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.
#381
What is the maturity period of the inaugural Panda bond issued by Pakistan on May 14, 2026?
(a) One year
(b) Three years
(c) Five years
(d) Ten years
Explanation: The inaugural Panda bond is a fixed-rate instrument with a three-year maturity. This duration is a standard feature for initial sovereign entries into the Chinese onshore market. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2000249/pakistan-raises-250m-equivalent-in-inaugural-panda-bond-issuance, 14 May 2026]
#382
What is the total allocation for the health sector in the Sindh budget for 2026-27?
(a) Rs402 billion
(b) Rs302 billion
(c) Rs502 billion
(d) Rs602 billion
Explanation: The health sector received an allocation of Rs402 billion to improve medical services. The other options are incorrect numerical values that do not match the official budgetary data. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2008557/sindh-cm-murad-ali-shah-presents-rs356tr-budget-with-no-new-taxes-7pc-pay-raise, 17 Jun 2026]
#383
How much has been allocated for law and order in the Punjab budget for the fiscal year 2026-27?
(a) Rs152 billion
(b) Rs202 billion
(c) Rs252 billion
(d) Rs302 billion
Explanation: The government allocated Rs252 billion for law and order, which includes funding for police stations in riverine areas and crime scene units. Other options represent incorrect budgetary allocations. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2008300/punjab-finance-minister-presents-people-friendly-budget-in-assembly, 16 Jun 2026]
#384
What is the total volume of the Punjab provincial budget for the fiscal year 2026-27?
(a) Rs5.9 trillion
(b) Rs4.9 trillion
(c) Rs6.9 trillion
(d) Rs7.9 trillion
Explanation: The provincial government officially proposed a budget of Rs5.9 trillion for the upcoming fiscal year. Other figures are incorrect distractors representing different potential fiscal scales. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2008300/punjab-finance-minister-presents-people-friendly-budget-in-assembly, 16 Jun 2026]
#385
Consider the following statements about the consultative meeting held on March 27, 2026: 1. The meeting aimed to transition from untargeted subsidies to a digital, app-based quota system. 2. Provincial governments were requested to share the additional costs of higher international petroleum prices. 3. The Petroleum Division reported that the current fuel supply situation in the country is unstable. 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 policy shift toward targeted subsidies and the federal request for provincial cost-sharing. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Petroleum Division reported that the supply situation remained stable and adequate. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1985900/centre-provinces-agree-on-rolling-out-app-based-fuel-quota-system-for-motorcycles-rickshaws, 27 Mar 2026]
#386
What is the newly announced minimum wage for workers in Sindh as per the 2026-27 budget?
(a) Rs35,000
(b) Rs43,000
(c) Rs38,000
(d) Rs48,000
Explanation: The provincial government increased the minimum wage to Rs43,000 to provide relief to the workforce. The other figures are incorrect as they do not align with the specific policy decision announced in the budget speech. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2008557/sindh-cm-murad-ali-shah-presents-rs356tr-budget-with-no-new-taxes-7pc-pay-raise, 17 Jun 2026]
#387
What is the proposed percentage increase in the salaries of government employees in the 2026-27 Punjab budget?
(a) 7 percent
(b) 5 percent
(c) 3.5 percent
(d) 10 percent
Explanation: The budget proposes a 7 percent increase in salaries for government employees. The 3.5 percent figure refers to the increase in pensions for retired employees. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2008300/punjab-finance-minister-presents-people-friendly-budget-in-assembly, 16 Jun 2026]
#388
Which specific initiative in the 2026-27 Punjab budget includes the establishment of Neuro Cath Labs?
(a) Nawaz Sharif Medical District
(b) Cardiac Care Program
(c) Emergency Health Response
(d) Stroke Initiative
Explanation: The government set aside Rs1.75 billion for Neuro Cath Labs under the Stroke Initiative. The Nawaz Sharif Medical District is a separate health infrastructure project. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2008300/punjab-finance-minister-presents-people-friendly-budget-in-assembly, 16 Jun 2026]
#389
Which outgoing Prime Minister did Andy Burnham succeed on July 20, 2026?
(a) Rishi Sunak
(b) Boris Johnson
(c) Nigel Farage
(d) Keir Starmer
Explanation: Keir Starmer resigned from his position, leading to the appointment of Andy Burnham. Rishi Sunak and Boris Johnson are former Prime Ministers, while Nigel Farage is the leader of the Reform UK party. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017007/andy-burnham-becomes-uk-pm-says-britain-needs-to-regain-stability, 20 Jul 2026]
#390
Consider the following statements about the Punjab budget for the fiscal year 2026-27: 1. The budget includes the imposition of new taxes to cover the fiscal deficit. 2. The proposed allocation for education is 15 percent higher than the previous fiscal year. 3. The government has allocated funds for the construction of police stations in riverine areas. 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 incorrect because the Chief Minister explicitly stated that the budget was prepared without imposing any new taxes. Statements 2 and 3 are factually accurate according to the budget speech. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2008300/punjab-finance-minister-presents-people-friendly-budget-in-assembly, 16 Jun 2026]
#391
Before his appointment as Prime Minister in 2026, what position did Andy Burnham hold?
(a) Mayor of Birmingham
(b) Mayor of London
(c) Mayor of Greater Manchester
(d) Mayor of Liverpool
Explanation: Andy Burnham served as the Mayor of Greater Manchester prior to his elevation to the premiership. He was widely referred to by the nickname 'King of the North' during his tenure in that role. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017007/andy-burnham-becomes-uk-pm-says-britain-needs-to-regain-stability, 20 Jul 2026]
#392
The global oil crisis that necessitated Pakistan's austerity measures was triggered by the start of the Middle East war on which date in 2026?
(a) January 28, 2026
(b) April 28, 2026
(c) March 28, 2026
(d) February 28, 2026
Explanation: The conflict, which initiated the global oil crisis and subsequent austerity measures, began with attacks on February 28, 2026. The other dates are incorrect as they do not coincide with the start of the regional conflict. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1999437/pm-extends-austerity-drive-till-june-13-to-deal-with-impact-of-middle-east-war, 11 May 2026]
#393
Who is the current Petroleum Minister of Pakistan as of July 2026?
(a) Musadik Malik
(b) Ali Pervaiz Malik
(c) Ishaq Dar
(d) None of these
Explanation: Ali Pervaiz Malik is the Petroleum Minister who announced the shift to daily fuel price adjustments. Musadik Malik is a common distractor as he has previously held energy-related portfolios. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016504/daily-fuel-price-adjustments-to-curb-market-abuse-ensure-fair-prices-petroleum-minister, 18 Jul 2026]
#394
Consider the following statements about the fuel price adjustments in April 2026: 1. The government reduced the petroleum levy by Rs80 per litre in early April 2026. 2. The price of petrol was set at Rs366.58 per litre in the week preceding April 17, 2026. 3. The government announced an unprecedented increase in fuel prices on April 2, 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: All three statements are factually accurate based on the government's policy announcements in April 2026. The government implemented a levy reduction, maintained a specific petrol price, and executed a significant price hike earlier in the month. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1992656/govt-slashes-diesel-price-by-rs32, 17 Apr 2026]
#395
Which of the following institutions is NOT among those the Finance Minister is scheduled to meet during his July 2026 visit?
(a) US Export-Import Bank
(b) International Development Finance Corporation
(c) International Monetary Fund
(d) World Trade Organization
Explanation: The Finance Minister's schedule includes meetings with the USTR, Exim Bank, DFC, and the IMF. The World Trade Organization is not listed as a meeting partner for this specific bilateral visit to Washington. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016679/finance-minister-aurangzeb-arrives-in-us-on-3-day-visit-expected-to-hold-talks-on-trade-finance-investment, 19 Jul 2026]
#396
Consider the following statements about the political transition in the United Kingdom on July 20, 2026: 1. Andy Burnham was appointed by King Charles III to form a new government. 2. The transition occurred following the resignation of Keir Starmer. 3. Andy Burnham indicated that his first diplomatic calls would include the leaders of the United States and Ukraine. 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 events of July 20, 2026. Burnham was appointed by the King, succeeded Starmer, and confirmed his intent to contact the US and Ukrainian presidents. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017007/andy-burnham-becomes-uk-pm-says-britain-needs-to-regain-stability, 20 Jul 2026]
#397
Consider the following statements about the petroleum sector reform announced in July 2026: 1. The reform replaces the weekly price announcement cycle with a daily adjustment mechanism. 2. The policy was approved by the federal cabinet on the directive of the Prime Minister. 3. The Inland Freight Equalisation Margin (IFEM) is being excluded from the new pricing formula. 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 core policy shift and the administrative approval process. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Petroleum Division is actively addressing technical matters, including the IFEM, within the new framework rather than excluding it. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016504/daily-fuel-price-adjustments-to-curb-market-abuse-ensure-fair-prices-petroleum-minister, 18 Jul 2026]
#398
Who appointed Andy Burnham as the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom on July 20, 2026?
(a) King William V
(b) King Charles III
(c) King George VII
(d) None of these
Explanation: King Charles III formally appointed Andy Burnham as Prime Minister during an audience at Buckingham Palace. The other options are incorrect as they do not represent the current British monarch. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017007/andy-burnham-becomes-uk-pm-says-britain-needs-to-regain-stability, 20 Jul 2026]
#399
Who presided over the high-level consultative meeting regarding the petroleum products situation on March 27, 2026?
(a) Mir Shoaib Nosherwani
(b) Ali Pervaiz Malik
(c) Shaza Fatima Khawaja
(d) Muhammad Aurangzeb
Explanation: Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb chaired the meeting. While other ministers like Ali Pervaiz Malik and Shaza Fatima Khawaja were present, they did not preside over the session. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1985900/centre-provinces-agree-on-rolling-out-app-based-fuel-quota-system-for-motorcycles-rickshaws, 27 Mar 2026]
#400
Consider the following statements about Pakistan's external debt management in April 2026: 1. The UAE loan being repaid was originally extended in 2019. 2. Pakistan has requested significant changes to its $7 billion IMF lending programme due to the Middle East conflict. 3. The central bank's foreign exchange reserves were reported at $20.52 billion as of April 10, 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: Statement 1 is correct as the UAE loan dates back to 2019. Statement 3 is correct regarding the reserve figures reported by the SBP. Statement 2 is incorrect because the Finance Minister stated that while the IMF programme is an option, the government has not yet requested changes to it. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1993003/sbp-says-govt-has-paid-2bn-to-uae, 18 Apr 2026]