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.
#1361
What was the primary reason for the decline in Australian technology stocks on July 24, 2026?
(a) Concerns over heavy AI spending by US tech heavyweights
(b) New domestic regulations on software exports
(c) A sudden rise in interest rates by the Reserve Bank of Australia
(d) None of these
Explanation: Technology stocks fell due to concerns raised by the quarterly results of US tech heavyweights regarding high cash burn for artificial intelligence. This sentiment negatively impacted Australian tech players like Xero and WiseTech Global. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431620/australian-shares-on-track-for-third-weekly-loss-as-miners-tech-weigh, 24 Jul 2026]
#1362
Which of the following statements regarding the State Bank of India's 2026 debt issuance is INCORRECT?
(a) The issuance is intended to be completed before the central bank's monetary policy decision in August 2026.
(b) The bonds are classified as long-term infrastructure bonds.
(c) The bank plans to raise 50 billion rupees through the issuance.
(d) The issuance involves Basel III-compliant additional Tier I perpetual bonds.
Explanation: The bonds are classified as Basel III-compliant additional Tier I perpetual bonds, not long-term infrastructure bonds. While the bank has board approval to raise funds through infrastructure bonds as well, this specific issuance is for perpetual debt. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431637/indias-sbi-to-issue-first-rupee-denominated-perpetual-debt-of-2026-sources-say, 24 Jul 2026]
#1363
Consider the following statements about the Australian market conditions on July 24, 2026: 1. The S&P/ASX 200 index recorded a decline of 0.6%. 2. Energy stocks were bolstered by oil prices exceeding $100 per barrel. 3. The Trump administration announced new tariffs on 60 trading partners including Australia. 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 report: the index fell by 0.6%, energy stocks rose due to oil prices topping $100, and the US administration announced new tariffs on 60 trading partners including Australia. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431620/australian-shares-on-track-for-third-weekly-loss-as-miners-tech-weigh, 24 Jul 2026]
#1364
What was the primary driver for the rise in HSBC shares on July 24, 2026?
(a) The acquisition of a new retail banking chain in Europe
(b) The sale of its life insurance business in Singapore
(c) A significant increase in quarterly dividend payouts
(d) None of these
Explanation: HSBC shares rose by 1.2% following the announcement that Allianz agreed to acquire its life insurance business in Singapore for $2.1 billion. This move is part of the bank's strategy to streamline operations and focus on core Asian banking. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431643/londons-ftse-100-rises-as-hsbc-lifts-financial-stocks-middle-east-tensions-linger, 24 Jul 2026]
#1365
According to the CME FedWatch tool, what is the approximate market-priced probability of a Federal Reserve rate hike as of July 24, 2026?
(a) 33 percent
(b) 25 percent
(c) 12 percent
(d) 50 percent
Explanation: Markets are pricing in a roughly one-in-three chance (approximately 33%) of a rate hike, which represents an increase from the 12% probability observed a week earlier. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431657/sampp-500-nasdaq-fall-as-investors-juggle-earnings-mideast-risks-and-tariffs, 24 Jul 2026]
#1366
Consider the following statements about the market environment on July 24, 2026: 1. The Philadelphia SE Semiconductor index experienced a decline of 3.1%. 2. The Federal Reserve is expected to meet the following week to discuss monetary policy. 3. The U.S. military action against targets in Iran was a response to Houthi activities in Yemen. 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 provided report: the semiconductor index fell by 3.1%, the Fed is meeting the following week, and the U.S. strikes were linked to warnings regarding Iran and its Houthi allies. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431657/sampp-500-nasdaq-fall-as-investors-juggle-earnings-mideast-risks-and-tariffs, 24 Jul 2026]
#1367
What was the price of benchmark three-month copper on the London Metal Exchange as of July 24, 2026?
(a) $12,450.25 per metric ton
(b) $13,626.50 per metric ton
(c) $14,890.75 per metric ton
(d) None of these
Explanation: The benchmark three-month copper price on the LME was recorded at $13,626.50 per metric ton on the specified date. This reflects a 0.2% increase following two sessions of decline. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431641/copper-edges-up-heads-for-weekly-gain-as-non-us-stocks-tighten, 24 Jul 2026]
#1368
What is the status of Comex copper stocks in the United States as of July 24, 2026?
(a) They have reached a record high of 639,147 metric tons.
(b) They have fallen to their lowest level since March.
(c) They have remained stagnant due to import bans.
(d) They have decreased by 5.2% due to reverse cancellations.
Explanation: Comex copper stocks in the U.S. rose to a record 639,147 metric tons, contrasting with the tightening inventories observed in the London Metal Exchange and Shanghai markets. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431641/copper-edges-up-heads-for-weekly-gain-as-non-us-stocks-tighten, 24 Jul 2026]
#1369
Consider the following statements about the Indian bond market and macroeconomic indicators as of July 24, 2026: 1. The 10-year U.S. Treasury yield reached its highest level since January 2025. 2. Brent crude prices briefly exceeded $100 per barrel for the first time in two months. 3. The probability of a Federal Reserve rate hike in September was estimated at 30%. 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. Statement 3 is incorrect because the probability of a Federal Reserve rate hike in September was reported at 80%, while the probability for July was 30%. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431650/india-bonds-end-three-day-losing-streak-but-post-second-straight-weekly-decline, 24 Jul 2026]
#1370
Which of the following statements regarding the copper market on July 24, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) Benchmark three-month copper on the LME rose by 0.2%.
(b) Oil prices exceeded $100 a barrel due to Middle East conflict escalation.
(c) Available LME inventory rose by 5.2% due to reverse cancellations.
(d) Aluminium prices increased by 0.7% alongside copper.
Explanation: Aluminium prices actually fell by 0.7% to $3,165.50 a ton, making the statement that they increased incorrect. The other three statements accurately reflect the market data provided. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431641/copper-edges-up-heads-for-weekly-gain-as-non-us-stocks-tighten, 24 Jul 2026]
#1371
On July 24, 2026, which UAE-based company saw a 4.4% gain in its stock price following reports of interest in its district cooling assets?
(a) Tecom Group
(b) National Central Cooling Company (Tabreed)
(c) Alpha Dhabi Holding
(d) Aldar Properties
Explanation: Tabreed's stock rose by 4.4% after reports indicated that I Squared Capital and Saudi Tabreed were bidding for district cooling assets in Riyadh. Other companies like Tecom Group and Alpha Dhabi Holding experienced declines during the same trading session. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431652/uae-stocks-slip-amid-escalating-middle-east-conflict, 24 Jul 2026]
#1372
Consider the following statements about the global copper market as of July 24, 2026: 1. The escalation of conflict in the Middle East has negatively impacted the global economic growth outlook. 2. Reverse cancellations in South Korea and Taiwan contributed to an increase in available LME copper inventory. 3. The United States imposed new tariffs of 10% and 12.5% on goods from 60 trading partners. 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 report: geopolitical tensions weighed on growth, reverse cancellations increased available LME stocks, and the U.S. implemented the specified tariff measures. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431641/copper-edges-up-heads-for-weekly-gain-as-non-us-stocks-tighten, 24 Jul 2026]
#1373
Which of the following statements regarding the market performance on July 24, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) Dubai Islamic Bank declined by 1.5%.
(b) Alpha Dhabi Holding dropped by 0.7%.
(c) Tecom Group declined by 2.1%.
(d) Aldar Properties increased by 2.1%.
Explanation: Aldar Properties actually slipped by 0.5%, making the claim that it increased by 2.1% incorrect. The other statements accurately reflect the performance of the mentioned companies on that date. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431652/uae-stocks-slip-amid-escalating-middle-east-conflict, 24 Jul 2026]
#1374
What was the primary geopolitical catalyst cited for the decline in UAE stock markets on July 24, 2026?
(a) Escalating conflict in the Middle East
(b) Global interest rate hikes
(c) Collapse of major regional trade agreements
(d) Significant drop in global gold prices
Explanation: The decline was driven by investor caution regarding escalating regional tensions, specifically threats of military action following attacks on Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea. Interest rate hikes and trade agreements were not the primary drivers of this specific market movement. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431652/uae-stocks-slip-amid-escalating-middle-east-conflict, 24 Jul 2026]
#1375
What was the approximate cost of the refurbishment project for the building completed in 2026?
(a) 20 million euros
(b) 15 million euros
(c) 10 million euros
(d) 25 million euros
Explanation: The renovation of the building was a significant undertaking that cost approximately 20 million euros. This figure reflects the extensive architectural changes required to repurpose the site. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017557/hitlers-austrian-birthplace-transformed-into-police-station, 22 Jul 2026]
#1376
Consider the following statements about the market conditions on July 24, 2026: 1. Oil prices were on course for a near 10% jump for the week. 2. The Dubai index recorded its third consecutive weekly loss. 3. Abu Dhabi's benchmark index ended the week with a 0.5% gain. 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 market data provided for the week ending July 24, 2026. Oil prices showed significant weekly growth, while the Dubai and Abu Dhabi indices followed the reported weekly trends. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431652/uae-stocks-slip-amid-escalating-middle-east-conflict, 24 Jul 2026]
#1377
Consider the following statements about the regional security situation in March 2026: 1. The Strait of Hormuz mission is designed to secure the flow of oil and gas. 2. France deployed air defense units to Cyprus following drone attacks. 3. The conflict in the Middle East began in early 2026 following a direct invasion of France. 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 report. Statement 3 is incorrect because the conflict was triggered by US-Israeli strikes on Iran, not an invasion of France. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980406/france-allies-preparing-defensive-mission-to-reopen-strait-of-hormuz-says-macron, 10 Mar 2026]
#1378
Which of the following statements regarding the diplomatic response to the incident on May 23, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The United Kingdom summoned Israel’s most senior diplomat in Britain.
(b) New Zealand announced it would summon the Israeli ambassador to express concerns.
(c) Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong stated that Australia had already sanctioned Ben-Gvir.
(d) The United States officially joined France in imposing a travel ban on Ben-Gvir.
Explanation: While the US Ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, condemned the actions, there is no report that the United States joined France in imposing a formal travel ban. The other statements accurately reflect the diplomatic actions taken by the respective nations. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2002539/france-bans-israeli-security-minister-ben-gvir-from-country, 23 May 2026]
#1379
The Nifty 50 index closed at which of the following levels on July 24, 2026?
(a) 78,210.30
(b) 76,059.77
(c) 22,540.12
(d) 23,767.45
Explanation: The Nifty 50 fell 0.43% to close at 23,767.45 on the specified date. The BSE Sensex closed at 76,059.77. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431634/indian-shares-log-weekly-losses-as-crude-climbs-hdfc-bank-tumbles, 24 Jul 2026]
#1380
Which of the following factors is NOT cited as a primary risk to the Indian economy in the context of the July 24, 2026 market report?
(a) Persistent high crude oil prices
(b) Excessive foreign direct investment inflows
(c) Supply-chain disruptions
(d) Erratic monsoon and rainfall deficit
Explanation: The report identifies high oil prices, rainfall deficits, and supply-chain disruptions as key risks. Excessive foreign direct investment is not mentioned as a risk factor in this context. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431634/indian-shares-log-weekly-losses-as-crude-climbs-hdfc-bank-tumbles, 24 Jul 2026]