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.
#16701
Consider the following statements regarding the recent petroleum sector developments: 1. The PPDA strike was originally scheduled to commence on March 26, 2026. 2. The government increased petrol and diesel prices by Rs55 per litre in March 2026. 3. The prime minister has fully implemented the ECC's recommendation to increase dealer margins. 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 timeline of the strike and the price hike. Statement 3 is incorrect because the prime minister suspended the implementation of the margin increase. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1985299/petroleum-dealers-postpone-strike-in-light-of-middle-east-conflict, 25 Mar 2026]
#16702
Which of the following is NOT a stated objective of the government's new energy policy announced on July 17, 2026?
(a) Increasing transparency in fuel pricing
(b) Immediate elimination of all petroleum levies
(c) Deregulation of the energy sector
(d) Establishing strategic petroleum reserves
Explanation: The government has not announced the elimination of petroleum levies; rather, it noted that these levies remain low. The other options are explicitly mentioned as goals or ongoing initiatives of the current administration. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016227/govt-to-fix-fuel-prices-daily-due-to-renewed-hostilities-in-persian-gulf-petroleum-minister, 17 Jul 2026]
#16703
What was the total amount of public debt in Pakistan as of February 2026?
(a) Rs82.1 trillion
(b) Rs75.5 trillion
(c) Rs79.3 trillion
(d) Rs68.4 trillion
Explanation: Pakistan's total public debt reached Rs79.3 trillion in February 2026, marking a 1 percent increase month-on-month. This figure represents a 10 percent rise compared to the same period in the previous year. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979645/stocks-nosedive-63pc-in-jittery-week-on-geopolitical-concerns, 08 Mar 2026]
#16704
According to the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS), what trend was observed in the tribal districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa during June 2026?
(a) A 23 percent decrease in terrorism
(b) A 23 percent increase in terrorism
(c) A 16 percent increase in terrorism
(d) A 16 percent decrease in terrorism
Explanation: PICSS data indicated a 23 percent decrease in terrorist attacks in the tribal districts (formerly FATA) during June. The 16 percent figure refers to the increase in attacks in the rest of the province, not the tribal districts. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016455/terrorist-killed-as-security-forces-destroy-explosive-laden-vehicle-intended-for-suicide-attack-in-wana-state-media, 18 Jul 2026]
#16705
Consider the following statements about the fuel price adjustments in April 2026: 1. The government reduced the petroleum levy by Rs80 per litre in early April 2026. 2. The price of petrol was set at Rs366.58 per litre in the week preceding April 17, 2026. 3. The government announced an unprecedented increase in fuel prices on April 2, 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: All three statements are factually accurate based on the government's policy announcements in April 2026. The government implemented a levy reduction, maintained a specific petrol price, and executed a significant price hike earlier in the month. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1992656/govt-slashes-diesel-price-by-rs32, 17 Apr 2026]
#16706
Which international benchmark crude oil price dropped below $90 a barrel on July 27, 2026?
(a) West Texas Intermediate
(b) North Sea Brent
(c) OPEC Reference Basket
(d) Dubai Crude
Explanation: North Sea Brent crude shed more than seven percent early on July 27, 2026, to briefly drop below $90 a barrel, contributing to improved market sentiment. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018715/psx-opens-week-in-the-green-gains-more-than-7000-points-to-close-above-178000-mark, 27 Jul 2026]
#16707
Which of the following institutions is NOT among those the Finance Minister is scheduled to meet during his July 2026 visit?
(a) US Export-Import Bank
(b) International Development Finance Corporation
(c) International Monetary Fund
(d) World Trade Organization
Explanation: The Finance Minister's schedule includes meetings with the USTR, Exim Bank, DFC, and the IMF. The World Trade Organization is not listed as a meeting partner for this specific bilateral visit to Washington. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016679/finance-minister-aurangzeb-arrives-in-us-on-3-day-visit-expected-to-hold-talks-on-trade-finance-investment, 19 Jul 2026]
#16708
Which of the following demands was NOT included in the resolution passed by the TTAP on March 11, 2026?
(a) The release of incarcerated PTI founder Imran Khan
(b) The immediate cessation of all trade with the United States
(c) The resolution of issues with Afghanistan through diplomatic channels
(d) The treatment of Afghan refugees in accordance with international laws
Explanation: The resolution called for diplomatic measures and restraint but did not demand a cessation of trade with the United States. The other three options were explicit demands or positions taken by the alliance in their resolution. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981002/ttap-calls-on-govt-to-take-opposition-parliament-into-confidence-on-defence-pacts-amid-changing-regional-situation, 11 Mar 2026]
#16709
Which of the following statements regarding the 2026-07-21 Nuristan floods is INCORRECT?
(a) The floods resulted in the destruction of riverside shops and hotels.
(b) Government employees, including the mayor, were among those reported missing.
(c) The Afghan government confirmed the deaths and property damage.
(d) The disaster was caused by a severe earthquake in the region.
Explanation: The disaster was caused by flash floods following heavy rainfall, not an earthquake. The other three statements are factually accurate descriptions of the event as reported. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017161/20-afghans-killed100-missing-after-floods, 21 Jul 2026]
#16710
Who currently serves as the Petroleum Minister of Pakistan as of July 17, 2026?
(a) Attaullah Tarar
(b) Shehbaz Sharif
(c) Ali Pervaiz Malik
(d) Asim Munir
Explanation: Ali Pervaiz Malik is the Petroleum Minister who addressed the press conference regarding the new fuel pricing policy. Attaullah Tarar is the Information Minister, and Shehbaz Sharif is the Prime Minister. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016227/govt-to-fix-fuel-prices-daily-due-to-renewed-hostilities-in-persian-gulf-petroleum-minister, 17 Jul 2026]
#16711
Consider the following statements about the petroleum sector reform announced in July 2026: 1. The reform replaces the weekly price announcement cycle with a daily adjustment mechanism. 2. The policy was approved by the federal cabinet on the directive of the Prime Minister. 3. The Inland Freight Equalisation Margin (IFEM) is being excluded from the new pricing formula. 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 core policy shift and the administrative approval process. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Petroleum Division is actively addressing technical matters, including the IFEM, within the new framework rather than excluding it. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016504/daily-fuel-price-adjustments-to-curb-market-abuse-ensure-fair-prices-petroleum-minister, 18 Jul 2026]
#16712
Who chaired the meeting of the Tehreek Tahaffuz Ayeen-i-Pakistan (TTAP) held at the Parliament House on March 11, 2026?
(a) Imran Khan
(b) Mehmood Khan Achakzai
(c) Omar Ayub Khan
(d) None of these
Explanation: Mehmood Khan Achakzai is the Chairman of the TTAP and presided over the parliamentary meeting. Imran Khan is currently incarcerated, and Omar Ayub is a prominent opposition leader but did not chair this specific session. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981002/ttap-calls-on-govt-to-take-opposition-parliament-into-confidence-on-defence-pacts-amid-changing-regional-situation, 11 Mar 2026]
#16713
In April 2026, the government raised $500 million in the international capital market through which financial instrument?
(a) Sovereign Sukuk
(b) Treasury Bill
(c) Commercial Loan
(d) Eurobond
Explanation: The government successfully raised $500 million through a Eurobond issuance in April 2026, marking the first such issuance in four years. This is part of a broader strategy to diversify financing sources beyond traditional bilateral loans. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1993003/sbp-says-govt-has-paid-2bn-to-uae, 18 Apr 2026]
#16714
Which of the following statements regarding the 2026 petroleum pricing dispute is INCORRECT?
(a) The APPPOA claimed the daily pricing mechanism favours Oil Marketing Companies.
(b) The PPDA immediately joined the APPPOA strike without further consultation.
(c) The government's new pricing mechanism is based on a seven-day rolling average of international prices.
(d) The Petroleum Division claimed that talks with the PPDA were successful.
Explanation: The PPDA did not immediately join the strike; instead, they stated that their executive committee would meet to decide on the matter after consulting with OGRA. The other three statements accurately reflect the positions and claims made by the respective parties. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017314/petrol-pump-owners-announce-nationwide-strike-after-talks-over-daily-pricing-fail, 21 Jul 2026]
#16715
According to the bomb disposal squad, what type of vehicle was utilized to carry the explosives during the attack on May 10, 2026?
(a) Loader rickshaw
(b) Armored personnel carrier
(c) Pickup truck
(d) None of these
Explanation: The bomb disposal squad confirmed that a loader rickshaw was used to transport the 1,000 to 1,500 kilograms of explosive material. The other options are incorrect as they do not match the specific vehicle identified in the investigation. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1999132/15-police-personnel-martyred-in-bannu-suicide-attack, 10 May 2026]
#16716
Who presided over the high-level consultative meeting regarding the petroleum products situation on March 27, 2026?
(a) Mir Shoaib Nosherwani
(b) Ali Pervaiz Malik
(c) Shaza Fatima Khawaja
(d) Muhammad Aurangzeb
Explanation: Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb chaired the meeting. While other ministers like Ali Pervaiz Malik and Shaza Fatima Khawaja were present, they did not preside over the session. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1985900/centre-provinces-agree-on-rolling-out-app-based-fuel-quota-system-for-motorcycles-rickshaws, 27 Mar 2026]
#16717
To which High Court was Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani transferred in the notification issued on April 29, 2026?
(a) Lahore High Court
(b) Peshawar High Court
(c) Sindh High Court
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Ministry of Law and Justice notified the transfer of Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani to the Lahore High Court. The other options represent different High Courts to which other judges were transferred. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1996098/law-ministry-notifies-transfer-of-3-ihc-judges-to-other-high-courts, 29 Apr 2026]
#16718
Select the correct chronological sequence of the following events as reported in the August 2026 digest (all dated 2026-08-01):
(a) Search and Rescue on Broad Peak; Martyrdom in North Waziristan; Google AI Tool Launch; PM Welcomes Gaza Peace Progress
(b) Martyrdom in North Waziristan; Search and Rescue on Broad Peak; PM Welcomes Gaza Peace Progress; Google AI Tool Launch
(c) Google AI Tool Launch; Search and Rescue on Broad Peak; PM Welcomes Gaza Peace Progress; Martyrdom in North Waziristan
(d) Search and Rescue on Broad Peak; Google AI Tool Launch; Martyrdom in North Waziristan; PM Welcomes Gaza Peace Progress
Explanation: While all events share the publication date of August 1, 2026, the thematic classification within the digest follows the chronological progression of field operations (Broad Peak rescue), national security incidents (North Waziristan IBO), technological updates (Google AI), and international diplomatic developments (Gaza Peace Plan). [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40432862/drones-deployed-to-locate-missing-climbers-as-search-operation-enters-second-day]
#16719
What was the specific reduction in the price of high-speed diesel (HSD) announced on April 11, 2026?
(a) Rs12 per litre
(b) Rs17.33 per litre
(c) Rs25.31 per litre
(d) Rs135 per litre
Explanation: The government announced a reduction of Rs135 per litre for high-speed diesel, bringing the price down to Rs385.54. The other figures represent price cuts for petrol, kerosene, and light diesel oil respectively. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1990666/diesel-price-cut-by-rs135-petrol-sees-drop-of-rs12, 11 Apr 2026]
#16720
On which date in 2026 did the Islamabad Deputy Commissioner officially refute the fake notification regarding office closures?
(a) April 18, 2026
(b) April 20, 2026
(c) April 19, 2026
(d) April 21, 2026
Explanation: The official refutation by the Deputy Commissioner occurred on April 19, 2026, as reported in the news desk update. This date precedes the date mentioned in the fake notification. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1993252/islamabad-dc-dismisses-notification-falsely-announcing-closure-of-all-offices-in-twin-cities-from-april-20, 19 Apr 2026]