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.
#1281
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]
#1282
Which of the following factors was primarily responsible for the pressure on Indian bond sentiment during the week ending July 24, 2026?
(a) Surging oil prices
(b) Domestic political instability
(c) A sudden decline in tax revenue
(d) None of these
Explanation: Surging oil prices and higher U.S. Treasury yields were the primary drivers of negative sentiment in the Indian bond market. Domestic political instability and tax revenue are not cited as factors in this context. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431650/india-bonds-end-three-day-losing-streak-but-post-second-straight-weekly-decline, 24 Jul 2026]
#1283
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]
#1284
Which of the following statements regarding the market conditions as of March 11, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) Spot platinum prices fell by 5 percent.
(b) Spot gold prices were recorded at $5,202.10 per ounce.
(c) Oil prices dropped below $90 per barrel.
(d) Gold has risen more than 20 percent so far this year.
Explanation: Spot platinum actually rose by 0.1 percent, making the claim that it fell by 5 percent incorrect. The other statements accurately reflect the market data provided for the specified date. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980850/gold-edges-higher-on-safe-haven-demand-ahead-of-us-cpi-data, 11 Mar 2026]
#1285
Consider the following statements about Japan's economic situation in June 2026: 1. The yen has depreciated to a four-decade low. 2. Producer price inflation has shown signs of sharp acceleration. 3. The Bank of Japan is expected to aggressively raise interest rates at its next meeting to combat hyperinflation. 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 report. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Bank of Japan is widely expected to keep interest rates steady at its upcoming meeting, not aggressively raise them. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431592/japan-june-core-inflation-accelerates-stays-below-boj-target, 24 Jul 2026]
#1286
Consider the following statements about the current economic and geopolitical environment as of March 11, 2026: 1. Gold is functioning as a safe-haven asset due to heightened geopolitical uncertainty. 2. The conflict has led to the stranding of oil tankers for more than a week. 3. Investors expect at least three rate cuts by the Federal Reserve in 2026. 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 report. Statement 3 is incorrect because investors expect at least two, not three, rate cuts by the Federal Reserve in 2026. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980850/gold-edges-higher-on-safe-haven-demand-ahead-of-us-cpi-data, 11 Mar 2026]
#1287
Consider the following statements about the refinery project announced on March 11, 2026: 1. The project involves a partnership with India's Reliance Industries. 2. The facility is intended to be the first major oil refinery built in the United States in half a century. 3. The project is entirely funded by the US federal government. 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 they reflect the partnership with Reliance and the historical context of the refinery construction. Statement 3 is incorrect because the project is a private investment initiative, not a federally funded government project. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980847/trump-touts-us-oil-refinery-deal-with-indias-energy-giant-reliance-industries, 11 Mar 2026]
#1288
According to the CME FedWatch tool, what is the approximate market-priced probability of a Federal Reserve rate hike as of July 24, 2026?
(a) 33 percent
(b) 25 percent
(c) 12 percent
(d) 50 percent
Explanation: Markets are pricing in a roughly one-in-three chance (approximately 33%) of a rate hike, which represents an increase from the 12% probability observed a week earlier. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431657/sampp-500-nasdaq-fall-as-investors-juggle-earnings-mideast-risks-and-tariffs, 24 Jul 2026]
#1289
Consider the following statements about the market environment on July 24, 2026: 1. The Philadelphia SE Semiconductor index experienced a decline of 3.1%. 2. The Federal Reserve is expected to meet the following week to discuss monetary policy. 3. The U.S. military action against targets in Iran was a response to Houthi activities in Yemen. 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 provided report: the semiconductor index fell by 3.1%, the Fed is meeting the following week, and the U.S. strikes were linked to warnings regarding Iran and its Houthi allies. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431657/sampp-500-nasdaq-fall-as-investors-juggle-earnings-mideast-risks-and-tariffs, 24 Jul 2026]
#1290
Consider the following statements about the Indian bond market and macroeconomic indicators as of July 24, 2026: 1. The 10-year U.S. Treasury yield reached its highest level since January 2025. 2. Brent crude prices briefly exceeded $100 per barrel for the first time in two months. 3. The probability of a Federal Reserve rate hike in September was estimated at 30%. 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. Statement 3 is incorrect because the probability of a Federal Reserve rate hike in September was reported at 80%, while the probability for July was 30%. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431650/india-bonds-end-three-day-losing-streak-but-post-second-straight-weekly-decline, 24 Jul 2026]
#1291
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]
#1292
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]
#1293
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]
#1294
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]
#1295
All of the following statements regarding the market conditions on July 27, 2026, are true EXCEPT:
(a) The Federal Reserve is expected to definitely raise interest rates by 50 basis points.
(b) Bond markets received a boost from easing inflation fears.
(c) Brent crude prices experienced a decline.
(d) Yemen’s Houthis attacked Saudi oil installations.
Explanation: The market only implies a one-in-three chance of a rate hike, and analysts remain uncertain about the outcome, making the claim of a definite 50 basis point hike false. The other options accurately reflect the geopolitical and economic situation described. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431958/shares-bonds-make-guarded-gains-as-oil-slips, 27 Jul 2026]
#1296
Which of the following central banks is scheduled to hold a policy meeting on Thursday, July 30, 2026?
(a) Bank of England
(b) Bank of Japan
(c) Federal Reserve
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Bank of England is scheduled to hold its meeting on Thursday, while the Federal Reserve meets on Wednesday and the Bank of Japan on Friday. None of the other options match the Thursday schedule. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431958/shares-bonds-make-guarded-gains-as-oil-slips, 27 Jul 2026]
#1297
Consider the following statements about the market environment on July 27, 2026: 1. The decline in oil prices was attributed to a pause in Gulf fighting. 2. Markets perceive a high certainty that the Federal Reserve will implement a rate hike. 3. The Bank of Japan is expected to hold its policy steady during its upcoming meeting.
(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 de-escalation lowered oil prices. Statement 3 is correct as the Bank of Japan is expected to hold steady. Statement 2 is incorrect because market participants view the Fed's decision as unusually uncertain, not highly certain. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431958/shares-bonds-make-guarded-gains-as-oil-slips, 27 Jul 2026]
#1298
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]
#1299
Which of the following statements regarding the market situation on July 27, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The US dollar index slipped to 101.23.
(b) Brent crude prices increased due to heightened military activity.
(c) The British pound rose against the US dollar.
(d) The euro appreciated against the US dollar.
Explanation: Brent crude prices actually decreased (dropped) due to the pause in military strikes, not increased. Options A, B, and D are factually accurate based on the provided market data. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431957/dollar-pulls-back-as-us-iran-attacks-pause-oil-drops, 27 Jul 2026]
#1300
Which individual is identified as the Chair of the Federal Reserve in the context of the July 2026 policy discussions?
(a) Jerome Powell
(b) Kevin Warsh
(c) Sally Auld
(d) None of these
Explanation: The report identifies Kevin Warsh as the Chair of the Federal Reserve whose position on potential rate hikes remains a subject of market uncertainty. Jerome Powell is a common distractor as a former/actual chair, but the text specifies Warsh. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431958/shares-bonds-make-guarded-gains-as-oil-slips, 27 Jul 2026]