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.
#4301
In the context of the 2026 diplomatic milestones, how many years have passed since the establishment of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China?
(a) 70 years
(b) 75 years
(c) 80 years
(d) 65 years
Explanation: The Chinese Defence Ministry spokesperson noted that the friendship has spanned 75 years since the establishment of formal diplomatic ties. This figure is a specific historical marker cited in the official briefing. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2003567/pakistan-china-agree-to-deepen-military-cooperation-chinese-defense-ministry, 28 May 2026]
#4302
Consider the following statements about the joint statement issued on April 23, 2026: 1. The ministers condemned the raising of the Israeli flag within the courtyards of Al-Aqsa Mosque. 2. The statement cited the 2024 advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice regarding illegal settlements. 3. The ministers declared that the Al-Aqsa compound is a place of worship exclusively for Muslims. 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 joint statement. The ministers condemned the flag-raising, referenced the 2024 ICJ advisory opinion, and reiterated the exclusive status of the site for Muslim worship. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1994444/pakistan-7-other-muslim-nations-reject-attempts-to-alter-historic-legal-status-quo-in-jerusalem-at-its-holy-sites, 23 Apr 2026]
#4303
Through which gate did the illegal settlers enter the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound on April 21, 2026?
(a) Jaffa Gate
(b) Mughrabi Gate
(c) Damascus Gate
(d) None of these
Explanation: The report confirms that the settlers forced their way into the site through the Mughrabi Gate under police protection. Other gates listed are historical entrances to the Old City of Jerusalem but were not the site of this specific breach. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1993856/reprehensible-pakistan-condemns-storming-of-al-aqsa-mosque-compound-raising-of-israeli-flag-in-its-courtyard, 21 Apr 2026]
#4304
Which military measure did the United States maintain despite the extension of the ceasefire in April 2026?
(a) The deployment of ground troops to the border
(b) A total air exclusion zone over Tehran
(c) A naval blockade of Iranian ports
(d) The imposition of a complete telecommunications blackout
Explanation: While the ceasefire was extended to allow for diplomatic negotiations, the United States explicitly stated that the naval blockade of Iranian ports would remain in place. This distinguishes the ceasefire from a total cessation of all hostile military posturing. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1993810/at-the-request-of-cdf-munir-pm-shehbaz-trump-announces-extension-in-ceasefire-until-iran-submits-proposal, 21 Apr 2026]
#4305
Who requested the extension of the US-Iran ceasefire from President Donald Trump in April 2026?
(a) Shehbaz Sharif and Asim Munir
(b) Ishaq Dar and Natalie Baker
(c) Attaullah Tarar and JD Vance
(d) None of these
Explanation: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir formally requested the extension to facilitate ongoing diplomatic efforts. The request was acknowledged by President Trump on his social media platform. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1993810/at-the-request-of-cdf-munir-pm-shehbaz-trump-announces-extension-in-ceasefire-until-iran-submits-proposal, 21 Apr 2026]
#4306
Which of the following statements regarding the diplomatic developments in April 2026 is INCORRECT?
(a) The original ceasefire agreement was brokered by Pakistan.
(b) President Trump announced the ceasefire extension on his Truth Social platform.
(c) Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif publicly thanked President Trump for the extension.
(d) The United States immediately lifted the naval blockade upon announcing the ceasefire extension.
Explanation: The statement that the naval blockade was lifted is incorrect, as the United States explicitly maintained the blockade despite the ceasefire extension. The other three statements are factually accurate regarding the events of April 2026. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1993810/at-the-request-of-cdf-munir-pm-shehbaz-trump-announces-extension-in-ceasefire-until-iran-submits-proposal, 21 Apr 2026]
#4307
Who is the designated US Special Envoy expected to lead the engagement with Iran as per the 2026 diplomatic developments?
(a) Steve Witkoff
(b) Henry Kissinger
(c) Abbas Araghchi
(d) None of these
Explanation: Steve Witkoff is identified as the US Special Envoy tasked with leading the engagement. Henry Kissinger is a historical figure associated with past US-China diplomacy, and Abbas Araghchi is the Iranian Foreign Minister. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1985071/islamabad-offers-to-host-us-iran-climbdown-effort, 25 Mar 2026]
#4308
Who led the Iranian delegation that visited Islamabad on April 25, 2026?
(a) Reza Amiri Moghadam
(b) Abbas Araghchi
(c) Ishaq Dar
(d) None of these
Explanation: Abbas Araghchi is the Foreign Minister of Iran who led the delegation to Pakistan. Reza Amiri Moghadam is the Iranian Ambassador to Pakistan, and Ishaq Dar is the Deputy Prime Minister of Pakistan. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1994958/iranian-delegation-led-by-araghchi-leaves-after-meeting-pm-cdf-munir-trump-cancels-us-envoys-visit, 25 Apr 2026]
#4309
Which of the following statements regarding the US-Iran diplomatic process in April 2026 is INCORRECT?
(a) The first round of talks in Islamabad ended without a formal agreement
(b) The US president confirmed that future talks would be held remotely
(c) The US president expressed respect for Pakistan's mediatory role
(d) The ceasefire brokered by Pakistan was immediately abandoned after the first round of talks
Explanation: The ceasefire brokered by Pakistan was not abandoned; rather, it was extended by the US president until a unified proposal is submitted. Therefore, the statement claiming it was abandoned is incorrect. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1995275/great-respect-for-pakistan-and-they-will-stay-involved-but-we-are-going-to-do-it-by-phone-trump-on-iran-talks, 26 Apr 2026]
#4310
Consider the following statements about the legislative and diplomatic context of the 2026 US push against transnational repression: 1. The legislation aims to make transnational repression a specific federal crime for the first time. 2. The bill grants the FBI expanded authority to investigate foreign efforts to suppress dissent on American soil. 3. The legislation is exclusively focused on activities conducted by non-state actors and private intelligence firms. 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 bill targets foreign government-led repression and expands federal investigative powers. Statement 3 is incorrect because the legislation specifically targets efforts by foreign governments, not just non-state actors. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017401/india-scrutiny-fuels-us-push-to-criminalise-foreign-repression, 22 Jul 2026]
#4311
Which US government entity is tasked with a strengthened role in pursuing cases of transnational repression under the proposed 2026 legislation?
(a) Department of Homeland Security
(b) Central Intelligence Agency
(c) National Security Division of the Justice Department
(d) None of these
Explanation: The bill specifically empowers the US Justice Department’s National Security Division and the Assistant Attorney General for National Security to lead the prosecution of these cases. The CIA is an intelligence agency, not a prosecutorial body. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017401/india-scrutiny-fuels-us-push-to-criminalise-foreign-repression, 22 Jul 2026]
#4312
The 'Stop Transnational Repression Act of 2026' was introduced in the United States by which of the following pairs of senators?
(a) Adam Schiff and John Curtis
(b) Chuck Schumer and Mitch McConnell
(c) Bernie Sanders and Ted Cruz
(d) None of these
Explanation: The legislation was sponsored by Democratic Senator Adam Schiff and Republican Senator John Curtis to address foreign government intimidation on US soil. Other pairs listed are prominent political figures but were not the sponsors of this specific bill. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017401/india-scrutiny-fuels-us-push-to-criminalise-foreign-repression, 22 Jul 2026]
#4313
Which Turkish official received Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif upon his arrival at Istanbul's Ataturk Airport on July 3, 2026?
(a) Minister of Trade Professor Dr Omer Bolat
(b) Minister of Foreign Affairs Hakan Fidan
(c) Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Alparslan Bayraktar
(d) None of these
Explanation: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was officially received by the Turkish Minister of Trade, Professor Dr Omer Bolat, alongside Pakistan's Ambassador to Turkiye, Dr Yusuf Junaid. Other options represent high-ranking Turkish officials who were not the primary designated greeters at the airport. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2012743/pm-shehbaz-arrives-in-turkiye-on-official-visit, 03 Jul 2026]
#4314
What is the standard maximum initial admission period for foreign journalists (excluding those from China) under the 2026 DHS rule?
(a) 240 days
(b) 180 days
(c) 365 days
(d) 480 days
Explanation: The regulation establishes a 240-day limit for most foreign journalists, replacing the previous 'duration of status' system. This allows the government to conduct periodic reviews of visa holders. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016518/trump-administration-finalises-overhaul-of-foreign-journalists-visas-ends-duration-of-status-system, 18 Jul 2026]
#4315
During his visit to Istanbul on July 4, 2026, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Recep Tayyip Erdogan set a bilateral trade target of:
(a) $1 billion
(b) $3 billion
(c) $10 billion
(d) $5 billion
Explanation: The leaders identified a target of $5 billion in bilateral trade as a key objective to unlock the full potential of the economic partnership. This figure represents the mutually agreed goal discussed during the official visit. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2012929/two-hearts-with-one-soul-pm-shehbaz-says-pak-turkiye-economic-partnership-entering-a-new-phase, 04 Jul 2026]
#4316
Who is the current Interior Minister of Pakistan who held talks with his Iranian counterpart in July 2026?
(a) Rana Sanaullah
(b) Mohsin Naqvi
(c) Sheikh Rashid Ahmed
(d) None of these
Explanation: Mohsin Naqvi is the serving Interior Minister of Pakistan who hosted the Iranian delegation. Rana Sanaullah and Sheikh Rashid are former interior ministers, making them incorrect. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017481/pakistan-ready-to-extend-cooperation-with-iran-in-all-fields-naqvi-tells-iranian-counterpart, 22 Jul 2026]
#4317
Which of the following areas was NOT explicitly mentioned as a focus for enhanced cooperation between Pakistan and Iran during the July 2026 meetings?
(a) Nuclear energy technology transfer
(b) Prevention of illegal immigration
(c) Counter-terrorism
(d) Counter-narcotics
Explanation: The discussions focused on security, trade, and infrastructure, specifically counter-terrorism, immigration, and narcotics. Nuclear energy technology transfer was not part of the official agenda. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017481/pakistan-ready-to-extend-cooperation-with-iran-in-all-fields-naqvi-tells-iranian-counterpart, 22 Jul 2026]
#4318
Which business group did Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif meet with during his official visit to Turkiye on July 4, 2026?
(a) Sabanci Holding
(b) Koc Holding
(c) Albayrak Group
(d) Dogus Group
Explanation: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a meeting with a business delegation led by the Chairman of the Albayrak Group, Ahmet Albayrak, to discuss investment opportunities. The other options are major Turkish conglomerates not mentioned in the context of this specific meeting. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2012929/two-hearts-with-one-soul-pm-shehbaz-says-pak-turkiye-economic-partnership-entering-a-new-phase, 04 Jul 2026]
#4319
All of the following are key areas of cooperation discussed between Pakistan and Turkiye during the July 4, 2026, visit EXCEPT:
(a) Industrial cooperation
(b) Space exploration
(c) Investment
(d) Bilateral trade
Explanation: The leaders specifically emphasized trade, investment, and industrial cooperation as the pillars of the new phase of their economic partnership. Space exploration was not mentioned as a focus area in the official discussions. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2012929/two-hearts-with-one-soul-pm-shehbaz-says-pak-turkiye-economic-partnership-entering-a-new-phase, 04 Jul 2026]
#4320
Who is the Foreign Minister of Kuwait who visited Pakistan in July 2026?
(a) Sheikh Sabah Al-Khalid Al-Sabah
(b) Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah
(c) Sheikh Ahmad Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Sabah
(d) Sheikh Salem Abdullah Al-Jaber Al-Sabah
Explanation: Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah is the Kuwaiti Foreign Minister who undertook the official visit to Pakistan in July 2026. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40432027/kuwaiti-foreign-minister-to-visit-pakistan-on-tuesday-fo, 27 Jul 2026]