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.
#16861
Consider the following statements about the ODI match held on May 30, 2026: 1. Pakistan successfully chased the target in 42.3 overs. 2. Australia was bowled out for 200 runs in 44.1 overs. 3. The match was played at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. 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 match duration and the target chase. Statement 3 is incorrect because the match was held at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, not the Gaddafi Stadium. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2003971/pakistan-outspins-australia-in-milestone-odi-as-minhas-makes-history, 30 May 2026]
#16862
Which military measure did the United States maintain despite the extension of the ceasefire in April 2026?
(a) The deployment of ground troops to the border
(b) A total air exclusion zone over Tehran
(c) A naval blockade of Iranian ports
(d) The imposition of a complete telecommunications blackout
Explanation: While the ceasefire was extended to allow for diplomatic negotiations, the United States explicitly stated that the naval blockade of Iranian ports would remain in place. This distinguishes the ceasefire from a total cessation of all hostile military posturing. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1993810/at-the-request-of-cdf-munir-pm-shehbaz-trump-announces-extension-in-ceasefire-until-iran-submits-proposal, 21 Apr 2026]
#16863
Who requested the extension of the US-Iran ceasefire from President Donald Trump in April 2026?
(a) Shehbaz Sharif and Asim Munir
(b) Ishaq Dar and Natalie Baker
(c) Attaullah Tarar and JD Vance
(d) None of these
Explanation: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir formally requested the extension to facilitate ongoing diplomatic efforts. The request was acknowledged by President Trump on his social media platform. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1993810/at-the-request-of-cdf-munir-pm-shehbaz-trump-announces-extension-in-ceasefire-until-iran-submits-proposal, 21 Apr 2026]
#16864
Which of the following statements regarding the diplomatic developments in April 2026 is INCORRECT?
(a) The original ceasefire agreement was brokered by Pakistan.
(b) President Trump announced the ceasefire extension on his Truth Social platform.
(c) Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif publicly thanked President Trump for the extension.
(d) The United States immediately lifted the naval blockade upon announcing the ceasefire extension.
Explanation: The statement that the naval blockade was lifted is incorrect, as the United States explicitly maintained the blockade despite the ceasefire extension. The other three statements are factually accurate regarding the events of April 2026. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1993810/at-the-request-of-cdf-munir-pm-shehbaz-trump-announces-extension-in-ceasefire-until-iran-submits-proposal, 21 Apr 2026]
#16865
Which military operation was launched by Pakistan in late February 2026 following cross-border firing incidents?
(a) Operation Zarb-e-Azb
(b) Operation Ghazab lil-Haq
(c) Operation Radd-ul-Fasaad
(d) Operation Khyber-IV
Explanation: Operation Ghazab lil-Haq was initiated in response to unprovoked firing from across the border. The other operations listed are historical military campaigns. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980547/official-sources-dismiss-reports-of-pakistan-sending-delegation-to-kabul-for-talks-with-afghan-taliban, 10 Mar 2026]
#16866
Consider the following statements about the maritime security situation reported in April 2026: 1. The Ministry of Maritime Affairs is coordinating with the Foreign Office to address the hijacking. 2. The hijacked tanker 'Owner 25' was carrying a crew that included an Indonesian captain. 3. The hijacking incident occurred on April 24, 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 factually correct based on the report. Statement 3 is incorrect because the hijacking occurred on April 21, 2026, not April 24, which was the date the Minister sought the report. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1994748/minister-seeks-details-on-reports-of-hijacking-of-tanker-with-pakistani-crew-near-somali-coast, 24 Apr 2026]
#16867
On March 8, 2026, the Prime Minister's Office announced that the government would unveil an austerity plan in response to a crisis caused by which of the following?
(a) US/Israel-Iran war
(b) Global wheat shortage
(c) Regional monsoon flooding
(d) None of these
Explanation: The government cited the global fuel crisis resulting from the US/Israel-Iran war as the primary driver for the proposed austerity measures. Other options are unrelated to the specific energy-focused policy announcement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979860/pm-shehbaz-to-announce-austerity-plan-tomorrow-amid-global-fuel-crisis, 08 Mar 2026]
#16868
Consider the following statements about the 2026 sentencing of Kashmiri leaders: 1. Asiya Andrabi received a life imprisonment sentence from the Delhi court. 2. The sentencing was criticized by the Prime Minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir. 3. The FO statement claimed that the sentencing was a result of a fair and transparent judicial 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: Statement 1 and 2 are factually correct based on the report. Statement 3 is incorrect because the FO explicitly criticized the process, citing concerns regarding due process and judicial independence. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1985165/fo-condemns-harsh-sentences-awarded-to-kashmiri-leader-asiya-andrabi-associates-by-delhi-court, 25 Mar 2026]
#16869
Which Pakistani batsman scored 65 runs off 92 balls during the match on May 30, 2026?
(a) Babar Azam
(b) Ghazi Ghori
(c) Sahibzada Farhan
(d) Maaz Sadaqat
Explanation: Ghazi Ghori contributed significantly to the chase with an innings of 65 runs. Babar Azam also scored a half-century, but his score was 69 runs. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2003971/pakistan-outspins-australia-in-milestone-odi-as-minhas-makes-history, 30 May 2026]
#16870
Which of the following statements regarding the LNG procurement process in May 2026 is INCORRECT?
(a) PLL floated urgent tenders on a 36-hour notice.
(b) The tenders were issued to address power shortfalls.
(c) Qatar has maintained full supply capacity to Pakistan despite regional tensions.
(d) TotalEnergies submitted a bid priced at $16.98 per mmBtu.
Explanation: Qatar declared force majeure on its global LNG contracts, including those with Pakistan, due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Therefore, the statement that Qatar maintained full supply capacity is false. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1998447/pakistan-turns-down-two-lowest-evaluated-lng-bids, 07 May 2026]
#16871
Arafat Minhas achieved a historic milestone during the ODI match against Australia on May 30, 2026, by becoming the first Pakistani bowler to:
(a) Take five wickets on his ODI debut
(b) Take a hat-trick on his ODI debut
(c) Score a century on his ODI debut
(d) Take ten wickets in a single match
Explanation: Arafat Minhas finished with figures of 5-32, making him the first home bowler to claim five wickets in an ODI debut. While other bowlers have taken wickets, this specific five-wicket feat on debut is a unique record for a Pakistani player in this format. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2003971/pakistan-outspins-australia-in-milestone-odi-as-minhas-makes-history, 30 May 2026]
#16872
The total value of mobile phone imports in Pakistan during the first nine months of the fiscal year 2026 reached:
(a) $1.129 billion
(b) $1.444 billion
(c) $1.650 billion
(d) None of these
Explanation: Mobile phone imports grew by 27.84 percent to $1.444 billion during the first nine months of the current fiscal year. The figure $1.129 billion represents the import value for the same period in the previous year. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1994373/customs-increases-import-valuation-for-62-old-and-used-mobile-phone-models, 23 Apr 2026]
#16873
Who is the current Foreign Minister of Iran who visited Pakistan in April 2026?
(a) Hossein Amir-Abdollahian
(b) Mohammad Javad Zarif
(c) Abbas Araghchi
(d) Ali Bagheri Kani
Explanation: Abbas Araghchi is the Iranian Foreign Minister who conducted the diplomatic visits to Pakistan in April 2026. The other individuals listed are former or alternative Iranian officials not serving in this capacity during the specified event. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1995258/irans-araghchi-visits-pakistan-for-2nd-time-in-two-days-envoy-says-trip-undertaken-to-discuss-regional-developments, 26 Apr 2026]
#16874
The global fuel supply crunch mentioned in the context of the 2026 price hikes is attributed to the closure of which strategic maritime chokepoint?
(a) Suez Canal
(b) Malacca Strait
(c) Bab-el-Mandeb Strait
(d) Strait of Hormuz
Explanation: The closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which historically handles one-fifth of global oil and gas supplies, is cited as a primary cause for the global fuel market volatility. The other straits listed are critical maritime routes but were not the focus of this specific supply disruption. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1994758/govt-hikes-petrol-high-speed-diesel-prices-by-rs26, 24 Apr 2026]
#16875
Consider the following statements about the 2026 cotton season: 1. The national cotton arrivals increased by 77.3 percent by July 15, 2026. 2. The Central Cotton Research Institute (CCRI) is located in Multan. 3. Weather fluctuations have had no impact on cotton growth in southern Punjab. 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 per the PCGA report. Statement 2 is correct as the CCRI is based in Multan. Statement 3 is incorrect because the report explicitly mentions that growth in southern Punjab slowed due to weather fluctuations. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016601/early-cotton-arrivals-hit-record-527900-bales, 19 Jul 2026]
#16876
The match held on May 30, 2026, at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium represented which milestone for the Pakistan national cricket team?
(a) Their 500th ODI match
(b) Their 750th ODI match
(c) Their 1,000th ODI match
(d) Their 1,200th ODI match
Explanation: The match against Australia was officially recognized as Pakistan's 1,000th One-Day International. This milestone highlights the longevity and participation of the team in the international cricket circuit. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2003971/pakistan-outspins-australia-in-milestone-odi-as-minhas-makes-history, 30 May 2026]
#16877
Consider the following statements about the 2026 customs valuation revision: 1. The revision specifically targets older and used mobile phone models. 2. Samsung devices recorded some of the steepest increases, particularly in the S10 and S21 series. 3. The valuation ruling was issued by the FBR on April 23, 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 accurate. The ruling targets 62 older/used models, Samsung's older premium series saw significant jumps, and the ruling was officially issued on the specified date of April 23, 2026. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1994373/customs-increases-import-valuation-for-62-old-and-used-mobile-phone-models, 23 Apr 2026]
#16878
Which medical facility received the victims of the police patrol attack in Serai Naurang on March 8, 2026?
(a) Tehsil Headquarters Hospital, Serai Naurang
(b) District Headquarters Hospital, Lakki Marwat
(c) Combined Military Hospital, Bannu
(d) Khyber Teaching Hospital, Peshawar
Explanation: The victims, including the deceased civilian and the injured police constable, were transported to the Tehsil Headquarters Hospital located in Serai Naurang town. This facility serves as the primary medical center for the immediate area where the incident occurred. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979866/civilian-killed-cop-injured-as-armed-men-open-fire-on-police-in-kps-lakki-marwat, 08 Mar 2026]
#16879
Which police station registered the FIR regarding the incident reported on March 8, 2026?
(a) City Police Station
(b) Civil Lines Police Station
(c) Saddar Police Station
(d) Cantt Police Station
Explanation: The Civil Lines Police Station in Mandi Bahauddin was responsible for registering the FIR based on the complaint filed by the victim's mother. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979833/police-register-fir-after-15-year-old-allegedly-sexually-assaulted-in-mandi-bahauddin-hospital, 08 Mar 2026]
#16880
What was the primary reason for the disruption of LNG supplies from Qatar to Pakistan in early 2026?
(a) Technical issues at the Qatari liquefaction plant
(b) Failure of the regasification terminals
(c) Default on payment by the government
(d) Closure of the Strait of Hormuz
Explanation: The closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital maritime chokepoint, prevented LNG-loaded vessels from reaching their destinations, forcing Qatar to declare force majeure. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1994734/pakistan-secures-3-bids-for-spot-lng-cargoes, 24 Apr 2026]