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.
#521
Who is the current Finance Minister of Pakistan responsible for presenting the federal budget for FY2026-27?
(a) Ishaq Dar
(b) Muhammad Aurangzeb
(c) Shaukat Tarin
(d) None of these
Explanation: Muhammad Aurangzeb is the incumbent Finance Minister tasked with presenting the federal budget. Ishaq Dar and Shaukat Tarin are former finance ministers and serve as incorrect distractors. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2006648/finance-minister-aurangzeb-to-present-budget-for-fy2026-27-on-june-12, 10 Jun 2026]
#522
Consider the following statements about the parliamentary sessions summoned in June 2026: 1. The President summoned both the National Assembly and the Senate to meet on June 10, 2026. 2. The federal budget for the fiscal year 2026-27 was scheduled to be presented in Parliament on June 10, 2026. 3. The National Economic Council meeting was postponed multiple times prior to the budget session. 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 both houses were summoned for June 10. Statement 2 is incorrect because, while the sessions were summoned on June 10, the budget presentation was expected on June 12. Statement 3 is correct as the NEC meeting faced multiple postponements due to negotiations over provincial shares. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2006413/president-zardari-summons-na-senate-sessions-on-june-10, 09 Jun 2026]
#523
Consider the following statements about the federal budget for FY2026-27: 1. The budget presentation is scheduled for June 12, 2026. 2. Provincial shares from the federal divisible pool are proposed to be increased significantly. 3. The government aims to cover an estimated Rs800 billion revenue shortfall.
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) All three
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct regarding the date. Statement 3 is correct regarding the revenue shortfall. Statement 2 is incorrect because the agreement stipulates that provincial shares will remain frozen at the current fiscal year's position. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2006648/finance-minister-aurangzeb-to-present-budget-for-fy2026-27-on-june-12, 10 Jun 2026]
#524
What is the new price of high-speed diesel (HSD) per litre following the government's announcement on July 10, 2026?
(a) Rs310.71
(b) Rs458.41
(c) Rs281.00
(d) Rs323.30
Explanation: The government increased the price of high-speed diesel to Rs323.30 per litre. Rs310.71 is the current price of petrol, while the other figures represent historical price points. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2014423/govt-raises-petrol-price-by-rs1318-diesel-by-rs1380, 10 Jul 2026]
#525
Following the price adjustment on July 17, 2026, what is the new price of petrol per litre?
(a) Rs316.15
(b) Rs266.00
(c) Rs354.35
(d) Rs458.41
Explanation: The price of petrol was set at Rs316.15 per litre following the increase. Rs354.35 is the new price for high-speed diesel. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016247/govt-increases-petrol-price-by-rs544-diesel-by-rs3105-per-litre-for-next-three-days, 17 Jul 2026]
#526
The total savings identified for the quarterly tariff adjustment (QTA) refund in 2026 amount to approximately:
(a) Rs42 billion
(b) Rs54 billion
(c) Rs74 billion
(d) Rs64 billion
Explanation: The total savings accrued for the first quarter of 2026, which are being passed on to consumers, amount to approximately Rs64 billion. This figure is derived from savings in capacity charges, market operator fees, and other operational adjustments. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1998087/power-consumers-to-get-rs175-per-unit-relief-over-next-3-months, 06 May 2026]
#527
Which of the following statements regarding the 2026 electricity tariff adjustment is INCORRECT?
(a) The relief applies to all 11 Discos and K-Electric.
(b) The negative QTA is permanent and will not be subject to future fuel cost adjustments.
(c) The relief is based on savings from the first quarter of 2026.
(d) The relief period covers June, July, and August 2026.
Explanation: The negative QTA is a temporary adjustment for three months and does not preclude future monthly fuel cost adjustments (FCAs). FCAs remain an automatic mechanism to pass on fuel price variations to consumers. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1998087/power-consumers-to-get-rs175-per-unit-relief-over-next-3-months, 06 May 2026]
#528
Which distribution company reported the highest savings leading to the QTA refund in 2026?
(a) Lahore Electric Supply Company
(b) Islamabad Electric Supply Company
(c) Faisalabad Electric Supply Company
(d) None of these
Explanation: Faisalabad Electric Supply Company (FESCO) leads the savings list with Rs10.45 billion, followed by Hyderabad Electric Supply Company. None of these is incorrect because FESCO is explicitly identified as the leader. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1998087/power-consumers-to-get-rs175-per-unit-relief-over-next-3-months, 06 May 2026]
#529
Consider the following statements about the 2026 electricity tariff adjustments: 1. The negative QTA is intended to replace a previous positive QTA of 42 paisa per unit. 2. The savings are primarily driven by lower capacity charges paid to power producers. 3. The relief is applicable to all consumers, including those under the special incremental consumption package. 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 and 2 are correct as the negative QTA replaces the 42 paisa positive QTA and is driven by capacity charge savings. Statement 3 is incorrect because the QTA does not apply to eligible consumers under the special tariff package for incremental consumption. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1998087/power-consumers-to-get-rs175-per-unit-relief-over-next-3-months, 06 May 2026]
#530
Who received Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif upon his arrival in Saudi Arabia on April 15, 2026?
(a) Prince Faisal bin Farhan
(b) Prince Saud bin Mushaal bin Abdulaziz
(c) Prince Khalid bin Salman
(d) Prince Bandar bin Sultan
Explanation: Prince Saud bin Mushaal bin Abdulaziz, the Deputy Governor of the Makkah Region, was among the officials who received the Prime Minister. The other princes listed were not mentioned as part of the reception committee. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1991908/pm-shehbaz-meets-saudi-crown-prince-in-jeddah-dar-says-avenues-to-further-enhance-cooperation-discussed, 15 Apr 2026]
#531
During the 2026 Spring Meetings, Finance Minister Aurangzeb discussed the development of capital markets with the Managing Director of which organization?
(a) International Finance Corporation (IFC)
(b) Asian Development Bank (ADB)
(c) Islamic Development Bank (IsDB)
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Finance Minister held a separate meeting with IFC Managing Director Makhtar Diop to discuss capital market development and private sector investment. The ADB and IsDB are distinct institutions not mentioned in the context of this specific request. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1991419/in-meeting-with-wb-vice-president-aurangzeb-calls-for-enhanced-technical-support-for-debt-management, 13 Apr 2026]
#532
Consider the following statements about the diplomatic visit of the Prime Minister in April 2026: 1. The visit to Saudi Arabia and Qatar was conducted in a bilateral context. 2. The Prime Minister is expected to hold a meeting with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Turkiye. 3. The delegation included the Information Minister and the Special Assistant to the Prime Minister.
(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 official reports regarding the Prime Minister's diplomatic tour. The visits to Saudi Arabia and Qatar were bilateral, the meeting with President Erdogan was planned for the Antalya Diplomacy Forum, and the delegation included both the Information Minister and the SAPM. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1991908/pm-shehbaz-meets-saudi-crown-prince-in-jeddah-dar-says-avenues-to-further-enhance-cooperation-discussed, 15 Apr 2026]
#533
Which of the following institutions is a multilateral development partner mentioned for engagement during the 2026 visit?
(a) Federal Reserve Bank
(b) European Central Bank
(c) Bank of England
(d) Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB)
Explanation: The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) is a multilateral development bank that works alongside the World Bank and IMF. The other options are central banks or national institutions not categorized as multilateral development partners in this context. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1990747/aurangzeb-departs-for-us-to-participate-in-imf-wb-meetings, 11 Apr 2026]
#534
Consider the following statements about the meeting between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia on April 10, 2026: 1. The Prime Minister recalled a recent telephone conversation with the Crown Prince. 2. The meeting focused exclusively on military procurement and defense hardware. 3. The Saudi Finance Minister reaffirmed the resolve to strengthen fraternal bonds.
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) All three
Explanation: Statement 1 and 3 are factually correct based on the official readout. Statement 2 is incorrect because the meeting focused on trade, investment, and economic development, not exclusively on military procurement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1990567/in-meeting-with-saudi-finance-minister-pm-emphasises-strong-commitment-to-expanding-cooperation-in-all-spheres, 10 Apr 2026]
#535
Consider the following statements about the 2026 visit of the Finance Minister to the US: 1. The visit includes participation in the G-24 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors’ Meetings. 2. The Finance Minister is scheduled to address the Atlantic Council. 3. The primary objective of the visit is to secure immediate debt forgiveness from the World Bank. 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 regarding the itinerary. Statement 3 is incorrect because the stated objective is to discuss the reform agenda and strengthen economic cooperation, not to secure debt forgiveness. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1990747/aurangzeb-departs-for-us-to-participate-in-imf-wb-meetings, 11 Apr 2026]
#536
Which of the following global credit rating agencies is the Finance Minister expected to interact with during the 2026 visit?
(a) Fitch Ratings
(b) Morningstar
(c) Kroll Bond Rating Agency
(d) None of these
Explanation: Fitch Ratings, along with Moody's and S&P Global, are the major credit rating agencies mentioned for engagement. Morningstar and Kroll are not listed as part of the scheduled high-level interactions. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1990747/aurangzeb-departs-for-us-to-participate-in-imf-wb-meetings, 11 Apr 2026]
#537
Which of the following statements regarding the meeting on April 10, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The meeting took place at the Prime Minister House.
(b) The Chief of Army Staff attended the meeting.
(c) The Prime Minister expressed appreciation for Saudi Arabia's economic support.
(d) The Saudi Finance Minister was on a three-day official visit to Pakistan.
Explanation: The Saudi Finance Minister was on a one-day visit, not a three-day visit. The other statements accurately reflect the details of the event. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1990567/in-meeting-with-saudi-finance-minister-pm-emphasises-strong-commitment-to-expanding-cooperation-in-all-spheres, 10 Apr 2026]
#538
Which official shared the notification for the new fuel prices on X on April 10, 2026?
(a) Shehbaz Sharif
(b) Asim Munir
(c) Ishaq Dar
(d) None of these
Explanation: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar shared the official notification regarding the new fuel prices on the platform X. While the Prime Minister announced the policy, the notification was shared by the Foreign Minister. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1990554/govt-reduces-petrol-price-by-rs12-per-litre-hsd-by-rs135, 10 Apr 2026]
#539
Who visited Islamabad on April 10, 2026, to meet with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif regarding bilateral cooperation?
(a) Mohammed bin Abdullah al Jadaan
(b) Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud
(c) Khalid bin Abdulaziz Al Saud
(d) None of these
Explanation: Mohammed bin Abdullah al Jadaan is the Saudi Finance Minister who conducted a one-day visit to Islamabad on the specified date. Faisal bin Farhan is the Foreign Minister, making him a plausible but incorrect distractor. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1990567/in-meeting-with-saudi-finance-minister-pm-emphasises-strong-commitment-to-expanding-cooperation-in-all-spheres, 10 Apr 2026]
#540
Which of the following statements regarding the government's fuel price policy on April 10, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The government decided to discontinue all targeted subsidy initiatives immediately.
(b) The Prime Minister rejected the recommendation to only partially pass on the relief to the public.
(c) The price of kerosene was reduced by Rs17.33 per litre.
(d) The price of light diesel oil was reduced to Rs369.72 per litre.
Explanation: The government explicitly stated that targeted subsidy initiatives would not be discontinued. Options A, B, and D are factually correct statements regarding the policy announcement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1990554/govt-reduces-petrol-price-by-rs12-per-litre-hsd-by-rs135, 10 Apr 2026]