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.
#13901
The reduction in the markup rate for development loans in 2026 is primarily attributed to the decline in which of the following?
(a) The federal budget deficit
(b) The central bank's policy rate
(c) The inflation rate of food commodities
(d) None of these
Explanation: The markup rate adjustment is directly linked to the decline in the State Bank of Pakistan's policy rate, which fell from a peak of 22 percent to 11.5 percent. This reduction lowers the government's cost of borrowing and subsequently the rates charged on development advances. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018194/centre-cuts-markup-on-uplift-loans-to-1189pc, 24 Jul 2026]
#13902
Consider the following statements regarding the geopolitical and domestic developments reported on August 6, 2026: 1. The United States is engaging in strategic economic diplomacy by exploring investment opportunities in Pakistan’s critical mineral supply chain. 2. The Turkish Parliament has introduced a legislative framework aimed at granting a conditional amnesty to PKK fighters to address internal security. 3. The Pakistan Stock Exchange has witnessed a significant market correction, with the KSE-100 index dropping below the 150,000-point threshold. Which of the above statements are correct?
(a) Only 1 and 2
(b) Only 2 and 3
(c) Only 1 and 3
(d) 1, 2, and 3
Explanation: Statements 1 and 2 are accurate based on the provided event summaries regarding US-Pakistan economic cooperation and Turkish legislative efforts. Statement 3 is incorrect because the KSE-100 index actually rose above 180,000 points, rather than dropping below 150,000. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2020895/us-firms-look-to-pakistan-for-critical-mineral-supplies]
#13903
Consider the following statements regarding the geopolitical and security developments occurring on August 3, 2026:
(a) Only 1 and 2 are correct
(b) Only 2 and 3 are correct
(c) Only 1 and 3 are correct
(d) All of the above are correct
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct as Iran officially denied engagement despite US announcements. Statement 2 is incorrect because the Strait of Hormuz is the central concern for US-Iran diplomacy, not the Gaza conflict. Statement 3 is correct as the Wana explosion specifically involved the targeted killing of a religious scholar/cleric. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2020319/iran-denies-negotiations-with-us-after-trump-announces-talks]
#13904
Consider the following statements regarding the geopolitical and economic developments reported on August 3, 2026: 1. The United States government has reached a confirmed diplomatic resolution with Iran to ensure the security of the Strait of Hormuz. 2. The Pakistani government has implemented a reduction in the prices of both petrol and high-speed diesel. 3. Iran has officially acknowledged and accepted President Trump’s invitation for direct negotiations. Which of the following is correct?
(a) Only 1 and 2 are correct
(b) Only 2 is correct
(c) Only 2 and 3 are correct
(d) All statements are correct
Explanation: While the US cancelled an attack to pursue diplomacy, Iran has explicitly denied that negotiations are underway, rendering statements 1 and 3 incorrect. The government's reduction of petroleum product prices is accurate as per recent reports. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2020327/oil-tumbles-as-trump-cancels-attack-on-iran-to-reach-deal-aimed-at-reopening-hormuz]
#13905
On March 9, 2026, the KSE-100 index experienced a historic single-day decline of approximately how many points?
(a) 9,015 points
(b) 11,015 points
(c) 10,015 points
(d) 12,015 points
Explanation: The market recorded a decline of 11,015 points on March 9, 2026, which represented the second-largest single-day drop in the history of the index. This massive sell-off preceded the recovery observed on the following day. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980474/bulls-return-as-kse-100-surges-past-9000-points-market-closes-in-the-green, 10 Mar 2026]
#13906
Consider the following statements regarding the geopolitical and economic developments reported on August 6, 2026: 1. The Pakistan Stock Exchange (KSE-100) reached a significant milestone by surpassing 180,000 points amid a strong recovery rally. 2. The United States International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) is actively exploring collaborative investments in Pakistan’s critical mineral supply chains. 3. The Pakistan Banking Awards are set to be held on August 21, emphasizing the national movement toward financial governance and digital transformation. Which of the statements provided above are correct?
(a) Only 1 and 2
(b) Only 1 and 3
(c) Only 2 and 3
(d) All 1, 2, and 3
Explanation: All three statements accurately reflect the provided reports: the KSE-100 rally, the involvement of US DFIs in Pakistan's mineral sector, and the upcoming banking awards scheduled for August 21. Each event illustrates distinct facets of Pakistan’s current economic and institutional trajectory. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2020895/us-firms-look-to-pakistan-for-critical-mineral-supplies]
#13907
Arrange the following major international and regional developments in the correct chronological order of their reported occurrences or scheduling (earliest to latest): 1. The 11th Pakistan Banking Awards. 2. The 2024 uprising in Bangladesh leading to the current political climate for Sheikh Hasina. 3. The reported monsoon-related fatalities in India reaching over 100 on August 6, 2026. 4. The legislative advancement of a conditional amnesty bill for PKK fighters in Turkey.
(a) 2, 3, 4, 1
(b) 3, 2, 4, 1
(c) 2, 1, 3, 4
(d) 4, 2, 3, 1
Explanation: The sequence is determined by the 2024 Bangladesh uprising, followed by the specific disaster reports from India (August 6, 2026), the legislative action in Turkey (August 6, 2026), and finally the scheduled Pakistan Banking Awards (August 21, 2026). [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2020870/floods-landslides-leave-over-100-dead-as-monsoon-batters-india]
#13908
Consider the following statements about the front-running case involving Axis Mutual Fund: 1. The scheme involved leaking confidential information about the fund house's impending trades. 2. Prijesh Kurani, a Dubai-based trader, was identified as a collaborator in the scheme. 3. The SEBI order was finalized and passed on July 24, 2026. 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 SEBI order. The scheme involved the misuse of confidential trade information, collaboration with a Dubai-based trader, and the final order was issued on the specified date of July 24, 2026. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431649/india-regulator-bars-former-axis-mf-dealer-for-seven-years-in-front-running-case, 24 Jul 2026]
#13909
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]
#13910
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]
#13911
Consider the following statements about the Indian rupee market conditions on July 24, 2026: 1. The Indian rupee reached a new all-time record low during the trading session. 2. The Reserve Bank of India conducted interventions in both the spot and non-deliverable forwards markets. 3. Brent crude oil prices retreated by approximately 4 percent after initially topping 100 dollars per barrel. 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 rupee avoided a record low, remaining near the May record of 96.96. Statements 2 and 3 are factually accurate descriptions of the market intervention and oil price movements reported on that date. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431635/intervention-shields-indian-rupee-in-face-of-oil-hedging-strain, 24 Jul 2026]
#13912
Which of the following statements regarding the US-EU trade tensions in July 2026 is INCORRECT?
(a) The US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer supported the EU's enforcement action as a boost to transatlantic trade.
(b) The European Commission's fine against Google was the first penalty under the Digital Markets Act.
(c) The US administration announced new tariffs of 10 to 12.5 percent on 60 trading partners.
(d) President Trump threatened to initiate a Section 301 investigation into the EU's antitrust practices.
Explanation: US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer actually criticized the EU's decision, stating that it undermined constructive dialogue and posed a risk to trade stability, making the incorrect statement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018219/trump-says-eu-to-pay-very-big-price-for-google-fine, 25 Jul 2026]
#13913
Which of the following is NOT a stated concern regarding the intensification of regional tensions mentioned in the 2026 roundtable?
(a) Maritime security
(b) Global energy markets
(c) Internal border demarcation
(d) Regional peace and stability
Explanation: The roundtable discussion focused on strategic stability, maritime security, and energy markets. Internal border demarcation was not listed as a primary concern in the context of this specific diplomatic event. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431693/regional-challenges-irans-envoy-for-greater-bilateral-cooperation, 24 Jul 2026]
#13914
What was the recorded inflation rate in Pakistan for the month of February 2026?
(a) 5.80 percent
(b) 6.98 percent
(c) 7.15 percent
(d) 8.20 percent
Explanation: Inflation rose to 6.98 percent year-on-year in February 2026, up from 5.8 percent in January. This represents the highest level recorded since October 2024. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979645/stocks-nosedive-63pc-in-jittery-week-on-geopolitical-concerns, 08 Mar 2026]
#13915
Which of the following statements regarding the market performance in March 2026 is INCORRECT?
(a) Foreign corporates were net sellers of equities during the week.
(b) The KSE-100 index experienced a single-session decline of over 16,000 points on Monday.
(c) Cement despatches showed a year-on-year increase in February 2026.
(d) The rupee depreciated significantly against the dollar during the week.
Explanation: The rupee remained largely stable, appreciating marginally by 0.02 percent week-on-week. The other statements accurately reflect the market data provided for the period. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979645/stocks-nosedive-63pc-in-jittery-week-on-geopolitical-concerns, 08 Mar 2026]
#13916
Which Indian financial institution experienced its steepest weekly decline in 2-1/2 years on July 24, 2026?
(a) Axis Bank
(b) ICICI Bank
(c) HDFC Bank
(d) State Bank of India
Explanation: HDFC Bank recorded a 9.4% decline, marking its sharpest weekly drop in 2-1/2 years due to investor concerns regarding margins. Axis Bank also declined, but HDFC Bank was identified as the primary weight on the benchmark indexes. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431634/indian-shares-log-weekly-losses-as-crude-climbs-hdfc-bank-tumbles, 24 Jul 2026]
#13917
Consider the following statements about the Indian market performance on July 24, 2026: 1. The BSE Sensex recorded its steepest drop in two months. 2. Private banks and financial sectors were among the worst-performing segments. 3. Brent crude prices briefly crossed $100 a barrel during 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: All three statements are factually accurate based on the market report. The Sensex lost 2.7% (steepest in two months), financial sectors were heavily dragged down, and Brent crude crossed the $100 threshold. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431634/indian-shares-log-weekly-losses-as-crude-climbs-hdfc-bank-tumbles, 24 Jul 2026]
#13918
Consider the following statements about the global vegetable oil market as of July 2026: 1. Dalian’s most-active soyoil contract experienced a gain of 1.33%. 2. Soyoil prices on the Chicago Board of Trade increased by 0.99%. 3. Brazil has the potential to triple its palm oil planted area over the next decade. 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 correct. Statement 2 is incorrect because soyoil prices on the Chicago Board of Trade actually dropped by 0.99%, not increased. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431640/palm-oil-hits-15-week-high-posts-third-weekly-gain, 24 Jul 2026]
#13919
What was the closing value of the KSE-100 index at the end of the trading week ending on March 8, 2026?
(a) 145,210 points
(b) 157,496 points
(c) 162,305 points
(d) None of these
Explanation: The KSE-100 index closed at 157,496 points after a weekly decline of 6.3 percent. This decline was primarily attributed to investor panic regarding regional geopolitical instability. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979645/stocks-nosedive-63pc-in-jittery-week-on-geopolitical-concerns, 08 Mar 2026]
#13920
Consider the following statements about the economic indicators in February 2026: 1. Pakistan's trade deficit widened to approximately $3 billion. 2. Urea offtake recorded a significant increase compared to the previous year. 3. Liquid foreign exchange reserves held by the State Bank of Pakistan stood at $16.3 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 2 is incorrect because urea offtake actually fell by 28 percent year-on-year, reaching the lowest monthly level recorded. Statements 1 and 3 are factually accurate based on the reported economic data. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979645/stocks-nosedive-63pc-in-jittery-week-on-geopolitical-concerns, 08 Mar 2026]