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.
#19921
The primary site of the 2026 protests mentioned in the context of Indian democratic expression is:
(a) Jantar Mantar
(b) India Gate
(c) Red Fort
(d) Raj Ghat
Explanation: Jantar Mantar is identified as the central location where the student protests took place. The other locations are historical landmarks in Delhi but were not the focal point of this specific agitation. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018933/well-begun-is-half-done, 28 Jul 2026]
#19922
The report published on 2026-07-28 advocates for the integration of which of the following into a single national strategy?
(a) Maritime security, industrial policy, and water management
(b) Space exploration, telecommunications, and water management
(c) Water management, agriculture, and urban planning
(d) Public health, education, and water management
Explanation: The strategy emphasizes a holistic approach that combines water management, agricultural reform, urban planning, climate resilience, and water diplomacy. This integration is essential to address the multifaceted nature of the water crisis. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018921/water-policy, 28 Jul 2026]
#19923
Consider the following statements about the market events of March 9, 2026: 1. The KSE-100 index experienced a decline of 6.99 percent. 2. Trading was halted at 9:20am due to regulatory triggers. 3. The market recovered fully to its previous close before the end of the session. 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 the index fell by 6.99 percent and the halt occurred at 9:20am. Statement 3 is incorrect because the market remained deep in the red at the closing bell despite a brief recovery attempt. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980057/bloodbath-at-psx-as-kse-100-slides-over-11000-points, 09 Mar 2026]
#19924
Consider the following statements about the security situation in Toronto as of July 28, 2026: 1. The shooting on July 28, 2026, was the first such incident at the US Consulate in the current year. 2. Police reported that gunshots were also fired at synagogues in the Toronto area prior to the July incident. 3. The US Consulate is located in the downtown area of Canada's largest 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 incorrect because there was a previous shooting at the same building in March 2026. Statements 2 and 3 are factually accurate based on the provided information. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018887/shot-fired-outside-us-consulate-in-toronto, 28 Jul 2026]
#19925
Who was appointed as the new Supreme Leader of Iran by the Assembly of Experts in March 2026?
(a) Ebrahim Raisi
(b) Mojtaba Khamenei
(c) Hassan Rouhani
(d) Ali Khamenei
Explanation: Mojtaba Khamenei was named the new Supreme Leader following the assassination of his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The other options represent former leaders or figures who were not appointed to this specific position in 2026. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980562/in-letter-to-mojtaba-khamenei-pm-shehbaz-reaffirms-commitment-to-continue-to-work-closely-with-iran, 10 Mar 2026]
#19926
Consider the following statements about the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) movement: 1. The movement was launched in May 2026. 2. The movement initially focused exclusively on unemployment issues. 3. The movement organized protests in New Delhi near the Jantar Mantar site. 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 movement began in May 2026. Statement 2 is incorrect because the movement initially focused on exam paper leaks and judicial remarks, only later broadening its agenda to include unemployment. Statement 3 is correct as Jantar Mantar was the site of the march toward parliament. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018741/indias-cockroach-janta-party-demands-release-of-protesters-after-reports-of-detention, 27 Jul 2026]
#19927
Which of the following statements regarding the 2026 5G spectrum auction is INCORRECT?
(a) Three telecom companies participated in the bidding process.
(b) The auction included the 3500 MHz frequency band.
(c) Jazz announced plans for 5G test trials at 180 towers.
(d) The government offered a total of 1000 MHz for auction.
Explanation: The government did not offer 1000 MHz; the total spectrum sold was 480 MHz, and the initial offering was significantly lower than 1000 MHz. The other statements are factually accurate based on the auction results. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980473/faster-cheaper-better-480mhz-sold-for-507m-as-5g-spectrum-auction-concludes, 10 Mar 2026]
#19928
What percentage of official vehicles in federal and provincial government establishments are to be grounded for two months starting March 2026?
(a) 40 percent
(b) 50 percent
(c) 70 percent
(d) 60 percent
Explanation: The government ordered that 60 percent of official vehicles be grounded for a period of two months to conserve fuel. This is distinct from the 50 percent cut applied to fuel allowances. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980219/higher-education-goes-online-schools-shut-for-2-weeks-4-day-work-week-announced-as-austerity-measures, 09 Mar 2026]
#19929
What is the duration of the mandated two-week break for schools announced as part of the March 2026 austerity measures?
(a) March 1-15, 2026
(b) March 16-31, 2026
(c) April 1-15, 2026
(d) None of these
Explanation: The government mandated that all schools observe a two-week break from March 16 to March 31, 2026, to conserve energy. Option A is incorrect as it precedes the implementation date of the policy. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980219/higher-education-goes-online-schools-shut-for-2-weeks-4-day-work-week-announced-as-austerity-measures, 09 Mar 2026]
#19930
Which of the following factors is NOT cited as a reason for the market rally on July 27, 2026?
(a) An immediate reduction in the SBP policy rate
(b) A sharp decline in global oil prices
(c) Easing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East
(d) Improved investor sentiment following a pause in combat
Explanation: The SBP maintained the policy rate at 11.5 percent rather than reducing it. Therefore, an immediate reduction in the policy rate is an incorrect statement regarding the events of that day. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018715/psx-opens-week-in-the-green-gains-more-than-7000-points-to-close-above-178000-mark, 27 Jul 2026]
#19931
Which of the following players was NOT included in the ICC's Team of the Tournament for the 2026 T20 World Cup?
(a) Babar Azam
(b) Ishan Kishan
(c) Jasprit Bumrah
(d) Sanju Samson
Explanation: Sanju Samson, Ishan Kishan, and Jasprit Bumrah were all included in the team as part of the Indian contingent. Babar Azam was not named in the ICC's Team of the Tournament. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980203/t20-world-cup-sahibzada-farhan-makes-it-to-iccs-team-of-the-tournament, 09 Mar 2026]
#19932
Which of the following statements regarding the 2026 student protests is INCORRECT?
(a) The protests featured a significant social mix including urban middle-class Hindus.
(b) Leftist students contributed to the syncretic element of the protests.
(c) The agitation was limited to the southern states of India.
(d) The protests included the use of tuneful parodies and memes.
Explanation: The protests were not limited to southern states; they were widespread, involving the northern Hindi-speaking belt, Maharashtra, West Bengal, and Manipur. Therefore, stating they were limited to the south is factually incorrect. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018933/well-begun-is-half-done, 28 Jul 2026]
#19933
Consider the following statements about Sahibzada Farhan's performance in the 2026 T20 World Cup: 1. He became the first batter to score two centuries in a single edition of the T20 World Cup. 2. He shared a record-breaking 176-run partnership with Fakhar Zaman against Sri Lanka. 3. He was the only Pakistani player selected for the ICC's Team of the Tournament. 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 tournament performance. Farhan achieved the two-century milestone, participated in the record partnership with Fakhar Zaman, and was the sole Pakistani representative in the ICC's final team selection. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980203/t20-world-cup-sahibzada-farhan-makes-it-to-iccs-team-of-the-tournament, 09 Mar 2026]
#19934
Which of the following statements regarding the events of March 8, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The Israeli military successfully recovered the remains of the missing navigator.
(b) The Lebanese Health Ministry reported 41 deaths in the Nabi Chit area.
(c) Israeli forces conducted airstrikes in the southern suburbs of Beirut.
(d) Three Lebanese army personnel were reported among the casualties.
Explanation: The Israeli military explicitly stated that no findings related to the missing navigator were recovered during the operation. The other statements accurately reflect the reported casualties and military actions. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979644/israel-pounds-beirut-warns-lebanon-of-heavy-price, 08 Mar 2026]
#19935
As of March 8, 2026, what is the primary operational status of Qatar Airways?
(a) Partial resumption for evacuation and cargo only
(b) Complete cessation of all flight activities
(c) Full resumption of all international routes
(d) Resumption of all flights to South Asian destinations
Explanation: The Qatar Civil Aviation Authority clarified that while limited navigational routes are open, these are restricted to passenger evacuation and air cargo, explicitly excluding scheduled commercial flights. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979639/mideast-airlines-begin-cautious-flight-resumption-amid-regional-tensions, 08 Mar 2026]
#19936
Who is the current Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa as of March 9, 2026?
(a) Ali Amin Gandapur
(b) Sohail Afridi
(c) Pervez Khattak
(d) None of these
Explanation: Sohail Afridi is identified as the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in the official government announcements regarding the fuel conservation measures. Ali Amin Gandapur is a former Chief Minister, making him a plausible but incorrect distractor. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980154/kp-cuts-fuel-allowance-for-govt-vehicles-punjab-and-balochistan-close-schools-amid-global-oil-crisis, 09 Mar 2026]
#19937
What was the name of the Pakistani fisherman who lost his life in the incident on March 9, 2026?
(a) Muhammad Tayyab
(b) Naqibullah Kakar
(c) Attaur Rehman
(d) None of these
Explanation: Muhammad Tayyab was the fisherman from Gannz, Gwadar, who was killed by debris. Naqibullah Kakar and Attaur Rehman are the officials who confirmed the details of the incident. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40410710/iran-waters-gwadar-fisherman-killed-by-debris-from-israeli-projectile, 09 Mar 2026]
#19938
Which of the following statements regarding the US-Iran conflict as of 2026 is INCORRECT?
(a) The US military has struck over 5,000 targets since the conflict began.
(b) President Trump expressed a preference for internal political change within Iran.
(c) The US administration is considering waiving certain oil-related sanctions to reduce global prices.
(d) President Trump has explicitly confirmed that the new Iranian leader has a target on his back.
Explanation: President Trump explicitly declined to comment on whether the new Iranian leader has a 'target on his back,' maintaining deliberate ambiguity. The other statements accurately reflect the administration's stated positions and military actions. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980326/trump-says-iran-war-pretty-much-over-progressing-ahead-of-schedule, 09 Mar 2026]
#19939
On March 9, 2026, the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) maintained the key policy rate at which of the following levels?
(a) 8.5 percent
(b) 12.5 percent
(c) 10.5 percent
(d) 14.5 percent
Explanation: The SBP Monetary Policy Committee announced on March 9, 2026, that the policy rate would remain unchanged at 10.5 percent. This decision was made to maintain price stability amidst global economic uncertainty. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980133/sbp-maintains-policy-rate-at-105pc, 09 Mar 2026]
#19940
On which street is the United States Consulate located in Toronto, where the shooting incident occurred on July 28, 2026?
(a) Bay Street
(b) University Avenue
(c) Yonge Street
(d) None of these
Explanation: The shooting incident took place on University Avenue, which is the site of the United States Consulate in Toronto. Other streets listed are major thoroughfares in Toronto but are not the location of the consulate. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018887/shot-fired-outside-us-consulate-in-toronto, 28 Jul 2026]