October 2026 Edition
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October 2026 Current Affairs MCQs & Solutions
Top national & international current affairs questions for CSS, PMS, FPSC, PPSC, and NTS screening tests.
#20081
Assess the following assertions regarding international security and regional developments as of August 5, 2026: 1. Pakistan and the United States reaffirmed their joint resolve against regional terrorism. 2. The Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar attended meetings in Jordan regarding the status of Jerusalem. 3. The United Nations reported an escalating malnutrition crisis in Afghanistan.
(a) Only 1 and 2 are correct
(b) Only 1 and 3 are correct
(c) Only 2 and 3 are correct
(d) All statements are correct
Explanation: All three statements are factually correct based on the diplomatic, bilateral, and humanitarian reports from the specified date. Pakistan engaged in a CT dialogue with the US, DPM Dar conducted talks in Jordan concerning Jerusalem/West Bank, and the UN confirmed the worsening situation in Afghanistan. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40433411/pakistan-us-reaffirm-joint-resolve-against-regional-terrorism]
#20082
Which represents the correct order of institutional initiatives reported on August 5, 2026?
(a) 1. AI Lab inauguration; 2. Academic/Agri partnership; 3. Batting coach appointment; 4. Warning to cricketers
(b) 1. Batting coach appointment; 2. Warning to cricketers; 3. AI Lab inauguration; 4. Academic/Agri partnership
(c) 1. Academic/Agri partnership; 2. AI Lab inauguration; 3. Warning to cricketers; 4. Batting coach appointment
(d) 1. Warning to cricketers; 2. Batting coach appointment; 3. Academic/Agri partnership; 4. AI Lab inauguration
Explanation: The order reflects the administrative progression of educational and sporting institutional developments: the inauguration of the AI lab (SSUET), the agricultural partnership (Sindh/Ruhuna universities), the appointment of the national batting coach (Michael Smith), and the regulatory warning issued by the PCB regarding unsanctioned leagues. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40433354/nehal-inaugurates-ai-lab-at-ssuet]
#20083
Consider the following statements about the ICC warrant debate in New York City: 1. The New York City Mayor claimed that the federal government has the authority to join the ICC and execute warrants. 2. The United States President vowed that the Israeli Prime Minister would not face arrest during the UN General Assembly summit. 3. The ICC warrant is based on allegations related to the offensive in Gaza following the October 2023 attack. 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 correct based on the events of July 2026. The Mayor acknowledged federal primacy, the President publicly stated the Prime Minister would not be arrested, and the ICC's warrant is linked to the post-October 2023 Gaza offensive. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017473/he-is-a-war-criminal-mamdani-says-nyc-cannot-arrest-netanyahu-on-icc-warrant-urges-us-federal-officials-to-step-in, 22 Jul 2026]
#20084
On July 22, 2026, which strategic waterway did the Houthi rebels threaten to block, impacting commercial shipping to Saudi Arabia?
(a) Bab el-Mandeb Strait
(b) Strait of Hormuz
(c) Suez Canal
(d) Malacca Strait
Explanation: The Houthi rebels specifically threatened the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, which serves as a critical gateway to the Red Sea. While the Strait of Hormuz is also a vital maritime chokepoint, the current threat cited in the report pertains to the Red Sea access. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017517/pakistan-condemns-houthis-threats-to-saudi-arabia-commercial-shipping-in-red-sea, 22 Jul 2026]
#20085
The current monsoon rain spell in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, which commenced on July 19, 2026, is expected to persist until which date?
(a) July 21, 2026
(b) July 23, 2026
(c) July 25, 2026
(d) July 27, 2026
Explanation: According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department, the monsoon spell that began on July 19 was forecasted to continue until July 23, 2026. This period marks the window of heightened alert for flash flooding. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017494/rain-related-fatalities-during-ongoing-monsoon-spell-rise-to-18-in-kp, 22 Jul 2026]
#20086
In January 2026, India and the UAE signed a deal worth how much for the purchase of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG)?
(a) 1 billion dollars
(b) 2 billion dollars
(c) 4 billion dollars
(d) 3 billion dollars
Explanation: In January 2026, New Delhi and Abu Dhabi finalized a $3 billion agreement for India to procure LNG from the UAE. This deal preceded the broader strategic defence framework established in May. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2000469/india-uae-agree-on-framework-for-strategic-defence-partnership-during-modi-visit, 15 May 2026]
#20087
Consider the following statements about the 2026 ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting: 1. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio blamed Iran for the lack of progress in Middle East peace talks. 2. China accused the Philippines of engaging in deliberate provocations in the South China Sea. 3. The meeting was attended exclusively by ASEAN member states. 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 diplomatic discourse at the meeting. Statement 3 is incorrect because the meeting was also attended by non-ASEAN nations such as Britain, Canada, India, Japan, Russia, and South Korea. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017513/rubio-holds-talks-with-chinas-wang-yi-as-regional-powers-join-asean-meeting, 22 Jul 2026]
#20088
Who is the chairman of the UAE National Media Authority who participated in the synchronized social media messaging on July 22, 2026?
(a) Anwar Gargash
(b) Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan
(c) Abdulla bin Mohammed Alhamed
(d) Mohammed Baharoon
Explanation: Abdulla bin Mohammed Alhamed serves as the chairman of the UAE National Media Authority and coordinated the messaging with his Saudi counterpart. Anwar Gargash is a diplomatic adviser, and Sheikh Mansour is the Vice President of the UAE. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017482/saudi-uae-ministers-use-social-media-to-signal-unity-after-months-of-tension, 22 Jul 2026]
#20089
Who represented the government during the signing of the MoU for EV charging stations on July 22, 2026?
(a) Haroon Akhtar Khan
(b) Ahsan Iqbal
(c) Jam Kamal Khan
(d) None of these
Explanation: Haroon Akhtar Khan, the Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Industries and Production, presided over the signing ceremony. He emphasized the government's commitment to the electric mobility transition. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017426/mou-signed-with-chinese-firm-for-ev-charging-stations, 22 Jul 2026]
#20090
The youth-led protest movement that gained prominence in New Delhi in July 2026 is known as the:
(a) Cockroach movement
(b) Student Solidarity Front
(c) Youth Accountability League
(d) None of these
Explanation: The movement is officially referred to as the 'cockroach' movement, organized by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP). It began as an online satire before evolving into large-scale street protests. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017492/under-soaring-pressure-after-cockroach-movement-protests-indias-education-minister-promises-reforms-debate, 22 Jul 2026]
#20091
On July 22, 2026, which Saudi official shared a social media post emphasizing the shared history and fraternal ties between Saudi Arabia and the UAE?
(a) Salman Al-Dosary
(b) Khalid bin-Salman
(c) Turki Alalshikh
(d) None of these
Explanation: Salman Al-Dosary, the Saudi Minister of Media, issued a post on X affirming the deep-rooted relationship between the two nations. While Khalid bin-Salman and Turki Alalshikh were involved in the broader social media campaign, Al-Dosary was the specific minister identified as issuing the statement on media relations. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017482/saudi-uae-ministers-use-social-media-to-signal-unity-after-months-of-tension, 22 Jul 2026]
#20092
Consider the following statements about the monsoon-related damages in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa as of July 22, 2026: 1. The PDMA report indicated that 23 houses were partially damaged. 2. A total of 13 cattle perished during the four-day period. 3. The Wana-Gomal Zam Road blockage was caused primarily by riverine flooding rather than landslides. 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 PDMA report. Statement 3 is incorrect because the road blockage was specifically attributed to landslides and falling boulders from mountains, not riverine flooding. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017494/rain-related-fatalities-during-ongoing-monsoon-spell-rise-to-18-in-kp, 22 Jul 2026]
#20093
Which of the following statements regarding the US-Iran escalation as of July 22, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) President Trump threatened to strike any new sites where Iran attempts to resume nuclear activity.
(b) The United States has expressed a strong interest in immediate, unconditional diplomatic engagement with Tehran.
(c) The Strait of Hormuz has remained blocked as part of the ongoing regional tensions.
(d) US forces conducted bombing raids in the south and west of Iran.
Explanation: The report states that Washington has no interest in engaging with Tehran unless they are ready to meet in a 'meaningful way,' contradicting the claim that the US is seeking immediate, unconditional engagement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017405/trump-threatens-to-obliterate-any-active-nuclear-site-in-iran, 22 Jul 2026]
#20094
Which of the following statements regarding the FIA operation on 2026-07-22 is INCORRECT?
(a) The suspects included a watchman working for NADRA.
(b) The investigation is limited strictly to the four individuals currently in custody.
(c) The FIA seized important records and evidence during the operation.
(d) The suspects were accused of facilitating fake identity documents for Afghan nationals.
Explanation: The statement that the investigation is limited to the four individuals is incorrect because the FIA spokesperson explicitly stated that the scope of the investigation has been expanded and further arrests are expected. The other three options are factually accurate based on the report. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017505/fia-says-nadra-officials-among-4-arrested-for-allegedly-producing-fake-documents-for-afghan-nationals, 22 Jul 2026]
#20095
As of the report date in 2026, what was the total value of Pakistan's foreign reserves, including central bank gold holdings?
(a) $6.7 billion
(b) $16.4 billion
(c) $25.3 billion
(d) $30.1 billion
Explanation: $25.3 billion is the figure reported for foreign reserves as of the end of the month preceding the July 2026 announcement. $6.7 billion was the multi-year low recorded in December 2022. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017530/sampp-global-ratings-upgrades-pakistans-sovereign-credit-rating-to-b, 22 Jul 2026]
#20096
During the visit on May 15, 2026, India and the UAE agreed to explore increasing ADNOC's crude oil storage capacity in India to how many million barrels?
(a) 30 million
(b) 20 million
(c) 10 million
(d) 40 million
Explanation: The agreement between India and the UAE includes a provision for ADNOC to potentially increase its crude oil storage in India to 30 million barrels. This initiative is part of a broader effort to strengthen India's strategic petroleum reserves. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2000469/india-uae-agree-on-framework-for-strategic-defence-partnership-during-modi-visit, 15 May 2026]
#20097
According to the Foreign Office statement issued on July 22, 2026, what is the primary justification for Pakistan's potential use of force?
(a) To expand regional influence
(b) To secure oil supply routes for global markets
(c) To enforce a blockade on Iranian ports
(d) To protect its maritime assets and national interests
Explanation: The Foreign Office explicitly stated that Pakistan reserves the right to use force in self-defense to protect its maritime assets and national interests. This is consistent with the United Nations Charter and international law. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017517/pakistan-condemns-houthis-threats-to-saudi-arabia-commercial-shipping-in-red-sea, 22 Jul 2026]
#20098
Who is the current Education Minister of India facing calls for resignation due to the 2026 examination paper leaks?
(a) Narendra Modi
(b) Dharmendra Pradhan
(c) JP Nadda
(d) Rahul Gandhi
Explanation: Dharmendra Pradhan is the Education Minister who issued statements regarding the government's commitment to exam reforms following the protests. Narendra Modi is the Prime Minister, and JP Nadda is the Health Minister. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017492/under-soaring-pressure-after-cockroach-movement-protests-indias-education-minister-promises-reforms-debate, 22 Jul 2026]
#20099
Consider the following statements about the 2026 youth-led protests in India: 1. The protests were triggered by the leakage of medical school entrance examination papers. 2. Activist Sonam Wangchuk was involved in the movement through a hunger strike. 3. The government has refused to discuss the examination issues on the floor of the house. 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. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Education Minister explicitly stated that the government remains committed to discussing the NEET issue on the floor of the house. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017492/under-soaring-pressure-after-cockroach-movement-protests-indias-education-minister-promises-reforms-debate, 22 Jul 2026]
#20100
Consider the following statements about the regional security situation as of July 22, 2026: 1. The Houthi rebels are aligned with Iran in the ongoing Middle East conflict. 2. The 2022 truce between the Houthis and Saudi Arabia has been fully respected by all parties without any recent violations. 3. Pakistan has invoked its defense pact with Saudi Arabia through diplomatic intervention to deter Iranian strikes. 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 Houthis are aligned with Iran. Statement 2 is incorrect because the report notes that the 2022 truce has been threatened by recent exchanges of fire. Statement 3 is correct as Pakistan previously invoked the defense pact in March to deter strikes. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017517/pakistan-condemns-houthis-threats-to-saudi-arabia-commercial-shipping-in-red-sea, 22 Jul 2026]