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.
#13861
Which of the following statements regarding the market conditions as of March 11, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) Spot platinum prices fell by 5 percent.
(b) Spot gold prices were recorded at $5,202.10 per ounce.
(c) Oil prices dropped below $90 per barrel.
(d) Gold has risen more than 20 percent so far this year.
Explanation: Spot platinum actually rose by 0.1 percent, making the claim that it fell by 5 percent incorrect. The other statements accurately reflect the market data provided for the specified date. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980850/gold-edges-higher-on-safe-haven-demand-ahead-of-us-cpi-data, 11 Mar 2026]
#13862
Consider the following statements about the investment plan announced on March 11, 2026: 1. The investment plan aims to stimulate industrial activities and generate employment in Balochistan. 2. The Chinese delegation was accompanied by the former finance minister of Balochistan, Amjad Rasheed. 3. The proposed investment in the mineral sector is larger than the investment in the manufacturing sector. 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 investment aims to boost industry and jobs. Statement 2 is correct as Amjad Rasheed accompanied the delegation. Statement 3 is incorrect because the $2.6 billion manufacturing investment is significantly larger than the $14 million mineral sector investment. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980763/chinese-firms-plan-to-invest-26bn-in-balochistan, 11 Mar 2026]
#13863
What is the total value of the dollar bond issued by ICICI Bank in July 2026?
(a) $500 million
(b) $800 million
(c) $1.25 billion
(d) $1 billion
Explanation: ICICI Bank priced a $1 billion five-year dollar bond, which represents the largest dollar issue by an Indian private lender in nearly 14 years. While the base issue size was $500 million, the final priced amount was $1 billion. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431638/icici-bank-prices-1-billion-debt-in-largest-dollar-issue-by-indian-private-lender, 24 Jul 2026]
#13864
What is the duration of the call option attached to the State Bank of India's 2026 perpetual debt issuance?
(a) Three years
(b) Seven years
(c) Five years
(d) Ten years
Explanation: The current issuance features a five-year call option. A ten-year call option was utilized by the bank in its previous issuance in October 2024. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431637/indias-sbi-to-issue-first-rupee-denominated-perpetual-debt-of-2026-sources-say, 24 Jul 2026]
#13865
Consider the following statements about the State Bank of India's capital raising activities: 1. The board approved raising up to 600 billion rupees through debt in the current financial year. 2. The bank's previous perpetual bond issuance occurred in November 2025. 3. The 2026 perpetual debt issuance is designed to be Basel III-compliant. 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 600 billion rupee board approval. Statement 3 is correct regarding Basel III compliance. Statement 2 is incorrect because the bank's previous perpetual bond issuance occurred in October 2024, whereas Canara Bank issued bonds in November 2025. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431637/indias-sbi-to-issue-first-rupee-denominated-perpetual-debt-of-2026-sources-say, 24 Jul 2026]
#13866
The S&P/ASX 200 index closed at which of the following levels on July 24, 2026?
(a) 8,783.9 points
(b) 13,768.9 points
(c) 19,849.0 points
(d) 72,192.0 points
Explanation: The S&P/ASX 200 index was reported at 8,783.9 points. The other figures represent different indices like the S&P/NZX 50 or local market indicators. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431620/australian-shares-on-track-for-third-weekly-loss-as-miners-tech-weigh, 24 Jul 2026]
#13867
Consider the following statements about the market performance on July 24, 2026: 1. The FTSE 100 index rose by 0.3%. 2. Energy shares like BP and Shell saw gains due to rising oil prices. 3. The United States imposed new tariffs 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: Statement 1 is correct as the FTSE 100 rose 0.3%. Statement 2 is incorrect because energy shares actually fell (BP down 1.6%, Shell down 0.9%). Statement 3 is correct as the US imposed new tariffs of 10% and 12.5% on goods from 60 trading partners. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431643/londons-ftse-100-rises-as-hsbc-lifts-financial-stocks-middle-east-tensions-linger, 24 Jul 2026]
#13868
Which of the following statements regarding the Australian market performance on July 24, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The S&P/ASX 200 index was on track for a third consecutive weekly loss.
(b) Gold miners lost as much as 3.1% as bullion prices retreated.
(c) The mining sub-index was poised for its worst weekly gain in history.
(d) Technology stocks hit their lowest level since mid-April.
Explanation: The mining sub-index was actually poised for its strongest weekly gain since about eight weeks ago, not its worst. The other statements accurately reflect the market conditions described. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431620/australian-shares-on-track-for-third-weekly-loss-as-miners-tech-weigh, 24 Jul 2026]
#13869
Consider the following statements about the recent dollar bond issuances by Indian banks: 1. ICICI Bank's bond issue is the largest dollar bond sale by an Indian private-sector bank. 2. HDFC Bank raised $750 million through a dollar debt sale in June 2026. 3. Axis Bank raised $800 million through a dual-tranche dollar bond issue in June 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: All three statements are factually accurate based on the report. ICICI Bank's $1 billion issue is the largest for a private lender, while HDFC and Axis Bank also conducted significant dollar debt sales in the same period. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431638/icici-bank-prices-1-billion-debt-in-largest-dollar-issue-by-indian-private-lender, 24 Jul 2026]
#13870
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]
#13871
Consider the following statements about the market timing policies in May 2026: 1. The federal government announced a nationwide 8pm market closure policy on April 6, 2026. 2. The Sindh government's decision to lift curbs was intended to facilitate businesses and citizens. 3. The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government requested citizens to continue observing electricity conservation measures despite lifting timing restrictions. 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 provided information. The federal government did announce the 8pm policy in April, Sindh cited facilitation as the reason for the change, and KP explicitly requested continued electricity conservation. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2000676/sindh-lifts-curbs-on-market-timings-minister-says-step-taken-to-facilitate-businesses-citizens, 16 May 2026]
#13872
Consider the following statements about the current economic and geopolitical environment as of March 11, 2026: 1. Gold is functioning as a safe-haven asset due to heightened geopolitical uncertainty. 2. The conflict has led to the stranding of oil tankers for more than a week. 3. Investors expect at least three rate cuts by the Federal Reserve in 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: Statements 1 and 2 are factually accurate based on the report. Statement 3 is incorrect because investors expect at least two, not three, rate cuts by the Federal Reserve in 2026. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980850/gold-edges-higher-on-safe-haven-demand-ahead-of-us-cpi-data, 11 Mar 2026]
#13873
Consider the following statements about the automotive sector in 8MFY26: 1. The sharp month-on-month decline in February 2026 sales was partly attributed to a high base effect from January. 2. Lower interest rates and easing inflation were cited as key drivers for year-on-year growth. 3. Tractor sales experienced a significant year-on-year growth of 43 percent during the 8MFY26 period. 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 market analysis provided by industry experts. Statement 3 is incorrect because tractor sales actually plunged by 21 percent year-on-year, not grew by 43 percent. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980724/auto-sales-rise-43pc-in-july-february, 11 Mar 2026]
#13874
On July 25, 2026, which regulatory body granted the first private electricity distribution and SoLR licenses to DHA Energy Supply Company?
(a) Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority
(b) National Electric Power Regulatory Authority
(c) Public Procurement Regulatory Authority
(d) None of these
Explanation: The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) is the sole regulator responsible for issuing electricity distribution and supply licenses in Pakistan. The other options are regulatory bodies for different sectors. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018147/karachis-dha-city-becomes-first-private-entity-to-light-up-its-own-housing-project, 25 Jul 2026]
#13875
As of March 11, 2026, the International Energy Agency (IEA) is considering a record-breaking release of oil reserves to counter supply disruptions caused by conflict in which region?
(a) South China Sea
(b) Gulf of Mexico
(c) North Sea
(d) Gulf region
Explanation: The IEA is proposing a massive release of oil reserves to address supply disruptions stemming from the conflict involving Iran and the Strait of Hormuz in the Gulf region. Other options represent different global maritime chokepoints not central to this specific energy crisis. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980857/oil-falls-on-report-of-iea-proposing-biggest-oil-release-ever, 11 Mar 2026]
#13876
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]
#13877
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]
#13878
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]
#13879
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]
#13880
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]