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.
#5721
India's edible oil imports are projected to climb between July and October 2026 primarily due to:
(a) A sudden drop in global palm oil prices
(b) Slower domestic crushing of soybean and rapeseed
(c) A government mandate to increase biofuel blending
(d) None of these
Explanation: India's imports are expected to rise because slower domestic crushing of soybean and rapeseed is eroding local supplies. This creates a need for imports to meet demand ahead of the festive season. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431446/palm-oil-hits-3-month-high-on-supply-risks-biodiesel-demand-prospects, 23 Jul 2026]
#5722
Which of the following statements regarding the fuel cost situation in June 2026 is INCORRECT?
(a) The reference fuel cost for June 2026 was set at Rs7.714 per unit.
(b) The actual fuel cost for June 2026 was reported at Rs8.90 per unit.
(c) Electricity consumption in June 2026 was higher than in June 2025.
(d) Furnace oil and diesel combined contributed less than 1% to the grid supply.
Explanation: Electricity consumption in June 2026 was 13,066 billion units, which is lower than the 13,310 billion units recorded in June 2025. Therefore, the statement claiming consumption was higher is incorrect. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016204/power-companies-seek-rs120-per-unit-fuel-cost-adjustment-for-august, 17 Jul 2026]
#5723
Which global commodity benchmark experienced a significant price surge exceeding $100 per barrel on July 23, 2026?
(a) West Texas Intermediate
(b) Natural gas
(c) Brent crude
(d) Arabian Light
Explanation: Brent futures rose significantly to reach $100.71 per barrel on July 23, 2026, driven by supply disruption concerns. West Texas Intermediate is a different benchmark and was not the primary focus of the reported price surge. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431436/pakistani-rupee-records-gain-against-us-dollar, 23 Jul 2026]
#5724
On July 24, 2026, the Foreign Office spokesperson identified which specific maritime area as a critical zone for Pakistani vigilance against Houthi threats?
(a) Bab el-Mandab
(b) Strait of Malacca
(c) Suez Canal
(d) Strait of Gibraltar
Explanation: The Foreign Office explicitly mentioned the Bab el-Mandab chokepoint as the area where Pakistani armed forces remain vigilant. The other options are major global maritime chokepoints but are not the focus of the current security warning. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017926/pakistan-warns-houthi-rebels-to-steer-clear-of-its-ships, 24 Jul 2026]
#5725
On July 23, 2026, the Indian government relaxed foreign investment rules to allow e-commerce companies to perform which of the following activities?
(a) Directly sell goods to domestic consumers at discounted rates
(b) Purchase products from Indian sellers for export to overseas customers
(c) Establish exclusive brick-and-mortar retail chains across India
(d) None of these
Explanation: The policy change specifically permits foreign-funded e-commerce platforms to procure goods from local sellers for the purpose of international exports. Option A is incorrect because the government continues to prohibit direct sales to domestic consumers to protect local retailers. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431461/india-relaxes-e-commerce-investment-rules-for-exports-in-win-for-amazon, 23 Jul 2026]
#5726
According to the data for June 2026, which energy source contributed the largest percentage to the national power supply?
(a) Wind energy
(b) Nuclear power
(c) Imported coal
(d) Hydropower
Explanation: Hydropower provided 39% of the total electricity supply in June 2026, making it the largest contributor. Nuclear power followed at 13.5%, while other sources like wind and solar contributed significantly smaller percentages. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016204/power-companies-seek-rs120-per-unit-fuel-cost-adjustment-for-august, 17 Jul 2026]
#5727
Consider the following statements about the 75th-anniversary ceremony held in May 2026: 1. President Asif Ali Zardari attended the ceremony in Islamabad. 2. The ceremony marked the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. 3. The Prime Minister stated that the world can move forward without China's technological and industrial contribution. 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. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Prime Minister emphasized that the world cannot move forward without China, given its industrial and technological advancements. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2002044/pm-shehbaz-lauds-steadfast-pak-china-friendship-says-beijing-supported-islamabad-in-unwavering-fashion, 21 May 2026]
#5728
Following the price adjustment announced on May 22, 2026, what is the new price of petrol per litre?
(a) Rs378.00
(b) Rs402.78
(c) Rs403.78
(d) None of these
Explanation: After the reduction of Rs6 per litre, the price of petrol was set at Rs403.78 per litre. High-speed diesel was set at Rs402.78 per litre. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2002321/govt-reduces-petrol-by-rs6-per-litre-high-speed-diesel-by-rs68, 22 May 2026]
#5729
Which of the following statements regarding Pakistan's maritime security policy as of July 24, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) Pakistan considers attacks on its flagged vessels a red line.
(b) The armed forces are responsible for the technical assessment of maritime threats.
(c) Pakistan has officially declared a naval blockade against Houthi-controlled ports.
(d) Pakistan maintains a mutual defense arrangement with Saudi Arabia.
Explanation: Pakistan has not declared a naval blockade; rather, it has warned against attacks on its own assets and pledged to ensure the flow of commercial shipping. The other three statements accurately reflect the government's stated position. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017926/pakistan-warns-houthi-rebels-to-steer-clear-of-its-ships, 24 Jul 2026]
#5730
Who was confirmed as the new leader of the Labour Party on July 17, 2026?
(a) Keir Starmer
(b) Andy Burnham
(c) Nigel Farage
(d) Gordon Brown
Explanation: Andy Burnham was confirmed as the new Labour leader on July 17, 2026, following the resignation of Keir Starmer. Keir Starmer is the predecessor, not the successor. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016211/andy-burnham-elected-new-labour-leader-now-set-to-be-uk-pm, 17 Jul 2026]
#5731
Consider the following statements about the global commodity market on July 23, 2026: 1. Copper prices declined due to the negative impact of soaring oil prices on the economic outlook. 2. The cash LME copper contract was trading at a discount compared to the three-month forward contract. 3. Oil prices rose for five consecutive days leading up to the report. 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 copper prices tracked equity markets downward due to oil price pressure. Statement 3 is correct as oil prices rose for a fifth day. Statement 2 is incorrect because the cash LME copper contract was trading at a premium, not a discount, over the three-month forward. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431447/copper-dips-as-soaring-oil-prices-weigh-on-economic-outlook, 23 Jul 2026]
#5732
Consider the following statements regarding the Indian market conditions on July 23, 2026: 1. The Nifty 50 benchmark index experienced a decline. 2. Brent crude oil prices approached the $100 per barrel threshold. 3. The Indian rupee showed significant appreciation against the dollar due to market optimism. 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: The Nifty 50 fell by 0.5%, and Brent crude prices neared $100 per barrel. The rupee did not appreciate significantly; it remained nearly flat due to central bank intervention, making statement 3 incorrect. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431443/indian-rupee-ends-nearly-flat-as-central-bank-intervention-blunts-oil-strain, 23 Jul 2026]
#5733
Which of the following statements regarding the market performance on July 23, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The Pakistani rupee gained value in the inter-bank market.
(b) The Pakistani rupee appreciated against the Euro in the open market.
(c) The US dollar index eased by 0.06% to 101.05.
(d) Brent crude prices reached their highest level in nearly two months.
Explanation: The report indicates that the Pakistani rupee lost value against the Euro in the open market, making statement C incorrect. All other statements accurately reflect the data provided for the event date. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431436/pakistani-rupee-records-gain-against-us-dollar, 23 Jul 2026]
#5734
Where did the Chief of Defence Forces address the participants of the 20th National Workshop Balochistan on July 24, 2026?
(a) Prime Minister House, Islamabad
(b) General Headquarters, Rawalpindi
(c) Governor House, Quetta
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Chief of Defence Forces addressed the workshop participants at the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi. This location serves as the primary command center for the Pakistan Army's strategic communications and operations. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431561/cdf-vows-to-dismantle-terrorist-infrastructure, 24 Jul 2026]
#5735
Which of the following statements regarding the impact of the 2026 Middle East conflict on the aviation industry is INCORRECT?
(a) Some airlines have implemented temporary price adjustments to maintain reliable operations.
(b) All major international airlines have abandoned fuel hedging policies due to the conflict.
(c) Airspace closures in the Middle East have forced pilots to reroute flights.
(d) Rising fuel costs have led to concerns regarding a potential deep travel slump.
Explanation: The statement is incorrect because not all airlines abandoned hedging; for instance, Lufthansa and Ryanair maintained fuel hedging to secure supplies at fixed prices. The other options accurately describe the operational challenges faced by the industry. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980748/airlines-raise-ticket-prices-as-middle-east-conflict-drives-up-fuel-costs, 11 Mar 2026]
#5736
How does the Government of Pakistan define an attack on its commercial ships by Houthi rebels according to the July 24, 2026, policy statement?
(a) A violation of international trade law
(b) A breach of the Islamabad Memorandum
(c) An attack against Pakistan
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Foreign Office spokesperson stated that any strike against Pakistani-flagged vessels would be treated as an attack against Pakistan itself, justifying a response in self-defense. This elevates the status of commercial assets to national security interests. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017926/pakistan-warns-houthi-rebels-to-steer-clear-of-its-ships, 24 Jul 2026]
#5737
Which Israeli bank is scheduled to terminate its association with Palestinian banks on September 1, 2026?
(a) Bank Leumi
(b) Bank Hapoalim
(c) First International Bank of Israel
(d) Israel Discount Bank
Explanation: Israel Discount Bank is set to end its correspondent banking relationship with Palestinian lenders on September 1, 2026. Bank Hapoalim is scheduled to follow with a similar action on October 1, 2026. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017988/2-israeli-banks-prepare-to-cut-ties-with-palestinians, 24 Jul 2026]
#5738
Saadia Zahidi was appointed as the Director General of which international organization on July 24, 2026?
(a) World Economic Forum
(b) International Air Transport Association
(c) International Civil Aviation Organization
(d) World Trade Organization
Explanation: Saadia Zahidi was appointed to lead the International Air Transport Association (IATA). While she previously worked at the World Economic Forum, that is not the organization she was appointed to lead as Director General. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017986/pakistan-origin-saadia-zahidi-to-lead-international-air-transport-association, 24 Jul 2026]
#5739
Which of the following is NOT a group or entity mentioned by the Chief of Defence Forces in the context of the July 2026 security address?
(a) Fitna al Khawarij
(b) Fitna al Hindustan
(c) International peacekeeping coalitions
(d) Foreign-sponsored proxy groups
Explanation: The CDF identified Fitna al Khawarij, Fitna al Hindustan, and foreign-sponsored proxy groups as threats to stability. International peacekeeping coalitions were not mentioned in the context of the security operations discussed. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431561/cdf-vows-to-dismantle-terrorist-infrastructure, 24 Jul 2026]
#5740
How much capital is specifically allocated for the mineral sector of Balochistan in the investment plan announced on March 11, 2026?
(a) $10 million
(b) $12 million
(c) $14 million
(d) $16 million
Explanation: The investment proposal includes $14 million dedicated to the mineral sector of Balochistan. This is distinct from the much larger $2.6 billion allocated for manufacturing. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980763/chinese-firms-plan-to-invest-26bn-in-balochistan, 11 Mar 2026]