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.
#18561
Which Pakistani official confirmed the ceasefire deadline as 4:50am PST on April 22, 2026?
(a) Asim Munir
(b) Shehbaz Sharif
(c) Attaullah Tarar
(d) None of these
Explanation: Information Minister Attaullah Tarar provided the specific timing for the ceasefire deadline. While Asim Munir and Shehbaz Sharif were involved in the diplomatic requests to the US, they did not provide this specific technical briefing. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1994127/iran-appreciates-pakistans-efforts-to-mediate-between-tehran-and-washington, 22 Apr 2026]
#18562
On May 6, 2026, Israel conducted an airstrike in Beirut targeting a commander of which specific Hezbollah unit?
(a) Al-Quds Force
(b) Radwan Force
(c) Badr Force
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Israeli military strike in Beirut's southern suburbs specifically targeted a commander associated with the Radwan force. The Al-Quds Force is an external operations unit of the Iranian IRGC, not a Hezbollah unit. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1998133/israel-strikes-beirut-for-the-first-time-since-ceasefire, 06 May 2026]
#18563
In 2026, Pakistan became the 28th permanent member of which international organization?
(a) International Olive Council
(b) International Food Policy Research Institute
(c) World Olive Oil Federation
(d) None of these
Explanation: Pakistan officially joined the International Olive Council in May 2026, becoming the first South Asian country to attain this status. This membership is crucial for aligning domestic production with international quality and trade standards. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018683/harvest-of-hope, 27 Jul 2026]
#18564
Which of the following is NOT a term used by the Pakistani Foreign Office to describe the events at the Al-Aqsa Mosque on April 21, 2026?
(a) Reprehensible
(b) Legitimate security operation
(c) Provocative steps
(d) Blatant violation of international law
Explanation: The Foreign Office condemned the acts as reprehensible and a violation of international law. It did not characterize the event as a legitimate security operation, making the incorrect description. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1993856/reprehensible-pakistan-condemns-storming-of-al-aqsa-mosque-compound-raising-of-israeli-flag-in-its-courtyard, 21 Apr 2026]
#18565
Who are identified as the most frequent perpetrators of gender-based violence in the 2026 report?
(a) Acquaintances and husbands
(b) Strangers and unknown assailants
(c) Law enforcement personnel
(d) Political activists
Explanation: The data indicates that acquaintances and husbands account for a higher number of perpetrators than strangers. This underscores the prevalence of domestic and intimate partner violence. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018677/writing-on-the-wall, 27 Jul 2026]
#18566
Consider the following statements about the 2026 Youth Hockey5s Asian Championship: 1. India successfully defended their title in the tournament. 2. Pakistan's path to the final included a victory over Bangladesh. 3. The tournament was hosted in a city within the United Arab Emirates. 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: India retained the title, and Pakistan did defeat Bangladesh (5-2) during the group stage. However, the tournament was hosted in Muscat, which is in Oman, not the United Arab Emirates. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018608/india-beat-pakistan-to-retain-youth-hockey5s-asian-title, 27 Jul 2026]
#18567
Who is the current Petroleum Minister of Pakistan as of March 2026?
(a) Muhammad Aurangzeb
(b) Ali Pervaiz Malik
(c) Murad Ali Shah
(d) None of these
Explanation: Ali Pervaiz Malik is the Petroleum Minister who briefed provincial leadership on fuel reserves. Muhammad Aurangzeb is the Finance Minister, and Murad Ali Shah is the Chief Minister of Sindh. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979807/three-petrol-shipments-expected-on-monday-petroleum-minister, 08 Mar 2026]
#18568
In the context of the 2026 diplomatic milestones, how many years have passed since the establishment of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China?
(a) 70 years
(b) 75 years
(c) 80 years
(d) 65 years
Explanation: The Chinese Defence Ministry spokesperson noted that the friendship has spanned 75 years since the establishment of formal diplomatic ties. This figure is a specific historical marker cited in the official briefing. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2003567/pakistan-china-agree-to-deepen-military-cooperation-chinese-defense-ministry, 28 May 2026]
#18569
Which of the following statements regarding the diplomatic visit in April 2026 is INCORRECT?
(a) Pakistan acted as a mediator between the Iranian and American delegations.
(b) The Iranian Foreign Minister visited Islamabad to discuss regional peace and stability.
(c) The Iranian delegation confirmed that direct meetings with the US were planned.
(d) The US officials were expected to report back to the White House after their engagements.
Explanation: The Iranian foreign ministry explicitly stated that no direct meetings were planned between the Iranian and US delegations. Therefore, the statement claiming such meetings were planned is incorrect. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1994680/iranian-delegation-led-by-fm-araghchi-lands-in-islamabad-us-officials-to-also-arrive-in-pakistan, 24 Apr 2026]
#18570
The armed attack on police in Serai Naurang on March 8, 2026, was carried out by assailants using which mode of transport?
(a) Motorcycles
(b) Pick-up trucks
(c) Sedan cars
(d) None of these
Explanation: Official reports confirmed that the armed men involved in the firing attack on the police patrol were riding motorcycles. Other vehicles like pick-up trucks are often used in different types of militant operations, but motorcycles were the specific mode identified in this instance. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979866/civilian-killed-cop-injured-as-armed-men-open-fire-on-police-in-kps-lakki-marwat, 08 Mar 2026]
#18571
In which sector of Islamabad were the Aurat March activists detained by the police on March 8, 2026?
(a) Sector F-7
(b) Sector G-7
(c) Sector I-8
(d) Sector F-6
Explanation: The activists were detained near the Super Market located in Sector F-6. Other sectors listed are common residential or commercial areas in Islamabad but were not the site of this specific police action. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979796/dozens-of-aurat-march-activists-participants-detained-by-police-in-islamabad-ahead-of-international-womens-day-rally, 08 Mar 2026]
#18572
Consider the following statements regarding the events of May 27, 2026: 1. The Prime Minister communicated with the service chiefs via telephonic calls. 2. The service chiefs reaffirmed that the armed forces are fully prepared for the defense of the country. 3. The Prime Minister visited the frontline troops in Zhob personally to deliver his message. 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 official communication between the Prime Minister and the service chiefs. Statement 3 is incorrect because it was the Chief of Defence Forces who visited the troops in Zhob, not the Prime Minister. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2003477/pm-shehbaz-extends-eid-greetings-to-armed-forces-chiefs-pays-tribute-to-on-duty-personnel, 27 May 2026]
#18573
Consider the following statements about the joint statement issued on April 23, 2026: 1. The ministers condemned the raising of the Israeli flag within the courtyards of Al-Aqsa Mosque. 2. The statement cited the 2024 advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice regarding illegal settlements. 3. The ministers declared that the Al-Aqsa compound is a place of worship exclusively for Muslims. 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 joint statement. The ministers condemned the flag-raising, referenced the 2024 ICJ advisory opinion, and reiterated the exclusive status of the site for Muslim worship. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1994444/pakistan-7-other-muslim-nations-reject-attempts-to-alter-historic-legal-status-quo-in-jerusalem-at-its-holy-sites, 23 Apr 2026]
#18574
For how many consecutive months has Thailand's factory output experienced a decline as of June 2026?
(a) 18 months
(b) 15 months
(c) 12 months
(d) 24 months
Explanation: The report confirms that Thailand's factory output has been in a state of decline for 18 consecutive months. This reflects a sustained period of industrial contraction. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431970/thai-june-factory-output-falls-31-yy-weaker-than-forecast, 27 Jul 2026]
#18575
In the context of the 2026 conflict, what is the approximate depth of the self-declared security zone Israel has carved out in southern Lebanon?
(a) 5 kilometres
(b) 10 kilometres
(c) 15 kilometres
(d) 20 kilometres
Explanation: Israel has established a security zone extending approximately 10 kilometres into southern Lebanese territory. This zone is intended to mitigate rocket and drone threats from Hezbollah fighters. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1998133/israel-strikes-beirut-for-the-first-time-since-ceasefire, 06 May 2026]
#18576
Who was the captain of the Indian cricket team during the 2026 T20 World Cup final?
(a) Rohit Sharma
(b) Jasprit Bumrah
(c) Suryakumar Yadav
(d) Sanju Samson
Explanation: Suryakumar Yadav served as the captain of the Indian team during the tournament. While Rohit Sharma was present as a former captain, he was not the active leader for this match. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979853/india-crush-new-zealand-to-win-third-t20-world-cup-title, 08 Mar 2026]
#18577
According to the CME’s FedWatch tool, what is the market expectation for the US Federal Reserve's interest rate decision in the meeting following July 27, 2026?
(a) No rate change
(b) A rate cut
(c) A rate hike
(d) A gradual phase-out of rates
Explanation: Market participants priced in a 63.7% probability that the Federal Reserve would maintain flat interest rates. Stable rates are viewed as beneficial for growth-dependent commodities like copper. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431973/copper-gains-on-mideast-de-escalation-oil-price-drop, 27 Jul 2026]
#18578
Who led the Iranian delegation that arrived in Islamabad on April 24, 2026?
(a) Esmaeil Baqaei
(b) Abbas Araghchi
(c) Hossein Amir-Abdollahian
(d) None of these
Explanation: Abbas Araghchi is the Foreign Minister of Iran who led the delegation to Islamabad. Esmaeil Baqaei is the spokesperson for the Iranian foreign ministry, not the head of the delegation. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1994680/iranian-delegation-led-by-fm-araghchi-lands-in-islamabad-us-officials-to-also-arrive-in-pakistan, 24 Apr 2026]
#18579
Which of the following statements regarding the edible oil supply situation in March 2026 is INCORRECT?
(a) The PVMA claims that domestic stocks are sufficient for two months.
(b) The government has imposed a total ban on all edible oil imports.
(c) Local manufacturers currently possess ample supplies of raw materials.
(d) Ongoing import consignments are currently in transit to Pakistan.
Explanation: The statement regarding a total ban on imports is false, as the industry is actively receiving and expecting new consignments to maintain market stability. The other three statements accurately reflect the information provided by the PVMA. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980381/no-shortage-of-edible-oil-pvma, 10 Mar 2026]
#18580
Through which gate did the illegal settlers enter the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound on April 21, 2026?
(a) Jaffa Gate
(b) Mughrabi Gate
(c) Damascus Gate
(d) None of these
Explanation: The report confirms that the settlers forced their way into the site through the Mughrabi Gate under police protection. Other gates listed are historical entrances to the Old City of Jerusalem but were not the site of this specific breach. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1993856/reprehensible-pakistan-condemns-storming-of-al-aqsa-mosque-compound-raising-of-israeli-flag-in-its-courtyard, 21 Apr 2026]