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.
#19161
Which of the following categories of educational institutions in Islamabad were included in the public holiday notification for March 13, 2026?
(a) Public schools only
(b) Private universities only
(c) Both public and private institutions
(d) None of these
Explanation: The notification explicitly stated that the holiday applies to all educational institutions, encompassing both public and private sectors, including schools, colleges, and universities within the revenue limits of the ICT. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981400/educational-institutions-to-remain-closed-in-islamabad-on-friday, 12 Mar 2026]
#19162
Consider the following statements about the diplomatic visit of March 12, 2026: 1. The visit was undertaken at the invitation of the Saudi Crown Prince. 2. The discussions focused exclusively on bilateral trade agreements. 3. Pakistan expressed its full solidarity with Saudi Arabia regarding the current regional security challenges. 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 visit was at the invitation of the Crown Prince. Statement 3 is correct regarding the expression of solidarity. Statement 2 is incorrect because the discussions focused on regional security and the ongoing conflict, not exclusively on trade. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981279/as-war-in-middle-east-escalates-pm-shehbaz-departs-on-brief-visit-to-saudi-arabia, 12 Mar 2026]
#19163
Which of the following statements regarding the IHC order dated 2026-03-12 is INCORRECT?
(a) The court ordered the inclusion of Dr. Muhammad Arif in the medical board.
(b) The court ruled that the power to remove a prisoner for special treatment vests in the government.
(c) The court directed authorities to ensure the prisoner's meetings with lawyers and family.
(d) The court ordered the immediate transfer of the prisoner to Shifa International Hospital.
Explanation: The court did not order an immediate transfer; instead, it ordered the formation of a medical board to provide recommendations, which the executive would then use to decide on a transfer. Options A, B, and D are accurate reflections of the court's order. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981293/ihc-orders-formation-of-medical-board-on-plea-seeking-imrans-transfer-to-shifa-international-hospital, 12 Mar 2026]
#19164
Consider the following statements about the legislative developments on March 13, 2026: 1. The ordinance previously empowering the government to transform the FC had lapsed. 2. The opposition lawmakers tore apart copies of the agenda during the protest. 3. The government plans to reintroduce the bill in the upcoming sessions after Eid. Which of the statements given above 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 events of the session. The ordinance had lapsed, the opposition engaged in protest by tearing the agenda, and the government expressed intent to pursue the bill after the Eid holidays. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981390/pointing-out-lack-of-quorum-in-na-opposition-blocks-passage-of-bill-seeking-to-upgrade-fc-to-federal-force, 13 Mar 2026]
#19165
Which official held a meeting with Saudi Defence Minister Khalid bin Salman Al Saud on March 7, 2026, to discuss regional security?
(a) Asim Munir
(b) Ahmad Farooq
(c) Tahir Andrabi
(d) Syed Mustafa Rabani
Explanation: Field Marshal Asim Munir visited Saudi Arabia on March 7, 2026, to meet with the Saudi Defence Minister regarding the security situation. The other individuals listed are diplomats or spokespersons. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981279/as-war-in-middle-east-escalates-pm-shehbaz-departs-on-brief-visit-to-saudi-arabia, 12 Mar 2026]
#19166
Who accompanied Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif during his official visit to Saudi Arabia on March 12, 2026?
(a) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari
(b) Ishaq Dar
(c) Khawaja Asif
(d) None of these
Explanation: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar accompanied the Prime Minister to Saudi Arabia. Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and Khawaja Asif were not mentioned as part of this specific delegation. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981279/as-war-in-middle-east-escalates-pm-shehbaz-departs-on-brief-visit-to-saudi-arabia, 12 Mar 2026]
#19167
Which individual held the office of the Governor of Sindh immediately prior to the appointment of Nehal Hashmi in 2026?
(a) Farooq Sattar
(b) Kamran Tessori
(c) Khalid Maqbool Siddique
(d) None of these
Explanation: Kamran Tessori, an affiliate of the MQM-P, was the incumbent Governor of Sindh before his removal and replacement by Nehal Hashmi in 2026. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981259/president-zardari-approves-appointment-of-pml-ns-nehal-hashmi-as-sindh-governor, 12 Mar 2026]
#19168
Consider the following statements about the energy crisis in South Asia as of March 11, 2026: 1. India is the world's fourth-largest buyer of liquefied natural gas (LNG). 2. Bangladesh has deployed police to patrol filling stations to maintain order. 3. The restaurant industry in India is predominantly dependent on commercial LPG for operations. 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. India's status as a major LNG buyer, the deployment of police in Bangladesh, and the reliance of the Indian restaurant sector on commercial LPG are all confirmed details. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980784/troops-guard-bangladesh-depots-after-oil-riots, 11 Mar 2026]
#19169
In which cities were the IMF mission discussions primarily held before transitioning to a virtual format in 2026?
(a) Lahore and Karachi
(b) Islamabad and Lahore
(c) Karachi and Islamabad
(d) None of these
Explanation: The IMF mission held discussions with Pakistani authorities in Karachi and Islamabad before moving to virtual meetings on March 3, 2026. Lahore was not a primary site for these specific mission meetings. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981220/imf-mission-fails-to-reach-staff-level-agreement-with-pakistan-talks-to-continue, 12 Mar 2026]
#19170
Consider the following statements about the security incident in Michigan: 1. The incident occurred on March 12, 2026. 2. The shooter was identified as a member of a known extremist group. 3. The Oakland County Sheriff confirmed that security personnel engaged the shooter in gunfire. 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 event occurred on March 12, 2026. Statement 3 is correct as the Sheriff confirmed security engaged the shooter. Statement 2 is incorrect because the shooter was described as an unidentified individual, not a member of a specific extremist group. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981410/gunman-dead-after-attack-on-michigan-synagogue, 12 Mar 2026]
#19171
Consider the following statements about Pakistan's energy situation as of 2026-03-12: 1. The government is facing internal division between cabinet members and technocrats regarding the use of pricing buffers. 2. The current Dubai-based pricing for oil is lower than the benchmark Brent price. 3. The government has cited the risk of supply disruptions, similar to those seen in Bangladesh and India, as a reason for previous 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 1 is correct as cabinet members and technocrats are divided over the prime minister's directive. Statement 3 is correct as ministers defended previous hikes by referencing supply disruptions in neighboring countries. Statement 2 is incorrect because the Dubai-based pricing ($135/barrel) is currently higher than the Brent benchmark ($105/barrel). [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981355/govt-mulling-not-hiking-prices-of-petroleum-products-further-despite-increase-in-global-market, 12 Mar 2026]
#19172
The IMF mission discussions with Pakistan in 2026 were focused on the third review of which facility?
(a) Rapid Financing Instrument (RFI)
(b) Stand-By Arrangement (SBA)
(c) Extended Fund Facility (EFF)
(d) Poverty Reduction and Growth Trust (PRGT)
Explanation: The mission was specifically tasked with the third review of the $7 billion Extended Fund Facility (EFF) and the second review of the Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF). The SBA is a separate, distinct type of IMF arrangement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981220/imf-mission-fails-to-reach-staff-level-agreement-with-pakistan-talks-to-continue, 12 Mar 2026]
#19173
Which of the following statements regarding the government's petroleum policy as of 2026-03-12 is INCORRECT?
(a) The government has successfully secured an increase in LNG imports from Qatar.
(b) The government is considering using block allocations for emergencies to absorb price hikes.
(c) The government has banned the export of all petroleum products.
(d) Ministers indicated that petroleum prices could be reviewed on 2026-03-13.
Explanation: The statement regarding LNG imports is incorrect because Qatar declared force majeure on its processing facilities, leading to a suspension of LNG imports, not an increase. The other statements accurately reflect the government's current policy stance. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981355/govt-mulling-not-hiking-prices-of-petroleum-products-further-despite-increase-in-global-market, 12 Mar 2026]
#19174
What is the current price of high-speed diesel (HSD) per litre as of July 25, 2026?
(a) Rs335.18
(b) Rs383.46
(c) Rs520.35
(d) Rs281.00
Explanation: The government set the price of high-speed diesel at Rs383.46 per litre following the recent adjustment. Rs335.18 is the current price for petrol, while Rs520.35 represents a historical peak price for diesel. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018328/govt-keeps-petrol-diesel-prices-unchanged-for-two-days, 25 Jul 2026]
#19175
Upon the successful completion of the 2026 IMF review, Pakistan is expected to receive approximately how much funding under the Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF)?
(a) 100 million USD
(b) 760 million USD
(c) 500 million USD
(d) 200 million USD
Explanation: The IMF indicated that Pakistan would be eligible for around $200 million under the RSF upon the successful conclusion of the review. The $760 million figure refers to the Special Drawing Rights (SDR) equivalent for the EFF portion. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981220/imf-mission-fails-to-reach-staff-level-agreement-with-pakistan-talks-to-continue, 12 Mar 2026]
#19176
Who led the IMF mission that held discussions with Pakistani authorities in March 2026?
(a) Nathan Porter
(b) Iva Petrova
(c) Kristalina Georgieva
(d) None of these
Explanation: Iva Petrova headed the IMF mission that conducted the review discussions with Pakistan in early 2026. Nathan Porter is a former mission chief, and Kristalina Georgieva is the Managing Director of the IMF. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981220/imf-mission-fails-to-reach-staff-level-agreement-with-pakistan-talks-to-continue, 12 Mar 2026]
#19177
On 2026-03-12, the Islamabad High Court ordered the formation of a medical board to evaluate the health of which individual?
(a) Nawaz Sharif
(b) Imran Khan
(c) Asif Ali Zardari
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Islamabad High Court issued the order on 2026-03-12 regarding the medical treatment of the PTI founder, Imran Khan. The other individuals listed are prominent political figures but were not the subject of this specific court order. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981293/ihc-orders-formation-of-medical-board-on-plea-seeking-imrans-transfer-to-shifa-international-hospital, 12 Mar 2026]
#19178
On March 11, 2026, the government announced plans to table legislation for SOE governance to meet structural benchmarks set by which international organization?
(a) World Bank
(b) International Monetary Fund
(c) Asian Development Bank
(d) None of these
Explanation: The government is finalizing legislation to meet structural benchmarks required for the successful conclusion of the IMF's Extended Fund Facility (EFF) and Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF) reviews. The World Bank and ADB are development partners, but the specific structural benchmark compliance mentioned is tied to the IMF. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980722/govt-to-table-soe-bills-for-imf-compliance, 11 Mar 2026]
#19179
In the context of the 2026 Middle East conflict, which flight tracking service reported that planes arriving in Dubai were placed in a holding pattern due to a potential missile attack?
(a) FlightAware
(b) SkyScanner
(c) Aviation Safety Network
(d) Flightradar24
Explanation: Flightradar24 reported the airspace chaos in the Middle East, noting that planes were held in a pattern near Dubai as a precautionary measure against potential missile activity. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980748/airlines-raise-ticket-prices-as-middle-east-conflict-drives-up-fuel-costs, 11 Mar 2026]
#19180
In which area of Jammu did the assassination attempt on Farooq Abdullah occur on March 12, 2026?
(a) Greater Kailash
(b) Purani Mandi
(c) Royal Park
(d) None of these
Explanation: The incident took place at a wedding ceremony located in the Greater Kailash area of Jammu. While Royal Park is mentioned as the specific venue, Greater Kailash is the broader area identified in reports. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981258/man-arrested-after-attempt-on-life-of-former-occupied-kashmir-cm-farooq-abdullah, 12 Mar 2026]