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.
#18901
Consider the following statements about the 276th Corps Commanders' Conference held on July 6, 2026: 1. The forum expressed concern over the use of Afghan territory by Indian-sponsored terrorist groups. 2. The military leadership emphasized that regional stability depends on the Kashmiri people's right to self-determination. 3. The conference was presided over by the Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of the Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir. 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 based on the official ISPR statement regarding the conference. The forum addressed Afghan-based threats, the Kashmir cause, and was led by the specified military leadership. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2013406/army-top-brass-affirms-commitment-to-take-all-measures-necessary-to-ensure-availability-of-pakistans-water-share, 06 Jul 2026]
#18902
Consider the following statements about the political transition in Gaza as of July 2026: 1. Hamas has officially dissolved its government emergency committee to facilitate the transition to the NCAG. 2. The NCAG has been operating from within Gaza City for the past six months. 3. The issue of Hamas's disarmament remains a primary unresolved obstacle to the peace process. 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 dissolution was announced on July 6, 2026. Statement 2 is incorrect because the NCAG has remained based outside of Gaza for months due to Israeli objections. Statement 3 is correct as disarmament remains the central point of contention stalling the second phase of the ceasefire. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2013378/hamas-announces-dissolution-of-gaza-governing-body, 06 Jul 2026]
#18903
Which of the following statements regarding the diplomatic outreach by Pakistan in March 2026 is INCORRECT?
(a) The Prime Minister expressed solidarity with the Iranian people.
(b) The Prime Minister officially declared war on the United States.
(c) The Prime Minister offered condolences for the loss of lives.
(d) The Prime Minister advocated for a return to dialogue and diplomacy.
Explanation: Pakistan maintained a stance of facilitating peace and de-escalation, not declaring war. The other three statements accurately reflect the content of the Prime Minister's official communication. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1984609/in-phone-call-with-pezeshkian-pm-stresses-urgent-need-for-collective-efforts-for-de-escalation-in-mideast, 23 Mar 2026]
#18904
The temporary US waiver issued in March 2026 was intended to facilitate the sale of which specific commodity to India?
(a) Natural gas
(b) Refined petroleum products
(c) Russian oil stranded at sea
(d) None of these
Explanation: The US waiver was specifically designed to allow Russian oil that was stranded at sea to be sold to India. This was a temporary measure in response to the broader energy market disruptions. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979646/new-delhi-continues-importing-russian-oil, 08 Mar 2026]
#18905
On March 23, 2026, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a telephone conversation with which Iranian leader to discuss regional de-escalation?
(a) Ebrahim Raisi
(b) Masoud Pezeshkian
(c) Ali Khamenei
(d) None of these
Explanation: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif spoke with President Masoud Pezeshkian on March 23, 2026, to address the ongoing hostilities in the Middle East. Ebrahim Raisi is a former president, and Ali Khamenei was the supreme leader who passed away during the conflict. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1984609/in-phone-call-with-pezeshkian-pm-stresses-urgent-need-for-collective-efforts-for-de-escalation-in-mideast, 23 Mar 2026]
#18906
Who is the current US Special Envoy to the Middle East involved in the 2026 diplomatic mediation efforts?
(a) Steve Witkoff
(b) Amos Hochstein
(c) Brett McGurk
(d) None of these
Explanation: Steve Witkoff is the US Special Envoy to the Middle East mentioned in the context of the 2026 back-channel communications. The other names are common distractors associated with previous US diplomatic roles in the region. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1984640/pakistan-egypt-turkiye-engaged-in-back-channel-diplomacy-for-us-iran-de-escalation-sources, 23 Mar 2026]
#18907
Consider the following statements about the 2026 diplomatic mediation efforts: 1. The mediation is described as a 'strategic synergy' between Ankara, Cairo, and Islamabad. 2. The conflict in the Middle East was triggered by attacks that resulted in the assassination of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. 3. Pakistan is leveraging its position to act as a 'net regional stabilizer'. 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 mediation is a tripartite effort, the conflict involved the assassination of the supreme leader, and Pakistan is positioning itself as a regional stabilizer. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1984640/pakistan-egypt-turkiye-engaged-in-back-channel-diplomacy-for-us-iran-de-escalation-sources, 23 Mar 2026]
#18908
Consider the following statements about the political developments involving MQM-P in March 2026: 1. The MQM-P leadership views constitutional reform as a national security necessity. 2. Kamran Tessori was removed as the Governor of Sindh without prior consultation with the MQM-P. 3. The proposed 28th Amendment is primarily aimed at increasing the number of federal ministries. 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 accurate based on the party's public stance and the circumstances of the governor's removal. Statement 3 is incorrect because the amendment is focused on local government empowerment and participatory democracy, not the expansion of federal ministries. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1985186/mqm-p-calls-for-revisiting-proposed-28th-amendment-transforming-feudal-democracy-into-participatory-democracy, 25 Mar 2026]
#18909
Consider the following statements about the current status of Pakistan's power sector negotiations: 1. Negotiations with CPEC-related power producers have resulted in significant tariff reductions as of May 2026. 2. The government is constrained by government-to-government frameworks when renegotiating CPEC energy contracts. 3. The government has successfully reduced the budgeted power sector subsidy from Rs1.287 trillion to Rs890 billion for the current year. 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 minister stated there has been 'no sufficient outcome' regarding CPEC-related negotiations. Statements 2 and 3 are factually accurate based on the minister's briefing regarding the framework constraints and the reduction in subsidy figures. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2004161/no-sufficient-outcome-yet-of-talks-to-secure-discounts-from-chinese-power-producers-leghari, 31 May 2026]
#18910
Which of the following statements regarding the June 28, 2026, Karachi attack is INCORRECT?
(a) Three terrorists were killed during the retaliatory action by security forces.
(b) The apprehended terrorist claimed he was trained in Iran.
(c) The attack was carried out by the proscribed group Jamaatul Ahrar.
(d) Three security personnel were martyred during the exchange of fire.
Explanation: The apprehended terrorist explicitly stated he was trained in Afghanistan, not Iran. The other three statements are factually accurate according to the ISPR and security reports regarding the incident. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2011436/terrorist-involved-in-rangers-camp-attack-in-karachi-reveals-he-was-trained-in-afghanistan, 28 Jun 2026]
#18911
What is the total value of financial irregularities identified by the Auditor General of Pakistan in the Ministry of National Health Services as of June 2026?
(a) Rs1.48 billion
(b) Rs2.84 billion
(c) Rs3.41 billion
(d) Rs4.12 billion
Explanation: The audit report explicitly identifies irregularities amounting to Rs3.41 billion within the health sector. Other figures, such as Rs1.48 billion, refer to specific sub-categories like bank account management irregularities. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2010834/audit-report-identifies-rs341bn-worth-of-irregularities-in-health-sector, 25 Jun 2026]
#18912
The magnitude of the two major tremors that struck Venezuela in June 2026 were:
(a) 7.2 and 7.5
(b) 7.0 and 7.3
(c) 6.5 and 6.8
(d) 7.8 and 8.1
Explanation: The earthquakes were recorded at magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5. These are considered among the most significant seismic events in modern Latin American history. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2010996/death-toll-from-venezuela-earthquake-rises-to-920-as-foreign-rescue-teams-start-arriving, 26 Jun 2026]
#18913
Which of the following is NOT a stated objective or outcome of the June 2026 Burgenstock talks?
(a) Establishment of a high-level committee for political oversight
(b) Immediate and permanent lifting of all global sanctions on Iran
(c) Creation of a communication line to avoid incidents in the Strait of Hormuz
(d) Formation of working groups focused on nuclear and sanctions issues
Explanation: While the talks addressed sanctions and nuclear issues through working groups, there was no agreement for the immediate and permanent lifting of all global sanctions. The other options are explicitly mentioned as outcomes of the summit. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2009504/pm-shehbaz-cdf-asim-munir-depart-for-switzerland-to-attend-iran-us-talks, 20 Jun 2026]
#18914
Consider the following statements about the security arrangements for Ashura 2026: 1. In Sindh, approximately 60,000 police and Rangers personnel were deployed for security. 2. Section 144 was imposed in the Rawalpindi district to maintain public order. 3. The Karachi police chief stated that mobile and internet services would remain fully operational throughout the 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: Statement 1 is correct as the Sindh Chief Minister confirmed the deployment of 60,000 personnel. Statement 2 is correct as Section 144 was imposed in Rawalpindi. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Karachi police chief explicitly stated that mobile and internet services would likely be suspended along the procession route. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2011005/ashura-processions-conclude-peacefully-countrywide-amid-strict-security, 26 Jun 2026]
#18915
Consider the following statements about the 2026 Venezuela earthquake disaster: 1. The earthquakes occurred approximately 160 kilometres west of Caracas. 2. Over 50,000 people were reported missing in the aftermath of the tremors. 3. The government successfully utilized heavy machinery in all affected regions immediately after the disaster. 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 report. Statement 3 is incorrect because residents specifically decried the lack of state help and the absence of proper equipment and machinery to extract victims from the rubble. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2010996/death-toll-from-venezuela-earthquake-rises-to-920-as-foreign-rescue-teams-start-arriving, 26 Jun 2026]
#18916
On July 10, 2026, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a telephone conversation regarding regional stability with which Iranian leader?
(a) Ayatollah Ali Khamenei
(b) Masoud Pezeshkian
(c) Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei
(d) None of these
Explanation: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif spoke with President Masoud Pezeshkian to express concern over the escalation of hostilities. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is the late supreme leader, while Mojtaba Khamenei is the current supreme leader, making them incorrect in the context of the presidential call. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2014422/pm-shehbaz-calls-on-iran-other-parties-not-to-jeopardise-hard-earned-peace-gains, 10 Jul 2026]
#18917
Which of the following statements regarding the security situation in Balochistan in July 2026 is INCORRECT?
(a) The military spokesperson identified India as a source of support for the terrorists.
(b) The security operations in Balochistan are conducted solely by the Balochistan Police.
(c) The Provincial Apex Committee meeting was attended by the Chief of the Army Staff.
(d) A terrorist attack in the Zedi area of Khuzdar district was foiled on July 10, 2026.
Explanation: The statement that operations are conducted solely by the Balochistan Police is incorrect because the operations are joint efforts involving the Pakistan Army, Frontier Corps, and the Balochistan Police. The other statements are factually accurate based on the reports. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2014419/75-terrorists-killed-in-balochistan-since-july-5-says-cm-bugti, 10 Jul 2026]
#18918
How much financial aid did the United States pledge to Venezuela following the June 2026 earthquake disaster?
(a) 50 million dollars
(b) 100 million dollars
(c) 200 million dollars
(d) 150 million dollars
Explanation: The United States government mobilized $150 million in aid to support relief efforts. This was accompanied by a temporary easing of sanctions to ensure the aid could reach the affected population. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2010996/death-toll-from-venezuela-earthquake-rises-to-920-as-foreign-rescue-teams-start-arriving, 26 Jun 2026]
#18919
Who led the PPP Sindh chapter rally in Hyderabad on July 12, 2026?
(a) Tariq Shah Jamot
(b) Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari
(c) Nisar Ahmed Khuhro
(d) Ajiz Dhamra
Explanation: Nisar Ahmed Khuhro, the PPP Sindh chapter president, led the rally from Shahbaz Building Chowk to the local press club in Hyderabad on July 12, 2026. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2014901/we-will-not-give-up-indus-ppp-holds-sindh-wide-rallies-condemning-indias-threats-to-pakistans-water-share, 12 Jul 2026]
#18920
What was the total financial penalty imposed by PEMRA on Geo News in the 2026 regulatory order?
(a) Rs 5 million
(b) Rs 10 million
(c) Rs 15 million
(d) None of these
Explanation: The authority mandated a fine of Rs 10 million as part of the disciplinary action for the regulatory violation. This fine was a prerequisite for the resumption of transmission. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2014653/geo-news-resumes-transmission-after-15-day-suspension-warned-of-licence-cancellation-over-future-violations, 11 Jul 2026]