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.
#1021
The Foreign Office spokesperson who issued the statement regarding the UAE financial deposits on April 4, 2026, is:
(a) Mumtaz Zahra Baloch
(b) Tahir Andrabi
(c) Asim Iftikhar Ahmad
(d) None of these
Explanation: Tahir Andrabi is the official identified in the report as the Foreign Office spokesperson who clarified that the return of the UAE deposits was a routine financial transaction. The other names are prominent diplomats but were not the source of this specific statement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1988580/fo-rejects-misleading-unfounded-commentary-regarding-financial-deposits-from-uae, 04 Apr 2026]
#1022
Consider the following statements about the financial situation reported on April 4, 2026: 1. The total amount of debt to be returned to the UAE is $3.5 billion. 2. The repayment of these deposits is expected to reduce Pakistan's central bank reserves by approximately 18 percent. 3. The UAE deposits were rolled over multiple times since 2019. Which of the statements given above 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 report: the amount is $3.5 billion, the impact on reserves is estimated at an 18 percent reduction, and the deposits have been subject to multiple rollovers since 2019. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1988580/fo-rejects-misleading-unfounded-commentary-regarding-financial-deposits-from-uae, 04 Apr 2026]
#1023
For how many consecutive months has Japan's core inflation remained below the Bank of Japan's 2% target as of July 2026?
(a) Three months
(b) Five months
(c) Four months
(d) Six months
Explanation: The data indicates that Japan's core inflation has stayed below the central bank's 2% target for five straight months. This duration highlights the persistent challenge in reaching the BOJ's inflation goal. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431592/japan-june-core-inflation-accelerates-stays-below-boj-target, 24 Jul 2026]
#1024
Which specific category of inflation in Japan slowed to 1.2% in June 2026 despite steady wage gains?
(a) Service inflation
(b) Energy inflation
(c) Food inflation
(d) None of these
Explanation: Service inflation slowed to 1.2% in June from 1.4% in May. This deceleration occurred even as nominal wages showed steady gains, complicating the inflation outlook. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431592/japan-june-core-inflation-accelerates-stays-below-boj-target, 24 Jul 2026]
#1025
What was the total value of Treasury bills awarded by the Philippine Bureau of the Treasury on July 27, 2026?
(a) $500 million
(b) $950 million
(c) $1.2 billion
(d) $810.1 million
Explanation: The Philippine Bureau of the Treasury awarded 50 billion pesos, which is equivalent to $810.1 million, during the auction held on July 27, 2026. This figure represents the total successful bid amount for the three tenors offered. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431975/philippines-awards-810mn-t-bill-offer, 27 Jul 2026]
#1026
What was the total volume of tenders received by the Philippine Bureau of the Treasury during the July 27, 2026 auction?
(a) 50 billion pesos
(b) 134.5 billion pesos
(c) 100 billion pesos
(d) 200 billion pesos
Explanation: The auction attracted significant market interest, resulting in total tenders of 134.5 billion pesos against an award of 50 billion pesos. This indicates a high demand for government debt instruments. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431975/philippines-awards-810mn-t-bill-offer, 27 Jul 2026]
#1027
Which of the following statements regarding the July 27, 2026, Philippine Treasury auction is INCORRECT?
(a) The total tenders received were less than the total amount awarded.
(b) The auction included 91-day, 182-day, and 364-day tenors.
(c) The average rate for 364-day bills was 5.950%.
(d) The total amount awarded was 50 billion pesos.
Explanation: The statement that tenders were less than the amount awarded is false; in fact, the total tenders of 134.5 billion pesos significantly exceeded the 50 billion pesos awarded. The other options accurately reflect the auction data. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431975/philippines-awards-810mn-t-bill-offer, 27 Jul 2026]
#1028
Consider the following statements about the Indian bond market and economic indicators as of July 27, 2026: 1. The 10-year Treasury yield eased to 4.64%. 2. The most liquid five-year swap rate dropped to settle at 6.36%. 3. Analysts at Capital Economics identified strong monsoon rainfall as a primary driver for economic growth. 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 market data provided. Statement 3 is incorrect because analysts identified weak, not strong, monsoon rainfall as a potential inflation risk. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40432016/india-10-year-bond-yield-logs-biggest-plunge-in-2-months-as-oil-rally-falters, 27 Jul 2026]
#1029
Which factor was primarily responsible for the sharp decline in Indian bond yields on July 27, 2026?
(a) A surge in monsoon rainfall
(b) A sudden increase in the current-account deficit
(c) An immediate hike in Federal Reserve rates
(d) A decline in crude oil prices
Explanation: The decline in bond yields was driven by a sharp drop in crude oil prices following a pause in US-Iran hostilities. Higher oil prices typically increase inflationary pressure and worsen the current-account balance, which would otherwise push yields higher. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40432016/india-10-year-bond-yield-logs-biggest-plunge-in-2-months-as-oil-rally-falters, 27 Jul 2026]
#1030
Who is the current head of the Senate Standing Committee on Economic Affairs as of March 10, 2026?
(a) Senator Saifullah Abro
(b) Senator Syed Nazir Abbas
(c) Senator Ishaq Dar
(d) None of these
Explanation: Senator Saifullah Abro is the chairman of the Senate Standing Committee on Economic Affairs. Dr. Syed Nazir Abbas is the Secretary General of the Oil Companies Advisory Council (OCAC), not the committee chairman. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980379/senate-panel-to-expose-fuel-price-hike-beneficiaries, 10 Mar 2026]
#1031
As of the report date in 2026, what was the total value of Pakistan's foreign reserves, including central bank gold holdings?
(a) $6.7 billion
(b) $16.4 billion
(c) $25.3 billion
(d) $30.1 billion
Explanation: $25.3 billion is the figure reported for foreign reserves as of the end of the month preceding the July 2026 announcement. $6.7 billion was the multi-year low recorded in December 2022. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017530/sampp-global-ratings-upgrades-pakistans-sovereign-credit-rating-to-b, 22 Jul 2026]
#1032
Consider the following statements about Pakistan's economic indicators as of July 2026: 1. The IMF's Extended Fund Facility (EFF) programme was critical in restoring macroeconomic stability. 2. Pakistan's short-term credit rating was downgraded to 'B-' following the long-term rating upgrade. 3. The government's external principal payments over the next 12 months are estimated at $16.4 billion. 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 EFF was vital for stability. Statement 3 is correct regarding the $16.4 billion payment obligation. Statement 2 is incorrect because the short-term rating remained steady at 'B', not downgraded. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017530/sampp-global-ratings-upgrades-pakistans-sovereign-credit-rating-to-b, 22 Jul 2026]
#1033
The IMF executive board meeting scheduled for May 8, 2026, is intended to approve a disbursement of approximately how much total funding to Pakistan?
(a) $4.5 billion
(b) $1.2 billion
(c) $7.0 billion
(d) $1.47 trillion
Explanation: The IMF board is meeting to approve a disbursement of over $1.2 billion, comprising $1 billion from the EFF and $210 million from the RSF. While $4.5 billion represents the total cumulative disbursement under these arrangements, the specific upcoming tranche is $1.2 billion. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1995256/imf-executive-board-to-meet-on-may-8-to-approve-disbursement-of-over-12bn-to-pakistan, 26 Apr 2026]
#1034
Consider the following statements about the geopolitical situation reported on July 17, 2026: 1. The US Central Command reported a sixth consecutive night of strikes against Iranian military capabilities. 2. Qatar's defence ministry reported thwarting an Iranian missile attack. 3. Both Brent and WTI crude benchmarks have seen a decline of nearly 12 percent over the week. 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 based on the report. Statement 3 is incorrect because the benchmarks climbed nearly 12 percent, rather than declining. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016168/oil-rises-on-intensifying-us-iran-hostilities-threat-of-red-sea-closure, 17 Jul 2026]
#1035
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]
#1036
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]
#1037
Consider the following statements about the current Middle Eastern energy landscape as of July 2026: 1. ADNOC has sold over 74 million barrels of crude in previous tenders since June. 2. The viability of the shuttle fleet service is currently considered certain and risk-free. 3. Spot premiums for Middle Eastern crude have reached a more than one-month high. 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 and 3 are factually correct based on the report. Statement 2 is incorrect because the report explicitly states that the viability of the shuttle fleet service is unclear due to ongoing hostilities. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431617/adnoc-offers-crude-oil-in-7th-tender-issued-since-june-sources-say, 24 Jul 2026]
#1038
Which of the following statements regarding ADNOC's July 2026 tender policy is INCORRECT?
(a) The tender includes crude loading from August to October.
(b) The tender is valid for only 24 hours after submission.
(c) The tender bid submission is due on July 27.
(d) Bids from buyers at a discounted differential are automatically rejected.
Explanation: The tender is valid until at least July 29, not 24 hours after submission. The other statements accurately reflect the terms set by ADNOC for the July 2026 tender. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431617/adnoc-offers-crude-oil-in-7th-tender-issued-since-june-sources-say, 24 Jul 2026]
#1039
The Saudi vessel targeted by Houthi rebels in the Red Sea on July 25, 2026, was identified as:
(a) NCC NOOR
(b) NCC FAJR
(c) NCC MASA
(d) NCC BADR
Explanation: Saudi state media confirmed that the vessel NCC MASA sustained minor hull damage while sailing in the Red Sea. The other options are plausible but incorrect names for the specific vessel involved in the incident. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018264/houthis-claim-strike-on-saudi-arabia-as-middle-east-conflict-deepens, 25 Jul 2026]
#1040
According to the RBI chief, how much capital has been attracted by the dollar-mobilization schemes announced in June 2026?
(a) Nearly $15 billion
(b) Nearly $25 billion
(c) Nearly $32 billion
(d) Nearly $40 billion
Explanation: RBI chief Sanjay Malhotra confirmed that the dollar-mobilization schemes have successfully attracted nearly $32 billion in inflows as of July 2026. This liquidity helps the central bank manage currency volatility. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431960/indian-rupee-set-to-rally-after-crude-drops-on-mideast-respite-rbi-led-inflows-build, 27 Jul 2026]