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.
#5201
Which of the following statements regarding the 2026 FIFA World Cup is INCORRECT?
(a) The tournament featured 104 matches in total.
(b) Stadiums were filled to 99.7 percent of their capacity.
(c) The average attendance per match was 65,351.
(d) The tournament prize pool was decreased compared to the 2022 event.
Explanation: The prize pool was actually increased by 15 percent to 871 million dollars, not decreased. The other statements accurately reflect the attendance and match volume statistics reported for the 2026 event. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017102/with-more-game-fifa-showpiece-shatters-attendance-and-tv-records, 21 Jul 2026]
#5202
Which of the following statements regarding the 2026 FIFA World Cup victory is INCORRECT?
(a) Spain defeated Argentina in the final match.
(b) The victory marked Spain's second World Cup title.
(c) Seismic sensors detected vibrations caused by fan celebrations.
(d) The final match was decided in regular time without extra-time.
Explanation: The final match was decided by a goal in extra-time, not regular time. The other statements accurately reflect the events of the 2026 tournament. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017043/fifa-world-cup-heroes-spain-return-home-ahead-of-victory-parade, 20 Jul 2026]
#5203
The 2026 FIFA World Cup was jointly hosted by which of the following groups of nations?
(a) United States, Brazil, and Mexico
(b) Canada, Mexico, and Argentina
(c) United States, Canada, and Mexico
(d) United States, Canada, and Brazil
Explanation: The 2026 FIFA World Cup was hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The other options include countries that were not part of the official host consortium. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017229/5-questions-that-continue-to-linger-after-the-fifa-world-cup, 21 Jul 2026]
#5204
Consider the following statements about the 2026 FIFA World Cup: 1. The tournament was the most expansive edition held to date. 2. The final match featured a halftime show inspired by the Super Bowl. 3. FIFA's disciplinary processes were praised for their absolute transparency throughout the tournament. 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 tournament was described as the most expansive. Statement 2 is correct regarding the introduction of a Super Bowl-style halftime show. Statement 3 is incorrect because the tournament was specifically criticized for a lack of transparency in disciplinary processes. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017229/5-questions-that-continue-to-linger-after-the-fifa-world-cup, 21 Jul 2026]
#5205
Consider the following statements about the 2026 FIFA World Cup final: 1. Spain defeated Argentina by a margin of one goal. 2. The match was decided during regulation time. 3. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez attended the event. 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: Spain won 1-0, but the goal was scored in extra time, making statement 2 incorrect. Both the scoreline and the presence of the Prime Minister are factually accurate. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016966/viva-espana-spain-unites-in-joy-at-second-fifa-world-cup-crown, 20 Jul 2026]
#5206
Which of the following statements regarding the 2026 FIFA World Cup controversies is INCORRECT?
(a) The red card issued to Folarin Balogun was rescinded following political intervention.
(b) Spain won the final match against Argentina by a score of 2-0.
(c) The VAR system faced criticism for a lack of transparency in referee communications.
(d) High ticket prices raised concerns about the accessibility of the tournament for ordinary fans.
Explanation: Spain won the final match 1-0, not 2-0. The other statements accurately reflect the controversies and events described in the tournament report. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017229/5-questions-that-continue-to-linger-after-the-fifa-world-cup, 21 Jul 2026]
#5207
Who is the current President of FIFA mentioned in the context of the 2026 tournament governance?
(a) Sepp Blatter
(b) Michel Platini
(c) Gianni Infantino
(d) None of these
Explanation: Gianni Infantino is the current President of FIFA. The other names listed are former officials who are no longer in this position. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017229/5-questions-that-continue-to-linger-after-the-fifa-world-cup, 21 Jul 2026]
#5208
What was the total prize pool for the 2026 FIFA World Cup?
(a) 440 million dollars
(b) 4 billion dollars
(c) 871 million dollars
(d) 7 billion dollars
Explanation: The total prize pool for the 2026 tournament was increased to 871 million dollars, up from 440 million dollars in the 2022 Qatar tournament. The 4 billion dollar figure refers to projected TV rights revenue, while 7 billion refers to total projected revenue. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017102/with-more-game-fifa-showpiece-shatters-attendance-and-tv-records, 21 Jul 2026]
#5209
What was the total number of teams participating in the 2026 FIFA World Cup?
(a) 32 teams
(b) 48 teams
(c) 40 teams
(d) 64 teams
Explanation: The 2026 FIFA World Cup was expanded to include 48 teams, which FIFA President Gianni Infantino noted as a primary driver for the record-breaking attendance and viewership figures. This is a significant increase from the previous 32-team format used in earlier tournaments. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017102/with-more-game-fifa-showpiece-shatters-attendance-and-tv-records, 21 Jul 2026]
#5210
Consider the following statements about the 2026 FIFA World Cup: 1. FIFA projected total revenues for 2026 to exceed seven billion euros. 2. The tournament saw a 56 percent increase in revenue compared to the 2022 Qatar World Cup. 3. Each participating team was guaranteed a minimum of 50 million dollars. 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 regarding revenue projections and growth. Statement 3 is incorrect because the guaranteed minimum for each participating team was 12.5 million dollars, while 50 million dollars was the prize for the tournament winners. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017102/with-more-game-fifa-showpiece-shatters-attendance-and-tv-records, 21 Jul 2026]
#5211
The 2026 FIFA World Cup final match was scheduled to be held in which US state?
(a) New Jersey
(b) New York
(c) Pennsylvania
(d) Maryland
Explanation: The final was hosted in an open stadium in New Jersey, located across the river from New York City. New York is a common distractor due to its proximity to the venue. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016513/wildfire-haze-hangs-over-eastern-us-world-cup-final-venue, 18 Jul 2026]
#5212
Consider the following statements about Spain's football achievements: 1. Spain is the first country to hold both the men's and women's FIFA World Cup titles simultaneously. 2. The 2026 World Cup victory was Spain's first-ever title in the tournament's history. 3. The victory parade route in Madrid was planned to conclude at Cibeles square. 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 Spain's women won in 2023 and men in 2026. Statement 2 is incorrect because this was Spain's second title, the first being in 2010. Statement 3 is correct as Cibeles square is the traditional celebration point. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017043/fifa-world-cup-heroes-spain-return-home-ahead-of-victory-parade, 20 Jul 2026]
#5213
Which of the following statements regarding the environmental conditions on July 18, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The smoke originated from wildfires burning in Canada.
(b) The air quality in Washington D.C. was deemed healthy for all groups.
(c) Meteorologists expected thunderstorms to potentially clear the smoke.
(d) New York City skyline was obscured by dense smoke.
Explanation: The Department of Homeland Security and emergency management in Washington D.C. explicitly stated that air quality was 'unhealthy for at-risk groups,' making the claim that it was healthy for all groups incorrect. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016513/wildfire-haze-hangs-over-eastern-us-world-cup-final-venue, 18 Jul 2026]
#5214
Which official was tasked with leading the White House World Cup task force during the 2026 wildfire crisis?
(a) Andrew Giuliani
(b) Zohran Mamdani
(c) Donald Trump
(d) None of these
Explanation: Andrew Giuliani served as the executive director of the White House World Cup task force. Zohran Mamdani is the Mayor of New York, and Donald Trump is the President, making them incorrect for this specific role. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016513/wildfire-haze-hangs-over-eastern-us-world-cup-final-venue, 18 Jul 2026]
#5215
Consider the following statements about the environmental and logistical situation on July 18, 2026: 1. The US President threatened to impose tariffs on Canada due to the smoke pollution. 2. The World Cup final was held in an indoor climate-controlled stadium to avoid smoke exposure. 3. Advocates have linked the frequency of these smoke episodes to climate change. 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 President blamed Canada for negligence. Statement 2 is incorrect because the stadium was explicitly described as an 'open stadium.' Statement 3 is correct as advocates highlighted the climate change connection. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016513/wildfire-haze-hangs-over-eastern-us-world-cup-final-venue, 18 Jul 2026]
#5216
Consider the following statements about the 2026 Champions League final: 1. PSG became the second team in the Champions League era to win consecutive titles. 2. The final score after extra time was 1-1. 3. Arsenal's only previous Champions League final appearance was against Real Madrid. 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 Arsenal's only previous final appearance was against Barcelona in 2006, not Real Madrid. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2004042/psg-edge-arsenal-on-penalties-to-retain-champions-league-title, 30 May 2026]
#5217
Which of the following statements regarding the 2026 Champions League final is INCORRECT?
(a) PSG won the match through a penalty shootout.
(b) The match ended in a 1-1 draw after extra time.
(c) Arsenal won their first-ever Champions League title in this match.
(d) Ousmane Dembele scored a penalty for PSG.
Explanation: Arsenal lost the final, marking their second defeat in a Champions League final, not a victory. The other statements accurately describe the match events. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2004042/psg-edge-arsenal-on-penalties-to-retain-champions-league-title, 30 May 2026]
#5218
Which player scored the opening goal for Arsenal in the 2026 Champions League final?
(a) Viktor Gyokeres
(b) Bukayo Saka
(c) Leandro Trossard
(d) Kai Havertz
Explanation: Kai Havertz scored the opening goal for Arsenal in the sixth minute of the match. While Saka and Trossard were involved in the game, they did not score the opening goal. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2004042/psg-edge-arsenal-on-penalties-to-retain-champions-league-title, 30 May 2026]
#5219
Consider the following statements about the 2026 World Cup final aftermath: 1. FIFA initiated an investigation into the Argentine team due to banners displayed after the semi-final match. 2. The Argentine squad received a hostile reception from fans upon their arrival in Buenos Aires. 3. Emiliano Martinez expressed uncertainty regarding his future in international football following the final loss. 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 FIFA investigated the Falklands banner incident. Statement 3 is correct as Martinez publicly stated he would reflect on his international future. Statement 2 is incorrect because the fans provided a 'rapturous welcome' despite the loss. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017381/thousands-welcome-home-argentina-squad-without-messi-despite-world-cup-loss, 22 Jul 2026]
#5220
Which Argentine player received a red card during the 2026 World Cup final?
(a) Lionel Messi
(b) Emiliano Martinez
(c) Leandro Paredes
(d) Enzo Fernandez
Explanation: Enzo Fernandez was sent off for a second booking after a challenge on Spain's Pau Cubarsi. While other players were involved in post-match controversies, Fernandez was the specific player dismissed during the match. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017381/thousands-welcome-home-argentina-squad-without-messi-despite-world-cup-loss, 22 Jul 2026]