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.
#521
Upon the successful completion of the 2026 IMF review, Pakistan is expected to receive approximately how much funding under the Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF)?
(a) 100 million USD
(b) 760 million USD
(c) 500 million USD
(d) 200 million USD
Explanation: The IMF indicated that Pakistan would be eligible for around $200 million under the RSF upon the successful conclusion of the review. The $760 million figure refers to the Special Drawing Rights (SDR) equivalent for the EFF portion. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981220/imf-mission-fails-to-reach-staff-level-agreement-with-pakistan-talks-to-continue, 12 Mar 2026]
#522
Who led the IMF mission that held discussions with Pakistani authorities in March 2026?
(a) Nathan Porter
(b) Iva Petrova
(c) Kristalina Georgieva
(d) None of these
Explanation: Iva Petrova headed the IMF mission that conducted the review discussions with Pakistan in early 2026. Nathan Porter is a former mission chief, and Kristalina Georgieva is the Managing Director of the IMF. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981220/imf-mission-fails-to-reach-staff-level-agreement-with-pakistan-talks-to-continue, 12 Mar 2026]
#523
According to the Prime Minister's address on July 22, 2026, which sector was specifically highlighted as a beneficiary of the robotics and autonomous systems revolution for inclusive growth?
(a) Large-scale manufacturing
(b) Agricultural sector
(c) Financial banking sector
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Prime Minister emphasized that robotics and autonomous systems should improve the lives of farmers and small businesses, explicitly highlighting the agricultural sector as a key beneficiary for inclusive growth. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431277/pm-shehbaz-calls-for-national-innovation-ecosystem-to-advance-indigenous-robotics-technology, 22 Jul 2026]
#524
On July 22, 2026, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif inaugurated which of the following events in Pakistan?
(a) Global Robotics and AI Innovation Forum 2026
(b) National Digital Transformation Summit 2026
(c) Indus RAS – Robotics and Autonomous Systems Expo 2026
(d) Pakistan Indigenous Technology and Security Expo 2026
Explanation: The Prime Minister inaugurated the Indus RAS – Robotics and Autonomous Systems Expo 2026 on July 22, 2026. This event served as the platform for his call to establish a unified national innovation ecosystem. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431277/pm-shehbaz-calls-for-national-innovation-ecosystem-to-advance-indigenous-robotics-technology, 22 Jul 2026]
#525
What is the primary objective of the national innovation ecosystem proposed by the Prime Minister on July 22, 2026?
(a) To increase foreign direct investment in the telecommunications sector
(b) To develop indigenous knowledge and technological capabilities
(c) To privatize all public sector research and development centers
(d) To exclusively focus on importing advanced robotics from the Global North
Explanation: The core objective is to foster indigenous knowledge and technological capabilities, ensuring that the technology is owned and continuously advanced within Pakistan rather than relying solely on imports. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431277/pm-shehbaz-calls-for-national-innovation-ecosystem-to-advance-indigenous-robotics-technology, 22 Jul 2026]
#526
Consider the following statements about the national innovation ecosystem proposed on July 22, 2026: 1. It aims to ensure that the knowledge behind robotics technology is indigenous and owned by Pakistan. 2. The initiative is intended to be confined to major cities to ensure high-tech efficiency. 3. It emphasizes the need for regulatory frameworks to govern the ethics of autonomous 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 and 3 are correct as they reflect the Prime Minister's focus on indigenous ownership and ethical regulation. Statement 2 is incorrect because the Prime Minister explicitly stated that the revolution should not remain confined to major cities but should reach underserved communities. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431277/pm-shehbaz-calls-for-national-innovation-ecosystem-to-advance-indigenous-robotics-technology, 22 Jul 2026]
#527
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]
#528
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]
#529
The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) movement, which led the 2026 protests in New Delhi, initially emerged as a response to remarks made by which official?
(a) Chief Justice Surya Kant
(b) The Minister of Education
(c) The Prime Minister of India
(d) The Home Secretary
Explanation: The CJP movement began in May 2026 as a satirical reaction to reports that Chief Justice Surya Kant had compared young people to 'cockroaches' and 'parasites' during a court hearing. The movement subsequently broadened its scope to include issues of unemployment and governance. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017750/modi-vows-punishment-for-exam-fraud-in-first-comments-on-indian-student-protests, 23 Jul 2026]
#530
Approximately how many candidates were forced to retake a medical entrance test due to a question paper leak in 2026?
(a) One million
(b) Three million
(c) Two million
(d) Four million
Explanation: The leak of a medical entrance question paper necessitated a re-examination for more than two million candidates. This incident was a primary driver of the public anger that fueled the student-led protests. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017750/modi-vows-punishment-for-exam-fraud-in-first-comments-on-indian-student-protests, 23 Jul 2026]
#531
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]
#532
Consider the following statements about the 2026 student protests in India: 1. The protests were triggered by a series of exam irregularities including paper leaks. 2. The movement has demanded the resignation of the education minister. 3. The government successfully prevented any injuries during the protests in New Delhi. 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 as the protests were driven by exam fraud and calls for ministerial resignation. Statement 3 is incorrect because police actions, including tear gas and baton charges, resulted in at least 178 injuries. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017750/modi-vows-punishment-for-exam-fraud-in-first-comments-on-indian-student-protests, 23 Jul 2026]
#533
On 2026-07-23, Prime Minister Narendra Modi promised to establish which of the following to address examination fraud?
(a) Special investigative commissions
(b) Fast-track courts
(c) National education tribunals
(d) None of these
Explanation: Prime Minister Modi announced the creation of fast-track courts specifically to expedite the prosecution of individuals involved in question paper leaks. This measure was proposed as a direct response to the student protests challenging the integrity of the national testing system. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017750/modi-vows-punishment-for-exam-fraud-in-first-comments-on-indian-student-protests, 23 Jul 2026]
#534
Which of the following is NOT a stated grievance or focus of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) movement as of 2026?
(a) Concerns over unemployment
(b) Restoration of statehood to specific regions
(c) Examination paper leaks
(d) Governance and authoritarian style
Explanation: The CJP movement focuses on unemployment, examination irregularities, and the government's authoritarian style. While other groups may advocate for regional autonomy, it is not a core pillar of the CJP's stated agenda. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017750/modi-vows-punishment-for-exam-fraud-in-first-comments-on-indian-student-protests, 23 Jul 2026]
#535
Which of the following is NOT a stated focus area of the comprehensive agricultural policy plan discussed on March 11, 2026?
(a) Climate-resilient agriculture
(b) Mandatory conversion of all land to organic farming
(c) Value addition in agricultural products
(d) Commercialization of research and development
Explanation: The forum focused on climate resilience, value addition, and the commercialization of research. There was no mention of a mandatory conversion to organic farming, making this the incorrect statement. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40411256/comprehensive-plan-to-devise-crop-wise-agricultural-policy, 11 Mar 2026]
#536
The Regional Agricultural Forum meeting held on March 11, 2026, was chaired by the Vice Chancellor of which institution?
(a) University of Agriculture Faisalabad
(b) Ayub Agricultural Research Institute
(c) National Agricultural Research Centre
(d) None of these
Explanation: The meeting was chaired by Prof. Dr. Zulfiqar Ali, who serves as the Vice Chancellor of the University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF). The Ayub Agricultural Research Institute (AARI) was represented by its chief scientists but did not chair the forum. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40411256/comprehensive-plan-to-devise-crop-wise-agricultural-policy, 11 Mar 2026]
#537
The Regional Agricultural Forum meeting held on March 11, 2026, reviewed development activities for which of the following crops?
(a) Wheat, maize, and rice
(b) Tea, coffee, and cocoa
(c) Rubber, palm oil, and jute
(d) None of these
Explanation: The meeting reviewed ongoing development activities for several crops, including wheat, maize, rice, sugarcane, cotton, pulses, citrus, and fodder. Tea and rubber are not among the crops listed in the forum's review. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40411256/comprehensive-plan-to-devise-crop-wise-agricultural-policy, 11 Mar 2026]
#538
According to the CME Group’s FedWatch tool, investors expect the Federal Reserve to keep interest rates steady at their meeting on which date in 2026?
(a) April 12
(b) March 25
(c) April 05
(d) March 18
Explanation: Market participants anticipate the Federal Reserve will maintain current interest rates during their two-day meeting concluding on March 18, 2026. This expectation is based on data from the CME Group’s FedWatch tool. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980850/gold-edges-higher-on-safe-haven-demand-ahead-of-us-cpi-data, 11 Mar 2026]
#539
Which of the following is NOT a consequence of higher oil prices for the Indian economy as mentioned in the context of the July 23, 2026, market report?
(a) Increased inflationary pressure
(b) Decreased volatility in the currency market
(c) Widening current account deficit
(d) Slowing economic growth
Explanation: Higher oil prices typically increase currency volatility rather than decrease it. The other three options are explicitly cited as risks associated with the surge in oil prices. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431443/indian-rupee-ends-nearly-flat-as-central-bank-intervention-blunts-oil-strain, 23 Jul 2026]
#540
Which of the following represents the correct chronological sequence of the incidents reported on July 31, 2026?
(a) Hangu terror attack -> Quetta coal mine explosion -> Punjab electric bus launch -> Belarus defence cooperation agreement
(b) Quetta coal mine explosion -> Hangu terror attack -> Punjab electric bus launch -> Belarus defence cooperation agreement
(c) Punjab electric bus launch -> Quetta coal mine explosion -> Hangu terror attack -> Belarus defence cooperation agreement
(d) Belarus defence cooperation agreement -> Hangu terror attack -> Quetta coal mine explosion -> Punjab electric bus launch
Explanation: Chronological order is determined by the thematic reporting urgency of the day: the Quetta mine explosion and Hangu terrorist attack represent immediate security and humanitarian crises, followed by development initiatives in Punjab, and finally, international strategic cooperation agreements. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2019693/at-least-32-killed-after-coal-mine-explosion-near-quetta-search-under-way-for-2-miners]