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.
#6101
The current monsoon rain spell in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, which commenced on July 19, 2026, is expected to persist until which date?
(a) July 21, 2026
(b) July 23, 2026
(c) July 25, 2026
(d) July 27, 2026
Explanation: According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department, the monsoon spell that began on July 19 was forecasted to continue until July 23, 2026. This period marks the window of heightened alert for flash flooding. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017494/rain-related-fatalities-during-ongoing-monsoon-spell-rise-to-18-in-kp, 22 Jul 2026]
#6102
In January 2026, India and the UAE signed a deal worth how much for the purchase of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG)?
(a) 1 billion dollars
(b) 2 billion dollars
(c) 4 billion dollars
(d) 3 billion dollars
Explanation: In January 2026, New Delhi and Abu Dhabi finalized a $3 billion agreement for India to procure LNG from the UAE. This deal preceded the broader strategic defence framework established in May. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2000469/india-uae-agree-on-framework-for-strategic-defence-partnership-during-modi-visit, 15 May 2026]
#6103
Consider the following statements about the 2026 ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting: 1. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio blamed Iran for the lack of progress in Middle East peace talks. 2. China accused the Philippines of engaging in deliberate provocations in the South China Sea. 3. The meeting was attended exclusively by ASEAN member states. 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 diplomatic discourse at the meeting. Statement 3 is incorrect because the meeting was also attended by non-ASEAN nations such as Britain, Canada, India, Japan, Russia, and South Korea. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017513/rubio-holds-talks-with-chinas-wang-yi-as-regional-powers-join-asean-meeting, 22 Jul 2026]
#6104
The youth-led protest movement that gained prominence in New Delhi in July 2026 is known as the:
(a) Cockroach movement
(b) Student Solidarity Front
(c) Youth Accountability League
(d) None of these
Explanation: The movement is officially referred to as the 'cockroach' movement, organized by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP). It began as an online satire before evolving into large-scale street protests. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017492/under-soaring-pressure-after-cockroach-movement-protests-indias-education-minister-promises-reforms-debate, 22 Jul 2026]
#6105
Consider the following statements about the monsoon-related damages in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa as of July 22, 2026: 1. The PDMA report indicated that 23 houses were partially damaged. 2. A total of 13 cattle perished during the four-day period. 3. The Wana-Gomal Zam Road blockage was caused primarily by riverine flooding rather than landslides. 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 PDMA report. Statement 3 is incorrect because the road blockage was specifically attributed to landslides and falling boulders from mountains, not riverine flooding. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017494/rain-related-fatalities-during-ongoing-monsoon-spell-rise-to-18-in-kp, 22 Jul 2026]
#6106
Which of the following statements regarding the US-Iran escalation as of July 22, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) President Trump threatened to strike any new sites where Iran attempts to resume nuclear activity.
(b) The United States has expressed a strong interest in immediate, unconditional diplomatic engagement with Tehran.
(c) The Strait of Hormuz has remained blocked as part of the ongoing regional tensions.
(d) US forces conducted bombing raids in the south and west of Iran.
Explanation: The report states that Washington has no interest in engaging with Tehran unless they are ready to meet in a 'meaningful way,' contradicting the claim that the US is seeking immediate, unconditional engagement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017405/trump-threatens-to-obliterate-any-active-nuclear-site-in-iran, 22 Jul 2026]
#6107
As of the report date in 2026, what was the total value of Pakistan's foreign reserves, including central bank gold holdings?
(a) $6.7 billion
(b) $16.4 billion
(c) $25.3 billion
(d) $30.1 billion
Explanation: $25.3 billion is the figure reported for foreign reserves as of the end of the month preceding the July 2026 announcement. $6.7 billion was the multi-year low recorded in December 2022. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017530/sampp-global-ratings-upgrades-pakistans-sovereign-credit-rating-to-b, 22 Jul 2026]
#6108
During the visit on May 15, 2026, India and the UAE agreed to explore increasing ADNOC's crude oil storage capacity in India to how many million barrels?
(a) 30 million
(b) 20 million
(c) 10 million
(d) 40 million
Explanation: The agreement between India and the UAE includes a provision for ADNOC to potentially increase its crude oil storage in India to 30 million barrels. This initiative is part of a broader effort to strengthen India's strategic petroleum reserves. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2000469/india-uae-agree-on-framework-for-strategic-defence-partnership-during-modi-visit, 15 May 2026]
#6109
According to the Foreign Office statement issued on July 22, 2026, what is the primary justification for Pakistan's potential use of force?
(a) To expand regional influence
(b) To secure oil supply routes for global markets
(c) To enforce a blockade on Iranian ports
(d) To protect its maritime assets and national interests
Explanation: The Foreign Office explicitly stated that Pakistan reserves the right to use force in self-defense to protect its maritime assets and national interests. This is consistent with the United Nations Charter and international law. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017517/pakistan-condemns-houthis-threats-to-saudi-arabia-commercial-shipping-in-red-sea, 22 Jul 2026]
#6110
Who is the current Education Minister of India facing calls for resignation due to the 2026 examination paper leaks?
(a) Narendra Modi
(b) Dharmendra Pradhan
(c) JP Nadda
(d) Rahul Gandhi
Explanation: Dharmendra Pradhan is the Education Minister who issued statements regarding the government's commitment to exam reforms following the protests. Narendra Modi is the Prime Minister, and JP Nadda is the Health Minister. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017492/under-soaring-pressure-after-cockroach-movement-protests-indias-education-minister-promises-reforms-debate, 22 Jul 2026]
#6111
Consider the following statements about the 2026 youth-led protests in India: 1. The protests were triggered by the leakage of medical school entrance examination papers. 2. Activist Sonam Wangchuk was involved in the movement through a hunger strike. 3. The government has refused to discuss the examination issues on the floor of the house. 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 factually correct. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Education Minister explicitly stated that the government remains committed to discussing the NEET issue on the floor of the house. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017492/under-soaring-pressure-after-cockroach-movement-protests-indias-education-minister-promises-reforms-debate, 22 Jul 2026]
#6112
Consider the following statements about the regional security situation as of July 22, 2026: 1. The Houthi rebels are aligned with Iran in the ongoing Middle East conflict. 2. The 2022 truce between the Houthis and Saudi Arabia has been fully respected by all parties without any recent violations. 3. Pakistan has invoked its defense pact with Saudi Arabia through diplomatic intervention to deter Iranian strikes. 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 Houthis are aligned with Iran. Statement 2 is incorrect because the report notes that the 2022 truce has been threatened by recent exchanges of fire. Statement 3 is correct as Pakistan previously invoked the defense pact in March to deter strikes. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017517/pakistan-condemns-houthis-threats-to-saudi-arabia-commercial-shipping-in-red-sea, 22 Jul 2026]
#6113
Consider the following statements about Pakistan's economic indicators as of July 2026: 1. The IMF's Extended Fund Facility (EFF) programme was critical in restoring macroeconomic stability. 2. Pakistan's short-term credit rating was downgraded to 'B-' following the long-term rating upgrade. 3. The government's external principal payments over the next 12 months are estimated at $16.4 billion. 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 EFF was vital for stability. Statement 3 is correct regarding the $16.4 billion payment obligation. Statement 2 is incorrect because the short-term rating remained steady at 'B', not downgraded. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017530/sampp-global-ratings-upgrades-pakistans-sovereign-credit-rating-to-b, 22 Jul 2026]
#6114
The government has set the GDP growth target for the fiscal year 2026-27 at:
(a) 3.6 percent
(b) 4.0 percent
(c) 8.2 percent
(d) None of these
Explanation: The government has officially targeted a GDP growth rate of 4 percent for the fiscal year 2026-27. While 3.6 percent is the fiscal deficit target and 8.2 percent is the inflation projection, 4 percent is the specific growth target. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2007283/govt-unveils-rs188tr-budget-for-fy2026-27-gdp-growth-targeted-at-4pc, 12 Jun 2026]
#6115
Consider the following statements about the regional security situation as of July 2026: 1. The Houthis have enforced a maritime blockade in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait to disrupt Saudi oil supplies. 2. The UKMTO reported that a tanker in the Strait of Hormuz was struck by a projectile. 3. Iran has successfully maintained a continuous ceasefire with the United States since the beginning of the year. 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 report explicitly mentions the breakdown of a fragile ceasefire almost two weeks prior to the July 22, 2026, publication. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017405/trump-threatens-to-obliterate-any-active-nuclear-site-in-iran, 22 Jul 2026]
#6116
Consider the following statements about the petroleum fiscal policy in Pakistan as of June 2026: 1. The government charges a climate support levy on petroleum products. 2. Petrol and high-speed diesel are the primary revenue earners among petroleum products. 3. The government revises petroleum prices on a monthly basis. 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 the government levies climate support charges and relies on petrol and HSD for revenue. Statement 3 is incorrect because the government currently revises these prices on a weekly basis, not monthly. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2007376/govt-slashes-petrol-price-by-rs4-diesel-by-rs2, 12 Jun 2026]
#6117
What is the total budgetary outlay for the fiscal year 2026-27 as presented by the Finance Minister?
(a) Rs15.2 trillion
(b) Rs12.9 trillion
(c) Rs18.8 trillion
(d) Rs20.5 trillion
Explanation: The federal budget for FY2026-27 was announced with a total outlay of Rs18.8 trillion. This figure represents the government's primary fiscal plan for the upcoming year. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2007283/govt-unveils-rs188tr-budget-for-fy2026-27-gdp-growth-targeted-at-4pc, 12 Jun 2026]
#6118
Consider the following statements about the 2026-27 federal budget: 1. The budget includes a flagship $1 billion initiative for the National Artificial Intelligence Ecosystem Development Programme. 2. The Final Tax Regime for IT and freelance exporters has been extended until FY30. 3. The federal government has allocated Rs8,045 billion specifically for markup payments. 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: All three statements are factually correct based on the budget speech. The AI initiative is a $1 billion flagship project, the IT tax regime extension is set for three years until FY30, and the markup payment allocation is confirmed at Rs8,045 billion. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2007283/govt-unveils-rs188tr-budget-for-fy2026-27-gdp-growth-targeted-at-4pc, 12 Jun 2026]
#6119
Which of the following statements regarding the 2026-27 budget is INCORRECT?
(a) The average inflation is projected at 8.2 percent.
(b) The government has proposed a 15 percent increase in the salaries and pensions of government employees.
(c) Taxes on sanitary pads and contraceptives have been completely withdrawn.
(d) The fiscal deficit is targeted to be contained at 3.6 percent of GDP.
Explanation: The budget proposed a 7 percent raise in salaries and pensions for government employees, not 15 percent. The other statements accurately reflect the fiscal projections and policy changes announced in the budget. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2007283/govt-unveils-rs188tr-budget-for-fy2026-27-gdp-growth-targeted-at-4pc, 12 Jun 2026]
#6120
What is the targeted GDP growth rate for Pakistan in the fiscal year 2026-27?
(a) 3.5 percent
(b) 5.0 percent
(c) 4.5 percent
(d) 4.0 percent
Explanation: The government has set a GDP growth target of 4 percent for the fiscal year 2026-27 as part of its economic stabilization and growth strategy. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2007374/finmin-aurangzeb-says-govt-committed-to-reducing-tax-burden-by-widening-tax-net, 12 Jun 2026]