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.
#1581
Consider the following statements about Pak-Libya relations as of 2026: 1. Pakistan maintains a strong presence in Libya through defense cooperation. 2. The Ambassador-designate advocates for chamber-to-chamber engagement to boost trade. 3. The Pakistani government has officially announced a total ban on labor migration to Libya. 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 Ambassador's remarks regarding defense ties and trade facilitation. Statement 3 is incorrect as the report focuses on reversing the decline in the workforce, not imposing a ban. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431795/pak-workforce-in-libya-declines-by-78pc-envoy, 25 Jul 2026]
#1582
Which specific defensive weapon system was reported to be in short supply within the United States military inventory during the July 2026 conflict?
(a) Tomahawk missiles
(b) Patriot interceptors
(c) Hellfire missiles
(d) Javelin anti-tank systems
Explanation: Reports indicated that concerns over dwindling stockpiles of Patriot interceptors were a factor in the US decision to pause strikes. Other munitions listed are common US assets but were not the primary focus of the supply shortage reports. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018487/us-holds-fire-against-iran-as-reports-of-concerns-over-of-dwindling-munitions-emerge, 26 Jul 2026]
#1583
Which regional group claimed to have downed a Saudi drone over the northwest of Yemen on July 26, 2026?
(a) Hezbollah
(b) Houthi rebels
(c) Kataib Hezbollah
(d) None of these
Explanation: Houthi rebels claimed responsibility for downing the Saudi drone and attacking oil facilities in the Gulf kingdom. The other groups are regional actors but were not the primary entities involved in this specific incident. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018487/us-holds-fire-against-iran-as-reports-of-concerns-over-of-dwindling-munitions-emerge, 26 Jul 2026]
#1584
Consider the following statements about the conflict dynamics as of July 2026: 1. The US military operations were paused after the 13th night of strikes. 2. Iran has offered to broker talks between the Houthi rebels and Riyadh. 3. The conflict has remained strictly limited to US-Iran direct engagements. 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: The Pentagon presented a plan for a 14th night of strikes, implying 13 nights had passed. Iran's Foreign Minister offered to broker talks between the Houthis and Riyadh, but the conflict has clearly expanded beyond direct US-Iran engagements to include regional shipping and Gulf allies. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018487/us-holds-fire-against-iran-as-reports-of-concerns-over-dwindling-munitions-emerge, 26 Jul 2026]
#1585
Consider the following statements about the geopolitical situation in July 2026: 1. The United States military presented a plan for a 14th night of strikes to President Trump. 2. Greek personnel operating a surface-to-air battery in Saudi Arabia intercepted ballistic missiles. 3. The conflict has had no impact on the global economy or the approval ratings of the US administration. 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 reports of the 14th night of strikes and the Greek air force's role in Saudi Arabia. Statement 3 is incorrect because the conflict has caused shocks to the global economy and is weighing on the US administration's approval ratings. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018487/us-holds-fire-against-iran-as-reports-of-concerns-over-of-dwindling-munitions-emerge, 26 Jul 2026]
#1586
Who is the current army spokesman for Iran who confirmed the halt of retaliatory operations on July 26, 2026?
(a) Abbas Araghchi
(b) Mohammad Akraminia
(c) Dan Caine
(d) None of these
Explanation: Mohammad Akraminia is the identified army spokesman who announced the cessation of Iranian retaliatory strikes. Abbas Araghchi is the Foreign Minister, and Dan Caine is a US general. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018487/us-holds-fire-against-iran-as-reports-of-concerns-over-of-dwindling-munitions-emerge, 26 Jul 2026]
#1587
The ongoing conflict between the United States and Iran in 2026 is nearing its:
(a) Fifth month
(b) Fourth month
(c) Third month
(d) Sixth month
Explanation: The conflict, which was initially predicted by US leadership to last only a few weeks, has extended into its fifth month as of July 2026. This duration has become a point of political concern ahead of upcoming elections. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018487/us-holds-fire-against-iran-as-reports-of-concerns-over-of-dwindling-munitions-emerge, 26 Jul 2026]
#1588
Which of the following statements regarding the July 2026 US-Iran conflict is INCORRECT?
(a) The United States paused its strikes after nearly two weeks of consecutive nightly bombardments.
(b) Iran offered to broker talks between the Houthi rebels and Riyadh.
(c) The conflict has remained strictly confined to the Strait of Hormuz and has not expanded to other regional fronts.
(d) US President Donald Trump threatened a much higher level of strikes against Iran.
Explanation: The conflict has expanded beyond the Strait of Hormuz to include attacks on US bases, regional shipping, and Houthi-led operations in Yemen. Therefore, the statement that it remained strictly confined is false. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018487/us-holds-fire-against-iran-as-reports-of-concerns-over-of-dwindling-munitions-emerge, 26 Jul 2026]
#1589
Which regional group claimed to have downed a Saudi drone over the northwest of Yemen in July 2026?
(a) Houthi rebels
(b) Hezbollah
(c) Al-Qaeda
(d) Islamic State
Explanation: Houthi rebels reported downing a Saudi drone over Yemen and claimed responsibility for attacks on Saudi Aramco facilities in Jizan and Yanbu. The other groups listed are not involved in this specific operational theater. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018487/us-holds-fire-against-iran-as-reports-of-concerns-over-dwindling-munitions-emerge, 26 Jul 2026]
#1590
Consider the following statements about the conflict as of July 26, 2026: 1. The conflict has lasted for nearly five months. 2. Iran has officially declared that it will permanently dismantle its missile program. 3. The US military had prepared a plan for a 14th night of strikes before opting for a pause. 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 conflict is nearing its fifth month. Statement 3 is correct as the Pentagon had presented a plan for a 14th night of strikes. Statement 2 is incorrect because Iran has only halted retaliatory attacks, not dismantled its missile program. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018487/iran-says-middle-east-attacks-halted-after-us-holds-fire-amid-reported-concerns-over-dwindling-munitions, 26 Jul 2026]
#1591
Who is the official spokesperson for the Iranian army who announced the halt of retaliatory operations on July 26, 2026?
(a) Abbas Araghchi
(b) Mohammad Akraminia
(c) Dan Caine
(d) None of these
Explanation: Mohammad Akraminia is the identified army spokesperson who confirmed that Iran ceased its retaliatory operations following the US pause. Abbas Araghchi is the Foreign Minister, and Dan Caine is a US general. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018487/iran-says-middle-east-attacks-halted-after-us-holds-fire-amid-reported-concerns-over-dwindling-munitions, 26 Jul 2026]
#1592
Which of the following statements regarding the regional response to the March 2026 security situation is INCORRECT?
(a) Kuwait arrested three individuals for mocking the situation in the country via video.
(b) Qatar permitted the circulation of all social media footage to ensure transparency during the conflict.
(c) Saudi Arabia issued official warnings regarding the sharing of sensitive images and unreliable information.
(d) The UAE attorney general warned against documenting incident sites or damage caused by projectiles.
Explanation: Statement D is incorrect because Qatar actively arrested individuals for sharing footage and misleading information, rather than permitting it. The other three statements accurately reflect the actions taken by the respective Gulf nations. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980165/qatar-arrests-313-people-for-sharing-footage-misleading-information-amid-attacks-by-iran, 09 Mar 2026]
#1593
What is the percentage reduction in fuel allotted for official vehicles as announced by the Sindh government in March 2026?
(a) 20 percent
(b) 30 percent
(c) 50 percent
(d) 60 percent
Explanation: The provincial government mandated a 50 percent reduction in fuel allocations for official vehicles to save approximately Rs960 million. This is distinct from the 20 percent reduction applied to other non-essential expenditures like stationery. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980528/sindh-schools-to-close-from-march-16-31-friday-to-be-wfh-for-govt-offices-as-part-of-austerity-measures, 10 Mar 2026]
#1594
According to the Sindh government's 2026 austerity measures, schools in the province will observe spring vacation during which period?
(a) March 1 to March 15
(b) March 16 to March 31
(c) April 1 to April 15
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Sindh government announced that schools will remain closed for spring vacation from March 16 to March 31, 2026. This is part of a broader set of austerity measures aimed at reducing provincial expenditures. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980528/sindh-schools-to-close-from-march-16-31-friday-to-be-wfh-for-govt-offices-as-part-of-austerity-measures, 10 Mar 2026]
#1595
Which policy was introduced for government offices on Fridays as part of the 2026 austerity measures?
(a) Complete closure of all offices
(b) Mandatory attendance at government buildings
(c) Half-day operations for all departments
(d) Work from home for government officials
Explanation: The government clarified that offices will not stop functioning on Fridays; instead, officials are required to work from home. This measure is intended to maintain administrative continuity while reducing operational costs. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980528/sindh-schools-to-close-from-march-16-31-friday-to-be-wfh-for-govt-offices-as-part-of-austerity-measures, 10 Mar 2026]
#1596
Which of the following is NOT a component of the austerity measures announced by the Sindh government in March 2026?
(a) Immediate privatization of all provincial government departments
(b) Ban on holding Iftar parties on government expenditure
(c) Reduction of fuel for official vehicles by 50 percent
(d) Restriction of official foreign travel to Economy Class
Explanation: The government did not announce the privatization of departments; rather, it focused on cutting operational costs such as travel, fuel, and event expenses. The other three options are verified components of the announced austerity package. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980528/sindh-schools-to-close-from-march-16-31-friday-to-be-wfh-for-govt-offices-as-part-of-austerity-measures, 10 Mar 2026]
#1597
Which specific department within the Qatari interior ministry was responsible for the arrests made on March 9, 2026?
(a) Department for Combating Economic and Cyber Crimes
(b) Directorate of National Intelligence and Security
(c) Bureau of Public Order and Strategic Communication
(d) None of these
Explanation: The arrests were conducted by the Department for Combating Economic and Cyber Crimes, which operates under the General Directorate of Criminal Investigations. The other options are incorrect organizational titles. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980165/qatar-arrests-313-people-for-sharing-footage-misleading-information-amid-attacks-by-iran, 09 Mar 2026]
#1598
Consider the following statements about the austerity measures announced by the Sindh government in March 2026: 1. Colleges and universities are directed to switch to online classes during the vacation period. 2. The government has imposed a complete ban on the purchase of all new vehicles, including ambulances. 3. Security protocols are being withdrawn from individuals who were utilizing them unnecessarily, such as former caretaker ministers. 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 higher education institutions are moving to online classes. Statement 3 is correct regarding the withdrawal of unnecessary security. Statement 2 is incorrect because the ban on new vehicles includes an exception for necessary items such as ambulances and law and order vehicles. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980528/sindh-schools-to-close-from-march-16-31-friday-to-be-wfh-for-govt-offices-as-part-of-austerity-measures, 10 Mar 2026]
#1599
What was the name of the Pakistani fisherman who lost his life in the incident on March 9, 2026?
(a) Muhammad Tayyab
(b) Naqibullah Kakar
(c) Attaur Rehman
(d) None of these
Explanation: Muhammad Tayyab was the fisherman from Gannz, Gwadar, who was killed by debris. Naqibullah Kakar and Attaur Rehman are the officials who confirmed the details of the incident. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40410710/iran-waters-gwadar-fisherman-killed-by-debris-from-israeli-projectile, 09 Mar 2026]
#1600
Consider the following statements about the incident involving the Gwadar fisherman: 1. The incident took place on March 7, 2026. 2. The projectile was identified by officials as being of Israeli origin. 3. The victim's body was transported back to his native town via sea. 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 incident occurred on Saturday, March 7, 2026, but the report was published on March 9, 2026. Statements 2 and 3 are factually correct as per the official confirmation provided by the Gwadar Deputy Commissioner. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40410710/iran-waters-gwadar-fisherman-killed-by-debris-from-israeli-projectile, 09 Mar 2026]