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.
#19941
Which official body presided over the meeting regarding the status of Pakistani nationals in the Middle East on March 10, 2026?
(a) National Assembly Standing Committee on Overseas Pakistanis
(b) Senate Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs
(c) National Security Committee
(d) None of these
Explanation: The meeting was presided over by MNA Syed Agha Rafiullah, who heads the National Assembly Standing Committee on Overseas Pakistanis. This committee is the primary legislative body responsible for overseeing issues related to the Pakistani diaspora. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980522/na-body-informed-mass-evacuation-from-middle-east-not-required, 10 Mar 2026]
#19942
The explosive devices used in the 2026 New York incident were described by police as being packed with which of the following items?
(a) Shrapnel and ball bearings
(b) Nuts, bolts, and screws
(c) Chemical irritants and glass
(d) Plastic pellets and nails
Explanation: Police reports confirmed that the homemade devices were jars wrapped in tape containing nuts, bolts, and screws to act as shrapnel. Other options represent common components of improvised devices but are not the specific materials cited in this case. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980194/pair-charged-with-terrorist-offences-for-throwing-explosives-near-a-protest-outside-new-york-mayor-mamdanis-residence, 09 Mar 2026]
#19943
Consider the following statements about the global commodity market as of July 27, 2026: 1. High energy prices are generally associated with increased inflation expectations and higher interest rates. 2. Copper is considered a growth-dependent commodity that can be negatively impacted by high interest rates. 3. The US dollar index has a negligible impact on the pricing of commodities traded in the greenback. 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 they reflect standard economic relationships between energy costs, interest rates, and industrial demand. Statement 3 is incorrect because the US dollar index has a significant inverse relationship with commodity prices; a weaker dollar typically makes commodities cheaper for foreign buyers, thereby supporting prices. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431973/copper-gains-on-mideast-de-escalation-oil-price-drop, 27 Jul 2026]
#19944
Consider the following statements about the briefing provided to the National Assembly committee on March 10, 2026: 1. The committee members expressed concern over the increase in airline fares for repatriation flights. 2. Officials confirmed that Pakistanis have successfully utilized land routes through Saudi Arabia and Oman to return home. 3. The Pakistani mission in the UAE reported that over 4,000 passengers have already departed via commercial flights. 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 members raised concerns about PIA fares. Statement 3 is correct as 4,400 passengers left the UAE. Statement 2 is incorrect because officials noted that while land routes are available, no Pakistani has yet opted to use them. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980522/na-body-informed-mass-evacuation-from-middle-east-not-required, 10 Mar 2026]
#19945
The 2600 MHz frequency band, which saw heavy competition during the 2026 auction, was subject to a price increase of what percentage over its base price?
(a) Ten per cent
(b) Five per cent
(c) Fifteen per cent
(d) Twenty per cent
Explanation: The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) decided to increase the bid price of the 2600 MHz band by five per cent of its base price to manage the high demand. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980473/faster-cheaper-better-480mhz-sold-for-507m-as-5g-spectrum-auction-concludes, 10 Mar 2026]
#19946
Who is the current Mayor of New York whose official residence was the site of the 2026 protest and explosive incident?
(a) Eric Adams
(b) Zohran Mamdani
(c) Bill de Blasio
(d) None of these
Explanation: Zohran Mamdani is the Mayor of New York identified in the report as the official whose residence, Gracie Mansion, was the location of the protest and subsequent explosive incident. Eric Adams and Bill de Blasio are former mayors and serve as plausible distractors. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980194/pair-charged-with-terrorist-offences-for-throwing-explosives-near-a-protest-outside-new-york-mayor-mamdanis-residence, 09 Mar 2026]
#19947
Who was appointed as the captain of the ICC's Team of the Tournament for the 2026 T20 World Cup?
(a) Hardik Pandya
(b) Will Jacks
(c) Jason Holder
(d) Aidan Markram
Explanation: Aidan Markram of South Africa was named the captain of the ICC's Team of the Tournament. Hardik Pandya was included as a player, but not as the captain. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980203/t20-world-cup-sahibzada-farhan-makes-it-to-iccs-team-of-the-tournament, 09 Mar 2026]
#19948
Which of the following sectors is NOT exempted from the four-day work week policy announced in March 2026?
(a) Banking sector
(b) Essential services
(c) Public sector offices
(d) None of these
Explanation: The four-day work week policy specifically applies to the public sector, while the banking sector and essential services are explicitly exempted. Therefore, public sector offices are the only ones subject to the restriction. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980219/higher-education-goes-online-schools-shut-for-2-weeks-4-day-work-week-announced-as-austerity-measures, 09 Mar 2026]
#19949
Consider the following statements about the security situation in Bahrain as of March 10, 2026: 1. The Bahraini interior ministry has warned that photographing vital facilities is considered an act of complicity in aggression. 2. The arrests were limited exclusively to Pakistani nationals. 3. The government has urged the public to rely solely on official sources for information during the ongoing regional conflict. 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 ministry explicitly warned against photographing vital sites. Statement 2 is incorrect because the group included a Bangladeshi national in addition to five Pakistanis. Statement 3 is correct as the ministry urged citizens to use official sources to avoid legal accountability. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980603/bahrain-authorities-arrest-6-asians-including-5-pakistanis-for-allegedly-filming-sharing-videos-of-irans-attacks, 10 Mar 2026]
#19950
Consider the following statements about the austerity measures announced by the Sindh government in March 2026: 1. Colleges and universities are directed to switch to online classes during the vacation period. 2. The government has imposed a complete ban on the purchase of all new vehicles, including ambulances. 3. Security protocols are being withdrawn from individuals who were utilizing them unnecessarily, such as former caretaker ministers. 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 higher education institutions are moving to online classes. Statement 3 is correct regarding the withdrawal of unnecessary security. Statement 2 is incorrect because the ban on new vehicles includes an exception for necessary items such as ambulances and law and order vehicles. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980528/sindh-schools-to-close-from-march-16-31-friday-to-be-wfh-for-govt-offices-as-part-of-austerity-measures, 10 Mar 2026]
#19951
Consider the following statements about the 5G spectrum auction held in 2026: 1. The auction was conducted in three rounds of bidding. 2. All participating telecom companies were required to acquire at least 100 MHz of spectrum. 3. The 700 MHz band was acquired by Zong to expand services in rural areas. 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. Statement 3 is incorrect because it was Jazz, not Zong, that acquired the 700 MHz spectrum to expand services in rural and sparsely populated areas. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980473/faster-cheaper-better-480mhz-sold-for-507m-as-5g-spectrum-auction-concludes, 10 Mar 2026]
#19952
Global oil prices surged by approximately what percentage on March 9, 2026?
(a) 15 percent
(b) 25 percent
(c) 20 percent
(d) 30 percent
Explanation: Global oil prices surged by approximately 25 percent on March 9, 2026, reaching their highest levels since mid-2022. This surge was a primary factor contributing to the negative investor sentiment and the subsequent market sell-off. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980057/bloodbath-at-psx-as-kse-100-slides-over-11000-points, 09 Mar 2026]
#19953
Consider the following statements regarding the UNSC debate on March 10, 2026: 1. India condemned cross-border airstrikes as a violation of the UN Charter. 2. Pakistan claimed that its actions in Afghanistan were taken in self-defense. 3. The Afghan representative Naseer Ahmad Faiq was praised by Pakistan for his neutral stance. 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 proceedings. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Pakistani envoy took exception to the remarks made by the Afghan representative, indicating a lack of alignment rather than praise. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980464/pakistan-india-exchange-sharp-words-at-un-security-council-over-afghanistan, 10 Mar 2026]
#19954
What was the total amount generated by the government through the 5G spectrum auction concluded on March 10, 2026?
(a) $480 million
(b) $507 million
(c) $700 million
(d) None of these
Explanation: The government successfully auctioned 480 megahertz of spectrum, which generated a total revenue of $507 million. Option A is incorrect as it confuses the megahertz quantity with the dollar value. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980473/faster-cheaper-better-480mhz-sold-for-507m-as-5g-spectrum-auction-concludes, 10 Mar 2026]
#19955
Which of the following statements regarding the diplomatic communication from Pakistan to Iran in March 2026 is INCORRECT?
(a) Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to work closely with Iran.
(b) The Prime Minister offered condolences on the martyrdom of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
(c) The communication was sent to the former Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
(d) The Prime Minister expressed optimism for peace and stability in the region.
Explanation: The letter was addressed to the new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, not the former leader who had been assassinated. The other statements accurately reflect the content of the official correspondence. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980562/in-letter-to-mojtaba-khamenei-pm-shehbaz-reaffirms-commitment-to-continue-to-work-closely-with-iran, 10 Mar 2026]
#19956
Which of the following statements regarding the events of May 29, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The PTI leaders were accused of lacking a required travel permit.
(b) The GB government officially confirmed that arrests were made.
(c) PTI leaders alleged that the government was engaging in pre-poll rigging.
(d) The incident occurred during the electioneering phase for the GB elections.
Explanation: The GB government explicitly stated in an official release that no arrests were made, contradicting the PTI's claim of arrest. Therefore, the statement that the government confirmed arrests is incorrect. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2003687/pti-leaders-expelled-from-gb-during-electioneering-authorities-allege-code-of-conduct-violation, 29 May 2026]
#19957
Consider the following statements about the fuel conservation measures announced on March 9, 2026: 1. The KP government implemented a 50 percent work-from-home policy for government departments. 2. The Punjab government has completely banned the use of all security protocol vehicles for ministers. 3. The KP government has decided to ensure the supply of diesel to farmers for wheat harvesting.
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) All three
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct as KP introduced a 50 percent work-from-home policy. Statement 2 is incorrect because Punjab restricted the use of protocol vehicles to one extra vehicle for security, rather than a total ban. Statement 3 is correct as the government explicitly vowed to ensure diesel supply for wheat harvesting. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980154/kp-cuts-fuel-allowance-for-govt-vehicles-punjab-and-balochistan-close-schools-amid-global-oil-crisis, 09 Mar 2026]
#19958
Who is the current Petroleum Minister of Pakistan as of July 27, 2026?
(a) Musadik Malik
(b) Khaleeq Kiani
(c) Abidullah Afridi
(d) Ali Pervaiz Malik
Explanation: Ali Pervaiz Malik is the Petroleum Minister who held discussions with the Oil Tankers Contractors Association. Abidullah Afridi is the president of the OTCA, not the minister. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018766/petroleum-minister-hints-at-fuel-price-relief-after-pakistans-oil-cargoes-clear-bab-al-mandeb, 27 Jul 2026]
#19959
What was the primary stated objective of the protest organized by Jake Lang outside Gracie Mansion in March 2026?
(a) To protest against rising inflation
(b) To demand the resignation of the police commissioner
(c) To oppose public Muslim prayer
(d) To advocate for environmental policy changes
Explanation: The protest led by Jake Lang was specifically organized to oppose alleged 'Islamification' and to call for an end to public Muslim prayer in New York. The other options are unrelated to the stated purpose of the demonstration. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980194/pair-charged-with-terrorist-offences-for-throwing-explosives-near-a-protest-outside-new-york-mayor-mamdanis-residence, 09 Mar 2026]
#19960
Which of the following allegations was NOT made by the activists or rights groups regarding the police conduct during the March 2026 detention?
(a) Male personnel conducted body searches of female detainees
(b) Detainees were forced to sign fake affidavits
(c) Baton-charge was used against the activists
(d) Lawyers were granted immediate access to the detainees
Explanation: The activists specifically alleged that lawyers were denied access to the detainees, making the incorrect statement. The other options reflect the specific grievances raised during the press conference. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980248/islamabad-police-release-aurat-march-activists-a-day-after-detention-probe-demanded-into-manhandling-of-detainees, 09 Mar 2026]