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.
#14121
What is the targeted GDP growth rate for Pakistan in the fiscal year 2026-27?
(a) 3.5 percent
(b) 5.0 percent
(c) 4.5 percent
(d) 4.0 percent
Explanation: The government has set a GDP growth target of 4 percent for the fiscal year 2026-27 as part of its economic stabilization and growth strategy. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2007374/finmin-aurangzeb-says-govt-committed-to-reducing-tax-burden-by-widening-tax-net, 12 Jun 2026]
#14122
Consider the following statements about the recent petroleum sector developments: 1. The government has committed to submitting a summary regarding dealers' margins to the federal cabinet. 2. The APPPOA demanded that fuel prices be fixed on a monthly basis permanently. 3. The government has utilized approximately Rs100 billion to mitigate the impact of rising fuel prices since February 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: Statement 1 is correct as the minister confirmed a summary would be submitted. Statement 3 is correct regarding the fiscal support provided. Statement 2 is incorrect because the association was negotiating the transition from the new daily system, not demanding a permanent monthly fix as a primary condition. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017561/petrol-pump-owners-defer-strike-call-after-talks-with-petroleum-minister, 22 Jul 2026]
#14123
Who currently serves as the Petroleum Minister of Pakistan as of July 2026?
(a) Nadeem Aziz Khan
(b) Ali Pervaiz Malik
(c) Khaleeq Kiani
(d) None of these
Explanation: Ali Pervaiz Malik is the Petroleum Minister who led the negotiations with the APPPOA. Nadeem Aziz Khan is the Information Secretary of the association, and Khaleeq Kiani is a journalist. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017561/petrol-pump-owners-defer-strike-call-after-talks-with-petroleum-minister, 22 Jul 2026]
#14124
Consider the following statements about the current situation in the Strait of Hormuz: 1. The conflict involving the United States and Israel began in February 2026. 2. A ceasefire has been in effect in the region since April 2026. 3. The PGSA is the only body authorized to manage the strait, with no involvement from the Revolutionary Guards. 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 regarding the timeline of the conflict and the ceasefire. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Revolutionary Guards' navy actively shared and supported the announcement of the PGSA, indicating their involvement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2001272/iran-officially-announces-new-body-to-manage-strait-of-hormuz-top-security-council, 18 May 2026]
#14125
What is the total size of the federal budget unveiled for the fiscal year 2026-27?
(a) Rs 15.5 trillion
(b) Rs 18.8 trillion
(c) Rs 20.2 trillion
(d) None of these
Explanation: The federal budget for the fiscal year 2026-27 was announced at Rs 18.8 trillion. This figure represents the government's primary fiscal planning document for the upcoming year. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2007374/finmin-aurangzeb-says-govt-committed-to-reducing-tax-burden-by-widening-tax-net, 12 Jun 2026]
#14126
Arrange the following reported events in the correct chronological sequence based on their occurrence or the focus of the reporting on August 9, 2026:
(a) 1, 2, 3, 4
(b) 4, 3, 2, 1
(c) 2, 4, 1, 3
(d) 3, 1, 4, 2
Explanation: All events occurred on August 9, 2026. The logical sequence for reporting the impact of internal disruption (strike) leads to the clarification of defense policy (DPM Dar), followed by international economic indicators (China CPI), and finally, external geopolitical expansion (Egypt's interest). [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2021626/goods-oil-transporters-strike-threatens-industry-exports]
#14127
Which of the following statements regarding the status of the Strait of Hormuz as of May 18, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) Shipping traffic has returned to pre-war status following the April ceasefire.
(b) Iran has implemented a system to charge ships for traversing the strait.
(c) The PGSA provides real-time updates on operations within the strait.
(d) Iran has sent formal regulations to ships passing through the waterway.
Explanation: Iran has explicitly stated that maritime traffic would not return to its pre-war status, making the incorrect statement. The other options accurately reflect the current operational changes implemented by Iran. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2001272/iran-officially-announces-new-body-to-manage-strait-of-hormuz-top-security-council, 18 May 2026]
#14128
What is the name of the new body established by Iran to manage the Strait of Hormuz as of May 18, 2026?
(a) Persian Gulf Strait Authority
(b) Hormuz Maritime Command
(c) Strait Sovereignty Council
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Persian Gulf Strait Authority (PGSA) was announced by Iran's Supreme National Security Council to provide real-time updates and manage traffic. The other options are plausible-sounding distractors but do not represent the official entity. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2001272/iran-officially-announces-new-body-to-manage-strait-of-hormuz-top-security-council, 18 May 2026]
#14129
Consider the following statements regarding the diplomatic engagements of May 27, 2026: 1. The Prime Minister discussed the potential for a US-Iran peace deal to unlock economic potential. 2. The Malaysian Prime Minister described Pakistan's role in the Gulf ceasefire as remarkable. 3. The Kuwaiti leadership expressed reservations regarding Pakistan's mediation efforts. 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 exchanges. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Kuwaiti leadership was reported to be fully supportive of Pakistan's mediation efforts, not reserved. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2003497/us-iran-peace-deal-could-benefit-entire-region-pm-tells-pezeshkian-in-eid-call, 27 May 2026]
#14130
Which of the following is NOT a stated concern or position of the PPP regarding the upcoming 2026-27 budget?
(a) Support for immediate reduction in development spending
(b) Preference for a broader tax base over taxing the existing base
(c) Dissatisfaction with the budget in its current form
(d) Opposition to the imposition of new taxes
Explanation: The PPP emphasized the need for development spending and inclusive growth, rather than supporting a reduction in such expenditures. The other three options accurately reflect the party's stated positions during the consultations. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2004970/another-meeting-expected-as-pml-n-ppp-continue-budget-discussions-ahead-of-june-10-presentation, 03 Jun 2026]
#14131
Consider the following statements about the 2026-27 budget consultations: 1. The consultations were influenced by new fiscal demands from the IMF. 2. The FBR Chairman participated in the discussions regarding tax measures. 3. The budget presentation date was finalized as June 10, 2026, by the Prime Minister alone without coalition input. 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 the IMF demands were a central topic and the FBR Chairman was present. Statement 3 is incorrect because the date was decided through a unanimous recommendation by the coalition partners to the Prime Minister. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2004970/another-meeting-expected-as-pml-n-ppp-continue-budget-discussions-ahead-of-june-10-presentation, 03 Jun 2026]
#14132
Which of the following statements regarding the fuel price adjustments on June 5, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The price of high-speed diesel was kept unchanged.
(b) The price of kerosene was increased by Rs10 per litre.
(c) The government charges a climate support levy on fuel.
(d) The price of petrol was reduced by Rs4 per litre.
Explanation: There is no mention of a Rs10 increase for kerosene in the policy update. The other three statements accurately reflect the fiscal measures taken by the government. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2005447/govt-reduces-petrol-price-by-rs4-keeps-diesel-price-unchanged, 05 Jun 2026]
#14133
Which of the following statements regarding the economic performance in FY2026 is INCORRECT?
(a) The fiscal deficit narrowed to 0.7pc of GDP during July-March FY26.
(b) The primary surplus strengthened to 3.2pc of GDP.
(c) The GDP growth rate exceeded the government target of 4.2pc.
(d) The industrial sector expanded by 3.51pc.
Explanation: The GDP growth rate of 3.7 percent fell short of the 4.2 percent target, making statement D incorrect. The other three statements accurately reflect the fiscal and sectoral data provided in the survey. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2006877/economy-grows-37pc-in-fy26-fastest-in-four-years-but-short-of-target, 11 Jun 2026]
#14134
Which Malaysian leader appreciated Pakistan's role in the ceasefire in the Gulf during a conversation on May 27, 2026?
(a) Mahathir Mohamad
(b) Anwar Ibrahim
(c) Ismail Sabri Yaakob
(d) Muhyiddin Yassin
Explanation: Malaysian Prime Minister Dr. Anwar Ibrahim held a telephonic conversation with PM Shehbaz Sharif to appreciate Pakistan's role in the Gulf ceasefire. The other options represent former Malaysian leaders who were not involved in this specific diplomatic exchange. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2003497/us-iran-peace-deal-could-benefit-entire-region-pm-tells-pezeshkian-in-eid-call, 27 May 2026]
#14135
On what date is the federal budget for the fiscal year 2026-27 scheduled to be presented in the National Assembly?
(a) June 07, 2026
(b) June 10, 2026
(c) June 15, 2026
(d) June 20, 2026
Explanation: The government and coalition partners officially agreed to recommend that the budget be tabled on June 10, 2026. Other dates provided are distractors related to the surrounding political timeline. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2004970/another-meeting-expected-as-pml-n-ppp-continue-budget-discussions-ahead-of-june-10-presentation, 03 Jun 2026]
#14136
Who currently serves as the Finance Minister of Pakistan involved in the 2026-27 budget consultations?
(a) Ishaq Dar
(b) Muhammad Aurangzeb
(c) Bilal Azhar Kayani
(d) None of these
Explanation: Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb is the incumbent Finance Minister. Ishaq Dar serves as the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, while Bilal Azhar Kayani is a Minister of State. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2004970/another-meeting-expected-as-pml-n-ppp-continue-budget-discussions-ahead-of-june-10-presentation, 03 Jun 2026]
#14137
Which sector recorded a growth rate of 4.09pc in the fiscal year 2026?
(a) Services sector
(b) Industrial sector
(c) Agriculture sector
(d) Mining and quarrying sector
Explanation: The services sector recorded a growth of 4.09 percent during FY2026. The agriculture and industrial sectors recorded growth rates of 2.89 percent and 3.51 percent, respectively. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2006877/economy-grows-37pc-in-fy26-fastest-in-four-years-but-short-of-target, 11 Jun 2026]
#14138
What is the current ex-depot price of high-speed diesel (HSD) as of June 5, 2026?
(a) Rs377.79
(b) Rs380.78
(c) Rs381.78
(d) None of these
Explanation: The government maintained the price of high-speed diesel at Rs380.78 per litre. The other values represent the previous or adjusted price of petrol. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2005447/govt-reduces-petrol-price-by-rs4-keeps-diesel-price-unchanged, 05 Jun 2026]
#14139
What was the unemployment rate in the United States as of the May 2026 report?
(a) 4.3 percent
(b) 4.1 percent
(c) 3.8 percent
(d) 4.5 percent
Explanation: The unemployment rate remained firm at 4.3 percent according to the May 2026 data. This stability in the labor market contributed to the market's belief that the Federal Reserve would maintain a hawkish stance. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2005508/wall-street-ends-sharply-lower-as-chips-slide-jobs-data-fuels-rate-hike-fears, 05 Jun 2026]
#14140
Consider the following statements about the US equity market performance in June 2026: 1. The S&P 500 ended a nine-week winning streak on June 5, 2026. 2. S&P Global has confirmed that it will change eligibility requirements to allow SpaceX to enter the S&P 500 index immediately. 3. Chipmaker Marvell Technology is considered a contender for addition to the S&P 500 benchmark index. 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 S&P 500 ended its nine-week run. Statement 3 is correct as Marvell Technology is a contender for index inclusion. Statement 2 is incorrect because S&P Global explicitly stated it would not change eligibility requirements for its major indices. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2005508/wall-street-ends-sharply-lower-as-chips-slide-jobs-data-fuels-rate-hike-fears, 05 Jun 2026]