January 2026 Edition
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January 2026 Current Affairs MCQs & Solutions
Top national & international current affairs questions for CSS, PMS, FPSC, PPSC, and NTS screening tests.
#20081
Which of the following statements regarding the 2026-27 budget is INCORRECT?
(a) The average inflation is projected at 8.2 percent.
(b) The government has proposed a 15 percent increase in the salaries and pensions of government employees.
(c) Taxes on sanitary pads and contraceptives have been completely withdrawn.
(d) The fiscal deficit is targeted to be contained at 3.6 percent of GDP.
Explanation: The budget proposed a 7 percent raise in salaries and pensions for government employees, not 15 percent. The other statements accurately reflect the fiscal projections and policy changes announced in the budget. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2007283/govt-unveils-rs188tr-budget-for-fy2026-27-gdp-growth-targeted-at-4pc, 12 Jun 2026]
#20082
Consider the following statements about the 2026 World Cup match between Canada and Bosnia-Herzegovina: 1. The match was part of Group B. 2. The attendance at the Toronto Stadium was approximately 43,000. 3. Canadian film star Ryan Reynolds attended the match. 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 correct based on the match details. The game was a Group B fixture, the crowd size was reported as 43,000, and Ryan Reynolds was among the notable attendees. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2007443/canada-draw-with-bosnia-herzegovina-to-earn-first-ever-world-cup-point, 12 Jun 2026]
#20083
According to the Prime Minister's address on July 22, 2026, what percentage of indigenization has been achieved in the production of drones?
(a) 60 percent
(b) 50 percent
(c) 40 percent
(d) 75 percent
Explanation: The Prime Minister noted that drones have achieved 60 percent indigenization, highlighting the progress made in domestic manufacturing capabilities. Other figures like 40 or 50 percent are incorrect as they do not reflect the specific progress cited in the official address. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017529/pakistans-progress-in-indigenous-autonomous-capabilities-an-integral-part-of-national-defence-pm-shehbaz, 22 Jul 2026]
#20084
Consider the following statements about the legislative process in Pakistan: 1. Constitutional amendments require a consensus among coalition partners to be successfully introduced. 2. The 18th Amendment is cited as a historical example of successful consensus-based legislation. 3. The PPP has expressed that it was fully consulted by the government regarding the 28th Amendment prior to May 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 government's stated policy and historical context. Statement 3 is incorrect because the PPP leadership explicitly stated they had not been contacted by the government regarding any constitutional amendment. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2000722/law-minister-tarar-sees-no-indication-of-28th-amendment-for-now, 16 May 2026]
#20085
Consider the following statements about the 2026 FIFA World Cup opening match: 1. The match was held at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. 2. Mexico defeated South Africa by a score of 2-0. 3. The tournament is being co-hosted by Mexico, the United States, and Canada. 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. The match took place at the Estadio Azteca, the score was 2-0 in favor of Mexico, and the tournament is a joint effort between Mexico, the United States, and Canada. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2007165/mexico-beat-south-africa-2-0-to-kick-off-2026-fifa-world-cup, 11 Jun 2026]
#20086
On June 11, 2026, the Foreign Office spokesperson identified which specific article of the UN Charter as relevant to the potential threat of water blockage?
(a) Article 2
(b) Article 51
(c) Article 99
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Foreign Office spokesperson cited Article 51 of the UN Charter, which pertains to the inherent right of individual or collective self-defense if an armed attack occurs. This was invoked to underscore the gravity of potential Indian actions regarding transboundary water flows. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2006857/any-attempt-to-block-water-will-have-far-reaching-consequences-warns-fo-after-indian-ministers-remarks, 11 Jun 2026]
#20087
Consider the following statements about Pakistan's defence and technology initiatives: 1. The Indus RAS Expo 2026 was held to showcase advancements in indigenous autonomous capabilities. 2. The Prime Minister recalled the Indus AI Week held in February 2026 as part of the journey in artificial intelligence. 3. The Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and Chief of the Army Staff is Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir. 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 text. The expo focused on autonomous systems, the AI week was held in February, and the title of the Chief of Defence Forces is correctly identified as Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017529/pakistans-progress-in-indigenous-autonomous-capabilities-an-integral-part-of-national-defence-pm-shehbaz, 22 Jul 2026]
#20088
What is the targeted GDP growth rate for Pakistan in the fiscal year 2026-27?
(a) 3.5 percent
(b) 5.0 percent
(c) 4.5 percent
(d) 4.0 percent
Explanation: The government has set a GDP growth target of 4 percent for the fiscal year 2026-27 as part of its economic stabilization and growth strategy. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2007374/finmin-aurangzeb-says-govt-committed-to-reducing-tax-burden-by-widening-tax-net, 12 Jun 2026]
#20089
Which of the following statements regarding the Gilgit-Baltistan political landscape in 2026 is INCORRECT?
(a) The PML-N decided to sit in the opposition despite supporting the PPP for the Chief Minister election.
(b) The IPP members in the cabinet originally contested the June 2026 elections as independent candidates.
(c) The GB Assembly currently has no representation from the Majlis Wahdat-i-Muslimeen (MWM).
(d) The GB Supreme Appellate Court disqualified Fida Muhammad Nashad for concealing assets.
Explanation: The GB Assembly does include one member from the Majlis Wahdat-i-Muslimeen (MWM), making statement C incorrect. All other statements accurately reflect the political situation described. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017537/newly-sworn-in-gb-cm-picks-8-ppp-4-ipp-assembly-members-to-join-his-cabinet-as-ministers, 22 Jul 2026]
#20090
Which Bangladeshi bowler took 4-113 to put Pakistan in a difficult position during the second Test on May 19, 2026?
(a) Nahid Rana
(b) Taijul Islam
(c) Najmul Hossain Shanto
(d) None of these
Explanation: Taijul Islam was the primary architect of the Bangladeshi bowling effort, claiming four wickets including key dismissals of Babar Azam and Salman Agha. Nahid Rana also contributed but did not take four wickets in this innings. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2001532/taijul-puts-bangladesh-on-brink-of-test-series-win-over-pakistan, 19 May 2026]
#20091
Consider the following statements regarding the security measures in Balochistan as of May 17, 2026: 1. The provincial government banned the covering of faces in public places to prevent the obstruction of identification. 2. The security alert was issued in response to recent attacks in Barkhan and Chagai districts. 3. The ban on gatherings applies only to the provincial capital, Quetta. 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. Statement 3 is incorrect because the notification explicitly states that Section 144 was imposed across the entire province, not just in Quetta. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2000944/section-144-imposed-throughout-balochistan-for-one-month, 17 May 2026]
#20092
Which organization provided strategic support to the Nigerian military for the airstrikes conducted in May 2026?
(a) North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)
(b) United Nations Peacekeeping Force
(c) Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)
(d) US Africa Command (Africom)
Explanation: The US Africa Command (Africom) coordinated with Nigerian authorities to execute the airstrikes. Africom is the primary US military command responsible for operations in Africa. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2001567/nigeria-says-joint-strikes-with-us-kill-175-is-fighters, 19 May 2026]
#20093
Who was elected as the Chief Minister of Gilgit-Baltistan in 2026?
(a) Fida Muhammad Nashad
(b) Amjad Hussain
(c) Zulfiqar Ali Murad
(d) None of these
Explanation: Amjad Hussain of the PPP was elected as the Chief Minister of Gilgit-Baltistan. Fida Muhammad Nashad was disqualified by the Supreme Appellate Court, making him an incorrect choice. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017537/newly-sworn-in-gb-cm-picks-8-ppp-4-ipp-assembly-members-to-join-his-cabinet-as-ministers, 22 Jul 2026]
#20094
Consider the following statements about the recent petroleum sector developments: 1. The government has committed to submitting a summary regarding dealers' margins to the federal cabinet. 2. The APPPOA demanded that fuel prices be fixed on a monthly basis permanently. 3. The government has utilized approximately Rs100 billion to mitigate the impact of rising fuel prices since February 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 minister confirmed a summary would be submitted. Statement 3 is correct regarding the fiscal support provided. Statement 2 is incorrect because the association was negotiating the transition from the new daily system, not demanding a permanent monthly fix as a primary condition. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017561/petrol-pump-owners-defer-strike-call-after-talks-with-petroleum-minister, 22 Jul 2026]
#20095
Which Pakistani official visited Iran in May 2026 to discuss the revival of the stalled US-Iran peace process?
(a) Ishaq Dar
(b) Mohsin Naqvi
(c) Asim Munir
(d) None of these
Explanation: Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi conducted the visit to Iran to hold meetings with Iranian leadership to revive the peace process. While Ishaq Dar is involved in foreign policy, the specific visit mentioned in the context of the May 2026 developments was led by the Interior Minister. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2000962/pm-shehbaz-credits-political-military-partnership-for-pakistans-recognition-as-us-iran-mediator-changed-image, 17 May 2026]
#20096
Which of the following individuals is reported to be among the activists detained by Israeli forces during the May 2026 flotilla interception?
(a) Saad Edhi
(b) Abdul Sattar Edhi
(c) Faisal Edhi
(d) None of these
Explanation: Saad Edhi, the son of Faisal Edhi and grandson of Abdul Sattar Edhi, was reported to be among the detained activists. The other two names are his father and grandfather, respectively. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2001815/monstrous-disgraceful-and-inhumane-israeli-minister-sparks-outcry-over-video-of-bound-flotilla-activists, 20 May 2026]
#20097
Who currently serves as the Petroleum Minister of Pakistan as of July 2026?
(a) Nadeem Aziz Khan
(b) Ali Pervaiz Malik
(c) Khaleeq Kiani
(d) None of these
Explanation: Ali Pervaiz Malik is the Petroleum Minister who led the negotiations with the APPPOA. Nadeem Aziz Khan is the Information Secretary of the association, and Khaleeq Kiani is a journalist. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017561/petrol-pump-owners-defer-strike-call-after-talks-with-petroleum-minister, 22 Jul 2026]
#20098
Which of the following statements regarding the second Test match on May 19, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) Pakistan required 121 runs on the final day to secure victory.
(b) Pakistan successfully chased the target of 437 runs on the fourth day.
(c) Bangladesh had already won the first Test match of the series.
(d) Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Agha put on a 134-run partnership.
Explanation: Pakistan did not chase the target on the fourth day; they ended the day at 316-7, still needing 121 runs. The other three statements are factually accurate based on the match report. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2001532/taijul-puts-bangladesh-on-brink-of-test-series-win-over-pakistan, 19 May 2026]
#20099
Which of the following statements regarding the Prime Minister's address on May 19, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) He reaffirmed Pakistan's resolve to defend its territorial integrity.
(b) He stated that Pakistan's peace offer was a sign of military weakness.
(c) He acknowledged the presence of students from friendly countries at the war college.
(d) He highlighted the importance of military diplomacy for regional stability.
Explanation: The Prime Minister explicitly stated that Pakistan's peace offer was never a sign of weakness, but rather a reflection of its strength and mature stance. Therefore, the statement claiming he called it a weakness is incorrect. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2001538/pakistan-a-net-regional-stabiliser-contributing-to-peace-in-the-region-and-beyond-pm-shehbaz, 19 May 2026]
#20100
Consider the following statements about the current situation in the Strait of Hormuz: 1. The conflict involving the United States and Israel began in February 2026. 2. A ceasefire has been in effect in the region since April 2026. 3. The PGSA is the only body authorized to manage the strait, with no involvement from the Revolutionary Guards. 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 regarding the timeline of the conflict and the ceasefire. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Revolutionary Guards' navy actively shared and supported the announcement of the PGSA, indicating their involvement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2001272/iran-officially-announces-new-body-to-manage-strait-of-hormuz-top-security-council, 18 May 2026]