October 2026 Edition

October 2026 Current Affairs MCQs & Solutions

Top national & international current affairs questions for CSS, PMS, FPSC, PPSC, and NTS screening tests.

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#19401

Consider the following statements regarding Pakistan's diplomatic stance at the SCO meeting on July 24, 2026: 1. Pakistan emphasized that a stable Afghanistan is in the interest of all SCO member states. 2. The DPM highlighted that Afghan nationals have been involved in terrorist attacks within Pakistan. 3. Pakistan advocated for military intervention by the SCO to resolve the Afghan security crisis. 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 accurate reflections of the DPM's address. Statement 3 is incorrect because Pakistan explicitly stated that dialogue and diplomacy remain the only sustainable paths to resolving conflicts, rather than advocating for military intervention. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431639/dpm-ishaq-dar-urges-sco-to-hold-afghan-taliban-accountable-over-terrorism, 24 Jul 2026]
#19402

Consider the following statements about the aviation industry's response to the 2026 Middle East conflict: 1. Air New Zealand suspended its financial outlook for 2026 due to market uncertainty. 2. Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Etihad account for approximately one-third of passenger traffic between Europe and Asia. 3. British Airways-owner IAG announced immediate plans to increase ticket prices across all routes.

(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 IAG explicitly stated it was well-hedged and had no immediate plans to change ticket prices. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980748/airlines-raise-ticket-prices-as-middle-east-conflict-drives-up-fuel-costs, 11 Mar 2026]
#19403

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]
#19404

Consider the following statements about Japan's economic situation in June 2026: 1. The yen has depreciated to a four-decade low. 2. Producer price inflation has shown signs of sharp acceleration. 3. The Bank of Japan is expected to aggressively raise interest rates at its next meeting to combat hyperinflation. 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 Bank of Japan is widely expected to keep interest rates steady at its upcoming meeting, not aggressively raise them. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431592/japan-june-core-inflation-accelerates-stays-below-boj-target, 24 Jul 2026]
#19405

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]
#19406

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]
#19407

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]
#19408

Consider the following statements about the joint statement issued on July 24, 2026: 1. The statement was issued by a group of eight Arab and Islamic nations. 2. The signatories included Pakistan, Türkiye, and Indonesia. 3. The statement explicitly mentions that the actions taken by Israel are in accordance with international humanitarian law. 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 accurately identify the number and composition of the signatory nations. Statement 3 is incorrect because the statement explicitly claims that the actions are a flagrant violation of international humanitarian law, not in accordance with it. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431627/pakistan-seven-other-islamic-states-condemn-israeli-escalation-at-al-aqsa-mosque, 24 Jul 2026]
#19409

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) movement gained significant national traction following the cancellation of which type of examination in May 2026?

(a) Civil Services Examination
(b) Engineering entrance exam
(c) Medical school entrance test
(d) University graduation finals
Explanation: The movement expanded to millions of followers after a national medical school entrance test was cancelled due to a question paper leak. This event served as the primary catalyst for the widespread youth mobilization. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018062/indian-government-seeks-time-on-youth-protesters-minister-resignation-demand, 24 Jul 2026]
#19410

Consider the following statements about the meeting between the Foreign Ministers of Pakistan and Iran in July 2026: 1. The meeting occurred on the sidelines of the SCO Council of Foreign Ministers. 2. The ministers discussed the importance of de-escalation and sustained diplomatic engagement. 3. The Iranian Foreign Minister criticized Pakistan's role in regional security. 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 venue and the diplomatic tone of the meeting. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Iranian Foreign Minister actually expressed appreciation for Pakistan's constructive role in regional peace. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431646/pakistan-iran-fms-reaffirm-commitment-to-regional-peace-at-sco-meeting, 24 Jul 2026]
#19411

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]
#19412

The monsoon currents influencing the weather conditions in Sindh as of July 24, 2026, are originating from which body of water?

(a) Bay of Bengal
(b) Arabian Sea
(c) Persian Gulf
(d) None of these
Explanation: The PMD report explicitly states that strong monsoon currents from the Arabian Sea, combined with a low-pressure area over Rajasthan, are driving the weather patterns. The Bay of Bengal and Persian Gulf are not the primary sources of these specific monsoon currents. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431626/pmd-forecasts-widespread-rain-across-sindh-warns-of-urban-flooding, 24 Jul 2026]
#19413

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]
#19414

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]
#19415

What specific medical condition did Mohammed Shahabuddin cite as the reason for his resignation on July 24, 2026?

(a) Autonomic neuropathy
(b) Chronic hypertension
(c) Cardiac arrhythmia
(d) None of these
Explanation: Mohammed Shahabuddin officially cited autonomic neuropathy, a condition causing occasional loss of consciousness, as the primary reason for his inability to continue his constitutional duties. The other options are common medical conditions but were not the reason provided in his resignation statement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018063/bangladesh-president-shahabuddin-76-resigns-citing-health-concerns, 24 Jul 2026]
#19416

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]
#19417

Consider the following statements about the 2026 Asian Games cricket tournament: 1. The men's competition features a total of ten teams. 2. The women's tournament begins with a preliminary round before the quarter-finals. 3. India enters the 2026 Asian Games as the defending champion in both men's and women's cricket. 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 there are ten teams in the men's competition. Statement 2 is incorrect because the women's tournament begins directly at the quarter-final stage. Statement 3 is correct as India won both gold medals at the 2022 Asian Games. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018033/india-pakistan-among-teams-handed-direct-asian-games-mens-cricket-knockout-berths, 24 Jul 2026]
#19418

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]
#19419

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]
#19420

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]