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.
#17581
Consider the following statements about the migrant smuggling incident: 1. The smuggling operation spanned from April 2023 through May 2026. 2. The migrants were discovered in a shipping container at a rail yard in San Antonio. 3. The outside temperatures during the transit exceeded 31 degrees Celsius. 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 3 are correct. Statement 2 is incorrect because the migrants were discovered in Laredo, not San Antonio, which was the intended destination of the train. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018220/11-indicted-in-us-over-migrants-deaths-on-train, 24 Jul 2026]
#17582
Which of the following is NOT a stated concern regarding the intensification of regional tensions mentioned in the 2026 roundtable?
(a) Maritime security
(b) Global energy markets
(c) Internal border demarcation
(d) Regional peace and stability
Explanation: The roundtable discussion focused on strategic stability, maritime security, and energy markets. Internal border demarcation was not listed as a primary concern in the context of this specific diplomatic event. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431693/regional-challenges-irans-envoy-for-greater-bilateral-cooperation, 24 Jul 2026]
#17583
Consider the following statements about the diplomatic engagement between Pakistan and China in 2026: 1. The meeting occurred on the sidelines of the SCO Council of Foreign Ministers. 2. China expressed support for Pakistan's upcoming chairmanship of the SCO Council of Heads of State. 3. The meeting was held in Islamabad to discuss bilateral trade tariffs. 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 diplomatic event. Statement 3 is incorrect because the meeting was held in the Kyrgyz Republic, not Islamabad, and focused on regional cooperation rather than trade tariffs. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431689/dar-chinese-fm-discuss-bilateral-ties, 24 Jul 2026]
#17584
Who is the current Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting as of July 2026?
(a) Attaullah Tarar
(b) Ahsan Iqbal
(c) Khawaja Asif
(d) None of these
Explanation: Attaullah Tarar serves as the Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting and was specifically lauded by the Forum of Information Group Secretaries for his role in resolving career progression issues. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431714/figs-lauds-pm-tarar-for-resolving-career-progression-issues, 24 Jul 2026]
#17585
What was the recorded inflation rate in Pakistan for the month of February 2026?
(a) 5.80 percent
(b) 6.98 percent
(c) 7.15 percent
(d) 8.20 percent
Explanation: Inflation rose to 6.98 percent year-on-year in February 2026, up from 5.8 percent in January. This represents the highest level recorded since October 2024. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979645/stocks-nosedive-63pc-in-jittery-week-on-geopolitical-concerns, 08 Mar 2026]
#17586
On July 25, 2026, which judicial body ruled against the German interior ministry regarding the reversal of Afghan resettlement visas?
(a) Federal Court of Justice
(b) Federal Constitutional Court
(c) Federal Administrative Court
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Federal Constitutional Court (Bundesverfassungsgericht) issued the ruling on July 25, 2026, declaring the ministry's actions arbitrary. The Federal Court of Justice is a separate entity that handles civil and criminal appeals, not constitutional disputes of this nature. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018224/court-rules-against-berlin-in-afghan-resettlement-case, 25 Jul 2026]
#17587
Which of the following statements regarding the market performance in March 2026 is INCORRECT?
(a) Foreign corporates were net sellers of equities during the week.
(b) The KSE-100 index experienced a single-session decline of over 16,000 points on Monday.
(c) Cement despatches showed a year-on-year increase in February 2026.
(d) The rupee depreciated significantly against the dollar during the week.
Explanation: The rupee remained largely stable, appreciating marginally by 0.02 percent week-on-week. The other statements accurately reflect the market data provided for the period. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979645/stocks-nosedive-63pc-in-jittery-week-on-geopolitical-concerns, 08 Mar 2026]
#17588
In which country was the SCO Council of Foreign Ministers meeting held in 2026?
(a) Kazakhstan
(b) Kyrgyz Republic
(c) Tajikistan
(d) Uzbekistan
Explanation: The meeting took place in Cholpon-Ata, which is located in the Kyrgyz Republic. Other Central Asian states are often confused as hosts, but the Kyrgyz Republic was the specific venue for this event. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431689/dar-chinese-fm-discuss-bilateral-ties, 24 Jul 2026]
#17589
On the sidelines of which international forum did Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar meet with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on 2026-07-24?
(a) UN General Assembly
(b) SCO Council of Foreign Ministers
(c) SAARC Summit
(d) None of these
Explanation: The meeting occurred during the SCO Council of Foreign Ministers session held in Cholpon-Ata. This platform serves as a key venue for regional diplomatic engagement between Pakistan and China. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431689/dar-chinese-fm-discuss-bilateral-ties, 24 Jul 2026]
#17590
What was the closing value of the KSE-100 index at the end of the trading week ending on March 8, 2026?
(a) 145,210 points
(b) 157,496 points
(c) 162,305 points
(d) None of these
Explanation: The KSE-100 index closed at 157,496 points after a weekly decline of 6.3 percent. This decline was primarily attributed to investor panic regarding regional geopolitical instability. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979645/stocks-nosedive-63pc-in-jittery-week-on-geopolitical-concerns, 08 Mar 2026]
#17591
Consider the following statements about the economic indicators in February 2026: 1. Pakistan's trade deficit widened to approximately $3 billion. 2. Urea offtake recorded a significant increase compared to the previous year. 3. Liquid foreign exchange reserves held by the State Bank of Pakistan stood at $16.3 billion. 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 urea offtake actually fell by 28 percent year-on-year, reaching the lowest monthly level recorded. Statements 1 and 3 are factually accurate based on the reported economic data. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979645/stocks-nosedive-63pc-in-jittery-week-on-geopolitical-concerns, 08 Mar 2026]
#17592
Which of the following measures was initially proposed but subsequently shelved by the government in response to the potential fuel crisis in March 2026?
(a) Rationing of electricity for industrial zones
(b) Complete ban on private vehicle usage
(c) Work from home and distance learning
(d) Immediate closure of all public transport
Explanation: The government considered a national action plan involving work-from-home and distance learning to conserve fuel but decided to keep activities unchanged. The other options were not part of the official proposal mentioned. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979534/govt-hikes-kerosene-price-by-rs130-to-rs31881-per-litre, 07 Mar 2026]
#17593
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]
#17594
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]
#17595
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]
#17596
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]
#17597
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]
#17598
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]
#17599
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]
#17600
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]