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.
#14121
Who was formally appointed as the new supreme leader of Iran following the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in 2026?
(a) Hassan Rouhani
(b) Mojtaba Khamenei
(c) Ebrahim Raisi
(d) None of these
Explanation: Mojtaba Khamenei was appointed by the Assembly of Experts to succeed his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, following his death in a US-Israeli strike. The other names listed are prominent Iranian political figures but were not the subjects of this specific succession. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980326/trump-says-iran-war-pretty-much-over-progressing-ahead-of-schedule, 09 Mar 2026]
#14122
On July 27, 2026, the State Bank of Pakistan maintained the policy rate at which of the following levels?
(a) 10.5 percent
(b) 12.5 percent
(c) 11.5 percent
(d) 13.5 percent
Explanation: The State Bank of Pakistan maintained the policy rate at 11.5 percent during the announcement on July 27, 2026. Analysts viewed this as a cautious stance given the prevailing regional geopolitical tensions. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018715/psx-opens-week-in-the-green-gains-more-than-7000-points-to-close-above-178000-mark, 27 Jul 2026]
#14123
Consider the following statements about the PSX performance on July 27, 2026: 1. The KSE-100 index gained more than 7,000 points during the session. 2. The market rally was partially attributed to the resumption of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. 3. The index reached an intra-day peak of over 178,500 points. 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 data from July 27, 2026. The index gained 7,241.13 points, investor sentiment improved due to hopes for shipping resumption, and the intra-day peak was 178,588.33 points. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018715/psx-opens-week-in-the-green-gains-more-than-7000-points-to-close-above-178000-mark, 27 Jul 2026]
#14124
Approximately how many barrels of crude oil per day did Kuwait produce in February 2026?
(a) 4.1 million
(b) 3.2 million
(c) 2.6 million
(d) 1.8 million
Explanation: Kuwait's production level in February 2026 was reported at approximately 2.6 million barrels per day. This figure serves as the baseline before the precautionary cuts were implemented. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979510/kuwaits-national-oil-company-cuts-production-as-precaution-amid-iran-tensions, 07 Mar 2026]
#14125
According to the SBP statement released on March 9, 2026, what was the inflation rate recorded in February 2026?
(a) 5.8 percent
(b) 7.0 percent
(c) 8.2 percent
(d) None of these
Explanation: The SBP reported that inflation rose to 5.8 percent in January and 7 percent in February 2026. Option D is incorrect because 7 percent is explicitly mentioned as the February figure. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980133/sbp-maintains-policy-rate-at-105pc, 09 Mar 2026]
#14126
By what percentage did Pakistan's trade deficit with the Middle East narrow in fiscal year 2026?
(a) 4.48 percent
(b) 7.37 percent
(c) 2.00 percent
(d) 4.00 percent
Explanation: The trade deficit with the Middle East narrowed by 4.48 percent to $13.32 billion in FY26. The 7.37 percent figure refers to the widening of the deficit observed in the previous fiscal year. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018925/pakistans-exports-to-middle-east-dip-in-fy26, 28 Jul 2026]
#14127
Consider the following statements about the fuel price situation in 2026: 1. The government reduced petrol prices for two consecutive weeks in May 2026. 2. The global fuel crunch was exacerbated by the conflict involving Iran. 3. The Petroleum Minister announced an increase in fuel prices on April 2, 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: All three statements are factually accurate based on the provided information regarding the 2026 fuel price trends and the geopolitical context of the energy crisis. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2002321/govt-reduces-petrol-by-rs6-per-litre-high-speed-diesel-by-rs68, 22 May 2026]
#14128
Which organization announced a precautionary reduction in crude oil production on March 7, 2026?
(a) Saudi Aramco
(b) Kuwait Petroleum Corporation
(c) QatarEnergy
(d) None of these
Explanation: Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC) officially announced the production cut as a risk management strategy amid regional tensions. Saudi Aramco and QatarEnergy are distinct national entities not involved in this specific announcement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979510/kuwaits-national-oil-company-cuts-production-as-precaution-amid-iran-tensions, 07 Mar 2026]
#14129
What is the proposed allocation for the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) in the 2026-27 budget?
(a) Rs71 billion
(b) Rs8,045 billion
(c) Rs15,264 billion
(d) Rs838 billion
Explanation: The BISP budget was increased by 17 percent to reach Rs838 billion, aiming to expand coverage to 12 million families. Rs71 billion is the allocation for the Apna Ghar housing scheme. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2007283/govt-unveils-rs188tr-budget-for-fy2026-27-gdp-growth-targeted-at-4pc, 12 Jun 2026]
#14130
Which of the following sectors was NOT explicitly mentioned by the Finance Minister as receiving relief in the 2026-27 budget?
(a) IT sector
(b) Construction sector
(c) Agricultural sector
(d) Salaried class
Explanation: The Finance Minister specifically listed exporters, manufacturers, the IT sector, construction, and the salaried class as beneficiaries of relief measures. The agricultural sector was not included in this specific list of relief recipients. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2007374/finmin-aurangzeb-says-govt-committed-to-reducing-tax-burden-by-widening-tax-net, 12 Jun 2026]
#14131
Following the price revision on March 7, 2026, the Petroleum Development Levy (PDL) on high-speed diesel was adjusted to which of the following rates?
(a) Rs57 per litre
(b) Rs77 per litre
(c) Rs105 per litre
(d) None of these
Explanation: The government reduced the levy on high-speed diesel to Rs57 per litre from Rs77 per litre to mitigate the impact of the price hike. Rs105 per litre represents the new levy rate for petrol, not diesel. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979341/petrol-bomb-falls-on-pakistan-amid-war, 07 Mar 2026]
#14132
Consider the following statements about the energy situation in the Middle East as of March 2026: 1. Kuwait Petroleum Corporation has permanently ceased all oil exports due to the conflict. 2. The Strait of Hormuz is identified as a critical point of concern for the safe passage of ships. 3. Qatar has declared force majeure on its gas exports.
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) All three
Explanation: Statement 1 is false because the reduction is described as a 'precautionary' measure subject to review, not a permanent cessation. Statements 2 and 3 are factually accurate based on the reported events. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979510/kuwaits-national-oil-company-cuts-production-as-precaution-amid-iran-tensions, 07 Mar 2026]
#14133
Which port authority issued the statement regarding the arrival of fuel-laden tankers in March 2026?
(a) Karachi Port Trust
(b) Port Qasim Authority
(c) Gwadar Port Authority
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Port Qasim Authority (PQA) issued the official statement detailing the arrival and berthing schedules of tankers like Torm Damini and Nave Atropos. Karachi Port Trust is a separate entity and was not the source of this specific fuel supply update. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980592/4-fuel-laden-ships-reach-pakistan-amid-concerns-about-shortages-3-yet-to-berth, 10 Mar 2026]
#14134
Consider the following statements about the LPG supply situation in March 2026: 1. The vessel MD23 discharged 3,500 tonnes of LPG. 2. Navigator Atlantic discharged LPG brought from Oman. 3. Navigator Aries discharged LPG mix brought from Iraq.
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) All three
Explanation: All three statements are factually correct based on the PQA report regarding LPG cargoes. MD23 discharged 3,500 tonnes, Navigator Atlantic brought supply from Oman, and Navigator Aries brought supply from Iraq. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980592/4-fuel-laden-ships-reach-pakistan-amid-concerns-about-shortages-3-yet-to-berth, 10 Mar 2026]
#14135
Which official announced the record-breaking fuel price hike during the press conference held on March 7, 2026?
(a) Ali Pervaiz Malik
(b) Ishaq Dar
(c) Muhammad Aurangzeb
(d) Shehbaz Sharif
Explanation: Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik announced the price hike during the press conference. While Ishaq Dar and Muhammad Aurangzeb were present, the announcement was delivered by the Petroleum Minister. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979341/petrol-bomb-falls-on-pakistan-amid-war, 07 Mar 2026]
#14136
Consider the following statements regarding the government's response to the March 2026 economic situation: 1. The Prime Minister directed that actionable proposals for austerity be presented within 48 hours. 2. The government announced a Rs55 per litre increase in petrol and high-speed diesel prices. 3. The Information Minister confirmed that the government would rely on private sector estimates for fuel pricing updates. 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 government's directives and the price hike announcement. Statement 3 is incorrect because the government emphasized that it would release accurate and verified information from official ministries, not private sector estimates. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979462/pm-tells-ministers-to-prepare-strategy-for-conserving-petroleum-products-ensuring-uninterrupted-supply, 07 Mar 2026]
#14137
On March 7, 2026, the Prime Minister directed which two federal ministers to visit provinces to coordinate petroleum conservation strategies?
(a) Finance and Petroleum
(b) Energy and Commerce
(c) Planning and Interior
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Prime Minister specifically tasked the finance and petroleum ministers to engage with provincial governments to ensure supply stability and austerity. Other combinations of ministries are incorrect as they do not hold primary jurisdiction over fuel pricing and supply chain management. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979462/pm-tells-ministers-to-prepare-strategy-for-conserving-petroleum-products-ensuring-uninterrupted-supply, 07 Mar 2026]
#14138
Which of the following measures was NOT implemented by the government in response to the fuel crisis announced on March 7, 2026?
(a) Weekly review of petroleum prices
(b) Implementation of a work-from-home policy
(c) Crackdown on hoarding of petroleum products
(d) Adjustment of the Petroleum Development Levy
Explanation: The government explicitly decided to shelve the proposed fuel conservation plan, which included work-from-home and distance learning measures. The other three options were active policy decisions taken by the government. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979341/petrol-bomb-falls-on-pakistan-amid-war, 07 Mar 2026]
#14139
Consider the following statements about the incident reported on 2026-03-09: 1. The Prime Minister expressed grief over the loss of two Pakistani lives. 2. The incident occurred due to missile debris in the UAE. 3. The government has announced financial compensation packages for the families. 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 the report does not mention any specific financial compensation packages, only the facilitation of repatriation. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40410709/pm-condoles-death-of-two-pakistanis-in-dubai, 09 Mar 2026]
#14140
Consider the following statements regarding the fuel price situation in March 2026: 1. The government decided to maintain normal activities for at least one week instead of implementing conservation measures. 2. International Brent crude prices were reported to be approaching the $100 per barrel psychological barrier. 3. The government increased the Petroleum Development Levy on high-speed diesel to offset the price hike. 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 government deferred conservation plans. Statement 2 is correct as Brent crude was nearing the $100 mark. Statement 3 is incorrect because the levy on high-speed diesel was actually reduced, not increased. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979341/petrol-bomb-falls-on-pakistan-amid-war, 07 Mar 2026]