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.
#5121
Which of the following statements regarding the July 2026 US-Iran conflict is INCORRECT?
(a) The United States paused its strikes after nearly two weeks of consecutive nightly bombardments.
(b) Iran offered to broker talks between the Houthi rebels and Riyadh.
(c) The conflict has remained strictly confined to the Strait of Hormuz and has not expanded to other regional fronts.
(d) US President Donald Trump threatened a much higher level of strikes against Iran.
Explanation: The conflict has expanded beyond the Strait of Hormuz to include attacks on US bases, regional shipping, and Houthi-led operations in Yemen. Therefore, the statement that it remained strictly confined is false. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018487/us-holds-fire-against-iran-as-reports-of-concerns-over-of-dwindling-munitions-emerge, 26 Jul 2026]
#5122
Consider the following statements about the situation in the West Bank as of July 26, 2026: 1. Violence in the West Bank has intensified since the start of the Gaza conflict in October 2023. 2. At least 1,097 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli troops or settlers since the start of the Gaza assault. 3. The Israeli military has officially declared all settler activities in the West Bank as illegal under international law. 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 provided data. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Israeli government does not classify its own settlements as illegal; rather, they are considered illegal under international law by the global community. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018507/israeli-settlers-torch-2-mosques-in-west-bank-palestinian-officials, 26 Jul 2026]
#5123
Which regional group claimed to have downed a Saudi drone over the northwest of Yemen in July 2026?
(a) Houthi rebels
(b) Hezbollah
(c) Al-Qaeda
(d) Islamic State
Explanation: Houthi rebels reported downing a Saudi drone over Yemen and claimed responsibility for attacks on Saudi Aramco facilities in Jizan and Yanbu. The other groups listed are not involved in this specific operational theater. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018487/us-holds-fire-against-iran-as-reports-of-concerns-over-dwindling-munitions-emerge, 26 Jul 2026]
#5124
Consider the following statements about the conflict as of July 26, 2026: 1. The conflict has lasted for nearly five months. 2. Iran has officially declared that it will permanently dismantle its missile program. 3. The US military had prepared a plan for a 14th night of strikes before opting for a pause. 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 conflict is nearing its fifth month. Statement 3 is correct as the Pentagon had presented a plan for a 14th night of strikes. Statement 2 is incorrect because Iran has only halted retaliatory attacks, not dismantled its missile program. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018487/iran-says-middle-east-attacks-halted-after-us-holds-fire-amid-reported-concerns-over-dwindling-munitions, 26 Jul 2026]
#5125
Who is the official spokesperson for the Iranian army who announced the halt of retaliatory operations on July 26, 2026?
(a) Abbas Araghchi
(b) Mohammad Akraminia
(c) Dan Caine
(d) None of these
Explanation: Mohammad Akraminia is the identified army spokesperson who confirmed that Iran ceased its retaliatory operations following the US pause. Abbas Araghchi is the Foreign Minister, and Dan Caine is a US general. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018487/iran-says-middle-east-attacks-halted-after-us-holds-fire-amid-reported-concerns-over-dwindling-munitions, 26 Jul 2026]
#5126
Consider the following statements about the security situation in Gaza as of 2026: 1. The International Stabilisation Force is authorized to operate in all areas of Gaza regardless of Israeli control. 2. Israel has indicated plans to expand its area of military control to 70 percent of the enclave. 3. The Board of Peace is planning a pilot humanitarian zone to initiate the peace framework.
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) All three
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect because the force is intended to deploy only in areas not under Israeli control, and each contingent requires individual Israeli approval. Statements 2 and 3 are factually accurate according to the current status of the peace plan and Israeli military policy. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018568/israel-to-allow-international-force-into-gaza-israeli-official-says, 26 Jul 2026]
#5127
Which of the following statements regarding the July 26, 2026, Caspian Sea incident is INCORRECT?
(a) Iran admitted to providing military cargo to Russia via the Caspian Sea.
(b) The attack resulted in the death of one sailor.
(c) Ukraine claimed the strike targeted vessels under international sanctions.
(d) The Iranian foreign ministry summoned the Ukrainian charge d'affaires.
Explanation: Iran explicitly asserted that it has never intervened in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, making the claim that it admitted to transporting military cargo factually incorrect. The other three statements accurately reflect the reported details of the event. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018502/iran-accuses-ukraine-of-deadly-attack-on-ship-in-caspian-sea, 26 Jul 2026]
#5128
Consider the following statements about the July 26, 2026, Caspian Sea incident: 1. The attack involved the use of long-range drone strikes. 2. The Iranian vessel was reported to have exploded following the strike. 3. The Ukrainian President denied that any military cargo was being transported by the targeted vessels. 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 accurate based on the reports of the drone strikes and the resulting explosion. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Ukrainian President and intelligence services explicitly claimed the vessels were involved in transporting military cargo. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018502/iran-accuses-ukraine-of-deadly-attack-on-ship-in-caspian-sea, 26 Jul 2026]
#5129
Who was appointed as the new Supreme Leader of Iran following the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in 2026?
(a) Mojtaba Khamenei
(b) Ali Larijani
(c) Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf
(d) Yousef Pezeshkian
Explanation: Mojtaba Khamenei was named the new Supreme Leader by the Assembly of Experts following the assassination of his father. Ali Larijani and Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf are mentioned as figures expected to handle government and military affairs, respectively, rather than the supreme leadership. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980913/irans-new-supreme-leader-injured-but-safe-says-presidents-son, 11 Mar 2026]
#5130
The initial air strike that resulted in the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei occurred on which date in 2026?
(a) March 11
(b) February 28
(c) March 10
(d) August 12
Explanation: The air strike that killed the former Supreme Leader and his family members took place on February 28, 2026. March 11 is the date of the report regarding the current leader's status. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980913/irans-new-supreme-leader-injured-but-safe-says-presidents-son, 11 Mar 2026]
#5131
Consider the following statements about the transition of power in Iran in 2026: 1. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) pledged allegiance to the new Supreme Leader. 2. Analysts expect the new leader to delegate significant government and war-related responsibilities to other officials. 3. The United States government officially recognized the legitimacy of the new Supreme Leader immediately upon his appointment.
(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 IRGC pledged support and analysts expect delegation of duties. Statement 3 is incorrect because the US President explicitly warned that the new leader would be 'unacceptable' without US approval. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980913/irans-new-supreme-leader-injured-but-safe-says-presidents-son, 11 Mar 2026]
#5132
In July 2026, Israel announced the redeployment of forces in which region as part of US-backed agreements?
(a) The Golan Heights
(b) The West Bank
(c) Southern Lebanon
(d) Sinai Peninsula
Explanation: On July 21, 2026, Israel announced the redeployment of some of its forces in southern Lebanon. This action was taken in accordance with agreements reached with Lebanese authorities. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018884/iran-tops-agenda-as-netanyahu-due-to-meet-trump, 28 Jul 2026]
#5133
Which of the following statements regarding the Pentagon's casualty reporting as of July 28, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The Pentagon revised figures by removing four names from the death toll of Operation Epic Fury.
(b) The Pentagon officially confirmed that all casualty revisions were due to intentional data manipulation.
(c) The Pentagon attributed 207 wounded personnel to 'Overseas Operations'.
(d) The Pentagon spokesman described the shifting figures as temporary data disruptions.
Explanation: The Pentagon did not admit to intentional manipulation; rather, a spokesman described the shifting figures as 'temporary data disruptions'. The other statements accurately reflect the reported events. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018883/over-600-us-troops-wounded-since-iran-war-began, 28 Jul 2026]
#5134
On July 28, 2026, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu traveled to Washington to meet with which US President?
(a) Joe Biden
(b) Donald Trump
(c) Barack Obama
(d) None of these
Explanation: Benjamin Netanyahu traveled to Washington in July 2026 for his eighth meeting with Donald Trump since Trump returned to office. The meeting was scheduled to address regional security concerns, particularly regarding Iran. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018884/iran-tops-agenda-as-netanyahu-due-to-meet-trump, 28 Jul 2026]
#5135
In April 2026, Iran announced a temporary ceasefire of what duration with the United States?
(a) One week
(b) One month
(c) Two weeks
(d) Three months
Explanation: The Iranian leadership confirmed a two-week ceasefire with the United States in April 2026, intended to facilitate potential peace negotiations. This duration was explicitly mentioned in the state-broadcast message. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1990308/in-written-message-iran-supreme-leader-says-tehran-does-not-seek-war-but-will-not-renounce-legitimate-rights, 09 Apr 2026]
#5136
Prior to the July 28, 2026 incident, when did the previous shooting occur at the same US Consulate building in Toronto?
(a) January 10, 2026
(b) February 10, 2026
(c) April 10, 2026
(d) March 10, 2026
Explanation: The previous shooting incident at the US Consulate in Toronto occurred on March 10, 2026. This event was also linked to broader security concerns in the Toronto area. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018887/shot-fired-outside-us-consulate-in-toronto, 28 Jul 2026]
#5137
The resignation of the Indian Education Minister in July 2026 was primarily triggered by failures in which sector?
(a) Competitive examination systems
(b) Agricultural subsidies
(c) Public healthcare infrastructure
(d) Foreign trade policy
Explanation: The resignation followed repeated failures and paper leaks in competitive exams, such as the NEET, which caused widespread anger among students. The other options are unrelated to the specific portfolio of the Education Minister. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018741/indias-cockroach-janta-party-demands-release-of-protesters-after-reports-of-detention, 27 Jul 2026]
#5138
What was the primary reason cited by the Israeli military for the road closures and increased security measures in the West Bank during July 2026?
(a) A counterterrorism operation
(b) A scheduled military training exercise
(c) The construction of a new separation wall
(d) A diplomatic visit by international observers
Explanation: The Israeli military initiated a counterterrorism operation across the West Bank following a deadly clash between settlers and Palestinians in the village of Tell. This operation resulted in the road closures that obstructed the ambulance. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018891/checkpoint-delay-leads-to-stillbirth-in-west-bank, 28 Jul 2026]
#5139
Which of the following statements regarding the security incident at the US Consulate on July 28, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The incident resulted in multiple injuries to consulate staff.
(b) Police found evidence of a weapon having been fired.
(c) The incident occurred in downtown Toronto.
(d) A white sedan was seen fleeing the scene.
Explanation: The report explicitly stated that there were no injuries reported during the incident. Therefore, the statement claiming there were multiple injuries is false. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018887/shot-fired-outside-us-consulate-in-toronto, 28 Jul 2026]
#5140
Which of the following statements regarding the ambulance incident on July 28, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The pregnant woman was six months pregnant at the time of the incident.
(b) The ambulance crew was forced to switch off their vehicle at gunpoint.
(c) The ambulance crew had their identity cards confiscated by soldiers.
(d) The baby was delivered successfully in the hospital after the checkpoint delay.
Explanation: The baby was delivered inside the ambulance while it was stranded at the checkpoint and was unfortunately stillborn. Options A, B, and D are factually accurate descriptions of the events reported. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018891/checkpoint-delay-leads-to-stillbirth-in-west-bank, 28 Jul 2026]