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.
#17001
Which global geopolitical event was primarily responsible for the energy crunch and subsequent fuel price hikes in Pakistan during early 2026?
(a) The Suez Canal blockage
(b) The Panama Canal drought
(c) The Strait of Hormuz blockade
(d) The Black Sea grain initiative collapse
Explanation: The energy crunch was driven by the US-Iran war and the resulting blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, which disrupted global oil shipping. The other options refer to different global logistical or geopolitical issues not cited as the cause of the 2026 fuel crisis. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2009236/pm-shehbaz-announces-reduction-in-prices-of-petrol-by-rs74-diesel-by-rs67, 19 Jun 2026]
#17002
Consider the following statements about the political situation involving Benjamin Netanyahu and NYC: 1. Benjamin Netanyahu faces an election scheduled for October 2026. 2. Danny Danon serves as Israel’s ambassador to the United Nations. 3. Mayor Mamdani has previously condemned Hamas as a terrorist organization. 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 provided information. Netanyahu faces an election in October 2026, Danny Danon is the Israeli UN ambassador, and Mayor Mamdani has publicly labeled Hamas a terrorist organization despite his criticism of Israeli policy. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016505/netanyahu-belongs-in-the-hague-nyc-mayor-mamdani-mulls-whether-he-can-order-israeli-pms-arrest, 18 Jul 2026]
#17003
Which specific framework for economic and strategic cooperation was emphasized during the 2026 bilateral meetings in Beijing?
(a) Global Security Framework
(b) Belt and Road Initiative 3.0
(c) Regional Connectivity Pact
(d) CPEC 2.0
Explanation: The discussions between the two foreign ministers specifically highlighted the advancement of CPEC 2.0 as a core component of their deepening economic and strategic cooperation. While the other options relate to broader Chinese initiatives, CPEC 2.0 is the specific bilateral mechanism mentioned. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1987106/pakistan-china-issue-5-point-initiative-for-restoring-peace-in-middle-east, 31 Mar 2026]
#17004
Consider the following statements about the 2026 fuel price developments: 1. The global fuel crisis is partially attributed to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. 2. The government has decided to cut public sector development programs to protect the primary balance target. 3. The All Pakistan Petrol Pump Owners Association supported the strike calls for 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: Statement 1 is correct as the Strait of Hormuz closure is a factor in the global fuel crisis. Statement 2 is correct as the government indicated that further cuts to development programs might be required to meet the primary balance. Statement 3 is incorrect because the association explicitly refuted the strike rumors. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1996451/govt-hikes-petrol-price-by-rs6-diesel-by-rs19, 30 Apr 2026]
#17005
In 2026, Pakistan and China are commemorating which milestone in their bilateral diplomatic relations?
(a) 75th anniversary
(b) 60th anniversary
(c) 50th anniversary
(d) 100th anniversary
Explanation: The year 2026 marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China. This milestone was highlighted during the high-level meetings in Beijing to reaffirm their strategic partnership. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1987106/pakistan-china-issue-5-point-initiative-for-restoring-peace-in-middle-east, 31 Mar 2026]
#17006
Which of the following statements regarding the Torkham border situation in March 2026 is INCORRECT?
(a) The repatriation process was suspended for several weeks due to a security official being injured in a firing incident.
(b) The border was closed for all trading activities since October of the previous year.
(c) Security officials from both sides held flag meetings to devise a mechanism for smooth repatriation.
(d) Transporters in Landi Kotal demanded the safe return of vehicles and drivers stranded in Afghanistan.
Explanation: The statement is incorrect because the suspension following the firing incident lasted only 12 hours, not several weeks. The other statements accurately reflect the security and logistical situation described in the report. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1987201/repatriation-of-afghans-resumes-at-torkham-as-border-reopens, 31 Mar 2026]
#17007
Which of the following statements regarding the 2026 Youth Hockey5s Asian Championship is INCORRECT?
(a) India remained unbeaten against Pakistan throughout the tournament.
(b) Pakistan qualified for the final after finishing second in the group standings.
(c) Pakistan defeated Oman in their opening match of the tournament.
(d) India lost the final match to Pakistan by a margin of two goals.
Explanation: India won the final match 3-1, making the statement that they lost the final incorrect. The other three statements are factually accurate regarding the tournament's progression. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018608/india-beat-pakistan-to-retain-youth-hockey5s-asian-title, 27 Jul 2026]
#17008
The Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Plan (IFRP) process at Torkham was officially resumed on which date in 2026?
(a) March 28
(b) March 30
(c) March 31
(d) None of these
Explanation: The repatriation process under the IFRP was officially resumed on March 31, 2026, following successful flag meetings between security officials. The other dates provided do not correspond to the official resumption date mentioned in the event records. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1987201/repatriation-of-afghans-resumes-at-torkham-as-border-reopens, 31 Mar 2026]
#17009
What is the theme of the World Hepatitis Day observed on July 28, 2026?
(a) Hepatitis: Find the missing millions
(b) Hepatitis: Let’s break it down
(c) Hepatitis: Invest in elimination
(d) Hepatitis: Zero tolerance
Explanation: The theme for the 2026 observance is 'Hepatitis: Let’s break it down', which focuses on removing barriers to prevention, testing, and treatment. The other options are variations of past or hypothetical themes. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018920/ending-hepatitis, 28 Jul 2026]
#17010
Nawaz Sharif returned to Pakistan on June 16, 2026, after spending three weeks in which two countries?
(a) Switzerland and Saudi Arabia
(b) United Kingdom and United Arab Emirates
(c) Turkey and Qatar
(d) China and Malaysia
Explanation: Nawaz Sharif returned to Lahore after a three-week visit to Switzerland and Saudi Arabia. The other options represent common travel destinations for Pakistani officials but are not the locations mentioned in this context. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2008589/nawaz-urges-ajk-to-end-protests-sit-ins-and-engage-in-meaningful-dialogue-with-govt, 17 Jun 2026]
#17011
What was the peak price of high-speed diesel (HSD) per litre reached in Pakistan on April 3, 2026?
(a) Rs378.78
(b) Rs458.41
(c) Rs520.35
(d) None of these
Explanation: High-speed diesel reached its peak price of Rs520.35 per litre on April 3, 2026, during the height of the energy crisis. Rs458.41 was the peak price for petrol on the same date. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2009236/pm-shehbaz-announces-reduction-in-prices-of-petrol-by-rs74-diesel-by-rs67, 19 Jun 2026]
#17012
Consider the following statements about the political situation in AJK as of June 17, 2026: 1. The PML-N leadership expressed concern over the loss of lives during recent clashes. 2. AJK elections are scheduled to take place at the end of the following month. 3. The government of Pakistan has consistently supported the Kashmiri struggle for self-determination. Which of the statements given above 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 leadership expressed sorrow over casualties, elections are slated for the end of July 2026, and the official stance of Pakistan remains supportive of the right to self-determination. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2008589/nawaz-urges-ajk-to-end-protests-sit-ins-and-engage-in-meaningful-dialogue-with-govt, 17 Jun 2026]
#17013
In the context of the Senate debate on June 17, 2026, which sector did Senator Abdul Qadir identify as a 'mafia' that allegedly caused the reversal of the government's solar policy?
(a) National Highway Authority
(b) Federal Board of Revenue
(c) Independent Power Producers
(d) State Bank of Pakistan
Explanation: Senator Abdul Qadir alleged that Independent Power Producers (IPPs) acted as a mafia that pressured the government to reverse its solar policy. He further criticized the burden of capacity charges associated with these power agreements. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2008601/ppp-lawmaker-calls-for-separate-south-punjab-province-in-senate, 17 Jun 2026]
#17014
Which specific operation was cited as the cause for the month-long closure of the Torkham border prior to the March 2026 reopening?
(a) Operation Zarb-e-Azb
(b) Operation Radd-ul-Fasaad
(c) Operation Ghazab lil-Haq
(d) Operation Khyber-IV
Explanation: The border closure was linked to the launch of Operation Ghazab lil-Haq. The other operations listed are historical military campaigns that are not associated with the 2026 border events. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1987201/repatriation-of-afghans-resumes-at-torkham-as-border-reopens, 31 Mar 2026]
#17015
Consider the following statements about the Torkham border events in 2026: 1. The border was reopened for the repatriation of undocumented Afghans following a request from the Afghan side. 2. Security officials from both sides shared soft drinks as a gesture of mutual goodwill during the reopening. 3. The repatriation process is governed by the Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Plan (IFRP). 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. The reopening was requested by Afghan authorities, the gesture of sharing soft drinks was noted by officials, and the entire process is conducted under the framework of the IFRP. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1987201/repatriation-of-afghans-resumes-at-torkham-as-border-reopens, 31 Mar 2026]
#17016
Which of the following statements regarding the government's subsidy initiatives announced on April 2, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) Large transport vehicles are eligible for a monthly subsidy of Rs80,000.
(b) Inter-city public service vehicles are eligible for a monthly subsidy of Rs100,000.
(c) The subsidy for two-wheelers is valid for a period of six months.
(d) Direct support of Rs70,000 is provided for trucks carrying essential food items.
Explanation: The subsidy for two-wheelers is provided for a duration of three months, not six months. The other statements accurately reflect the financial support measures announced by the Finance Minister. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1987901/govt-hikes-petrol-price-to-rs458-per-litre-hsd-price-to-rs520-per-litre, 02 Apr 2026]
#17017
Which of the following statements regarding the regional conflict in June 2026 is INCORRECT?
(a) Pakistan has been actively involved in mediation efforts between Washington and Tehran.
(b) The ceasefire established in April 2026 has remained entirely free of military incidents.
(c) Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif urged all sides to exercise restraint.
(d) Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi visited Tehran to deliver a message from the Chief of Defence Forces.
Explanation: The ceasefire has been repeatedly tested by military incidents in and around the Gulf region, making the claim that it remained 'entirely free' of incidents false. The other statements accurately reflect the diplomatic and political events of June 2026. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2006144/give-peace-a-little-more-chance-pm-shehbaz-calls-for-restraint-after-israel-iran-exchange-attacks, 08 Jun 2026]
#17018
On what date did the ceasefire between Washington and Tehran, which was mediated by Pakistan, officially take effect in 2026?
(a) February 28, 2026
(b) April 8, 2026
(c) June 8, 2026
(d) None of these
Explanation: The ceasefire between Washington and Tehran was established on April 8, 2026, following Pakistan-led mediation. February 28, 2026, marks the date of earlier airstrikes, while June 8, 2026, is the date of the Prime Minister's statement regarding the renewed hostilities. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2006144/give-peace-a-little-more-chance-pm-shehbaz-calls-for-restraint-after-israel-iran-exchange-attacks, 08 Jun 2026]
#17019
Which political party's senator demanded the creation of a separate South Punjab province during the Senate budget debate on June 17, 2026?
(a) Pakistan Peoples Party
(b) Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf
(c) Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan
(d) Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz
Explanation: Senator Rana Mahmoodul Hassan, representing the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), formally demanded the creation of a separate South Punjab province during the Senate proceedings on June 17, 2026. He emphasized the need for administrative bifurcation to address regional grievances. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2008601/ppp-lawmaker-calls-for-separate-south-punjab-province-in-senate, 17 Jun 2026]
#17020
Consider the following statements about the regional situation in June 2026: 1. Israel conducted operations in Lebanon including the seizure of Beaufort Castle. 2. The United States President publicly called for restraint during the recent flare-up. 3. Pakistan's mediation efforts resulted in a permanent and unbreakable peace agreement between Iran and the US. 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 events described. Statement 3 is incorrect because the negotiations are described as a 'fragile stalemate' rather than a permanent or unbreakable peace agreement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2006144/give-peace-a-little-more-chance-pm-shehbaz-calls-for-restraint-after-israel-iran-exchange-attacks, 08 Jun 2026]