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.
#2101
Following the price adjustment on July 22, 2026, what is the new price of high-speed diesel (HSD) per litre?
(a) Rs327.12
(b) Rs375.04
(c) Rs458.41
(d) Rs520.35
Explanation: The government notification issued on July 22, 2026, set the new price of high-speed diesel at Rs375.04 per litre. Rs327.12 is the corresponding price for petrol, while the other figures represent historical peak prices. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017573/govt-increases-petrol-price-by-rs639-diesel-by-rs783-per-litre, 22 Jul 2026]
#2102
Which international mediation effort by Pakistan was specifically recalled by the Iranian President during the July 2026 meeting?
(a) Negotiations between Iran and Saudi Arabia
(b) Dialogue between Iran and the United States
(c) Talks between Iran and the European Union
(d) Mediation between Iran and Israel
Explanation: President Pezeshkian explicitly acknowledged Pakistan's efforts to facilitate dialogue between Iran and the United States. While Pakistan has been involved in other regional mediations, this specific instance was highlighted in the diplomatic exchange. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017654/iranian-president-pezeshkian-calls-for-strengthening-pak-iran-relations, 23 Jul 2026]
#2103
Consider the following statements about the IMF mission to Pakistan in 2026: 1. The mission successfully reached a staff-level agreement on March 11, 2026. 2. Discussions were influenced by the impact of regional conflict on Pakistan's balance of payments. 3. The mission reviewed both the Extended Fund Facility and the Resilience and Sustainability Facility. 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 incorrect because the mission failed to reach a staff-level agreement by the conclusion date. Statements 2 and 3 are correct as they accurately reflect the scope of the review and the external factors influencing the economic outlook. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981220/imf-mission-fails-to-reach-staff-level-agreement-with-pakistan-talks-to-continue, 12 Mar 2026]
#2104
Consider the following statements about the environmental situation in Europe as of July 2026: 1. Europe is identified as the world's fastest-warming continent. 2. The Western Balkans have experienced a shift in danger from heatwaves to hailstorms. 3. The average high temperature in Western Europe was recorded as being three degrees above the 1961-1990 normal for July 22. 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. Europe is confirmed as the fastest-warming continent, the Western Balkans faced a transition to hailstorms, and the temperature anomaly for July 22 was indeed three degrees above the historical baseline. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017665/spain-france-struggle-with-wildfires-as-heat-grips-europes-south, 23 Jul 2026]
#2105
What is the maximum temperature range forecast for the Ebro and Guadalquivir valleys during the peak of the July 2026 heatwave?
(a) 42-44 degrees Celsius
(b) 39-42 degrees Celsius
(c) 35-37 degrees Celsius
(d) 45-47 degrees Celsius
Explanation: Meteorological forecasts for the Ebro and Guadalquivir valleys indicated potential highs of 42-44 degrees Celsius. The 39-42 range was forecast for broader swathes of the country, making 42-44 the specific peak for these valleys. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017665/spain-france-struggle-with-wildfires-as-heat-grips-europes-south, 23 Jul 2026]
#2106
Consider the following statements about the fuel pricing situation in Pakistan as of July 2026: 1. Petrol prices are primarily influenced by the needs of private transport and small vehicles. 2. The government previously utilized a weekly revision cycle for fuel prices before moving to daily adjustments. 3. Monthly sales of kerosene are significantly higher than those of petrol and high-speed diesel. 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 as they reflect the usage patterns and the shift in policy. Statement 3 is incorrect because kerosene demand is only 10,000 tonnes monthly, whereas petrol and diesel sales reach 700,000 to 800,000 tonnes. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017573/govt-increases-petrol-price-by-rs639-diesel-by-rs783-per-litre, 22 Jul 2026]
#2107
Who is the CEO of the Russian retail giant Wildberries that was targeted in the July 2026 drone strikes?
(a) Vladimir Kondratyev
(b) Tatiana Kim
(c) Volodymyr Zelensky
(d) None of these
Explanation: Tatiana Kim is the CEO of Wildberries and publicly commented on the evacuation of the logistics centers following the attacks. Vladimir Kondratyev is the governor of the Krasnodar region, not the CEO of the company. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017672/ukraines-drones-hit-stores-of-russian-retail-giant, 23 Jul 2026]
#2108
Which of the following is NOT a stated condition or feature of the US-Saudi nuclear cooperation agreement as of 2026?
(a) It is contingent on Saudi Arabia joining the Abraham Accords.
(b) It is designed for civilian use of nuclear facilities.
(c) It requires submission to the US Congress for review.
(d) It mandates the immediate transfer of nuclear weapon technology to Riyadh.
Explanation: The agreement is strictly for civilian nuclear cooperation and explicitly excludes the transfer of nuclear weapon technology. The other options accurately reflect the conditions and procedural requirements mentioned in the diplomatic framework. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017738/trump-says-us-saudi-nuclear-deal-subject-to-riyadh-joining-abraham-accords, 23 Jul 2026]
#2109
Who is the current Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the United Nations who addressed the Arria-Formula meeting on Syria in 2026?
(a) Munir Akram
(b) Asim Iftikhar Ahmad
(c) Maleeha Lodhi
(d) None of these
Explanation: Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad represented Pakistan at the UN Arria-Formula meeting regarding Syria. Munir Akram and Maleeha Lodhi are former representatives, making them incorrect. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017641/pakistan-opposes-externally-imposed-solutions-for-syria, 23 Jul 2026]
#2110
Which of the following regions in Russia experienced a fatality during the drone strikes on July 23, 2026?
(a) Moscow region
(b) Siberia region
(c) Urals region
(d) Krasnodar region
Explanation: The governor of the Krasnodar region confirmed that one person was killed during the strikes on July 23, 2026. While other regions like the Urals have been hit in previous operations, this specific casualty occurred in the south. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017672/ukraines-drones-hit-stores-of-russian-retail-giant, 23 Jul 2026]
#2111
Consider the following statements about the Ukrainian military operations reported on July 23, 2026: 1. Ukraine has intensified strikes on Russian maritime assets in the Black and Azov Seas. 2. The UN reported a decrease in civilian casualties during the first half of 2026. 3. Ukrainian drone strikes have reached as far as the Urals and Siberia. 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 Ukraine has intensified maritime attacks. Statement 3 is correct as drones have reached deep into the Urals and Siberia. Statement 2 is incorrect because the UN reported a 37 percent increase in civilian casualties, not a decrease. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017672/ukraines-drones-hit-stores-of-russian-retail-giant, 23 Jul 2026]
#2112
In which Russian cities were the Wildberries logistics centers attacked by Ukrainian drones on July 23, 2026?
(a) Krasnodar and Nevinnomyssk
(b) Moscow and Saint Petersburg
(c) Rostov-on-Don and Volgograd
(d) None of these
Explanation: The strikes on July 23, 2026, specifically targeted Wildberries facilities in the southern Russian cities of Krasnodar and Nevinnomyssk. Other major Russian cities like Moscow or Volgograd were not the sites of this specific coordinated drone attack. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017672/ukraines-drones-hit-stores-of-russian-retail-giant, 23 Jul 2026]
#2113
The National Stabilization Plan 2026–2035 aims to integrate population welfare compliance with which of the following?
(a) National defense budget allocations
(b) Provincial tax collection systems
(c) Federal social protection initiatives
(d) Foreign direct investment policies
Explanation: The government has initiated efforts to link federal social protection programs directly to population welfare compliance to incentivize sustainable growth. This is a key component of the broader demographic strategy. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431434/pm-shehbaz-told-pakistan-aims-to-halve-population-growth-rate-by-2035, 23 Jul 2026]
#2114
Which technology is being utilized by the Punjab government to monitor rivers, dams, and barrages during the 2026 monsoon season?
(a) Safe City cameras
(b) Satellite imagery
(c) Drone surveillance
(d) Seismic sensors
Explanation: The Punjab Chief Minister directed that critical water infrastructure be monitored round the clock using Safe City cameras. This measure aims to enhance flood response and safety. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431316/17-people-killed-in-rain-related-incidents-in-punjab, 23 Jul 2026]
#2115
What was the primary cause of the majority of the 17 fatalities reported in Punjab during the 2026 monsoon season?
(a) Electrocution
(b) Lightning strikes
(c) Collapse of old and dilapidated buildings
(d) None of these
Explanation: Out of the 17 total deaths, 12 were attributed to the collapse of old and dilapidated buildings. Electrocution and lightning strikes accounted for the remaining fatalities. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431316/17-people-killed-in-rain-related-incidents-in-punjab, 23 Jul 2026]
#2116
Consider the following statements about the 2026 monsoon response in Punjab: 1. The PDMA reported that water levels in Tarbela Dam stood at 57 percent. 2. Residents of Gujrat experienced rainwater drainage within three hours. 3. The total number of injured persons reported in rain-related incidents was 107. 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 PDMA report and the government's operational updates for July 2026. The data confirms the dam levels, the drainage efficiency in Gujrat, and the total injury count. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431316/17-people-killed-in-rain-related-incidents-in-punjab, 23 Jul 2026]
#2117
What is the primary source of the strong monsoon currents currently affecting Sindh as of July 2026?
(a) Bay of Bengal
(b) Persian Gulf
(c) Arabian Sea
(d) Indian Ocean
Explanation: The Pakistan Meteorological Department identified the Arabian Sea as the source of the strong monsoon currents penetrating the region. The other options are incorrect geographical sources for these specific weather patterns. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431451/pdma-sindh-issues-province-wide-alert-as-heavy-monsoon-rains-expected-till-july-25, 23 Jul 2026]
#2118
Who is the current Director General of the PDMA Sindh as of July 2026?
(a) Syed Salman Shah
(b) Salman Farooqi
(c) Syed Murad Ali
(d) None of these
Explanation: Syed Salman Shah is the Director General of the PDMA Sindh who issued the official alert. The other names are not associated with this specific institutional role. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431451/pdma-sindh-issues-province-wide-alert-as-heavy-monsoon-rains-expected-till-july-25, 23 Jul 2026]
#2119
How many districts in Punjab were equipped with Water and Sanitation Agencies (WASA) to manage monsoon drainage in 2026?
(a) 35 districts
(b) 45 districts
(c) 41 districts
(d) 50 districts
Explanation: The provincial government established or utilized WASA operations across 41 districts to ensure the swift drainage of rainwater. This infrastructure was supported by over 1,000 machines. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431316/17-people-killed-in-rain-related-incidents-in-punjab, 23 Jul 2026]
#2120
Which of the following is NOT a cause of the 17 fatalities reported in Punjab during the 2026 monsoon season?
(a) Collapse of old buildings
(b) Flash flooding in urban centers
(c) Electrocution
(d) Lightning strikes
Explanation: The reported fatalities were specifically attributed to building collapses, lightning, and electrocution. While urban flooding occurred, it was not listed as a direct cause of the 17 deaths. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431316/17-people-killed-in-rain-related-incidents-in-punjab, 23 Jul 2026]