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.
#1121
Which of the following statements regarding the fuel supply situation in March 2026 is INCORRECT?
(a) The tanker Torm Damini offloaded 37,000 tonnes of diesel.
(b) The tanker Nave Atropos is carrying 50,000 tonnes of petrol.
(c) The tanker Sea Clipper is carrying 34,000 tonnes of petrol.
(d) The tanker Spruce 2 is carrying 65,000 tonnes of petrol.
Explanation: The tanker Spruce 2 is carrying 55,000 tonnes of petrol, not 65,000 tonnes. The other figures provided for Torm Damini, Nave Atropos, and Sea Clipper are factually accurate according to the PQA report. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980592/4-fuel-laden-ships-reach-pakistan-amid-concerns-about-shortages-3-yet-to-berth, 10 Mar 2026]
#1122
On July 22, 2026, which strategic waterway did the Houthi rebels threaten to block, impacting commercial shipping to Saudi Arabia?
(a) Bab el-Mandeb Strait
(b) Strait of Hormuz
(c) Suez Canal
(d) Malacca Strait
Explanation: The Houthi rebels specifically threatened the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, which serves as a critical gateway to the Red Sea. While the Strait of Hormuz is also a vital maritime chokepoint, the current threat cited in the report pertains to the Red Sea access. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017517/pakistan-condemns-houthis-threats-to-saudi-arabia-commercial-shipping-in-red-sea, 22 Jul 2026]
#1123
According to the Foreign Office statement issued on July 22, 2026, what is the primary justification for Pakistan's potential use of force?
(a) To expand regional influence
(b) To secure oil supply routes for global markets
(c) To enforce a blockade on Iranian ports
(d) To protect its maritime assets and national interests
Explanation: The Foreign Office explicitly stated that Pakistan reserves the right to use force in self-defense to protect its maritime assets and national interests. This is consistent with the United Nations Charter and international law. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017517/pakistan-condemns-houthis-threats-to-saudi-arabia-commercial-shipping-in-red-sea, 22 Jul 2026]
#1124
Consider the following statements about the regional security situation as of July 22, 2026: 1. The Houthi rebels are aligned with Iran in the ongoing Middle East conflict. 2. The 2022 truce between the Houthis and Saudi Arabia has been fully respected by all parties without any recent violations. 3. Pakistan has invoked its defense pact with Saudi Arabia through diplomatic intervention to deter Iranian strikes. 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 Houthis are aligned with Iran. Statement 2 is incorrect because the report notes that the 2022 truce has been threatened by recent exchanges of fire. Statement 3 is correct as Pakistan previously invoked the defense pact in March to deter strikes. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017517/pakistan-condemns-houthis-threats-to-saudi-arabia-commercial-shipping-in-red-sea, 22 Jul 2026]
#1125
What is the targeted GDP growth rate for Pakistan in the fiscal year 2026-27?
(a) 3.5 percent
(b) 5.0 percent
(c) 4.5 percent
(d) 4.0 percent
Explanation: The government has set a GDP growth target of 4 percent for the fiscal year 2026-27 as part of its economic stabilization and growth strategy. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2007374/finmin-aurangzeb-says-govt-committed-to-reducing-tax-burden-by-widening-tax-net, 12 Jun 2026]
#1126
What is the total size of the federal budget unveiled for the fiscal year 2026-27?
(a) Rs 15.5 trillion
(b) Rs 18.8 trillion
(c) Rs 20.2 trillion
(d) None of these
Explanation: The federal budget for the fiscal year 2026-27 was announced at Rs 18.8 trillion. This figure represents the government's primary fiscal planning document for the upcoming year. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2007374/finmin-aurangzeb-says-govt-committed-to-reducing-tax-burden-by-widening-tax-net, 12 Jun 2026]
#1127
Consider the following statements about the diplomatic developments in June 2026: 1. The talks were conducted under the framework of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding. 2. The negotiations included representatives from the United States, Iran, Pakistan, and Qatar. 3. The final peace deal was successfully signed and concluded during the Lake Lucerne Summit. 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 correct as the talks were held under the Islamabad MoU framework with the four mentioned nations participating. Statement 3 is incorrect because the summit established a roadmap to reach a final deal within 60 days, rather than signing the final deal itself at that time. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2009504/us-iran-genuinely-want-peace-in-the-region-pm-shehbaz, 21 Jun 2026]
#1128
Which two nations acted as the primary mediators for the US-Iran peace talks in June 2026?
(a) Pakistan and Qatar
(b) Turkey and Oman
(c) China and Saudi Arabia
(d) Iraq and Kuwait
Explanation: Pakistan and Qatar served as the official mediators for the negotiations, facilitating the framework established by the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding. Other nations like Turkey or Oman have historically mediated regional disputes but were not the primary facilitators in this instance. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2009504/us-iran-genuinely-want-peace-in-the-region-pm-shehbaz, 21 Jun 2026]
#1129
Which of the following statements regarding the oil market situation as of July 17, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) Brent crude futures experienced a rise of approximately 0.08 percent.
(b) The Red Sea has already been officially closed to all commercial shipping traffic.
(c) The US launched two major waves of air strikes in a single day on Wednesday.
(d) US West Texas Intermediate futures gained 16 cents per barrel.
Explanation: The Red Sea has not been closed; rather, there is a 'potential threat' of closure. Options A, B, and C are all factually accurate details reported on July 17, 2026. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016168/oil-rises-on-intensifying-us-iran-hostilities-threat-of-red-sea-closure, 17 Jul 2026]
#1130
Which of the following is NOT an investment avenue proposed by SEBI for portfolio managers in the July 2026 consultation paper?
(a) Direct real estate development
(b) Overseas listed debt
(c) Unlisted debt
(d) Overseas listed equity
Explanation: SEBI proposed allowing investments in overseas listed equity, overseas listed debt, and unlisted debt. Direct real estate development is not included in the proposed expansion of investment avenues for portfolio managers. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431463/indias-sebi-proposes-allowing-portfolio-managers-to-invest-overseas-in-to-be-listed-securities, 23 Jul 2026]
#1131
Consider the following statements about the SEBI proposals released on July 23, 2026: 1. The proposals aim to align portfolio manager regulations with those of mutual funds and alternative investment funds. 2. The net worth requirement for the new category of portfolio managers is proposed to be reduced to 20 million rupees. 3. Portfolio managers are currently permitted to invest in unlisted debt without any restrictions. 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 goal is regulatory alignment. Statement 2 is correct regarding the proposed net worth reduction. Statement 3 is incorrect because unlisted debt is currently not allowed for portfolio managers. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431463/indias-sebi-proposes-allowing-portfolio-managers-to-invest-overseas-in-to-be-listed-securities, 23 Jul 2026]
#1132
By the end of June 2026, what was the total volume of gold reserves held by China's central bank?
(a) 75.44 million fine troy ounces
(b) 74.96 million fine troy ounces
(c) 78.14 million fine troy ounces
(d) None of these
Explanation: China's central bank reported gold reserves of 75.44 million fine troy ounces by the end of June 2026. The figure 74.96 million represents the reserves held in the preceding month. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40432008/chinas-june-net-gold-imports-via-hong-kong-up-from-year-ago-down-from-may, 27 Jul 2026]
#1133
What was the total volume of gold imported by China via Hong Kong in June 2026?
(a) 50.679 tons
(b) 78.147 tons
(c) 75.440 tons
(d) 65.562 tons
Explanation: Total gold imports via Hong Kong reached 78.147 tons in June 2026. The figure 50.679 tons represents the net imports, while 65.562 tons was the total for the previous month. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40432008/chinas-june-net-gold-imports-via-hong-kong-up-from-year-ago-down-from-may, 27 Jul 2026]
#1134
Consider the following statements about China's gold trade in June 2026: 1. Net gold imports via Hong Kong more than doubled compared to the same month in the previous year. 2. Hong Kong has launched a central clearing system for gold to support its regional hub ambitions. 3. Data from Hong Kong provides a complete and exhaustive picture of all Chinese gold purchases. 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 net imports rose from 19.366 tons in June 2025 to 50.679 tons in June 2026. Statement 2 is correct regarding the new clearing system. Statement 3 is incorrect because gold is also imported via Shanghai and Beijing, meaning Hong Kong data is not exhaustive. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40432008/chinas-june-net-gold-imports-via-hong-kong-up-from-year-ago-down-from-may, 27 Jul 2026]
#1135
Which of the following statements regarding China's gold imports in June 2026 is INCORRECT?
(a) Net gold imports via Hong Kong were higher than in June 2025.
(b) Net gold imports via Hong Kong were lower than in May 2026.
(c) Total gold imports via Hong Kong were lower than in May 2026.
(d) China's central bank increased its gold reserves during the month.
Explanation: Total gold imports via Hong Kong were 78.147 tons in June, which was an increase of 19% compared to the 65.562 tons imported in May. Therefore, stating that total imports were lower is factually incorrect. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40432008/chinas-june-net-gold-imports-via-hong-kong-up-from-year-ago-down-from-may, 27 Jul 2026]
#1136
What was the intraday high reached by the KSE-100 index on July 21, 2026?
(a) 176,133.56
(b) 177,370.45
(c) 178,370.45
(d) 179,370.45
Explanation: The KSE-100 index reached an intraday high of 178,370.45 points at 10:09am before experiencing profit-taking later in the session. The closing value was 176,133.56 points. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017214/psx-gains-1200-points-during-intraday-trade-as-oil-eases-amid-us-iran-mediation-efforts, 21 Jul 2026]
#1137
Brent crude futures rose by what percentage on July 21, 2026, as hostilities in the Gulf intensified?
(a) 1.2 percent
(b) 1.8 percent
(c) 1.5 percent
(d) 2.0 percent
Explanation: Brent crude futures rose by $1.62, which corresponds to a 1.8 percent increase, reaching $90.84 a barrel. This rise occurred as early market optimism eroded due to continued regional hostilities. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017214/psx-gains-2000-points-during-intraday-trade-as-oil-eases-amid-us-iran-mediation-efforts, 21 Jul 2026]
#1138
Brent crude futures rose by 1.8 percent to reach which price per barrel on July 21, 2026?
(a) 90.84 dollars
(b) 83.96 dollars
(c) 84.60 dollars
(d) 92.84 dollars
Explanation: Brent crude futures rose by $1.62, or 1.8 percent, to reach $90.84 per barrel. The other figures represent different oil contract prices mentioned in the market data. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017214/psx-gains-1200-points-during-intraday-trade-as-oil-eases-amid-us-iran-mediation-efforts, 21 Jul 2026]
#1139
What was the specific amount of the proposed increase in the price of high-speed diesel (HSD) that the Prime Minister rejected on March 27, 2026?
(a) Rs 177 per litre
(b) Rs 203 per litre
(c) Rs 95 per litre
(d) Rs 76 per litre
Explanation: The Prime Minister announced the rejection of a Rs 203 per litre increase for HSD on March 27, 2026. The figure of Rs 177 was a previous recommendation rejected a week prior. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1985954/pm-shehbaz-again-rejects-increase-in-petrol-diesel-prices, 27 Mar 2026]
#1140
Which sector specifically faced selling pressure on July 21, 2026, due to speculation regarding policy delays?
(a) Refinery stocks
(b) Textile manufacturing
(c) Cement production
(d) None of these
Explanation: Refinery stocks experienced significant selling pressure because of market speculation that the long-awaited refinery policy might face further delays. Other sectors like cement and textiles were actually expected to post strong earnings results. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017214/psx-gains-1200-points-during-intraday-trade-as-oil-eases-amid-us-iran-mediation-efforts, 21 Jul 2026]