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.
#1261
Consider the following statements about the KSE-100 market session on July 21, 2026: 1. The market reached an intraday high of over 178,000 points. 2. Oil and gas exploration companies are expected to post stronger-than-usual results. 3. The market closed lower than its opening value. 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 high was 178,370.45. Statement 2 is correct as analysts cited optimism for oil and gas exploration earnings. Statement 3 is incorrect because the market closed with a gain of 205.83 points, meaning it closed higher than the previous session's close, and the prompt does not state it closed lower than the opening value. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017214/psx-gains-2000-points-during-intraday-trade-as-oil-eases-amid-us-iran-mediation-efforts, 21 Jul 2026]
#1262
Which sector specifically faced selling pressure on July 21, 2026, due to speculation regarding policy delays?
(a) Refinery stocks
(b) Textile manufacturing
(c) Cement production
(d) None of these
Explanation: Refinery stocks experienced significant selling pressure because of market speculation that the long-awaited refinery policy might face further delays. Other sectors like cement and textiles were actually expected to post strong earnings results. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017214/psx-gains-1200-points-during-intraday-trade-as-oil-eases-amid-us-iran-mediation-efforts, 21 Jul 2026]
#1263
Consider the following statements about the market performance on July 21, 2026: 1. The KSE-100 index opened in the green before experiencing a sharp dip after 12pm. 2. Global oil prices initially fell due to reports of mediation efforts between the US and Iran. 3. The market closed in the red after failing to recover from the midday selling pressure.
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) All three
Explanation: Statement 1 and 2 are factually correct. Statement 3 is incorrect because the index actually closed in the green with a gain of 205.83 points, despite the midday volatility. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017214/psx-gains-1200-points-during-intraday-trade-as-oil-eases-amid-us-iran-mediation-efforts, 21 Jul 2026]
#1264
What was the approximate price level of Brent crude per barrel in Asian trade on July 27, 2026, following the reported decline?
(a) Below $85
(b) Above $102
(c) Exactly $98
(d) Below $93
Explanation: Brent crude prices fell to below $93 per barrel after the US and Iran paused strikes. The $102 figure refers to the peak price reached during the previous week of heightened tensions. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431972/indian-bonds-rebound-as-easing-middle-east-tensions-drag-oil-lower, 27 Jul 2026]
#1265
During his previous visit in April 2026, Finance Minister Aurangzeb discussed Pakistan's plans to return to international capital markets using which financial instruments?
(a) Green Bonds and Samurai Bonds
(b) Sovereign Sukuk and Treasury Bills
(c) Panda Bonds and Eurobonds
(d) Development Loans and Grants
Explanation: The Finance Minister briefed investors on plans to re-enter international capital markets specifically through the issuance of Panda Bonds and Eurobonds. These instruments are intended to diversify Pakistan's external financing sources. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016679/finance-minister-aurangzeb-arrives-in-us-on-3-day-visit-expected-to-hold-talks-on-trade-finance-investment, 19 Jul 2026]
#1266
Which sector was specifically identified as a primary contributor to the market recovery on July 21, 2026?
(a) Textile manufacturing
(b) Pharmaceutical production
(c) Banking and refinery
(d) Automobile assembly
Explanation: Banking and refinery stocks were the primary drivers of the late-session recovery, offsetting early losses. Other sectors like textiles or pharmaceuticals were not cited as the main contributors to the index's rebound. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017152/stocks-eke-out-gains-amid-extreme-volatility, 21 Jul 2026]
#1267
The intraday volatility on July 21, 2026, was primarily attributed to geopolitical tensions between which two nations?
(a) Pakistan and India
(b) Saudi Arabia and Yemen
(c) Russia and Ukraine
(d) United States and Iran
Explanation: The market volatility was explicitly linked to heightened tensions and exchanged strikes between the United States and Iran. This geopolitical friction caused a risk-off sentiment and an increase in international oil prices. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017152/stocks-eke-out-gains-amid-extreme-volatility, 21 Jul 2026]
#1268
Consider the following statements about the US-Pakistan trade negotiations as of July 2026: 1. Pakistan successfully negotiated a reduction in the initial IEEPA-based tariff from 29 per cent to 19 per cent in 2025. 2. The temporary global tariff of 10 per cent imposed under Section 122 is scheduled to expire on July 24, 2026. 3. India is currently facing a lower proposed tariff under Section 301 than Pakistan. 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 2025 tariff reduction. Statement 2 is correct as the Section 122 tariff has a 150-day statutory limit expiring on July 24, 2026. Statement 3 is incorrect because India faces a 12.5% tariff, which is higher than Pakistan's 10%. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016679/finance-minister-aurangzeb-arrives-in-us-on-3-day-visit-expected-to-hold-talks-on-trade-finance-investment, 19 Jul 2026]
#1269
On April 18, 2026, the State Bank of Pakistan confirmed the repayment of how much debt to the United Arab Emirates?
(a) $1.5 billion
(b) $3.5 billion
(c) $2 billion
(d) $5 billion
Explanation: The State Bank of Pakistan officially announced on April 18, 2026, that the government had successfully repaid $2 billion to the UAE. While the total loan amount sought by the UAE was $3.5 billion, the specific payment confirmed on this date was $2 billion. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1993003/sbp-says-govt-has-paid-2bn-to-uae, 18 Apr 2026]
#1270
What is the final value of the Eurobond issuance announced by the government on April 20, 2026?
(a) $500 million
(b) $750 million
(c) $1 billion
(d) $2 billion
Explanation: The government initially planned a $500 million issuance but exercised a green-shoe option to increase the total to $750 million due to high investor demand. The $500 million figure represents the initial amount, not the final upsized total. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1993495/pakistan-increases-eurobond-from-500m-to-750m, 20 Apr 2026]
#1271
What was the approximate market value of CXMT Corp in US dollars following its debut on July 27, 2026?
(a) $243.26 billion
(b) $443.26 billion
(c) $343.26 billion
(d) $543.26 billion
Explanation: The market value of CXMT Corp reached over 3 trillion yuan, which is equivalent to approximately $443.26 billion. The other options represent incorrect valuations for this specific event. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431979/china-stocks-rise-as-cxmts-debut-surge-revives-interest-in-battered-shares, 27 Jul 2026]
#1272
Which of the following statements regarding the PSX market performance on July 21, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The KSE-100 index closed in positive territory.
(b) The index opened the session with a gain of over 1,000 points.
(c) The market experienced a wide intraday range of 2,493 points.
(d) Banking and refinery stocks helped erase sharp intraday losses.
Explanation: The market actually opened on a depressed note, with the benchmark index opening nearly 2,000 points lower, not higher. Therefore, statement C is factually false. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017152/stocks-eke-out-gains-amid-extreme-volatility, 21 Jul 2026]
#1273
Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb arrived in Washington on July 19, 2026, for a visit lasting how many days?
(a) Three days
(b) Two days
(c) Four days
(d) Five days
Explanation: The Finance Minister arrived on July 19, 2026, for a scheduled three-day diplomatic visit to engage with US officials on trade and investment. This duration is explicitly stated in the official reporting of his itinerary. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016679/finance-minister-aurangzeb-arrives-in-us-on-3-day-visit-expected-to-hold-talks-on-trade-finance-investment, 19 Jul 2026]
#1274
Which specific initiative in the 2026-27 Punjab budget includes the establishment of Neuro Cath Labs?
(a) Nawaz Sharif Medical District
(b) Cardiac Care Program
(c) Emergency Health Response
(d) Stroke Initiative
Explanation: The government set aside Rs1.75 billion for Neuro Cath Labs under the Stroke Initiative. The Nawaz Sharif Medical District is a separate health infrastructure project. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2008300/punjab-finance-minister-presents-people-friendly-budget-in-assembly, 16 Jun 2026]
#1275
Consider the following statements about the PSX session on July 21, 2026: 1. The KSE-100 index gained 0.07 percent by the end of the session. 2. International oil prices increased by approximately 3 percent at the market open. 3. United Bank and Hub Power were among the top contributors to the benchmark index. 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 report for July 21, 2026. The index gained 0.07 percent, oil prices rose by 3 percent, and the mentioned companies were key contributors to the recovery. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017152/stocks-eke-out-gains-amid-extreme-volatility, 21 Jul 2026]
#1276
Which of the following institutions is NOT among those the Finance Minister is scheduled to meet during his July 2026 visit?
(a) US Export-Import Bank
(b) International Development Finance Corporation
(c) International Monetary Fund
(d) World Trade Organization
Explanation: The Finance Minister's schedule includes meetings with the USTR, Exim Bank, DFC, and the IMF. The World Trade Organization is not listed as a meeting partner for this specific bilateral visit to Washington. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016679/finance-minister-aurangzeb-arrives-in-us-on-3-day-visit-expected-to-hold-talks-on-trade-finance-investment, 19 Jul 2026]
#1277
What was the total monetary value of the fine imposed by the EU on AliExpress on July 21, 2026?
(a) $630 million
(b) $200 million
(c) $120 million
(d) $550 million
Explanation: The EU imposed a fine of 550 million euros, which is equivalent to $630 million. The other figures represent fines previously issued to other companies like Temu and X. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017112/eu-imposes-630m-fine-on-aliexpress-over-illegal-products, 21 Jul 2026]
#1278
In April 2026, the government raised $500 million in the international capital market through which financial instrument?
(a) Sovereign Sukuk
(b) Treasury Bill
(c) Commercial Loan
(d) Eurobond
Explanation: The government successfully raised $500 million through a Eurobond issuance in April 2026, marking the first such issuance in four years. This is part of a broader strategy to diversify financing sources beyond traditional bilateral loans. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1993003/sbp-says-govt-has-paid-2bn-to-uae, 18 Apr 2026]
#1279
Consider the following statements about Pakistan's external debt management in April 2026: 1. The UAE loan being repaid was originally extended in 2019. 2. Pakistan has requested significant changes to its $7 billion IMF lending programme due to the Middle East conflict. 3. The central bank's foreign exchange reserves were reported at $20.52 billion as of April 10, 2026. 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 UAE loan dates back to 2019. Statement 3 is correct regarding the reserve figures reported by the SBP. Statement 2 is incorrect because the Finance Minister stated that while the IMF programme is an option, the government has not yet requested changes to it. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1993003/sbp-says-govt-has-paid-2bn-to-uae, 18 Apr 2026]
#1280
What is the interest rate offered on the Eurobond issued by Pakistan in April 2026?
(a) 5.975 percent
(b) 8.975 percent
(c) 7.975 percent
(d) 6.975 percent
Explanation: The sovereign yield for the 2026 Eurobond issuance was set at 6.975 percent. This rate reflects the market's assessment of the risk and the government's re-entry into global capital markets. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1993495/pakistan-increases-eurobond-from-500m-to-750m, 20 Apr 2026]