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.
#4161
Who was identified as the global director of operations for the Islamic State killed during the joint Nigeria-US strikes in May 2026?
(a) Abdal Wahhab
(b) Abu Bilal al-Minuki
(c) Abu Musa al-Mangawi
(d) Abu al-Muthanna al-Muhajir
Explanation: Abu Bilal al-Minuki was confirmed as the global director of operations for IS and was killed during the joint military operation. The other individuals listed were also senior ISWAP figures killed in the same operation, but they held different roles. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2001567/nigeria-says-joint-strikes-with-us-kill-175-is-fighters, 19 May 2026]
#4162
Who was the captain of the Bangladesh cricket team during the second Test match in May 2026?
(a) Litton Das
(b) Mahmudul Hasan Joy
(c) Taijul Islam
(d) Najmul Hossain Shanto
Explanation: Najmul Hossain Shanto served as the captain of the Bangladesh team during the series. Litton Das performed wicket-keeping duties, and Mahmudul Hasan Joy was a fielder. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2001532/taijul-puts-bangladesh-on-brink-of-test-series-win-over-pakistan, 19 May 2026]
#4163
The joint military strikes conducted by Nigeria and the United States in May 2026 primarily targeted militants in which region of Nigeria?
(a) Northeast
(b) Northwest
(c) South-South
(d) None of these
Explanation: The military operations were concentrated in the northeast, a region that has been the epicenter of the extremist insurgency since 2009. While the northwest has experienced violence from criminal gangs, the specific joint strikes against IS leadership occurred in the northeast. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2001567/nigeria-says-joint-strikes-with-us-kill-175-is-fighters, 19 May 2026]
#4164
Who serves as the Prime Minister of Pakistan and issued a statement urging all parties to exercise maximum restraint following regional drone attacks in May 2026?
(a) Nawaz Sharif
(b) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari
(c) Imran Khan
(d) Shehbaz Sharif
Explanation: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif issued a public statement on X condemning the attacks and calling for diplomatic solutions. The other individuals listed are prominent political figures but do not hold the office of Prime Minister as of May 2026. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2001312/pakistan-condemns-drone-strike-on-saudi-arabia-expresses-solidarity-with-riyadh, 18 May 2026]
#4165
Who is the current Defence Minister of Pakistan as of May 18, 2026?
(a) Azam Nazir Tarar
(b) Khawaja Muhammad Asif
(c) Upendra Dwivedi
(d) None of these
Explanation: Khawaja Muhammad Asif is the serving Defence Minister of Pakistan. Azam Nazir Tarar is the Law Minister, and Upendra Dwivedi is the Indian Army Chief. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2001298/india-will-be-relegated-to-history-if-it-attempts-misadventure-against-pakistan, 18 May 2026]
#4166
Who is the Israeli National Security Minister responsible for releasing the controversial video of detained flotilla activists on May 20, 2026?
(a) Benjamin Netanyahu
(b) Gideon Saar
(c) Itamar Ben Gvir
(d) None of these
Explanation: Itamar Ben Gvir is the National Security Minister who posted the footage on his social media account. Benjamin Netanyahu is the Prime Minister, and Gideon Saar is the Foreign Minister, both of whom criticized Ben Gvir's actions. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2001815/monstrous-disgraceful-and-inhumane-israeli-minister-sparks-outcry-over-video-of-bound-flotilla-activists, 20 May 2026]
#4167
Who is the current Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Pakistan who met with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on May 29, 2026?
(a) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari
(b) Mohammad Ishaq Dar
(c) Shah Mehmood Qureshi
(d) None of these
Explanation: Mohammad Ishaq Dar serves as the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Pakistan and conducted the official visit to Washington in May 2026. The other individuals listed are former foreign ministers of Pakistan. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2003632/pakistan-firmly-committed-to-stance-on-palestine-israel-dar-answers-question-on-abraham-accords, 29 May 2026]
#4168
Consider the following statements regarding the diplomatic engagements of May 27, 2026: 1. The Prime Minister discussed the potential for a US-Iran peace deal to unlock economic potential. 2. The Malaysian Prime Minister described Pakistan's role in the Gulf ceasefire as remarkable. 3. The Kuwaiti leadership expressed reservations regarding Pakistan's mediation efforts. 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 diplomatic exchanges. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Kuwaiti leadership was reported to be fully supportive of Pakistan's mediation efforts, not reserved. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2003497/us-iran-peace-deal-could-benefit-entire-region-pm-tells-pezeshkian-in-eid-call, 27 May 2026]
#4169
Who was the captain of the Australian cricket team during the 2026 ODI series against Pakistan?
(a) Josh Inglis
(b) Adam Zampa
(c) Nathan Ellis
(d) None of these
Explanation: Josh Inglis served as the captain for the Australian side throughout the three-match ODI series. Adam Zampa and Nathan Ellis were members of the squad but did not hold the captaincy. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2005169/pakistan-upstage-australia-for-2-1-odi-series-win, 04 Jun 2026]
#4170
Who currently serves as the United States Secretary of State as of May 27, 2026?
(a) Mike Pompeo
(b) Marco Rubio
(c) Antony Blinken
(d) None of these
Explanation: Marco Rubio is identified as the US Secretary of State in the report regarding the cabinet meeting. Other options are either former secretaries or not currently serving in that capacity. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2003490/trump-cabinet-looks-forward-to-progress-on-iran-deal-in-coming-hours-days, 27 May 2026]
#4171
Which Malaysian leader appreciated Pakistan's role in the ceasefire in the Gulf during a conversation on May 27, 2026?
(a) Mahathir Mohamad
(b) Anwar Ibrahim
(c) Ismail Sabri Yaakob
(d) Muhyiddin Yassin
Explanation: Malaysian Prime Minister Dr. Anwar Ibrahim held a telephonic conversation with PM Shehbaz Sharif to appreciate Pakistan's role in the Gulf ceasefire. The other options represent former Malaysian leaders who were not involved in this specific diplomatic exchange. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2003497/us-iran-peace-deal-could-benefit-entire-region-pm-tells-pezeshkian-in-eid-call, 27 May 2026]
#4172
Who was elected as the President of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in 2026?
(a) Andreas S. Kakouris
(b) Khalilur Rahman
(c) Ishaq Dar
(d) None of these
Explanation: Khalilur Rahman, the Foreign Minister of Bangladesh, was elected to the UNGA presidency for the 2026-2027 session. Andreas S. Kakouris was the opposing candidate from Cyprus. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2004697/bangladesh-elected-president-of-un-general-assembly-in-closely-contested-vote, 02 Jun 2026]
#4173
Who currently serves as the Finance Minister of Pakistan involved in the 2026-27 budget consultations?
(a) Ishaq Dar
(b) Muhammad Aurangzeb
(c) Bilal Azhar Kayani
(d) None of these
Explanation: Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb is the incumbent Finance Minister. Ishaq Dar serves as the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, while Bilal Azhar Kayani is a Minister of State. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2004970/another-meeting-expected-as-pml-n-ppp-continue-budget-discussions-ahead-of-june-10-presentation, 03 Jun 2026]
#4174
What is the primary purpose of Standing Order No 02/2026 introduced by the FIA?
(a) To increase visa fees for students
(b) To ban all travel to high-risk countries
(c) To establish an appeal and review mechanism for offloaded passengers
(d) To authorize the use of blue passports for all citizens
Explanation: Standing Order No 02/2026 was introduced to provide a formal appeal and review process for passengers who are offloaded, ensuring that supervisory scrutiny and documented reasons are mandatory. This serves as an accountability mechanism for the agency's enforcement actions. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2006395/fia-disciplines-over-100-officials-over-human-smuggling-links-since-greece-boat-tragedy, 09 Jun 2026]
#4175
Who is the current Director General of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) as of 2026?
(a) Dr. Usman Anwar
(b) Dr. Moeed Yusuf
(c) Dr. Faisal Sultan
(d) None of these
Explanation: Dr. Usman Anwar is the Director General of the FIA who briefed the National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Interior and Narcotics Control regarding anti-smuggling measures. The other names are not associated with this specific leadership role in the provided context. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2006395/fia-disciplines-over-100-officials-over-human-smuggling-links-since-greece-boat-tragedy, 09 Jun 2026]
#4176
Who is the current US Secretary of State who testified before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on June 2, 2026?
(a) Antony Blinken
(b) Marco Rubio
(c) Mike Pompeo
(d) None of these
Explanation: Marco Rubio is the current US Secretary of State who appeared before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on June 2, 2026, to discuss the State Department's budget and the ongoing conflict with Iran. Antony Blinken and Mike Pompeo are former Secretaries of State. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2004681/iran-willing-to-negotiate-aspects-of-nuclear-programme-rubio-says-amid-escalating-scrutiny-over-war, 02 Jun 2026]
#4177
Who is the current Chairman of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) who addressed the media regarding the Gilgit-Baltistan election results on June 8, 2026?
(a) Imran Khan
(b) Barrister Gohar Ali Khan
(c) Mehmood Khan Achakzai
(d) None of these
Explanation: Barrister Gohar Ali Khan is the current Chairman of the PTI and led the party's response to the Gilgit-Baltistan election results. Imran Khan is the founding leader, but Gohar Ali Khan is the official Chairman who addressed the press conference. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2006146/action-replay-of-2024-elections-pti-ttap-reject-gb-election-results-level-rigging-allegations, 08 Jun 2026]
#4178
General Shaikh Mohammad bin Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa, who visited Pakistan on June 9, 2026, holds which of the following positions?
(a) Commander of the Bahrain National Guard
(b) Chief of the Bahrain Defence Force
(c) Minister of Interior of Bahrain
(d) None of these
Explanation: General Shaikh Mohammad bin Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa is the Commander of the Bahrain National Guard. The other options represent different military or government roles within the Kingdom of Bahrain. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2006391/bahrain-commander-meets-cdf-munir-discusses-strengthening-military-collaboration-ispr, 09 Jun 2026]
#4179
Who is the current Finance Minister of Pakistan responsible for presenting the federal budget for FY2026-27?
(a) Ishaq Dar
(b) Muhammad Aurangzeb
(c) Shaukat Tarin
(d) None of these
Explanation: Muhammad Aurangzeb is the incumbent Finance Minister tasked with presenting the federal budget. Ishaq Dar and Shaukat Tarin are former finance ministers and serve as incorrect distractors. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2006648/finance-minister-aurangzeb-to-present-budget-for-fy2026-27-on-june-12, 10 Jun 2026]
#4180
Which of the following statements regarding the 2026 Gilgit-Baltistan election results is INCORRECT?
(a) The PPP won 11 seats in the assembly.
(b) The IPP won 16 seats during the initial general elections.
(c) The PML-N decided to sit on the opposition benches.
(d) The PML-N pledged to vote in favor of the PPP for government formation.
Explanation: The IPP did not win any seats during the initial general elections; they fielded 16 candidates but none were successful. The party only gained representation later when four independent winners joined them. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2008336/four-independents-join-aleem-khans-istehkam-i-pakistan-party-in-gilgit-baltistan, 16 Jun 2026]