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.
#5821
What was the recorded inflation rate in Pakistan for the month of February 2026?
(a) 5.80 percent
(b) 6.98 percent
(c) 7.15 percent
(d) 8.20 percent
Explanation: Inflation rose to 6.98 percent year-on-year in February 2026, up from 5.8 percent in January. This represents the highest level recorded since October 2024. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979645/stocks-nosedive-63pc-in-jittery-week-on-geopolitical-concerns, 08 Mar 2026]
#5822
Which of the following statements regarding the market performance in March 2026 is INCORRECT?
(a) Foreign corporates were net sellers of equities during the week.
(b) The KSE-100 index experienced a single-session decline of over 16,000 points on Monday.
(c) Cement despatches showed a year-on-year increase in February 2026.
(d) The rupee depreciated significantly against the dollar during the week.
Explanation: The rupee remained largely stable, appreciating marginally by 0.02 percent week-on-week. The other statements accurately reflect the market data provided for the period. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979645/stocks-nosedive-63pc-in-jittery-week-on-geopolitical-concerns, 08 Mar 2026]
#5823
Which Indian financial institution experienced its steepest weekly decline in 2-1/2 years on July 24, 2026?
(a) Axis Bank
(b) ICICI Bank
(c) HDFC Bank
(d) State Bank of India
Explanation: HDFC Bank recorded a 9.4% decline, marking its sharpest weekly drop in 2-1/2 years due to investor concerns regarding margins. Axis Bank also declined, but HDFC Bank was identified as the primary weight on the benchmark indexes. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431634/indian-shares-log-weekly-losses-as-crude-climbs-hdfc-bank-tumbles, 24 Jul 2026]
#5824
Consider the following statements about the Indian market performance on July 24, 2026: 1. The BSE Sensex recorded its steepest drop in two months. 2. Private banks and financial sectors were among the worst-performing segments. 3. Brent crude prices briefly crossed $100 a barrel during the week. 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: All three statements are factually accurate based on the market report. The Sensex lost 2.7% (steepest in two months), financial sectors were heavily dragged down, and Brent crude crossed the $100 threshold. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431634/indian-shares-log-weekly-losses-as-crude-climbs-hdfc-bank-tumbles, 24 Jul 2026]
#5825
Consider the following statements about the global vegetable oil market as of July 2026: 1. Dalian’s most-active soyoil contract experienced a gain of 1.33%. 2. Soyoil prices on the Chicago Board of Trade increased by 0.99%. 3. Brazil has the potential to triple its palm oil planted area over the next decade. 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. Statement 2 is incorrect because soyoil prices on the Chicago Board of Trade actually dropped by 0.99%, not increased. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431640/palm-oil-hits-15-week-high-posts-third-weekly-gain, 24 Jul 2026]
#5826
What was the closing value of the KSE-100 index at the end of the trading week ending on March 8, 2026?
(a) 145,210 points
(b) 157,496 points
(c) 162,305 points
(d) None of these
Explanation: The KSE-100 index closed at 157,496 points after a weekly decline of 6.3 percent. This decline was primarily attributed to investor panic regarding regional geopolitical instability. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979645/stocks-nosedive-63pc-in-jittery-week-on-geopolitical-concerns, 08 Mar 2026]
#5827
Consider the following statements about the economic indicators in February 2026: 1. Pakistan's trade deficit widened to approximately $3 billion. 2. Urea offtake recorded a significant increase compared to the previous year. 3. Liquid foreign exchange reserves held by the State Bank of Pakistan stood at $16.3 billion. 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 2 is incorrect because urea offtake actually fell by 28 percent year-on-year, reaching the lowest monthly level recorded. Statements 1 and 3 are factually accurate based on the reported economic data. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979645/stocks-nosedive-63pc-in-jittery-week-on-geopolitical-concerns, 08 Mar 2026]
#5828
Which of the following measures was initially proposed but subsequently shelved by the government in response to the potential fuel crisis in March 2026?
(a) Rationing of electricity for industrial zones
(b) Complete ban on private vehicle usage
(c) Work from home and distance learning
(d) Immediate closure of all public transport
Explanation: The government considered a national action plan involving work-from-home and distance learning to conserve fuel but decided to keep activities unchanged. The other options were not part of the official proposal mentioned. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979534/govt-hikes-kerosene-price-by-rs130-to-rs31881-per-litre, 07 Mar 2026]
#5829
Which of the following statements regarding the March 2026 fuel price hike is INCORRECT?
(a) The government decided to implement work-from-home measures for a month.
(b) The price of kerosene was increased by over Rs130 per litre.
(c) The notification for the price hike was issued by the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority.
(d) Long queues were reported at petrol pumps across several cities.
Explanation: The government explicitly decided to shelve the proposed work-from-home and distance learning measures rather than implement them. The other three statements are factually accurate based on the events of March 2026. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979534/govt-hikes-kerosene-price-by-rs130-to-rs31881-per-litre, 07 Mar 2026]
#5830
Consider the following statements about the fuel price adjustments in March 2026: 1. The price hike for kerosene was announced shortly after increases in petrol and high-speed diesel prices. 2. Kerosene demand in Pakistan is significantly higher than the combined monthly sales of petrol and high-speed diesel. 3. The government maintained that petroleum reserves were sufficient despite the price adjustments. 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 2 is incorrect because kerosene demand (10,000 tonnes) is significantly lower than the demand for petrol and diesel (700,000 to 800,000 tonnes). Statements 1 and 3 are accurate reflections of the government's position and the sequence of events. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979534/govt-hikes-kerosene-price-by-rs130-to-rs31881-per-litre, 07 Mar 2026]
#5831
Which instrument did the Reserve Bank of India likely use to offset the liquidity impact of its spot market dollar sales on July 24, 2026?
(a) Adjustment of the statutory liquidity ratio
(b) Direct purchase of government bonds
(c) Far tenor dollar-rupee buy/sell swaps
(d) Issuance of new treasury bills
Explanation: To manage the liquidity drain caused by selling dollars in the spot market, the central bank utilized far tenor dollar-rupee buy/sell swaps. This allows the bank to stabilize the currency without permanently tightening domestic rupee liquidity. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431635/intervention-shields-indian-rupee-in-face-of-oil-hedging-strain, 24 Jul 2026]
#5832
What was the approximate value of net weekly forward dollar buying by merchants in the week ending July 17, 2026?
(a) 3.1 billion dollars
(b) 11.1 billion dollars
(c) 9.1 billion dollars
(d) 7.1 billion dollars
Explanation: Clearing house data indicated that merchant forward dollar buying rebounded to approximately 7.1 billion dollars in the week ending July 17, 2026. This increased hedging activity contributed to the downward pressure on the rupee. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431635/intervention-shields-indian-rupee-in-face-of-oil-hedging-strain, 24 Jul 2026]
#5833
Which of the following is NOT a factor contributing to the pressure on the Indian rupee as of July 24, 2026?
(a) Excessive foreign direct investment inflows
(b) Weak domestic equities
(c) Increased corporate hedging
(d) High global oil prices
Explanation: Excessive foreign direct investment inflows typically strengthen a currency rather than weaken it. The other three factors—oil prices, weak equities, and corporate hedging—are explicitly cited as sources of downward pressure on the rupee. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431635/intervention-shields-indian-rupee-in-face-of-oil-hedging-strain, 24 Jul 2026]
#5834
What is the total amount of the fine imposed by the European Commission on Google for breaching the Digital Markets Act in July 2026?
(a) 460 million euros
(b) 430 million euros
(c) 1.2 billion euros
(d) 890 million euros
Explanation: The European Commission issued two separate fines of 460 million euros and 430 million euros, totaling 890 million euros. This represents the first penalty imposed on Google under the Digital Markets Act. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018219/trump-says-eu-to-pay-very-big-price-for-google-fine, 25 Jul 2026]
#5835
Which organization hosted the seminar titled 'Enhancing Pak-Libya Trade and Economic Cooperation' in 2026?
(a) Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry
(b) Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry
(c) Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry
(d) Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Explanation: The seminar was hosted by the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) to discuss bilateral economic ties. The other chambers are distinct entities not mentioned as the hosts of this specific event. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431795/pak-workforce-in-libya-declines-by-78pc-envoy, 25 Jul 2026]
#5836
Who is the Ambassador-designate of Pakistan to Libya as of July 2026?
(a) Maj-Gen (r) Mumtaz Hussain
(b) Lt-Gen (r) Asim Munir
(c) Maj-Gen (r) Faisal Shahkar
(d) None of these
Explanation: Maj-Gen (r) Mumtaz Hussain was identified as the Ambassador-designate to Libya during a seminar at the LCCI. The other names are not associated with this diplomatic appointment. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431795/pak-workforce-in-libya-declines-by-78pc-envoy, 25 Jul 2026]
#5837
Who met with the Governor of Sindh on July 25, 2026, to discuss bilateral cooperation in the healthcare sector?
(a) Dr. Kemal Aydin
(b) Dr. Ahmet Davutoglu
(c) Dr. Mehmet Oz
(d) None of these
Explanation: Dr. Kemal Aydin, Chairman of the Ibn Sina Foundation, held a meeting with the Governor of Sindh to discuss expanding cooperation in medical research and education. The other names are prominent figures but were not involved in this specific diplomatic engagement. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431850/governor-seeks-stronger-pak-turkiye-partnership-in-healthcare, 25 Jul 2026]
#5838
Who is the Senior Sindh Minister who criticized the federal government's approach toward Karachi on June 6, 2026?
(a) Murad Ali Shah
(b) Sharjeel Inam Memon
(c) Saeed Ghani
(d) None of these
Explanation: Sharjeel Inam Memon is the Senior Sindh Minister who addressed the media regarding the infrastructure and economic challenges facing Karachi. Murad Ali Shah and Saeed Ghani are other prominent provincial figures, but they were not the primary speakers in this specific report. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2005655/sharjeel-laments-low-priority-accorded-to-karachi-by-centre, 06 Jun 2026]
#5839
Which of the following statements regarding the gold market in Pakistan on July 25, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The price of silver per tola increased by Rs12.
(b) The international gold price experienced a gain of $3 per ounce.
(c) The price of 10-gram gold increased by Rs257.
(d) The gold price per tola reached Rs427,736.
Explanation: The price of silver actually decreased by Rs12, not increased. Options A, B, and D are all factually correct statements regarding the market data for that date. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431764/gold-price-per-tola-gains-rs300-in-pakistan, 25 Jul 2026]
#5840
Consider the following statements about the 2026 narcotics situation in Islamabad: 1. Drug dealers are increasingly utilizing vulnerable individuals, such as beggars, to act as couriers. 2. The police successfully seized thousands of bottles of liquor alongside synthetic and organic drugs. 3. The current policing strategy is considered highly effective because it successfully dismantled all digital trafficking networks. 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 accurate based on the report. Statement 3 is incorrect because the report explicitly states that the current strategy is failing to dismantle 21st-century trafficking networks, necessitating an overhaul. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018247/the-drug-problem, 25 Jul 2026]