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.
#18841
Which Iranian official serves as the secretary of the Supreme National Security Council and attended the Quds Day rally in Tehran on March 13, 2026?
(a) Masoud Pezeshkian
(b) Abbas Araghchi
(c) Ali Larijani
(d) Esmaeil Baqaei
Explanation: Ali Larijani is the secretary of the Supreme National Security Council who addressed the rally. Masoud Pezeshkian is the President, and Abbas Araghchi is the Foreign Minister, making them incorrect choices. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981719/deadly-blast-rocks-iran-as-leaders-rally-in-show-of-defiance, 13 Mar 2026]
#18842
Which international organization issued a formal condemnation regarding the assault on the CNN crew in the occupied West Bank on 2026-03-28?
(a) Reporters Without Borders
(b) Foreign Press Association
(c) Committee to Protect Journalists
(d) International Federation of Journalists
Explanation: The Foreign Press Association (FPA) issued the statement condemning the violent assault on the CNN crew. While other organizations like Reporters Without Borders also monitor press freedom, the FPA is the specific body cited in the report as representing journalists in the region. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1986328/foreign-media-association-slams-israeli-forces-assault-on-cnn-crew-in-occupied-west-bank, 28 Mar 2026]
#18843
Consider the following statements about the strategic discourse between Pakistan and India as of April 2, 2026: 1. Pakistan maintains that its defensive preparedness is absolute and calibrated. 2. The Pahalgam incident was characterized by Pakistan as a staged false flag operation. 3. India has provided conclusive evidence linking Pakistan to the Pahalgam incident. 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 reflects the official stance on defensive resolve. Statement 2 is correct as Pakistan explicitly labeled the incident a staged false flag. Statement 3 is incorrect because Pakistan has consistently maintained that India failed to provide any evidence for its allegations. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1987848/space-for-war-between-two-nuclear-states-inconceivable-asif-reminds-indian-counterpart, 02 Apr 2026]
#18844
Which regulatory body conducted the public hearing regarding the unavailability of LNG supplies on March 31, 2026?
(a) National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA)
(b) Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA)
(c) Private Power and Infrastructure Board (PPIB)
(d) None of these
Explanation: The hearing regarding the fuel supply situation and power generation constraints was held by the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA). [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1987262/lng-supplies-under-force-majeure-not-available-for-power-generation-say-officials, 31 Mar 2026]
#18845
Which of the following statements regarding the Quetta train bombing on May 24, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The incident resulted in zero civilian casualties.
(b) The shuttle train was traveling from Quetta Cantonment to the railway station.
(c) The attack involved a vehicle-borne suicide bomber.
(d) An emergency was declared in all major government hospitals in Quetta.
Explanation: The statement that there were zero civilian casualties is false, as the majority of the 14 victims were civilians, including pedestrians and passengers. The other statements accurately reflect the details of the event. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2002744/at-least-14-killed-20-injured-in-suicide-bombing-targeting-shuttle-train-in-quetta-balochistan-govt, 24 May 2026]
#18846
Which of the following statements regarding the 2026 Tezgam Express incident is INCORRECT?
(a) The incident occurred near Lodhran in Punjab.
(b) The Minister attributed the cause to mechanical and human error.
(c) The train was completely destroyed and abandoned at the site.
(d) An official inquiry into the derailment has been ordered.
Explanation: Option C is incorrect because the train was not abandoned; it was later dispatched to Karachi in a five-coach configuration. The other statements accurately reflect the details provided in the report. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1985160/railways-minister-says-tezgam-express-derailment-likely-due-to-mechanical-and-human-error, 25 Mar 2026]
#18847
In the context of the 2026 health reports, where is the spouse of the PTI founder currently incarcerated?
(a) Kot Lakhpat Jail
(b) Adiala Jail
(c) Central Jail Karachi
(d) Haripur Jail
Explanation: The reports regarding the health of Bushra Bibi explicitly mention that the document concerning her condition originated from the medical officer at Adiala jail. Adiala jail is the primary facility where the PTI leadership is currently detained. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1986585/pti-concerned-over-reports-about-bushra-bibis-health-demands-she-be-taken-to-hospital-for-diagnosis-treatment, 29 Mar 2026]
#18848
Who is the current US Secretary of Defense as of May 30, 2026?
(a) Marco Rubio
(b) Tulsi Gabbard
(c) Pete Hegseth
(d) None of these
Explanation: Pete Hegseth is the serving US Secretary of Defense. Marco Rubio serves as the US Secretary of State, and Tulsi Gabbard is the former director of national intelligence. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2003936/us-pakistan-developing-true-friendship-hegseth-hails-islamabads-role-in-us-iran-negotiations, 30 May 2026]
#18849
Consider the following statements about the 2026 Tezgam Express derailment: 1. The incident resulted in zero fatalities among the passengers. 2. The train was traveling toward Lahore at the time of the derailment. 3. The Divisional Superintendent of Multan announced strict action against negligent officials. 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 were no casualties. Statement 3 is correct regarding the DS Multan's announcement. Statement 2 is incorrect because the train was Karachi-bound, not Lahore-bound. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1985160/railways-minister-says-tezgam-express-derailment-likely-due-to-mechanical-and-human-error, 25 Mar 2026]
#18850
Consider the following statements about the EU-Pakistan GSP+ status: 1. It was initially granted to Pakistan in 2014. 2. It allows Pakistan to enjoy duty-free or minimum duty on exports to the EU. 3. The European Parliament voted to extend the status until 2027 in October 2023. 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: the status was granted in 2014, it provides significant tariff concessions, and the extension until 2027 was confirmed by the European Parliament in October 2023. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2003965/eus-top-diplomat-kallas-to-visit-islamabad-on-june-1-for-strategic-dialogue, 30 May 2026]
#18851
Who is the current Federal Minister for Railways as of 2026?
(a) Hanif Abbasi
(b) Muhammad Hanif Gul
(c) Tariq Khan
(d) None of these
Explanation: Hanif Abbasi is the Federal Minister for Railways who addressed the press regarding the Tezgam Express incident. Muhammad Hanif Gul is the Divisional Superintendent of Multan, and Tariq Khan is the train driver. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1985160/railways-minister-says-tezgam-express-derailment-likely-due-to-mechanical-and-human-error, 25 Mar 2026]
#18852
Which of the following statements regarding the conflict events on March 13, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) Explosions occurred in Tehran near a pro-government rally.
(b) Iran launched a fresh salvo of missiles at Israel.
(c) The head of the judiciary was interviewed during a blast.
(d) The US military confirmed the capture of Tehran's central square.
Explanation: There is no report of the US military capturing Tehran's central square. The other three options are explicitly mentioned as occurring on that day. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981719/deadly-blast-rocks-iran-as-leaders-rally-in-show-of-defiance, 13 Mar 2026]
#18853
Consider the following statements about the conflict developments as of March 13, 2026: 1. The US Defence Secretary stated that over 15,000 targets have been struck since the war began. 2. Sirens were reported at Turkey's Incirlik airbase, a facility housing US troops. 3. Iran's Revolutionary Guards have promised to welcome all anti-government protests to foster national unity. 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 Revolutionary Guards warned that protests would be met with a stronger response, not welcomed. Statements 1 and 2 are factually accurate based on the report. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981719/deadly-blast-rocks-iran-as-leaders-rally-in-show-of-defiance, 13 Mar 2026]
#18854
Consider the following statements about the security incidents in Bannu: 1. A suicide car bomb attack occurred at the Domel Police Station in April 2026. 2. Terrorists have utilized quadcopters to drop explosives on police stations in the district. 3. The July 15, 2026, attack resulted in zero injuries to police personnel. 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 Domel attack occurred in April 2026. Statement 2 is correct as quadcopter attacks have been reported in Bannu. Statement 3 is incorrect because the report confirms that a police official was among the injured. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2015690/at-least-5-injured-including-police-official-in-attack-on-bannu-police-station, 15 Jul 2026]
#18855
Consider the following statements about the security and operational status of the Saindak mine: 1. The government of Pakistan received security concerns from the mine operator in early July 2026. 2. China's foreign ministry stated it was fully aware of the specific security disruptions at the mine site. 3. Operation Shaban is a high-intensity counterterrorism campaign launched in response to attacks in Balochistan. 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 government received concerns in early July. Statement 3 is correct regarding the nature of Operation Shaban. Statement 2 is incorrect because China's foreign ministry stated it was unaware of the specific situation at the mine. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2015683/authorities-increasing-security-around-saindak-copper-and-gold-mine-in-balochistan-minister, 15 Jul 2026]
#18856
Which of the following statements regarding the 2026 election security claims made by Donald Trump is INCORRECT?
(a) He stated that the 2020 election results were verified as accurate by his own Justice Department.
(b) He alleged that China carried out the largest compromise of election data in history.
(c) He claimed that over 250,000 non-US citizens were registered to vote in four states.
(d) He suggested that media organizations involved in the alleged plot should face license revocation.
Explanation: Trump has consistently maintained that the 2020 election was rigged, whereas his own Justice Department and numerous audits found no evidence of fraud. Therefore, stating that he acknowledged the Justice Department's verification of the 2020 results is factually false. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016135/trump-revives-sweeping-election-fraud-claims-ahead-of-us-midterms-accuses-china-of-meddling, 17 Jul 2026]
#18857
Consider the following statements about the diplomatic developments mentioned on May 30, 2026: 1. Pakistan served as the official interlocutor between Washington and Tehran. 2. The US Secretary of Defense expressed concerns that Pakistan's missile capabilities are currently a direct threat to the US. 3. The US President has referred to the Pakistani Army Chief as his 'favourite field marshal'. 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 Pakistan acted as the interlocutor. Statement 3 is correct as the US President used that specific phrasing. Statement 2 is incorrect because the Secretary of Defense explicitly stated that the US is not calling either country a threat to them at this time. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2003936/us-pakistan-developing-true-friendship-hegseth-hails-islamabads-role-in-us-iran-negotiations, 30 May 2026]
#18858
According to the PMD advisory issued on July 17, 2026, which weather system is expected to approach the upper parts of Pakistan on July 20, 2026?
(a) Tropical cyclone
(b) Westerly disturbance
(c) Heatwave front
(d) None of these
Explanation: The PMD advisory explicitly mentions that a westerly disturbance is expected to approach the upper parts of the country on July 20, 2026. This system, combined with monsoon currents from the Arabian Sea, is driving the widespread rain forecast. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016176/pmd-forecasts-widespread-rain-thunderstorms-across-country-until-july-25, 17 Jul 2026]
#18859
Who issued the official statement on behalf of the Pakistani Foreign Office rejecting India's comments on March 28, 2026?
(a) Asim Munir
(b) Tahir Andrabi
(c) Randhir Jaiswal
(d) S. Jaishankar
Explanation: Tahir Andrabi is the Foreign Office spokesperson who issued the rebuttal to the Indian Ministry of External Affairs. Randhir Jaiswal is the spokesperson for the Indian Ministry of External Affairs, while S. Jaishankar is the Indian External Affairs Minister. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1986308/exercise-in-deflection-masquerading-as-concern-fo-rejects-indias-comments-on-pakistans-shia-community, 28 Mar 2026]
#18860
Which of the following statements regarding the conduct of the Israeli soldiers during the 2026-03-28 incident is INCORRECT?
(a) The soldiers pointed their rifles at the journalists and civilians present.
(b) The soldiers attempted to prevent the crew from filming the scene.
(c) The soldiers threatened to confiscate the camera equipment.
(d) The soldiers immediately facilitated the crew's access to the illegal outpost.
Explanation: The soldiers actively obstructed the journalists and threatened them, rather than facilitating their access. The other three options accurately describe the aggressive actions taken by the military personnel as reported. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1986328/foreign-media-association-slams-israeli-forces-assault-on-cnn-crew-in-occupied-west-bank, 28 Mar 2026]