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.
#14001
Which Dubai-based developer saw its shares climb by 2% on July 27, 2026?
(a) Aldar Properties
(b) Emaar Properties
(c) Damac Properties
(d) Nakheel Properties
Explanation: Emaar Properties is the blue-chip developer mentioned as having climbed 2% during the session. Aldar Properties is based in Abu Dhabi, not Dubai. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40432018/gulf-stocks-advance-on-iran-de-escalation-hopes-saudi-ends-flat-after-oil-site-attacks, 27 Jul 2026]
#14002
Consider the following statements about the regional market situation on July 27, 2026: 1. The Pentagon paused its 13-night campaign against Iran, contributing to de-escalation hopes. 2. Saudi Aramco facilities in both Jizan and Yanbu were targeted by attacks. 3. Qatar’s benchmark index declined due to poor financial sector performance. 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 2 are factually correct based on the report. Statement 3 is incorrect because Qatar's index actually rose, supported by strong earnings in the financial sector. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40432018/gulf-stocks-advance-on-iran-de-escalation-hopes-saudi-ends-flat-after-oil-site-attacks, 27 Jul 2026]
#14003
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]
#14004
The decline in palm oil prices on July 27, 2026, was primarily attributed to a heavy decline in which of the following?
(a) Gold reserves
(b) Energy futures
(c) Textile exports
(d) Interest rates
Explanation: Palm oil prices are closely linked to energy futures because palm oil is used as a feedstock for biodiesel. A drop in crude oil prices makes palm oil less competitive as a fuel alternative, leading to a decline in its market value. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40432000/palm-slips-more-than-1-on-weaker-crude-chinese-vegetable-oils, 27 Jul 2026]
#14005
Consider the following statements about the global vegetable oil market as of July 27, 2026: 1. Palm oil prices are influenced by the price movements of rival edible oils. 2. The strengthening of the currency of trade generally makes a commodity more expensive for foreign buyers. 3. Geopolitical de-escalation in the Strait of Hormuz contributed to a rise in crude oil prices. 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 palm oil competes in the global market with other oils. Statement 2 is correct as a stronger currency increases the cost for buyers using foreign currency. Statement 3 is incorrect because the de-escalation in the Strait of Hormuz led to a decline in crude oil prices, not a rise. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40432000/palm-slips-more-than-1-on-weaker-crude-chinese-vegetable-oils, 27 Jul 2026]
#14006
What is the new price of petrol per litre following the government's adjustment on July 27, 2026?
(a) Rs520.35
(b) Rs386.83
(c) Rs458.41
(d) Rs334.18
Explanation: Following the adjustment announced on July 27, 2026, the price of petrol was set at Rs334.18 per litre. The other figures represent either the price of HSD or historical peak prices mentioned in the report. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018803/govt-decreases-petrol-price-by-re1-increases-hsd-price-by-rs337, 27 Jul 2026]
#14007
Which of the following US Congressmen was part of the delegation that visited Pakistan in July 2026?
(a) Ryan Keith Zinke
(b) Michael McCaul
(c) Brad Sherman
(d) None of these
Explanation: Ryan Keith Zinke, representing Montana, was one of the two US congressmen who visited Pakistan. Michael James was the other member of the delegation, making 'None of these' incorrect as Zinke is explicitly listed. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018779/in-meeting-with-cdf-munir-us-congressmen-acknowledge-pakistans-critical-role-in-regional-stability-ispr, 27 Jul 2026]
#14008
Consider the following statements about the fuel pricing policy in Pakistan: 1. The government transitioned to a daily fuel pricing mechanism due to global market volatility. 2. Monthly sales of kerosene are significantly higher than those of petrol and high-speed diesel. 3. The government has been implementing fuel conservation measures since early 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 government adopted daily pricing to manage volatility. Statement 3 is correct regarding conservation measures. Statement 2 is incorrect because kerosene demand is only 10,000 tonnes monthly, far lower than the 700,000 to 800,000 tonnes for petrol and HSD. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018803/govt-decreases-petrol-price-by-re1-increases-hsd-price-by-rs337, 27 Jul 2026]
#14009
Consider the following statements about the visit of the US delegation in July 2026: 1. The delegation met with the Governor of Punjab in Lahore. 2. The US congressmen expressed that the bilateral relationship has never been better. 3. The delegation visited the mausoleum of Allama Iqbal during their stay in Islamabad. 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 the delegation met the Punjab Governor and Zinke remarked on the strength of the relationship. Statement 3 is incorrect because the mausoleum of Allama Iqbal is located in Lahore, not Islamabad. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018779/in-meeting-with-cdf-munir-us-congressmen-acknowledge-pakistans-critical-role-in-regional-stability-ispr, 27 Jul 2026]
#14010
Which of the following statements regarding the oil market situation on July 27, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) Brent crude futures fell by approximately 6 percent.
(b) US West Texas Intermediate crude fell to as low as 8 percent earlier in the day.
(c) Saudi Arabia's air defences intercepted drones launched from Iraq.
(d) A signed diplomatic framework was established between the US and Iran to guarantee oil flow.
Explanation: Market analysts explicitly stated that there is no signed framework, no verification mechanism, and no agreed timeline for the pause in hostilities. Options A, B, and D are factually accurate descriptions of the events reported on that date. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018729/oil-prices-near-one-week-low-after-us-iran-pause-fighting-over-weekend, 27 Jul 2026]
#14011
On 28 July 2026, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif chaired a meeting of which specific body to discuss energy sector reforms?
(a) Cabinet Committee on Energy
(b) National Economic Council
(c) Executive Committee of the National Economic Council
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Prime Minister chaired the Cabinet Committee on Energy (CCoE) to approve amendments to the oil refining policy and discuss strategic petroleum reserves. The other committees listed are distinct bodies with different mandates. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018968/pm-orders-increase-in-countrys-strategic-petroleum-reserves-changes-to-oil-refining-policy-approved, 28 Jul 2026]
#14012
According to shipping data from Kpler, oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz during the weekend of July 27, 2026, fell to what percentage of pre-war levels?
(a) 5 percent
(b) 25 percent
(c) 15 percent
(d) 35 percent
Explanation: Shipping data indicated that flows through the Strait of Hormuz dropped to approximately 15 percent of pre-war levels. This reduction reflects the severe impact of regional military tensions on maritime energy transit. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018729/oil-prices-near-one-week-low-after-us-iran-pause-fighting-over-weekend, 27 Jul 2026]
#14013
Consider the following statements about the energy sector reforms discussed on 28 July 2026: 1. The government aims to increase strategic petroleum reserves to mitigate supply shocks. 2. The Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (Ogra) is slated for performance-related reforms. 3. The federal budget for FY24-25 provided full, uninterrupted support for the 2023 refining policy. 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 2 are correct as they reflect the PM's directives. Statement 3 is incorrect because the federal budget for FY24-25 actually nullified many incentives in the 2023 policy, causing refineries to pause their projects. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018968/pm-orders-increase-in-countrys-strategic-petroleum-reserves-changes-to-oil-refining-policy-approved, 28 Jul 2026]
#14014
Consider the following statements about the energy security situation on July 27, 2026: 1. The conflict has caused oil shipments to be diverted away from the Red Sea. 2. Houthi forces targeted supply sites linking eastern Saudi Arabia to the city of Yanbu. 3. The Caspian Pipeline Consortium terminal in the Black Sea remained closed indefinitely as of July 27, 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 correct as they reflect the impact on Red Sea shipping and the specific targets of Houthi attacks. Statement 3 is incorrect because the energy ministry reported that the Caspian Pipeline Consortium terminal had resumed oil loadings. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018729/oil-prices-near-one-week-low-after-us-iran-pause-fighting-over-weekend, 27 Jul 2026]
#14015
Which of the following statements regarding the market events of March 10, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The State Bank of Pakistan increased the policy rate to 12.5% to curb inflation.
(b) Trading was temporarily suspended due to a 5% rise in the KSE-30 index.
(c) The market rally was partially attributed to improved global market conditions.
(d) The KSE-100 index closed the session in the green.
Explanation: The State Bank of Pakistan maintained the policy rate at 10.5%, not 12.5%. Options A, B, and C are factually accurate descriptions of the market conditions on that date. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980474/bulls-return-as-kse-100-surges-past-9000-points-market-closes-in-the-green, 10 Mar 2026]
#14016
Which of the following statements regarding the oil market situation on March 10, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) Brent futures experienced a decline of approximately 6.8 percent.
(b) Goldman Sachs immediately adjusted its fourth-quarter 2026 price forecast for Brent to $90 per barrel.
(c) US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude prices fell by approximately 6.8 percent.
(d) Volumes in Brent dropped to the lowest amount since February 27.
Explanation: Goldman Sachs explicitly stated it was not changing its oil price forecast for Brent at $66 per barrel for the fourth quarter of 2026, making the incorrect statement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980481/oil-sinks-7pc-as-trump-predicts-middle-east-de-escalation, 10 Mar 2026]
#14017
Consider the following statements about the market activity on March 10, 2026: 1. The KSE-100 index gained over 9,000 points during the trading session. 2. The market halt was triggered by a 5% increase in the KSE-100 index. 3. The rally followed a significant decline in the index on the previous trading day. 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 index advanced 9,696.98 points. Statement 2 is incorrect because the halt was triggered by the KSE-30 index, not the KSE-100. Statement 3 is correct as the rally followed the historic drop on March 9. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980474/bulls-return-as-kse-100-surges-past-9000-points-market-closes-in-the-green, 10 Mar 2026]
#14018
Consider the following statements regarding policy and governance developments in Pakistan as of August 5, 2026:
(a) Only 1 and 2 are correct
(b) Only 2 and 3 are correct
(c) Only 1 and 3 are correct
(d) 1, 2, and 3 are correct
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect because the planned restructuring involves unbundling the two existing gas utilities into five entities, not five companies into two. Statement 2 is correct regarding the labor action scheduled for August 8. Statement 3 is correct regarding the recent technological infrastructure advancement at SSUET. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40433353/goods-transporters-say-will-observe-strike-from-8th]
#14019
What is the notified value of Diyat (blood money) for the fiscal year 2026-27?
(a) Rs6,757,902
(b) Rs9,828,670
(c) Rs19,352,390
(d) None of these
Explanation: The federal government set the Diyat value at Rs19,352,390 for FY2026-27. The other figures represent values from previous fiscal years. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2019000/govt-almost-doubles-blood-money-payment-to-heirs-of-victim-on-account-of-rising-silver-prices, 28 Jul 2026]
#14020
Which of the following statements regarding the fuel pricing policy in July 2026 is INCORRECT?
(a) The government decided to move toward a daily fuel pricing mechanism.
(b) The All Pakistan Dealers Association expressed support for the daily pricing decision.
(c) The price adjustments were influenced by hostilities in the Persian Gulf.
(d) The Petroleum Division issued a notification regarding the new prices.
Explanation: The All Pakistan Dealers Association rejected the daily pricing decision and threatened to protest, making statement B incorrect. The other statements accurately reflect the government's policy and the context of the price changes. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2019031/govt-increases-petrol-price-by-rs163-hsd-price-by-rs155, 28 Jul 2026]