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.
#3461
Consider the following statements about the diplomatic situation in March 2026: 1. The sinking of the IRIS Dena represents the first such US naval action since World War Two. 2. The Iranian diplomats in Colombo have requested the return of the remains of the 84 deceased sailors. 3. The IRIS Lavan was permitted to dock in Sri Lanka on humanitarian grounds. 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 US action was described as the first of its kind since World War Two. Statement 2 is correct as Iranian diplomats requested the remains. Statement 3 is incorrect because the IRIS Lavan docked in India, not Sri Lanka. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979691/sri-lanka-to-treat-iranian-sailors-according-to-international-law, 08 Mar 2026]
#3462
Consider the following statements regarding the fuel price situation in March 2026: 1. The government decided to maintain normal activities for at least one week instead of implementing conservation measures. 2. International Brent crude prices were reported to be approaching the $100 per barrel psychological barrier. 3. The government increased the Petroleum Development Levy on high-speed diesel to offset the price hike. 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 government deferred conservation plans. Statement 2 is correct as Brent crude was nearing the $100 mark. Statement 3 is incorrect because the levy on high-speed diesel was actually reduced, not increased. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979341/petrol-bomb-falls-on-pakistan-amid-war, 07 Mar 2026]
#3463
Which of the following statements regarding the fuel supply situation in March 2026 is INCORRECT?
(a) The tanker Torm Damini offloaded 37,000 tonnes of diesel.
(b) The tanker Nave Atropos is carrying 50,000 tonnes of petrol.
(c) The tanker Sea Clipper is carrying 34,000 tonnes of petrol.
(d) The tanker Spruce 2 is carrying 65,000 tonnes of petrol.
Explanation: The tanker Spruce 2 is carrying 55,000 tonnes of petrol, not 65,000 tonnes. The other figures provided for Torm Damini, Nave Atropos, and Sea Clipper are factually accurate according to the PQA report. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980592/4-fuel-laden-ships-reach-pakistan-amid-concerns-about-shortages-3-yet-to-berth, 10 Mar 2026]
#3464
In the context of the 2026 Gulf conflict, which body did Marco Rubio meet with to discuss the operation?
(a) The United Nations Security Council
(b) G7 counterparts
(c) The Arab League
(d) The North Atlantic Council
Explanation: Rubio met with his G7 counterparts in France to coordinate on the ongoing military operation and diplomatic strategy. The other organizations were not cited as the primary venue for this specific meeting. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1985991/rubio-says-war-on-iran-to-last-weeks-not-months-no-us-ground-troops-needed, 27 Mar 2026]
#3465
Who was appointed as the new Supreme Leader of Iran on March 12, 2026?
(a) Ali Khamenei
(b) Mojtaba Khamenei
(c) Ebrahim Raisi
(d) None of these
Explanation: Mojtaba Khamenei succeeded his father as the Supreme Leader of Iran. Ali Khamenei is the predecessor, and Ebrahim Raisi is not the current successor. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981360/in-first-remarks-irans-new-supreme-leader-vows-to-avenge-martyrs-keep-strait-of-hormuz-closed, 12 Mar 2026]
#3466
Who accompanied Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif during his diplomatic visit to Saudi Arabia on March 12, 2026?
(a) Ishaq Dar and Asim Munir
(b) Bilawal Bhutto and Nadeem Anjum
(c) Ahsan Iqbal and Sahir Shamshad Mirza
(d) None of these
Explanation: The official delegation included Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir. This reflects the high-level security and diplomatic nature of the visit. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981279/in-restricted-meeting-with-saudi-crown-prince-pm-shehbaz-assures-him-of-pakistans-full-solidarity-support, 12 Mar 2026]
#3467
Where were two tankers reported to be ablaze following attacks by suspected explosive-laden boats on March 12, 2026?
(a) Port of Bandar Abbas
(b) Port of Jebel Ali
(c) Port of Basra
(d) Port of Chabahar
Explanation: Reports confirmed that two tankers were hit and set ablaze in an Iraqi port, specifically identified as the Port of Basra. The other ports are located in Iran or the UAE. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981360/in-first-remarks-irans-new-supreme-leader-vows-to-avenge-martyrs-keep-strait-of-hormuz-closed, 12 Mar 2026]
#3468
Consider the following statements about the fuel situation in Pakistan in March 2026: 1. The government recently hiked fuel prices by approximately 20 percent. 2. Naval escorts were provided to vessels transporting fuel to ensure supply continuity. 3. The Petroleum Minister confirmed that fuel prices would see immediate and significant changes. 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 government hiked prices by 20 percent. Statement 2 is correct as naval escorts were deployed. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Minister stated there would be 'no immediate significant changes' in fuel costs. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980901/tanker-drivers-claim-they-are-facing-long-waits-at-depots-due-to-fuel-shortage, 11 Mar 2026]
#3469
Consider the following statements about the 2026 US-Israeli military campaign against Iran: 1. The campaign's primary focus includes targeting Iranian missile and drone factories. 2. The administration explicitly listed the destruction of Iran's nuclear weapons program as a primary war goal. 3. Senator Chris Murphy described the administration's war strategy as incoherent and incomplete. 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 focus is on missiles and drones. Statement 2 is incorrect because the briefing indicated that destroying the nuclear program was not among the listed war goals. Statement 3 is correct as Senator Murphy explicitly criticized the strategy as incoherent. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980866/us-lawmakers-warn-of-trumps-incoherent-iran-war-strategy-after-classified-briefing, 11 Mar 2026]
#3470
Which of the following statements regarding the drone incident on March 13, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The incident resulted in significant damage to military infrastructure at Faizabad.
(b) The drones were successfully brought down by security forces.
(c) The airspace was temporarily closed as a precautionary measure.
(d) Electronic countermeasures were employed to neutralize the threat.
Explanation: The Ministry of Information explicitly stated that no military or other infrastructure was hit, dismissing claims of damage or casualties as propaganda. Therefore, the statement claiming significant damage is incorrect. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981736/2-rudimentary-drones-intercepted-brought-down-at-different-locations-adjacent-to-pindi-security-sources, 13 Mar 2026]
#3471
What specific austerity measure was announced by the Prime Minister in March 2026 to address fuel concerns?
(a) Increasing the work week to six days
(b) Banning private vehicle usage on weekends
(c) Slashing the government work week to four days
(d) Closing all international borders for trade
Explanation: The Prime Minister announced an austerity plan that included reducing the working week for government employees to four days to conserve fuel. The other options are either incorrect or not mentioned as part of the official austerity plan. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980901/tanker-drivers-claim-they-are-facing-long-waits-at-depots-due-to-fuel-shortage, 11 Mar 2026]
#3472
Which authority issued a clarification regarding the status of flight operations at Islamabad International Airport on March 13, 2026?
(a) Civil Aviation Authority
(b) Pakistan Airports Authority
(c) Ministry of Defence
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) issued statements to clarify that flight operations were continuing without interruption, countering rumors of an airport closure. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981736/2-rudimentary-drones-intercepted-brought-down-at-different-locations-adjacent-to-pindi-security-sources, 13 Mar 2026]
#3473
Which specialized unit of the CTD was responsible for executing the targeted operation on July 18, 2026?
(a) Special Weapons and Tactics team
(b) Elite Force
(c) Rapid Response Force
(d) Counter Assault Team
Explanation: The CTD utilized its Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team to conduct the operation. While the Elite Force and Rapid Response Force are also law enforcement units, they were not the specific team cited in this operation. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016443/wanted-terrorist-killed-in-intelligence-based-operation-in-dera-ismail-khan-ctd, 18 Jul 2026]
#3474
Consider the following statements about the economic impact of the 2026 fuel crisis in Pakistan: 1. The government introduced a targeted fuel subsidy programme following significant price hikes in April 2026. 2. The conflict involving Iran began on February 28, 2026, triggering global supply chain disruptions. 3. The price of petrol and high-speed diesel is revised on a monthly basis by the Petroleum Division. 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 they reflect the government's fiscal response and the timeline of the conflict. Statement 3 is incorrect because the government revises prices on a weekly basis, not monthly. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2000498/govt-reduces-petrol-diesel-prices-by-rs5, 15 May 2026]
#3475
The Passports (Amendment) Bill, 2026, discussed in the committee meeting, proposed extending blue passport eligibility to children of senators up to what age?
(a) 28 years
(b) 25 years
(c) 21 years
(d) 30 years
Explanation: The proposed amendment seeks to extend the eligibility for blue passports to the children of senators up to the age of 28. This proposal has faced criticism from the government due to concerns over potential misuse. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1999979/pti-defends-mna-iqbal-afridis-son-over-asylum-move-assails-govts-oppression, 13 May 2026]
#3476
Who was officially appointed as the new Supreme Leader of Iran in March 2026?
(a) Ali Khamenei
(b) Mojtaba Hosseini Khamenei
(c) Ruhollah Khomeini
(d) None of these
Explanation: Mojtaba Hosseini Khamenei was announced as the new Supreme Leader following the martyrdom of his predecessor. Ali Khamenei was the previous leader, and Ruhollah Khomeini was the founder of the Islamic Republic. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981500/read-the-full-text-of-irans-new-supreme-leader-mojtaba-khameneis-first-address, 12 Mar 2026]
#3477
Consider the following statements about the administrative notification issued by the Sindh government on March 12, 2026: 1. The holiday was applicable to all government offices in the province. 2. The notification was issued to facilitate the closure of all private sector businesses. 3. Essential services were permitted to remain operational during the holiday. 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 the holiday applied to government offices and excluded essential services. Statement 2 is incorrect because the notification did not mandate the closure of private sector businesses. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981337/sindh-announces-public-holiday-on-march-13, 12 Mar 2026]
#3478
Who currently serves as the State Minister for Interior in the federal government as of May 2026?
(a) Abdul Qadir
(b) Ayaz Sadiq
(c) Faisal Saleem Rehman
(d) Talal Chaudhry
Explanation: Talal Chaudhry is the State Minister for Interior who presented the government's stance regarding the alleged misuse of official passports during the committee meeting. The other individuals listed hold different legislative or parliamentary roles. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1999979/pti-defends-mna-iqbal-afridis-son-over-asylum-move-assails-govts-oppression, 13 May 2026]
#3479
Which of the following statements regarding the Sindh government's notification of March 12, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The holiday was declared for March 13, 2026.
(b) The notification explicitly stated the holiday was for Jummatul Wida.
(c) The notification applied to local councils under provincial control.
(d) Essential services were excluded from the holiday mandate.
Explanation: The official notification issued by the government did not state the reason for the holiday; the reason was provided separately by a minister. Therefore, stating the notification itself contained the reason is incorrect. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981337/sindh-announces-public-holiday-on-march-13, 12 Mar 2026]
#3480
Consider the following statements about the drone interception incident on March 13, 2026: 1. The drones were identified as rudimentary in nature. 2. The Afghan defence ministry claimed that a military center was targeted at Faizabad. 3. The Pakistan Airports Authority confirmed that flight operations were suspended for 24 hours due to the security threat. 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 accurate based on the reports. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Pakistan Airports Authority explicitly denied that flight operations were closed, stating they continued without interruption. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981736/2-rudimentary-drones-intercepted-brought-down-at-different-locations-adjacent-to-pindi-security-sources, 13 Mar 2026]