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.
#2301
Consider the following statements about the capital market reforms discussed on March 11, 2026: 1. The reforms aim to mobilize long-term domestic savings for private sector investment. 2. The Finance Minister suggested that Pakistan should ignore international experiences to focus solely on local models. 3. Strengthening market-making mechanisms is considered essential for improving investor confidence. 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 3 are correct as they reflect the government's strategy to mobilize savings and improve market infrastructure. Statement 2 is incorrect because the Finance Minister explicitly directed institutions to review and adapt best practices from international and regional markets. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980943/finance-minister-stresses-more-balanced-system-where-capital-markets-complement-banking-sector, 11 Mar 2026]
#2302
The opposition party, led by Imran Khan, scheduled protests for August 5, 2026, to mark the anniversary of what event?
(a) The dissolution of the National Assembly
(b) The incarceration of its leader
(c) The passage of the 26th Amendment
(d) The start of the lawyers' movement
Explanation: The protests were planned to mark three years since the imprisonment of the PTI leader. This date serves as a focal point for the opposition's mobilization against the current government. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018681/why-coercion-doesnt-work, 27 Jul 2026]
#2303
On March 11, 2026, the KSE-100 index closed at which of the following levels?
(a) 156,177.12 points
(b) 158,624.51 points
(c) 155,858.47 points
(d) 155,652.35 points
Explanation: The KSE-100 index closed at 155,858.47 points after shedding 318.65 points. represents the previous day's closing, while C and D represent the intraday high and low, respectively. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980849/kse-100-ends-lower-after-early-rally-loses-steam, 11 Mar 2026]
#2304
Consider the following statements about the market performance on March 11, 2026: 1. The KSE-100 index shed 318.65 points during the session. 2. Global crude oil prices plunged by approximately 15 per cent. 3. The Bank of Punjab experienced a decline in its share price. 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 based on the report. Statement 3 is incorrect because The Bank of Punjab rose by 2.53 per cent, it did not decline. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980849/kse-100-ends-lower-after-early-rally-loses-steam, 11 Mar 2026]
#2305
Who serves as the Prime Minister's Spokesperson for Foreign Media who commented on the bilateral support for Saudi Arabia on March 11, 2026?
(a) Ishaq Dar
(b) Asim Munir
(c) Mosharraf Zaidi
(d) None of these
Explanation: Mosharraf Zaidi, acting as the Prime Minister's Spokesperson for Foreign Media, provided the interview to Bloomberg TV regarding Pakistan's stance on regional security. Ishaq Dar is the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980894/no-matter-what-no-matter-when-pms-spokesperson-reiterates-support-for-saudi-arabia-before-it-is-needed, 11 Mar 2026]
#2306
What was the primary driver for the rise in Gulf equity markets on July 27, 2026?
(a) Record-breaking quarterly earnings across all sectors
(b) Hopes of a diplomatic de-escalation in the U.S.-Iran conflict
(c) A sudden surge in global oil prices above $100 per barrel
(d) None of these
Explanation: The market rally was primarily attributed to investor optimism regarding a potential diplomatic off-ramp in the U.S.-Iran war. Oil prices actually declined to a one-week low, making option C incorrect. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40432018/gulf-stocks-advance-on-iran-de-escalation-hopes-saudi-ends-flat-after-oil-site-attacks, 27 Jul 2026]
#2307
Which Dubai-based developer saw its shares climb by 2% on July 27, 2026?
(a) Aldar Properties
(b) Emaar Properties
(c) Damac Properties
(d) Nakheel Properties
Explanation: Emaar Properties is the blue-chip developer mentioned as having climbed 2% during the session. Aldar Properties is based in Abu Dhabi, not Dubai. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40432018/gulf-stocks-advance-on-iran-de-escalation-hopes-saudi-ends-flat-after-oil-site-attacks, 27 Jul 2026]
#2308
Consider the following statements about the regional market situation on July 27, 2026: 1. The Pentagon paused its 13-night campaign against Iran, contributing to de-escalation hopes. 2. Saudi Aramco facilities in both Jizan and Yanbu were targeted by attacks. 3. Qatar’s benchmark index declined due to poor financial sector performance. 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 based on the report. Statement 3 is incorrect because Qatar's index actually rose, supported by strong earnings in the financial sector. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40432018/gulf-stocks-advance-on-iran-de-escalation-hopes-saudi-ends-flat-after-oil-site-attacks, 27 Jul 2026]
#2309
What is the new price of petrol per litre following the government's adjustment on July 27, 2026?
(a) Rs520.35
(b) Rs386.83
(c) Rs458.41
(d) Rs334.18
Explanation: Following the adjustment announced on July 27, 2026, the price of petrol was set at Rs334.18 per litre. The other figures represent either the price of HSD or historical peak prices mentioned in the report. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018803/govt-decreases-petrol-price-by-re1-increases-hsd-price-by-rs337, 27 Jul 2026]
#2310
Which of the following statements regarding the flood situation in Gilgit-Baltistan as of July 28, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The Astore Valley Road was blocked at Kachak due to river erosion.
(b) The Hushe Valley Road remained open for traffic despite the monsoon floods.
(c) The GBDMA provided water and rations to stranded passengers on the Baltistan Road.
(d) Residents of the Hispar Valley were disconnected following Glacial Lake Outburst Floods.
Explanation: The Hushe Valley Road was explicitly reported as impassable at Rout Longba in the Ghanche district. Therefore, the statement that it remained open is false. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018881/many-stranded-in-gb-for-six-days-as-flood-delays-repairs, 28 Jul 2026]
#2311
Which specific constitutional amendments have been the primary focus of the nationwide lawyers' movement in 2026?
(a) 24th and 25th Amendments
(b) 26th and 27th Amendments
(c) 28th and 29th Amendments
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Lawyers Action Committee has organized protests against the 26th and 27th Constitutional Amendments, arguing that these measures compromise judicial independence. Other options are incorrect as they do not correspond to the specific legislation cited in the current political discourse. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018681/why-coercion-doesnt-work, 27 Jul 2026]
#2312
Consider the following statements about the fuel pricing policy in Pakistan: 1. The government transitioned to a daily fuel pricing mechanism due to global market volatility. 2. Monthly sales of kerosene are significantly higher than those of petrol and high-speed diesel. 3. The government has been implementing fuel conservation measures since early 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 government adopted daily pricing to manage volatility. Statement 3 is correct regarding conservation measures. Statement 2 is incorrect because kerosene demand is only 10,000 tonnes monthly, far lower than the 700,000 to 800,000 tonnes for petrol and HSD. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018803/govt-decreases-petrol-price-by-re1-increases-hsd-price-by-rs337, 27 Jul 2026]
#2313
According to the 2026 UNAIDS report, by what percentage did global funding for HIV initiatives decline in 2025?
(a) 12 percent
(b) 15 percent
(c) 22 percent
(d) 18 percent
Explanation: The UNAIDS report released in 2026 explicitly states that global funding for HIV fell by 18 percent to $7.3 billion in 2025. This represents the lowest level of funding in nearly two decades. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018957/world-risks-hiv-resurgence-as-funding-falls-18pc-unaids-says, 28 Jul 2026]
#2314
Consider the following statements about the security situation in Lakki Marwat: 1. The March 10, 2026, attack was the first time a quadcopter was used in the district. 2. Local police identified the perpetrators as suspected terrorists. 3. Previous quadcopter strikes in the region have targeted public spaces like football grounds. 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 report mentions a previous quadcopter strike in the same district approximately one month prior. Statements 2 and 3 are factually accurate based on the provided information. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980622/5-children-injured-in-quadcopter-attack-in-kps-lakki-marwat-officials, 10 Mar 2026]
#2315
Consider the following statements about the 2026 UNAIDS report: 1. The report warns that the world risks a resurgence of the HIV epidemic. 2. National data for Cameroon, Nigeria, and Zambia showed a decline in the number of people receiving PrEP. 3. The report indicates that the global goal to end AIDS by 2030 is currently on track. 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 accurate reflections of the report's findings regarding the risk of resurgence and the decline in PrEP access in specific African nations. Statement 3 is incorrect because the report explicitly states that the 2030 goal is off track. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018957/world-risks-hiv-resurgence-as-funding-falls-18pc-unaids-says, 28 Jul 2026]
#2316
Which of the following statements regarding the 2026 UNAIDS report is INCORRECT?
(a) Total HIV resources experienced an overall decline of 18 percent in 2025.
(b) The global goal to end AIDS by 2030 is currently off track.
(c) Global funding for HIV fell to $7.3 billion in 2025.
(d) Domestic spending increases partially offset the impact of foreign funding cuts.
Explanation: While international funding fell by 18 percent, the report notes that total HIV resources (including domestic spending) saw an overall decline of only 6 percent. Therefore, stating the total resources declined by 18 percent is factually incorrect. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018957/world-risks-hiv-resurgence-as-funding-falls-18pc-unaids-says, 28 Jul 2026]
#2317
Consider the following statements about the flood-related damages reported in Gilgit-Baltistan on July 28, 2026: 1. A total of 18.2 kilometers of roads were damaged during the monsoon season. 2. The disaster incidents resulted in the death of 73 livestock. 3. The GBDMA Director General ordered the preparation of a permanent housing solution for displaced persons in Ghizer. 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 GBDMA disaster summary and the actions taken by the Director General in the Ghizer district. The report confirms the road damage length, livestock losses, and the directive for permanent housing. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018881/many-stranded-in-gb-for-six-days-as-flood-delays-repairs, 28 Jul 2026]
#2318
In July 2026, Israel announced the redeployment of forces in which region as part of US-backed agreements?
(a) The Golan Heights
(b) The West Bank
(c) Southern Lebanon
(d) Sinai Peninsula
Explanation: On July 21, 2026, Israel announced the redeployment of some of its forces in southern Lebanon. This action was taken in accordance with agreements reached with Lebanese authorities. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018884/iran-tops-agenda-as-netanyahu-due-to-meet-trump, 28 Jul 2026]
#2319
Which of the following statements regarding the oil market situation on July 27, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) Brent crude futures fell by approximately 6 percent.
(b) US West Texas Intermediate crude fell to as low as 8 percent earlier in the day.
(c) Saudi Arabia's air defences intercepted drones launched from Iraq.
(d) A signed diplomatic framework was established between the US and Iran to guarantee oil flow.
Explanation: Market analysts explicitly stated that there is no signed framework, no verification mechanism, and no agreed timeline for the pause in hostilities. Options A, B, and D are factually accurate descriptions of the events reported on that date. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018729/oil-prices-near-one-week-low-after-us-iran-pause-fighting-over-weekend, 27 Jul 2026]
#2320
On 28 July 2026, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif chaired a meeting of which specific body to discuss energy sector reforms?
(a) Cabinet Committee on Energy
(b) National Economic Council
(c) Executive Committee of the National Economic Council
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Prime Minister chaired the Cabinet Committee on Energy (CCoE) to approve amendments to the oil refining policy and discuss strategic petroleum reserves. The other committees listed are distinct bodies with different mandates. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018968/pm-orders-increase-in-countrys-strategic-petroleum-reserves-changes-to-oil-refining-policy-approved, 28 Jul 2026]