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.
#861
Consider the following statements about the energy situation in Pakistan as of April 2026: 1. Spot LNG prices have surged to between $20 and $30 per mmBtu due to Middle East conflict. 2. Eight out of ten fertilizer plants in the country are currently operational despite gas supply disruptions. 3. The Baragzai X-01 well is expected to contribute approximately 25% of Pakistan's total crude output. 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 the well is expected to contribute about 10% of crude output, not 25%. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1992034/pakistan-considering-buying-lng-on-spot-market-to-offset-supply-disruptions-caused-by-iran-war-petroleum-minister, 15 Apr 2026]
#862
Which of the following statements regarding Pakistan's energy strategy in April 2026 is INCORRECT?
(a) Pakistan has completely eliminated its reliance on LNG imports due to domestic production.
(b) The government is prioritizing government-to-government LNG deals to avoid steep premiums.
(c) Officials are considering the use of furnace oil to limit load shedding despite potential tariff increases.
(d) Insurance costs for routes crossing the Strait of Hormuz are higher than those via the Red Sea.
Explanation: Pakistan has not eliminated its reliance on LNG; it remains exposed to supply shocks and continues to import LNG to meet peak summer power demand. The other statements accurately reflect the government's current energy policy. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1992034/pakistan-considering-buying-lng-on-spot-market-to-offset-supply-disruptions-caused-by-iran-war-petroleum-minister, 15 Apr 2026]
#863
Which of the following statements regarding the fiscal situation in 2026 is INCORRECT?
(a) The government borrowed more in FY26 than it did in FY25.
(b) Debt servicing is projected to consume 50 percent of the total budget outlay in FY27.
(c) The government's borrowing from banks averaged Rs500 billion per month in FY26.
(d) The government allocated more funds to the PSDP than to debt servicing for FY27.
Explanation: The statement that the government allocated more to the PSDP than to debt servicing is incorrect, as debt servicing (Rs8 trillion) significantly exceeds the PSDP allocation (Rs1 trillion). [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017153/govt-borrows-rs59tr-from-banks-in-fy26, 21 Jul 2026]
#864
As of May 31, 2026, what was the total value of assets managed by India's portfolio management services industry?
(a) 18.07 trillion rupees
(b) 42.61 trillion rupees
(c) 55.30 trillion rupees
(d) None of these
Explanation: The assets managed by the Indian portfolio management services industry reached 42.61 trillion rupees by May 31, 2026. The figure of 18.07 trillion rupees represents the industry's asset size in April 2019. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431463/indias-sebi-proposes-allowing-portfolio-managers-to-invest-overseas-in-to-be-listed-securities, 23 Jul 2026]
#865
In the context of the 2026 UN Security Council debate, what is the approximate population of Pakistan that the envoy claimed is threatened by the weaponization of water?
(a) 150 million
(b) 200 million
(c) 240 million
(d) 300 million
Explanation: The Pakistani envoy stated that the unilateral actions regarding the Indus Waters Treaty threaten the livelihoods and well-being of more than 240 million people. This figure highlights the scale of the humanitarian concern raised by the state. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431428/at-un-pakistan-labels-india-sponsor-of-terrorism-rejects-cross-border-infiltration-claims, 23 Jul 2026]
#866
On March 11, 2026, which Iranian official stated that negotiations with the United States were no longer on the agenda?
(a) Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf
(b) Abbas Araghchi
(c) Eyal Zamir
(d) None of these
Explanation: Abbas Araghchi, serving as the Iranian Foreign Minister, explicitly ruled out negotiations with the United States during an interview with PBS News. Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf is the parliamentary speaker who focused on retaliatory threats rather than diplomatic agendas. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980759/iran-vows-to-keep-hormuz-strait-blocked-as-long-as-war-continues, 11 Mar 2026]
#867
According to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Local Government (Amendment) Act, 2026, what is the required population range for a Village or Neighbourhood Council?
(a) 10,000 to 20,000
(b) 30,000 to 40,000
(c) 50,000 to 60,000
(d) 70,000 to 80,000
Explanation: The amendment stipulates a population range of 30,000 to 40,000 for Village and Neighbourhood Councils, subject to a 10% permissible variation. This specific range is the focal point of the ECP's objection regarding the feasibility of delimitation. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431520/ecp-opposes-key-amendment-to-kps-lg-law, 24 Jul 2026]
#868
Which constitutional article does the Election Commission of Pakistan cite as being undermined by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Local Government (Amendment) Act, 2026?
(a) Article 140-A
(b) Article 218
(c) Article 222
(d) Article 224
Explanation: The ECP explicitly referenced Article 222 of the Constitution of Pakistan, which protects the powers of the Election Commission from being abridged by provincial legislation. Article 140-A relates to the devolution of political, administrative, and financial responsibility to local governments, but is not the specific article cited in this dispute. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431520/ecp-opposes-key-amendment-to-kps-lg-law, 24 Jul 2026]
#869
Which of the following statements regarding the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Local Government (Amendment) Act, 2026 is INCORRECT?
(a) It was unanimously supported by the Election Commission of Pakistan.
(b) It received the assent of the Governor on July 16, 2026.
(c) It was officially notified on July 21, 2026.
(d) It was passed by the KP Assembly on July 6, 2026.
Explanation: The ECP has formally opposed the amendment, terming it a 'delaying tactic' for local government elections. The other three statements accurately reflect the timeline of the bill's passage, assent, and notification. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431520/ecp-opposes-key-amendment-to-kps-lg-law, 24 Jul 2026]
#870
Who is the current Chief Secretary of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to whom the ECP addressed its concerns regarding the 2026 amendment?
(a) Shahab Ali Shah
(b) Nadeem Qasim
(c) Sardar Sikander Shaheen
(d) None of these
Explanation: Shahab Ali Shah is the Chief Secretary of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa who received the official correspondence from the ECP. Nadeem Qasim is the Additional Director General of the ECP who authored the letter, not the recipient. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431520/ecp-opposes-key-amendment-to-kps-lg-law, 24 Jul 2026]
#871
Consider the following statements about the ECP's objection to the KP Local Government (Amendment) Act, 2026: 1. The ECP claims the amendment contradicts its constitutional authority to delimit constituencies. 2. The amendment requires the ECP to consult with the provincial government when waiving population conditions. 3. The ECP argues that the amendment is a necessary step to expedite the local government election process. 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 the ECP's legal stance and the specific provision of the amendment they oppose. Statement 3 is incorrect because the ECP views the amendment as a 'delaying tactic' rather than a measure to expedite the election process. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431520/ecp-opposes-key-amendment-to-kps-lg-law, 24 Jul 2026]
#872
What was the policy rate maintained by the State Bank of Pakistan as of June 15, 2026?
(a) 11.5 percent
(b) 10.5 percent
(c) 12.5 percent
(d) 13.5 percent
Explanation: The Monetary Policy Committee decided to keep the policy rate unchanged at 11.5 percent during its final review for FY26. This rate is maintained to guide inflation toward the medium-term target range. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2008043/central-bank-keeps-policy-rate-unchanged-at-115pc, 15 Jun 2026]
#873
What was the level of SBP foreign exchange reserves as of June 5, 2026?
(a) 17.2 billion dollars
(b) 16.2 billion dollars
(c) 15.2 billion dollars
(d) 18.2 billion dollars
Explanation: The SBP foreign exchange reserves reached $17.2 billion by June 5, 2026, following the successful completion of IMF reviews for the Extended Fund Facility and Resilience and Sustainability Facility. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2008043/central-bank-keeps-policy-rate-unchanged-at-115pc, 15 Jun 2026]
#874
Consider the following statements regarding the economic outlook as of June 2026: 1. The primary balance surplus for FY26 was estimated at 2.5 percent of GDP. 2. The MPC is targeting a primary balance surplus of 2 percent of GDP for FY27. 3. Headline inflation remained in single digits throughout April and May 2026. 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 the fiscal consolidation targets and estimates provided by the MPC. Statement 3 is incorrect because headline inflation rose to double digits in April and May 2026, not single digits. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2008043/central-bank-keeps-policy-rate-unchanged-at-115pc, 15 Jun 2026]
#875
Match List I (Economic Indicator/Metric) with List II (Status/Value as of May 2026 report): 1. Total disbursements under two arrangements — a. 16 billion dollars 2. Foreign exchange reserves (Dec 2025) — b. 1.32 billion dollars 3. Latest IMF financing approval — c. 4.8 billion dollars 4. Foreign exchange reserves (June 2025) — d. 14.5 billion dollars
(a) 1-c, 2-a, 3-b, 4-d
(b) 1-b, 2-a, 3-c, 4-d
(c) 1-c, 2-d, 3-b, 4-a
(d) 1-a, 2-c, 3-b, 4-d
Explanation: The total disbursements under the EFF and RSF reached $4.8 billion, while the latest approval was $1.32 billion. Reserves grew from $14.5 billion in June 2025 to $16 billion in December 2025. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1998725/imfs-executive-board-approves-12-billion-financing-for-pakistans-reform-programme, 08 May 2026]
#876
On May 8, 2026, the IMF Executive Board approved a financing package for Pakistan totaling:
(a) 1.10 billion dollars
(b) 1.32 billion dollars
(c) 4.80 billion dollars
(d) 16.0 billion dollars
Explanation: The IMF approved $1.32 billion in financing during the May 2026 review. While $4.8 billion represents the total cumulative disbursements under the current arrangements, $1.32 billion is the specific amount approved in this tranche. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1998725/imfs-executive-board-approves-12-billion-financing-for-pakistans-reform-programme, 08 May 2026]
#877
Who served as the Acting Chair during the IMF Executive Board meeting on May 8, 2026?
(a) Kristalina Georgieva
(b) Gita Gopinath
(c) Nigel Clarke
(d) David Malpass
Explanation: Nigel Clarke, the IMF Deputy Managing Director, presided over the meeting as the Acting Chair. The other individuals listed hold or have held different leadership roles within the IMF or World Bank. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1998725/imfs-executive-board-approves-12-billion-financing-for-pakistans-reform-programme, 08 May 2026]
#878
According to the IMF review of May 2026, what was the level of Pakistan's foreign exchange reserves at the end of December 2025?
(a) 16.0 billion dollars
(b) 14.5 billion dollars
(c) 18.2 billion dollars
(d) 20.5 billion dollars
Explanation: The IMF report confirmed that foreign exchange reserves reached $16 billion by the end of December 2025, an increase from the $14.5 billion recorded in June 2025. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1998725/imfs-executive-board-approves-12-billion-financing-for-pakistans-reform-programme, 08 May 2026]
#879
Which facility, alongside the Extended Fund Facility (EFF), provided funding to Pakistan in the May 2026 IMF review?
(a) Precautionary and Liquidity Line
(b) Poverty Reduction and Growth Trust
(c) Flexible Credit Line
(d) Resilience and Sustainability Facility
Explanation: The financing package consists of funds from the EFF and the Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF). The other options are alternative IMF lending instruments not utilized in this specific disbursement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1998725/imfs-executive-board-approves-12-billion-financing-for-pakistans-reform-programme, 08 May 2026]
#880
On April 18, 2026, the State Bank of Pakistan confirmed the repayment of how much debt to the United Arab Emirates?
(a) $1.5 billion
(b) $3.5 billion
(c) $2 billion
(d) $5 billion
Explanation: The State Bank of Pakistan officially announced on April 18, 2026, that the government had successfully repaid $2 billion to the UAE. While the total loan amount sought by the UAE was $3.5 billion, the specific payment confirmed on this date was $2 billion. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1993003/sbp-says-govt-has-paid-2bn-to-uae, 18 Apr 2026]