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.
#5601
Analyze the following statements regarding Pakistan's economic and governance indicators reported on August 11, 2026:
(a) Only 1 and 2 are correct
(b) Only 2 and 3 are correct
(c) Only 1 and 3 are correct
(d) All statements are correct
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect because the automotive sector experienced a 141% surge in sales, not a contraction. Statement 2 is correct regarding the Privitisation Commission's move to outsource major airports. Statement 3 is correct regarding the rise in external remittances to $3.6 billion in July. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2022170/privatisation-commission-approves-financial-adviser-for-outsourcing-karachi-lahore-airports]
#5602
Given the events reported on August 11, 2026, identify the correct chronological order of the following developments as they pertain to the broader Pakistani socio-economic and institutional framework (assuming sequential reporting across regional sectors):
(a) 1. Remittances data release -> 2. Balochistan housing funds controversy -> 3. High Court judicial appointments -> 4. Fuel price adjustments
(b) 1. Balochistan housing funds controversy -> 2. Remittances data release -> 3. Fuel price adjustments -> 4. High Court judicial appointments
(c) 1. High Court judicial appointments -> 2. Fuel price adjustments -> 3. Remittances data release -> 4. Balochistan housing funds controversy
(d) 1. Remittances data release -> 2. Balochistan housing funds controversy -> 3. Fuel price adjustments -> 4. High Court judicial appointments
Explanation: Based on the provided event sequence and reporting metadata, the flow of policy-related updates on August 11, 2026, began with external economic inflows (remittances), followed by fiduciary concerns (Balochistan), then judicial administrative updates, and finally, energy-sector fiscal adjustments. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2022042/remittances-rise-13pc-to-36bn-in-july]
#5603
Consider the following statements regarding policy developments and national events occurring in August 2026: 1. The Sindh Governor has taken steps toward institutional modernization by inaugurating an AI laboratory at an engineering university. 2. The Government of Pakistan has unveiled a roadmap to restructure and unbundle existing gas utility companies into five distinct entities. 3. The national transport sector has announced a nationwide protest action slated to commence on August 8 due to operational grievances.
(a) Only 1 and 2 are correct
(b) Only 2 and 3 are correct
(c) Only 1 and 3 are correct
(d) 1, 2, and 3 are all correct
Explanation: All statements are verified: the Governor of Sindh inaugurated an AI laboratory at SSUET; the government formally proposed restructuring gas utilities SNGPL and SSGCL into five entities; and transport associations have confirmed a nationwide strike beginning August 8. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40433354/nehal-inaugurates-ai-lab-at-ssuet]
#5604
The Foreign Office spokesperson who issued the statement regarding the UAE financial deposits on April 4, 2026, is:
(a) Mumtaz Zahra Baloch
(b) Tahir Andrabi
(c) Asim Iftikhar Ahmad
(d) None of these
Explanation: Tahir Andrabi is the official identified in the report as the Foreign Office spokesperson who clarified that the return of the UAE deposits was a routine financial transaction. The other names are prominent diplomats but were not the source of this specific statement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1988580/fo-rejects-misleading-unfounded-commentary-regarding-financial-deposits-from-uae, 04 Apr 2026]
#5605
Consider the following statements about the impact of rising fuel costs in March 2026: 1. Jet fuel accounts for 30-40% of airline operating expenses. 2. Domestic and international airfares have increased by 30-40% due to fuel costs. 3. The government has decided to permanently abolish the petroleum levy to provide relief to consumers. 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 report. Statement 3 is incorrect because the government has actually protected its petroleum levy targets despite the subsidies provided. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1985067/govt-may-have-to-unfreeze-fuel-prices-amid-global-surge, 25 Mar 2026]
#5606
Which of the following statements regarding the Iranian strikes on July 18, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The IRGC officially confirmed and claimed responsibility for the attacks on Saudi Arabia.
(b) Kuwait International Airport suspended operations due to missile and drone threats.
(c) Iranian missiles struck power facilities and desalination pumps in the city of Jask.
(d) The IRGC claimed to have destroyed a radar facility at Ali Al Salem Air Base.
Explanation: While reports indicated attacks on Saudi Arabia, the IRGC explicitly made no mention of any such operation in their official statements. The other options accurately reflect the reported events of the day. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016426/iran-hits-gulf-states-and-jordan-after-seventh-night-of-us-strikes, 18 Jul 2026]
#5607
Which of the following is NOT a US institution that the Finance Minister is scheduled to engage with during his July 2026 visit?
(a) Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
(b) US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC)
(c) US Export-Import (Exim) Bank
(d) International Monetary Fund (IMF)
Explanation: The Finance Minister's visit focuses on economic and financial institutions; the FBI is a law enforcement agency and is not involved in trade or tariff negotiations. The other three organizations are explicitly mentioned as part of the official itinerary. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016143/finance-minister-to-visit-washington-for-trade-tariff-talks-with-us, 17 Jul 2026]
#5608
The Reserve Bank of Australia is expected to meet in which month following the July 27, 2026, market session?
(a) August 2026
(b) September 2026
(c) October 2026
(d) November 2026
Explanation: The Reserve Bank of Australia was scheduled to meet in August 2026, with investors awaiting inflation data to determine the likelihood of a cash rate hike. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431982/australian-shares-rise-nearly-1-as-middle-east-de-escalation-boosts-sentiment, 27 Jul 2026]
#5609
Consider the following statements about the government's economic response to the 2026 fuel crisis: 1. The government previously rejected multiple recommendations to increase fuel prices in March 2026. 2. The price of high-speed diesel was adjusted to Rs520.35 per litre. 3. The Prime Minister consulted the entire cabinet before finalizing the decision to suspend salaries for six months. 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 government's announcements. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Prime Minister explicitly stated he was unable to consult the cabinet members due to the haste of the decision. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1988282/petrol-price-reduces-to-rs378-per-litre-as-govt-cuts-levy-by-rs80, 03 Apr 2026]
#5610
Who is the current Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Pakistan who invited his Kuwaiti counterpart for an official visit in 2026?
(a) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari
(b) Ishaq Dar
(c) Shah Mehmood Qureshi
(d) None of these
Explanation: Ishaq Dar currently serves as the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Pakistan. He extended the invitation to the Kuwaiti Foreign Minister to discuss bilateral relations. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40432027/kuwaiti-foreign-minister-to-visit-pakistan-on-tuesday-fo, 27 Jul 2026]
#5611
Following the price reduction announced on June 19, 2026, what is the new ex-depot price of petrol per litre?
(a) Rs299.78
(b) Rs311.78
(c) Rs373.78
(d) Rs378.78
Explanation: The new price of petrol was set at Rs299.78 per litre following the Rs74 reduction. Rs311.78 is the new price for high-speed diesel. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2009236/pm-shehbaz-announces-reduction-in-prices-of-petrol-by-rs74-diesel-by-rs67, 19 Jun 2026]
#5612
Consider the following statements about the fuel price situation in 2026: 1. The peak prices for both petrol and diesel were recorded on April 3, 2026. 2. The government reduced the petroleum levy by Rs80 per litre in April 2026 to provide immediate relief. 3. The June 19, 2026, price reduction was attributed to the restoration of energy shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. 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 correct. The peak occurred on April 3, the levy was slashed by Rs80 to provide relief, and the June reduction was linked to the easing of tensions and the restoration of shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2009236/pm-shehbaz-announces-reduction-in-prices-of-petrol-by-rs74-diesel-by-rs67, 19 Jun 2026]
#5613
By what percentage have oil prices increased due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East as of April 2026?
(a) 25 percent
(b) 40 percent
(c) 50 percent
(d) 75 percent
Explanation: The conflict has significantly disrupted energy supplies, leading to a 50 percent increase in oil prices. This surge is a primary driver of the projected global economic slowdown. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1990654/global-growth-to-suffer-due-to-middle-east-war-world-bank-chief, 11 Apr 2026]
#5614
Which index serves as the benchmark for China's large-cap stocks mentioned in the context of the July 27, 2026 market performance?
(a) CSI300 Index
(b) Hang Seng Index
(c) Nikkei 225 Index
(d) KSE100 Index
Explanation: The CSI300 Index is the primary benchmark for large-cap stocks in China. The Hang Seng and Nikkei are indices for Hong Kong and Japan, respectively, while the KSE100 is the benchmark for the Pakistan Stock Exchange. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431979/china-stocks-rise-as-cxmts-debut-surge-revives-interest-in-battered-shares, 27 Jul 2026]
#5615
Who served as the primary mediator for the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding signed on June 18, 2026?
(a) United Nations
(b) Pakistan
(c) European Union
(d) None of these
Explanation: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif acted as the mediator for the agreement between the United States and Iran. The deal was signed in Islamabad, with Pakistan playing a critical role in facilitating the 14-point peace framework. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2008902/landmark-islamabad-mou-to-go-a-long-way-in-rebuilding-iran-pm-shehbaz-tells-pezeshkian, 18 Jun 2026]
#5616
Which Kuwaiti military facility was specifically identified by the IRGC as a target of their missile and drone strikes on July 18, 2026?
(a) Camp Arifjan
(b) Bubiyan Naval Base
(c) Ahmed Al Jaber Air Base
(d) None of these
Explanation: The IRGC explicitly claimed to have struck a US military support center at Camp Arifjan. While other facilities in Kuwait were affected, Camp Arifjan was the specific site named in the context of the IRGC's operational claims. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016426/iran-hits-gulf-states-and-jordan-after-seventh-night-of-us-strikes, 18 Jul 2026]
#5617
Who is the current Finance Minister of Pakistan leading the trade and tariff negotiations in Washington as of July 2026?
(a) Muhammad Aurangzeb
(b) Ishaq Dar
(c) Shaukat Tarin
(d) None of these
Explanation: Muhammad Aurangzeb is the serving Finance Minister who traveled to Washington in July 2026 to engage with US officials regarding trade agreements and tariff structures. The other individuals listed are former finance ministers. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016143/finance-minister-to-visit-washington-for-trade-tariff-talks-with-us, 17 Jul 2026]
#5618
Which of the following is NOT a provision included in the Islamabad MoU signed on June 18, 2026?
(a) Immediate cessation of all Iranian military activities in the region
(b) Lifting of the US blockade on Iranian ports
(c) Reopening of the Strait of Hormuz
(d) Waiver of oil sanctions crippling the Iranian economy
Explanation: The agreement focuses on ending the war, reopening the Strait of Hormuz, and lifting economic sanctions. There is no provision in the text regarding a total cessation of all Iranian military activities, making the incorrect statement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2008902/landmark-islamabad-mou-to-go-a-long-way-in-rebuilding-iran-pm-shehbaz-tells-pezeshkian, 18 Jun 2026]
#5619
Which political leader met with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on June 13, 2026, following parliamentary debates?
(a) Asad Qaiser
(b) Amir Dogar
(c) Ahsan Iqbal
(d) Mehmood Khan Achakzai
Explanation: Mehmood Khan Achakzai, the Opposition Leader, held a meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on the Saturday preceding the June 14, 2026, report. The other individuals mentioned are active participants in the National Assembly debates but were not the primary interlocutors in this specific meeting. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2007773/info-minister-invites-opposition-to-sign-charter-of-economy-defends-proposed-fy27-budget, 14 Jun 2026]
#5620
Which of the following statements regarding the Senate debate on June 17, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) Senator Rana Mahmoodul Hassan demanded a separate South Punjab province.
(b) Senator Agha Shahzeb Durrani praised the PTI government's handling of the FBR.
(c) Senator Abid Sher Ali defended the current government's economic management.
(d) Senator Abdul Qadir criticized the influence of Independent Power Producers.
Explanation: Senator Agha Shahzeb Durrani actually alleged that the PTI had posted corrupt officers to the FBR, which the current government subsequently removed. Therefore, the statement that he praised the PTI's handling of the FBR is incorrect. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2008601/ppp-lawmaker-calls-for-separate-south-punjab-province-in-senate, 17 Jun 2026]