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.
#5841
Consider the following statements about the market conditions in Pakistan on July 25, 2026: 1. The gold price per tola reached Rs427,736. 2. The international gold market saw a price increase of $3 per ounce. 3. The silver price per tola increased by Rs12. 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 price reached Rs427,736. Statement 2 is correct as the international rate rose by $3. Statement 3 is incorrect because the price of silver decreased, not increased. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431764/gold-price-per-tola-gains-rs300-in-pakistan, 25 Jul 2026]
#5842
The Pakistani workforce in Libya has experienced a decline of what percentage according to the 2026 report?
(a) 78 percent
(b) 65 percent
(c) 82 percent
(d) 90 percent
Explanation: The Ambassador-designate explicitly stated that the Pakistani workforce in Libya has declined by 78 percent. This figure serves as the primary metric for the need to revitalize labor and trade relations. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431795/pak-workforce-in-libya-declines-by-78pc-envoy, 25 Jul 2026]
#5843
Consider the following statements about Pak-Libya relations as of 2026: 1. Pakistan maintains a strong presence in Libya through defense cooperation. 2. The Ambassador-designate advocates for chamber-to-chamber engagement to boost trade. 3. The Pakistani government has officially announced a total ban on labor migration to Libya. 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 based on the Ambassador's remarks regarding defense ties and trade facilitation. Statement 3 is incorrect as the report focuses on reversing the decline in the workforce, not imposing a ban. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431795/pak-workforce-in-libya-declines-by-78pc-envoy, 25 Jul 2026]
#5844
Who is the current Governor of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa as of July 2026?
(a) Ali Amin Gandapur
(b) Faisal Karim Kundi
(c) Mushtaq Ghani
(d) None of these
Explanation: Faisal Karim Kundi is the incumbent Governor of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Ali Amin Gandapur is the Chief Minister of the province, making him a common distractor in provincial governance questions. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431814/governor-kp-vows-to-help-resolve-issues-facing-traders, 25 Jul 2026]
#5845
Which organization's delegation met with the Governor of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to discuss trade-related issues in July 2026?
(a) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chamber of Commerce
(b) Peoples Business Forum
(c) Sarhad Chamber of Commerce and Industry
(d) All Pakistan Traders Association
Explanation: The delegation was led by Maulana Abdul Wali Gul Turabi representing the Peoples Business Forum. The other options represent established trade bodies often involved in provincial policy discussions. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431814/governor-kp-vows-to-help-resolve-issues-facing-traders, 25 Jul 2026]
#5846
According to the Exchange Companies Association of Pakistan, what was the primary driver for the decline in dollar sales to banks during the first 10 months of 2026?
(a) Increased investment in domestic manufacturing
(b) Diversion of funds into cryptocurrency trading
(c) Sharp rise in official export-led remittances
(d) Government-imposed limits on foreign currency accounts
Explanation: The chairman of the Exchange Companies Association of Pakistan noted that billions of dollars were diverted from the banking system into illegal cryptocurrency investments. This outflow contributed to the reduction in dollar sales to banks. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018391/war-dries-up-unofficial-dollar-inflows, 26 Jul 2026]
#5847
Which of the following statements regarding the Australian government's response to the 2026 US tariffs is INCORRECT?
(a) The government has described the tariffs as unjustified.
(b) The government has accepted the US allegations regarding forced labor as accurate.
(c) The government intends to seek the removal of the tariffs.
(d) The government plans to raise the issue at every level of the Australia-US relationship.
Explanation: The Australian government has explicitly contested the US allegations, arguing that its own provisions against modern slavery are already very strong. Therefore, it has not accepted the US claims as accurate. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431855/australia-to-raise-concerns-over-new-tariffs-with-trump-pm-albanese-says, 26 Jul 2026]
#5848
Consider the following statements about the conflict dynamics as of July 2026: 1. The US military operations were paused after the 13th night of strikes. 2. Iran has offered to broker talks between the Houthi rebels and Riyadh. 3. The conflict has remained strictly limited to US-Iran direct engagements. 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 Pentagon presented a plan for a 14th night of strikes, implying 13 nights had passed. Iran's Foreign Minister offered to broker talks between the Houthis and Riyadh, but the conflict has clearly expanded beyond direct US-Iran engagements to include regional shipping and Gulf allies. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018487/us-holds-fire-against-iran-as-reports-of-concerns-over-dwindling-munitions-emerge, 26 Jul 2026]
#5849
Consider the following statements regarding the Governor's remarks on July 25, 2026: 1. The Governor suggested that importing wheat from abroad could be considered if necessary. 2. The Governor emphasized the need for effective utilization of the province's mineral resources. 3. The Governor announced the immediate abolition of all provincial taxes on traders. 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 reflections of the Governor's policy stance. Statement 3 is incorrect as the Governor pledged to take up tax relief issues with relevant authorities, not to unilaterally abolish taxes. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431814/governor-kp-vows-to-help-resolve-issues-facing-traders, 25 Jul 2026]
#5850
Who is the current Prime Minister of Australia leading the diplomatic response to the 2026 US tariff imposition?
(a) Scott Morrison
(b) Malcolm Turnbull
(c) Kevin Rudd
(d) Anthony Albanese
Explanation: Anthony Albanese is the Prime Minister of Australia who publicly stated his intention to raise the tariff issue with President Donald Trump. The other individuals listed are former Australian Prime Ministers. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431855/australia-to-raise-concerns-over-new-tariffs-with-trump-pm-albanese-says, 26 Jul 2026]
#5851
Prof. Gul Rahim Khan, who received the Ashoka Prize in 2026, is a faculty member at which institution?
(a) University of the Punjab
(b) University of Peshawar
(c) Quaid-i-Azam University
(d) None of these
Explanation: Prof. Gul Rahim Khan is a senior professor in the Department of Archaeology at the University of Peshawar. He was recognized for his research on the numismatics of the Utpala Dynasty. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018423/peshawar-university-teacher-honoured-with-ashoka-award-in-london, 26 Jul 2026]
#5852
What is the primary reason cited by the United States for imposing new tariffs on Australia in 2026?
(a) Failure to curb the trade of goods made by forced labor
(b) Violation of intellectual property rights in the technology sector
(c) Excessive subsidies provided to the domestic agricultural industry
(d) None of these
Explanation: The United States imposed the tariffs alleging that trading partners, including Australia, failed to adequately address forced labor within their supply chains. Australia has rejected this characterization, citing its own strong anti-slavery provisions. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431855/australia-to-raise-concerns-over-new-tariffs-with-trump-pm-albanese-says, 26 Jul 2026]
#5853
The Virtual Assets Act 2026 was passed to regulate which of the following sectors in Pakistan?
(a) Cryptocurrency and digital asset providers
(b) Traditional textile export manufacturing
(c) Informal hundi and hawala networks
(d) Cross-border physical commodity trade
Explanation: The Virtual Assets Act 2026 provides a regulatory framework for licensed virtual asset providers, allowing banks to facilitate services for the sector. This is distinct from the informal hundi/hawala systems which remain illegal. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018391/war-dries-up-unofficial-dollar-inflows, 26 Jul 2026]
#5854
Which of the following statements regarding the Virtual Assets Act 2026 is INCORRECT?
(a) It allows regulated banks to open accounts for entities registered under the Pakistan Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority.
(b) It establishes a framework for licensed virtual asset providers to operate within the formal financial system.
(c) It was passed in the same year that Pakistan lifted its eight-year ban on crypto-related banking activity.
(d) It permits banks to use customer deposits to trade or invest in digital assets for profit.
Explanation: The Act explicitly prohibits banks from using their own capital or customer deposits to trade, hold, or invest in digital assets. Therefore, is the incorrect statement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018391/war-dries-up-unofficial-dollar-inflows, 26 Jul 2026]
#5855
Which international organization conferred the Ashoka Prize upon Prof. Gul Rahim Khan in 2026?
(a) Oriental Numismatic Society
(b) International Archaeological Association
(c) Royal Numismatic Society
(d) World Heritage Foundation
Explanation: The Oriental Numismatic Society (ONS) awarded the prize for the best paper published in their journal (JONS). The Royal Numismatic Society is a separate entity often confused with the ONS. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018423/peshawar-university-teacher-honoured-with-ashoka-award-in-london, 26 Jul 2026]
#5856
Which regional group claimed to have downed a Saudi drone over the northwest of Yemen in July 2026?
(a) Houthi rebels
(b) Hezbollah
(c) Al-Qaeda
(d) Islamic State
Explanation: Houthi rebels reported downing a Saudi drone over Yemen and claimed responsibility for attacks on Saudi Aramco facilities in Jizan and Yanbu. The other groups listed are not involved in this specific operational theater. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018487/us-holds-fire-against-iran-as-reports-of-concerns-over-dwindling-munitions-emerge, 26 Jul 2026]
#5857
Consider the following statements about the economic forecasts provided by the AfDB: 1. The AfDB predicted Africa would see 4.2% economic growth in 2026. 2. The growth projection for 2027 is 4.4%. 3. These growth projections were finalized after accounting for the 'super' El Niño impact. 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 AfDB predicted 4.2% growth for 2026 and 4.4% for 2027. However, these forecasts were made in May, before the 'super' El Niño projections were integrated, making statement 3 incorrect. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431871/africa-facing-10-20-billion-economic-hit-from-super-el-nino-afdb-climate-chief-warns, 26 Jul 2026]
#5858
As of July 2026, which entity carries the largest burden of overdue liabilities in the gas sector?
(a) Sui Southern Gas Company
(b) Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited
(c) Pakistan State Oil
(d) None of these
Explanation: Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) is explicitly identified as carrying the largest burden of overdue liabilities, totaling Rs536 billion as of July 23, 2026. Sui Southern Gas Company is a separate entity and is not cited as the primary holder of these specific overdue liabilities. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018389/gas-power-sector-dues-strain-energy-supply-chain, 26 Jul 2026]
#5859
All of the following statements regarding the market conditions on July 27, 2026, are true EXCEPT:
(a) The Federal Reserve is expected to definitely raise interest rates by 50 basis points.
(b) Bond markets received a boost from easing inflation fears.
(c) Brent crude prices experienced a decline.
(d) Yemen’s Houthis attacked Saudi oil installations.
Explanation: The market only implies a one-in-three chance of a rate hike, and analysts remain uncertain about the outcome, making the claim of a definite 50 basis point hike false. The other options accurately reflect the geopolitical and economic situation described. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431958/shares-bonds-make-guarded-gains-as-oil-slips, 27 Jul 2026]
#5860
In which month of 2026 did the Reserve Bank of India announce the dollar-inflow schemes that raised $32 billion?
(a) April 2026
(b) June 2026
(c) May 2026
(d) July 2026
Explanation: The dollar-inflow schemes were officially announced by the central bank in June 2026, leading to the reported accumulation of funds by late July 2026. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431961/indian-banks-have-raised-32-bln-under-dollar-inflow-schemes-rbi-chief-tells-hindu-businessline, 27 Jul 2026]