January 2026 Edition
Start January Quiz
January 2026 Current Affairs MCQs & Solutions
Top national & international current affairs questions for CSS, PMS, FPSC, PPSC, and NTS screening tests.
#20521
Consider the following statements about the 2026 T20 World Cup travel crisis: 1. The charter flight was intended to transport teams to Johannesburg before continuing to Antigua. 2. South African players Quinton de Kock and David Miller expressed dissatisfaction with the ICC's travel management. 3. The West Indies team remained in India for several days after their elimination due to repeated charter delays. 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 reports regarding the travel disruptions. The charter route, the specific players who voiced concerns, and the fact that the team remained in India post-elimination are all verified details. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980612/t20-world-cup-west-indies-players-leave-india-on-commercial-flights-after-charter-cancelled, 10 Mar 2026]
#20522
Select the correct chronological sequence of the following policy-related occurrences reported on August 5, 2026:
(a) A > B > C > D
(b) C > B > D > A
(c) B > A > D > C
(d) D > C > B > A
Explanation: The events involve: A) The appointment of a cricket coach; B) The launch of a book on hybrid warfare; C) Bilawal Bhutto's statement on Youm-e-Istehsal-e-Kashmir; D) The Ministerial meeting in Jordan regarding Jerusalem. All events were reported on the same calendar day, and their sequence follows their presentation in the daily news cycle order. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40433345/smith-appointed-batting-coach-of-mens-team]
#20523
Which of the following statements regarding Kylian Mbappe's performance in the 2026 FIFA World Cup is INCORRECT?
(a) He scored two goals in the third-place match against England.
(b) He reached his record-breaking total in 22 total World Cup appearances.
(c) He won the 2026 FIFA World Cup final against Spain.
(d) He surpassed the previous record of 21 goals held by Lionel Messi.
Explanation: Statement D is incorrect because France played in the third-place match, not the final. Spain and Argentina were the teams competing in the 2026 final. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016719/frances-mbappe-becomes-world-cups-all-time-top-scorer, 19 Jul 2026]
#20524
Which player was named as the 12th man in the ICC's Team of the Tournament for the 2026 T20 World Cup?
(a) Lungi Ngidi
(b) Blessing Muzarabani
(c) Shadley Van Schalkwyk
(d) Adil Rashid
Explanation: Shadley Van Schalkwyk from the USA was selected as the 12th player for the ICC's Team of the Tournament. The other players listed were part of the main 11-member squad. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980203/t20-world-cup-sahibzada-farhan-makes-it-to-iccs-team-of-the-tournament, 09 Mar 2026]
#20525
Who was appointed as the captain of the ICC's Team of the Tournament for the 2026 T20 World Cup?
(a) Hardik Pandya
(b) Will Jacks
(c) Jason Holder
(d) Aidan Markram
Explanation: Aidan Markram of South Africa was named the captain of the ICC's Team of the Tournament. Hardik Pandya was included as a player, but not as the captain. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980203/t20-world-cup-sahibzada-farhan-makes-it-to-iccs-team-of-the-tournament, 09 Mar 2026]
#20526
Which of the following players was NOT included in the ICC's Team of the Tournament for the 2026 T20 World Cup?
(a) Babar Azam
(b) Ishan Kishan
(c) Jasprit Bumrah
(d) Sanju Samson
Explanation: Sanju Samson, Ishan Kishan, and Jasprit Bumrah were all included in the team as part of the Indian contingent. Babar Azam was not named in the ICC's Team of the Tournament. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980203/t20-world-cup-sahibzada-farhan-makes-it-to-iccs-team-of-the-tournament, 09 Mar 2026]
#20527
Consider the following statements about Sahibzada Farhan's performance in the 2026 T20 World Cup: 1. He became the first batter to score two centuries in a single edition of the T20 World Cup. 2. He shared a record-breaking 176-run partnership with Fakhar Zaman against Sri Lanka. 3. He was the only Pakistani player selected for the ICC's Team of the Tournament. 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 tournament performance. Farhan achieved the two-century milestone, participated in the record partnership with Fakhar Zaman, and was the sole Pakistani representative in the ICC's final team selection. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980203/t20-world-cup-sahibzada-farhan-makes-it-to-iccs-team-of-the-tournament, 09 Mar 2026]
#20528
Which of the following players was NOT sent off during the Mexico vs. South Africa match on June 11, 2026?
(a) Raul Jimenez
(b) Themba Zwane
(c) Cesar Montes
(d) Sphephelo Sithole
Explanation: Raul Jimenez scored a goal for Mexico and was not dismissed. Sphephelo Sithole, Themba Zwane, and Cesar Montes were all shown red cards during the match. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2007165/mexico-beat-south-africa-2-0-to-kick-off-2026-fifa-world-cup, 11 Jun 2026]
#20529
Which artists performed the official song of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, 'Dai Dai', at the opening ceremony?
(a) J Balvin and Andrea Bocelli
(b) Shakira and Burna Boy
(c) Pitbull and Jennifer Lopez
(d) Ricky Martin and Enrique Iglesias
Explanation: Colombian pop icon Shakira and Nigerian singer Burna Boy performed the official tournament song 'Dai Dai' during the opening ceremony. While J Balvin and Andrea Bocelli also performed, they were not the performers of the official song. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2007165/mexico-beat-south-africa-2-0-to-kick-off-2026-fifa-world-cup, 11 Jun 2026]
#20530
Consider the following statements regarding Pakistan's governance and foreign policy developments as reported in August 2026: 1. The Economic Coordination Committee approved financial assistance for the Pakistan Television Corporation. 2. The Islamabad High Court upheld an order requiring the disclosure of cricketers' salaries and perks. 3. The government has proposed the unbundling of two major gas utilities into five distinct entities.
(a) Only 1 and 2 are correct
(b) Only 1 and 3 are correct
(c) Only 2 and 3 are correct
(d) All statements are correct
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct (ECC approved 13bn for PTV). Statement 2 is incorrect, as the Islamabad High Court actually suspended the order regarding the disclosure of cricketers' salaries. Statement 3 is correct regarding the restructuring of SNGPL and SSGCL into five entities. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2020697/economic-coordination-committee-approves-rs13bn-lifeline-for-struggling-ptv]
#20531
How many teams are participating in the 2026 FIFA World Cup?
(a) 32 teams
(b) 40 teams
(c) 48 teams
(d) None of these
Explanation: The 2026 FIFA World Cup is the largest edition to date, featuring an expanded format of 48 participating teams. Previous tournaments typically featured 32 teams. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2007165/mexico-beat-south-africa-2-0-to-kick-off-2026-fifa-world-cup, 11 Jun 2026]
#20532
Who was the goalkeeper for Bosnia-Herzegovina during the match against Canada on June 12, 2026?
(a) Sead Kolasinac
(b) Jovo Lukic
(c) Nikola Vasilj
(d) Cyle Larin
Explanation: Nikola Vasilj served as the goalkeeper for Bosnia-Herzegovina and successfully handled a shot from Jonathan David in the 17th minute. Sead Kolasinac is a defender, and Jovo Lukic is a forward. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2007443/canada-draw-with-bosnia-herzegovina-to-earn-first-ever-world-cup-point, 12 Jun 2026]
#20533
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]
#20534
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]
#20535
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]
#20536
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]
#20537
Who was the captain of the Bangladesh cricket team during the second Test match in May 2026?
(a) Litton Das
(b) Mahmudul Hasan Joy
(c) Taijul Islam
(d) Najmul Hossain Shanto
Explanation: Najmul Hossain Shanto served as the captain of the Bangladesh team during the series. Litton Das performed wicket-keeping duties, and Mahmudul Hasan Joy was a fielder. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2001532/taijul-puts-bangladesh-on-brink-of-test-series-win-over-pakistan, 19 May 2026]
#20538
Which bowler took a career-best four-wicket haul during the second ODI of the 2026 series?
(a) Matthew Kuhnemann
(b) Nathan Ellis
(c) Adam Zampa
(d) Cameron Green
Explanation: Nathan Ellis recorded a career-best four-wicket haul in the second ODI, which helped Australia level the series at 1-1. Matthew Kuhnemann also performed well in the series but his career-best was 3-38. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2005169/pakistan-upstage-australia-for-2-1-odi-series-win, 04 Jun 2026]
#20539
Who was the captain of the Australian cricket team during the 2026 ODI series against Pakistan?
(a) Josh Inglis
(b) Adam Zampa
(c) Nathan Ellis
(d) None of these
Explanation: Josh Inglis served as the captain for the Australian side throughout the three-match ODI series. Adam Zampa and Nathan Ellis were members of the squad but did not hold the captaincy. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2005169/pakistan-upstage-australia-for-2-1-odi-series-win, 04 Jun 2026]
#20540
Which of the following statements regarding the 2026 ODI series between Pakistan and Australia is INCORRECT?
(a) Pakistan won the first ODI match held in Rawalpindi.
(b) Australia won the second ODI match by 41 runs.
(c) The final ODI match was decided by a four-wicket victory for Pakistan.
(d) Pakistan won the series with a final score of 3-0.
Explanation: Pakistan won the series 2-1, not 3-0. The other statements accurately reflect the series progression and results. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2005169/pakistan-upstage-australia-for-2-1-odi-series-win, 04 Jun 2026]