August 2026 Edition

August 2026 Current Affairs MCQs & Solutions

Top national & international current affairs questions for CSS, PMS, FPSC, PPSC, and NTS screening tests.

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#6221

What is the primary concern regarding groundwater management in Pakistan as highlighted in the 2026 report?

(a) Unchecked extraction and pollution
(b) Excessive recharge rates
(c) Lack of available drilling technology
(d) Over-regulation of private wells
Explanation: The report notes that aquifers are being depleted faster than they can naturally recharge, a situation worsened by pollution. This combination threatens the long-term sustainability of groundwater supplies. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018921/water-policy, 28 Jul 2026]
#6222

All of the following statements regarding the Prime Minister's 2026 visit to Qatar are TRUE EXCEPT:

(a) He signed a formal military alliance treaty during the visit.
(b) He discussed the importance of de-escalation in the Gulf region.
(c) He arrived in Doha after visiting Saudi Arabia.
(d) He met with Emir Tamim bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani.
Explanation: While the Prime Minister did meet the Emir and discuss regional stability, there is no mention of signing a formal military alliance treaty. The visit focused on strengthening existing cooperation in security, defense, and energy. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1992240/pm-shehbaz-arrives-in-turkiye-on-third-leg-of-tri-nation-tour-holds-meeting-with-fm-fidan, 16 Apr 2026]
#6223

Who among the following accompanied Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif during his meeting with the Turkish Foreign Minister in 2026?

(a) Ishaq Dar
(b) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari
(c) Khawaja Asif
(d) None of these
Explanation: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar was present during the meeting between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan. The other options are incorrect as they were not mentioned as part of this specific delegation. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1992240/pm-shehbaz-arrives-in-turkiye-on-third-leg-of-tri-nation-tour-holds-meeting-with-fm-fidan, 16 Apr 2026]
#6224

Which of the following statements regarding the July 2026 wildfire dispute is INCORRECT?

(a) The US President suggested that Canada should pay damages for the smoke impact.
(b) The US government has already finalized a permanent trade embargo against Canada.
(c) The wildfire smoke threatened to disrupt the World Cup final.
(d) The US President accused Canada of negligence regarding the fires.
Explanation: There is no evidence that a permanent trade embargo has been finalized; the administration only threatened the use of tariffs as a potential leverage tool. The other statements accurately reflect the events reported on July 21, 2026. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017162/trump-seeks-damages-from-canada-over-wildfires, 21 Jul 2026]
#6225

On July 21, 2026, President Donald Trump held discussions regarding wildfire smoke damages with which Canadian leader?

(a) Justin Trudeau
(b) Mark Carney
(c) Pierre Poilievre
(d) None of these
Explanation: President Trump met with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney during the World Cup final to discuss the transboundary smoke issue. Justin Trudeau is a former Prime Minister, making him an incorrect choice. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017162/trump-seeks-damages-from-canada-over-wildfires, 21 Jul 2026]
#6226

Which specific bilateral mechanism did the leaders agree to convene in Ankara later in 2026?

(a) Joint Economic Commission
(b) High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council
(c) Defense and Security Dialogue
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Prime Minister's Office confirmed that the eighth meeting of the High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council is scheduled to take place in Ankara to further strengthen the strategic partnership. The other options are generic titles that do not represent the specific formal council mentioned. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1992556/pm-erdogan-emphasise-importance-of-utilising-window-of-opportunity-for-lasting-regional-peace, 17 Apr 2026]
#6227

Which region of the United States was primarily affected by the air quality alerts resulting from the Canadian wildfires in July 2026?

(a) The Northeast
(b) The American Southwest
(c) The Pacific Northwest
(d) The Gulf Coast
Explanation: The smoke from the Canadian wildfires drifted into the northeastern United States, triggering unhealthy air quality alerts in that specific region. The other regions listed were not the primary focus of the reported environmental impact. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017162/trump-seeks-damages-from-canada-over-wildfires, 21 Jul 2026]
#6228

In the context of the July 2026 wildfire dispute, the United States accused Canada of which of the following?

(a) Environmental sabotage
(b) Trade protectionism
(c) Wilful negligence
(d) Diplomatic isolation
Explanation: President Trump specifically characterized the Canadian handling of the wildfires as 'wilful negligence' during his public statements on July 21, 2026. This term was used to justify the demand for financial damages. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017162/trump-seeks-damages-from-canada-over-wildfires, 21 Jul 2026]
#6229

Who was identified by the US leadership as the head of the American delegation expected to travel to Pakistan on April 20, 2026?

(a) Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf
(b) Esmaeil Baqaei
(c) JD Vance
(d) Donald Trump
Explanation: US leadership confirmed that Vice President JD Vance was expected to lead the delegation to Pakistan. The other individuals listed are Iranian officials. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1993458/us-delegation-expected-in-islamabad-but-uncertainty-prevails-over-talks-amid-mixed-signals-from-iran, 20 Apr 2026]
#6230

Which maritime trade route was reported as closed by Iran on April 18, 2026, amid escalating tensions with the United States?

(a) Strait of Hormuz
(b) Suez Canal
(c) Bab-el-Mandeb Strait
(d) Panama Canal
Explanation: Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz, stating it would remain shut until the US ended its blockade of Iranian ports. The other straits are not involved in this specific diplomatic dispute. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1993458/us-delegation-expected-in-islamabad-but-uncertainty-prevails-over-talks-amid-mixed-signals-from-iran, 20 Apr 2026]
#6231

Consider the following statements regarding the diplomatic situation on April 20, 2026: 1. The US leadership confirmed that a delegation was en route to Islamabad. 2. Iranian officials expressed full confidence in the US commitment to the diplomatic process. 3. Security measures in Islamabad included the sealing of the Red Zone. 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 US leadership confirmed the delegation's travel. Statement 3 is correct as security was tightened in Islamabad. Statement 2 is incorrect because Iranian officials explicitly expressed a lack of trust in Washington's seriousness. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1993458/us-delegation-expected-in-islamabad-but-uncertainty-prevails-over-talks-amid-mixed-signals-from-iran, 20 Apr 2026]
#6232

Which Iranian official stated on April 20, 2026, that Tehran had yet to decide on its participation in the next round of talks?

(a) Esmaeil Baqaei
(b) Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf
(c) Ali Khamenei
(d) None of these
Explanation: Foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei explicitly stated that no decision had been made regarding the next round of negotiations. Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf is the parliament speaker who also commented on the lack of trust. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1993458/us-delegation-expected-in-islamabad-but-uncertainty-prevails-over-talks-amid-mixed-signals-from-iran, 20 Apr 2026]
#6233

Who was the captain of the Bangladesh cricket team during the ODI match against Pakistan on March 11, 2026?

(a) Najmul Hossain Shanto
(b) Mehidy Hasan Miraz
(c) Litton Das
(d) Taskin Ahmed
Explanation: Mehidy Hasan Miraz served as the captain for Bangladesh in this match and also contributed with the ball, taking 3 wickets for 29 runs. Najmul Hossain Shanto played as a batter in the same match. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980951/nahid-rana-takes-5-wickets-as-bangladesh-crush-pakistan-in-odi-opener, 11 Mar 2026]
#6234

How many wickets did Nahid Rana take in the ODI match against Pakistan on March 11, 2026?

(a) 5 wickets
(b) 4 wickets
(c) 3 wickets
(d) 6 wickets
Explanation: Nahid Rana returned figures of 5-24, marking his first five-wicket haul in one-day internationals. This performance was instrumental in restricting Pakistan to 114 runs. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980951/nahid-rana-takes-5-wickets-as-bangladesh-crush-pakistan-in-odi-opener, 11 Mar 2026]
#6235

Which of the following statements regarding the ODI match on March 11, 2026, is INCORRECT?

(a) Nahid Rana dismissed the top five Pakistani batters.
(b) Tanzid Hasan scored an unbeaten 67 runs.
(c) The match was held in Mirpur.
(d) Pakistan won the match by eight wickets.
Explanation: It was Bangladesh, not Pakistan, that won the match by eight wickets. The other three statements are factually accurate regarding the match proceedings. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980951/nahid-rana-takes-5-wickets-as-bangladesh-crush-pakistan-in-odi-opener, 11 Mar 2026]
#6236

What was the total score achieved by Pakistan in the ODI match against Bangladesh on March 11, 2026?

(a) 182 runs
(b) 161 runs
(c) 114 runs
(d) 214 runs
Explanation: Pakistan was bowled out for 114 runs, which stands as their lowest ODI total against Bangladesh. The figure 161 was their previous lowest total against Bangladesh, recorded during the 1999 World Cup. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980951/nahid-rana-takes-5-wickets-as-bangladesh-crush-pakistan-in-odi-opener, 11 Mar 2026]
#6237

In which stadium was the first ODI match between Bangladesh and Pakistan held on March 11, 2026?

(a) Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium
(b) Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium
(c) Sylhet International Cricket Stadium
(d) None of these
Explanation: The match took place at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur. The other options are also cricket venues in Bangladesh but were not the site of this specific event. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980951/nahid-rana-takes-5-wickets-as-bangladesh-crush-pakistan-in-odi-opener, 11 Mar 2026]
#6238

Consider the following statements about the ODI match held on March 11, 2026: 1. Nahid Rana became the first Bangladeshi bowler to dismiss the opposition's top five batters in an ODI innings. 2. Faheem Ashraf was the highest run-scorer for Pakistan in the match. 3. Bangladesh chased the target in under 20 overs. 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 Nahid Rana achieved this unique feat. Statement 3 is correct because Bangladesh reached the target in 15.1 overs. Statement 2 is incorrect because while Faheem Ashraf offered resistance, the text does not identify him as the highest scorer, and his contribution was 37 runs, which was the highest among the lower order but the match report highlights the overall collapse. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980951/nahid-rana-takes-5-wickets-as-bangladesh-crush-pakistan-in-odi-opener, 11 Mar 2026]
#6239

Consider the following statements about the 2026 Youth Hockey5s Asian Championship: 1. India successfully defended their title in the tournament. 2. Pakistan's path to the final included a victory over Bangladesh. 3. The tournament was hosted in a city within the United Arab Emirates. 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: India retained the title, and Pakistan did defeat Bangladesh (5-2) during the group stage. However, the tournament was hosted in Muscat, which is in Oman, not the United Arab Emirates. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018608/india-beat-pakistan-to-retain-youth-hockey5s-asian-title, 27 Jul 2026]
#6240

Which bowler dismissed both Babar Azam and Ghazi Ghori during the match on May 30, 2026?

(a) Nathan Ellis
(b) Josh Hazlewood
(c) Cameron Green
(d) Marnus Labuschagne
Explanation: Nathan Ellis was the bowler who claimed the wickets of both Babar Azam and Ghazi Ghori late in the innings. While other Australian players were involved in the match, Ellis was the primary pacer responsible for these specific dismissals. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2003971/pakistan-outspins-australia-in-milestone-odi-as-minhas-makes-history, 30 May 2026]