August 2026 Edition

August 2026 Current Affairs MCQs & Solutions

Top national & international current affairs questions for CSS, PMS, FPSC, PPSC, and NTS screening tests.

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#19701

Which regional group claimed to have downed a Saudi drone over the northwest of Yemen in July 2026?

(a) Houthi rebels
(b) Hezbollah
(c) Al-Qaeda
(d) Islamic State
Explanation: Houthi rebels reported downing a Saudi drone over Yemen and claimed responsibility for attacks on Saudi Aramco facilities in Jizan and Yanbu. The other groups listed are not involved in this specific operational theater. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018487/us-holds-fire-against-iran-as-reports-of-concerns-over-dwindling-munitions-emerge, 26 Jul 2026]
#19702

Who is the current Chairman of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) as of July 26, 2026?

(a) Mustafa Kamal
(b) Dr. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui
(c) Farooq Sattar
(d) Aminul Haque
Explanation: Dr. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui serves as the Chairman of the MQM-P and led the rally in Hyderabad. Mustafa Kamal is a senior leader and Federal Health Minister, but not the party chairman. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018340/mqm-p-steps-up-campaign-for-creation-of-new-provinces, 26 Jul 2026]
#19703

Consider the following statements about the events in New Delhi in July 2026: 1. The protest site at Jantar Mantar was cleared by municipal workers following the government's concessions. 2. The movement was limited exclusively to demands regarding the NEET examination irregularities. 3. Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the task force via a video statement posted to X. 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 factually correct. Statement 2 is incorrect because the movement evolved to include broader concerns such as unemployment, youth opportunities, and criticism of the government's authoritarian style, extending beyond just the NEET exam. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018534/modi-announces-panel-to-reform-indias-exam-system-anti-govt-graffiti-at-protest-site-painted-over, 26 Jul 2026]
#19704

Which official held a security briefing at the Regional Police Office in Dera Ismail Khan on July 26, 2026, regarding the Tank incident?

(a) Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
(b) Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi
(c) Governor Faisal Karim Kundi
(d) None of these
Explanation: Governor Faisal Karim Kundi conducted the briefing at the Regional Police Office in Dera Ismail Khan. While he mentioned he would discuss the matter with the Interior Minister and the Chief Minister, he was the official who provided the briefing. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018508/kp-governor-kundi-says-over-1300kg-of-explosives-used-in-tank-checkpost-attack, 26 Jul 2026]
#19705

Consider the following statements about the conflict as of July 26, 2026: 1. The conflict has lasted for nearly five months. 2. Iran has officially declared that it will permanently dismantle its missile program. 3. The US military had prepared a plan for a 14th night of strikes before opting for a pause. 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 conflict is nearing its fifth month. Statement 3 is correct as the Pentagon had presented a plan for a 14th night of strikes. Statement 2 is incorrect because Iran has only halted retaliatory attacks, not dismantled its missile program. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018487/iran-says-middle-east-attacks-halted-after-us-holds-fire-amid-reported-concerns-over-dwindling-munitions, 26 Jul 2026]
#19706

The Emergency Response Committee (ERC) held its fifth meeting on July 26, 2026, to review monsoon preparedness under the chairmanship of:

(a) The Minister for Climate Change
(b) The Chairman of the NDMA
(c) The Minister for Planning
(d) None of these
Explanation: The meeting was chaired by Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal via video link. While the NDMA Chairman and Climate Change Minister were present, the chair was held by the Planning Minister. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018500/nationwide-deaths-this-monsoon-cross-100-more-rain-likely-in-countrys-upper-parts-from-july-29, 26 Jul 2026]
#19707

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]
#19708

Who is the official spokesperson for the Iranian army who announced the halt of retaliatory operations on July 26, 2026?

(a) Abbas Araghchi
(b) Mohammad Akraminia
(c) Dan Caine
(d) None of these
Explanation: Mohammad Akraminia is the identified army spokesperson who confirmed that Iran ceased its retaliatory operations following the US pause. Abbas Araghchi is the Foreign Minister, and Dan Caine is a US general. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018487/iran-says-middle-east-attacks-halted-after-us-holds-fire-amid-reported-concerns-over-dwindling-munitions, 26 Jul 2026]
#19709

Consider the following statements about the monsoon situation as of July 26, 2026: 1. The total nationwide death toll since June 26 has exceeded 100. 2. The Emergency Response Committee (ERC) is responsible for overseeing the implementation of preparedness measures by PDMAs. 3. The Pakistan Meteorological Department expects flood-generating rainfall activity to occur before July 28. 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 toll reached 107. Statement 2 is correct regarding the ERC's mandate. Statement 3 is incorrect because the PMD explicitly stated that no flood-generating rainfall was expected until July 28. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018500/nationwide-deaths-this-monsoon-cross-100-more-rain-likely-in-countrys-upper-parts-from-july-29, 26 Jul 2026]
#19710

The resignation of the Indian Education Minister in July 2026 was primarily triggered by:

(a) Alleged irregularities in the NEET examination
(b) Internal party leadership disputes
(c) Failure to implement the national budget
(d) None of these
Explanation: The protests and the subsequent resignation of the Education Minister were driven by widespread allegations of irregularities in the NEET examination system. This issue became a catalyst for broader student dissatisfaction with the government. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018534/modi-announces-panel-to-reform-indias-exam-system-anti-govt-graffiti-at-protest-site-painted-over, 26 Jul 2026]
#19711

The primary site of the anti-government protests in New Delhi during July 2026 was:

(a) Jantar Mantar
(b) Red Fort
(c) India Gate
(d) Connaught Place
Explanation: Jantar Mantar served as the central location for the protests where demonstrators gathered to demand education reforms and express grievances against the government. The site became notable for its 'wall of shame' featuring protest graffiti. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018534/modi-announces-panel-to-reform-indias-exam-system-anti-govt-graffiti-at-jantar-mantar-painted-over, 26 Jul 2026]
#19712

Which of the following is NOT a category of emergency covered under the Rescue 1122 Monsoon Contingency Plan 2026?

(a) Drought management
(b) Lightning strikes
(c) Urban flooding
(d) Building collapses
Explanation: The contingency plan focuses on immediate monsoon-related hazards such as urban flooding, lightning strikes, and building collapses. Drought management is a long-term climate adaptation issue and is not listed as a component of this specific monsoon emergency plan. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431896/sindh-on-high-alert-as-heavy-monsoon-rains-loom, 27 Jul 2026]
#19713

Consider the following statements about the economic forecasts provided by the AfDB: 1. The AfDB predicted Africa would see 4.2% economic growth in 2026. 2. The growth projection for 2027 is 4.4%. 3. These growth projections were finalized after accounting for the 'super' El Niño impact. 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: The AfDB predicted 4.2% growth for 2026 and 4.4% for 2027. However, these forecasts were made in May, before the 'super' El Niño projections were integrated, making statement 3 incorrect. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431871/africa-facing-10-20-billion-economic-hit-from-super-el-nino-afdb-climate-chief-warns, 26 Jul 2026]
#19714

As of July 2026, which entity carries the largest burden of overdue liabilities in the gas sector?

(a) Sui Southern Gas Company
(b) Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited
(c) Pakistan State Oil
(d) None of these
Explanation: Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) is explicitly identified as carrying the largest burden of overdue liabilities, totaling Rs536 billion as of July 23, 2026. Sui Southern Gas Company is a separate entity and is not cited as the primary holder of these specific overdue liabilities. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018389/gas-power-sector-dues-strain-energy-supply-chain, 26 Jul 2026]
#19715

Which of the following is NOT a primary challenge identified in the 2026 report regarding the response to gender-based violence?

(a) Underreporting due to fear of speaking out
(b) Insufficient number of reports describing the problem
(c) Lack of access to legal aid and counseling
(d) Inadequate follow-through on police investigations
Explanation: The report explicitly states that Pakistan has no shortage of reports describing the problem; rather, the issue is a lack of determination to learn from them and implement solutions. The other options are correctly identified as systemic failures. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018677/writing-on-the-wall, 27 Jul 2026]
#19716

Who announced the arrest of the individual accused of running an Indian-funded digital misinformation campaign on July 26, 2026?

(a) Attaullah Tarar
(b) Rana Sanaullah
(c) Khawaja Asif
(d) None of these
Explanation: Information Minister Attaullah Tarar held a televised address on July 26, 2026, to disclose the arrest and provide evidence of the digital marketing professional's links to Indian funding. The other individuals listed are prominent political figures but were not the officials who made this specific announcement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018518/tarar-claims-man-arrested-for-spreading-anti-state-material-online-in-exchange-for-indian-funding, 26 Jul 2026]
#19717

Consider the following statements about the security situation in Gaza as of 2026: 1. The International Stabilisation Force is authorized to operate in all areas of Gaza regardless of Israeli control. 2. Israel has indicated plans to expand its area of military control to 70 percent of the enclave. 3. The Board of Peace is planning a pilot humanitarian zone to initiate the peace framework.

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) All three
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect because the force is intended to deploy only in areas not under Israeli control, and each contingent requires individual Israeli approval. Statements 2 and 3 are factually accurate according to the current status of the peace plan and Israeli military policy. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018568/israel-to-allow-international-force-into-gaza-israeli-official-says, 26 Jul 2026]
#19718

All of the following statements regarding the market conditions on July 27, 2026, are true EXCEPT:

(a) The Federal Reserve is expected to definitely raise interest rates by 50 basis points.
(b) Bond markets received a boost from easing inflation fears.
(c) Brent crude prices experienced a decline.
(d) Yemen’s Houthis attacked Saudi oil installations.
Explanation: The market only implies a one-in-three chance of a rate hike, and analysts remain uncertain about the outcome, making the claim of a definite 50 basis point hike false. The other options accurately reflect the geopolitical and economic situation described. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431958/shares-bonds-make-guarded-gains-as-oil-slips, 27 Jul 2026]
#19719

In which month of 2026 did the Reserve Bank of India announce the dollar-inflow schemes that raised $32 billion?

(a) April 2026
(b) June 2026
(c) May 2026
(d) July 2026
Explanation: The dollar-inflow schemes were officially announced by the central bank in June 2026, leading to the reported accumulation of funds by late July 2026. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431961/indian-banks-have-raised-32-bln-under-dollar-inflow-schemes-rbi-chief-tells-hindu-businessline, 27 Jul 2026]
#19720

What is the primary consequence of the liquidity crunch in the energy sector as of July 2026?

(a) Increased reliance on long-term foreign grants
(b) Reduction in domestic fuel production capacity
(c) Increased reliance on short-term bank financing
(d) None of these
Explanation: The mounting unpaid dues have forced energy entities to rely heavily on short-term bank financing, which increases debt-servicing costs and exhausts credit lines. This is a direct result of the operational liquidity constraints mentioned in the report. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018389/gas-power-sector-dues-strain-energy-supply-chain, 26 Jul 2026]