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.
#18301
The flash floods in Nuristan on July 21, 2026, were primarily caused by which environmental phenomenon?
(a) Tectonic plate shifting
(b) Heavy rainfall and subsequent mudslides
(c) Glacial lake outburst floods
(d) None of these
Explanation: The disaster was triggered by heavy rainfall leading to flash floods and mudslides that brought boulders into the town. While residents compared the sound to an earthquake, it was a hydrological event, not a tectonic one. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017247/afghans-search-for-dozens-missing-some-with-bare-hands-after-devastating-flood-in-nuristan-province, 21 Jul 2026]
#18302
What is the total value of the assistance package announced by Canada for Pakistan on July 21, 2026?
(a) Over $37 million
(b) Over $47 million
(c) Over $57 million
(d) None of these
Explanation: Canada announced a total assistance package exceeding $47 million during the visit of Foreign Minister Anita Anand to Islamabad. This amount is divided into development and security cooperation initiatives. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017175/canada-announces-over-47m-in-assistance, 21 Jul 2026]
#18303
Consider the following statements about the KSE-100 market session on July 21, 2026: 1. The market reached an intraday high of over 178,000 points. 2. Oil and gas exploration companies are expected to post stronger-than-usual results. 3. The market closed lower than its opening value. 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 high was 178,370.45. Statement 2 is correct as analysts cited optimism for oil and gas exploration earnings. Statement 3 is incorrect because the market closed with a gain of 205.83 points, meaning it closed higher than the previous session's close, and the prompt does not state it closed lower than the opening value. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017214/psx-gains-2000-points-during-intraday-trade-as-oil-eases-amid-us-iran-mediation-efforts, 21 Jul 2026]
#18304
Consider the following statements about the fiscal data released in 2026: 1. The government's borrowing from banks in FY26 was higher than in FY25. 2. Debt servicing costs are expected to consume half of the total budget outlay in FY27. 3. The corporate sector's investment in government papers is negligible compared to bank investments. 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 borrowing rose from Rs5.4 trillion to Rs5.9 trillion. Statement 2 is correct regarding the 50 percent budget consumption. Statement 3 is incorrect because the corporate sector accounts for a significant 25 percent of investment in government papers. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017153/govt-borrows-rs59tr-from-banks-in-fy26, 21 Jul 2026]
#18305
What is the total volume of the Sindh provincial budget presented for the fiscal year 2026-27?
(a) Rs2.56 trillion
(b) Rs4.56 trillion
(c) Rs3.56 trillion
(d) Rs5.56 trillion
Explanation: The Sindh Chief Minister presented a budget of Rs3.56 trillion for the upcoming fiscal year. Other options represent incorrect figures that deviate from the official budgetary announcement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2008557/sindh-cm-murad-ali-shah-presents-rs356tr-budget-with-no-new-taxes-7pc-pay-raise, 17 Jun 2026]
#18306
Which organization is responsible for recommending that the US State Department designate India as a 'country of particular concern' in 2026?
(a) Human Rights Watch Executive Board
(b) United Nations Human Rights Council
(c) Amnesty International Global Secretariat
(d) United States Commission on International Religious Freedom
Explanation: The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) is the federal government entity tasked with monitoring religious freedom abroad and providing policy recommendations. Other organizations listed are international NGOs or UN bodies, not US federal commissions. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1998729/us-religious-freedom-commission-calls-for-india-to-be-listed-as-country-of-particular-concern, 08 May 2026]
#18307
Consider the following statements about the Sindh budget for 2026-27: 1. The budget includes the imposition of new taxes to cover the deficit. 2. The allocation for the law and order sector is Rs222 billion. 3. The budget for people with disabilities is fully protected from expenditure rationalization. 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 budget was presented without imposing any new taxes. Statements 2 and 3 are factually accurate as per the budget speech regarding sector allocations and protected expenditures. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2008557/sindh-cm-murad-ali-shah-presents-rs356tr-budget-with-no-new-taxes-7pc-pay-raise, 17 Jun 2026]
#18308
Which of the following statements regarding the status of the Strait of Hormuz as of April 17, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The Strait is open for all commercial vessels for the duration of the ceasefire.
(b) The reopening followed a ceasefire agreement reached in Lebanon.
(c) Iran has agreed to never again use the closure of the Strait as a weapon against the world.
(d) The United States has completely lifted its naval blockade on all ships entering the region.
Explanation: The statement that the US has completely lifted its naval blockade is incorrect; the US explicitly stated that the naval blockade remains in full force and effect specifically for ships sailing to Iranian ports. The other statements accurately reflect the conditions reported on April 17, 2026. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1992627/iran-says-strait-of-hormuz-open-for-commercial-vessels-after-lebanon-deal, 17 Apr 2026]
#18309
What was the specific amount of the proposed increase in the price of high-speed diesel (HSD) that the Prime Minister rejected on March 27, 2026?
(a) Rs 177 per litre
(b) Rs 203 per litre
(c) Rs 95 per litre
(d) Rs 76 per litre
Explanation: The Prime Minister announced the rejection of a Rs 203 per litre increase for HSD on March 27, 2026. The figure of Rs 177 was a previous recommendation rejected a week prior. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1985954/pm-shehbaz-again-rejects-increase-in-petrol-diesel-prices, 27 Mar 2026]
#18310
According to State Bank of Pakistan data, what was the total amount borrowed by the government from banks in the fiscal year 2026?
(a) Rs5.4 trillion
(b) Rs5.9 trillion
(c) Rs8.0 trillion
(d) None of these
Explanation: The government borrowed Rs5.9 trillion from banks in FY26. The figure Rs5.4 trillion represents the borrowing amount from the previous fiscal year, FY25. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017153/govt-borrows-rs59tr-from-banks-in-fy26, 21 Jul 2026]
#18311
On July 21, 2026, which organization deployed volunteers to provide emergency food, water, and tents to flood-affected residents in Nuristan?
(a) Afghan Red Crescent Society
(b) World Food Programme
(c) International Rescue Committee
(d) Doctors Without Borders
Explanation: The Afghan Red Crescent Society confirmed the deployment of dozens of volunteers to assist with immediate humanitarian needs. Other organizations like the WFP or IRC were not cited as the primary responders on the ground in this specific report. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017247/afghans-search-for-dozens-missing-some-with-bare-hands-after-devastating-flood-in-nuristan-province, 21 Jul 2026]
#18312
Consider the following statements about the diplomatic situation in April 2026: 1. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif visited Riyadh, Doha, and Istanbul as part of Pakistan's diplomatic outreach. 2. President Trump claimed that Iran had agreed to abandon its nuclear weapons program. 3. The US-Iran ceasefire was set to expire in early 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 Prime Minister conducted a tour of these cities. Statement 2 is correct as Trump claimed Iran agreed to give up its nuclear program. Statement 3 is incorrect because the ceasefire was set to expire 'next week' from April 16, 2026, not in May. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1992383/trump-says-if-iran-deal-is-reached-and-signed-in-islamabad-i-might-go-there, 16 Apr 2026]
#18313
Match List I (Economic Indicator/Metric) with List II (Status/Value as of May 2026 report): 1. Total disbursements under two arrangements — a. 16 billion dollars 2. Foreign exchange reserves (Dec 2025) — b. 1.32 billion dollars 3. Latest IMF financing approval — c. 4.8 billion dollars 4. Foreign exchange reserves (June 2025) — d. 14.5 billion dollars
(a) 1-c, 2-a, 3-b, 4-d
(b) 1-b, 2-a, 3-c, 4-d
(c) 1-c, 2-d, 3-b, 4-a
(d) 1-a, 2-c, 3-b, 4-d
Explanation: The total disbursements under the EFF and RSF reached $4.8 billion, while the latest approval was $1.32 billion. Reserves grew from $14.5 billion in June 2025 to $16 billion in December 2025. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1998725/imfs-executive-board-approves-12-billion-financing-for-pakistans-reform-programme, 08 May 2026]
#18314
Who led the Iranian delegation during the diplomatic talks held in Islamabad on April 11, 2026?
(a) Ishaq Dar
(b) Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf
(c) Ayaz Sadiq
(d) Mohsin Naqvi
Explanation: Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, the Speaker of the Iranian Parliament, headed the Iranian delegation. Ishaq Dar and Ayaz Sadiq are Pakistani officials who facilitated the talks. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1990743/stepping-stone-toward-durable-peace-pm-shehbaz-meets-us-vp-vance-as-islamabad-talks-commence, 11 Apr 2026]
#18315
Which Pakistani official led a delegation to Tehran in April 2026 as part of the mediation efforts between the US and Iran?
(a) The Foreign Minister
(b) The Chief of Army Staff
(c) The President of Pakistan
(d) None of these
Explanation: Field Marshal Asim Munir, the Chief of Army Staff, led the delegation to Tehran to facilitate the ongoing diplomatic mediation. The other options are incorrect as they do not reflect the specific leadership role mentioned in the diplomatic mission. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1992383/trump-says-if-iran-deal-is-reached-and-signed-in-islamabad-i-might-go-there, 16 Apr 2026]
#18316
On April 17, 2026, which Iranian official announced that the Strait of Hormuz was open for commercial vessels?
(a) Abbas Araqchi
(b) Masoud Pezeshkian
(c) Mohammad Bagheri
(d) None of these
Explanation: Abbas Araqchi, the Iranian Foreign Minister, made the official announcement regarding the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz on April 17, 2026. The other individuals listed are not the Foreign Minister who issued this specific statement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1992627/iran-says-strait-of-hormuz-open-for-commercial-vessels-after-lebanon-deal, 17 Apr 2026]
#18317
Which sector specifically faced selling pressure on July 21, 2026, due to speculation regarding policy delays?
(a) Refinery stocks
(b) Textile manufacturing
(c) Cement production
(d) None of these
Explanation: Refinery stocks experienced significant selling pressure because of market speculation that the long-awaited refinery policy might face further delays. Other sectors like cement and textiles were actually expected to post strong earnings results. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017214/psx-gains-1200-points-during-intraday-trade-as-oil-eases-amid-us-iran-mediation-efforts, 21 Jul 2026]
#18318
Consider the following statements about the astronomical forecast for Eidul Fitr 2026: 1. The Pakistan Meteorological Department predicted that Ramazan would likely last 30 days. 2. The new moon of Shawwal 1447 AH was expected to be born on March 19, 2026. 3. Suparco confirmed that the sighting of the crescent was guaranteed on March 19, 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 provided data. Statement 3 is incorrect because Suparco explicitly stated that the chances of sighting the crescent on March 19 were low, not guaranteed. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980975/eidul-fitr-likely-to-fall-on-march-21-suparco, 11 Mar 2026]
#18319
Which critical maritime chokepoint was identified as the focus of US naval escort operations to ensure the continued flow of oil to global markets in March 2026?
(a) Strait of Malacca
(b) Strait of Hormuz
(c) Bab-el-Mandeb Strait
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Strait of Hormuz is the vital maritime passage mentioned in the context of US naval escort operations aimed at maintaining global energy stability. Other options like the Strait of Malacca are major chokepoints but were not the focus of the reported military activity. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980727/oil-plunges-15pc-amid-hopes-of-de-escalation, 11 Mar 2026]
#18320
Consider the following statements about the geopolitical situation in April 2026: 1. The US-Israeli conflict with Iran commenced in February 2026. 2. The United States prohibited Israel from further bombing in Lebanon. 3. The International Monetary Fund warned that a prolonged conflict could lead to a global recession. 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 conflict began on February 28, 2026, the US issued a prohibition on further Israeli bombing in Lebanon, and the IMF issued warnings regarding the impact of the conflict on global economic growth. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1992627/iran-says-strait-of-hormuz-open-for-commercial-vessels-after-lebanon-deal, 17 Apr 2026]