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.
#5041
Who served as the Director of the National Counterterrorism Centre before resigning on March 17, 2026?
(a) Tulsi Gabbard
(b) Joseph Kent
(c) Donald Trump
(d) None of these
Explanation: Joseph Kent resigned from his position as the Director of the National Counterterrorism Centre to protest the US-Israeli war against Iran. Tulsi Gabbard is the Director of National Intelligence, not the NCTC Director. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1983065/iran-posed-no-imminent-threat-to-our-nation-senior-us-counter-terrorism-official-resigns-to-protest-mideast-war, 17 Mar 2026]
#5042
Arrange the following events concerning Pakistan’s internal security, foreign policy, and technological advancements in the order they appear in the August 1, 2026 digest:
(a) Martyrdom of Major in North Waziristan; Google AI tool launch; PM support for Gaza Peace Plan; Broad Peak search operation
(b) Broad Peak search operation; PM support for Gaza Peace Plan; Google AI tool launch; Martyrdom of Major in North Waziristan
(c) Martyrdom of Major in North Waziristan; PM support for Gaza Peace Plan; Google AI tool launch; Broad Peak search operation
(d) Broad Peak search operation; Martyrdom of Major in North Waziristan; PM support for Gaza Peace Plan; Google AI tool launch
Explanation: While all events share the same date of August 1, 2026, their sequence in the news cycle corresponds to the order in the provided event pool. The order follows the operational search on Broad Peak, international policy stances on Gaza, technological integration by Google, and security updates from North Waziristan. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40432862/drones-deployed-to-locate-missing-climbers-as-search-operation-enters-second-day]
#5043
The diplomatic discussions held by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on March 20, 2026, were primarily focused on which of the following objectives?
(a) Economic trade agreements
(b) Military alliance formation
(c) Climate change cooperation
(d) Regional de-escalation
Explanation: The primary focus of the calls with leaders from Azerbaijan, Malaysia, and Uzbekistan was the urgent need for de-escalation of hostilities in Iran and the Gulf region. While bilateral ties were mentioned, the core objective was conflict resolution through diplomacy. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1984038/calls-for-de-escalation-in-middle-east-as-pm-shehbaz-speaks-to-several-world-leaders, 20 Mar 2026]
#5044
Who served as the Interim President of Venezuela during the earthquake disaster of June 2026?
(a) Juan Guaido
(b) Nicolas Maduro
(c) Delcy Rodriguez
(d) Henrique Capriles
Explanation: Delcy Rodriguez provided official updates on the casualty figures and the government's rescue efforts following the seismic events. She is the primary official cited in the response to the disaster. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2010737/thousands-feared-dead-in-venezuela-after-two-major-earthquakes-world-sends-aid-rescue-teams, 25 Jun 2026]
#5045
Which of the following statements regarding the Torkham border incident on March 12, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The humanitarian pause lasted until the body was successfully retrieved.
(b) The body was identified by Afghan authorities as an Afghan national.
(c) Both sides utilized white flags during the meeting at the Zero Point.
(d) The Pakistani delegation included local figures such as Mufti Ejaz and Shah Khalid.
Explanation: The statement that the body was successfully retrieved is incorrect, as the retrieval failed due to the expiration of the deadline and administrative delays. The other statements are factually accurate. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981371/brief-pause-in-fighting-between-pak-afghan-forces-to-identify-retrieve-body-at-torkham, 12 Mar 2026]
#5046
What is the name of the military operation launched by Pakistan in late February 2026 following cross-border firing?
(a) Operation Zarb-e-Azb
(b) Operation Radd-ul-Fasaad
(c) Operation Khyber-Shield
(d) Operation Ghazab lil-Haq
Explanation: Operation Ghazab lil-Haq was initiated by Pakistan in response to unprovoked firing from across the border. The other options refer to historical or hypothetical military operations. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981371/brief-pause-in-fighting-between-pak-afghan-forces-to-identify-retrieve-body-at-torkham, 12 Mar 2026]
#5047
What was the age of the suspect, Kamal Singh Jamwal, at the time of his arrest on March 12, 2026?
(a) 53 years
(b) 73 years
(c) 63 years
(d) 83 years
Explanation: Official reports identified the attacker as a 63-year-old man. He claimed to have been planning the attack for approximately two decades. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981258/man-arrested-after-attempt-on-life-of-former-occupied-kashmir-cm-farooq-abdullah, 12 Mar 2026]
#5048
Consider the following statements about the security incident on March 12, 2026: 1. The suspect claimed to have been planning the attack for nearly twenty years. 2. Farooq Abdullah was serving as the incumbent Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir at the time of the attack. 3. The weapon used by the assailant was recovered by security forces. 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 suspect cited a twenty-year plan. Statement 2 is incorrect because Farooq Abdullah is a former Chief Minister, not the incumbent. Statement 3 is correct as the firearm was recovered from the suspect. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981258/man-arrested-after-attempt-on-life-of-former-occupied-kashmir-cm-farooq-abdullah, 12 Mar 2026]
#5049
Which of the following statements regarding the March 12, 2026, incident is INCORRECT?
(a) Multiple congregants were confirmed dead inside the synagogue.
(b) The gunman was killed during the exchange of fire with security.
(c) The Jewish Federation of Detroit placed agencies in lockdown.
(d) Law enforcement had been on high alert for potential threats.
Explanation: It was reported that no individuals were confirmed hurt except for the shooter. Therefore, the statement claiming multiple congregants were killed is false. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981410/gunman-dead-after-attack-on-michigan-synagogue, 12 Mar 2026]
#5050
Consider the following statements about the diplomatic visit of March 12, 2026: 1. The visit was undertaken at the invitation of the Saudi Crown Prince. 2. The discussions focused exclusively on bilateral trade agreements. 3. Pakistan expressed its full solidarity with Saudi Arabia regarding the current regional security challenges. 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 visit was at the invitation of the Crown Prince. Statement 3 is correct regarding the expression of solidarity. Statement 2 is incorrect because the discussions focused on regional security and the ongoing conflict, not exclusively on trade. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981279/as-war-in-middle-east-escalates-pm-shehbaz-departs-on-brief-visit-to-saudi-arabia, 12 Mar 2026]
#5051
Which official held a meeting with Saudi Defence Minister Khalid bin Salman Al Saud on March 7, 2026, to discuss regional security?
(a) Asim Munir
(b) Ahmad Farooq
(c) Tahir Andrabi
(d) Syed Mustafa Rabani
Explanation: Field Marshal Asim Munir visited Saudi Arabia on March 7, 2026, to meet with the Saudi Defence Minister regarding the security situation. The other individuals listed are diplomats or spokespersons. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981279/as-war-in-middle-east-escalates-pm-shehbaz-departs-on-brief-visit-to-saudi-arabia, 12 Mar 2026]
#5052
Who accompanied Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif during his official visit to Saudi Arabia on March 12, 2026?
(a) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari
(b) Ishaq Dar
(c) Khawaja Asif
(d) None of these
Explanation: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar accompanied the Prime Minister to Saudi Arabia. Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and Khawaja Asif were not mentioned as part of this specific delegation. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981279/as-war-in-middle-east-escalates-pm-shehbaz-departs-on-brief-visit-to-saudi-arabia, 12 Mar 2026]
#5053
Consider the following statements about the energy crisis in South Asia as of March 11, 2026: 1. India is the world's fourth-largest buyer of liquefied natural gas (LNG). 2. Bangladesh has deployed police to patrol filling stations to maintain order. 3. The restaurant industry in India is predominantly dependent on commercial LPG for operations. 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. India's status as a major LNG buyer, the deployment of police in Bangladesh, and the reliance of the Indian restaurant sector on commercial LPG are all confirmed details. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980784/troops-guard-bangladesh-depots-after-oil-riots, 11 Mar 2026]
#5054
Consider the following statements about the security incident in Michigan: 1. The incident occurred on March 12, 2026. 2. The shooter was identified as a member of a known extremist group. 3. The Oakland County Sheriff confirmed that security personnel engaged the shooter in gunfire. 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 event occurred on March 12, 2026. Statement 3 is correct as the Sheriff confirmed security engaged the shooter. Statement 2 is incorrect because the shooter was described as an unidentified individual, not a member of a specific extremist group. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981410/gunman-dead-after-attack-on-michigan-synagogue, 12 Mar 2026]
#5055
In which area of Jammu did the assassination attempt on Farooq Abdullah occur on March 12, 2026?
(a) Greater Kailash
(b) Purani Mandi
(c) Royal Park
(d) None of these
Explanation: The incident took place at a wedding ceremony located in the Greater Kailash area of Jammu. While Royal Park is mentioned as the specific venue, Greater Kailash is the broader area identified in reports. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981258/man-arrested-after-attempt-on-life-of-former-occupied-kashmir-cm-farooq-abdullah, 12 Mar 2026]
#5056
Consider the following statements about the Board of Peace (BoP) and the Gaza reconstruction plan: 1. The BoP was formally established in January 2026. 2. The pilot camp is intended to be established in the buffer zone near Rafah. 3. The UN Security Council resolution authorizing the BoP was adopted in early 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 BoP was established in January 2026. Statement 2 is correct as the pilot camp is planned for the buffer zone near Rafah. Statement 3 is incorrect because the UN Security Council resolution was adopted in mid-November of the previous year (2025), not in 2026. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2015988/gaza-reconstruction-plan-under-trumps-board-of-peace-reduced-to-pilot-project-british-publication, 16 Jul 2026]
#5057
Which of the following is NOT a category of Iranian military targets struck by the United States as of July 23, 2026?
(a) Coastal surveillance sites
(b) Missile and drone storage facilities
(c) Air defense assets
(d) Commercial oil refineries
Explanation: The United States Central Command specified that strikes targeted military capabilities, including air defense, surveillance, and storage facilities. Commercial oil refineries were not listed as targets in the official military report. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017740/houthis-attack-saudi-tankers-in-red-sea-as-us-strikes-iran-for-12th-consecutive-day, 23 Jul 2026]
#5058
On 2026-07-23, the Foreign Office of Pakistan issued a formal condemnation regarding threats posed by which group against Saudi Arabia and Red Sea shipping?
(a) Al-Shabaab
(b) Houthi militia
(c) Hezbollah
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Foreign Office issued a statement on 2026-07-23 specifically condemning the Houthi militia for their threats against Saudi Arabia and commercial shipping. Other groups like Al-Shabaab or Hezbollah were not the subject of this specific diplomatic communication. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431372/fo-slams-houthi-threats-against-ksa-shipping, 23 Jul 2026]
#5059
Who is the current Prime Minister of Lebanon as of July 2026?
(a) Nawaf Salam
(b) Joseph Aoun
(c) Abbas Yaghi
(d) Saad Hariri
Explanation: Nawaf Salam is identified as the Prime Minister of Lebanon who visited the town of Zawtar al-Gharbiya following the Israeli withdrawal. Joseph Aoun is mentioned as the President of Lebanon in the same context. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017639/lebanon-israel-to-hold-next-round-of-talks-in-italy-on-aug-4, 23 Jul 2026]
#5060
Consider the following statements about the maritime security situation on July 23, 2026: 1. The Houthis claimed that the targeted tankers had violated a naval blockade. 2. The United States Central Command reported the redirection of nine commercial vessels to prevent Iranian port access. 3. The Saudi Arabian government confirmed that the crew of the Encelia suffered multiple casualties during the attack. 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 reports from the Houthis and US Central Command. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Saudi authorities explicitly stated that all crew members were safe and no casualties were reported. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017740/houthis-attack-saudi-tankers-in-red-sea-as-us-strikes-iran-for-12th-consecutive-day, 23 Jul 2026]