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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#881

On July 23, 2026, the Indian government relaxed foreign investment rules to allow e-commerce companies to perform which of the following activities?

(a) Directly sell goods to domestic consumers at discounted rates
(b) Purchase products from Indian sellers for export to overseas customers
(c) Establish exclusive brick-and-mortar retail chains across India
(d) None of these
Explanation: The policy change specifically permits foreign-funded e-commerce platforms to procure goods from local sellers for the purpose of international exports. Option A is incorrect because the government continues to prohibit direct sales to domestic consumers to protect local retailers. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431461/india-relaxes-e-commerce-investment-rules-for-exports-in-win-for-amazon, 23 Jul 2026]
#882

Consider the following statements regarding the economic situation in India as of July 2026: 1. The United States is imposing new tariffs on Indian goods due to allegations regarding forced labour bans. 2. Indian benchmarks have experienced a decline of approximately 2% over the week. 3. IndiGo reported a profit for the current quarter despite the rising fuel prices. 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 based on the report. Statement 3 is incorrect because IndiGo posted a loss, not a profit, driven by soaring fuel prices and regional uncertainty. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431590/indian-shares-to-open-lower-as-crude-tops-100, 24 Jul 2026]
#883

Analyze the following statements regarding Pakistan's governance and economic policy frameworks as of July 31, 2026: 1. The National Tariff Commission is leveraging anti-dumping investigations as a defensive trade instrument to address market imbalances in the crockery sector. 2. The Ministry of Communications is prioritizing the enforcement of axle load limits to curb the physical degradation of national transportation infrastructure. 3. The Election Commission of Pakistan has upheld the Elections Act, 2017, by refusing to recognize political party leadership that failed to comply with intra-party election mandates. Which of the above statements are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, and 3
Explanation: All three statements accurately reflect the governance challenges and regulatory actions occurring on July 31, 2026. The NTC is investigating crockery imports, the Ministry of Communications is enforcing load limits for infrastructure protection, and the ECP is applying the Elections Act, 2017 to regulate political parties. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40432643/crockery-products-imported-from-china-ntc-initiates-anti-dumping-investigation]
#884

Consider the following statements about the energy market developments as of March 11, 2026: 1. The IEA's proposed oil release is intended to offset disruptions caused by the US-Israeli conflict with Iran. 2. Goldman Sachs analysts estimated that the proposed stockpile release would offset 12 days of Gulf export disruptions. 3. US crude prices reached their highest level since June 2022 on Monday, March 9, 2026. Which of the statements given above 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 accurate based on the report: the IEA is responding to the Iran conflict, Goldman Sachs provided the 12-day offset estimate, and WTI crude prices hit their highest point since June 2022 on the preceding Monday. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980857/oil-falls-on-report-of-iea-proposing-biggest-oil-release-ever, 11 Mar 2026]
#885

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]
#886

As of March 11, 2026, the International Energy Agency (IEA) is considering a record-breaking release of oil reserves to counter supply disruptions caused by conflict in which region?

(a) South China Sea
(b) Gulf of Mexico
(c) North Sea
(d) Gulf region
Explanation: The IEA is proposing a massive release of oil reserves to address supply disruptions stemming from the conflict involving Iran and the Strait of Hormuz in the Gulf region. Other options represent different global maritime chokepoints not central to this specific energy crisis. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980857/oil-falls-on-report-of-iea-proposing-biggest-oil-release-ever, 11 Mar 2026]
#887

Which of the following statements regarding the energy market situation as of March 11, 2026, is INCORRECT?

(a) The IEA's proposed drawdown would exceed the 182 million barrels released in 2022.
(b) Brent futures traded down by approximately 1 per cent on the day of the report.
(c) The US Navy has officially agreed to provide military escorts for all commercial tankers in the Strait of Hormuz.
(d) ADNOC shut its Ruwais refinery following a drone strike.
Explanation: The US Navy has actually refused requests from the shipping industry for military escorts due to the high risk of attacks, making the incorrect statement. The other options accurately reflect the market and security conditions described in the report. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980857/oil-falls-on-report-of-iea-proposing-biggest-oil-release-ever, 11 Mar 2026]
#888

The Nifty 50 index closed at which of the following levels on July 24, 2026?

(a) 78,210.30
(b) 76,059.77
(c) 22,540.12
(d) 23,767.45
Explanation: The Nifty 50 fell 0.43% to close at 23,767.45 on the specified date. The BSE Sensex closed at 76,059.77. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431634/indian-shares-log-weekly-losses-as-crude-climbs-hdfc-bank-tumbles, 24 Jul 2026]
#889

Which of the following factors is NOT cited as a primary risk to the Indian economy in the context of the July 24, 2026 market report?

(a) Persistent high crude oil prices
(b) Excessive foreign direct investment inflows
(c) Supply-chain disruptions
(d) Erratic monsoon and rainfall deficit
Explanation: The report identifies high oil prices, rainfall deficits, and supply-chain disruptions as key risks. Excessive foreign direct investment is not mentioned as a risk factor in this context. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431634/indian-shares-log-weekly-losses-as-crude-climbs-hdfc-bank-tumbles, 24 Jul 2026]
#890

Which of the following statements regarding the US-EU trade tensions in July 2026 is INCORRECT?

(a) The US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer supported the EU's enforcement action as a boost to transatlantic trade.
(b) The European Commission's fine against Google was the first penalty under the Digital Markets Act.
(c) The US administration announced new tariffs of 10 to 12.5 percent on 60 trading partners.
(d) President Trump threatened to initiate a Section 301 investigation into the EU's antitrust practices.
Explanation: US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer actually criticized the EU's decision, stating that it undermined constructive dialogue and posed a risk to trade stability, making the incorrect statement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018219/trump-says-eu-to-pay-very-big-price-for-google-fine, 25 Jul 2026]
#891

What was the recorded inflation rate in Pakistan for the month of February 2026?

(a) 5.80 percent
(b) 6.98 percent
(c) 7.15 percent
(d) 8.20 percent
Explanation: Inflation rose to 6.98 percent year-on-year in February 2026, up from 5.8 percent in January. This represents the highest level recorded since October 2024. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979645/stocks-nosedive-63pc-in-jittery-week-on-geopolitical-concerns, 08 Mar 2026]
#892

Which of the following statements regarding the market performance in March 2026 is INCORRECT?

(a) Foreign corporates were net sellers of equities during the week.
(b) The KSE-100 index experienced a single-session decline of over 16,000 points on Monday.
(c) Cement despatches showed a year-on-year increase in February 2026.
(d) The rupee depreciated significantly against the dollar during the week.
Explanation: The rupee remained largely stable, appreciating marginally by 0.02 percent week-on-week. The other statements accurately reflect the market data provided for the period. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979645/stocks-nosedive-63pc-in-jittery-week-on-geopolitical-concerns, 08 Mar 2026]
#893

Which Indian financial institution experienced its steepest weekly decline in 2-1/2 years on July 24, 2026?

(a) Axis Bank
(b) ICICI Bank
(c) HDFC Bank
(d) State Bank of India
Explanation: HDFC Bank recorded a 9.4% decline, marking its sharpest weekly drop in 2-1/2 years due to investor concerns regarding margins. Axis Bank also declined, but HDFC Bank was identified as the primary weight on the benchmark indexes. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431634/indian-shares-log-weekly-losses-as-crude-climbs-hdfc-bank-tumbles, 24 Jul 2026]
#894

Consider the following statements about the Indian market performance on July 24, 2026: 1. The BSE Sensex recorded its steepest drop in two months. 2. Private banks and financial sectors were among the worst-performing segments. 3. Brent crude prices briefly crossed $100 a barrel during the week. 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 accurate based on the market report. The Sensex lost 2.7% (steepest in two months), financial sectors were heavily dragged down, and Brent crude crossed the $100 threshold. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431634/indian-shares-log-weekly-losses-as-crude-climbs-hdfc-bank-tumbles, 24 Jul 2026]
#895

What was the closing value of the KSE-100 index at the end of the trading week ending on March 8, 2026?

(a) 145,210 points
(b) 157,496 points
(c) 162,305 points
(d) None of these
Explanation: The KSE-100 index closed at 157,496 points after a weekly decline of 6.3 percent. This decline was primarily attributed to investor panic regarding regional geopolitical instability. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979645/stocks-nosedive-63pc-in-jittery-week-on-geopolitical-concerns, 08 Mar 2026]
#896

Consider the following statements about the economic indicators in February 2026: 1. Pakistan's trade deficit widened to approximately $3 billion. 2. Urea offtake recorded a significant increase compared to the previous year. 3. Liquid foreign exchange reserves held by the State Bank of Pakistan stood at $16.3 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 2 is incorrect because urea offtake actually fell by 28 percent year-on-year, reaching the lowest monthly level recorded. Statements 1 and 3 are factually accurate based on the reported economic data. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979645/stocks-nosedive-63pc-in-jittery-week-on-geopolitical-concerns, 08 Mar 2026]
#897

What is the total amount of the fine imposed by the European Commission on Google for breaching the Digital Markets Act in July 2026?

(a) 460 million euros
(b) 430 million euros
(c) 1.2 billion euros
(d) 890 million euros
Explanation: The European Commission issued two separate fines of 460 million euros and 430 million euros, totaling 890 million euros. This represents the first penalty imposed on Google under the Digital Markets Act. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018219/trump-says-eu-to-pay-very-big-price-for-google-fine, 25 Jul 2026]
#898

Which organization hosted the seminar titled 'Enhancing Pak-Libya Trade and Economic Cooperation' in 2026?

(a) Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry
(b) Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry
(c) Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry
(d) Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Explanation: The seminar was hosted by the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) to discuss bilateral economic ties. The other chambers are distinct entities not mentioned as the hosts of this specific event. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431795/pak-workforce-in-libya-declines-by-78pc-envoy, 25 Jul 2026]
#899

Who is the Ambassador-designate of Pakistan to Libya as of July 2026?

(a) Maj-Gen (r) Mumtaz Hussain
(b) Lt-Gen (r) Asim Munir
(c) Maj-Gen (r) Faisal Shahkar
(d) None of these
Explanation: Maj-Gen (r) Mumtaz Hussain was identified as the Ambassador-designate to Libya during a seminar at the LCCI. The other names are not associated with this diplomatic appointment. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431795/pak-workforce-in-libya-declines-by-78pc-envoy, 25 Jul 2026]
#900

The Pakistani workforce in Libya has experienced a decline of what percentage according to the 2026 report?

(a) 78 percent
(b) 65 percent
(c) 82 percent
(d) 90 percent
Explanation: The Ambassador-designate explicitly stated that the Pakistani workforce in Libya has declined by 78 percent. This figure serves as the primary metric for the need to revitalize labor and trade relations. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431795/pak-workforce-in-libya-declines-by-78pc-envoy, 25 Jul 2026]