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.
#17601
According to the Exchange Companies Association of Pakistan, what was the primary driver for the decline in dollar sales to banks during the first 10 months of 2026?
(a) Increased investment in domestic manufacturing
(b) Diversion of funds into cryptocurrency trading
(c) Sharp rise in official export-led remittances
(d) Government-imposed limits on foreign currency accounts
Explanation: The chairman of the Exchange Companies Association of Pakistan noted that billions of dollars were diverted from the banking system into illegal cryptocurrency investments. This outflow contributed to the reduction in dollar sales to banks. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018391/war-dries-up-unofficial-dollar-inflows, 26 Jul 2026]
#17602
What is the primary cause of the majority of monsoon-related deaths reported by the NDMA as of July 26, 2026?
(a) Electrocution
(b) Drowning
(c) House and roof collapses
(d) Landslides
Explanation: The NDMA reported that over half of the total deaths were caused by house or roof collapses. While electrocution and drowning were also cited as causes, they accounted for a smaller proportion of the total. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018500/chenab-flood-level-eases-from-medium-to-low-pmd-forecasts-more-rain-in-upper-parts-of-punjab-from-july-29, 26 Jul 2026]
#17603
The Emergency Response Committee (ERC) held its fifth meeting on July 26, 2026, under the chairmanship of:
(a) Ahsan Iqbal
(b) Dr. Musadik Malik
(c) Rana Tanveer Hussain
(d) None of these
Explanation: Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal chaired the fifth meeting of the ERC via video link. Other ministers, including Dr. Musadik Malik and Rana Tanveer Hussain, attended as participants. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018500/chenab-flood-level-eases-from-medium-to-low-pmd-forecasts-more-rain-in-upper-parts-of-punjab-from-july-29, 26 Jul 2026]
#17604
Consider the following statements about the issues raised by Jamaat-i-Islami in July 2026: 1. The party criticized the civic administration for failing to clear storm-water drains despite a budget of over Rs 530 million. 2. The protest campaign is limited exclusively to the city of Karachi. 3. The party demands the immediate abolition of the petroleum levy.
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) All three
Explanation: Statement 2 is incorrect because the protest is described as a 'nationwide' day of protest, not limited to Karachi. Statements 1 and 3 accurately reflect the party's stated grievances and demands. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431801/ji-to-hold-protest-against-fuel-price-hike-on-aug-7, 25 Jul 2026]
#17605
On July 26, 2026, the United States conditioned a civil nuclear deal with Saudi Arabia on the Kingdom's participation in which diplomatic framework?
(a) The Oslo Accords
(b) The Abraham Accords
(c) The Camp David Accords
(d) The Jeddah Security Pact
Explanation: The US administration explicitly linked the civil nuclear agreement to Saudi Arabia joining the Abraham Accords, a series of normalization agreements between Israel and several Arab nations. The other options refer to historical peace processes that are not the focus of the current US diplomatic pressure. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018440/quid-pro-quo, 26 Jul 2026]
#17606
Which of the following is NOT a topic discussed during the meeting between the Prime Minister and the PML-N leadership on July 25, 2026?
(a) The immediate dissolution of the National Assembly
(b) Contacts with allied political parties
(c) Organizational matters of the party
(d) Recent political developments
Explanation: The meeting focused on party strategy, organizational matters, and managing relations with allies. There was no discussion regarding the dissolution of the National Assembly, making it the incorrect statement. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431807/pm-advises-pml-n-leaders-to-exercise-caution-in-public-statements, 25 Jul 2026]
#17607
Which of the following statements regarding the NDMA report of 2026-07-26 is INCORRECT?
(a) The cumulative monsoon death toll since 2026-06-26 reached 97.
(b) The NDMA reported zero injuries in Punjab during the 24-hour reporting period.
(c) A total of 22 houses were damaged in the 24-hour reporting period.
(d) The NDMA urged the public to follow official advisories.
Explanation: The statement is incorrect because the NDMA reported 20 injuries in Punjab during the 24-hour period. The other options accurately reflect the data provided in the report. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431867/11-killed-25-injured-in-rain-related-incidents-across-pakistan, 26 Jul 2026]
#17608
Consider the following statements regarding the Governor's remarks on July 25, 2026: 1. The Governor suggested that importing wheat from abroad could be considered if necessary. 2. The Governor emphasized the need for effective utilization of the province's mineral resources. 3. The Governor announced the immediate abolition of all provincial taxes on traders. 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 Governor's policy stance. Statement 3 is incorrect as the Governor pledged to take up tax relief issues with relevant authorities, not to unilaterally abolish taxes. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431814/governor-kp-vows-to-help-resolve-issues-facing-traders, 25 Jul 2026]
#17609
Which political leader held a meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on July 25, 2026, to discuss party affairs and recent political statements?
(a) Khawaja Saad Rafique
(b) Rana Sanaullah
(c) Ahsan Iqbal
(d) None of these
Explanation: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met with Khawaja Saad Rafique to address concerns regarding recent remarks made about Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. This meeting was aimed at ensuring political stability and managing relations with the Pakistan People's Party. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431807/pm-advises-pml-n-leaders-to-exercise-caution-in-public-statements, 25 Jul 2026]
#17610
On July 26, 2026, the Punjab irrigation department reported that approximately how many square kilometers of land had been inundated by floodwaters?
(a) 400 square kilometers
(b) 300 square kilometers
(c) 200 square kilometers
(d) 500 square kilometers
Explanation: The irrigation department official confirmed that a vast area of approximately 400 square kilometers was submerged across several districts in the Lahore and Gujranwala divisions. This figure highlights the severity of the monsoon-induced flooding. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018383/ravi-chenab-flood-levels-likely-to-reach-medium-to-high-today, 26 Jul 2026]
#17611
Consider the following statements about the 2026 AJK elections: 1. The election is being held in a single phase to ensure maximum voter turnout. 2. AJK electoral law requires the preliminary result of a constituency to be announced immediately after counting. 3. The current agitation is the fourth wave of protests organized by the JAAC. 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 election is being held in three phases, not one. Statements 2 and 3 are factually accurate according to the current electoral framework and the history of the recent protests. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018443/ajk-election-and-beyond, 26 Jul 2026]
#17612
Consider the following statements about the regional geopolitical situation as of July 26, 2026: 1. The current Israeli leadership has explicitly rejected the possibility of a Palestinian state. 2. Saudi Arabia's role as the custodian of Islam's holiest sites makes its potential recognition of Israel highly significant for the Muslim world. 3. The US administration has successfully coerced all OIC members into recognizing Israel through the Abraham Accords. 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 Israeli leadership has publicly opposed a Palestinian state. Statement 2 is correct regarding Saudi Arabia's unique religious status. Statement 3 is incorrect because many OIC members, including Pakistan, have not recognized Israel. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018440/quid-pro-quo, 26 Jul 2026]
#17613
Consider the following statements about the GLOF alert issued on July 26, 2026: 1. The alert was driven by a combination of a warm thermal regime and intermittent precipitation. 2. The PMD warned that thawing permafrost could trigger the flow of heavy mud and debris. 3. The alert period for the high-risk conditions extends until the end of September 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 accurate descriptions of the meteorological conditions and geological risks identified by the PMD. Statement 3 is incorrect because the alert specifically mentions the high-risk period continuing only until the first week of August, not the end of September. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018510/pmd-issues-glof-alert-for-northern-areas-as-several-gb-areas-cut-off-for-5th-consecutive-day, 26 Jul 2026]
#17614
Consider the following statements about the political developments in July 2026: 1. The Prime Minister held consultations with Khawaja Saad Rafique regarding party discipline. 2. The Pakistan People's Party expressed concerns over remarks made about Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. 3. The PML-N leadership agreed to prioritize political stability in the national interest. 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 events of July 25, 2026. The Prime Minister met with Rafique, addressed the PPP's concerns, and emphasized the need for continued political stability. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431807/pm-advises-pml-n-leaders-to-exercise-caution-in-public-statements, 25 Jul 2026]
#17615
Prof. Gul Rahim Khan, who received the Ashoka Prize in 2026, is a faculty member at which institution?
(a) University of the Punjab
(b) University of Peshawar
(c) Quaid-i-Azam University
(d) None of these
Explanation: Prof. Gul Rahim Khan is a senior professor in the Department of Archaeology at the University of Peshawar. He was recognized for his research on the numismatics of the Utpala Dynasty. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018423/peshawar-university-teacher-honoured-with-ashoka-award-in-london, 26 Jul 2026]
#17616
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) expects a fresh wet spell to commence on July 29, 2026, primarily affecting:
(a) Coastal areas of Balochistan
(b) Upper catchments of major rivers
(c) Southern districts of Sindh
(d) Central plains of Punjab
Explanation: The PMD forecast indicates that the fresh wet spell will impact the upper catchments of major rivers, Islamabad, upper Punjab, AJK, KP, and GB. Coastal and southern regions were not the primary focus of this specific forecast. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018500/chenab-flood-level-eases-from-medium-to-low-pmd-forecasts-more-rain-in-upper-parts-of-punjab-from-july-29, 26 Jul 2026]
#17617
On July 26, 2026, the MQM-P held a rally to demand new provinces at which location in Hyderabad?
(a) Liberty Chowk to Kohinoor Chowk
(b) Tower to Press Club
(c) Station Road to GPO
(d) None of these
Explanation: The MQM-P organized a rally in Hyderabad on July 26, 2026, which proceeded from Liberty Chowk to Kohinoor Chowk. This event was part of their intensified campaign for administrative restructuring. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018340/mqm-p-steps-up-campaign-for-creation-of-new-provinces, 26 Jul 2026]
#17618
The Virtual Assets Act 2026 was passed to regulate which of the following sectors in Pakistan?
(a) Cryptocurrency and digital asset providers
(b) Traditional textile export manufacturing
(c) Informal hundi and hawala networks
(d) Cross-border physical commodity trade
Explanation: The Virtual Assets Act 2026 provides a regulatory framework for licensed virtual asset providers, allowing banks to facilitate services for the sector. This is distinct from the informal hundi/hawala systems which remain illegal. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018391/war-dries-up-unofficial-dollar-inflows, 26 Jul 2026]
#17619
Which of the following statements regarding the Virtual Assets Act 2026 is INCORRECT?
(a) It allows regulated banks to open accounts for entities registered under the Pakistan Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority.
(b) It establishes a framework for licensed virtual asset providers to operate within the formal financial system.
(c) It was passed in the same year that Pakistan lifted its eight-year ban on crypto-related banking activity.
(d) It permits banks to use customer deposits to trade or invest in digital assets for profit.
Explanation: The Act explicitly prohibits banks from using their own capital or customer deposits to trade, hold, or invest in digital assets. Therefore, is the incorrect statement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018391/war-dries-up-unofficial-dollar-inflows, 26 Jul 2026]
#17620
Which international organization conferred the Ashoka Prize upon Prof. Gul Rahim Khan in 2026?
(a) Oriental Numismatic Society
(b) International Archaeological Association
(c) Royal Numismatic Society
(d) World Heritage Foundation
Explanation: The Oriental Numismatic Society (ONS) awarded the prize for the best paper published in their journal (JONS). The Royal Numismatic Society is a separate entity often confused with the ONS. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018423/peshawar-university-teacher-honoured-with-ashoka-award-in-london, 26 Jul 2026]