August 2026 Edition
Start August Quiz
August 2026 Current Affairs MCQs & Solutions
Top national & international current affairs questions for CSS, PMS, FPSC, PPSC, and NTS screening tests.
#4941
Consider the following statements about the conflict as of July 21, 2026: 1. The US military strikes have been ongoing for ten consecutive days. 2. Iran has targeted US infrastructure belonging to the company Amazon in Bahrain. 3. The Iranian Interior Minister visited Islamabad to discuss the conflict with Pakistani leadership. 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 report: the US strikes reached their tenth day, the Revolutionary Guards claimed to have targeted Amazon infrastructure in Bahrain, and the Iranian Interior Minister was in Islamabad for high-level meetings. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017211/iran-targets-american-military-assets-in-gulf-warns-of-more-attacks-as-us-strikes-iran-for-10th-consecutive-day, 21 Jul 2026]
#4942
Which political party is associated with the Chief Minister who led the July 20, 2026, protest in Delhi?
(a) Bharatiya Janata Party
(b) Jammu and Kashmir National Conference
(c) Indian National Congress
(d) Aam Aadmi Party
Explanation: Omar Abdullah is a leader of the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference. The BJP is the ruling party at the federal level that oversaw the 2019 reorganization. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017041/hundreds-protest-in-delhi-demanding-restoration-of-autonomy-for-occupied-kashmir, 20 Jul 2026]
#4943
On July 21, 2026, Iran reported targeting US military assets in which two countries?
(a) Qatar and Saudi Arabia
(b) Kuwait and Bahrain
(c) United Arab Emirates and Oman
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Iranian army confirmed targeting US radar, air defense systems, and administrative buildings located in Kuwait and Bahrain. Other regional states like Qatar or Oman were not identified as the primary sites of these specific retaliatory strikes. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017211/iran-targets-american-military-assets-in-gulf-warns-of-more-attacks-as-us-strikes-iran-for-10th-consecutive-day, 21 Jul 2026]
#4944
According to the Pentagon, approximately how many US service members have been wounded since July 7, 2026?
(a) Nearly 50
(b) Nearly 100
(c) Nearly 150
(d) Nearly 200
Explanation: The Pentagon reported that nearly 100 US service members have sustained injuries, primarily minor concussions, since the onset of the current escalation on July 7, 2026. This figure highlights the intensity of the ongoing military exchanges. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017211/iran-targets-american-military-assets-in-gulf-warns-of-more-attacks-as-us-strikes-iran-for-10th-consecutive-day, 21 Jul 2026]
#4945
Which brokerage house provided analysis regarding the profit-taking observed during the July 21, 2026, trading session?
(a) AKD Securities
(b) Arif Habib Limited
(c) JS Global Capital
(d) Topline Securities Ltd
Explanation: Topline Securities Ltd provided the market commentary noting that the early rally was short-lived due to broad-based profit-taking. While AKD Securities also provided research, the specific observation regarding profit-taking at elevated levels was attributed to Topline. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017214/kse-100-makes-marginal-gains-as-global-energy-uncertainty-weighs-on-early-rally, 21 Jul 2026]
#4946
What was the closing value of the KSE-100 index on July 21, 2026?
(a) 178,370.45
(b) 176,133.56
(c) 177,000.00
(d) None of these
Explanation: The KSE-100 index closed at 176,133.56 points on the specified date. The value 178,370.45 represents the intraday high reached earlier in the session. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017214/kse-100-makes-marginal-gains-as-global-energy-uncertainty-weighs-on-early-rally, 21 Jul 2026]
#4947
The flash floods in Nuristan on July 21, 2026, were primarily caused by which environmental phenomenon?
(a) Tectonic plate shifting
(b) Heavy rainfall and subsequent mudslides
(c) Glacial lake outburst floods
(d) None of these
Explanation: The disaster was triggered by heavy rainfall leading to flash floods and mudslides that brought boulders into the town. While residents compared the sound to an earthquake, it was a hydrological event, not a tectonic one. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017247/afghans-search-for-dozens-missing-some-with-bare-hands-after-devastating-flood-in-nuristan-province, 21 Jul 2026]
#4948
Which of the following statements regarding the status of the Strait of Hormuz as of April 17, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The Strait is open for all commercial vessels for the duration of the ceasefire.
(b) The reopening followed a ceasefire agreement reached in Lebanon.
(c) Iran has agreed to never again use the closure of the Strait as a weapon against the world.
(d) The United States has completely lifted its naval blockade on all ships entering the region.
Explanation: The statement that the US has completely lifted its naval blockade is incorrect; the US explicitly stated that the naval blockade remains in full force and effect specifically for ships sailing to Iranian ports. The other statements accurately reflect the conditions reported on April 17, 2026. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1992627/iran-says-strait-of-hormuz-open-for-commercial-vessels-after-lebanon-deal, 17 Apr 2026]
#4949
On July 21, 2026, which organization deployed volunteers to provide emergency food, water, and tents to flood-affected residents in Nuristan?
(a) Afghan Red Crescent Society
(b) World Food Programme
(c) International Rescue Committee
(d) Doctors Without Borders
Explanation: The Afghan Red Crescent Society confirmed the deployment of dozens of volunteers to assist with immediate humanitarian needs. Other organizations like the WFP or IRC were not cited as the primary responders on the ground in this specific report. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017247/afghans-search-for-dozens-missing-some-with-bare-hands-after-devastating-flood-in-nuristan-province, 21 Jul 2026]
#4950
On April 17, 2026, which Iranian official announced that the Strait of Hormuz was open for commercial vessels?
(a) Abbas Araqchi
(b) Masoud Pezeshkian
(c) Mohammad Bagheri
(d) None of these
Explanation: Abbas Araqchi, the Iranian Foreign Minister, made the official announcement regarding the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz on April 17, 2026. The other individuals listed are not the Foreign Minister who issued this specific statement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1992627/iran-says-strait-of-hormuz-open-for-commercial-vessels-after-lebanon-deal, 17 Apr 2026]
#4951
Consider the following statements about the geopolitical situation in April 2026: 1. The US-Israeli conflict with Iran commenced in February 2026. 2. The United States prohibited Israel from further bombing in Lebanon. 3. The International Monetary Fund warned that a prolonged conflict could lead to a global recession. 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 provided information. The conflict began on February 28, 2026, the US issued a prohibition on further Israeli bombing in Lebanon, and the IMF issued warnings regarding the impact of the conflict on global economic growth. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1992627/iran-says-strait-of-hormuz-open-for-commercial-vessels-after-lebanon-deal, 17 Apr 2026]
#4952
Consider the following statements about the market conditions on July 21, 2026: 1. Brent crude futures rose by 1.8 per cent to $90.84 a barrel. 2. The US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude contract for September delivery rose by 1.8 per cent. 3. Investor sentiment was bolstered by optimism regarding the ongoing earnings season for oil and gas exploration companies. 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 market data reported for the session. Brent crude rose to $90.84, the September WTI contract rose by 1.8 per cent, and analysts specifically cited earnings optimism in the oil and gas sector as a supporting factor for investor sentiment. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017214/kse-100-makes-marginal-gains-as-global-energy-uncertainty-weighs-on-early-rally, 21 Jul 2026]
#4953
Which sector faced significant selling pressure on the PSX on July 21, 2026, due to policy uncertainty?
(a) Cement production
(b) Textile manufacturing
(c) Refinery stocks
(d) Oil and gas exploration
Explanation: Refinery stocks were specifically noted for bearing the brunt of selling pressure due to market speculation regarding potential delays in the implementation of the refinery policy. Other sectors like cement and textiles were actually highlighted as areas where investors expected strong earnings results. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017214/kse-100-makes-marginal-gains-as-global-energy-uncertainty-weighs-on-early-rally, 21 Jul 2026]
#4954
What was the primary geopolitical factor contributing to the rise in global oil prices on July 21, 2026?
(a) Sanctions on Russian energy exports
(b) Threats of a naval blockade by Yemen's Houthis
(c) OPEC production quota adjustments
(d) Disruption in the Suez Canal transit
Explanation: The rise in oil prices was attributed to continued hostilities in the Gulf and specific threats of a naval blockade of Saudi Arabia by Yemen's Houthi forces. This geopolitical instability directly impacted global energy market sentiment. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017214/kse-100-makes-marginal-gains-as-global-energy-uncertainty-weighs-on-early-rally, 21 Jul 2026]
#4955
Which official attended the July 16, 2026, meeting as the Governor of the State Bank of Pakistan?
(a) Tariq Bajwa
(b) Muhammad Aurangzeb
(c) Ahsan Iqbal
(d) Jameel Ahmad
Explanation: Jameel Ahmad is the Governor of the State Bank of Pakistan who attended the meeting. Muhammad Aurangzeb and Ahsan Iqbal were present as Federal Ministers, while Tariq Bajwa attended as a Special Assistant to the Prime Minister. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2015941/pm-shehbaz-warns-renewed-us-iran-conflict-could-hit-economy-again, 16 Jul 2026]
#4956
Which of the following statements regarding the KSE-100 market performance on July 21, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The index closed with a decline of 0.12 per cent.
(b) The market experienced a sharp dip after 12pm.
(c) The index opened the session in the green.
(d) The index reached an intraday high of 178,370.45.
Explanation: The index actually closed with a gain of 0.12 per cent, not a decline. The other three statements accurately describe the market's opening, the timing of the mid-day dip, and the intraday peak. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017214/kse-100-makes-marginal-gains-as-global-energy-uncertainty-weighs-on-early-rally, 21 Jul 2026]
#4957
Which of the following statements regarding the flood situation in Nuristan on July 21, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The military was deployed to support the relief effort.
(b) The United Nations was involved in assessing the disaster.
(c) The death toll was confirmed to be exactly 100 people.
(d) Dozens of shops and buildings were destroyed by the flood.
Explanation: The report stated that 23 people were killed and around 100 were unaccounted for, not that 100 people were confirmed dead. The other statements accurately reflect the relief and damage assessment efforts. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017247/afghans-search-for-dozens-missing-some-with-bare-hands-after-devastating-flood-in-nuristan-province, 21 Jul 2026]
#4958
Which of the following government officials were reported missing following the flash floods in Nuristan on July 21, 2026?
(a) The Provincial Governor
(b) The Mayor of Parun
(c) The Minister of Defense
(d) The Chief of Police
Explanation: The governor's office reported that the mayor of Parun was among those missing after the deluge. The provincial governor was not reported missing, and the defense minister is a national-level official. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017247/afghans-search-for-dozens-missing-some-with-bare-hands-after-devastating-flood-in-nuristan-province, 21 Jul 2026]
#4959
Consider the following statements about the security situation in southern Lebanon as of 2026: 1. The Lebanese military has begun intensifying patrols in villages adjacent to areas occupied by Israeli forces. 2. Hezbollah has fully endorsed the trilateral framework and agreed to immediate disarmament. 3. The pilot zones are intended to trial the security approach before extending it to other regions. 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 military has increased patrols in areas like Froun. Statement 3 is correct as the pilot zones serve as a trial for a broader rollout. Statement 2 is incorrect because Hezbollah has explicitly rejected the framework. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017160/lebanese-army-begins-takeover-of-pilot-zones, 21 Jul 2026]
#4960
What specific directive did Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif issue regarding petroleum products during the meeting on July 16, 2026?
(a) To increase the import of crude oil from regional partners
(b) To privatize the state-owned petroleum distribution network
(c) To take strict action against those creating artificial shortages
(d) To implement a total ban on private vehicle fuel consumption
Explanation: The Prime Minister directed provincial governments to take strict action against entities involved in creating artificial shortages of petroleum products to ensure supply stability. The other options were not part of the stated directives. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2015941/pm-shehbaz-warns-renewed-us-iran-conflict-could-hit-economy-again, 16 Jul 2026]