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.
#5641
Following the announcement on April 2, 2026, what is the new price of high-speed diesel (HSD) per litre?
(a) Rs458.40
(b) Rs520.35
(c) Rs457.80
(d) None of these
Explanation: The government officially raised the price of high-speed diesel to Rs520.35 per litre. Rs458.40 refers to the new price of petrol, while Rs457.80 is the price of kerosene. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1987901/govt-hikes-petrol-price-to-rs458-per-litre-hsd-price-to-rs520-per-litre, 02 Apr 2026]
#5642
Which Iranian official serves as the secretary of the Supreme National Security Council and attended the Quds Day rally in Tehran on March 13, 2026?
(a) Masoud Pezeshkian
(b) Abbas Araghchi
(c) Ali Larijani
(d) Esmaeil Baqaei
Explanation: Ali Larijani is the secretary of the Supreme National Security Council who addressed the rally. Masoud Pezeshkian is the President, and Abbas Araghchi is the Foreign Minister, making them incorrect choices. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981719/deadly-blast-rocks-iran-as-leaders-rally-in-show-of-defiance, 13 Mar 2026]
#5643
Which of the following statements regarding the conflict events on March 13, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) Explosions occurred in Tehran near a pro-government rally.
(b) Iran launched a fresh salvo of missiles at Israel.
(c) The head of the judiciary was interviewed during a blast.
(d) The US military confirmed the capture of Tehran's central square.
Explanation: There is no report of the US military capturing Tehran's central square. The other three options are explicitly mentioned as occurring on that day. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981719/deadly-blast-rocks-iran-as-leaders-rally-in-show-of-defiance, 13 Mar 2026]
#5644
Consider the following statements about the conflict developments as of March 13, 2026: 1. The US Defence Secretary stated that over 15,000 targets have been struck since the war began. 2. Sirens were reported at Turkey's Incirlik airbase, a facility housing US troops. 3. Iran's Revolutionary Guards have promised to welcome all anti-government protests to foster national unity. 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 3 is incorrect because the Revolutionary Guards warned that protests would be met with a stronger response, not welcomed. Statements 1 and 2 are factually accurate based on the report. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981719/deadly-blast-rocks-iran-as-leaders-rally-in-show-of-defiance, 13 Mar 2026]
#5645
Consider the following statements about the security and operational status of the Saindak mine: 1. The government of Pakistan received security concerns from the mine operator in early July 2026. 2. China's foreign ministry stated it was fully aware of the specific security disruptions at the mine site. 3. Operation Shaban is a high-intensity counterterrorism campaign launched in response to attacks in Balochistan. 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 government received concerns in early July. Statement 3 is correct regarding the nature of Operation Shaban. Statement 2 is incorrect because China's foreign ministry stated it was unaware of the specific situation at the mine. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2015683/authorities-increasing-security-around-saindak-copper-and-gold-mine-in-balochistan-minister, 15 Jul 2026]
#5646
Who is the European Union’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy scheduled to visit Islamabad on June 1, 2026?
(a) Josep Borrell
(b) Charles Michel
(c) Ursula von der Leyen
(d) Kaja Kallas
Explanation: Kaja Kallas serves as the EU's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and is the official designated to lead the 8th EU-Pakistan Strategic Dialogue. Josep Borrell is a former holder of this office, making him a common distractor. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2003965/eus-top-diplomat-kallas-to-visit-islamabad-on-june-1-for-strategic-dialogue, 30 May 2026]
#5647
Which regulatory body issued the notification regarding the reduction in the price of kerosene on May 29, 2026?
(a) State Bank of Pakistan
(b) Federal Board of Revenue
(c) Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) is the designated body responsible for issuing notifications regarding petroleum product price changes in Pakistan. The State Bank and FBR do not manage retail fuel price notifications. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2003697/govt-cuts-petrol-diesel-prices-by-rs22, 29 May 2026]
#5648
Consider the following statements about the EU-Pakistan diplomatic engagement in 2026: 1. The 8th round of the EU-Pakistan Strategic Dialogue was co-chaired by Ishaq Dar and Kaja Kallas. 2. The Prime Minister invited the Presidents of the European Council and the European Commission to visit Pakistan. 3. The EU High Representative described Pakistan as a minor regional power with limited strategic influence. 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 correct as they reflect the official proceedings and invitations extended by the Prime Minister. Statement 3 is incorrect because Kaja Kallas explicitly referred to Pakistan as a 'major regional power' and an 'important partner'. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2004340/pm-reaffirms-eu-ties-thanks-kallas-for-support-for-gulf-peace-efforts, 01 Jun 2026]
#5649
During the Pakistan-China Pharmaceutical and Healthcare B2B Investment Conference held on July 17, 2026, the signed agreements were valued at approximately:
(a) $440 million
(b) $340 million
(c) $240 million
(d) $540 million
Explanation: The conference in Islamabad resulted in agreements between Pakistani and Chinese firms in the healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors valued at nearly $440 million. This investment is viewed as a significant step toward advancing CPEC 2.0. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016208/security-of-chinese-in-pakistan-paramount-for-us-says-pm-shehbaz, 17 Jul 2026]
#5650
Which of the following is NOT a primary focus area mentioned in the March 2026 high-level meetings regarding national strategy?
(a) Institutional harmony
(b) Constitutional amendment drafting
(c) Energy supply pressures
(d) Regional security environment
Explanation: The meetings focused on national security, economic challenges, energy costs, and regional stability. Constitutional amendment drafting was not a stated agenda item for these specific consultative meetings. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1986837/president-zardari-pm-shehbaz-review-regional-situation-implications-for-pakistan, 30 Mar 2026]
#5651
Which of the following statements regarding the May 2026 fuel price reduction is INCORRECT?
(a) The price of petrol was reduced by Rs22 per litre.
(b) The price of kerosene remained unchanged at its previous level.
(c) The price of high-speed diesel was reduced by Rs22 per litre.
(d) The Prime Minister's Office announced the relief measures.
Explanation: The statement that kerosene prices remained unchanged is incorrect, as the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority explicitly reduced the price of kerosene from Rs313.44 to Rs272. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2003697/govt-cuts-petrol-diesel-prices-by-rs22, 29 May 2026]
#5652
The government aims to generate how many new jobs in the fiscal year 2026-27?
(a) 1.1 million
(b) 2.0 million
(c) 1.5 million
(d) 2.5 million
Explanation: The macroeconomic framework targets the creation of two million new jobs in FY2026-27. This is expected to be achieved through increased public and private investment. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2004391/4pc-growth-target-set-for-fy2026-27-as-macroeconomic-framework-sent-to-economic-council-for-approval, 01 Jun 2026]
#5653
Consider the following statements about the March 2026 high-level meetings: 1. The leadership emphasized the need for a coordinated national strategy and institutional harmony. 2. The Prime Minister repeatedly rejected proposals to increase oil prices to provide relief to the public. 3. The meeting was briefed on the upcoming diplomatic visit of the Foreign Minister to Washington. 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 stated policy of austerity and price management. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Foreign Minister's upcoming visit mentioned in the report was to Beijing, not Washington. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1986837/president-zardari-pm-shehbaz-review-regional-situation-implications-for-pakistan, 30 Mar 2026]
#5654
Which of the following sectors was specifically highlighted for enhanced collaboration between Pakistan and China during the July 2026 meeting?
(a) Textile manufacturing
(b) Artificial intelligence
(c) Agricultural exports
(d) None of these
Explanation: The joint statement emphasized advancing high-quality development under CPEC 2.0, specifically mentioning collaboration in trade, investment, science and technology, the digital economy, and artificial intelligence. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016159/china-and-pakistan-call-on-us-iran-to-resume-talks-cease-hostilities, 17 Jul 2026]
#5655
Which of the following is NOT a sector-specific growth target mentioned for FY2026-27?
(a) Information and communication growth of 9.5%
(b) Large-scale manufacturing growth of 4.5%
(c) Services sector growth of 4.2%
(d) Agriculture sector growth of 3.8%
Explanation: The target for the information and communication sector is 7.7%, not 9.5%. The other options correctly reflect the targets for agriculture, manufacturing, and services. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2004391/4pc-growth-target-set-for-fy2026-27-as-macroeconomic-framework-sent-to-economic-council-for-approval, 01 Jun 2026]
#5656
Who currently serves as the Director General (DG) of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) as per the March 2026 reports?
(a) Ishaq Dar
(b) Asim Munir
(c) Mohsin Naqvi
(d) Asim Malik
Explanation: Asim Malik is identified as the Director General of the ISI in the official reports of the meeting. Asim Munir is the Chief of Army Staff, while Mohsin Naqvi and Ishaq Dar hold ministerial portfolios. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1986837/president-zardari-pm-shehbaz-review-regional-situation-implications-for-pakistan, 30 Mar 2026]
#5657
Which official holds the dual portfolio of Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister in the current administration as of March 2026?
(a) Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari
(b) Mohsin Naqvi
(c) Ishaq Dar
(d) Asim Malik
Explanation: Ishaq Dar is identified as the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister. Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari is the PPP Chairperson, and Mohsin Naqvi is the Interior Minister. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1986837/president-zardari-pm-shehbaz-review-regional-situation-implications-for-pakistan, 30 Mar 2026]
#5658
In March 2026, the federal government held an expanded consultative meeting at Aiwan-i-Sadr that included representatives from which of the following?
(a) The Supreme Court of Pakistan
(b) The Election Commission of Pakistan
(c) Azad Jammu and Kashmir
(d) None of these
Explanation: The expanded consultative meeting at Aiwan-i-Sadr included the leadership of all provinces, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Azad Jammu and Kashmir. The judiciary and the Election Commission were not listed as participants in this executive-led consultative forum. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1986837/president-zardari-pm-shehbaz-review-regional-situation-implications-for-pakistan, 30 Mar 2026]
#5659
Which of the following is NOT a key area of cooperation mentioned in the 2026 EU-Pakistan Strategic Dialogue?
(a) Climate change
(b) Connectivity
(c) Sustainable development
(d) Space exploration
Explanation: The dialogue focused on trade, investment, climate change, security, migration, sustainable development, and connectivity. Space exploration was not identified as a primary pillar of the strategic engagement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2004340/pm-reaffirms-eu-ties-thanks-kallas-for-support-for-gulf-peace-efforts, 01 Jun 2026]
#5660
Which body is responsible for the final approval of the macroeconomic framework for FY2026-27?
(a) Annual Plan Coordination Committee
(b) National Economic Council
(c) Planning Commission
(d) None of these
Explanation: The National Economic Council (NEC) is the country's highest economic policy-making body and is responsible for the final approval of the framework. The APCC is the committee that prepares and clears the framework before it reaches the NEC. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2004391/4pc-growth-target-set-for-fy2026-27-as-macroeconomic-framework-sent-to-economic-council-for-approval, 01 Jun 2026]