January 2026 Current Affairs MCQs & Solutions

Explanation: Statement 1 is correct regarding the growth rate target. Statement 3 is correct as the plan explicitly includes increasing women's labour force participation. Statement 2 is incorrect because the plan involves the leadership of both Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431434/pm-shehbaz-told-pakistan-aims-to-halve-population-growth-rate-by-2035, 23 Jul 2026]

Explanation: Based on the internal context of historical records associated with the events reported on July 29, 2026, the chronological order of these developments, when considering their respective occurrences leading up to the report, follows the sequence: the sports achievement (IV), the weather alert (I), the election results announcement (II), and the senate confirmation (III). [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2019100/fatima-zahra-becomes-first-pakistan-woman-boxer-to-secure-commonwealth-games-boxing-medal]

Explanation: Abbas Araghchi, serving as the Iranian Foreign Minister, explicitly ruled out negotiations with the United States during an interview with PBS News. Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf is the parliamentary speaker who focused on retaliatory threats rather than diplomatic agendas. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980759/iran-vows-to-keep-hormuz-strait-blocked-as-long-as-war-continues, 11 Mar 2026]

Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect because the US has been sending 'mixed signals,' with the President suggesting talks while the Pentagon chief vows to ramp up strikes. Statements 2 and 3 are factually accurate based on the reported events. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980759/iran-vows-to-keep-hormuz-strait-blocked-as-long-as-war-continues, 11 Mar 2026]

Explanation: The Chief of Defence Forces emphasized that peace in Balochistan is contingent upon the combined efforts of security agencies and the support of the local population. Other options are not part of the official security policy framework mentioned. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431473/field-marshal-munir-vows-to-continue-operations-against-terrorists-in-balochistan, 23 Jul 2026]

Explanation: SEBI proposed allowing investments in overseas listed equity, overseas listed debt, and unlisted debt. Direct real estate development is not included in the proposed expansion of investment avenues for portfolio managers. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431463/indias-sebi-proposes-allowing-portfolio-managers-to-invest-overseas-in-to-be-listed-securities, 23 Jul 2026]

Explanation: The government continues to prohibit foreign e-commerce companies from selling goods directly to domestic consumers to protect local brick-and-mortar retailers. Therefore, statement C is false. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431461/india-relaxes-e-commerce-investment-rules-for-exports-in-win-for-amazon, 23 Jul 2026]

Explanation: Senate Deputy Chairman Syedal Khan held the meeting with the Chinese delegation to discuss the $2.6 billion investment plan. The other options are incorrect as they do not accurately identify the official who hosted the delegation. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980763/chinese-firms-plan-to-invest-26bn-in-balochistan, 11 Mar 2026]

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]

Explanation: All three statements are factually accurate based on the report. Brent crude reached nearly $99, the Strait of Hormuz is a focal point for supply disruption fears, and the 12% weekly rally is confirmed. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431465/indian-bonds-fall-for-third-session-as-oil-prices-near-100-a-barrel, 23 Jul 2026]

Explanation: The government is actively pursuing development initiatives to improve socio-economic conditions, making the cessation of such projects an incorrect statement. The other options are core components of the stated security policy. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431473/field-marshal-munir-vows-to-continue-operations-against-terrorists-in-balochistan, 23 Jul 2026]

Explanation: The State Bank of Pakistan reported that remittances remained steady in February 2026, totaling 3.3 billion dollars. This figure highlights the resilience of inflows despite the onset of regional conflict. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980726/remittances-steady-but-war-risks-loom, 11 Mar 2026]

Explanation: The European Commission issued the fines specifically citing the Digital Markets Act (DMA), which aims to curb the market power of large technology firms. While the GDPR and DSA are other major EU regulatory frameworks, they were not the primary legal basis for these specific antitrust penalties. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017814/google-hit-with-1bn-eu-fine-in-constructive-talks-to-avoid-more-penalties, 23 Jul 2026]

Explanation: Statements 1 and 2 are factually accurate based on the report. Statement 3 is incorrect because the expected total for FY26 is 40 billion dollars, not 50 billion. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980726/remittances-steady-but-war-risks-loom, 11 Mar 2026]

Explanation: Statement 1 is correct as the CDF vowed to continue operations. Statement 3 is correct as the government is pursuing development. Statement 2 is incorrect because the strategy explicitly emphasizes the necessity of public support. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431473/field-marshal-munir-vows-to-continue-operations-against-terrorists-in-balochistan, 23 Jul 2026]

Explanation: The order is established based on the implementation of economic policy (I), the inauguration of infrastructure projects (II), the introduction of legislative policy (IV), and the environmental impact of the weather shift (III) as reported on July 29. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2019158/fbr-notifies-new-tax-regime-for-small-shopkeepers]

Explanation: The assets managed by the Indian portfolio management services industry reached 42.61 trillion rupees by May 31, 2026. The figure of 18.07 trillion rupees represents the industry's asset size in April 2019. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431463/indias-sebi-proposes-allowing-portfolio-managers-to-invest-overseas-in-to-be-listed-securities, 23 Jul 2026]

Explanation: The market downturn was driven by the dual impact of surging energy costs and investor skepticism regarding tech sector earnings, specifically from Alphabet and Tesla. Interest rate hikes were not mentioned as a factor in this specific market event. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431469/us-stocks-tumble-as-brent-oil-tops-100, 23 Jul 2026]

Explanation: The benchmark three-month copper price was recorded at $13,725.50 per metric ton on the LME on July 23, 2026. This figure reflects the market adjustment following the rise in global oil prices. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431447/copper-dips-as-soaring-oil-prices-weigh-on-economic-outlook, 23 Jul 2026]

Explanation: Available LME copper stocks were reported at 107,850 tons, which represents the lowest inventory level since January 2026. This scarcity of supply has provided some support to copper prices despite broader economic headwinds. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431447/copper-dips-as-soaring-oil-prices-weigh-on-economic-outlook, 23 Jul 2026]