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.
#2621
On July 21, 2026, President Donald Trump held discussions regarding wildfire smoke damages with which Canadian leader?
(a) Justin Trudeau
(b) Mark Carney
(c) Pierre Poilievre
(d) None of these
Explanation: President Trump met with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney during the World Cup final to discuss the transboundary smoke issue. Justin Trudeau is a former Prime Minister, making him an incorrect choice. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017162/trump-seeks-damages-from-canada-over-wildfires, 21 Jul 2026]
#2622
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]
#2623
Consider the following statements about the US-Pakistan trade negotiations as of July 2026: 1. Pakistan successfully negotiated a reduction in the initial IEEPA-based tariff from 29 per cent to 19 per cent in 2025. 2. The temporary global tariff of 10 per cent imposed under Section 122 is scheduled to expire on July 24, 2026. 3. India is currently facing a lower proposed tariff under Section 301 than Pakistan. 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 regarding the 2025 tariff reduction. Statement 2 is correct as the Section 122 tariff has a 150-day statutory limit expiring on July 24, 2026. Statement 3 is incorrect because India faces a 12.5% tariff, which is higher than Pakistan's 10%. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016679/finance-minister-aurangzeb-arrives-in-us-on-3-day-visit-expected-to-hold-talks-on-trade-finance-investment, 19 Jul 2026]
#2624
Consider the following statements about the WAPDA union protests on 2026-07-27: 1. The protests were limited to the city of Lahore. 2. Union leaders warned that privatization would negatively affect the national economy. 3. The union demanded that families of employees who died in the line of duty receive benefits similar to security force martyrs. 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 false because the protest occurred in Peshawar, not Lahore. Statements 2 and 3 are accurate reflections of the union's stated position and demands. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431892/wapda-union-rejects-privatisation-of-discos, 27 Jul 2026]
#2625
On April 18, 2026, the State Bank of Pakistan confirmed the repayment of how much debt to the United Arab Emirates?
(a) $1.5 billion
(b) $3.5 billion
(c) $2 billion
(d) $5 billion
Explanation: The State Bank of Pakistan officially announced on April 18, 2026, that the government had successfully repaid $2 billion to the UAE. While the total loan amount sought by the UAE was $3.5 billion, the specific payment confirmed on this date was $2 billion. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1993003/sbp-says-govt-has-paid-2bn-to-uae, 18 Apr 2026]
#2626
What is the final value of the Eurobond issuance announced by the government on April 20, 2026?
(a) $500 million
(b) $750 million
(c) $1 billion
(d) $2 billion
Explanation: The government initially planned a $500 million issuance but exercised a green-shoe option to increase the total to $750 million due to high investor demand. The $500 million figure represents the initial amount, not the final upsized total. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1993495/pakistan-increases-eurobond-from-500m-to-750m, 20 Apr 2026]
#2627
On July 16, 2026, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif chaired a meeting in Islamabad to review the economic impact of tensions between which two nations?
(a) Saudi Arabia and Yemen
(b) United States and Iran
(c) Israel and Lebanon
(d) None of these
Explanation: The meeting focused on the economic repercussions of renewed hostilities between the United States and Iran. Other regional conflicts, while significant, were not the primary subject of this specific policy review. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2015941/pm-shehbaz-warns-renewed-us-iran-conflict-could-hit-economy-again, 16 Jul 2026]
#2628
Consider the following statements about the 2026 diplomatic mission in Pakistan: 1. The Iranian delegation requested the security escort due to fears of a potential Israeli strike. 2. The peace talks resulted in a comprehensive agreement between the United States and Iran. 3. Pakistan utilized its Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) to ensure the safety of the departing delegation. 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 security concerns and the technical assets used. Statement 2 is incorrect because the talks were described as inconclusive and the delegations left empty-handed. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1992620/pakistan-escorted-iranian-negotiators-home-from-peace-talks-amid-concerns-of-israeli-attack-sources-say, 17 Apr 2026]
#2629
What was the new price of high-speed diesel per litre following the reduction announced on April 17, 2026?
(a) Rs353.43
(b) Rs366.58
(c) Rs378.00
(d) None of these
Explanation: Following the reduction of Rs32.12, the price of high-speed diesel was adjusted from Rs385.54 to Rs353.43 per litre. The other figures represent different price points mentioned in the context of recent fuel adjustments. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1992656/govt-slashes-diesel-price-by-rs32, 17 Apr 2026]
#2630
In the context of the July 16, 2026, meeting, which sector did the Prime Minister specifically mention as being protected by government subsidies?
(a) Large-scale manufacturing
(b) Fuel and energy consumers
(c) Information technology exports
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Prime Minister highlighted that government subsidies were utilized to mitigate the impact of fuel price increases on ordinary citizens, including transport operators and motorcycle riders. This falls under the broader category of fuel and energy consumers. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2015941/pm-shehbaz-warns-renewed-us-iran-conflict-could-hit-economy-again, 16 Jul 2026]
#2631
Consider the following statements regarding the meeting held on July 16, 2026: 1. The Prime Minister stated that Pakistan's economy is currently stable. 2. The meeting was informed that sufficient petroleum reserves are available. 3. The government announced a complete cessation of fuel subsidies to ensure fiscal austerity. 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 factually correct based on the meeting's outcomes. Statement 3 is incorrect because the government emphasized the use of subsidies to protect citizens, rather than announcing their cessation. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2015941/pm-shehbaz-warns-renewed-us-iran-conflict-could-hit-economy-again, 16 Jul 2026]
#2632
Who is the current Petroleum Minister of Pakistan as of April 2026?
(a) Muhammad Aurangzeb
(b) Ali Pervaiz Malik
(c) Bilal Yaseen
(d) None of these
Explanation: Ali Pervaiz Malik serves as the Petroleum Minister, while Muhammad Aurangzeb serves as the Finance Minister. The distinction is critical for identifying the officials responsible for economic and energy policy announcements. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1992656/govt-slashes-diesel-price-by-rs32, 17 Apr 2026]
#2633
Which region of the United States was primarily affected by the air quality alerts resulting from the Canadian wildfires in July 2026?
(a) The Northeast
(b) The American Southwest
(c) The Pacific Northwest
(d) The Gulf Coast
Explanation: The smoke from the Canadian wildfires drifted into the northeastern United States, triggering unhealthy air quality alerts in that specific region. The other regions listed were not the primary focus of the reported environmental impact. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017162/trump-seeks-damages-from-canada-over-wildfires, 21 Jul 2026]
#2634
Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb arrived in Washington on July 19, 2026, for a visit lasting how many days?
(a) Three days
(b) Two days
(c) Four days
(d) Five days
Explanation: The Finance Minister arrived on July 19, 2026, for a scheduled three-day diplomatic visit to engage with US officials on trade and investment. This duration is explicitly stated in the official reporting of his itinerary. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016679/finance-minister-aurangzeb-arrives-in-us-on-3-day-visit-expected-to-hold-talks-on-trade-finance-investment, 19 Jul 2026]
#2635
According to the Prime Minister's address on March 27, 2026, what is the total financial burden the federal government has borne over a three-week period to subsidize fuel prices?
(a) Rs 56 billion
(b) Rs 100 billion
(c) Rs 150 billion
(d) Rs 125 billion
Explanation: The government reported a cumulative fiscal burden of Rs 125 billion over three weeks to maintain current fuel prices. Rs 56 billion refers specifically to the burden borne during the week of the announcement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1985954/pm-shehbaz-again-rejects-increase-in-petrol-diesel-prices, 27 Mar 2026]
#2636
Match List I (Event/Entity) with List II (Context/Detail): 1. March 6, 2026 — a. Date of strike postponement announcement 2. March 13, 2026 — b. Date of initial strike announcement 3. March 25, 2026 — c. Date of price hike announcement 4. 800cc — d. Vehicle engine capacity threshold
(a) 1-c, 2-b, 3-a, 4-d
(b) 1-b, 2-c, 3-a, 4-d
(c) 1-c, 2-a, 3-b, 4-d
(d) 1-d, 2-b, 3-a, 4-c
Explanation: The price hike occurred on March 6, the strike was announced on March 13, the postponement was announced on March 25, and 800cc is the engine capacity threshold for the proposed quota system. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1985299/petroleum-dealers-postpone-strike-in-light-of-middle-east-conflict, 25 Mar 2026]
#2637
Which of the following statements regarding the fuel price adjustments in April 2026 is INCORRECT?
(a) The government reduced the price of diesel by Rs32.12 per litre.
(b) The government announced a reduction in the price of petrol by Rs55 per litre on April 17, 2026.
(c) The Prime Minister's Office issued the statement regarding the diesel price reduction.
(d) High-speed diesel is used for large generators.
Explanation: The statement regarding a Rs55 reduction in petrol on April 17, 2026, is incorrect. The government only announced a reduction in diesel prices on that date, and the Rs55 figure refers to a previous price hike event. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1992656/govt-slashes-diesel-price-by-rs32, 17 Apr 2026]
#2638
Which of the following individuals did NOT attend the meeting chaired by the Prime Minister on July 16, 2026?
(a) Ahsan Iqbal
(b) Muhammad Aurangzeb
(c) Bilal Azhar Kayani
(d) None of these
Explanation: All three individuals listed (Ahsan Iqbal, Muhammad Aurangzeb, and Bilal Azhar Kayani) were explicitly mentioned as attendees of the meeting. Therefore, 'None of these' is the correct answer as there is no false option provided. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2015941/pm-shehbaz-warns-renewed-us-iran-conflict-could-hit-economy-again, 16 Jul 2026]
#2639
Consider the following statements regarding the government's fiscal policy announced on March 27, 2026: 1. The government reduced the development budget by Rs 100 billion to accommodate fuel subsidies. 2. The current market price of petrol in Pakistan is higher than the international market rate. 3. The Prime Minister urged citizens to adopt austerity measures in their daily travel habits.
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) All three
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct regarding the budget cut. Statement 2 is incorrect because the government is subsidizing the price, meaning the domestic price is significantly lower than the international market rate. Statement 3 is correct as the Prime Minister explicitly requested citizens to reconsider travel necessity. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1985954/pm-shehbaz-again-rejects-increase-in-petrol-diesel-prices, 27 Mar 2026]
#2640
Consider the following statements about Kylian Mbappe's World Cup career: 1. He scored four goals in the 2018 World Cup. 2. He scored eight goals in the 2022 World Cup. 3. He has participated in three World Cup campaigns as of 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: All three statements are factually accurate. Mbappe scored 4 goals in 2018, 8 goals in 2022, and the 2026 tournament marked his third World Cup campaign. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016719/frances-mbappe-becomes-world-cups-all-time-top-scorer, 19 Jul 2026]