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.
#15141
In which cities were the IMF mission discussions primarily held before transitioning to a virtual format in 2026?
(a) Lahore and Karachi
(b) Islamabad and Lahore
(c) Karachi and Islamabad
(d) None of these
Explanation: The IMF mission held discussions with Pakistani authorities in Karachi and Islamabad before moving to virtual meetings on March 3, 2026. Lahore was not a primary site for these specific mission meetings. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981220/imf-mission-fails-to-reach-staff-level-agreement-with-pakistan-talks-to-continue, 12 Mar 2026]
#15142
Consider the following statements about the security incident in Michigan: 1. The incident occurred on March 12, 2026. 2. The shooter was identified as a member of a known extremist group. 3. The Oakland County Sheriff confirmed that security personnel engaged the shooter in gunfire. 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 event occurred on March 12, 2026. Statement 3 is correct as the Sheriff confirmed security engaged the shooter. Statement 2 is incorrect because the shooter was described as an unidentified individual, not a member of a specific extremist group. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981410/gunman-dead-after-attack-on-michigan-synagogue, 12 Mar 2026]
#15143
Consider the following statements about Pakistan's energy situation as of 2026-03-12: 1. The government is facing internal division between cabinet members and technocrats regarding the use of pricing buffers. 2. The current Dubai-based pricing for oil is lower than the benchmark Brent price. 3. The government has cited the risk of supply disruptions, similar to those seen in Bangladesh and India, as a reason for previous price adjustments. 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 cabinet members and technocrats are divided over the prime minister's directive. Statement 3 is correct as ministers defended previous hikes by referencing supply disruptions in neighboring countries. Statement 2 is incorrect because the Dubai-based pricing ($135/barrel) is currently higher than the Brent benchmark ($105/barrel). [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981355/govt-mulling-not-hiking-prices-of-petroleum-products-further-despite-increase-in-global-market, 12 Mar 2026]
#15144
The IMF mission discussions with Pakistan in 2026 were focused on the third review of which facility?
(a) Rapid Financing Instrument (RFI)
(b) Stand-By Arrangement (SBA)
(c) Extended Fund Facility (EFF)
(d) Poverty Reduction and Growth Trust (PRGT)
Explanation: The mission was specifically tasked with the third review of the $7 billion Extended Fund Facility (EFF) and the second review of the Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF). The SBA is a separate, distinct type of IMF arrangement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981220/imf-mission-fails-to-reach-staff-level-agreement-with-pakistan-talks-to-continue, 12 Mar 2026]
#15145
Consider the following statements about the 2026 Gilgit-Baltistan elections: 1. The PPP alleged that the Balachi polling station in Astore-II was relocated to affect their vote bank. 2. Independent candidates, including those backed by the PTI, won a total of seven seats. 3. Reserved seats for women and technocrats are filled through direct general elections. 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 3 is incorrect because reserved seats are filled through proportional representation, not direct general elections. Statements 1 and 2 are factually accurate based on the election report. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2005670/unofficial-results-show-ppp-leading-the-gb-race-with-victory-on-10-seats, 07 Jun 2026]
#15146
Which of the following statements regarding the government's petroleum policy as of 2026-03-12 is INCORRECT?
(a) The government has successfully secured an increase in LNG imports from Qatar.
(b) The government is considering using block allocations for emergencies to absorb price hikes.
(c) The government has banned the export of all petroleum products.
(d) Ministers indicated that petroleum prices could be reviewed on 2026-03-13.
Explanation: The statement regarding LNG imports is incorrect because Qatar declared force majeure on its processing facilities, leading to a suspension of LNG imports, not an increase. The other statements accurately reflect the government's current policy stance. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981355/govt-mulling-not-hiking-prices-of-petroleum-products-further-despite-increase-in-global-market, 12 Mar 2026]
#15147
What is the current price of high-speed diesel (HSD) per litre as of July 25, 2026?
(a) Rs335.18
(b) Rs383.46
(c) Rs520.35
(d) Rs281.00
Explanation: The government set the price of high-speed diesel at Rs383.46 per litre following the recent adjustment. Rs335.18 is the current price for petrol, while Rs520.35 represents a historical peak price for diesel. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018328/govt-keeps-petrol-diesel-prices-unchanged-for-two-days, 25 Jul 2026]
#15148
Upon the successful completion of the 2026 IMF review, Pakistan is expected to receive approximately how much funding under the Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF)?
(a) 100 million USD
(b) 760 million USD
(c) 500 million USD
(d) 200 million USD
Explanation: The IMF indicated that Pakistan would be eligible for around $200 million under the RSF upon the successful conclusion of the review. The $760 million figure refers to the Special Drawing Rights (SDR) equivalent for the EFF portion. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981220/imf-mission-fails-to-reach-staff-level-agreement-with-pakistan-talks-to-continue, 12 Mar 2026]
#15149
Which judicial body issued the July 13, 2026, ruling that set aside the Supreme Court judgment regarding the demolition of restaurants in Margalla Hills National Park?
(a) Supreme Judicial Council
(b) Federal Constitutional Court
(c) Islamabad High Court
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Federal Constitutional Court (FCC) is the body that issued the ruling on July 13, 2026, overturning the previous Supreme Court decision. The Supreme Judicial Council is a separate body tasked with the accountability of judges, not the adjudication of environmental or property disputes. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2015144/fcc-sets-aside-sc-judgment-that-allowed-demolition-of-restaurants-in-margalla-hills-national-park, 13 Jul 2026]
#15150
Who led the IMF mission that held discussions with Pakistani authorities in March 2026?
(a) Nathan Porter
(b) Iva Petrova
(c) Kristalina Georgieva
(d) None of these
Explanation: Iva Petrova headed the IMF mission that conducted the review discussions with Pakistan in early 2026. Nathan Porter is a former mission chief, and Kristalina Georgieva is the Managing Director of the IMF. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981220/imf-mission-fails-to-reach-staff-level-agreement-with-pakistan-talks-to-continue, 12 Mar 2026]
#15151
On 2026-03-12, the Islamabad High Court ordered the formation of a medical board to evaluate the health of which individual?
(a) Nawaz Sharif
(b) Imran Khan
(c) Asif Ali Zardari
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Islamabad High Court issued the order on 2026-03-12 regarding the medical treatment of the PTI founder, Imran Khan. The other individuals listed are prominent political figures but were not the subject of this specific court order. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981293/ihc-orders-formation-of-medical-board-on-plea-seeking-imrans-transfer-to-shifa-international-hospital, 12 Mar 2026]
#15152
On March 11, 2026, the government announced plans to table legislation for SOE governance to meet structural benchmarks set by which international organization?
(a) World Bank
(b) International Monetary Fund
(c) Asian Development Bank
(d) None of these
Explanation: The government is finalizing legislation to meet structural benchmarks required for the successful conclusion of the IMF's Extended Fund Facility (EFF) and Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF) reviews. The World Bank and ADB are development partners, but the specific structural benchmark compliance mentioned is tied to the IMF. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980722/govt-to-table-soe-bills-for-imf-compliance, 11 Mar 2026]
#15153
In the context of the 2026 Middle East conflict, which flight tracking service reported that planes arriving in Dubai were placed in a holding pattern due to a potential missile attack?
(a) FlightAware
(b) SkyScanner
(c) Aviation Safety Network
(d) Flightradar24
Explanation: Flightradar24 reported the airspace chaos in the Middle East, noting that planes were held in a pattern near Dubai as a precautionary measure against potential missile activity. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980748/airlines-raise-ticket-prices-as-middle-east-conflict-drives-up-fuel-costs, 11 Mar 2026]
#15154
In which area of Jammu did the assassination attempt on Farooq Abdullah occur on March 12, 2026?
(a) Greater Kailash
(b) Purani Mandi
(c) Royal Park
(d) None of these
Explanation: The incident took place at a wedding ceremony located in the Greater Kailash area of Jammu. While Royal Park is mentioned as the specific venue, Greater Kailash is the broader area identified in reports. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981258/man-arrested-after-attempt-on-life-of-former-occupied-kashmir-cm-farooq-abdullah, 12 Mar 2026]
#15155
Which of the following statements regarding the 2026 AMD-Anthropic deal is INCORRECT?
(a) The deal involves the purchase of AI servers by Anthropic.
(b) The deal grants AMD a majority ownership stake in Anthropic.
(c) Anthropic will begin receiving the new chips in the first half of 2027.
(d) AMD's investment is contingent upon achieving deployment milestones.
Explanation: The deal is a strategic investment and hardware supply agreement; it does not grant AMD a majority ownership stake in Anthropic. The other three statements accurately reflect the terms reported in the agreement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017572/amd-to-sell-anthropic-tens-of-billions-in-ai-servers-invest-up-to-5bn-in-startup, 22 Jul 2026]
#15156
Consider the following statements about Pakistan's diplomatic stance on July 22, 2026: 1. Pakistan condemned the Houthi militia for threats against Saudi Arabia. 2. The Foreign Office emphasized that such threats undermine the freedom of navigation. 3. Pakistan explicitly declared an immediate military intervention in the Red Sea. 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 Foreign Office statement. Statement 3 is incorrect because Pakistan reaffirmed its commitment to dialogue and diplomacy, and while it reserved the right to self-defense, it did not declare an immediate military intervention. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431293/pakistan-condemns-houthi-threats-against-saudi-arabia-red-sea-shipping, 22 Jul 2026]
#15157
What is the percentage rate of the Ad hoc Relief Allowance-2026 granted to federal civil employees effective from July 1, 2026?
(a) 5 percent
(b) 7 percent
(c) 10 percent
(d) 15 percent
Explanation: The government notification issued on July 22, 2026, explicitly states that a 7 percent Ad hoc Relief Allowance-2026 was granted to federal civil employees. This allowance is calculated based on the running basic pay under the new BPS-2026 structure. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431195/salary-increase-notified-govt-issues-revised-bps-2026-for-civil-servants, 22 Jul 2026]
#15158
Consider the following statements about the Board of Peace (BoP) and the Gaza reconstruction plan: 1. The BoP was formally established in January 2026. 2. The pilot camp is intended to be established in the buffer zone near Rafah. 3. The UN Security Council resolution authorizing the BoP was adopted in early 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 BoP was established in January 2026. Statement 2 is correct as the pilot camp is planned for the buffer zone near Rafah. Statement 3 is incorrect because the UN Security Council resolution was adopted in mid-November of the previous year (2025), not in 2026. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2015988/gaza-reconstruction-plan-under-trumps-board-of-peace-reduced-to-pilot-project-british-publication, 16 Jul 2026]
#15159
What is the maximum investment amount AMD has pledged to Anthropic in the 2026 deal?
(a) 1 billion dollars
(b) 30 billion dollars
(c) 10 billion dollars
(d) 5 billion dollars
Explanation: AMD announced an investment of up to $5 billion in Anthropic, tied to the achievement of specific deployment milestones. The $30 billion figure refers to separate reported talks involving Nvidia and OpenAI. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017572/amd-to-sell-anthropic-tens-of-billions-in-ai-servers-invest-up-to-5bn-in-startup, 22 Jul 2026]
#15160
Consider the following statements about the political situation in Gilgit-Baltistan as of June 2026: 1. The PML-N leadership visited the region to meet with party ticket-holders. 2. The PTI has expressed concerns regarding the impartiality of the GB Election Commission. 3. The elections were held on schedule without any prior delays. 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 report. Statement 3 is incorrect because the elections were held after a four-month delay, not on the original schedule. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2004429/pml-n-supremo-nawaz-sharif-to-visit-gilgit-baltistan-ahead-of-june-7-polls, 01 Jun 2026]