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.
#18241
Who was elected as the Chief Minister of Gilgit-Baltistan in June 2026?
(a) Amjad Hussain
(b) Bilal Yaseen
(c) Ahad Khan Cheema
(d) None of these
Explanation: Advocate Amjad Hussain was elected unopposed as the Chief Minister of Gilgit-Baltistan on June 22, 2026. The other names listed are either federal ministers or provincial officials not holding this specific office. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017241/centre-committed-to-working-closely-with-gb-government-pm-tells-cm-amjad-hussain, 21 Jul 2026]
#18242
Where did the Prime Minister of Pakistan meet the President to discuss the US-Iran dialogue on April 14, 2026?
(a) Prime Minister House
(b) Aiwan-i-Sadr
(c) Foreign Office
(d) None of these
Explanation: The meeting between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Asif Ali Zardari took place at the Aiwan-i-Sadr in Islamabad. Aiwan-i-Sadr is the official residence and workplace of the President of Pakistan. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1991689/pm-takes-president-into-confidence-on-us-iran-talks-briefs-him-on-upcoming-visits-to-saudi-arabia-turkiye, 14 Apr 2026]
#18243
Which of the following is NOT a stated objective of the US military strikes against Iran as of July 21, 2026?
(a) Degrading Iranian maritime capabilities
(b) Neutralizing missile and drone launch sites
(c) Protecting commercial shipping in the Gulf
(d) Occupying Iranian coastal territory
Explanation: The US military stated its strikes were designed to degrade Iranian military capabilities, such as command centers and launch sites, to protect commercial shipping. There is no mention of an objective to occupy Iranian territory. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017211/iran-targets-american-military-assets-in-gulf-warns-of-more-attacks-as-us-strikes-iran-for-10th-consecutive-day, 21 Jul 2026]
#18244
Consider the following statements about the US-Canada trade situation as of July 2026: 1. The US President invoked Section 338 to retaliate against what the administration termed discriminatory trade practices. 2. The tariffs apply to a diverse range of goods including wine, cement, and ice hockey gear. 3. The US Trade Representative is currently holding bilateral talks regarding the USMCA with Canadian officials in Mexico City. 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. Statement 3 is incorrect because the US Trade Representative is holding bilateral talks with Mexico, having pointedly left Canada out of those specific negotiations. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017209/us-imposes-new-50pc-tariffs-on-20bn-worth-of-canadian-products, 21 Jul 2026]
#18245
Which Indian minister was forced to resign following the weeks-long student agitation in 2026?
(a) Devendra Fadnavis
(b) Dharmendra Pradhan
(c) M.J. Akbar
(d) None of these
Explanation: Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned as a direct result of the student-led protests against the education system. While M.J. Akbar also resigned in the past, he is not the minister associated with the 2026 student agitation. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018933/well-begun-is-half-done, 28 Jul 2026]
#18246
Consider the following statements regarding the energy sector meeting held on May 2, 2026: 1. The Prime Minister directed authorities to prioritize relief for both industrial and domestic consumers. 2. The government is exploring the use of advanced technology to enhance digital facilities for bill payments. 3. The meeting concluded with a decision to immediately abolish all fixed charges on electricity bills. 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 Prime Minister's directives on consumer relief and digital modernization. Statement 3 is incorrect because the government did not announce the abolition of fixed charges, despite public suggestions. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1996962/pm-shehbaz-orders-formulation-of-strategy-to-stabilise-electricity-tariffs, 02 May 2026]
#18247
Consider the following statements about the 2026 Pakistan-China Pharmaceutical and Healthcare B2B Investment Conference: 1. The conference was a two-day event held in Islamabad. 2. Over 200 Chinese companies participated in the event. 3. The conference included discussions on establishing local vaccine manufacturing facilities. 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 it was a two-day event in Islamabad. Statement 2 is incorrect because 146 Chinese companies participated, not over 200 (over 200 Pakistani companies participated). Statement 3 is correct as local vaccine production was a priority discussed at the conference. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016621/pakistan-china-pharma-conference-ends-with-850m-agreements, 19 Jul 2026]
#18248
Which specific Iranian military branch was identified by the United States as the primary target for retaliatory strikes on July 19, 2026?
(a) Basij Resistance Force
(b) Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC)
(c) Artesh (Regular Army of Iran)
(d) None of these
Explanation: The United States Central Command explicitly stated that the strikes were designed to punish the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) for their role in attacks against American service members. The Basij and Artesh are distinct branches of the Iranian armed forces not cited as the primary target in this specific operation. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016645/us-renews-strikes-on-iran-to-punish-irgc-for-troops-killing-tehran-targets-american-bases-in-kuwait, 19 Jul 2026]
#18249
Consider the following statements about the diplomatic developments in April 2026: 1. The US-Iran talks in Islamabad concluded with a formal peace agreement signed by both delegations. 2. President Asif Ali Zardari praised the coordination between the civilian government and state institutions during the mediation process. 3. Negotiating teams from the US and Iran may return to Islamabad for further rounds of talks. 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 talks concluded without a formal agreement, although they did not result in a breakdown. Statements 2 and 3 are factually accurate based on the official reports regarding the mediation success and the potential for future rounds. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1991689/pm-takes-president-into-confidence-on-us-iran-talks-briefs-him-on-upcoming-visits-to-saudi-arabia-turkiye, 14 Apr 2026]
#18250
Which of the following statements regarding the protest incident on March 8, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The FBI's Joint Terrorism Task Force participated in the investigation.
(b) Police arrested six people in connection with the unrest.
(c) The suspect named Amir Balat was detained by police.
(d) The devices were confirmed by the bomb squad to contain high-grade military explosives.
Explanation: The bomb squad stated that it was not yet clear if the devices contained energetic explosive material, only that they appeared to be jars with hardware and fuses. Therefore, the claim that they were confirmed to contain high-grade military explosives is false. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979791/new-york-police-probe-man-for-throwing-ignited-devices-near-anti-muslim-protest-in-front-of-mayor-mamdanis-house, 08 Mar 2026]
#18251
Consider the following statements about Dr. Asif Mahmood: 1. He has served as a member of the Medical Board of California. 2. He was elected chair of the USCIRF for the 2026-27 term. 3. He has lived in California since 1999. 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 correct. Dr. Mahmood is a two-term member of the Medical Board of California, was elected chair of the USCIRF in 2026, and has resided in California since 1999. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017231/pakistan-origin-physician-asif-mahmood-elected-chair-of-us-commission-on-religious-freedom, 21 Jul 2026]
#18252
Which Yemeni group announced a maritime embargo on Saudi Arabia on July 20, 2026?
(a) The Houthi rebels
(b) The Southern Transitional Council
(c) Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula
(d) The Republican Guard
Explanation: The Houthi rebels declared an immediate maritime embargo on Saudi Arabia, framing it as a retaliatory measure. This action opened a new front in the regional conflict, specifically targeting Saudi Red Sea ports. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017211/iran-targets-american-military-assets-in-gulf-warns-of-more-attacks-as-us-strikes-iran-for-10th-consecutive-day, 21 Jul 2026]
#18253
Who is the current President of Lebanon involved in the 2026 ceasefire negotiations?
(a) Joseph Aoun
(b) Michel Aoun
(c) Najib Mikati
(d) None of these
Explanation: Joseph Aoun is the Lebanese President who engaged in direct diplomatic discussions with US President Donald Trump to secure the ceasefire. Michel Aoun is a former president, and Najib Mikati is a former prime minister, making them incorrect in the context of the 2026 event. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1992354/10-day-ceasefire-between-israel-lebanon-takes-effect, 16 Apr 2026]
#18254
What was the policy rate maintained by the State Bank of Pakistan as of June 15, 2026?
(a) 11.5 percent
(b) 10.5 percent
(c) 12.5 percent
(d) 13.5 percent
Explanation: The Monetary Policy Committee decided to keep the policy rate unchanged at 11.5 percent during its final review for FY26. This rate is maintained to guide inflation toward the medium-term target range. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2008043/central-bank-keeps-policy-rate-unchanged-at-115pc, 15 Jun 2026]
#18255
Consider the following statements about the 2026 diplomatic engagement between Pakistan and Kuwait: 1. The visit was initiated at the invitation of the Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister. 2. The discussions were limited exclusively to trade and energy sectors. 3. The visit included a call on the Pakistani leadership in Islamabad. 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 Ishaq Dar extended the invitation. Statement 3 is correct as the minister was expected to call on the leadership. Statement 2 is incorrect because the talks covered the full spectrum of bilateral relations, not just trade and energy. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40432027/kuwaiti-foreign-minister-to-visit-pakistan-on-tuesday-fo, 27 Jul 2026]
#18256
Who is the current Mayor of New York whose official residence was the site of the protest on March 8, 2026?
(a) Eric Adams
(b) Zohran Mamdani
(c) Bill de Blasio
(d) None of these
Explanation: Zohran Mamdani is the Mayor of New York whose residence, Gracie Mansion, was the location of the protest. Eric Adams and Bill de Blasio are former mayors, making them incorrect. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979791/new-york-police-probe-man-for-throwing-ignited-devices-near-anti-muslim-protest-in-front-of-mayor-mamdanis-house, 08 Mar 2026]
#18257
Who accompanied Field Marshal Asim Munir during his diplomatic visit to Tehran on April 15, 2026?
(a) Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar
(b) Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi
(c) Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb
(d) None of these
Explanation: Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi was part of the formal delegation that accompanied Field Marshal Asim Munir to Tehran. The other listed ministers were not reported as part of this specific security-focused delegation. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1991972/cdf-munir-visits-iran-alongside-delegation-as-part-of-mediation-efforts-holds-meeting-with-fm-araghchi, 15 Apr 2026]
#18258
The Pakistan-brokered ceasefire between the United States and Iran was scheduled to conclude on which date in 2026?
(a) April 19
(b) April 28
(c) April 25
(d) April 22
Explanation: The ceasefire, which paused hostilities following the February 2026 strikes, was set to expire on April 22, 2026. This date is critical as it marks the end of the diplomatic window for the current round of talks. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1993224/trump-says-us-representatives-heading-to-islamabad-will-be-there-tomorrow-evening-for-negotiations-with-iran, 19 Apr 2026]
#18259
In which stadium was the 2026 FIFA World Cup third-place match held where Kylian Mbappe set his scoring record?
(a) Miami Stadium
(b) MetLife Stadium
(c) SoFi Stadium
(d) None of these
Explanation: The match took place at Miami Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. The other options are major stadiums in the United States but were not the venue for this specific record-breaking event. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016719/frances-mbappe-becomes-world-cups-all-time-top-scorer, 19 Jul 2026]
#18260
Consider the following statements about the security situation along the Pak-Afghan border in 2026: 1. Pakistani security forces maintained complete control over border areas during the July 19, 2026, engagement. 2. Information Minister Attaullah Tarar reported that over 1,043 operatives had been injured since the launch of Operation Ghazab lil-Haq. 3. The Afghan Taliban used only light infantry weapons during the July 19, 2026, border provocation. 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 3 is incorrect because the Afghan Taliban utilized heavy weapons, mortars, and other arms, not just light infantry weapons. Statements 1 and 2 are factually correct based on official reports. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016755/security-forces-counter-unprovoked-firing-by-afghan-taliban-targeting-kurram-border-posts, 19 Jul 2026]