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.
#3041
Consider the following statements about the US-NATO relationship in 2026: 1. The US President described NATO as a 'one-way street' due to the lack of support for escort operations. 2. The US President claimed that the US military no longer requires assistance from NATO countries. 3. The US President confirmed that he has already finalized a plan to withdraw from the NATO alliance.
(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 President's public statements regarding NATO's role and US military self-sufficiency. Statement 3 is incorrect because the President stated he had 'nothing currently in mind' regarding a change in the US relationship with NATO, despite suggesting it was something to think about. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1983125/trump-blasts-foolish-nato-on-iran-says-us-needs-no-help-after-allies-rebuff-call-for-help-on-hormuz, 17 Mar 2026]
#3042
Who among the following was present at the meeting held on March 14, 2026, to review the implementation of austerity measures?
(a) Minister of Defence
(b) Chairman of the Federal Board of Revenue
(c) Governor of the State Bank of Pakistan
(d) None of these
Explanation: FBR Chairman Rashid Mahmood Langrial attended the meeting alongside the Finance and Petroleum ministers. The presence of the FBR head underscores the focus on revenue and fiscal management during the crisis. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1982016/employees-of-soes-other-govt-supervised-bodies-to-face-5-30pc-salary-cut-as-part-of-austerity-measures-pmo, 14 Mar 2026]
#3043
Which of the following statements regarding the drone incident on March 14, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The drones were described by the ISPR as rudimentary.
(b) The Pakistan Airports Authority denied that Islamabad's airspace was closed.
(c) The drones successfully hit their intended military targets.
(d) The state refers to the TTP as Fitna al-Khawarij.
Explanation: The ISPR explicitly stated that the drones failed to reach their intended targets and were intercepted by security forces. Therefore, the claim that they successfully hit military targets is false. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981957/rudimentary-drones-launched-by-afghan-taliban-injure-4-failed-to-reach-targets-ispr, 14 Mar 2026]
#3044
Which climatic phenomenon is currently in a neutral phase but is expected to shift to a positive phase by July 2026?
(a) El Nino-Southern Oscillation (ENSO)
(b) Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD)
(c) Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO)
(d) None of these
Explanation: The PMD outlook explicitly identifies the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) as being in a neutral phase with a projected shift to a positive phase by July 2026. ENSO is currently in a positive phase (El Nino), making option A incorrect. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2005663/large-parts-of-country-set-to-experience-heatwave-conditions-from-june-7-to-12-pmd, 06 Jun 2026]
#3045
The review petitions that led to the FCC ruling on July 13, 2026, were filed by which of the following entities?
(a) Capital Development Authority
(b) Ministry of Climate Change
(c) Environmental Protection Agency
(d) National Highway Authority
Explanation: The review petitions were filed by the Capital Development Authority (CDA) and the Metropolitan Corporation Islamabad (MCI). These bodies challenged the Supreme Court's directions regarding the possession and demolition of the restaurant infrastructure. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2015144/fcc-sets-aside-sc-judgment-that-allowed-demolition-of-restaurants-in-margalla-hills-national-park, 13 Jul 2026]
#3046
Consider the following statements about the diplomatic tensions between the US and Italy in 2026: 1. Prime Minister Meloni and President Trump previously clashed over the US President's criticism of the Pope. 2. President Trump accused Italy of failing to provide sufficient support to the United States regarding the Iran war. 3. The Italian Defence Minister supported the President's remarks as a necessary diplomatic correction. 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 report's account of previous friction. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Defence Minister, Guido Crosetto, actually stated that such jokes do not benefit anyone, indicating disapproval rather than support. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2009272/outrage-in-italy-after-trump-says-meloni-begged-for-photo-op, 19 Jun 2026]
#3047
Consider the following statements about the PMD's seasonal outlook for June–August 2026: 1. Mean temperatures are expected to remain above normal throughout the country. 2. The largest negative rainfall departures are likely over the northeastern parts of Punjab. 3. The El Nino–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) is expected to weaken significantly during the season. 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 as per the PMD outlook. Statement 3 is incorrect because the PMD stated that the ENSO has moved into a positive phase and is expected to strengthen further, not weaken. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2005663/large-parts-of-country-set-to-experience-heatwave-conditions-from-june-7-to-12-pmd, 06 Jun 2026]
#3048
Which of the following statements regarding the March 2026 strikes is INCORRECT?
(a) The strikes targeted logistic bases and training camps.
(b) The operation resulted in the destruction of an ammunition depot in Kabul.
(c) The strikes were conducted in response to cross-border terrorism.
(d) Civilian infrastructure was intentionally targeted to pressure the Afghan regime.
Explanation: The government explicitly stated that no civilian population or civilian infrastructure was targeted. Options A, B, and D are factually consistent with the reported military objectives. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981638/info-minister-says-pakistan-targeted-terrorists-support-infrastructure-in-afghanistan-overnight, 13 Mar 2026]
#3049
Consider the following statements about the security situation in Balochistan as of 2026-07-11: 1. The security forces have utilized intelligence-based operations (IBOs) to target militant hideouts. 2. The government has announced financial compensation for the families of the police personnel martyred at the Mangi Dam. 3. Operation Shaban is limited exclusively to air strikes without ground troop involvement. 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 as the operation involves IBOs and the government has authorized compensation. Statement 3 is incorrect because the operation involves both coordinated air and ground operations. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2014587/23-more-terrorists-killed-in-ongoing-operation-in-balochistan-taking-overall-tally-since-july-5-to-102-state-media, 11 Jul 2026]
#3050
Consider the following statements about the political situation as of July 17, 2026: 1. Rana Sanaullah stated that the JUI-F chief's remarks were damaging to the motivation of those guarding the frontiers. 2. The JUI-F leadership claimed that the media storm regarding the remarks began immediately on the day of the Kasur public meeting. 3. Rana Sanaullah rejected the claim that there was a coordinated propaganda campaign against the JUI-F chief. 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 JUI-F leadership stated that there was no mention of the remarks in the media on July 12, and the outcry only began on July 13. Statements 1 and 3 accurately reflect the position taken by Rana Sanaullah. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016238/sanaullah-says-jui-f-chiefs-remarks-against-martyrs-were-inappropriate-but-unintended, 17 Jul 2026]
#3051
What technology did Pakistani forces utilize to shoot down three drones belonging to Fitna al-Khawarij during the March 2026 operations?
(a) Surface-to-air missiles
(b) Anti-aircraft artillery
(c) Electronic warfare
(d) Laser-guided interceptors
Explanation: Security sources reported that electronic warfare systems were successfully employed to neutralize the drones. This reflects the military's capability to counter asymmetric aerial threats. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981638/info-minister-says-pakistan-targeted-terrorists-support-infrastructure-in-afghanistan-overnight, 13 Mar 2026]
#3052
Which of the following is NOT a diplomatic action taken by Pakistan in response to the 2026 regional conflict?
(a) Holding phone calls with dignitaries from relevant countries
(b) Deploying military assets to the Gulf region
(c) Exploring prospects for a ceasefire through direct communication
(d) Advocating for dialogue and diplomacy as the primary path to peace
Explanation: Pakistan has focused on diplomatic mediation and 'bridge building' rather than military intervention. Deploying military assets would contradict the stated policy of seeking de-escalation. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1983074/dar-stresses-dialogue-diplomacy-for-achieving-regional-peace-in-meeting-with-iranian-ambassador, 17 Mar 2026]
#3053
Who is the current Interior Minister of Iran mentioned in the context of the June 2026 diplomatic meetings?
(a) Abbas Araghchi
(b) Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf
(c) Eskandar Momeni
(d) Masoud Pezeshkian
Explanation: Eskandar Momeni is the Iranian Interior Minister who held bilateral talks with his Pakistani counterpart. Abbas Araghchi serves as the Foreign Minister, while Masoud Pezeshkian is the President of Iran. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2005678/pm-shehbaz-meets-interior-minister-ahead-of-naqvis-iran-visit, 06 Jun 2026]
#3054
Consider the following statements about the legal proceedings concerning Margalla Hills National Park: 1. The Supreme Court's 2024 judgment declared the operator of Monal restaurant to be a trespasser. 2. The FCC ruling on July 13, 2026, maintained that administrative matters should be decided by relevant regulatory bodies. 3. The Supreme Court's 2024 judgment was based on the premise that the restaurants were beneficial for the park's biodiversity. 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 Supreme Court's 2024 judgment argued the exact opposite: that the restaurants were damaging the park's biodiversity and environment. Statements 1 and 2 are accurate reflections of the legal history and the recent FCC findings. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2015144/fcc-sets-aside-sc-judgment-that-allowed-demolition-of-restaurants-in-margalla-hills-national-park, 13 Jul 2026]
#3055
With which leader did Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif hold a 'restricted meeting' during his visit to Saudi Arabia in 2026?
(a) King Salman bin Abdulaziz
(b) Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman
(c) President Masoud Pezeshkian
(d) None of these
Explanation: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met with Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman to discuss regional stability and express solidarity with the Gulf country. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1983074/dar-stresses-dialogue-diplomacy-for-achieving-regional-peace-in-meeting-with-iranian-ambassador, 17 Mar 2026]
#3056
What is the name of the military operation launched by Pakistan in 2026 to target terrorist infrastructure in Afghanistan?
(a) Operation Ghazab lil-Haq
(b) Operation Radd-ul-Fasaad
(c) Operation Zarb-e-Azb
(d) Operation Khyber-4
Explanation: Operation Ghazab lil-Haq was launched in early 2026 following increased cross-border tensions and terrorist attacks. The other operations listed are historical military campaigns conducted by Pakistan in previous years. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981638/info-minister-says-pakistan-targeted-terrorists-support-infrastructure-in-afghanistan-overnight, 13 Mar 2026]
#3057
In which of the following regions are maximum temperatures expected to reach the highest range of 48°C to 51°C during the June 2026 heatwave?
(a) Sukkur, Jacobabad, and Larkana
(b) Islamabad, Rawalpindi, and Attock
(c) Chitral, Dir, and Swat
(d) Lahore, Faisalabad, and Multan
Explanation: The PMD advisory identifies districts in Sindh and Balochistan, including Sukkur, Jacobabad, and Larkana, as the areas expected to experience the most extreme temperatures between 48°C and 51°C. Other regions listed have lower projected temperature ranges. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2005663/large-parts-of-country-set-to-experience-heatwave-conditions-from-june-7-to-12-pmd, 06 Jun 2026]
#3058
Consider the following statements about Pakistan's diplomatic engagements in 2026: 1. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held discussions with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian regarding a potential ceasefire. 2. The Foreign Office of Pakistan has officially condemned the Iranian government for the ongoing regional instability. 3. Pakistan has emphasized that dialogue is the only viable path to resolving the current Middle Eastern conflict. 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 3 are correct as they reflect the government's active diplomatic efforts. Statement 2 is incorrect because Pakistan has expressed solidarity with Iran rather than condemning its government. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1983074/dar-stresses-dialogue-diplomacy-for-achieving-regional-peace-in-meeting-with-iranian-ambassador, 17 Mar 2026]
#3059
Consider the following statements about the diplomatic engagements of the Interior Minister in 2026: 1. The Interior Minister held meetings with the Iranian President and the Parliament Speaker during his visit to Tehran. 2. The Prime Minister emphasized the need for a unified strategy among institutions to enhance national security. 3. The US-Iran conflict is currently governed by a stable and permanent peace treaty signed in early 2026. 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 report. Statement 3 is incorrect because the conflict is described as being in a 'shaky ceasefire' rather than a stable or permanent peace treaty. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2005678/pm-shehbaz-meets-interior-minister-ahead-of-naqvis-iran-visit, 06 Jun 2026]
#3060
Which of the following statements regarding the security situation in Bajaur as of March 13, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The abducted policeman was taken from the premises of the Badan police station.
(b) Four police officers were martyred in a patrol party attack in February 2026.
(c) A police officer was martyred in a fire attack on a police post in War Mamund in the week preceding the incident.
(d) Law enforcement personnel have faced an increasing number of attacks in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa recently.
Explanation: The police spokesperson explicitly dismissed reports that the officer was abducted from the Badan police station. The other statements accurately reflect the security context described in the reports. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981729/abducted-policeman-found-dead-in-kps-bajaur, 13 Mar 2026]