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.
#6861
Consider the following statements about the administrative directives issued for April 20, 2026: 1. The Cabinet Division mandated that all federal government establishments in the Red Zone must remain fully operational with physical attendance. 2. The Islamabad district magistrate issued a notification allowing offices in the Red Zone to adopt work-from-home arrangements. 3. Public and heavy transport in Islamabad were suspended until further orders. 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 incorrect because the Cabinet Division actually directed a work-from-home arrangement, not full physical attendance. Statements 2 and 3 are factually correct based on the administrative notifications issued to manage security. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1993252/islamabad-dc-dismisses-notification-falsely-announcing-closure-of-all-offices-in-twin-cities-from-april-20, 19 Apr 2026]
#6862
Consider the following statements about the diplomatic developments in Islamabad in April 2026: 1. The Iranian delegation arrived in Islamabad on April 24, 2026. 2. The US delegation was sent to Pakistan to engage in direct talks with Iranian representatives. 3. Pakistan's Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar welcomed the Iranian delegation to Islamabad. 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 3 are factually correct. Statement 2 is incorrect because the talks were described as indirect, with Pakistan serving as the mediator, rather than direct talks between the two parties. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1994680/iranian-delegation-led-by-fm-araghchi-lands-in-islamabad-us-officials-to-also-arrive-in-pakistan, 24 Apr 2026]
#6863
Which of the following statements regarding the border security situation in 2026 is INCORRECT?
(a) Pakistan has repeatedly urged the Kabul administration to dismantle terrorist sanctuaries.
(b) Security forces utilized artillery and heavy weapons in response to the July 19 provocation.
(c) Operation Ghazab lil-Haq was launched following an incident on February 26.
(d) The Afghan Taliban successfully maintained their border posts after the Pakistani retaliatory response.
Explanation: The statement that the Afghan Taliban maintained their posts is false; security sources confirmed that the Taliban were forced to abandon multiple posts and flee following the Pakistani response. The other statements are factually accurate. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016755/security-forces-counter-unprovoked-firing-by-afghan-taliban-targeting-kurram-border-posts, 19 Jul 2026]
#6864
Consider the following statements about the security response to the May 10, 2026, attack: 1. The Bannu police launched an operation led by the Regional Police Officer (RPO) immediately following the attack. 2. The federal government has pledged to provide assistance to the provincial government in the fight against terrorism. 3. Security was tightened across the city with the establishment of additional checkpoints. 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. The RPO led the operation, the Prime Minister reaffirmed federal support for the province, and local security was increased through new checkpoints. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1999132/15-police-personnel-martyred-in-bannu-suicide-attack, 10 May 2026]
#6865
What is the name of the military operation launched by Pakistan on February 26, 2026, to target terrorist hideouts following cross-border firing?
(a) Operation Zarb-e-Azb
(b) Operation Radd-ul-Fasaad
(c) Operation Ghazab lil-Haq
(d) None of these
Explanation: Operation Ghazab lil-Haq was initiated in February 2026 in response to persistent border provocations. The other options refer to historical military operations conducted in previous years. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016755/security-forces-counter-unprovoked-firing-by-afghan-taliban-targeting-kurram-border-posts, 19 Jul 2026]
#6866
On May 10, 2026, which Pakistani official was specifically commended by the Prime Minister for his dedication to the mediation efforts between the US and Iran?
(a) Ishaq Dar
(b) Tahir Andrabi
(c) Asim Munir
(d) None of these
Explanation: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif explicitly congratulated Field Marshal Asim Munir for his dedication to the mediation cause. While Ishaq Dar was also commended, the Prime Minister's specific mention of the Field Marshal's dedication highlights his central role in the military-diplomatic coordination. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1999181/tehran-sends-response-to-us-peace-proposal-via-pakistan, 10 May 2026]
#6867
Which Pakistani official received the Iranian Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, in Islamabad on June 23, 2026?
(a) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari
(b) Ishaq Dar
(c) Khawaja Asif
(d) Ahsan Iqbal
Explanation: Ishaq Dar, serving as the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, received his Iranian counterpart. The other individuals listed do not currently hold the Foreign Minister portfolio. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2010220/hands-of-friendship-iran-president-calls-for-new-regional-security-structure-among-muslim-nations, 23 Jun 2026]
#6868
Who is the current Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas in India as of May 2026?
(a) Nitin Gadkari
(b) Hardeep Singh Puri
(c) Piyush Goyal
(d) None of these
Explanation: Hardeep Singh Puri is identified as the Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas who commented on the financial losses faced by oil marketing companies. The other names are prominent ministers but do not hold this specific portfolio. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1999209/modi-urges-indians-to-reduce-petrol-diesel-consumption-amid-middle-east-war-disruption, 10 May 2026]
#6869
Consider the following statements regarding the diplomatic visit on June 23, 2026: 1. The Iranian President called for a united front of Muslim nations to address regional security. 2. The Prime Minister of Pakistan mentioned Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, and Egypt as key players in regional peace discussions. 3. The visit resulted in the immediate signing of a formal military alliance treaty between Pakistan and Iran. 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 accurate based on the diplomatic discourse reported. Statement 3 is incorrect because no such formal military alliance treaty was signed during this visit. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2010220/hands-of-friendship-iran-president-calls-for-new-regional-security-structure-among-muslim-nations, 23 Jun 2026]
#6870
Which of the following statements regarding the security situation in Bannu on May 9, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The suicide attack involved an explosive-filled vehicle.
(b) The explosion caused the roof of the police post to collapse.
(c) No civilians were injured during the suicide attack on the police post.
(d) An emergency was declared in the district hospitals.
Explanation: The report confirms that two civilians were injured in the attack, making the statement that no civilians were injured incorrect. The other statements accurately reflect the events described. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1998957/police-foil-suicide-attack-on-bannu-post-at-least-2-personnel-martyred, 09 May 2026]
#6871
Which location served as the venue for the US-Iran peace talks held in April 2026?
(a) Prime Minister House
(b) Parliament House
(c) Foreign Office
(d) Serena Hotel
Explanation: The Iranian delegation was reported to be conferring at the Serena Hotel in Islamabad during the talks. The other locations are common government buildings but were not the site of the negotiations. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1990743/stepping-stone-toward-durable-peace-pm-shehbaz-meets-us-vp-vance-as-islamabad-talks-commence, 11 Apr 2026]
#6872
Besides Islamabad, which other capitals were included in the regional tour of the Iranian Foreign Minister in April 2026?
(a) Baghdad and Damascus
(b) Beijing and Ankara
(c) Doha and Riyadh
(d) Muscat and Moscow
Explanation: The Iranian Foreign Minister's regional tour included visits to Islamabad, Muscat, and Moscow to discuss bilateral and regional developments. Other options represent regional capitals not mentioned in the context of this specific diplomatic tour. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1994680/iranian-delegation-led-by-fm-araghchi-lands-in-islamabad-us-officials-to-also-arrive-in-pakistan, 24 Apr 2026]
#6873
Which of the following is NOT a concern raised by the foreign ministers in their April 23, 2026, joint statement?
(a) The formal recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel
(b) The escalation of settler violence in the West Bank
(c) The acceleration of illegal settlement activity
(d) The incursions by extremist ministers into Al-Aqsa Mosque
Explanation: The statement focuses on rejecting attempts to alter the status quo and condemning illegal settlements and violence; it does not mention or recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. In fact, the statement explicitly rejects Israeli sovereignty over the territory. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1994444/pakistan-7-other-muslim-nations-reject-attempts-to-alter-historic-legal-status-quo-in-jerusalem-at-its-holy-sites, 23 Apr 2026]
#6874
On May 9, 2026, a suicide attack targeted which specific police post in the Bannu district?
(a) Dadiwala police post
(b) Fateh Khel police post
(c) Kurrum Par police post
(d) None of these
Explanation: The attack occurred at the Fateh Khel police post in Bannu. Dadiwala is a police station in the neighboring Lakki Marwat district, making it an incorrect distractor. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1998957/police-foil-suicide-attack-on-bannu-post-at-least-2-personnel-martyred, 09 May 2026]
#6875
Consider the following statements about the security incidents in Bannu on May 9, 2026: 1. A quadcopter drone explosion occurred in a residential area one day prior to the suicide attack. 2. The suicide attack on the police post involved the use of advanced weapons by militants who were later apprehended at the scene. 3. Security agencies intensified snap-checking across the city following the suicide attack. 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 a drone explosion occurred the day before. Statement 3 is correct as police intensified snap-checking. Statement 2 is incorrect because the suicide attack involved an explosive-filled vehicle, and the report does not state the militants were apprehended at the scene. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1998957/police-foil-suicide-attack-on-bannu-post-at-least-2-personnel-martyred, 09 May 2026]
#6876
Consider the following statements about the diplomatic mediation efforts on May 10, 2026: 1. Pakistan acted as a mediator to convey Iran's response to the US. 2. The US proposal includes a 30-day window for negotiating Iran's nuclear program. 3. The US has completely lifted its naval blockade of Iranian ports. 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 accurate based on the diplomatic developments. Statement 3 is incorrect because the US maintained the broader naval blockade of Iranian ports despite suspending the specific 'Project Freedom' escort plan. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1999181/tehran-sends-response-to-us-peace-proposal-via-pakistan, 10 May 2026]
#6877
Who is the current Chinese Defence Ministry Spokesman who commented on the bilateral military cooperation in May 2026?
(a) Colonel Zhang Ming
(b) Colonel Wang Wei
(c) Colonel Jiang Bin
(d) Colonel Li Feng
Explanation: Colonel Jiang Bin is the official spokesperson for the Chinese Defence Ministry who addressed the press regarding the deepening of military ties. Other names provided are plausible but incorrect distractors. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2003567/pakistan-china-agree-to-deepen-military-cooperation-chinese-defense-ministry, 28 May 2026]
#6878
Which of the following statements regarding the March 8, 2026, border incident is INCORRECT?
(a) The Ghulam Khan border crossing remains fully operational for trade and travel.
(b) The incident involved an exchange of fire between two sides of the border.
(c) A child was killed as a result of the mortar shell explosion.
(d) Four people sustained injuries during the incident.
Explanation: The Ghulam Khan border crossing is currently closed due to the security situation, making the statement that it remains fully operational incorrect. The other statements accurately reflect the reported facts. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979869/child-killed-four-injured-after-mortar-shell-allegedly-fired-from-afghanistan-lands-in-north-waziristan-neighbourhood, 08 Mar 2026]
#6879
The Pakistan Navy launched Operation Muhafizul Bahr on which date in 2026?
(a) March 7, 2026
(b) March 11, 2026
(c) March 9, 2026
(d) March 13, 2026
Explanation: The operation was officially announced by the ISPR on March 9, 2026. The other dates are incorrect as they do not align with the official publication date of the announcement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980190/pakistan-navy-launches-operation-muhafizul-bahr-to-counter-threats-to-shipping-maritime-trade-ispr, 09 Mar 2026]
#6880
Who is the current spokesperson for the Iranian Foreign Ministry who acknowledged Pakistan's mediation efforts on April 22, 2026?
(a) Esmaeil Baqaei
(b) Hossein Amir-Abdollahian
(c) Ali Bagheri Kani
(d) None of these
Explanation: Esmaeil Baqaei is the Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson who publicly expressed gratitude for Pakistan's diplomatic initiatives. The other names are prominent Iranian officials but do not hold this specific role in the context of the 2026 events. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1994127/iran-appreciates-pakistans-efforts-to-mediate-between-tehran-and-washington, 22 Apr 2026]