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.
#4501
Which media organization's X accounts were banned by the UAE in March 2026?
(a) Al-Arabiya
(b) Al-Jazeera
(c) Sky News Arabia
(d) Asharq News
Explanation: The UAE banned the X accounts of the Saudi-owned television network Al-Arabiya in March 2026 during a period of heightened diplomatic tension. This action was a notable example of the friction that the July 2026 social media posts sought to address. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017482/saudi-uae-ministers-use-social-media-to-signal-unity-after-months-of-tension, 22 Jul 2026]
#4502
Who represented the United States at the 2026 ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting?
(a) Antony Blinken
(b) Marco Rubio
(c) Jake Sullivan
(d) None of these
Explanation: Marco Rubio attended the meeting in his capacity as the US Secretary of State. Antony Blinken is a former official, making him an incorrect choice. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017513/rubio-holds-talks-with-chinas-wang-yi-as-regional-powers-join-asean-meeting, 22 Jul 2026]
#4503
On July 22, 2026, which strategic waterway did the Houthi rebels threaten to block, impacting commercial shipping to Saudi Arabia?
(a) Bab el-Mandeb Strait
(b) Strait of Hormuz
(c) Suez Canal
(d) Malacca Strait
Explanation: The Houthi rebels specifically threatened the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, which serves as a critical gateway to the Red Sea. While the Strait of Hormuz is also a vital maritime chokepoint, the current threat cited in the report pertains to the Red Sea access. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017517/pakistan-condemns-houthis-threats-to-saudi-arabia-commercial-shipping-in-red-sea, 22 Jul 2026]
#4504
In January 2026, India and the UAE signed a deal worth how much for the purchase of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG)?
(a) 1 billion dollars
(b) 2 billion dollars
(c) 4 billion dollars
(d) 3 billion dollars
Explanation: In January 2026, New Delhi and Abu Dhabi finalized a $3 billion agreement for India to procure LNG from the UAE. This deal preceded the broader strategic defence framework established in May. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2000469/india-uae-agree-on-framework-for-strategic-defence-partnership-during-modi-visit, 15 May 2026]
#4505
Consider the following statements about the 2026 ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting: 1. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio blamed Iran for the lack of progress in Middle East peace talks. 2. China accused the Philippines of engaging in deliberate provocations in the South China Sea. 3. The meeting was attended exclusively by ASEAN member states. 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 discourse at the meeting. Statement 3 is incorrect because the meeting was also attended by non-ASEAN nations such as Britain, Canada, India, Japan, Russia, and South Korea. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017513/rubio-holds-talks-with-chinas-wang-yi-as-regional-powers-join-asean-meeting, 22 Jul 2026]
#4506
Who is the chairman of the UAE National Media Authority who participated in the synchronized social media messaging on July 22, 2026?
(a) Anwar Gargash
(b) Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan
(c) Abdulla bin Mohammed Alhamed
(d) Mohammed Baharoon
Explanation: Abdulla bin Mohammed Alhamed serves as the chairman of the UAE National Media Authority and coordinated the messaging with his Saudi counterpart. Anwar Gargash is a diplomatic adviser, and Sheikh Mansour is the Vice President of the UAE. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017482/saudi-uae-ministers-use-social-media-to-signal-unity-after-months-of-tension, 22 Jul 2026]
#4507
On July 22, 2026, which Saudi official shared a social media post emphasizing the shared history and fraternal ties between Saudi Arabia and the UAE?
(a) Salman Al-Dosary
(b) Khalid bin-Salman
(c) Turki Alalshikh
(d) None of these
Explanation: Salman Al-Dosary, the Saudi Minister of Media, issued a post on X affirming the deep-rooted relationship between the two nations. While Khalid bin-Salman and Turki Alalshikh were involved in the broader social media campaign, Al-Dosary was the specific minister identified as issuing the statement on media relations. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017482/saudi-uae-ministers-use-social-media-to-signal-unity-after-months-of-tension, 22 Jul 2026]
#4508
During the visit on May 15, 2026, India and the UAE agreed to explore increasing ADNOC's crude oil storage capacity in India to how many million barrels?
(a) 30 million
(b) 20 million
(c) 10 million
(d) 40 million
Explanation: The agreement between India and the UAE includes a provision for ADNOC to potentially increase its crude oil storage in India to 30 million barrels. This initiative is part of a broader effort to strengthen India's strategic petroleum reserves. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2000469/india-uae-agree-on-framework-for-strategic-defence-partnership-during-modi-visit, 15 May 2026]
#4509
According to the Foreign Office statement issued on July 22, 2026, what is the primary justification for Pakistan's potential use of force?
(a) To expand regional influence
(b) To secure oil supply routes for global markets
(c) To enforce a blockade on Iranian ports
(d) To protect its maritime assets and national interests
Explanation: The Foreign Office explicitly stated that Pakistan reserves the right to use force in self-defense to protect its maritime assets and national interests. This is consistent with the United Nations Charter and international law. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017517/pakistan-condemns-houthis-threats-to-saudi-arabia-commercial-shipping-in-red-sea, 22 Jul 2026]
#4510
Consider the following statements about the regional security situation as of July 22, 2026: 1. The Houthi rebels are aligned with Iran in the ongoing Middle East conflict. 2. The 2022 truce between the Houthis and Saudi Arabia has been fully respected by all parties without any recent violations. 3. Pakistan has invoked its defense pact with Saudi Arabia through diplomatic intervention to deter Iranian strikes. 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 Houthis are aligned with Iran. Statement 2 is incorrect because the report notes that the 2022 truce has been threatened by recent exchanges of fire. Statement 3 is correct as Pakistan previously invoked the defense pact in March to deter strikes. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017517/pakistan-condemns-houthis-threats-to-saudi-arabia-commercial-shipping-in-red-sea, 22 Jul 2026]
#4511
Which of the following statements regarding the China-Pakistan meeting on May 25, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) President Xi described the bilateral friendship as unbreakable.
(b) The meeting took place at the Great Hall of the People.
(c) The Prime Minister arrived in Beijing directly from Islamabad without any stopovers.
(d) The leaders discussed the concept of a community with a shared future.
Explanation: The statement is incorrect because the Prime Minister made a stop in Hangzhou before reaching Beijing. The other options accurately reflect the details provided in the diplomatic report. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2002979/chinas-xi-hails-unbreakable-ties-praises-pakistans-role-in-iran-peace-efforts-as-he-meets-pm-shehbaz, 25 May 2026]
#4512
According to the official stance reiterated by Pakistan in May 2026, what is the primary condition for any change in Islamabad's policy toward Israel?
(a) The signing of the Abraham Accords
(b) The establishment of an independent Palestinian state
(c) The conclusion of the war with Iran
(d) The withdrawal of US forces from the Middle East
Explanation: Pakistan maintains that normalization with Israel is contingent upon the establishment of an independent Palestinian state. The Abraham Accords are the specific agreements Pakistan has declined to join under current conditions. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2003632/pakistan-firmly-committed-to-stance-on-palestine-israel-dar-answers-question-on-abraham-accords, 29 May 2026]
#4513
The diplomatic engagement between Ishaq Dar and Marco Rubio on May 28, 2026, primarily focuses on reviewing bilateral relations and addressing which regional conflict?
(a) US-China trade war
(b) US-Iran war
(c) Russia-Ukraine conflict
(d) Israel-Palestine conflict
Explanation: The visit is framed within the context of Islamabad's efforts to negotiate a peace pact to end the ongoing US-Israeli war with Iran. Other conflicts mentioned in the options are not the primary focus of this specific diplomatic mission. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2003563/dar-to-meet-rubio-in-washington-tomorrow-fo, 28 May 2026]
#4514
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]
#4515
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]
#4516
Consider the following statements regarding the diplomatic developments mentioned on May 25, 2026: 1. The US is seeking to link the Iran peace deal to the expansion of the Abraham Accords. 2. Many nations targeted by the US demand have historically prioritized a two-state solution before normalizing relations with Israel. 3. Senator Lindsey Graham suggested that refusing to join the Abraham Accords would have no impact on future relationships with the US. 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 diplomatic context provided. Statement 3 is incorrect because Senator Graham explicitly warned that refusal to join would lead to 'severe repercussions' and make the peace proposal 'unacceptable'. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2003043/trump-demands-widespread-sign-up-to-abraham-accords-as-part-of-iran-peace-deal, 25 May 2026]
#4517
Consider the following statements regarding the diplomatic engagements of May 2026: 1. The US State Department acknowledged Pakistan's constructive role in mediating tensions between Iran and the United States. 2. The meeting between Ishaq Dar and Marco Rubio focused exclusively on the Abraham Accords. 3. The US Secretary of State expressed condolences for a terrorist attack that occurred in Quetta.
(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 acknowledged Pakistan's mediation efforts. Statement 3 is correct as Rubio expressed condolences for the Quetta attack. Statement 2 is incorrect because the meeting covered a broader range of bilateral cooperation and regional security issues, not just the Abraham Accords. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2003632/pakistan-firmly-committed-to-stance-on-palestine-israel-dar-answers-question-on-abraham-accords, 29 May 2026]
#4518
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]
#4519
Consider the following statements about the China-Pakistan diplomatic engagement on May 25, 2026: 1. The two leaders discussed building a community with a shared future in the new era. 2. Pakistan's mediation efforts were focused on the conflict between Washington and Tehran. 3. The visit was part of a short one-day trip to China. 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 they align with the official discourse on regional peace and the specific mediation role mentioned. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Prime Minister's visit was a four-day official trip, not a one-day trip. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2002979/chinas-xi-hails-unbreakable-ties-praises-pakistans-role-in-iran-peace-efforts-as-he-meets-pm-shehbaz, 25 May 2026]
#4520
The year 2026 marks how many years of diplomatic relations between China and Pakistan?
(a) 50 years
(b) 60 years
(c) 80 years
(d) 75 years
Explanation: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif highlighted the 75-year glorious partnership in diplomatic relations during his address. The leadership plans to hold year-long celebrations to commemorate this milestone. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2002979/chinas-xi-hails-unbreakable-ties-praises-pakistans-role-in-iran-peace-efforts-as-he-meets-pm-shehbaz, 25 May 2026]