October 2026 Edition
Start October Quiz
October 2026 Current Affairs MCQs & Solutions
Top national & international current affairs questions for CSS, PMS, FPSC, PPSC, and NTS screening tests.
#19941
Which of the following companies was among the leading performers contributing to the PSX benchmark index rally on July 27, 2026?
(a) Engro Fertilizers
(b) Lucky Cement
(c) United Bank Limited
(d) None of these
Explanation: While UBL, FFC, ENGROH, MEBL, and LUCK were identified as leading contributors, the options provided (Engro Fertilizers, Lucky Cement, United Bank Limited) are individual entities. Since all three are correct, 'None of these' is the appropriate choice as it implies none of the single-option choices exclusively represent the list of top performers. [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]
#19942
Under which legal provision did the Islamabad police justify the detention of Aurat March activists in March 2026?
(a) Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code
(b) Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (Peca)
(c) Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) Ordinance
(d) None of these
Explanation: The police cited the imposition of Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code, which prohibits public gatherings, as the primary legal basis for the arrests. While Peca was mentioned by activists as a problematic law, it was not the specific legal instrument cited by the police for this detention. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980248/islamabad-police-release-aurat-march-activists-a-day-after-detention-probe-demanded-into-manhandling-of-detainees, 09 Mar 2026]
#19943
The KSE-100 index closed above which of the following thresholds on July 27, 2026?
(a) 168,000 points
(b) 198,000 points
(c) 188,000 points
(d) 178,000 points
Explanation: The KSE-100 index gained over 7,000 points to close at 178,262.33, successfully crossing the 178,000-point threshold. [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]
#19944
Which state-owned enterprise was mentioned as having been privatized in the review meeting held on 28 July 2026?
(a) National Bank of Pakistan
(b) First Women Bank Limited
(c) State Bank of Pakistan
(d) Zarai Taraqiati Bank Limited
Explanation: First Women Bank Limited was cited alongside Pakistan International Airlines as an entity that has already undergone privatization. The other banks listed remain under state control or are not part of this specific privatization update. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2019009/pm-shehbaz-directs-elimination-of-unnecessary-positions-to-improve-govt-performance, 28 Jul 2026]
#19945
Following the price revision on July 28, 2026, what is the new retail price of high-speed diesel per litre?
(a) Rs335.81
(b) Rs520.35
(c) Rs458.41
(d) Rs388.38
Explanation: The retail price of high-speed diesel was set at Rs388.38 per litre following the July 2026 adjustment. Rs335.81 is the new price for petrol. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2019031/govt-increases-petrol-price-by-rs163-hsd-price-by-rs155, 28 Jul 2026]
#19946
Consider the following statements about the 2026 protests in India: 1. The protests were exclusively organized by students from Muslim-majority regions. 2. The demonstrators utilized humor and cultural references to challenge the government. 3. The agitation was triggered by concerns over the integrity of the education system. 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 protests involved a diverse social mix, including urban Hindu middle classes. Statements 2 and 3 are correct as the protests were characterized by humor and were driven by grievances regarding the education system. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018933/well-begun-is-half-done, 28 Jul 2026]
#19947
In which areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa were the intelligence-based operations conducted on May 21, 2026?
(a) Datta Khel, Spinwam, and Bannu
(b) Tank, Dera Ismail Khan, and Wana
(c) Mir Ali, Razmak, and Khyber
(d) None of these
Explanation: The ISPR confirmed that the operations conducted over the 48-hour period leading to May 21, 2026, were focused in the areas of Datta Khel, Spinwam, and Bannu. Other locations like Tank and Dera Ismail Khan have been sites of separate operations but were not the primary focus of this specific report. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2002065/security-forces-kill-23-terrorists-in-multiple-khyber-pakhtunkhwa-ibos-ispr, 21 May 2026]
#19948
Which of the following organizations has been closed as part of the federal government's right-sizing initiative as of 2026?
(a) Pakistan Public Works Department
(b) National Highway Authority
(c) Civil Aviation Authority
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Pakistan Public Works Department was explicitly identified as one of the institutions closed under the current right-sizing initiative to improve government efficiency. The other options are active state entities not included in this specific closure list. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2019009/pm-shehbaz-directs-elimination-of-unnecessary-positions-to-improve-govt-performance, 28 Jul 2026]
#19949
Which of the following statements regarding the petroleum pricing notification of June 12, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The price of kerosene was reduced by Rs10 per litre.
(b) The price of high-speed diesel was reduced by Rs2 per litre.
(c) The new prices became effective from June 13, 2026.
(d) The price of petrol was reduced by Rs4 per litre.
Explanation: The notification specifically announced reductions for petrol and high-speed diesel; it did not announce a Rs10 reduction for kerosene. The other three statements accurately reflect the details provided in the official notification. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2007376/govt-slashes-petrol-price-by-rs4-diesel-by-rs2, 12 Jun 2026]
#19950
Which of the following players was NOT sent off during the Mexico vs. South Africa match on June 11, 2026?
(a) Raul Jimenez
(b) Themba Zwane
(c) Cesar Montes
(d) Sphephelo Sithole
Explanation: Raul Jimenez scored a goal for Mexico and was not dismissed. Sphephelo Sithole, Themba Zwane, and Cesar Montes were all shown red cards during the match. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2007165/mexico-beat-south-africa-2-0-to-kick-off-2026-fifa-world-cup, 11 Jun 2026]
#19951
Consider the following statements about the incident involving the Gwadar fisherman: 1. The incident took place on March 7, 2026. 2. The projectile was identified by officials as being of Israeli origin. 3. The victim's body was transported back to his native town via sea. 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 incident occurred on Saturday, March 7, 2026, but the report was published on March 9, 2026. Statements 2 and 3 are factually correct as per the official confirmation provided by the Gwadar Deputy Commissioner. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40410710/iran-waters-gwadar-fisherman-killed-by-debris-from-israeli-projectile, 09 Mar 2026]
#19952
Who was formally appointed as the new supreme leader of Iran following the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in 2026?
(a) Hassan Rouhani
(b) Mojtaba Khamenei
(c) Ebrahim Raisi
(d) None of these
Explanation: Mojtaba Khamenei was appointed by the Assembly of Experts to succeed his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, following his death in a US-Israeli strike. The other names listed are prominent Iranian political figures but were not the subjects of this specific succession. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980326/trump-says-iran-war-pretty-much-over-progressing-ahead-of-schedule, 09 Mar 2026]
#19953
Consider the following statements about the conflict escalation on March 8, 2026: 1. The United Nations Special Coordinator for Lebanon warned that military actions will not deliver a lasting win. 2. Approximately 300,000 people have been displaced due to evacuation orders. 3. Israel has claimed territorial sovereignty over parts of the Bekaa Valley. 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 reports of displacement and UN statements. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Israeli Defence Minister explicitly stated that Israel has no territorial claims against Lebanon. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979644/israel-pounds-beirut-warns-lebanon-of-heavy-price, 08 Mar 2026]
#19954
Consider the following statements about the political situation in Gilgit-Baltistan on May 29, 2026: 1. PTI leaders were expelled for failing to produce a valid travel permit. 2. The PTI leadership alleged that PML-N candidates were receiving preferential treatment and government protocol. 3. The KP Chief Minister threatened to personally visit the region to address the treatment of parliamentarians. 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 reports: the administration cited the lack of a permit, the PTI alleged unequal treatment compared to the PML-N, and the KP Chief Minister issued a public warning regarding the treatment of the parliamentarians. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2003687/pti-leaders-expelled-from-gb-during-electioneering-authorities-allege-code-of-conduct-violation, 29 May 2026]
#19955
On July 27, 2026, the State Bank of Pakistan maintained the policy rate at which of the following levels?
(a) 10.5 percent
(b) 12.5 percent
(c) 11.5 percent
(d) 13.5 percent
Explanation: The State Bank of Pakistan maintained the policy rate at 11.5 percent during the announcement on July 27, 2026. Analysts viewed this as a cautious stance given the prevailing regional geopolitical tensions. [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]
#19956
On March 8, 2026, Israeli forces conducted a rare airborne operation in which region of Lebanon?
(a) Bekaa Valley
(b) Tyre District
(c) Sidon Governorate
(d) None of these
Explanation: Israeli helicopters dropped troops near the town of Nabi Chit, which is located in the eastern Bekaa Valley. This operation was specifically aimed at searching for the remains of a missing Israeli airforce navigator. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979644/israel-pounds-beirut-warns-lebanon-of-heavy-price, 08 Mar 2026]
#19957
Consider the following statements about the events in Islamabad in March 2026: 1. The district administration had issued a formal No-Objection Certificate (NoC) for the Aurat March rally. 2. Relatives of the detained activists were also taken into custody when they arrived at the police station. 3. The activists claimed that the right to protest is a fundamental right that supersedes the imposition of Section 144. 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 district administration did not issue an NoC, which was one of the reasons cited for the arrests. Statements 2 and 3 are accurate reflections of the claims made by the activists and the HRCP. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980248/islamabad-police-release-aurat-march-activists-a-day-after-detention-probe-demanded-into-manhandling-of-detainees, 09 Mar 2026]
#19958
Consider the following statements about the PSX performance on July 27, 2026: 1. The KSE-100 index gained more than 7,000 points during the session. 2. The market rally was partially attributed to the resumption of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. 3. The index reached an intra-day peak of over 178,500 points. 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 market data from July 27, 2026. The index gained 7,241.13 points, investor sentiment improved due to hopes for shipping resumption, and the intra-day peak was 178,588.33 points. [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]
#19959
Approximately how many barrels of crude oil per day did Kuwait produce in February 2026?
(a) 4.1 million
(b) 3.2 million
(c) 2.6 million
(d) 1.8 million
Explanation: Kuwait's production level in February 2026 was reported at approximately 2.6 million barrels per day. This figure serves as the baseline before the precautionary cuts were implemented. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979510/kuwaits-national-oil-company-cuts-production-as-precaution-amid-iran-tensions, 07 Mar 2026]
#19960
Consider the following statements about the austerity measures announced in March 2026: 1. The federal cabinet members will forgo their salaries for two months. 2. Parliamentarians will face a 25 percent cut in their salaries for two months. 3. All higher educational institutions are required to host seminars on government premises instead of hotels. 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 salary-related austerity measures for the cabinet and parliamentarians. Statement 3 is incorrect because the requirement to host seminars on government premises applies to government departments, not specifically to higher educational institutions. [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]