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.
#17441
Who announced the decision to lift market timing restrictions in Sindh on May 16, 2026?
(a) Murad Ali Shah
(b) Sharjeel Memon
(c) Saeed Ghani
(d) None of these
Explanation: Sharjeel Memon, serving as the Sindh Senior Minister, officially announced the exemption of markets and businesses from fixed closing times. Murad Ali Shah is the Chief Minister, but the specific announcement regarding this policy shift was attributed to the Senior Minister. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2000676/sindh-lifts-curbs-on-market-timings-minister-says-step-taken-to-facilitate-businesses-citizens, 16 May 2026]
#17442
What was the percentage increase in cumulative sales of cars, SUVs, pickups, and vans during the first eight months of the 2026 fiscal year (8MFY26)?
(a) 31 percent
(b) 59 percent
(c) 43 percent
(d) 90 percent
Explanation: Cumulative sales for the 8MFY26 period reached 128,498 units, representing a 43 percent increase over the 89,770 units sold in the same period of the previous fiscal year. Other figures, such as 59 percent, refer to specific company-level growth for Indus Motor Company rather than the total sector aggregate. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980724/auto-sales-rise-43pc-in-july-february, 11 Mar 2026]
#17443
Consider the following statements about the 2026 Test series between West Indies and Pakistan: 1. The series is being held during a period in the southern Caribbean prone to significant rainfall. 2. Mohammad Ali is a pace bowler who performed well in the warm-up match for Pakistan. 3. The West Indies Test team recently achieved a series victory against Sri Lanka. 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. The July/August period is noted for rainfall, Mohammad Ali took five wickets in the warm-up, and the West Indies recently defeated Sri Lanka. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018018/brian-lara-stadium-hosts-maiden-test-as-west-indies-face-pakistan, 24 Jul 2026]
#17444
Which of the following is NOT a stated priority discussed by the Foreign Ministers of Pakistan and Iran during their July 2026 meeting?
(a) Promotion of regional peace and stability
(b) Strengthening of bilateral ties
(c) Expansion of military alliances against third parties
(d) Implementation of the Islamabad MoU
Explanation: The meeting focused on de-escalation, dialogue, and regional stability. There was no mention of forming military alliances against third parties, making this the incorrect statement. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431646/pakistan-iran-fms-reaffirm-commitment-to-regional-peace-at-sco-meeting, 24 Jul 2026]
#17445
What specific humanitarian assistance did Pakistan provide to Iran, as acknowledged by the Iranian Foreign Minister in July 2026?
(a) Facilitating the return of Iranian fishermen
(b) Providing emergency medical supplies
(c) Offering technical support for energy infrastructure
(d) None of these
Explanation: Pakistan facilitated the safe transit and return of Iranian fishermen and crew members who had been interdicted. This gesture was explicitly appreciated by the Iranian Foreign Minister during the meeting. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431646/pakistan-iran-fms-reaffirm-commitment-to-regional-peace-at-sco-meeting, 24 Jul 2026]
#17446
Which of the following countries was NOT among the eight nations that issued the joint statement condemning the Israeli escalation at Al-Aqsa Mosque on July 24, 2026?
(a) Malaysia
(b) Saudi Arabia
(c) Indonesia
(d) United Arab Emirates
Explanation: The joint statement was issued by eight specific nations: Pakistan, Egypt, Türkiye, Indonesia, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. Malaysia was not a signatory to this specific diplomatic declaration. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431627/pakistan-seven-other-islamic-states-condemn-israeli-escalation-at-al-aqsa-mosque, 24 Jul 2026]
#17447
Consider the following statements about the Civil Servants (Disclosure and Regulation of Foreign Nationality) Rules, 2026: 1. The rules apply only to the civil servant and not their dependents. 2. Civil servants must declare if they are married to foreign nationals. 3. The rules require disclosure of foreign status at the time of joining service. 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 incorrect because the rules explicitly require the disclosure of foreign nationality and travel documents for both the civil servant and their dependents. Statements 2 and 3 are accurate reflections of the new regulatory requirements. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431565/civil-servants-foreign-nationality-declaration-made-mandatory, 24 Jul 2026]
#17448
The Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) referenced during the July 2026 meeting between Pakistan and Iran was signed in which month?
(a) April 2026
(b) May 2026
(c) July 2026
(d) June 2026
Explanation: The Islamabad MoU, which serves as a framework for bilateral cooperation, was signed in June 2026. The meeting in July 2026 focused on building upon the understandings reached in that document. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431646/pakistan-iran-fms-reaffirm-commitment-to-regional-peace-at-sco-meeting, 24 Jul 2026]
#17449
Consider the following statements about the weather forecast issued on July 24, 2026: 1. The rainfall is expected to continue until July 27, 2026. 2. Karachi is expected to receive heavy downpours similar to the interior districts of Sindh. 3. A low-pressure area over southwest Rajasthan is contributing to the current weather conditions. 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 forecast covers the period until July 27. Statement 3 is correct as the low-pressure area over Rajasthan is a key driver. Statement 2 is incorrect because Karachi is only expected to receive light rain or drizzle, not heavy downpours. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431626/pmd-forecasts-widespread-rain-across-sindh-warns-of-urban-flooding, 24 Jul 2026]
#17450
According to the PDMA, what was the primary cause of the 17 rain-related deaths reported in Punjab as of July 22, 2026?
(a) Electrocution
(b) Lightning strikes
(c) Building or structure collapses
(d) None of these
Explanation: The PDMA reported that 12 out of the 17 deaths were caused by the collapse of buildings or other structures. Electrocution and lightning strikes accounted for the remaining five fatalities. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017532/intermittent-heavy-rain-hits-punjab-cities-lahore-receives-123mm, 22 Jul 2026]
#17451
Which of the following factors was primarily responsible for the pressure on Indian bond sentiment during the week ending July 24, 2026?
(a) Surging oil prices
(b) Domestic political instability
(c) A sudden decline in tax revenue
(d) None of these
Explanation: Surging oil prices and higher U.S. Treasury yields were the primary drivers of negative sentiment in the Indian bond market. Domestic political instability and tax revenue are not cited as factors in this context. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431650/india-bonds-end-three-day-losing-streak-but-post-second-straight-weekly-decline, 24 Jul 2026]
#17452
According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) forecast issued on July 24, 2026, which of the following districts is expected to experience heavy rainfall and potential urban flooding?
(a) Shikarpur
(b) Kashmore
(c) Jacobabad
(d) Tharparkar
Explanation: The PMD specifically identified Tharparkar, along with districts like Hyderabad and Badin, as areas at high risk for heavy rainfall and urban flooding. While Kashmore, Jacobabad, and Shikarpur are expected to receive rain, they were categorized under light to moderate intensity in the forecast. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431626/pmd-forecasts-widespread-rain-across-sindh-warns-of-urban-flooding, 24 Jul 2026]
#17453
Consider the following statements regarding Pakistan's diplomatic stance at the SCO meeting on July 24, 2026: 1. Pakistan emphasized that a stable Afghanistan is in the interest of all SCO member states. 2. The DPM highlighted that Afghan nationals have been involved in terrorist attacks within Pakistan. 3. Pakistan advocated for military intervention by the SCO to resolve the Afghan security crisis. 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 accurate reflections of the DPM's address. Statement 3 is incorrect because Pakistan explicitly stated that dialogue and diplomacy remain the only sustainable paths to resolving conflicts, rather than advocating for military intervention. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431639/dpm-ishaq-dar-urges-sco-to-hold-afghan-taliban-accountable-over-terrorism, 24 Jul 2026]
#17454
Which of the following statements regarding the market conditions as of March 11, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) Spot platinum prices fell by 5 percent.
(b) Spot gold prices were recorded at $5,202.10 per ounce.
(c) Oil prices dropped below $90 per barrel.
(d) Gold has risen more than 20 percent so far this year.
Explanation: Spot platinum actually rose by 0.1 percent, making the claim that it fell by 5 percent incorrect. The other statements accurately reflect the market data provided for the specified date. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980850/gold-edges-higher-on-safe-haven-demand-ahead-of-us-cpi-data, 11 Mar 2026]
#17455
Consider the following statements about the investment plan announced on March 11, 2026: 1. The investment plan aims to stimulate industrial activities and generate employment in Balochistan. 2. The Chinese delegation was accompanied by the former finance minister of Balochistan, Amjad Rasheed. 3. The proposed investment in the mineral sector is larger than the investment in the manufacturing sector. 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 investment aims to boost industry and jobs. Statement 2 is correct as Amjad Rasheed accompanied the delegation. Statement 3 is incorrect because the $2.6 billion manufacturing investment is significantly larger than the $14 million mineral sector investment. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980763/chinese-firms-plan-to-invest-26bn-in-balochistan, 11 Mar 2026]
#17456
Consider the following statements about the joint statement issued on July 24, 2026: 1. The statement was issued by a group of eight Arab and Islamic nations. 2. The signatories included Pakistan, Türkiye, and Indonesia. 3. The statement explicitly mentions that the actions taken by Israel are in accordance with international humanitarian law. 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 accurately identify the number and composition of the signatory nations. Statement 3 is incorrect because the statement explicitly claims that the actions are a flagrant violation of international humanitarian law, not in accordance with it. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431627/pakistan-seven-other-islamic-states-condemn-israeli-escalation-at-al-aqsa-mosque, 24 Jul 2026]
#17457
The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) movement gained significant national traction following the cancellation of which type of examination in May 2026?
(a) Civil Services Examination
(b) Engineering entrance exam
(c) Medical school entrance test
(d) University graduation finals
Explanation: The movement expanded to millions of followers after a national medical school entrance test was cancelled due to a question paper leak. This event served as the primary catalyst for the widespread youth mobilization. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018062/indian-government-seeks-time-on-youth-protesters-minister-resignation-demand, 24 Jul 2026]
#17458
Consider the following statements about the meeting between the Foreign Ministers of Pakistan and Iran in July 2026: 1. The meeting occurred on the sidelines of the SCO Council of Foreign Ministers. 2. The ministers discussed the importance of de-escalation and sustained diplomatic engagement. 3. The Iranian Foreign Minister criticized Pakistan's role in regional security. 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 venue and the diplomatic tone of the meeting. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Iranian Foreign Minister actually expressed appreciation for Pakistan's constructive role in regional peace. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431646/pakistan-iran-fms-reaffirm-commitment-to-regional-peace-at-sco-meeting, 24 Jul 2026]
#17459
The monsoon currents influencing the weather conditions in Sindh as of July 24, 2026, are originating from which body of water?
(a) Bay of Bengal
(b) Arabian Sea
(c) Persian Gulf
(d) None of these
Explanation: The PMD report explicitly states that strong monsoon currents from the Arabian Sea, combined with a low-pressure area over Rajasthan, are driving the weather patterns. The Bay of Bengal and Persian Gulf are not the primary sources of these specific monsoon currents. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431626/pmd-forecasts-widespread-rain-across-sindh-warns-of-urban-flooding, 24 Jul 2026]
#17460
Consider the following statements about the 2026 Asian Games cricket tournament: 1. The men's competition features a total of ten teams. 2. The women's tournament begins with a preliminary round before the quarter-finals. 3. India enters the 2026 Asian Games as the defending champion in both men's and women's cricket. 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 there are ten teams in the men's competition. Statement 2 is incorrect because the women's tournament begins directly at the quarter-final stage. Statement 3 is correct as India won both gold medals at the 2022 Asian Games. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018033/india-pakistan-among-teams-handed-direct-asian-games-mens-cricket-knockout-berths, 24 Jul 2026]