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.
#16901
The Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (Ogra) notified an increase in the price of RLNG in April 2026 by what percentage range?
(a) 19-22 per cent
(b) 10-15 per cent
(c) 25-30 per cent
(d) 35-40 per cent
Explanation: Ogra notified a 19-22 per cent increase in RLNG prices due to higher terminal charges and lower import volumes. This adjustment reflects the rising costs of energy procurement in the current fiscal environment. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1998447/pakistan-turns-down-two-lowest-evaluated-lng-bids, 07 May 2026]
#16902
What was the reported increase in the price of petroleum products announced by the government on March 6, 2026?
(a) Rs 55 per litre
(b) Rs 45 per litre
(c) Rs 35 per litre
(d) Rs 65 per litre
Explanation: The government officially announced a price hike of Rs 55 per litre for petroleum products to manage the regional energy crisis. This figure is a specific data point provided in the official government communication. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979860/pm-shehbaz-to-announce-austerity-plan-tomorrow-amid-global-fuel-crisis, 08 Mar 2026]
#16903
Who is the current Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the United Nations as of March 10, 2026?
(a) Munir Akram
(b) Asim Iftikhar Ahmad
(c) Maleeha Lodhi
(d) None of these
Explanation: Asim Iftikhar Ahmad is the Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the UN who addressed the Security Council regarding the security situation on March 10, 2026. Munir Akram and Maleeha Lodhi are former representatives, making them incorrect. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40410948/pakistans-ct-operations-focused-on-neutralising-cross-border-threats-from-afghan-soil, 10 Mar 2026]
#16904
According to the official statement made on March 10, 2026, what has Pakistan recovered during its counter-terrorism operations?
(a) Sophisticated military-grade modern equipment
(b) Illegal narcotics and smuggling contraband
(c) Documents detailing foreign intelligence networks
(d) None of these
Explanation: The envoy confirmed that Pakistan has confiscated large caches of sophisticated military-grade modern equipment left behind by foreign forces in Afghanistan. This equipment is cited as a factor in the increased threat level. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40410948/pakistans-ct-operations-focused-on-neutralising-cross-border-threats-from-afghan-soil, 10 Mar 2026]
#16905
On May 27, 2026, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif extended Eidul Azha greetings to which of the following military leaders?
(a) Admiral Amjad Khan Niazi
(b) General Sahir Shamshad Mirza
(c) Air Chief Marshal Mujahid Anwar Khan
(d) Admiral Naveed Ashraf
Explanation: Admiral Naveed Ashraf is the Chief of Naval Staff who received Eid greetings from the Prime Minister on May 27, 2026. Other options represent former or different service chiefs not mentioned in the context of this specific communication. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2003477/pm-shehbaz-extends-eid-greetings-to-armed-forces-chiefs-pays-tribute-to-on-duty-personnel, 27 May 2026]
#16906
Consider the following statements about the ODI match held on May 30, 2026: 1. Pakistan successfully chased the target in 42.3 overs. 2. Australia was bowled out for 200 runs in 44.1 overs. 3. The match was played at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. 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 regarding the match duration and the target chase. Statement 3 is incorrect because the match was held at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, not the Gaddafi Stadium. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2003971/pakistan-outspins-australia-in-milestone-odi-as-minhas-makes-history, 30 May 2026]
#16907
Which military measure did the United States maintain despite the extension of the ceasefire in April 2026?
(a) The deployment of ground troops to the border
(b) A total air exclusion zone over Tehran
(c) A naval blockade of Iranian ports
(d) The imposition of a complete telecommunications blackout
Explanation: While the ceasefire was extended to allow for diplomatic negotiations, the United States explicitly stated that the naval blockade of Iranian ports would remain in place. This distinguishes the ceasefire from a total cessation of all hostile military posturing. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1993810/at-the-request-of-cdf-munir-pm-shehbaz-trump-announces-extension-in-ceasefire-until-iran-submits-proposal, 21 Apr 2026]
#16908
Who requested the extension of the US-Iran ceasefire from President Donald Trump in April 2026?
(a) Shehbaz Sharif and Asim Munir
(b) Ishaq Dar and Natalie Baker
(c) Attaullah Tarar and JD Vance
(d) None of these
Explanation: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir formally requested the extension to facilitate ongoing diplomatic efforts. The request was acknowledged by President Trump on his social media platform. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1993810/at-the-request-of-cdf-munir-pm-shehbaz-trump-announces-extension-in-ceasefire-until-iran-submits-proposal, 21 Apr 2026]
#16909
Which of the following statements regarding the diplomatic developments in April 2026 is INCORRECT?
(a) The original ceasefire agreement was brokered by Pakistan.
(b) President Trump announced the ceasefire extension on his Truth Social platform.
(c) Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif publicly thanked President Trump for the extension.
(d) The United States immediately lifted the naval blockade upon announcing the ceasefire extension.
Explanation: The statement that the naval blockade was lifted is incorrect, as the United States explicitly maintained the blockade despite the ceasefire extension. The other three statements are factually accurate regarding the events of April 2026. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1993810/at-the-request-of-cdf-munir-pm-shehbaz-trump-announces-extension-in-ceasefire-until-iran-submits-proposal, 21 Apr 2026]
#16910
Which military operation was launched by Pakistan in late February 2026 following cross-border firing incidents?
(a) Operation Zarb-e-Azb
(b) Operation Ghazab lil-Haq
(c) Operation Radd-ul-Fasaad
(d) Operation Khyber-IV
Explanation: Operation Ghazab lil-Haq was initiated in response to unprovoked firing from across the border. The other operations listed are historical military campaigns. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980547/official-sources-dismiss-reports-of-pakistan-sending-delegation-to-kabul-for-talks-with-afghan-taliban, 10 Mar 2026]
#16911
Consider the following statements about the maritime security situation reported in April 2026: 1. The Ministry of Maritime Affairs is coordinating with the Foreign Office to address the hijacking. 2. The hijacked tanker 'Owner 25' was carrying a crew that included an Indonesian captain. 3. The hijacking incident occurred on April 24, 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 correct based on the report. Statement 3 is incorrect because the hijacking occurred on April 21, 2026, not April 24, which was the date the Minister sought the report. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1994748/minister-seeks-details-on-reports-of-hijacking-of-tanker-with-pakistani-crew-near-somali-coast, 24 Apr 2026]
#16912
On March 8, 2026, the Prime Minister's Office announced that the government would unveil an austerity plan in response to a crisis caused by which of the following?
(a) US/Israel-Iran war
(b) Global wheat shortage
(c) Regional monsoon flooding
(d) None of these
Explanation: The government cited the global fuel crisis resulting from the US/Israel-Iran war as the primary driver for the proposed austerity measures. Other options are unrelated to the specific energy-focused policy announcement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979860/pm-shehbaz-to-announce-austerity-plan-tomorrow-amid-global-fuel-crisis, 08 Mar 2026]
#16913
Consider the following statements about the 2026 sentencing of Kashmiri leaders: 1. Asiya Andrabi received a life imprisonment sentence from the Delhi court. 2. The sentencing was criticized by the Prime Minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir. 3. The FO statement claimed that the sentencing was a result of a fair and transparent judicial process. 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 factually correct based on the report. Statement 3 is incorrect because the FO explicitly criticized the process, citing concerns regarding due process and judicial independence. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1985165/fo-condemns-harsh-sentences-awarded-to-kashmiri-leader-asiya-andrabi-associates-by-delhi-court, 25 Mar 2026]
#16914
Which Pakistani batsman scored 65 runs off 92 balls during the match on May 30, 2026?
(a) Babar Azam
(b) Ghazi Ghori
(c) Sahibzada Farhan
(d) Maaz Sadaqat
Explanation: Ghazi Ghori contributed significantly to the chase with an innings of 65 runs. Babar Azam also scored a half-century, but his score was 69 runs. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2003971/pakistan-outspins-australia-in-milestone-odi-as-minhas-makes-history, 30 May 2026]
#16915
Which of the following statements regarding the LNG procurement process in May 2026 is INCORRECT?
(a) PLL floated urgent tenders on a 36-hour notice.
(b) The tenders were issued to address power shortfalls.
(c) Qatar has maintained full supply capacity to Pakistan despite regional tensions.
(d) TotalEnergies submitted a bid priced at $16.98 per mmBtu.
Explanation: Qatar declared force majeure on its global LNG contracts, including those with Pakistan, due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Therefore, the statement that Qatar maintained full supply capacity is false. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1998447/pakistan-turns-down-two-lowest-evaluated-lng-bids, 07 May 2026]
#16916
Arafat Minhas achieved a historic milestone during the ODI match against Australia on May 30, 2026, by becoming the first Pakistani bowler to:
(a) Take five wickets on his ODI debut
(b) Take a hat-trick on his ODI debut
(c) Score a century on his ODI debut
(d) Take ten wickets in a single match
Explanation: Arafat Minhas finished with figures of 5-32, making him the first home bowler to claim five wickets in an ODI debut. While other bowlers have taken wickets, this specific five-wicket feat on debut is a unique record for a Pakistani player in this format. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2003971/pakistan-outspins-australia-in-milestone-odi-as-minhas-makes-history, 30 May 2026]
#16917
The total value of mobile phone imports in Pakistan during the first nine months of the fiscal year 2026 reached:
(a) $1.129 billion
(b) $1.444 billion
(c) $1.650 billion
(d) None of these
Explanation: Mobile phone imports grew by 27.84 percent to $1.444 billion during the first nine months of the current fiscal year. The figure $1.129 billion represents the import value for the same period in the previous year. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1994373/customs-increases-import-valuation-for-62-old-and-used-mobile-phone-models, 23 Apr 2026]
#16918
Who is the current Foreign Minister of Iran who visited Pakistan in April 2026?
(a) Hossein Amir-Abdollahian
(b) Mohammad Javad Zarif
(c) Abbas Araghchi
(d) Ali Bagheri Kani
Explanation: Abbas Araghchi is the Iranian Foreign Minister who conducted the diplomatic visits to Pakistan in April 2026. The other individuals listed are former or alternative Iranian officials not serving in this capacity during the specified event. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1995258/irans-araghchi-visits-pakistan-for-2nd-time-in-two-days-envoy-says-trip-undertaken-to-discuss-regional-developments, 26 Apr 2026]
#16919
The global fuel supply crunch mentioned in the context of the 2026 price hikes is attributed to the closure of which strategic maritime chokepoint?
(a) Suez Canal
(b) Malacca Strait
(c) Bab-el-Mandeb Strait
(d) Strait of Hormuz
Explanation: The closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which historically handles one-fifth of global oil and gas supplies, is cited as a primary cause for the global fuel market volatility. The other straits listed are critical maritime routes but were not the focus of this specific supply disruption. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1994758/govt-hikes-petrol-high-speed-diesel-prices-by-rs26, 24 Apr 2026]
#16920
Consider the following statements about the 2026 cotton season: 1. The national cotton arrivals increased by 77.3 percent by July 15, 2026. 2. The Central Cotton Research Institute (CCRI) is located in Multan. 3. Weather fluctuations have had no impact on cotton growth in southern Punjab. 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 per the PCGA report. Statement 2 is correct as the CCRI is based in Multan. Statement 3 is incorrect because the report explicitly mentions that growth in southern Punjab slowed due to weather fluctuations. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016601/early-cotton-arrivals-hit-record-527900-bales, 19 Jul 2026]