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.
#3001
Consider the following statements about the US military operations in the Middle East as of March 13, 2026: 1. The KC-135 aircraft involved in the crash was designed for aerial refueling. 2. The US military confirmed that the crash was the result of a direct missile strike by Iranian forces. 3. The US has deployed a significant number of aircraft to the region to support operations against Iran. 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 KC-135 is a refueling tanker. Statement 3 is correct regarding the deployment of aircraft. Statement 2 is incorrect because the military explicitly ruled out hostile fire. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981530/six-us-service-members-killed-in-plane-crash-over-iraq, 13 Mar 2026]
#3002
Which of the following statements regarding the diplomatic fallout on June 19, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) Prime Minister Meloni publicly denied the allegation of begging for a photo opportunity.
(b) President Trump claimed he felt sorry for the Italian Prime Minister during the summit.
(c) The Italian government maintained that the relationship with the US remained entirely unaffected by the remarks.
(d) Prime Minister Meloni criticized the US President for his behavior toward allies.
Explanation: The statement that the relationship remained unaffected is false, as the report explicitly details the cancellation of a diplomatic visit and the expression of outrage by multiple Italian ministers. The other options accurately reflect the events described. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2009272/outrage-in-italy-after-trump-says-meloni-begged-for-photo-op, 19 Jun 2026]
#3003
Consider the following statements about the diplomatic developments in June 2026: 1. The talks were held to address the conflict that began in late February. 2. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif participated as a mediator in the process. 3. The technical-level talks were scheduled to conclude immediately upon the departure of the delegations from Switzerland. 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 the conflict began in late February and the Prime Minister acted as a mediator. Statement 3 is incorrect because the technical-level talks were scheduled to continue for the rest of the week following the summit. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2009504/pm-shehbaz-cdf-asim-munir-depart-for-switzerland-to-attend-iran-us-talks, 20 Jun 2026]
#3004
Which of the following statements regarding the 2026 US-Iran diplomatic situation is INCORRECT?
(a) Iran has officially denied holding direct talks with the US in the past 24 days.
(b) The Iranian Foreign Ministry admitted receiving messages from friendly countries regarding US requests for talks.
(c) The ongoing conflict in the Middle East has entered its fourth week.
(d) Iran has confirmed that it has already responded positively to all messages received from the US.
Explanation: The Iranian Foreign Ministry explicitly stated that it had not responded to the messages received from friendly countries. Therefore, the claim that they responded positively is false. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1984640/pakistan-egypt-turkiye-engaged-in-back-channel-diplomacy-for-us-iran-de-escalation-sources, 23 Mar 2026]
#3005
Consider the following statements regarding the events of March 22, 2026: 1. The PTI founder accused the judiciary of selling their integrity. 2. The government claimed that the sons of the PTI founder were welcome to visit Pakistan using their NICOPs. 3. Jemima Goldsmith alleged that the government's travel recommendations for the sons would ensure full British protection. 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 Jemima Goldsmith specifically alleged that traveling on NICOPs would result in 'no British protection,' which was the basis of her concern. Statements 1 and 2 are factually accurate based on the report. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1984369/imran-rails-against-judiciary-as-son-kasim-shares-statement-from-jailed-pti-founder, 22 Mar 2026]
#3006
On March 20, 2026, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a telephone conversation regarding regional de-escalation with the President of which country?
(a) Kazakhstan
(b) Azerbaijan
(c) Turkmenistan
(d) None of these
Explanation: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif spoke with President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan to discuss the hostilities in the Gulf region and exchange Eidul Fitr greetings. Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan were not mentioned as participants in these specific diplomatic calls. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1984038/calls-for-de-escalation-in-middle-east-as-pm-shehbaz-speaks-to-several-world-leaders, 20 Mar 2026]
#3007
In the context of the 2026 regional security situation, which of the following has been targeted by retaliatory strikes in the Middle East?
(a) Public healthcare hospitals
(b) Agricultural research centers
(c) Educational universities
(d) Energy installations
Explanation: The regional conflict has involved strikes against critical infrastructure, specifically including energy installations, airports, and military bases. Agricultural and educational facilities are not cited as primary targets in this security context. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1983459/saudi-arabia-to-celebrate-eidul-fitr-on-friday, 18 Mar 2026]
#3008
The decision to hold fuel prices in March 2026 was made following a consultative session that included which high-ranking official?
(a) Minister of Finance
(b) Governor of the State Bank
(c) Field Marshal Asim Munir
(d) Chairman of the FBR
Explanation: The consultative session involved federal and provincial representatives and was attended by the Chief of Defence Forces, Field Marshal Asim Munir. This reflects the high-level coordination regarding national economic security. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981713/pm-shehbaz-says-prices-of-petroleum-products-not-being-increased-despite-uptick-in-global-market, 13 Mar 2026]
#3009
Which three countries are actively engaged in back-channel diplomacy to mediate between the United States and Iran as of March 2026?
(a) Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar
(b) Pakistan, Egypt, and Turkiye
(c) Pakistan, Jordan, and Oman
(d) None of these
Explanation: Pakistan, Egypt, and Turkiye are identified as the primary mediators working to bridge the gap between the US and Iran. Other regional players like Saudi Arabia or Qatar are not mentioned as part of this specific tripartite diplomatic conduit. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1984640/pakistan-egypt-turkiye-engaged-in-back-channel-diplomacy-for-us-iran-de-escalation-sources, 23 Mar 2026]
#3010
Who was appointed as the Governor of Sindh following the removal of Kamran Tessori in March 2026?
(a) Nehal Hashmi
(b) Mustafa Kamal
(c) Farooq Sattar
(d) Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui
Explanation: Nehal Hashmi, a PML-N stalwart, was sworn in as the Governor of Sindh after the removal of the MQM-P nominee Kamran Tessori. The other individuals listed are senior leaders of the MQM-P. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1985186/mqm-p-calls-for-revisiting-proposed-28th-amendment-transforming-feudal-democracy-into-participatory-democracy, 25 Mar 2026]
#3011
In which facility is the PTI founder currently imprisoned as of March 22, 2026?
(a) Kot Lakhpat Jail
(b) Adiala Jail
(c) Central Jail Karachi
(d) None of these
Explanation: The PTI founder is incarcerated at Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi. Kot Lakhpat and Central Jail Karachi are other major correctional facilities in Pakistan but are not the site of his current detention. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1984369/imran-rails-against-judiciary-as-son-kasim-shares-statement-from-jailed-pti-founder, 22 Mar 2026]
#3012
In the context of the 2026 regional conflict, what specific action did US President Donald Trump order to facilitate potential talks with Iran?
(a) A permanent ceasefire in the Persian Gulf
(b) The withdrawal of naval assets from the Strait of Hormuz
(c) A five-day postponement of military strikes against Iranian power plants
(d) None of these
Explanation: President Trump ordered a five-day delay in planned military strikes against Iranian power infrastructure to allow space for constructive dialogue. This tactical pause is a central element of the current de-escalation efforts. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1984640/pakistan-egypt-turkiye-engaged-in-back-channel-diplomacy-for-us-iran-de-escalation-sources, 23 Mar 2026]
#3013
The price of diesel, based on Platts, increased to more than how many dollars per barrel during the 2026 energy crisis?
(a) 100 dollars
(b) 150 dollars
(c) 250 dollars
(d) 200 dollars
Explanation: The Petroleum Minister noted that diesel prices, which are indexed to Platts, surged from $80 per barrel to over $200 per barrel. This reflects the unprecedented global oil price hike mentioned in the 2026 briefing. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1984252/scarcity-of-energy-pm-shehbaz-urges-nation-govt-to-display-responsible-attitude, 21 Mar 2026]
#3014
Who received Field Marshal Asim Munir upon his arrival in the region on March 21, 2026?
(a) Rawalpindi Corps Commander
(b) Peshawar Corps Commander
(c) Quetta Corps Commander
(d) Lahore Corps Commander
Explanation: The Peshawar Corps Commander is responsible for the security of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa region and officially received the Army Chief upon his arrival. Other corps commanders oversee different geographical jurisdictions. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1984256/terrorists-operating-from-afghanistan-wont-be-allowed-to-undermine-pakistans-security-cdf-munir, 21 Mar 2026]
#3015
According to the government's 2026 energy briefing, how much in savings was generated through recent austerity measures?
(a) Rs 17 billion
(b) Rs 27 billion
(c) Rs 22 billion
(d) Rs 32 billion
Explanation: The Petroleum Minister confirmed that government-led austerity measures successfully accumulated Rs 27 billion in a special fund. These funds are designated to mitigate the impact of rising global oil prices on the general public. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1984252/scarcity-of-energy-pm-shehbaz-urges-nation-govt-to-display-responsible-attitude, 21 Mar 2026]
#3016
Consider the following statements about the security situation as of March 21, 2026: 1. The military leadership has expressed that sanctuaries across the border in Afghanistan pose a threat to Pakistan's security. 2. The Army Chief attributed operational successes to the sacrifices of the nation's martyrs. 3. The government has officially declared that all border security operations have been permanently concluded. 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 statement. Statement 3 is incorrect because the military continues to maintain a posture of vigilance and active defense against cross-border threats, rather than concluding operations. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1984256/terrorists-operating-from-afghanistan-wont-be-allowed-to-undermine-pakistans-security-cdf-munir, 21 Mar 2026]
#3017
What is the official slogan announced by the Iranian leadership for the year 2026?
(a) Global solidarity against the Zionist enemy
(b) Resistance economy in light of national unity and national security
(c) Strengthening the Resistance Front through regional integration
(d) Economic prosperity through international cooperation
Explanation: The Supreme Leader declared 'resistance economy in light of national unity and national security' as the guiding slogan for the year to counter economic warfare. Other options represent general policy themes but are not the official slogan. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1984126/supreme-leader-mojtaba-denies-irans-role-in-attacks-in-oman-turkiye-dubs-them-false-flag-tactic, 20 Mar 2026]
#3018
Who is the current Supreme Leader of Iran as of March 20, 2026?
(a) Ali Khamenei
(b) Mojtaba Khamenei
(c) Ebrahim Raisi
(d) None of these
Explanation: Mojtaba Khamenei assumed the position of Supreme Leader following the assassination of his father, Ali Khamenei, on February 28, 2026. Ali Khamenei is the deceased predecessor, not the current leader. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1984126/supreme-leader-mojtaba-denies-irans-role-in-attacks-in-oman-turkiye-dubs-them-false-flag-tactic, 20 Mar 2026]
#3019
Which of the following statements regarding the visit of Field Marshal Asim Munir on March 21, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) He announced a permanent withdrawal of all troops from the border regions.
(b) He emphasized that terrorists operating from Afghanistan would not be allowed to undermine Pakistan's security.
(c) He offered Eidul Fitr prayers with the troops.
(d) He lauded the achievements of the soldiers during Operation Ghazab lil-Haq.
Explanation: The military leadership has reaffirmed its commitment to defending sovereignty and maintaining a presence in border regions, making the claim of a permanent withdrawal false. The other statements accurately reflect the events of the visit. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1984256/terrorists-operating-from-afghanistan-wont-be-allowed-to-undermine-pakistans-security-cdf-munir, 21 Mar 2026]
#3020
In the context of the 2026 austerity measures, what percentage of public sector staff was mandated to work from home?
(a) 25 percent
(b) 40 percent
(c) 50 percent
(d) 75 percent
Explanation: As part of the broader austerity measures announced to cope with the fuel crisis, the government decided that 50 percent of staff in the public sector would work from home, with exemptions for those providing essential services. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1984358/govt-increases-levy-on-high-octane-fuel-used-in-luxury-vehicles-by-rs200-per-litre, 22 Mar 2026]