October 2026 Edition

October 2026 Current Affairs MCQs & Solutions

Top national & international current affairs questions for CSS, PMS, FPSC, PPSC, and NTS screening tests.

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#19221

On July 23, 2026, which Pakistani diplomat at the UN Security Council accused India of weaponizing water against Pakistan?

(a) Ansar Shah
(b) Asim Iftikhar Ahmad
(c) Harish Parvathaneni
(d) None of these
Explanation: Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad represented Pakistan during the debate on 'Natural Resources Governance' and raised the issue of water weaponization. Ansar Shah is a first secretary who exercised the right of reply regarding terrorism allegations, while Harish Parvathaneni is the Indian Ambassador. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431428/at-un-pakistan-labels-india-sponsor-of-terrorism-rejects-cross-border-infiltration-claims, 23 Jul 2026]
#19222

Consider the following statements about the National Stabilization Plan 2026–2035: 1. It aims to reduce the population growth rate to 1.25% by 2035. 2. The plan excludes the participation of Azad Jammu and Kashmir leadership. 3. It seeks to increase women's participation in the labour force. 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 regarding the growth rate target. Statement 3 is correct as the plan explicitly includes increasing women's labour force participation. Statement 2 is incorrect because the plan involves the leadership of both Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431434/pm-shehbaz-told-pakistan-aims-to-halve-population-growth-rate-by-2035, 23 Jul 2026]
#19223

In the context of the 2026 UN Security Council debate, what is the approximate population of Pakistan that the envoy claimed is threatened by the weaponization of water?

(a) 150 million
(b) 200 million
(c) 240 million
(d) 300 million
Explanation: The Pakistani envoy stated that the unilateral actions regarding the Indus Waters Treaty threaten the livelihoods and well-being of more than 240 million people. This figure highlights the scale of the humanitarian concern raised by the state. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431428/at-un-pakistan-labels-india-sponsor-of-terrorism-rejects-cross-border-infiltration-claims, 23 Jul 2026]
#19224

Who signed the nuclear cooperation agreements on behalf of the United States in 2026?

(a) Antony Blinken
(b) Chris Wright
(c) Lloyd Austin
(d) Jake Sullivan
Explanation: US Energy Secretary Chris Wright signed the agreements alongside Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman. The other individuals listed hold different cabinet or advisory positions within the US government. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017738/trump-says-us-saudi-nuclear-deal-subject-to-riyadh-joining-abraham-accords, 23 Jul 2026]
#19225

Which international body hosted the 2026 diplomatic exchange between Pakistan and India regarding water governance and terrorism?

(a) United Nations Security Council
(b) International Court of Justice
(c) World Bank
(d) None of these
Explanation: The debate occurred at the United Nations Security Council during a session focused on 'Natural Resources Governance'. While the World Bank brokered the original treaty, the current diplomatic confrontation took place at the UNSC. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431428/at-un-pakistan-labels-india-sponsor-of-terrorism-rejects-cross-border-infiltration-claims, 23 Jul 2026]
#19226

Consider the following statements about the 2026 diplomatic exchange at the UN Security Council: 1. Pakistan rejected Indian allegations of cross-border infiltration as baseless. 2. The Indian Ambassador asserted that cooperation on the Indus Waters Treaty is independent of security concerns. 3. The Pakistani envoy claimed that India is placing the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance. 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 rejected the infiltration claims. Statement 3 is correct as Pakistan accused India of placing the treaty in abeyance. Statement 2 is incorrect because the Indian Ambassador explicitly stated that cooperation cannot be expected when cross-border terrorism is deployed. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431428/at-un-pakistan-labels-india-sponsor-of-terrorism-rejects-cross-border-infiltration-claims, 23 Jul 2026]
#19227

Which of the following represents the correct chronological order of the following developments as reported or cited on July 29, 2026? I. Pakistan Meteorological Department issues alert for fresh monsoon spell starting July 29. II. Prime Minister congratulates PML-N leadership on AJK election results. III. US Senate confirms Jay Clayton as Trump intelligence chief. IV. Fatima Zahra secures a boxing medal at the Commonwealth Games.

(a) I, II, III, IV
(b) IV, I, II, III
(c) II, IV, III, I
(d) III, I, IV, II
Explanation: Based on the internal context of historical records associated with the events reported on July 29, 2026, the chronological order of these developments, when considering their respective occurrences leading up to the report, follows the sequence: the sports achievement (IV), the weather alert (I), the election results announcement (II), and the senate confirmation (III). [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2019100/fatima-zahra-becomes-first-pakistan-woman-boxer-to-secure-commonwealth-games-boxing-medal]
#19228

Consider the following statements about the PDMA Sindh monsoon alert issued in July 2026: 1. The alert covers the entire province of Sindh. 2. Heavy rainfall is expected in districts including Hyderabad and Badin. 3. The forecast includes the possibility of lightning and damage to solar panels. 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 PDMA alert: it is a province-wide directive, it identifies specific districts like Hyderabad and Badin for heavy rain, and it warns of risks to infrastructure such as solar panels and electricity poles due to lightning and wind. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431451/pdma-sindh-issues-province-wide-alert-as-heavy-monsoon-rains-expected-till-july-25, 23 Jul 2026]
#19229

Which of the following is NOT a stated focus area of the comprehensive agricultural policy plan discussed on March 11, 2026?

(a) Climate-resilient agriculture
(b) Mandatory conversion of all land to organic farming
(c) Value addition in agricultural products
(d) Commercialization of research and development
Explanation: The forum focused on climate resilience, value addition, and the commercialization of research. There was no mention of a mandatory conversion to organic farming, making this the incorrect statement. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40411256/comprehensive-plan-to-devise-crop-wise-agricultural-policy, 11 Mar 2026]
#19230

In which two districts of Balochistan were the intelligence-based operations conducted on July 23, 2026?

(a) Quetta and Chaman
(b) Surab and Mastung
(c) Gwadar and Turbat
(d) Khuzdar and Kalat
Explanation: The ISPR confirmed that the intelligence-based operations were specifically targeted at terrorist hideouts located in the Surab and Mastung districts. Other districts listed are common areas of security concern but were not the sites of this specific operation. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431351/balochistan-ibos-10-terrorists-killed-two-female-suicide-bombers-held, 23 Jul 2026]
#19231

Which of the following is NOT a challenge highlighted by the Deputy Prime Minister during the 2026 ASEAN Regional Forum meeting?

(a) The Kashmir dispute
(b) The Indus Waters Treaty status
(c) The expansion of the European Union
(d) The humanitarian crisis in Gaza
Explanation: The Deputy Prime Minister specifically addressed the Kashmir dispute, the IWT, and the Gaza crisis as key challenges. The expansion of the European Union was not mentioned as a threat to peaceful coexistence in his address. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017794/kashmir-iwt-among-key-global-challenges-threatening-peaceful-coexistence-dar-tells-asean-moot, 23 Jul 2026]
#19232

On March 11, 2026, which Iranian official stated that negotiations with the United States were no longer on the agenda?

(a) Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf
(b) Abbas Araghchi
(c) Eyal Zamir
(d) None of these
Explanation: Abbas Araghchi, serving as the Iranian Foreign Minister, explicitly ruled out negotiations with the United States during an interview with PBS News. Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf is the parliamentary speaker who focused on retaliatory threats rather than diplomatic agendas. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980759/iran-vows-to-keep-hormuz-strait-blocked-as-long-as-war-continues, 11 Mar 2026]
#19233

Who represented Pakistan at the 33rd Ministerial Meeting of the ASEAN Regional Forum in 2026?

(a) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari
(b) Shah Mahmood Qureshi
(c) Ishaq Dar
(d) None of these
Explanation: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar led the Pakistani delegation at the ARF meeting in Manila. The other individuals listed did not hold this specific office during the July 2026 event. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017794/kashmir-iwt-among-key-global-challenges-threatening-peaceful-coexistence-dar-tells-asean-moot, 23 Jul 2026]
#19234

The counterterrorism campaign mentioned in the context of the July 2026 operations is known as:

(a) Zarb-e-Azb
(b) Radd-ul-Fasaad
(c) Operation Khyber
(d) Azm-e-Istehkam
Explanation: The ISPR stated that the ongoing counterterrorism efforts are being conducted under the Azm-e-Istehkam vision. Zarb-e-Azb and Radd-ul-Fasaad were previous military operations. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431351/balochistan-ibos-10-terrorists-killed-two-female-suicide-bombers-held, 23 Jul 2026]
#19235

Consider the following statements about the conflict as of March 11, 2026: 1. The US administration has expressed consistent and unified messaging regarding potential talks with Tehran. 2. Iranian parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has decreed a policy of 'an eye for an eye' in response to strikes. 3. The US has requested that Israel avoid targeting Iranian energy infrastructure to prevent regional economic instability. 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 US has been sending 'mixed signals,' with the President suggesting talks while the Pentagon chief vows to ramp up strikes. Statements 2 and 3 are factually accurate based on the reported events. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980759/iran-vows-to-keep-hormuz-strait-blocked-as-long-as-war-continues, 11 Mar 2026]
#19236

Which body approved the vision under which the July 2026 counterterrorism operations are being conducted?

(a) Federal Apex Committee on the National Action Plan
(b) National Security Council
(c) Parliamentary Committee on Defence
(d) Provincial Apex Committee of Balochistan
Explanation: The military confirmed that the Azm-e-Istehkam vision was approved by the Federal Apex Committee on the National Action Plan. This committee serves as the primary executive authority for national counterterrorism policy. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431351/balochistan-ibos-10-terrorists-killed-two-female-suicide-bombers-held, 23 Jul 2026]
#19237

According to the statement issued on July 23, 2026, what is considered essential for achieving lasting peace in Balochistan?

(a) Immediate withdrawal of federal administrative control
(b) Sustained efforts by security forces and public support
(c) Complete privatization of all natural resources
(d) Exclusive reliance on international peacekeeping forces
Explanation: The Chief of Defence Forces emphasized that peace in Balochistan is contingent upon the combined efforts of security agencies and the support of the local population. Other options are not part of the official security policy framework mentioned. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431473/field-marshal-munir-vows-to-continue-operations-against-terrorists-in-balochistan, 23 Jul 2026]
#19238

Which of the following is NOT an investment avenue proposed by SEBI for portfolio managers in the July 2026 consultation paper?

(a) Direct real estate development
(b) Overseas listed debt
(c) Unlisted debt
(d) Overseas listed equity
Explanation: SEBI proposed allowing investments in overseas listed equity, overseas listed debt, and unlisted debt. Direct real estate development is not included in the proposed expansion of investment avenues for portfolio managers. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431463/indias-sebi-proposes-allowing-portfolio-managers-to-invest-overseas-in-to-be-listed-securities, 23 Jul 2026]
#19239

Which financial institution in the United Arab Emirates reported a net profit of 5.72 billion dirhams for the second quarter of 2026?

(a) Emirates NBD
(b) First Abu Dhabi Bank
(c) Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank
(d) None of these
Explanation: First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) reported a net profit of 5.72 billion dirhams for the quarter ending June 30, 2026. Emirates NBD and Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank are also major lenders in the region but did not report this specific profit figure. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431470/most-gulf-markets-gain-on-quarterly-earnings-but-geopolitical-risks-limit-upside, 23 Jul 2026]
#19240

Which of the following statements regarding India's e-commerce policy as of July 23, 2026, is INCORRECT?

(a) Foreign e-commerce companies are permitted to operate as marketplaces to connect buyers and sellers
(b) Foreign e-commerce companies are now fully permitted to sell goods directly to domestic consumers
(c) The government aims to facilitate greater exports through increased access to global markets
(d) Policy restrictions on foreign e-commerce have been a point of contention between New Delhi and Washington
Explanation: The government continues to prohibit foreign e-commerce companies from selling goods directly to domestic consumers to protect local brick-and-mortar retailers. Therefore, statement C is false. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431461/india-relaxes-e-commerce-investment-rules-for-exports-in-win-for-amazon, 23 Jul 2026]