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.
#1721
Consider the following statements about the 2026 wildfire crisis in Europe: 1. The heatwave conditions have hindered cargo shipping on European waterways due to low river levels. 2. Firefighters in Spain were able to effectively tackle active fire fronts in Madrid during the night. 3. The UK Met Office predicted that the heatwave would be a long-term, multi-month event. 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 operational challenges and successes reported. Statement 3 is incorrect because the UK Met Office described the spell of hot weather as 'relatively short-lived,' not a multi-month event. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018994/firefighters-in-france-spain-scramble-to-contain-blazes-as-new-heatwave-looms, 28 Jul 2026]
#1722
Consider the following statements about the PIK study published on 2026-03-08: 1. The study reports a statistical certainty of over 98 percent regarding the acceleration of global warming since 2015. 2. The warming rate from 1970 to 2015 was approximately 0.35°C per decade. 3. The study aims to reduce 'noise' to make the underlying long-term warming signal more visible. 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 study cites 98 percent certainty. Statement 2 is incorrect because the 0.35°C rate applies to the post-2015 period, while the 1970-2015 period averaged just under 0.2°C. Statement 3 is correct as the methodology involved filtering natural influences to clarify the warming signal. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979692/global-warming-has-seen-significant-acceleration-since-2015-study-finds, 08 Mar 2026]
#1723
Which location in the United Kingdom recorded its highest May temperature on record on May 25, 2026?
(a) Kew Gardens
(b) Heathrow Airport
(c) Greenwich Park
(d) None of these
Explanation: Kew Gardens in southwest London recorded a temperature of 34.8°C, which the Met Office confirmed as the hottest May day on record for the UK. Other locations did not reach this specific record-breaking threshold. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2003065/mini-version-of-hell-heat-dome-over-europe-scorches-uk-france-spain, 25 May 2026]
#1724
Consider the following statements about the climate situation in Europe as of May 2026: 1. Climate advisers warned that UK infrastructure is built for a climate that no longer exists. 2. The Met Office described the May heat as exceptional even for mid-summer standards. 3. Human-induced climate change is identified as a factor increasing the frequency of such extreme weather events. 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. Climate advisers have urged infrastructure adaptation, the Met Office highlighted the exceptional nature of the May heat, and scientists link these events to human-induced climate change. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2003065/mini-version-of-hell-heat-dome-over-europe-scorches-uk-france-spain, 25 May 2026]
#1725
What meteorological phenomenon was identified as the primary cause of the extreme heat across Europe on May 25, 2026?
(a) Polar vortex
(b) Cyclonic depression
(c) Atmospheric river
(d) Heat dome
Explanation: A heat dome occurs when a high-pressure system traps warm air over a specific region, preventing it from escaping. This phenomenon was responsible for the record-breaking temperatures observed across Western Europe in May 2026. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2003065/mini-version-of-hell-heat-dome-over-europe-scorches-uk-france-spain, 25 May 2026]
#1726
The warm air mass that contributed to the heat dome over Europe in May 2026 originated from which region?
(a) Northern Africa
(b) Central Asia
(c) Eastern Europe
(d) Western Siberia
Explanation: Meteorological reports confirmed that the heat dome was fueled by warm air moving northward from northern Africa. This air mass became trapped under a high-pressure system over Western Europe. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2003065/mini-version-of-hell-heat-dome-over-europe-scorches-uk-france-spain, 25 May 2026]
#1727
Consider the following statements about the US-China summit in May 2026: 1. This visit marks the first time a US president has visited China in nearly ten years. 2. President Trump initially delayed the visit from March due to the war in the Middle East. 3. The US delegation includes the Secretary of State and the Secretary of Defence. 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 visit is the first in nearly a decade, the delay was caused by the Middle East conflict, and both the Secretary of State (Marco Rubio) and Secretary of Defence (Pete Hegseth) were confirmed to be on the flight. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1999895/trump-arrives-in-beijing-for-high-stakes-meeting-with-chinese-president-xi, 13 May 2026]
#1728
The decline in US stock markets on July 23, 2026, was primarily attributed to rising oil prices and which of the following factors?
(a) Disappointing corporate earnings in the tech sector
(b) Unexpected interest rate hikes by the Federal Reserve
(c) A sudden collapse in global semiconductor demand
(d) None of these
Explanation: The market downturn was driven by the dual impact of surging energy costs and investor skepticism regarding tech sector earnings, specifically from Alphabet and Tesla. Interest rate hikes were not mentioned as a factor in this specific market event. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431469/us-stocks-tumble-as-brent-oil-tops-100, 23 Jul 2026]
#1729
On July 23, 2026, which international oil benchmark exceeded the $100 per barrel price threshold?
(a) West Texas Intermediate
(b) Brent North Sea crude
(c) OPEC Reference Basket
(d) None of these
Explanation: Brent North Sea crude is the specific benchmark cited as having topped $100 per barrel on the event date. West Texas Intermediate is a common alternative benchmark but was not the primary focus of this specific market report. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431469/us-stocks-tumble-as-brent-oil-tops-100, 23 Jul 2026]
#1730
Consider the following statements about the market situation on July 23, 2026: 1. The Dow Jones Industrial Average experienced a decline of 0.8 percent. 2. Investor skepticism was linked to high capital spending on new technologies by major firms. 3. The conflict in the Middle East was identified as a primary driver for the surge in oil prices. 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 correct based on the report. The Dow Jones fell by 0.8 percent, tech firms faced skepticism over capital expenditure, and the Middle East conflict was the catalyst for the oil price surge. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431469/us-stocks-tumble-as-brent-oil-tops-100, 23 Jul 2026]
#1731
What is the target valuation for The Boring Company in the funding negotiations reported on 2026-07-26?
(a) $5.7 billion
(b) $10 billion
(c) $25 billion
(d) $20 billion
Explanation: The Boring Company is in talks to raise funding that would bring its valuation to approximately $20 billion. The $5.7 billion figure represents the company's previous valuation from 2022. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018386/elon-musks-firm-eyes-20-billion-valuation, 26 Jul 2026]
#1732
What is the target valuation for The Boring Company in the funding negotiations reported on 2026-07-26?
(a) $5.7 billion
(b) $10 billion
(c) $25 billion
(d) $20 billion
Explanation: The Boring Company is in talks to raise funding that would bring its valuation to approximately $20 billion. The $5.7 billion figure represents the company's previous valuation from 2022. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018386/elon-musks-firm-eyes-20-billion-valuation, 26 Jul 2026]
#1733
Consider the following statements about the PIK study published on 2026-03-08: 1. The study reports a statistical certainty of over 98 percent regarding the acceleration of global warming since 2015. 2. The warming rate from 1970 to 2015 was approximately 0.35°C per decade. 3. The study aims to reduce 'noise' to make the underlying long-term warming signal more visible. 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 study cites 98 percent certainty. Statement 2 is incorrect because the 0.35°C rate applies to the post-2015 period, while the 1970-2015 period averaged just under 0.2°C. Statement 3 is correct as the methodology involved filtering natural influences to clarify the warming signal. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979692/global-warming-has-seen-significant-acceleration-since-2015-study-finds, 08 Mar 2026]
#1734
Consider the following statements about the US equity market performance in June 2026: 1. The S&P 500 ended a nine-week winning streak on June 5, 2026. 2. S&P Global has confirmed that it will change eligibility requirements to allow SpaceX to enter the S&P 500 index immediately. 3. Chipmaker Marvell Technology is considered a contender for addition to the S&P 500 benchmark index. 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 S&P 500 ended its nine-week run. Statement 3 is correct as Marvell Technology is a contender for index inclusion. Statement 2 is incorrect because S&P Global explicitly stated it would not change eligibility requirements for its major indices. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2005508/wall-street-ends-sharply-lower-as-chips-slide-jobs-data-fuels-rate-hike-fears, 05 Jun 2026]
#1735
In which ocean did the Artemis II capsule splash down upon its return to Earth on April 11, 2026?
(a) Atlantic Ocean
(b) Pacific Ocean
(c) Indian Ocean
(d) Arctic Ocean
Explanation: The Orion capsule successfully splashed down in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Southern California. The other oceans listed were not the site of this recovery operation. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1990741/artemis-ii-astronauts-safely-back-on-earth-after-historic-trip-around-moon, 11 Apr 2026]
#1736
Consider the following statements about the Artemis II mission: 1. The mission launched from Cape Canaveral, Florida, on April 1, 2026. 2. The Orion capsule experienced a planned radio blackout during re-entry. 3. The mission traveled a total distance of over 1 million kilometers.
(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: the mission launched on April 1, 2026, from Florida, underwent a radio blackout due to ionized gas during re-entry, and covered a total distance of 1,117,515 kilometers. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1990741/artemis-ii-astronauts-safely-back-on-earth-after-historic-trip-around-moon, 11 Apr 2026]
#1737
The theme for World Hepatitis Day observed on July 28, 2026, was:
(a) Hepatitis: Let’s break it down
(b) Hepatitis: Time for action
(c) Hepatitis: Zero tolerance
(d) None of these
Explanation: The theme for the 2026 observance was 'Hepatitis: Let’s break it down', which serves as a call to remove barriers to prevention, testing, and treatment. Option D is incorrect because the theme is explicitly stated in the text. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018920/ending-hepatitis, 28 Jul 2026]
#1738
What is the theme of the World Hepatitis Day observed on July 28, 2026?
(a) Hepatitis: Find the missing millions
(b) Hepatitis: Let’s break it down
(c) Hepatitis: Invest in elimination
(d) Hepatitis: Zero tolerance
Explanation: The theme for the 2026 observance is 'Hepatitis: Let’s break it down', which focuses on removing barriers to prevention, testing, and treatment. The other options are variations of past or hypothetical themes. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018920/ending-hepatitis, 28 Jul 2026]
#1739
Which scientific organization provided a forecast that the Shawwal moon was unlikely to be visible on March 19, 2026?
(a) Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC)
(b) Pakistan Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (PCSIR)
(c) National Institute of Oceanography (NIO)
(d) Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO)
Explanation: SUPARCO is the national space agency responsible for atmospheric and astronomical forecasting in Pakistan. The other organizations listed are scientific bodies but do not specialize in lunar sighting predictions. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1983722/shawwal-moon-not-sighted-eidul-fitr-to-be-celebrated-on-saturday, 19 Mar 2026]
#1740
Which government ministry issued the official notification regarding the commencement of the month of Shawwal in 2026?
(a) Ministry of Interior
(b) Ministry of Information and Broadcasting
(c) Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony
(d) Ministry of Science and Technology
Explanation: The Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony is the designated authority responsible for issuing official notifications regarding moon sightings and religious observances. Other ministries listed are involved in different aspects of governance but do not handle this specific religious notification. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1983722/shawwal-moon-not-sighted-eidul-fitr-to-be-celebrated-on-saturday, 19 Mar 2026]