August 2026 Edition
Start August Quiz
August 2026 Current Affairs MCQs & Solutions
Top national & international current affairs questions for CSS, PMS, FPSC, PPSC, and NTS screening tests.
#1081
Which of the following statements regarding the copper market on July 24, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) Benchmark three-month copper on the LME rose by 0.2%.
(b) Oil prices exceeded $100 a barrel due to Middle East conflict escalation.
(c) Available LME inventory rose by 5.2% due to reverse cancellations.
(d) Aluminium prices increased by 0.7% alongside copper.
Explanation: Aluminium prices actually fell by 0.7% to $3,165.50 a ton, making the statement that they increased incorrect. The other three statements accurately reflect the market data provided. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431641/copper-edges-up-heads-for-weekly-gain-as-non-us-stocks-tighten, 24 Jul 2026]
#1082
Which of the following companies reported beating first-quarter profit expectations as of July 27, 2026?
(a) Tata Consumer
(b) Bank of Baroda
(c) HDFC Bank
(d) Axis Bank
Explanation: Tata Consumer reported beating profit expectations due to steady consumer demand. In contrast, Bank of Baroda reported a profit drop, and private lenders like HDFC and Axis faced margin concerns. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431956/indian-shares-set-to-open-higher-breaking-losing-run-as-oil-slides, 27 Jul 2026]
#1083
What was the value of the GIFT Nifty futures as of 7:59 a.m. IST on July 27, 2026?
(a) 23,767.45
(b) 24,500.75
(c) 24,150.25
(d) 23,974.50
Explanation: The GIFT Nifty futures were recorded at 23,974.50, which indicated a positive opening for the benchmark Nifty 50 index above the previous Friday's close of 23,767.45. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431956/indian-shares-set-to-open-higher-breaking-losing-run-as-oil-slides, 27 Jul 2026]
#1084
Consider the following statements regarding the Indian market outlook as of July 27, 2026: 1. The U.S. Federal Reserve is widely expected to increase interest rates by 25 basis points this week. 2. The probability of a 25-basis-point rate hike by the Fed has risen to 36.3%. 3. Lower oil prices are expected to ease inflation concerns in India. 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: The Fed is widely expected to leave rates unchanged, making statement 1 incorrect. Statements 2 and 3 are factually accurate based on the market analysis provided. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431956/indian-shares-set-to-open-higher-breaking-losing-run-as-oil-slides, 27 Jul 2026]
#1085
Who chaired the Capital Market Development Council (CMDC) meeting held on March 11, 2026?
(a) Muhammad Aurangzeb
(b) Shamshad Akhtar
(c) Miftah Ismail
(d) None of these
Explanation: Muhammad Aurangzeb, as the Finance Minister, chaired the CMDC meeting to discuss reforms for the capital market. The other individuals listed are former finance ministers and are not the current officeholder for the 2026 event. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980943/finance-minister-stresses-more-balanced-system-where-capital-markets-complement-banking-sector, 11 Mar 2026]
#1086
On July 27, 2026, what was the primary factor cited for the expected rise in Indian equity markets?
(a) A sharp decline in global oil prices
(b) An unexpected interest rate cut by the Reserve Bank of India
(c) A surge in foreign direct investment inflows
(d) None of these
Explanation: The market recovery was driven by a 4.6% drop in Brent crude prices following a pause in strikes between the United States and Iran. Lower oil prices are beneficial for India as it is a major importer of the commodity. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431956/indian-shares-set-to-open-higher-breaking-losing-run-as-oil-slides, 27 Jul 2026]
#1087
Consider the following statements about the capital market reforms discussed on March 11, 2026: 1. The reforms aim to mobilize long-term domestic savings for private sector investment. 2. The Finance Minister suggested that Pakistan should ignore international experiences to focus solely on local models. 3. Strengthening market-making mechanisms is considered essential for improving investor confidence. 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 correct as they reflect the government's strategy to mobilize savings and improve market infrastructure. Statement 2 is incorrect because the Finance Minister explicitly directed institutions to review and adapt best practices from international and regional markets. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980943/finance-minister-stresses-more-balanced-system-where-capital-markets-complement-banking-sector, 11 Mar 2026]
#1088
What is the target inflation range set by the State Bank of Pakistan as mentioned in the July 2026 report?
(a) 3-5 percent
(b) 9-11 percent
(c) 7-9 percent
(d) 5-7 percent
Explanation: The SBP maintains a target inflation range of 5-7 percent. Current inflation levels of 11.1 percent are well above this threshold, necessitating a restrictive monetary policy. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018929/policy-rate-pause-splits-stakeholders, 28 Jul 2026]
#1089
What was the policy rate maintained by the State Bank of Pakistan as of July 28, 2026?
(a) 9.5 percent
(b) 10.5 percent
(c) 11.5 percent
(d) 12.5 percent
Explanation: The State Bank of Pakistan decided to keep the benchmark interest rate at 11.5 percent in its July 2026 review. This decision was made to balance macroeconomic stability against the demands for industrial growth. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018929/policy-rate-pause-splits-stakeholders, 28 Jul 2026]
#1090
Consider the following statements regarding the economic situation in Pakistan as of July 2026: 1. The SBP's decision to maintain the policy rate is supported by domestic trade bodies to curb inflation. 2. Private sector credit showed signs of recovery in June 2026. 3. Industrial stakeholders argue that a single-digit interest rate is necessary to improve export competitiveness. 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 domestic trade bodies (FPCCI, Korangi Association) criticized the policy rate as contractionary, not supportive. Statements 2 and 3 are factually accurate reflections of the economic sentiment and data reported in July 2026. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018929/policy-rate-pause-splits-stakeholders, 28 Jul 2026]
#1091
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]
#1092
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]
#1093
Consider the following statements about the meeting between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia on April 10, 2026: 1. The Prime Minister recalled a recent telephone conversation with the Crown Prince. 2. The meeting focused exclusively on military procurement and defense hardware. 3. The Saudi Finance Minister reaffirmed the resolve to strengthen fraternal bonds.
(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 based on the official readout. Statement 2 is incorrect because the meeting focused on trade, investment, and economic development, not exclusively on military procurement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1990567/in-meeting-with-saudi-finance-minister-pm-emphasises-strong-commitment-to-expanding-cooperation-in-all-spheres, 10 Apr 2026]
#1094
Which of the following statements regarding the meeting on April 10, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The meeting took place at the Prime Minister House.
(b) The Chief of Army Staff attended the meeting.
(c) The Prime Minister expressed appreciation for Saudi Arabia's economic support.
(d) The Saudi Finance Minister was on a three-day official visit to Pakistan.
Explanation: The Saudi Finance Minister was on a one-day visit, not a three-day visit. The other statements accurately reflect the details of the event. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1990567/in-meeting-with-saudi-finance-minister-pm-emphasises-strong-commitment-to-expanding-cooperation-in-all-spheres, 10 Apr 2026]
#1095
Who visited Islamabad on April 10, 2026, to meet with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif regarding bilateral cooperation?
(a) Mohammed bin Abdullah al Jadaan
(b) Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud
(c) Khalid bin Abdulaziz Al Saud
(d) None of these
Explanation: Mohammed bin Abdullah al Jadaan is the Saudi Finance Minister who conducted a one-day visit to Islamabad on the specified date. Faisal bin Farhan is the Foreign Minister, making him a plausible but incorrect distractor. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1990567/in-meeting-with-saudi-finance-minister-pm-emphasises-strong-commitment-to-expanding-cooperation-in-all-spheres, 10 Apr 2026]
#1096
The Foreign Office spokesperson who issued the statement regarding the UAE financial deposits on April 4, 2026, is:
(a) Mumtaz Zahra Baloch
(b) Tahir Andrabi
(c) Asim Iftikhar Ahmad
(d) None of these
Explanation: Tahir Andrabi is the official identified in the report as the Foreign Office spokesperson who clarified that the return of the UAE deposits was a routine financial transaction. The other names are prominent diplomats but were not the source of this specific statement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1988580/fo-rejects-misleading-unfounded-commentary-regarding-financial-deposits-from-uae, 04 Apr 2026]
#1097
Consider the following statements about the financial situation reported on April 4, 2026: 1. The total amount of debt to be returned to the UAE is $3.5 billion. 2. The repayment of these deposits is expected to reduce Pakistan's central bank reserves by approximately 18 percent. 3. The UAE deposits were rolled over multiple times since 2019. 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 amount is $3.5 billion, the impact on reserves is estimated at an 18 percent reduction, and the deposits have been subject to multiple rollovers since 2019. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1988580/fo-rejects-misleading-unfounded-commentary-regarding-financial-deposits-from-uae, 04 Apr 2026]
#1098
For how many consecutive months has Japan's core inflation remained below the Bank of Japan's 2% target as of July 2026?
(a) Three months
(b) Five months
(c) Four months
(d) Six months
Explanation: The data indicates that Japan's core inflation has stayed below the central bank's 2% target for five straight months. This duration highlights the persistent challenge in reaching the BOJ's inflation goal. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431592/japan-june-core-inflation-accelerates-stays-below-boj-target, 24 Jul 2026]
#1099
Which specific category of inflation in Japan slowed to 1.2% in June 2026 despite steady wage gains?
(a) Service inflation
(b) Energy inflation
(c) Food inflation
(d) None of these
Explanation: Service inflation slowed to 1.2% in June from 1.4% in May. This deceleration occurred even as nominal wages showed steady gains, complicating the inflation outlook. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431592/japan-june-core-inflation-accelerates-stays-below-boj-target, 24 Jul 2026]
#1100
What was the total value of Treasury bills awarded by the Philippine Bureau of the Treasury on July 27, 2026?
(a) $500 million
(b) $950 million
(c) $1.2 billion
(d) $810.1 million
Explanation: The Philippine Bureau of the Treasury awarded 50 billion pesos, which is equivalent to $810.1 million, during the auction held on July 27, 2026. This figure represents the total successful bid amount for the three tenors offered. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431975/philippines-awards-810mn-t-bill-offer, 27 Jul 2026]