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.
#13921
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]
#13922
Consider the following statements about the automotive sector in 8MFY26: 1. The sharp month-on-month decline in February 2026 sales was partly attributed to a high base effect from January. 2. Lower interest rates and easing inflation were cited as key drivers for year-on-year growth. 3. Tractor sales experienced a significant year-on-year growth of 43 percent during the 8MFY26 period. 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 market analysis provided by industry experts. Statement 3 is incorrect because tractor sales actually plunged by 21 percent year-on-year, not grew by 43 percent. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980724/auto-sales-rise-43pc-in-july-february, 11 Mar 2026]
#13923
On July 25, 2026, which regulatory body granted the first private electricity distribution and SoLR licenses to DHA Energy Supply Company?
(a) Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority
(b) National Electric Power Regulatory Authority
(c) Public Procurement Regulatory Authority
(d) None of these
Explanation: The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) is the sole regulator responsible for issuing electricity distribution and supply licenses in Pakistan. The other options are regulatory bodies for different sectors. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018147/karachis-dha-city-becomes-first-private-entity-to-light-up-its-own-housing-project, 25 Jul 2026]
#13924
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]
#13925
Which of the following statements regarding the State Bank of India's 2026 debt issuance is INCORRECT?
(a) The issuance is intended to be completed before the central bank's monetary policy decision in August 2026.
(b) The bonds are classified as long-term infrastructure bonds.
(c) The bank plans to raise 50 billion rupees through the issuance.
(d) The issuance involves Basel III-compliant additional Tier I perpetual bonds.
Explanation: The bonds are classified as Basel III-compliant additional Tier I perpetual bonds, not long-term infrastructure bonds. While the bank has board approval to raise funds through infrastructure bonds as well, this specific issuance is for perpetual debt. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431637/indias-sbi-to-issue-first-rupee-denominated-perpetual-debt-of-2026-sources-say, 24 Jul 2026]
#13926
Consider the following statements about the Australian market conditions on July 24, 2026: 1. The S&P/ASX 200 index recorded a decline of 0.6%. 2. Energy stocks were bolstered by oil prices exceeding $100 per barrel. 3. The Trump administration announced new tariffs on 60 trading partners including Australia. 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 report: the index fell by 0.6%, energy stocks rose due to oil prices topping $100, and the US administration announced new tariffs on 60 trading partners including Australia. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431620/australian-shares-on-track-for-third-weekly-loss-as-miners-tech-weigh, 24 Jul 2026]
#13927
What was the primary driver for the rise in HSBC shares on July 24, 2026?
(a) The acquisition of a new retail banking chain in Europe
(b) The sale of its life insurance business in Singapore
(c) A significant increase in quarterly dividend payouts
(d) None of these
Explanation: HSBC shares rose by 1.2% following the announcement that Allianz agreed to acquire its life insurance business in Singapore for $2.1 billion. This move is part of the bank's strategy to streamline operations and focus on core Asian banking. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431643/londons-ftse-100-rises-as-hsbc-lifts-financial-stocks-middle-east-tensions-linger, 24 Jul 2026]
#13928
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]
#13929
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]
#13930
What was the price of benchmark three-month copper on the London Metal Exchange as of July 24, 2026?
(a) $12,450.25 per metric ton
(b) $13,626.50 per metric ton
(c) $14,890.75 per metric ton
(d) None of these
Explanation: The benchmark three-month copper price on the LME was recorded at $13,626.50 per metric ton on the specified date. This reflects a 0.2% increase following two sessions of decline. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431641/copper-edges-up-heads-for-weekly-gain-as-non-us-stocks-tighten, 24 Jul 2026]
#13931
What is the status of Comex copper stocks in the United States as of July 24, 2026?
(a) They have reached a record high of 639,147 metric tons.
(b) They have fallen to their lowest level since March.
(c) They have remained stagnant due to import bans.
(d) They have decreased by 5.2% due to reverse cancellations.
Explanation: Comex copper stocks in the U.S. rose to a record 639,147 metric tons, contrasting with the tightening inventories observed in the London Metal Exchange and Shanghai markets. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431641/copper-edges-up-heads-for-weekly-gain-as-non-us-stocks-tighten, 24 Jul 2026]
#13932
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]
#13933
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]
#13934
On July 24, 2026, which UAE-based company saw a 4.4% gain in its stock price following reports of interest in its district cooling assets?
(a) Tecom Group
(b) National Central Cooling Company (Tabreed)
(c) Alpha Dhabi Holding
(d) Aldar Properties
Explanation: Tabreed's stock rose by 4.4% after reports indicated that I Squared Capital and Saudi Tabreed were bidding for district cooling assets in Riyadh. Other companies like Tecom Group and Alpha Dhabi Holding experienced declines during the same trading session. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431652/uae-stocks-slip-amid-escalating-middle-east-conflict, 24 Jul 2026]
#13935
Consider the following statements about the global copper market as of July 24, 2026: 1. The escalation of conflict in the Middle East has negatively impacted the global economic growth outlook. 2. Reverse cancellations in South Korea and Taiwan contributed to an increase in available LME copper inventory. 3. The United States imposed new tariffs of 10% and 12.5% on goods from 60 trading partners. 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 report: geopolitical tensions weighed on growth, reverse cancellations increased available LME stocks, and the U.S. implemented the specified tariff measures. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431641/copper-edges-up-heads-for-weekly-gain-as-non-us-stocks-tighten, 24 Jul 2026]
#13936
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]
#13937
The total sales volume of two- and three-wheelers in Pakistan reached which level during the first eight months of the 2026 fiscal year?
(a) 1.1 million units
(b) 1.3 million units
(c) 1.5 million units
(d) None of these
Explanation: Two- and three-wheeler sales reached 1.3 million units in 8MFY26, marking a 31 percent rise year-on-year. None of these is incorrect because 1.3 million is the explicitly stated figure. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980724/auto-sales-rise-43pc-in-july-february, 11 Mar 2026]
#13938
Which of the following statements regarding Pakistan's recent domestic policy developments as of July 29, 2026, are correct?
(a) Only 1 and 2 are correct.
(b) Only 2 and 3 are correct.
(c) Only 1 and 3 are correct.
(d) 1, 2, and 3 are all correct.
Explanation: The digitization of welfare via the Rahmat Card aims to increase transparency, the FBR is implementing new tax regimes to address fiscal deficits, and monsoon-related climate events continue to pose significant infrastructure and human safety risks in cities like Lahore. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40432278/jazzcash-begins-rahmat-card-digital-disbursements]
#13939
Assess the following statements regarding Pakistan's recent national administration and economic governance indicators: 1. The digitization of the CM Punjab Rahmat Card program signals a move toward data-driven transparency in social welfare. 2. The Federal Board of Revenue's (FBR) new tax regime for small shopkeepers is independent of the stabilization requirements set by international financial institutions. 3. Headline GDP growth remains the sole proxy through which the government assesses the current disparity in household welfare levels. 4. Ranking as the fourth weakest globally, the 2026 Henley Passport Index highlights a significant metric regarding Pakistan's diplomatic influence and global integration.
(a) Only 1 and 4 are correct
(b) Only 2 and 3 are correct
(c) 1, 2, and 4 are correct
(d) 1, 3, and 4 are correct
Explanation: Statement 1 is accurate as JazzCash is facilitating digital disbursements for the Rahmat Card. Statement 2 is incorrect because the FBR's tax expansion is explicitly linked to IMF requirements. Statement 3 is incorrect as the current discourse critiques the reliance on GDP by emphasizing that it fails to capture actual household welfare. Statement 4 is accurate as the 2026 Henley Index explicitly ranks the Pakistani passport as the fourth weakest globally. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40432278/jazzcash-begins-rahmat-card-digital-disbursements]
#13940
Which of the following statements regarding the market performance on July 24, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) Dubai Islamic Bank declined by 1.5%.
(b) Alpha Dhabi Holding dropped by 0.7%.
(c) Tecom Group declined by 2.1%.
(d) Aldar Properties increased by 2.1%.
Explanation: Aldar Properties actually slipped by 0.5%, making the claim that it increased by 2.1% incorrect. The other statements accurately reflect the performance of the mentioned companies on that date. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431652/uae-stocks-slip-amid-escalating-middle-east-conflict, 24 Jul 2026]