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.
#3301
Consider the following statements about the economic indicators on July 27, 2026: 1. The Pakistani Rupee recorded a gain of Re0.01 against the US Dollar in the inter-bank market. 2. The State Bank of Pakistan increased the policy rate to 12.5%. 3. Brent crude futures fell by approximately 6% during the session. 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 Rupee gained Re0.01. Statement 2 is incorrect because the policy rate was maintained at 11.5%, not increased. Statement 3 is correct as Brent crude fell by about 6% to $90.93. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431965/pakistani-rupee-registers-gain-against-us-dollar, 27 Jul 2026]
#3302
Consider the following statements about the first phase of the AJK elections held on July 27, 2026: 1. The total number of registered voters across the Mirpur division exceeded 1.4 million. 2. Polling was conducted in six districts of the Mirpur division. 3. The polling time was extended by one hour before concluding at 6:00pm. 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 over 1.4 million voters were registered. Statement 3 is correct regarding the one-hour extension. Statement 2 is incorrect because polling was held in three districts (Kotli, Bhimber, and Mirpur), not six. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431988/polling-concludes-across-mirpur-division-in-first-phase-of-ajk-elections, 27 Jul 2026]
#3303
Consider the following statements about the Pentagon's policy on AI as of March 2026: 1. Anthropic was designated as a 'Supply-Chain Risk to National Security' by the Pentagon. 2. The Pentagon allowed an immediate, total cessation of all Anthropic technology usage without any transition period. 3. Claude remains the only frontier AI model currently operating on the Defence Department’s classified systems. 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 Anthropic was designated a security risk. Statement 2 is incorrect because the Pentagon allowed a six-month transition period for its own internal use. Statement 3 is correct as Claude is identified as the most widely deployed frontier model on classified systems. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980925/china-warns-us-ai-military-use-can-create-terminator-world, 11 Mar 2026]
#3304
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]
#3305
Which of the following US Congressmen was part of the delegation that visited Pakistan in July 2026?
(a) Ryan Keith Zinke
(b) Michael McCaul
(c) Brad Sherman
(d) None of these
Explanation: Ryan Keith Zinke, representing Montana, was one of the two US congressmen who visited Pakistan. Michael James was the other member of the delegation, making 'None of these' incorrect as Zinke is explicitly listed. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018779/in-meeting-with-cdf-munir-us-congressmen-acknowledge-pakistans-critical-role-in-regional-stability-ispr, 27 Jul 2026]
#3306
Who is the current Chief Justice of the Islamabad High Court as of March 11, 2026?
(a) Justice Sardar Muhammad Sarfraz Dogar
(b) Justice Muhammad Asif
(c) Justice Aamer Farooq
(d) Justice Athar Minallah
Explanation: Chief Justice Sardar Muhammad Sarfraz Dogar presided over the division bench that issued the fine against the NAB. Justice Muhammad Asif was the other member of the bench. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980875/ihc-fines-nab-rs100000-for-employing-delaying-tactics-in-ps190m-graft-case-against-imran-bushra, 11 Mar 2026]
#3307
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]
#3308
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]
#3309
Consider the following statements about the visit of the US delegation in July 2026: 1. The delegation met with the Governor of Punjab in Lahore. 2. The US congressmen expressed that the bilateral relationship has never been better. 3. The delegation visited the mausoleum of Allama Iqbal during their stay in Islamabad. 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 correct as the delegation met the Punjab Governor and Zinke remarked on the strength of the relationship. Statement 3 is incorrect because the mausoleum of Allama Iqbal is located in Lahore, not Islamabad. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018779/in-meeting-with-cdf-munir-us-congressmen-acknowledge-pakistans-critical-role-in-regional-stability-ispr, 27 Jul 2026]
#3310
Which of the following statements regarding the IHC hearing on March 11, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The court imposed a fine of Rs100,000 on the NAB.
(b) The defense counsel argued that access to the incarcerated former premier had been curtailed for four months.
(c) The NAB prosecutor stated that the special prosecutor was absent due to urgent official duties at the Supreme Court.
(d) The defense counsel drew a parallel between the current case and the military tribunal conviction of Faiz Hameed.
Explanation: The NAB prosecutor claimed the special prosecutor was absent due to 'religious rituals,' not official duties at the Supreme Court. The other statements accurately reflect the proceedings described. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980875/ihc-fines-nab-rs100000-for-employing-delaying-tactics-in-ps190m-graft-case-against-imran-bushra, 11 Mar 2026]
#3311
What is the target inflation range set by the State Bank of Pakistan as mentioned in the July 2026 report?
(a) 3-5 percent
(b) 9-11 percent
(c) 7-9 percent
(d) 5-7 percent
Explanation: The SBP maintains a target inflation range of 5-7 percent. Current inflation levels of 11.1 percent are well above this threshold, necessitating a restrictive monetary policy. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018929/policy-rate-pause-splits-stakeholders, 28 Jul 2026]
#3312
According to the June 2026 data, what was the recorded inflation rate in Pakistan?
(a) 11.1 percent
(b) 12.5 percent
(c) 9.8 percent
(d) None of these
Explanation: The inflation rate for June 2026 was reported at 11.1 percent, which remains significantly higher than the SBP's target range of 5-7 percent. This elevated inflation is a primary reason for the cautious monetary policy stance. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018929/policy-rate-pause-splits-stakeholders, 28 Jul 2026]
#3313
What was the policy rate maintained by the State Bank of Pakistan as of July 28, 2026?
(a) 9.5 percent
(b) 10.5 percent
(c) 11.5 percent
(d) 12.5 percent
Explanation: The State Bank of Pakistan decided to keep the benchmark interest rate at 11.5 percent in its July 2026 review. This decision was made to balance macroeconomic stability against the demands for industrial growth. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018929/policy-rate-pause-splits-stakeholders, 28 Jul 2026]
#3314
Consider the following statements about the 2026 AJK election discourse: 1. The PML-N claimed that the PPP had been in power in AJK for the past year. 2. The Punjab Chief Minister argued that the PPP failed to present a clear development narrative for AJK. 3. The PPP leadership congratulated the PML-N on their victory in the Mirpur division. 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 correct as they reflect the arguments made by the Punjab Chief Minister regarding the PPP's governance record and lack of a program. Statement 3 is incorrect because the PPP leadership, specifically Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, alleged rigging rather than offering congratulations. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2019014/coalition-partners-ppp-pml-n-spar-after-first-phase-of-ajk-elections-as-political-temperatures-rise, 28 Jul 2026]
#3315
Consider the following statements regarding the economic situation in Pakistan as of July 2026: 1. The SBP's decision to maintain the policy rate is supported by domestic trade bodies to curb inflation. 2. Private sector credit showed signs of recovery in June 2026. 3. Industrial stakeholders argue that a single-digit interest rate is necessary to improve export competitiveness. 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 domestic trade bodies (FPCCI, Korangi Association) criticized the policy rate as contractionary, not supportive. Statements 2 and 3 are factually accurate reflections of the economic sentiment and data reported in July 2026. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018929/policy-rate-pause-splits-stakeholders, 28 Jul 2026]
#3316
Who is the current Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa who filed the rejoinder before the Federal Constitutional Court on July 28, 2026?
(a) Ali Amin Gandapur
(b) Sohail Afridi
(c) Pervez Khattak
(d) None of these
Explanation: Sohail Afridi is the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa who submitted the formal response to the Federal Constitutional Court. Ali Amin Gandapur is a former Chief Minister, making him an incorrect choice. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018901/no-release-imran-force-exists-kp-cm-tells-federal-constitutional-court, 28 Jul 2026]
#3317
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]
#3318
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]
#3319
Which of the following statements regarding the 2026 AJK elections is INCORRECT?
(a) The PML-N and PPP are coalition partners in the federal government.
(b) An interim setup takes charge in AJK during the election period.
(c) The PPP alleged that the election process was marred by rigging.
(d) The PML-N leadership urged the PPP to accept the election results.
Explanation: The Punjab Chief Minister explicitly stated that no interim setup takes charge in AJK during the election period, making the incorrect statement. The other options accurately reflect the political dynamics and allegations reported. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2019014/coalition-partners-ppp-pml-n-spar-after-first-phase-of-ajk-elections-as-political-temperatures-rise, 28 Jul 2026]
#3320
Consider the following statements about the legal proceedings involving Senator Pauline Hanson: 1. The Federal Court of Australia dismissed Hanson's appeal on July 27, 2026. 2. Hanson argued that the racial discrimination law was constitutionally invalid. 3. The court ruled that Hanson's comments were protected under absolute free speech provisions. 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 correct as the appeal was dismissed on the specified date and Hanson did challenge the constitutionality of the law. Statement 3 is incorrect because the court ruled that her comments were not protected and actually breached anti-discrimination laws. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018722/australian-politician-fails-to-overturn-racial-vilification-ruling-over-telling-muslim-senator-to-go-back-to-pakistan, 27 Jul 2026]