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.
#7541
Consider the following statements about Pakistan's diplomatic position presented at the UNSC on May 26, 2026: 1. Pakistan advocates for the weaponization of water resources to exert diplomatic pressure. 2. The Foreign Minister emphasized that the crisis of the international system stems from the selective application of principles. 3. Pakistan maintains that there can be no durable peace in the Middle East while occupation and forced displacement continue. 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 Pakistan explicitly stated that water must never be weaponized. Statements 2 and 3 accurately reflect the Foreign Minister's critique of the international order and his stance on the Middle East conflict. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2003210/pakistan-stresses-need-for-restraint-de-escalation-in-iran-us-conflict, 26 May 2026]
#7542
Which of the following statements regarding the regional response to the March 2026 security situation is INCORRECT?
(a) Kuwait arrested three individuals for mocking the situation in the country via video.
(b) Qatar permitted the circulation of all social media footage to ensure transparency during the conflict.
(c) Saudi Arabia issued official warnings regarding the sharing of sensitive images and unreliable information.
(d) The UAE attorney general warned against documenting incident sites or damage caused by projectiles.
Explanation: Statement D is incorrect because Qatar actively arrested individuals for sharing footage and misleading information, rather than permitting it. The other three statements accurately reflect the actions taken by the respective Gulf nations. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980165/qatar-arrests-313-people-for-sharing-footage-misleading-information-amid-attacks-by-iran, 09 Mar 2026]
#7543
Which military operation was launched by Pakistan against the Afghan Taliban last month, as referenced on March 18, 2026?
(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 identified by the DG ISPR as the ongoing military campaign launched against the Afghan Taliban to counter terrorism. The other options refer to historical operations that are not the subject of this specific 2026 event. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1983447/our-intelligence-was-correct-dg-ispr-says-pakistan-hit-ammunition-storage-site-in-kabul-strike, 18 Mar 2026]
#7544
Who represented Pakistan at the United Nations Security Council session held on March 10, 2026?
(a) Asim Iftikhar Ahmad
(b) Munir Akram
(c) Maleeha Lodhi
(d) None of these
Explanation: Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad is the Permanent Representative of Pakistan who addressed the UNSC session on the specified date. Other names listed are former or different representatives not involved in this specific exchange. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980464/pakistan-india-exchange-sharp-words-at-un-security-council-over-afghanistan, 10 Mar 2026]
#7545
What was the primary target of the Pakistani strike in Kabul as confirmed by the DG ISPR on March 18, 2026?
(a) A regional administrative office
(b) An ammunition storage site
(c) A border communication tower
(d) A civilian transport hub
Explanation: The DG ISPR confirmed that the strike in Kabul specifically targeted an ammunition and drone storage site. The secondary detonations observed in the area were attributed to the explosion of stored missiles and equipment. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1983447/our-intelligence-was-correct-dg-ispr-says-pakistan-hit-ammunition-storage-site-in-kabul-strike, 18 Mar 2026]
#7546
What is the percentage reduction in fuel allotted for official vehicles as announced by the Sindh government in March 2026?
(a) 20 percent
(b) 30 percent
(c) 50 percent
(d) 60 percent
Explanation: The provincial government mandated a 50 percent reduction in fuel allocations for official vehicles to save approximately Rs960 million. This is distinct from the 20 percent reduction applied to other non-essential expenditures like stationery. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980528/sindh-schools-to-close-from-march-16-31-friday-to-be-wfh-for-govt-offices-as-part-of-austerity-measures, 10 Mar 2026]
#7547
Which of the following statements regarding the events of March 10, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) Brent crude oil prices experienced significant volatility during the day.
(b) Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed the Iranian conflict with US President Donald Trump.
(c) Iranian security officials expressed skepticism regarding the restoration of security in the Strait of Hormuz.
(d) The United States officially declared the war in the Middle East to be permanently concluded.
Explanation: President Trump predicted the war could be over soon, but he did not declare it permanently concluded. The other statements accurately reflect the reported events of that date. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980416/oil-prices-go-haywire-as-iran-welcomes-new-supreme-leader, 10 Mar 2026]
#7548
What is the primary objective behind the judiciary's decision to adopt a four-day work week in 2026?
(a) To facilitate the digitization of all historical court records
(b) To conserve resources amid potential fuel supply disruptions
(c) To increase the number of judges in the Supreme Court
(d) None of these
Explanation: The judiciary adopted these measures specifically to address the anticipated disruption in petroleum supply and rising global energy costs. Option A is incorrect as digitization is not the primary driver of this specific austerity policy. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980575/courts-join-others-in-adopting-austerity-measures-will-observe-4-day-work-week, 10 Mar 2026]
#7549
According to the Sindh government's 2026 austerity measures, schools in the province will observe spring vacation during which period?
(a) March 1 to March 15
(b) March 16 to March 31
(c) April 1 to April 15
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Sindh government announced that schools will remain closed for spring vacation from March 16 to March 31, 2026. This is part of a broader set of austerity measures aimed at reducing provincial expenditures. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980528/sindh-schools-to-close-from-march-16-31-friday-to-be-wfh-for-govt-offices-as-part-of-austerity-measures, 10 Mar 2026]
#7550
In the context of the March 10, 2026, UNSC session, what specific term did India use to describe its concern regarding regional trade vulnerabilities?
(a) Transit corridor exploitation
(b) Economic border sabotage
(c) Trade and transit terrorism
(d) Logistical warfare
Explanation: India's representative specifically used the phrase 'trade and transit terrorism' to argue that the vulnerabilities of land-locked developing countries should not be weaponized. This was a central point of contention during the Indian address. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980464/pakistan-india-exchange-sharp-words-at-un-security-council-over-afghanistan, 10 Mar 2026]
#7551
Which of the following claims was NOT made by the Pakistani representative during the UNSC debate on March 10, 2026?
(a) Pakistan's counter-terrorism operations are in conformity with international humanitarian law.
(b) India has consistently played the role of a spoiler in Afghanistan.
(c) India is a serial violator of international law.
(d) Pakistan supports the Taliban regime's current policy on inclusive governance.
Explanation: Pakistan actually urged the Taliban regime to fulfill its commitments regarding inclusive governance and the rights of women and girls, rather than expressing support for their current policies. The other three statements accurately reflect the arguments presented by the Pakistani envoy. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980464/pakistan-india-exchange-sharp-words-at-un-security-council-over-afghanistan, 10 Mar 2026]
#7552
Which policy was introduced for government offices on Fridays as part of the 2026 austerity measures?
(a) Complete closure of all offices
(b) Mandatory attendance at government buildings
(c) Half-day operations for all departments
(d) Work from home for government officials
Explanation: The government clarified that offices will not stop functioning on Fridays; instead, officials are required to work from home. This measure is intended to maintain administrative continuity while reducing operational costs. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980528/sindh-schools-to-close-from-march-16-31-friday-to-be-wfh-for-govt-offices-as-part-of-austerity-measures, 10 Mar 2026]
#7553
Which of the following is NOT a component of the austerity measures announced by the Sindh government in March 2026?
(a) Immediate privatization of all provincial government departments
(b) Ban on holding Iftar parties on government expenditure
(c) Reduction of fuel for official vehicles by 50 percent
(d) Restriction of official foreign travel to Economy Class
Explanation: The government did not announce the privatization of departments; rather, it focused on cutting operational costs such as travel, fuel, and event expenses. The other three options are verified components of the announced austerity package. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980528/sindh-schools-to-close-from-march-16-31-friday-to-be-wfh-for-govt-offices-as-part-of-austerity-measures, 10 Mar 2026]
#7554
Which specific department within the Qatari interior ministry was responsible for the arrests made on March 9, 2026?
(a) Department for Combating Economic and Cyber Crimes
(b) Directorate of National Intelligence and Security
(c) Bureau of Public Order and Strategic Communication
(d) None of these
Explanation: The arrests were conducted by the Department for Combating Economic and Cyber Crimes, which operates under the General Directorate of Criminal Investigations. The other options are incorrect organizational titles. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980165/qatar-arrests-313-people-for-sharing-footage-misleading-information-amid-attacks-by-iran, 09 Mar 2026]
#7555
Consider the following statements about the security situation in Bahrain as of March 10, 2026: 1. The Bahraini interior ministry has warned that photographing vital facilities is considered an act of complicity in aggression. 2. The arrests were limited exclusively to Pakistani nationals. 3. The government has urged the public to rely solely on official sources for information during the ongoing regional conflict. 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 ministry explicitly warned against photographing vital sites. Statement 2 is incorrect because the group included a Bangladeshi national in addition to five Pakistanis. Statement 3 is correct as the ministry urged citizens to use official sources to avoid legal accountability. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980603/bahrain-authorities-arrest-6-asians-including-5-pakistanis-for-allegedly-filming-sharing-videos-of-irans-attacks, 10 Mar 2026]
#7556
Consider the following statements about the austerity measures announced by the Sindh government in March 2026: 1. Colleges and universities are directed to switch to online classes during the vacation period. 2. The government has imposed a complete ban on the purchase of all new vehicles, including ambulances. 3. Security protocols are being withdrawn from individuals who were utilizing them unnecessarily, such as former caretaker ministers. 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 higher education institutions are moving to online classes. Statement 3 is correct regarding the withdrawal of unnecessary security. Statement 2 is incorrect because the ban on new vehicles includes an exception for necessary items such as ambulances and law and order vehicles. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980528/sindh-schools-to-close-from-march-16-31-friday-to-be-wfh-for-govt-offices-as-part-of-austerity-measures, 10 Mar 2026]
#7557
Consider the following statements regarding the UNSC debate on March 10, 2026: 1. India condemned cross-border airstrikes as a violation of the UN Charter. 2. Pakistan claimed that its actions in Afghanistan were taken in self-defense. 3. The Afghan representative Naseer Ahmad Faiq was praised by Pakistan for his neutral stance. 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 proceedings. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Pakistani envoy took exception to the remarks made by the Afghan representative, indicating a lack of alignment rather than praise. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980464/pakistan-india-exchange-sharp-words-at-un-security-council-over-afghanistan, 10 Mar 2026]
#7558
Which of the following statements regarding the diplomatic communication from Pakistan to Iran in March 2026 is INCORRECT?
(a) Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to work closely with Iran.
(b) The Prime Minister offered condolences on the martyrdom of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
(c) The communication was sent to the former Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
(d) The Prime Minister expressed optimism for peace and stability in the region.
Explanation: The letter was addressed to the new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, not the former leader who had been assassinated. The other statements accurately reflect the content of the official correspondence. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980562/in-letter-to-mojtaba-khamenei-pm-shehbaz-reaffirms-commitment-to-continue-to-work-closely-with-iran, 10 Mar 2026]
#7559
Consider the following statements about the fuel conservation measures announced on March 9, 2026: 1. The KP government implemented a 50 percent work-from-home policy for government departments. 2. The Punjab government has completely banned the use of all security protocol vehicles for ministers. 3. The KP government has decided to ensure the supply of diesel to farmers for wheat harvesting.
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) All three
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct as KP introduced a 50 percent work-from-home policy. Statement 2 is incorrect because Punjab restricted the use of protocol vehicles to one extra vehicle for security, rather than a total ban. Statement 3 is correct as the government explicitly vowed to ensure diesel supply for wheat harvesting. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980154/kp-cuts-fuel-allowance-for-govt-vehicles-punjab-and-balochistan-close-schools-amid-global-oil-crisis, 09 Mar 2026]
#7560
Who is the current Petroleum Minister of Pakistan as of July 27, 2026?
(a) Musadik Malik
(b) Khaleeq Kiani
(c) Abidullah Afridi
(d) Ali Pervaiz Malik
Explanation: Ali Pervaiz Malik is the Petroleum Minister who held discussions with the Oil Tankers Contractors Association. Abidullah Afridi is the president of the OTCA, not the minister. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018766/petroleum-minister-hints-at-fuel-price-relief-after-pakistans-oil-cargoes-clear-bab-al-mandeb, 27 Jul 2026]