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.
#20541
Which stadium hosted the third and final ODI match between Pakistan and Australia on June 4, 2026?
(a) Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium
(b) National Bank Stadium
(c) Gaddafi Stadium
(d) Multan Cricket Stadium
Explanation: The third ODI match, which decided the series in favor of Pakistan, was played at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. Rawalpindi hosted the first match of the series. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2005169/pakistan-upstage-australia-for-2-1-odi-series-win, 04 Jun 2026]
#20542
Consider the following statements about the final ODI match of the 2026 series: 1. Australia won the toss and elected to bat first. 2. Pakistan successfully chased the target in 41.5 overs. 3. Shadab Khan and Abdul Samad shared an unbroken seventh-wicket partnership to secure the win. 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 match report. Australia batted first after winning the toss, Pakistan reached the target in 41.5 overs, and the partnership between Shadab and Samad was indeed the decisive factor for the seventh wicket. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2005169/pakistan-upstage-australia-for-2-1-odi-series-win, 04 Jun 2026]
#20543
Which of the following statements regarding the Germany vs. Curacao match on June 14, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) Curacao was making its debut in the FIFA World Cup.
(b) Germany won the match with a final score of 7-1.
(c) Livano Comenencia scored the only goal for Curacao.
(d) The match was held in the final stage of the knockout rounds.
Explanation: The match was an opening Group E fixture, not a knockout round match. The other three statements accurately describe the debutant status of Curacao, the final score, and the goalscorer for Curacao. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2007821/germany-hammer-world-cup-debutants-curacao-after-early-scare, 14 Jun 2026]
#20544
Consider the following statements about the Germany vs. Curacao match held on June 14, 2026: 1. Kai Havertz scored two goals during the match. 2. The Curacao fans are known as the Blue Wave. 3. Germany had not won an opening match at a World Cup since 2014. 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 report. Kai Havertz scored a double, the Curacao fans are referred to as the Blue Wave, and Germany had indeed not won an opening match since their 2014 title run. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2007821/germany-hammer-world-cup-debutants-curacao-after-early-scare, 14 Jun 2026]
#20545
What percentage of possession did Spain hold during their match against Cape Verde on June 15, 2026?
(a) 65 per cent
(b) 70 per cent
(c) 74 per cent
(d) 80 per cent
Explanation: Spain maintained 74 per cent possession throughout the match but failed to score. The other figures are incorrect estimates of their dominance in the game. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2008115/spain-held-0-0-by-world-cup-debutants-cape-verde, 15 Jun 2026]
#20546
The FIFA World Cup 2026 tournament was expanded to include how many teams?
(a) 32 teams
(b) 40 teams
(c) 48 teams
(d) None of these
Explanation: FIFA expanded the 2026 World Cup to 48 teams to allow for greater global representation. The previous standard for many years was 32 teams. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2008115/spain-held-0-0-by-world-cup-debutants-cape-verde, 15 Jun 2026]
#20547
Which player was sent off during the Belgium versus Iran match on June 21, 2026?
(a) Kevin De Bruyne
(b) Romelu Lukaku
(c) Nathan Ngoy
(d) Thibaut Courtois
Explanation: Nathan Ngoy was dismissed after a red card for hauling down Mehdi Taremi following a mis-hit backpass. The other players listed remained on the pitch for their respective teams. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2009791/iran-frustrate-star-studded-belgium-to-steal-another-world-cup-point, 21 Jun 2026]
#20548
Which player scored the opening goal for Germany in their 2026 World Cup match against Curacao?
(a) Kai Havertz
(b) Felix Nmecha
(c) Jamal Musiala
(d) Deniz Undav
Explanation: Felix Nmecha scored the opening goal in the sixth minute of the match. While other players like Havertz and Musiala also scored, Nmecha was the first to find the net. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2007821/germany-hammer-world-cup-debutants-curacao-after-early-scare, 14 Jun 2026]
#20549
Consider the following statements about the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group H match between Spain and Cape Verde: 1. The match was held on June 15, 2026. 2. Spain is a former world champion, having won the title in 2010. 3. Cape Verde entered the tournament as a highly ranked favorite to win the World Cup. 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. Statement 3 is incorrect because Cape Verde was considered a 2000-1 underdog, not a favorite. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2008115/spain-held-0-0-by-world-cup-debutants-cape-verde, 15 Jun 2026]
#20550
Manuel Neuer achieved a milestone in the 2026 World Cup by becoming the oldest German player to appear in a World Cup, participating in his:
(a) Third tournament
(b) Fourth tournament
(c) Fifth tournament
(d) Sixth tournament
Explanation: Manuel Neuer, at age 40, reached the milestone of playing in his fifth global tournament. This distinguishes him as the oldest German player to ever appear in the competition. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2007821/germany-hammer-world-cup-debutants-curacao-after-early-scare, 14 Jun 2026]
#20551
Who is the oldest coach to ever appear at the FIFA World Cup finals, as noted during the 2026 tournament?
(a) Julian Nagelsmann
(b) Dick Advocaat
(c) Louis van Gaal
(d) None of these
Explanation: Dick Advocaat, aged 78, holds the record as the oldest coach to appear at the World Cup finals. Julian Nagelsmann is the current coach of the German national team. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2007821/germany-hammer-world-cup-debutants-curacao-after-early-scare, 14 Jun 2026]
#20552
Which of the following statements regarding the Iran vs. Belgium match on June 21, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The match ended in a scoreless draw.
(b) Mehdi Taremi had a goal overturned by VAR for offside.
(c) Iran utilized a back-five defensive formation.
(d) Belgium played with 11 men for the entire duration of the match.
Explanation: Belgium was reduced to 10 men after Nathan Ngoy was sent off, making the statement that they played with 11 men incorrect. All other options accurately describe the events of the match. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2009791/iran-frustrate-star-studded-belgium-to-steal-another-world-cup-point, 21 Jun 2026]
#20553
Who is the head coach of the Belgium national football team as referenced in the 2026 World Cup coverage?
(a) Rudi Garcia
(b) Hans Vanaken
(c) Maxim De Cuyper
(d) Dodi Lukebakio
Explanation: Rudi Garcia is identified as the coach who made a triple substitution during the match against Iran. The other individuals listed are players. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2009791/iran-frustrate-star-studded-belgium-to-steal-another-world-cup-point, 21 Jun 2026]
#20554
The total prize money offered at the French Open in 2026 is:
(a) 61.7 million euros
(b) 53.5 million euros
(c) 80.06 million euros
(d) 90.0 million euros
Explanation: The French Open prize money for 2026 was increased by 9.5 percent to reach a total of 61.7 million euros. The other figures represent different currencies or amounts associated with other Grand Slam tournaments. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1997810/players-would-boycott-french-open-over-prize-money-dispute-says-sabalenka, 05 May 2026]
#20555
Consider the following statements about the 2026 French Open prize money dispute: 1. Aryna Sabalenka indicated that a boycott is a potential strategy to secure better rights. 2. The current prize money allocation is approximately 22 percent of the total tournament revenue. 3. Coco Gauff highlighted that many players ranked between 50 and 200 struggle financially. 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 Sabalenka voiced the boycott threat. Statement 3 is correct as Gauff noted the financial struggles of lower-ranked players. Statement 2 is incorrect because the current allocation is less than 15 percent, not 22 percent (which is the target demand). [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1997810/players-would-boycott-french-open-over-prize-money-dispute-says-sabalenka, 05 May 2026]
#20556
On 2026-03-12, who was appointed as the Governor of Sindh?
(a) Nehal Hashmi
(b) Kamran Tessori
(c) Farooq Sattar
(d) Khalid Maqbool Siddique
Explanation: Nehal Hashmi was appointed as the Governor of Sindh following the recommendation of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the approval of President Asif Ali Zardari. Kamran Tessori was the predecessor in this position. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981259/pm-shehbaz-recommends-pml-ns-nehal-hashmi-as-sindh-governor, 12 Mar 2026]
#20557
Who is the newly appointed Ambassador of Pakistan to the Islamic Republic of Iran as of July 2026?
(a) Mohsin Naqvi
(b) Imran Ahmed Siddiqui
(c) Syed Asim Munir
(d) None of these
Explanation: Imran Ahmed Siddiqui presented his credentials to Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Tehran on July 21, 2026. Mohsin Naqvi is the Interior Minister of Pakistan, not the ambassador to Iran. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017147/araghchi-identifies-peace-security-as-key-goals-in-relations-with-islamabad, 21 Jul 2026]
#20558
Consider the following statements regarding policy developments and national events occurring in August 2026: 1. The Sindh Governor has taken steps toward institutional modernization by inaugurating an AI laboratory at an engineering university. 2. The Government of Pakistan has unveiled a roadmap to restructure and unbundle existing gas utility companies into five distinct entities. 3. The national transport sector has announced a nationwide protest action slated to commence on August 8 due to operational grievances.
(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 all correct
Explanation: All statements are verified: the Governor of Sindh inaugurated an AI laboratory at SSUET; the government formally proposed restructuring gas utilities SNGPL and SSGCL into five entities; and transport associations have confirmed a nationwide strike beginning August 8. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40433354/nehal-inaugurates-ai-lab-at-ssuet]
#20559
Who is the current Federal Minister for Railways as of 2026?
(a) Hanif Abbasi
(b) Muhammad Hanif Gul
(c) Tariq Khan
(d) None of these
Explanation: Hanif Abbasi is the Federal Minister for Railways who addressed the press regarding the Tezgam Express incident. Muhammad Hanif Gul is the Divisional Superintendent of Multan, and Tariq Khan is the train driver. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1985160/railways-minister-says-tezgam-express-derailment-likely-due-to-mechanical-and-human-error, 25 Mar 2026]
#20560
Who is the current Federal Minister for Power who addressed the corruption allegations against LESCO employees on May 31, 2026?
(a) Khawaja Asif
(b) Awais Leghari
(c) Khaleeq Kiani
(d) None of these
Explanation: Awais Leghari is the Federal Minister for Power who held the press conference to address the corruption claims. Khawaja Asif is the Defence Minister who raised the initial complaint. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2004146/strict-action-taken-says-power-minister-after-khawaja-asifs-claim-of-lesco-employees-corruption, 31 May 2026]