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.
#5821
Who announced the decision to lift market timing restrictions in Sindh on May 16, 2026?
(a) Murad Ali Shah
(b) Sharjeel Memon
(c) Saeed Ghani
(d) None of these
Explanation: Sharjeel Memon, serving as the Sindh Senior Minister, officially announced the exemption of markets and businesses from fixed closing times. Murad Ali Shah is the Chief Minister, but the specific announcement regarding this policy shift was attributed to the Senior Minister. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2000676/sindh-lifts-curbs-on-market-timings-minister-says-step-taken-to-facilitate-businesses-citizens, 16 May 2026]
#5822
What was the percentage increase in cumulative sales of cars, SUVs, pickups, and vans during the first eight months of the 2026 fiscal year (8MFY26)?
(a) 31 percent
(b) 59 percent
(c) 43 percent
(d) 90 percent
Explanation: Cumulative sales for the 8MFY26 period reached 128,498 units, representing a 43 percent increase over the 89,770 units sold in the same period of the previous fiscal year. Other figures, such as 59 percent, refer to specific company-level growth for Indus Motor Company rather than the total sector aggregate. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980724/auto-sales-rise-43pc-in-july-february, 11 Mar 2026]
#5823
Consider the following statements about the security address delivered on July 24, 2026: 1. The CDF emphasized that targeted operations will continue until terrorist infrastructure is eliminated. 2. The address highlighted that development initiatives in Balochistan are focused on an inclusive, people-centric approach. 3. The security forces are acting independently of civil society and media support in the province. 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 stance on military operations and socio-economic development. Statement 3 is incorrect because the CDF specifically praised the constructive role of civil society, academia, and media in promoting national integration. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431561/cdf-vows-to-dismantle-terrorist-infrastructure, 24 Jul 2026]
#5824
As of July 24, 2026, what is the primary reason cited for the surge in Brent crude oil prices exceeding $100 per barrel?
(a) Global supply chain disruptions in the semiconductor industry
(b) Escalating conflict in the Middle East
(c) Unexpected production cuts by OPEC+ members
(d) None of these
Explanation: The surge in crude oil prices is directly attributed to the escalating Middle East crisis, which has impacted shipping chokepoints. Other options, while relevant to global economics, are not the primary drivers mentioned for this specific price movement. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431590/indian-shares-to-open-lower-as-crude-tops-100, 24 Jul 2026]
#5825
Which sector led the gains on the FTSE 100 index on July 24, 2026?
(a) Pharmaceuticals and healthcare
(b) Retail and consumer goods
(c) Electronics and technology
(d) Investment banks and brokerages
Explanation: Investment banks and brokerages recorded a 1.6% rise, leading sectoral gains on the benchmark index. This was bolstered by positive analyst revisions for companies like 3i Group. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431643/londons-ftse-100-rises-as-hsbc-lifts-financial-stocks-middle-east-tensions-linger, 24 Jul 2026]
#5826
Which of the following statements regarding the market conditions on July 24, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) Energy shares experienced a decline due to regional tensions
(b) The FTSE 250 index also recorded a climb of 0.3%
(c) Oil prices remained stable throughout the trading session
(d) Investors monitored rising oil prices amid Middle East tensions
Explanation: Oil prices did not remain stable; they were volatile and retreated after initial concerns regarding energy flow disruptions in the Red Sea. The other statements accurately reflect the market data provided. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431643/londons-ftse-100-rises-as-hsbc-lifts-financial-stocks-middle-east-tensions-linger, 24 Jul 2026]
#5827
Consider the following statements about the weather forecast issued on July 24, 2026: 1. The rainfall is expected to continue until July 27, 2026. 2. Karachi is expected to receive heavy downpours similar to the interior districts of Sindh. 3. A low-pressure area over southwest Rajasthan is contributing to the current weather conditions. 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 forecast covers the period until July 27. Statement 3 is correct as the low-pressure area over Rajasthan is a key driver. Statement 2 is incorrect because Karachi is only expected to receive light rain or drizzle, not heavy downpours. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431626/pmd-forecasts-widespread-rain-across-sindh-warns-of-urban-flooding, 24 Jul 2026]
#5828
Which of the following factors was primarily responsible for the pressure on Indian bond sentiment during the week ending July 24, 2026?
(a) Surging oil prices
(b) Domestic political instability
(c) A sudden decline in tax revenue
(d) None of these
Explanation: Surging oil prices and higher U.S. Treasury yields were the primary drivers of negative sentiment in the Indian bond market. Domestic political instability and tax revenue are not cited as factors in this context. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431650/india-bonds-end-three-day-losing-streak-but-post-second-straight-weekly-decline, 24 Jul 2026]
#5829
Which of the following indices recorded a 0.2% decline to reach a near seven-week low on July 24, 2026?
(a) Saudi Stock Exchange
(b) Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange
(c) Dubai Financial Market
(d) Kuwait Stock Exchange
Explanation: The Dubai main market index slipped 0.2% to hit a near seven-week low on the specified date. The Abu Dhabi benchmark index experienced a smaller decline of 0.1%. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431652/uae-stocks-slip-amid-escalating-middle-east-conflict, 24 Jul 2026]
#5830
Which specific category of inflation in Japan slowed to 1.2% in June 2026 despite steady wage gains?
(a) Service inflation
(b) Energy inflation
(c) Food inflation
(d) None of these
Explanation: Service inflation slowed to 1.2% in June from 1.4% in May. This deceleration occurred even as nominal wages showed steady gains, complicating the inflation outlook. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431592/japan-june-core-inflation-accelerates-stays-below-boj-target, 24 Jul 2026]
#5831
According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) forecast issued on July 24, 2026, which of the following districts is expected to experience heavy rainfall and potential urban flooding?
(a) Shikarpur
(b) Kashmore
(c) Jacobabad
(d) Tharparkar
Explanation: The PMD specifically identified Tharparkar, along with districts like Hyderabad and Badin, as areas at high risk for heavy rainfall and urban flooding. While Kashmore, Jacobabad, and Shikarpur are expected to receive rain, they were categorized under light to moderate intensity in the forecast. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431626/pmd-forecasts-widespread-rain-across-sindh-warns-of-urban-flooding, 24 Jul 2026]
#5832
What was the closing value of the FTSE 100 index on July 24, 2026?
(a) 10,474.68 points
(b) 10,674.68 points
(c) 10,574.68 points
(d) 10,774.68 points
Explanation: The blue-chip FTSE 100 index rose 0.3% to reach 10,674.68 points on the specified date. This reflects the market's reaction to the financial sector's performance despite geopolitical headwinds. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431643/londons-ftse-100-rises-as-hsbc-lifts-financial-stocks-middle-east-tensions-linger, 24 Jul 2026]
#5833
Consider the following statements regarding Pakistan's diplomatic stance at the SCO meeting on July 24, 2026: 1. Pakistan emphasized that a stable Afghanistan is in the interest of all SCO member states. 2. The DPM highlighted that Afghan nationals have been involved in terrorist attacks within Pakistan. 3. Pakistan advocated for military intervention by the SCO to resolve the Afghan security crisis. 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 reflections of the DPM's address. Statement 3 is incorrect because Pakistan explicitly stated that dialogue and diplomacy remain the only sustainable paths to resolving conflicts, rather than advocating for military intervention. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431639/dpm-ishaq-dar-urges-sco-to-hold-afghan-taliban-accountable-over-terrorism, 24 Jul 2026]
#5834
Consider the following statements about the aviation industry's response to the 2026 Middle East conflict: 1. Air New Zealand suspended its financial outlook for 2026 due to market uncertainty. 2. Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Etihad account for approximately one-third of passenger traffic between Europe and Asia. 3. British Airways-owner IAG announced immediate plans to increase ticket prices across all routes.
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) All three
Explanation: Statement 1 and 2 are factually correct based on the report. Statement 3 is incorrect because IAG explicitly stated it was well-hedged and had no immediate plans to change ticket prices. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980748/airlines-raise-ticket-prices-as-middle-east-conflict-drives-up-fuel-costs, 11 Mar 2026]
#5835
Which of the following statements regarding the market conditions as of March 11, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) Spot platinum prices fell by 5 percent.
(b) Spot gold prices were recorded at $5,202.10 per ounce.
(c) Oil prices dropped below $90 per barrel.
(d) Gold has risen more than 20 percent so far this year.
Explanation: Spot platinum actually rose by 0.1 percent, making the claim that it fell by 5 percent incorrect. The other statements accurately reflect the market data provided for the specified date. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980850/gold-edges-higher-on-safe-haven-demand-ahead-of-us-cpi-data, 11 Mar 2026]
#5836
Consider the following statements about Japan's economic situation in June 2026: 1. The yen has depreciated to a four-decade low. 2. Producer price inflation has shown signs of sharp acceleration. 3. The Bank of Japan is expected to aggressively raise interest rates at its next meeting to combat hyperinflation. 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 Bank of Japan is widely expected to keep interest rates steady at its upcoming meeting, not aggressively raise them. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431592/japan-june-core-inflation-accelerates-stays-below-boj-target, 24 Jul 2026]
#5837
Consider the following statements about the investment plan announced on March 11, 2026: 1. The investment plan aims to stimulate industrial activities and generate employment in Balochistan. 2. The Chinese delegation was accompanied by the former finance minister of Balochistan, Amjad Rasheed. 3. The proposed investment in the mineral sector is larger than the investment in the manufacturing sector. 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 investment aims to boost industry and jobs. Statement 2 is correct as Amjad Rasheed accompanied the delegation. Statement 3 is incorrect because the $2.6 billion manufacturing investment is significantly larger than the $14 million mineral sector investment. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980763/chinese-firms-plan-to-invest-26bn-in-balochistan, 11 Mar 2026]
#5838
The S&P/ASX 200 index closed at which of the following levels on July 24, 2026?
(a) 8,783.9 points
(b) 13,768.9 points
(c) 19,849.0 points
(d) 72,192.0 points
Explanation: The S&P/ASX 200 index was reported at 8,783.9 points. The other figures represent different indices like the S&P/NZX 50 or local market indicators. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431620/australian-shares-on-track-for-third-weekly-loss-as-miners-tech-weigh, 24 Jul 2026]
#5839
The monsoon currents influencing the weather conditions in Sindh as of July 24, 2026, are originating from which body of water?
(a) Bay of Bengal
(b) Arabian Sea
(c) Persian Gulf
(d) None of these
Explanation: The PMD report explicitly states that strong monsoon currents from the Arabian Sea, combined with a low-pressure area over Rajasthan, are driving the weather patterns. The Bay of Bengal and Persian Gulf are not the primary sources of these specific monsoon currents. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431626/pmd-forecasts-widespread-rain-across-sindh-warns-of-urban-flooding, 24 Jul 2026]
#5840
Consider the following statements about the market performance on July 24, 2026: 1. The FTSE 100 index rose by 0.3%. 2. Energy shares like BP and Shell saw gains due to rising oil prices. 3. The United States imposed new tariffs on goods from 60 trading partners. 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 FTSE 100 rose 0.3%. Statement 2 is incorrect because energy shares actually fell (BP down 1.6%, Shell down 0.9%). Statement 3 is correct as the US imposed new tariffs of 10% and 12.5% on goods from 60 trading partners. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431643/londons-ftse-100-rises-as-hsbc-lifts-financial-stocks-middle-east-tensions-linger, 24 Jul 2026]