October 2026 Edition
Start October Quiz
October 2026 Current Affairs MCQs & Solutions
Top national & international current affairs questions for CSS, PMS, FPSC, PPSC, and NTS screening tests.
#20281
Consider the following statements about the current status of the Indus Waters Treaty: 1. India has unilaterally placed its treaty obligations in abeyance. 2. Pakistan has ceased providing hydrological data to India since 2026. 3. The Pakistan Commissioner for Indus Waters considers the lack of data-sharing a strategic hazard. 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 India has placed the treaty in abeyance. Statement 2 is incorrect because Pakistan has continued to provide the required data despite the current tensions. Statement 3 is correct as the Commissioner explicitly identified the lack of data as a strategic hazard. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2011838/indus-commissioner-says-he-wrote-to-indian-counterpart-4-times-over-chenab-fluctuations-but-no-reply-so-far, 30 Jun 2026]
#20282
What was the real GDP growth rate of Pakistan for the fiscal year ending in 2026?
(a) 2.7 percent
(b) 5.7 percent
(c) 4.7 percent
(d) 3.7 percent
Explanation: The Ministry of Finance reported that real GDP growth reached 3.7 percent, marking the highest growth rate in four years. This figure reflects the broad-based recovery across the agriculture, industry, and services sectors. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2011978/govt-expects-easing-inflationary-pressure-in-new-fiscal-year-following-reopening-of-strait-of-hormuz, 30 Jun 2026]
#20283
According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) advisory issued on June 29, 2026, the monsoon rains are expected to begin in the country from:
(a) The last week of June
(b) The first week of July
(c) The second week of July
(d) The third week of July
Explanation: The PMD advisory explicitly states that a fresh monsoon spell is set to begin in the country from the first week of July. This period is crucial for replenishing water supplies across the region. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2011619/pmd-forecasts-nationwide-monsoon-rainfall-from-first-week-of-july, 29 Jun 2026]
#20284
Which of the following statements regarding the rescue operation on July 9, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The distressed vessel was a passenger ferry traveling from Muscat.
(b) The rescued crew members were provided with necessary medical attention.
(c) The operation was conducted by the Pakistan Navy and the Pakistan Maritime Security Agency.
(d) The operation was coordinated through the Joint Maritime Information Coordination Centre.
Explanation: The distressed vessel was a cargo dhow, not a passenger ferry. The other statements accurately reflect the details of the rescue operation as reported by the ISPR. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2014176/20-crew-members-rescued-from-sinking-cargo-dhow-east-of-ormara-ispr, 09 Jul 2026]
#20285
Which official granted assent to the KP Provincial Assembly (Powers, Immunities and Privileges) Act, 2026, on May 6, 2026?
(a) Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
(b) Speaker of the KP Assembly
(c) Governor of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
(d) None of these
Explanation: The KP Provincial Assembly (Powers, Immunities and Privileges) Act, 2026, received formal assent from the Governor of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Faisal Karim Kundi, on May 6, 2026. The Chief Minister and Speaker are involved in the legislative process, but the final constitutional assent rests with the Governor. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2013628/kp-govt-enacts-law-granting-lawmakers-lifetime-official-passports-expanding-privileges, 07 Jul 2026]
#20286
Consider the following statements about the 2026 diplomatic developments: 1. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif scheduled visits to Iran and Turkiye to promote the peace process. 2. The war in the Middle East, which began in February 2026, significantly impacted global energy markets. 3. Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian proposed a regional security structure that includes external powers. 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 PM scheduled these visits for early July 2026. Statement 2 is correct as the conflict disrupted shipping and energy markets. Statement 3 is incorrect because President Pezeshkian specifically called for a structure without the interference of countries from outside the region. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2011670/pm-shehbaz-to-visit-iran-turkiye-as-part-of-mediation-efforts-to-end-middle-east-war-sources, 29 Jun 2026]
#20287
All of the following are cited as factors contributing to Pakistan's economic stability in 2026 EXCEPT:
(a) Record workers' remittances
(b) Increased reliance on foreign grants
(c) Expansion in large-scale manufacturing
(d) Continued growth in IT exports
Explanation: The government emphasizes fiscal discipline, remittances, and IT exports as drivers of stability. Reliance on foreign grants is not cited as a primary pillar of the current economic outlook. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2011978/govt-expects-easing-inflationary-pressure-in-new-fiscal-year-following-reopening-of-strait-of-hormuz, 30 Jun 2026]
#20288
Which naval vessel was specifically mentioned as being diverted for the rescue operation on July 9, 2026?
(a) PNS Alamgir
(b) PNS Tippu Sultan
(c) PNS Taimur
(d) PNS Hunain
Explanation: PNS Hunain was one of the primary assets diverted to the site of the distressed vessel. Other assets included aerial units coordinated through the Joint Maritime Information Coordination Centre. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2014176/20-crew-members-rescued-from-sinking-cargo-dhow-east-of-ormara-ispr, 09 Jul 2026]
#20289
Which vessel was specifically identified as being struck during the maritime incident in the Strait of Hormuz on July 7, 2026?
(a) Al-Rekayyat
(b) Al-Zubarah
(c) Al-Ghashamiyah
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Qatari LNG vessel 'Al-Rekayyat' was explicitly named by the Qatari foreign ministry as the target of the attack. Other options are common names for Qatari-flagged vessels but were not involved in this specific incident. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2013627/three-ships-struck-in-hormuz-flare-up-qatar-slams-iranian-attack, 07 Jul 2026]
#20290
Which of the following individuals was NOT mentioned as being present at the Provincial Apex Committee meeting in Quetta on July 9, 2026?
(a) Field Marshal Asim Munir
(b) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari
(c) Jaffar Khan Mandokhail
(d) Sarfraz Bugti
Explanation: The meeting was attended by the Chief of Army Staff, the Chief Minister of Balochistan (Sarfraz Bugti), and the Governor of Balochistan (Jaffar Khan Mandokhail). Bilawal Bhutto Zardari was not reported as an attendee. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2014127/mutual-and-singular-decision-by-leadership-to-end-terrorism-pm-shehbaz-says-after-balochistan-attacks, 09 Jul 2026]
#20291
On July 8, 2026, Pakistan's Foreign Office urged restraint following military strikes between which two nations?
(a) Saudi Arabia and Yemen
(b) United States and Iran
(c) Israel and Lebanon
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Foreign Office statement specifically addressed the escalating hostilities and mutual strikes between the United States and Iran. The other options represent different regional conflicts not central to this specific diplomatic appeal. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2013927/pakistan-urges-us-iran-to-exercise-restraint-after-overnight-strikes, 08 Jul 2026]
#20292
Which international organization or agency reported the initial strikes on the tankers in the Strait of Hormuz on July 7, 2026?
(a) International Maritime Organization (IMO)
(b) International Energy Agency (IEA)
(c) United Nations Security Council (UNSC)
(d) United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO)
Explanation: The UKMTO is the primary maritime security agency that reported the strikes, including the use of drones and unknown projectiles. The IMO and IEA are regulatory or analytical bodies that do not typically provide real-time tactical reporting on maritime security incidents. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2013627/three-ships-struck-in-hormuz-flare-up-qatar-slams-iranian-attack, 07 Jul 2026]
#20293
Which of the following is NOT a provision included in the KP Provincial Assembly (Powers, Immunities and Privileges) Act, 2026?
(a) Issuance of lifetime official passports to members and their spouses
(b) Requirement for the Speaker's prior permission before arresting a member on a criminal charge
(c) Mandatory life imprisonment for officers who fail to attend member-summoned meetings
(d) Blanket immunity from preventive detention for all members
Explanation: While the Act mandates that officers attend meetings and classifies failure to do so as a breach of privilege, it does not prescribe life imprisonment for such an act. The other three options are accurate descriptions of the privileges granted under the new legislation. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2013628/kp-govt-enacts-law-granting-lawmakers-lifetime-official-passports-expanding-privileges, 07 Jul 2026]
#20294
Who is the current Chairman of the Pakistan Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (PVARA) as of 2026?
(a) Waqas Ghani
(b) Bilal bin Saqib
(c) Taqi Usmani
(d) None of these
Explanation: Bilal bin Saqib serves as the Chairman of the PVARA and is leading the dialogue with religious scholars regarding digital asset classification. Waqas Ghani is a research head at a brokerage firm, and Mufti Taqi Usmani is a prominent religious scholar. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2015697/crypto-czar-asks-jamia-darul-uloom-to-distinguish-between-speculative-crypto-asset-backed-tokens, 15 Jul 2026]
#20295
Consider the following statements about the PMD monsoon forecast for July 2026: 1. Moist currents from the Bay of Bengal are expected to reach the upper parts of the country from July 2. 2. The PMD warned of potential landslides in vulnerable areas of upper KP, GB, and Kashmir. 3. Rainfall in Sindh is predicted to occur throughout the entire first week of July. 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 advisory. Statement 3 is incorrect because the forecast for Sindh specifically mentions rain on July 3 and July 4, not the entire first week. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2011619/pmd-forecasts-nationwide-monsoon-rainfall-from-first-week-of-july, 29 Jun 2026]
#20296
Which of the following statements regarding the July 7, 2026, maritime incident is INCORRECT?
(a) Qatar acted as a mediator in the broader US-Iran conflict.
(b) The attacks occurred despite a fragile ceasefire agreement.
(c) All three struck vessels were confirmed to be carrying crude oil exclusively.
(d) Iran has expressed opposition to the Omani-proposed transit corridor.
Explanation: The report specifies that one of the struck vessels was a Qatari LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) tanker, not a crude oil tanker. The other statements are factually accurate regarding the mediation role of Qatar, the existence of a ceasefire, and Iran's opposition to the Omani corridor. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2013627/three-ships-struck-in-hormuz-flare-up-qatar-slams-iranian-attack, 07 Jul 2026]
#20297
Who accompanied Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif during his visit to Quetta on July 9, 2026?
(a) Minister of Defence
(b) Minister of Interior
(c) Minister of Information
(d) Minister of Finance
Explanation: Information Minister Attaullah Tarar was among the officials who accompanied the Prime Minister to Quetta. Other attendees included the Minister of Economic Affairs and the Adviser on Political Affairs. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2014127/mutual-and-singular-decision-by-leadership-to-end-terrorism-pm-shehbaz-says-after-balochistan-attacks, 09 Jul 2026]
#20298
Which of the following statements regarding the security situation in Balochistan as of July 8, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) An ambush on an army convoy occurred in Bela.
(b) An armed attack took place on the outskirts of Quetta on July 5.
(c) A police post in Ziarat was assaulted on July 6.
(d) The security situation in Balochistan showed an increase in attacks in June compared to May.
Explanation: The statement that attacks increased in June is incorrect because the PICSS data explicitly reported a significant decline in terrorism in Balochistan during June, with 49 attacks compared to 71 in May. The other three options accurately describe the specific recent incidents mentioned in the report. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2013924/cross-border-terrorism-will-be-crushed-with-full-might-of-the-state-field-marshal-asim-munir, 08 Jul 2026]
#20299
The K2 Airways cargo aircraft that disappeared over the Arabian Sea on July 7, 2026, was a:
(a) Boeing 777-300ER
(b) Boeing 737-400
(c) Airbus A320-200
(d) None of these
Explanation: The aircraft involved in the incident was a Boeing 737-400 freighter. It was registered as AP-BOI and had been in service with K2 Airways since 2024. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2013645/cargo-plane-disappears-from-radar-over-arabian-sea-off-karachi, 07 Jul 2026]
#20300
Under the KP Provincial Assembly (Powers, Immunities and Privileges) Act, 2026, what is the consequence for a government officer who fails to attend a meeting summoned by an MPA without sufficient cause?
(a) Immediate termination from service
(b) Deemed to have committed a breach of privilege
(c) Mandatory fine of one million rupees
(d) Suspension of salary for six months
Explanation: Section 8(3) of the Act explicitly states that any government officer who fails to attend a meeting summoned by a member without sufficient cause shall be deemed to have committed a breach of privilege. This provision is designed to ensure the attendance of officials at constituency-level meetings. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2013628/kp-govt-enacts-law-granting-lawmakers-lifetime-official-passports-expanding-privileges, 07 Jul 2026]