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.
#20481
Which of the following statements regarding the 2026 Youth Hockey5s Asian Championship is INCORRECT?
(a) India remained unbeaten against Pakistan throughout the tournament.
(b) Pakistan qualified for the final after finishing second in the group standings.
(c) Pakistan defeated Oman in their opening match of the tournament.
(d) India lost the final match to Pakistan by a margin of two goals.
Explanation: India won the final match 3-1, making the statement that they lost the final incorrect. The other three statements are factually accurate regarding the tournament's progression. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018608/india-beat-pakistan-to-retain-youth-hockey5s-asian-title, 27 Jul 2026]
#20482
Which of the following statements regarding the 2026 Champions League final is INCORRECT?
(a) PSG won the match through a penalty shootout.
(b) The match ended in a 1-1 draw after extra time.
(c) Arsenal won their first-ever Champions League title in this match.
(d) Ousmane Dembele scored a penalty for PSG.
Explanation: Arsenal lost the final, marking their second defeat in a Champions League final, not a victory. The other statements accurately describe the match events. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2004042/psg-edge-arsenal-on-penalties-to-retain-champions-league-title, 30 May 2026]
#20483
Which player scored the opening goal for Arsenal in the 2026 Champions League final?
(a) Viktor Gyokeres
(b) Bukayo Saka
(c) Leandro Trossard
(d) Kai Havertz
Explanation: Kai Havertz scored the opening goal for Arsenal in the sixth minute of the match. While Saka and Trossard were involved in the game, they did not score the opening goal. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2004042/psg-edge-arsenal-on-penalties-to-retain-champions-league-title, 30 May 2026]
#20484
Which of the following statements regarding the second ODI on March 13, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) Pakistan won the match by 128 runs.
(b) The match was decided using the DLS method.
(c) The series was leveled at 1-1 after the match.
(d) Bangladesh successfully chased the revised target.
Explanation: Bangladesh failed to chase the target, collapsing for 114 runs in 23.3 overs. Therefore, the statement that they successfully chased the target is incorrect. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981758/pakistan-thrash-bangladesh-by-128-runs-in-rain-hit-second-odi, 13 Mar 2026]
#20485
According to the IMF requirements mentioned in the June 2026 discussions, what is the approximate additional revenue target set for the federal government?
(a) Rs 500 billion
(b) Rs 430 billion
(c) Rs 350 billion
(d) Rs 600 billion
Explanation: The IMF requested the federal government to introduce at least Rs 430 billion in additional budgetary measures. A matching target of Rs 430 billion was also set for the provinces. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2005897/ppp-shares-tax-related-reservations-in-pre-budget-meeting-with-dar-say-sources, 07 Jun 2026]
#20486
In which stadium was the second ODI match between Pakistan and Bangladesh held in March 2026?
(a) Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium
(b) Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium
(c) Sylhet International Cricket Stadium
(d) Sheikh Abu Naser Stadium
Explanation: The match took place at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur. The other options are also cricket venues in Bangladesh but were not the site of this specific match. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981999/icc-reprimands-salman-ali-agha-for-breaching-code-of-conduct-in-bangladesh-odi, 14 Mar 2026]
#20487
Who served as the match referee for the second ODI between Pakistan and Bangladesh in March 2026?
(a) Adrian Holdstock
(b) Tanvir Ahmed
(c) Kumar Dharmasena
(d) Neeyamur Rashid Rahul
Explanation: Neeyamur Rashid Rahul of the Emirates ICC International Panel of Match Referees proposed the sanction. The others listed were on-field or third/fourth umpires. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981999/icc-reprimands-salman-ali-agha-for-breaching-code-of-conduct-in-bangladesh-odi, 14 Mar 2026]
#20488
Consider the following statements about the 2026 World Cup final aftermath: 1. FIFA initiated an investigation into the Argentine team due to banners displayed after the semi-final match. 2. The Argentine squad received a hostile reception from fans upon their arrival in Buenos Aires. 3. Emiliano Martinez expressed uncertainty regarding his future in international football following the final loss. 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 FIFA investigated the Falklands banner incident. Statement 3 is correct as Martinez publicly stated he would reflect on his international future. Statement 2 is incorrect because the fans provided a 'rapturous welcome' despite the loss. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017381/thousands-welcome-home-argentina-squad-without-messi-despite-world-cup-loss, 22 Jul 2026]
#20489
Which organization reported receiving a distress call from a tanker struck by a projectile in the Red Sea on July 23, 2026?
(a) General Transport Authority (GTA)
(b) United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO)
(c) Saudi Arabian Coast Guard
(d) International Maritime Organization (IMO)
Explanation: The UKMTO agency confirmed receiving a report from a tanker master regarding a projectile strike that caused an onboard fire, matching the details of the attack on the Encelia. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017740/houthis-attack-saudi-tankers-in-red-sea-as-us-strikes-iran-for-12th-consecutive-day, 23 Jul 2026]
#20490
Which Pakistani cricketer was signed by the Sunrisers Leeds franchise for the 2026 edition of The Hundred?
(a) Abrar Ahmed
(b) Haris Rauf
(c) Shaheen Shah Afridi
(d) Usman Tariq
Explanation: Abrar Ahmed was signed by Sunrisers Leeds for £190,000 during the 2026 auction. While Usman Tariq was also signed by a franchise, he was acquired by Birmingham Phoenix, not Sunrisers Leeds. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981366/ipl-linked-sunrisers-leeds-sign-abrar-ahmed-for-the-hundred, 12 Mar 2026]
#20491
Which Argentine player received a red card during the 2026 World Cup final?
(a) Lionel Messi
(b) Emiliano Martinez
(c) Leandro Paredes
(d) Enzo Fernandez
Explanation: Enzo Fernandez was sent off for a second booking after a challenge on Spain's Pau Cubarsi. While other players were involved in post-match controversies, Fernandez was the specific player dismissed during the match. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017381/thousands-welcome-home-argentina-squad-without-messi-despite-world-cup-loss, 22 Jul 2026]
#20492
Which franchise signed Pakistani spinner Usman Tariq during the 2026 auction for The Hundred?
(a) London Spirit
(b) Welsh Fire
(c) Birmingham Phoenix
(d) Southern Brave
Explanation: Usman Tariq was acquired by Birmingham Phoenix for £140,000. The other listed franchises were active in the auction but did not sign Tariq. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981366/ipl-linked-sunrisers-leeds-sign-abrar-ahmed-for-the-hundred, 12 Mar 2026]
#20493
Consider the following statements about the 2026 edition of The Hundred: 1. It is the first time the tournament has utilized an auction system for player selection. 2. The tournament is scheduled to commence in July 2026. 3. All eight franchises are exclusively owned by English private investors. 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 this is the first auction-based selection in the tournament's history. Statement 2 is correct as the tournament begins on July 21, 2026. Statement 3 is incorrect because several franchises, including Sunrisers Leeds, are owned by groups that control IPL teams. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981366/ipl-linked-sunrisers-leeds-sign-abrar-ahmed-for-the-hundred, 12 Mar 2026]
#20494
Who scored the opening goal of the 2026 FIFA World Cup during the match against South Africa?
(a) Raul Jimenez
(b) Cesar Montes
(c) Julian Quinones
(d) Roberto Alvarado
Explanation: Julian Quinones scored the opening goal of the tournament in the ninth minute of the match against South Africa. Raul Jimenez scored the second goal later in the game. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2007165/mexico-beat-south-africa-2-0-to-kick-off-2026-fifa-world-cup, 11 Jun 2026]
#20495
Who has been appointed as the captain of the Pakistan Test cricket team for the series against the West Indies in 2026?
(a) Babar Azam
(b) Shan Masood
(c) Azan Awais
(d) Mohammad Ali
Explanation: Babar Azam returned as the captain of the Pakistan Test team, replacing Shan Masood following a series loss in Bangladesh. Shan Masood was the previous captain, making him a plausible distractor. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018018/brian-lara-stadium-hosts-maiden-test-as-west-indies-face-pakistan, 24 Jul 2026]
#20496
Which stadium in Trinidad is hosting its maiden Test match in July 2026?
(a) Queen's Park Oval
(b) Brian Lara Stadium
(c) Sabina Park
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Brian Lara Stadium, located in the south of Trinidad, was designated as the venue for the first Test of the series. Queen's Park Oval is the other Test venue in Trinidad but is not the site of this maiden Test. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018018/brian-lara-stadium-hosts-maiden-test-as-west-indies-face-pakistan, 24 Jul 2026]
#20497
Which of the following statements regarding the 2026 West Indies vs Pakistan Test series is INCORRECT?
(a) The series consists of two Test matches.
(b) The second Test is scheduled to be played at Queen's Park Oval.
(c) Pakistan enters the series having won their last seven consecutive away Test matches.
(d) The Brian Lara Stadium has previously hosted T20 internationals.
Explanation: Pakistan is actually attempting to end a streak of seven consecutive away Test losses, not wins. The other statements accurately reflect the series structure and venue history. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018018/brian-lara-stadium-hosts-maiden-test-as-west-indies-face-pakistan, 24 Jul 2026]
#20498
Consider the following statements about the 2026 Test series between West Indies and Pakistan: 1. The series is being held during a period in the southern Caribbean prone to significant rainfall. 2. Mohammad Ali is a pace bowler who performed well in the warm-up match for Pakistan. 3. The West Indies Test team recently achieved a series victory against Sri Lanka. 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 July/August period is noted for rainfall, Mohammad Ali took five wickets in the warm-up, and the West Indies recently defeated Sri Lanka. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018018/brian-lara-stadium-hosts-maiden-test-as-west-indies-face-pakistan, 24 Jul 2026]
#20499
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]
#20500
Which of the following teams was scheduled to play against Pakistan in the opening match of the 2026 CAVA championship?
(a) Sri Lanka
(b) Kazakhstan
(c) Uzbekistan
(d) Bangladesh
Explanation: Pakistan was scheduled to face Sri Lanka in the opening fixture of the tournament. The other countries listed are participating teams but were scheduled for different matches. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017387/hosts-pakistan-to-face-sri-lanka-in-central-asian-volleyball-opener, 22 Jul 2026]