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.
#18641
Which fiscal tool did the Prime Minister utilize to reduce the petrol price to Rs378 per litre following the April 2026 price hike?
(a) General sales tax
(b) Petroleum levy
(c) Customs duty
(d) Excise duty
Explanation: The government slashed the petroleum levy by Rs80 per litre to provide immediate relief to consumers. This is a common fiscal instrument used to adjust the final ex-depot price of fuel. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2011069/govt-keeps-petrol-diesel-prices-unchanged-till-further-orders, 26 Jun 2026]
#18642
Consider the following statements about the incident reported on March 8, 2026: 1. The victim was accompanied by her aunt and uncle to the hospital. 2. The suspects allegedly used weapons to guard the entrance of the hospital. 3. The Special Sexual Offences Investigation Unit (SSIOU) confirmed the assault based on a preliminary medical report. 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 according to the details provided in the FIR and the confirmation by Inspector Sohail Aslam of the SSIOU. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979833/police-register-fir-after-15-year-old-allegedly-sexually-assaulted-in-mandi-bahauddin-hospital, 08 Mar 2026]
#18643
Which of the following Apple models remained stable with no change in valuation between the January ruling and the April 2026 ruling?
(a) iPhone 15 Pro Max
(b) iPhone XS Max
(c) iPhone SE 2
(d) iPhone 13
Explanation: The iPhone XS Max and the iPhone SE 3 were identified as the most stable models, showing no change in valuation between the two rulings. Other models like the iPhone 15 Pro Max and iPhone SE 2 experienced varying degrees of upward adjustment. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1994373/customs-increases-import-valuation-for-62-old-and-used-mobile-phone-models, 23 Apr 2026]
#18644
All of the following statements regarding the 2026 cotton season report are TRUE EXCEPT:
(a) Balochistan recorded a 90 percent increase in cotton arrivals.
(b) Punjab contributed 201,497 bales to the total arrivals.
(c) Textile mills purchased 445,779 bales by July 15, 2026.
(d) Unsold stocks at ginning factories decreased compared to the previous year.
Explanation: The report states that unsold stocks at ginning factories actually rose to 82,121 bales from 47,771 bales a year earlier. Therefore, the statement that they decreased is false. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016601/early-cotton-arrivals-hit-record-527900-bales, 19 Jul 2026]
#18645
Which of the following statements regarding the 2026 FIFA World Cup victory is INCORRECT?
(a) Spain defeated Argentina in the final match.
(b) The victory marked Spain's second World Cup title.
(c) Seismic sensors detected vibrations caused by fan celebrations.
(d) The final match was decided in regular time without extra-time.
Explanation: The final match was decided by a goal in extra-time, not regular time. The other statements accurately reflect the events of the 2026 tournament. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017043/fifa-world-cup-heroes-spain-return-home-ahead-of-victory-parade, 20 Jul 2026]
#18646
Consider the following statements about the regional security context on March 8, 2026: 1. Iran has been conducting retaliatory strikes in Gulf countries targeting US assets. 2. The incident involved a projectile intercepted over the Sistan-Baluchistan province. 3. The victim was killed by a direct strike from an Iranian air defense missile. 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 Iran has been targeting US assets in the region. Statement 2 is correct regarding the location of the interception. Statement 3 is incorrect because the victim was killed by falling debris from an intercepted projectile, not by a direct strike from an Iranian missile. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979820/gwadar-fisherman-killed-by-debris-from-israeli-projectile-in-iran-waters, 08 Mar 2026]
#18647
Which of the following statements regarding the 2026 mobile phone customs valuation is INCORRECT?
(a) The new valuation applies to commercial quantities of used phones without accessories.
(b) The ruling preserves the framework for six-month activation and freight adjustment.
(c) The revision was aimed at lowering the tax burden for all imported mobile handsets.
(d) The Directorate held a stakeholder meeting on April 13, 2026, before finalizing the ruling.
Explanation: The revision was aimed at aligning assessed values with market rates, which resulted in higher duty and tax incidence per handset, not a reduction. Options A, B, and D are factually correct descriptions of the regulatory process. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1994373/customs-increases-import-valuation-for-62-old-and-used-mobile-phone-models, 23 Apr 2026]
#18648
Which bowler dismissed both Babar Azam and Ghazi Ghori during the match on May 30, 2026?
(a) Nathan Ellis
(b) Josh Hazlewood
(c) Cameron Green
(d) Marnus Labuschagne
Explanation: Nathan Ellis was the bowler who claimed the wickets of both Babar Azam and Ghazi Ghori late in the innings. While other Australian players were involved in the match, Ellis was the primary pacer responsible for these specific dismissals. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2003971/pakistan-outspins-australia-in-milestone-odi-as-minhas-makes-history, 30 May 2026]
#18649
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]
#18650
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]
#18651
Who resigned from OpenAI in March 2026 citing concerns over a Pentagon deal?
(a) Sam Altman
(b) Caitlin Kalinowski
(c) Mira Murati
(d) None of these
Explanation: Caitlin Kalinowski resigned from her role overseeing hardware at OpenAI in March 2026. She cited governance concerns regarding the company's agreement to deploy AI models on Pentagon cloud networks. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979824/openai-hardware-leader-resigns-after-deal-with-pentagon, 08 Mar 2026]
#18652
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]
#18653
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]
#18654
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]
#18655
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]
#18656
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]
#18657
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]
#18658
Which judicial body issued the stay order against the deportation of the petitioner named 'Quaid-i-Azam' on 2026-07-28?
(a) Supreme Court of Pakistan
(b) Islamabad High Court
(c) Lahore High Court
(d) Peshawar High Court
Explanation: The Peshawar High Court (PHC) bench, comprising Justice Waqar Ahmed and Justice Inamullah Khan, issued the order. The other high courts listed are incorrect as they were not involved in this specific case. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018808/phc-stops-deportation-of-man-named-quaid-i-azam-directs-him-to-appear-before-nadra-board, 28 Jul 2026]
#18659
The petitioner in the 2026-07-28 PHC case was directed to appear before which specific body for identity verification?
(a) Federal Investigation Agency Board
(b) Ministry of Interior Review Committee
(c) NADRA Verification Board
(d) None of these
Explanation: The court explicitly directed the petitioner to appear before the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) verification board to address the suspicious status of his identity card. The other options are incorrect as they do not represent the specific administrative body tasked with this verification. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018808/phc-stops-deportation-of-man-named-quaid-i-azam-directs-him-to-appear-before-nadra-board, 28 Jul 2026]
#18660
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]