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.
#19801
Consider the following statements about the market performance on March 11, 2026: 1. The KSE-100 index shed 318.65 points during the session. 2. Global crude oil prices plunged by approximately 15 per cent. 3. The Bank of Punjab experienced a decline in its share price. 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 2 are correct based on the report. Statement 3 is incorrect because The Bank of Punjab rose by 2.53 per cent, it did not decline. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980849/kse-100-ends-lower-after-early-rally-loses-steam, 11 Mar 2026]
#19802
Who serves as the Prime Minister's Spokesperson for Foreign Media who commented on the bilateral support for Saudi Arabia on March 11, 2026?
(a) Ishaq Dar
(b) Asim Munir
(c) Mosharraf Zaidi
(d) None of these
Explanation: Mosharraf Zaidi, acting as the Prime Minister's Spokesperson for Foreign Media, provided the interview to Bloomberg TV regarding Pakistan's stance on regional security. Ishaq Dar is the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980894/no-matter-what-no-matter-when-pms-spokesperson-reiterates-support-for-saudi-arabia-before-it-is-needed, 11 Mar 2026]
#19803
Consider the following statements about China's gold trade in June 2026: 1. Net gold imports via Hong Kong more than doubled compared to the same month in the previous year. 2. Hong Kong has launched a central clearing system for gold to support its regional hub ambitions. 3. Data from Hong Kong provides a complete and exhaustive picture of all Chinese gold purchases. 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 net imports rose from 19.366 tons in June 2025 to 50.679 tons in June 2026. Statement 2 is correct regarding the new clearing system. Statement 3 is incorrect because gold is also imported via Shanghai and Beijing, meaning Hong Kong data is not exhaustive. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40432008/chinas-june-net-gold-imports-via-hong-kong-up-from-year-ago-down-from-may, 27 Jul 2026]
#19804
What was the primary driver for the rise in Gulf equity markets on July 27, 2026?
(a) Record-breaking quarterly earnings across all sectors
(b) Hopes of a diplomatic de-escalation in the U.S.-Iran conflict
(c) A sudden surge in global oil prices above $100 per barrel
(d) None of these
Explanation: The market rally was primarily attributed to investor optimism regarding a potential diplomatic off-ramp in the U.S.-Iran war. Oil prices actually declined to a one-week low, making option C incorrect. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40432018/gulf-stocks-advance-on-iran-de-escalation-hopes-saudi-ends-flat-after-oil-site-attacks, 27 Jul 2026]
#19805
Consider the following statements about the Indian bond market and economic indicators as of July 27, 2026: 1. The 10-year Treasury yield eased to 4.64%. 2. The most liquid five-year swap rate dropped to settle at 6.36%. 3. Analysts at Capital Economics identified strong monsoon rainfall as a primary driver for economic growth. 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 based on the market data provided. Statement 3 is incorrect because analysts identified weak, not strong, monsoon rainfall as a potential inflation risk. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40432016/india-10-year-bond-yield-logs-biggest-plunge-in-2-months-as-oil-rally-falters, 27 Jul 2026]
#19806
Which of the following statements regarding China's gold imports in June 2026 is INCORRECT?
(a) Net gold imports via Hong Kong were higher than in June 2025.
(b) Net gold imports via Hong Kong were lower than in May 2026.
(c) Total gold imports via Hong Kong were lower than in May 2026.
(d) China's central bank increased its gold reserves during the month.
Explanation: Total gold imports via Hong Kong were 78.147 tons in June, which was an increase of 19% compared to the 65.562 tons imported in May. Therefore, stating that total imports were lower is factually incorrect. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40432008/chinas-june-net-gold-imports-via-hong-kong-up-from-year-ago-down-from-may, 27 Jul 2026]
#19807
Which Dubai-based developer saw its shares climb by 2% on July 27, 2026?
(a) Aldar Properties
(b) Emaar Properties
(c) Damac Properties
(d) Nakheel Properties
Explanation: Emaar Properties is the blue-chip developer mentioned as having climbed 2% during the session. Aldar Properties is based in Abu Dhabi, not Dubai. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40432018/gulf-stocks-advance-on-iran-de-escalation-hopes-saudi-ends-flat-after-oil-site-attacks, 27 Jul 2026]
#19808
Consider the following statements about the regional market situation on July 27, 2026: 1. The Pentagon paused its 13-night campaign against Iran, contributing to de-escalation hopes. 2. Saudi Aramco facilities in both Jizan and Yanbu were targeted by attacks. 3. Qatar’s benchmark index declined due to poor financial sector performance. 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 2 are factually correct based on the report. Statement 3 is incorrect because Qatar's index actually rose, supported by strong earnings in the financial sector. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40432018/gulf-stocks-advance-on-iran-de-escalation-hopes-saudi-ends-flat-after-oil-site-attacks, 27 Jul 2026]
#19809
Which factor was primarily responsible for the sharp decline in Indian bond yields on July 27, 2026?
(a) A surge in monsoon rainfall
(b) A sudden increase in the current-account deficit
(c) An immediate hike in Federal Reserve rates
(d) A decline in crude oil prices
Explanation: The decline in bond yields was driven by a sharp drop in crude oil prices following a pause in US-Iran hostilities. Higher oil prices typically increase inflationary pressure and worsen the current-account balance, which would otherwise push yields higher. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40432016/india-10-year-bond-yield-logs-biggest-plunge-in-2-months-as-oil-rally-falters, 27 Jul 2026]
#19810
The decline in palm oil prices on July 27, 2026, was primarily attributed to a heavy decline in which of the following?
(a) Gold reserves
(b) Energy futures
(c) Textile exports
(d) Interest rates
Explanation: Palm oil prices are closely linked to energy futures because palm oil is used as a feedstock for biodiesel. A drop in crude oil prices makes palm oil less competitive as a fuel alternative, leading to a decline in its market value. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40432000/palm-slips-more-than-1-on-weaker-crude-chinese-vegetable-oils, 27 Jul 2026]
#19811
Consider the following statements about the Pentagon's policy on AI as of March 2026: 1. Anthropic was designated as a 'Supply-Chain Risk to National Security' by the Pentagon. 2. The Pentagon allowed an immediate, total cessation of all Anthropic technology usage without any transition period. 3. Claude remains the only frontier AI model currently operating on the Defence Department’s classified systems. 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 Anthropic was designated a security risk. Statement 2 is incorrect because the Pentagon allowed a six-month transition period for its own internal use. Statement 3 is correct as Claude is identified as the most widely deployed frontier model on classified systems. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980925/china-warns-us-ai-military-use-can-create-terminator-world, 11 Mar 2026]
#19812
Who represented the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) during the hearing on July 27, 2026?
(a) Saifullah Mohib Kakakhel
(b) Shahid Imran Gigiyani
(c) Waqar Ahmed
(d) Inamullah Khan
Explanation: Shahid Imran Gigiyani, the assistant director legal at NADRA, represented the authority during the court proceedings. Saifullah Mohib Kakakhel was the counsel for the petitioner, while the other two names are the presiding judges. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018808/phc-stops-deportation-of-man-named-quaid-e-azam-directs-him-to-appear-before-nadra-board, 27 Jul 2026]
#19813
In which division of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) did the first phase of elections take place on July 27, 2026?
(a) Muzaffarabad Division
(b) Mirpur Division
(c) Poonch Division
(d) None of these
Explanation: The first phase of the AJK elections was held specifically in the Mirpur division, which includes the districts of Bhimber, Mirpur, and Kotli. Other divisions like Muzaffarabad and Poonch were not part of this specific electoral phase. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018691/polling-concludes-in-mirpur-division-as-scuffles-rigging-allegations-mar-first-phase-of-ajk-elections, 27 Jul 2026]
#19814
Consider the following statements about the global vegetable oil market as of July 27, 2026: 1. Palm oil prices are influenced by the price movements of rival edible oils. 2. The strengthening of the currency of trade generally makes a commodity more expensive for foreign buyers. 3. Geopolitical de-escalation in the Strait of Hormuz contributed to a rise in crude 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: Statement 1 is correct as palm oil competes in the global market with other oils. Statement 2 is correct as a stronger currency increases the cost for buyers using foreign currency. Statement 3 is incorrect because the de-escalation in the Strait of Hormuz led to a decline in crude oil prices, not a rise. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40432000/palm-slips-more-than-1-on-weaker-crude-chinese-vegetable-oils, 27 Jul 2026]
#19815
What is the new price of petrol per litre following the government's adjustment on July 27, 2026?
(a) Rs520.35
(b) Rs386.83
(c) Rs458.41
(d) Rs334.18
Explanation: Following the adjustment announced on July 27, 2026, the price of petrol was set at Rs334.18 per litre. The other figures represent either the price of HSD or historical peak prices mentioned in the report. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018803/govt-decreases-petrol-price-by-re1-increases-hsd-price-by-rs337, 27 Jul 2026]
#19816
The violent incident resulting in a fatality during the AJK elections on July 27, 2026, occurred in which constituency?
(a) LA-9 Kotli-II (Nakyal)
(b) LA-7 Bhimber
(c) LA-1 Dadyal
(d) LA-8 Kotli-I
Explanation: The fatal incident involving the death of a political worker occurred in the LA-9 Kotli-II (Nakyal) constituency. Other constituencies listed were sites of polling but not the specific location of this reported fatality. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018691/polling-concludes-in-mirpur-division-as-scuffles-rigging-allegations-mar-first-phase-of-ajk-elections, 27 Jul 2026]
#19817
Who was appointed as the first Commander of the National Strategic Command (CNSC) in 2026?
(a) General Syed Aamer Raza
(b) General Asim Munir
(c) General Sahir Shamshad Mirza
(d) None of these
Explanation: General Syed Aamer Raza was promoted to the rank of a four-star general and appointed as the first CNSC. Asim Munir serves as the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF). [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018788/newly-appointed-cnsc-aamer-raza-meets-cdf-asim-munir-in-rawalpindi-ispr, 27 Jul 2026]
#19818
Which of the following US Congressmen was part of the delegation that visited Pakistan in July 2026?
(a) Ryan Keith Zinke
(b) Michael McCaul
(c) Brad Sherman
(d) None of these
Explanation: Ryan Keith Zinke, representing Montana, was one of the two US congressmen who visited Pakistan. Michael James was the other member of the delegation, making 'None of these' incorrect as Zinke is explicitly listed. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018779/in-meeting-with-cdf-munir-us-congressmen-acknowledge-pakistans-critical-role-in-regional-stability-ispr, 27 Jul 2026]
#19819
Who is the current Chief Justice of the Islamabad High Court as of March 11, 2026?
(a) Justice Sardar Muhammad Sarfraz Dogar
(b) Justice Muhammad Asif
(c) Justice Aamer Farooq
(d) Justice Athar Minallah
Explanation: Chief Justice Sardar Muhammad Sarfraz Dogar presided over the division bench that issued the fine against the NAB. Justice Muhammad Asif was the other member of the bench. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980875/ihc-fines-nab-rs100000-for-employing-delaying-tactics-in-ps190m-graft-case-against-imran-bushra, 11 Mar 2026]
#19820
Which train was specifically mentioned as being rerouted via Wazirabad and Lala Musa due to the 2026-07-28 flood disruptions?
(a) Shalimar Express
(b) Karakoram Express
(c) Mianwali Express
(d) Millat Express
Explanation: The Mianwali Express, which typically operates between Lahore and Sargodha, was rerouted via Wazirabad and Lala Musa. Other trains like the Karakoram and Shalimar were diverted via Sahiwal. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018903/floodwaters-sever-rail-link-between-lahore-faisalabad, 28 Jul 2026]