp-lawmaker-calls-for-separate-south-punjab-province-in-senate, 17 Jun 2026]
#2930
Which of the following statements regarding the 2026 Champions League final is INCORRECT?
(a) PSG won the match through a penalty shootout.
(b) The match ended in a 1-1 draw after extra time.
(c) Arsenal won their first-ever Champions League title in this match.
(d) Ousmane Dembele scored a penalty for PSG.
Explanation: Arsenal lost the final, marking their second defeat in a Champions League final, not a victory. The other statements accurately describe the match events. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2004042/psg-edge-arsenal-on-penalties-to-retain-champions-league-title, 30 May 2026]
#2931
Consider the following statements about the fuel price adjustments announced on May 29, 2026: 1. The government reduced the price of petrol and high-speed diesel by Rs22 per litre each. 2. The new prices for petrol and high-speed diesel were scheduled to take effect on May 30, 2026. 3. The government has been providing fuel subsidies specifically for public transport and motorcycle commuters. 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 government's announcement. The price cut was Rs22, the effective date was May 30, and the government confirmed existing subsidy programs for public transport and two-wheelers. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2003697/govt-cuts-petrol-diesel-prices-by-rs22, 29 May 2026]
#2932
Which player scored the opening goal for Arsenal in the 2026 Champions League final?
(a) Viktor Gyokeres
(b) Bukayo Saka
(c) Leandro Trossard
(d) Kai Havertz
Explanation: Kai Havertz scored the opening goal for Arsenal in the sixth minute of the match. While Saka and Trossard were involved in the game, they did not score the opening goal. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2004042/psg-edge-arsenal-on-penalties-to-retain-champions-league-title, 30 May 2026]
#2933
Consider the following statements about the security situation reported on March 30, 2026: 1. India is allegedly planning a false flag operation using Pakistani prisoners. 2. The prisoners involved include individuals currently held in Indian jails. 3. Security sources claim this move is intended to justify a permanent border closure. 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 supported by the security reports regarding the exploitation of prisoners. Statement 3 is incorrect as the reports cite diplomatic humiliation and diversion as the motives, not a permanent border closure. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1986909/india-planning-false-flag-operation-using-pakistani-prisoners-security-sources, 30 Mar 2026]
#2934
All of the following are TRUE regarding the 2026 Strait of Hormuz situation EXCEPT:
(a) The US President claimed that many countries would send warships to the region.
(b) The US President stated that the US would bomb the shoreline and target Iranian boats.
(c) The White House did not immediately confirm if other nations had agreed to send ships.
(d) The Iranian leadership explicitly rejected the use of the strait as a pressure lever.
Explanation: The Iranian leadership, specifically the new supreme leader, stated that the lever of blocking the strait must be used, making false. The other statements accurately reflect the content of the report. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1982096/trump-claims-many-countries-will-send-warships-to-keep-strait-of-hormuz-open, 14 Mar 2026]
#2935
Consider the following statements about the fuel price adjustments announced on April 2, 2026: 1. The price of kerosene was increased to Rs457.80 per litre. 2. The government rejected multiple previous recommendations for fuel price hikes since the regional conflict began. 3. The new fuel prices were made effective immediately on the day of the announcement. 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. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Petroleum Minister explicitly stated that the new prices would be effective from Friday, not the day of the announcement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1987901/govt-hikes-petrol-price-to-rs458-per-litre-hsd-price-to-rs520-per-litre, 02 Apr 2026]
#2936
Who is the current Minister-in-Charge of the Establishment Division as of May 2026?
(a) Ahad Khan Cheema
(b) Sehar Kamran
(c) Kalbe Ali
(d) None of these
Explanation: Senator Ahad Khan Cheema serves as the Minister-in-Charge of the Establishment Division. Sehar Kamran is an MNA who raised the question regarding the examination, and Kalbe Ali is the reporter. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2000737/minister-chalks-up-css-failure-rate-to-lack-of-preparation-competitive-nature-of-exam, 16 May 2026]
#2937
Which of the following statements regarding the 2026 death penalty legislation is INCORRECT?
(a) The legislation applies identical legal criteria to both West Bank Palestinians and Israeli citizens.
(b) The law allows for the death penalty to be reduced to life imprisonment under special circumstances.
(c) Human rights groups have filed a petition with the Supreme Court to annul the legislation.
(d) The law mandates that executions be carried out within a specific timeframe after sentencing.
Explanation: The legislation is criticized precisely because it does not apply identical criteria; it creates two parallel tracks, with military courts for West Bank Palestinians and civilian courts for Israeli nationals, which human rights groups argue is discriminatory. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1986920/israel-passes-law-making-death-penalty-default-sentence-for-palestinians-convicted-of-lethal-attacks, 30 Mar 2026]
#2938
Consider the following statements about the energy crisis discussed in the March 2026 hearing: 1. The Strait of Hormuz historically accounts for 20 percent of global LNG and a quarter of seaborne oil. 2. The CPPA Chief stated that LNG-based plants can easily be run on domestic gas diverted from older fields. 3. Providing electricity from the national grid to K-Electric is described as beneficial for overall consumer costs.
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) All three
Explanation: Statement 2 is false because the CPPA chief explicitly stated that LNG-based plants cannot be run on domestic gas through diversion from older plants. Statements 1 and 3 are factually accurate based on the provided text. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1987262/lng-supplies-under-force-majeure-not-available-for-power-generation-say-officials, 31 Mar 2026]
#2939
Consider the following statements about the Pak-Afghan border security situation as of April 2026: 1. The Ministry of Information utilized its official fact-checking account on X to refute the claims. 2. The Afghan Defence account claimed that operations to remove the barbed wire were progressing rapidly. 3. The Ministry of Information acknowledged that the border fence had been partially removed in specific sectors to facilitate trade. 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 Ministry's report and the cited Afghan Defence account. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Ministry explicitly stated that the fence is fully intact and denied any removal. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1987562/devoid-of-facts-info-ministry-rubbishes-claims-of-barbed-wire-being-removed-along-pak-afghan-border, 01 Apr 2026]
#2940
Who is the Indian Defence Minister mentioned in the context of the April 2, 2026, diplomatic exchange?
(a) Narendra Modi
(b) Subrahmanyam Jaishankar
(c) Ajit Doval
(d) Rajnath Singh
Explanation: Rajnath Singh is the current Indian Defence Minister who engaged in the rhetorical exchange with his Pakistani counterpart. The other individuals hold different roles within the Indian government. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1987848/space-for-war-between-two-nuclear-states-inconceivable-asif-reminds-indian-counterpart, 02 Apr 2026]