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.
#15621
Which of the following statements regarding the March 2026 fuel price hike is INCORRECT?
(a) The government decided to implement work-from-home measures for a month.
(b) The price of kerosene was increased by over Rs130 per litre.
(c) The notification for the price hike was issued by the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority.
(d) Long queues were reported at petrol pumps across several cities.
Explanation: The government explicitly decided to shelve the proposed work-from-home and distance learning measures rather than implement them. The other three statements are factually accurate based on the events of March 2026. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979534/govt-hikes-kerosene-price-by-rs130-to-rs31881-per-litre, 07 Mar 2026]
#15622
Which organization provided a study linking the 2026 wildfires to human-fuelled climate change?
(a) World Meteorological Organization
(b) International Panel on Climate Change
(c) European Environment Agency
(d) World Weather Attribution
Explanation: The World Weather Attribution group published a study in July 2026 identifying human-fuelled climate change as a driver for the drought and wildfire conditions. While other organizations monitor climate, this specific study was attributed to the WWA. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018225/over-100000-flee-forest-fires-in-france-spain, 24 Jul 2026]
#15623
Consider the following statements about the fuel price adjustments in March 2026: 1. The price hike for kerosene was announced shortly after increases in petrol and high-speed diesel prices. 2. Kerosene demand in Pakistan is significantly higher than the combined monthly sales of petrol and high-speed diesel. 3. The government maintained that petroleum reserves were sufficient despite the price adjustments. 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 kerosene demand (10,000 tonnes) is significantly lower than the demand for petrol and diesel (700,000 to 800,000 tonnes). Statements 1 and 3 are accurate reflections of the government's position and the sequence of events. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979534/govt-hikes-kerosene-price-by-rs130-to-rs31881-per-litre, 07 Mar 2026]
#15624
Which instrument did the Reserve Bank of India likely use to offset the liquidity impact of its spot market dollar sales on July 24, 2026?
(a) Adjustment of the statutory liquidity ratio
(b) Direct purchase of government bonds
(c) Far tenor dollar-rupee buy/sell swaps
(d) Issuance of new treasury bills
Explanation: To manage the liquidity drain caused by selling dollars in the spot market, the central bank utilized far tenor dollar-rupee buy/sell swaps. This allows the bank to stabilize the currency without permanently tightening domestic rupee liquidity. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431635/intervention-shields-indian-rupee-in-face-of-oil-hedging-strain, 24 Jul 2026]
#15625
The US visa restriction policy announced in 2026 is designed to combat criminal networks involved in which of the following?
(a) Drug smuggling
(b) Illegal arms trafficking
(c) Online investment scams
(d) Human organ trade
Explanation: The policy focuses on cyber-enabled crimes, specifically citing online investment scams as a primary target that defrauded US citizens of billions of dollars. The other options, while serious crimes, are not the primary focus of this specific cyber-visa policy. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018267/us-announces-visa-restriction-policy-on-cyber-criminals-their-immediate-family-members, 25 Jul 2026]
#15626
Who chaired the Senate Standing Committee meeting held on July 24, 2026, regarding federal interference in devolved ministries?
(a) Senator Farooq H. Naek
(b) Senator Raza Rabbani
(c) Senator Zamir Hussain Ghumro
(d) Senator Mushahid Hussain
Explanation: Senator Zamir Hussain Ghumro chaired the committee meeting where concerns were raised regarding the federal government's failure to adhere to the devolution process mandated by the 18th Amendment. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431713/17-ministries-senate-body-says-concerned-at-govts-meddling, 24 Jul 2026]
#15627
What was the approximate value of net weekly forward dollar buying by merchants in the week ending July 17, 2026?
(a) 3.1 billion dollars
(b) 11.1 billion dollars
(c) 9.1 billion dollars
(d) 7.1 billion dollars
Explanation: Clearing house data indicated that merchant forward dollar buying rebounded to approximately 7.1 billion dollars in the week ending July 17, 2026. This increased hedging activity contributed to the downward pressure on the rupee. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431635/intervention-shields-indian-rupee-in-face-of-oil-hedging-strain, 24 Jul 2026]
#15628
The town of Navas del Rey, threatened by wildfires in July 2026, is located approximately how many kilometers from Madrid?
(a) 50 kilometers
(b) 80 kilometers
(c) 120 kilometers
(d) None of these
Explanation: Navas del Rey is situated about 50 kilometers from the Spanish capital. The 80-kilometer figure refers to the location of Cebreros, another site mentioned in the context of the Madrid region fires. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018225/over-100000-flee-forest-fires-in-france-spain, 24 Jul 2026]
#15629
Consider the following statements about the monsoon forecast issued in July 2026: 1. The monsoon currents are being driven by a low-pressure area located over southwest Rajasthan. 2. Karachi is expected to experience heavy, continuous rainfall throughout the entire duration of the spell. 3. The forecast for Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa includes districts such as Dir, Chitral, and Swat. 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 low-pressure area is the primary driver. Statement 3 is correct as these districts are listed in the KP forecast. Statement 2 is incorrect because Karachi is only expected to have mostly cloudy weather with chances of rain on Saturday and Sunday, not continuous heavy rainfall. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431698/monsoon-rains-thunderstorms-likely-from-monday, 24 Jul 2026]
#15630
Which of the following statements regarding the performance of Pakistani athletes on July 25, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) Afzal Khan won his boxing bout by a unanimous decision.
(b) Fatima Zehra forced a referee stoppage in her boxing match.
(c) Ayub Qureshi won his lawn bowls match against Ross Owen.
(d) Jehanara Nabi did not qualify for the swimming semi-finals.
Explanation: Ayub Qureshi lost his lawn bowls match to Ross Owen of Wales, making the statement that he won incorrect. The other three statements accurately reflect the outcomes reported for the respective athletes. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018172/pakistan-boxers-afzal-fatima-start-commonwealth-games-campaigns-in-style, 25 Jul 2026]
#15631
Which of the following is NOT a factor contributing to the pressure on the Indian rupee as of July 24, 2026?
(a) Excessive foreign direct investment inflows
(b) Weak domestic equities
(c) Increased corporate hedging
(d) High global oil prices
Explanation: Excessive foreign direct investment inflows typically strengthen a currency rather than weaken it. The other three factors—oil prices, weak equities, and corporate hedging—are explicitly cited as sources of downward pressure on the rupee. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431635/intervention-shields-indian-rupee-in-face-of-oil-hedging-strain, 24 Jul 2026]
#15632
Consider the following statements about the US visa restriction policy announced on July 25, 2026: 1. The policy is limited exclusively to nationals of a single country. 2. It targets individuals involved in cyber-enabled crimes such as sextortion. 3. The policy allows for the restriction of visas for immediate family members of identified cybercriminals. 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 the policy is global in scope, not limited to one country. Statements 2 and 3 accurately reflect the scope and the specific targets of the new visa restriction measures. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018267/us-announces-visa-restriction-policy-on-cyber-criminals-their-immediate-family-members, 25 Jul 2026]
#15633
Which of the following statements regarding the events of July 24, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The Israeli military announced an extensive operation in the occupied territory.
(b) Israeli settlers were reported to have killed four Palestinians during the raids.
(c) The Israeli government announced the immediate dismantling of all existing farm outposts.
(d) The Israeli military postponed soldiers' leave and deployed additional forces.
Explanation: The government announced the legalization and expansion of farm outposts, not their dismantling. The other three options accurately reflect the military and settler actions reported on that date. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018200/netanyahu-orders-new-settler-posts-in-occupied-west-bank, 24 Jul 2026]
#15634
Consider the following statements about the performance of Pakistani athletes at the Commonwealth Games on July 25, 2026: 1. Afzal Khan secured a victory in the 65kg boxing category. 2. Fatima Zehra advanced to the quarter-finals after her victory. 3. Jehanara Nabi qualified for the semi-finals of the women's 50m butterfly. 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 Afzal won his bout and Fatima advanced to the quarter-finals. Statement 3 is incorrect because Jehanara Nabi finished 40th overall and failed to qualify for the semi-finals. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018172/pakistan-boxers-afzal-fatima-start-commonwealth-games-campaigns-in-style, 25 Jul 2026]
#15635
Which meteorological phenomenon is primarily driving the monsoon currents into southern and central Pakistan as of July 2026?
(a) A high-pressure ridge over the Arabian Sea
(b) A low-pressure area over southwest Rajasthan
(c) A cyclonic storm in the Bay of Bengal
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Pakistan Meteorological Department identified a low-pressure area situated over southwest Rajasthan as the primary driver for the incoming monsoon currents. This system is responsible for the widespread rain and thunderstorm activity across the country. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431698/monsoon-rains-thunderstorms-likely-from-monday, 24 Jul 2026]
#15636
Consider the following statements about the UNESCO heritage designations of July 24, 2026: 1. The emergency procedure was invoked due to the immediate threat of destruction from military conflict. 2. Shamaa Castle was cited by the Lebanese Culture Minister as having already been destroyed. 3. The site of Sebastia is located near the modern Palestinian town of Nablus. 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 2 are correct. Statement 3 is incorrect because Sebastia is located near the town of Sebastia, not Nablus (though it is near the city of Nablus, the town of Sebastia is the specific local reference point). [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018222/unesco-places-lebanese-castle-west-bank-site-on-danger-list, 24 Jul 2026]
#15637
Which Israeli official announced the government's plan to establish new settler outposts in the occupied West Bank on July 24, 2026?
(a) Benjamin Netanyahu
(b) Itamar Ben Gvir
(c) Yoav Gallant
(d) None of these
Explanation: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the expansion of settler outposts following the violent raids in the West Bank. While other officials like Israel Katz were involved in the security response, Netanyahu is the primary figure who declared the policy shift. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018200/netanyahu-orders-new-settler-posts-in-occupied-west-bank, 24 Jul 2026]
#15638
Who is the current Chairman of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) as of 2026?
(a) Asif Ali Zardari
(b) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari
(c) Yousaf Raza Gillani
(d) None of these
Explanation: Bilawal Bhutto Zardari serves as the Chairman of the Pakistan Peoples Party. Asif Ali Zardari is the current President of Pakistan, making him a plausible but incorrect distractor. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431691/bilawal-says-only-kashmiris-have-the-right-to-decide-kashmirs-future, 24 Jul 2026]
#15639
Consider the following statements about the 2026 Indian education protests: 1. The protests were primarily triggered by irregularities in the NEET examination process. 2. The government held three rounds of talks with the CJP leadership before the minister's resignation. 3. The CJP movement explicitly urged supporters to avoid making their leader a hero.
(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 NEET leaks were the catalyst. Statement 2 is incorrect because the minister resigned before the third round of talks. Statement 3 is correct as the founder explicitly warned against hero-worship. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018286/indias-education-minister-resigns-after-youth-protests, 25 Jul 2026]
#15640
Which of the following statements regarding the German court ruling on July 25, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The court ruled that the interior ministry acted in an arbitrary fashion.
(b) The ruling mandates that the government must review the details of individual cases.
(c) The plaintiff was an Afghan woman who had been waiting for a visa since 2024.
(d) The court upheld the interior ministry's decision to invalidate all 600 visas.
Explanation: The court explicitly ruled against the ministry's decision to invalidate the visas, making the incorrect statement. The other options accurately reflect the court's findings and the background of the case. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018224/court-rules-against-berlin-in-afghan-resettlement-case, 25 Jul 2026]