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.
#5881
The decline in global crude oil prices on March 11, 2026, was primarily attributed to:
(a) Diplomatic signals regarding the potential end of the conflict with Iran
(b) Increased production from OPEC nations
(c) A sudden drop in global industrial demand
(d) New sanctions imposed on major oil exporters
Explanation: Crude prices plunged following remarks by US President Donald Trump suggesting that the conflict with Iran could end soon, which eased supply disruption concerns. Other options do not reflect the specific geopolitical catalyst mentioned in the market report. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980849/kse-100-ends-lower-after-early-rally-loses-steam, 11 Mar 2026]
#5882
Which of the following statements regarding the KSE-100 market session on March 11, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The index experienced an intraday high of 158,624.51 points.
(b) The index began the session with a sharp rebound.
(c) The index closed lower compared to the previous session.
(d) The index maintained its early gains throughout the entire trading day.
Explanation: The index did not maintain its gains; the report states that the momentum faded and the index largely erased its early gains by 1pm. Options A, B, and D are factually accurate descriptions of the session. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980849/kse-100-ends-lower-after-early-rally-loses-steam, 11 Mar 2026]
#5883
The upcoming Politburo meeting in July 2026 is primarily expected to focus on which of the following?
(a) Dissolution of existing fiscal quotas
(b) Immediate devaluation of the national currency
(c) Formalizing a new military alliance with regional partners
(d) Setting the economic policy agenda for the second half of the year
Explanation: The Politburo, as the top decision-making body, meets to determine the economic trajectory and policy priorities for the remainder of the year. Analysts anticipate a focus on implementing existing measures rather than major new stimulus. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431978/chinas-yuan-rises-to-near-one-week-high-market-focuses-on-politburo-meeting, 27 Jul 2026]
#5884
Which two permanent members of the UN Security Council abstained from the vote on the resolution adopted on March 11, 2026?
(a) China and Russia
(b) United States and France
(c) France and United Kingdom
(d) United Kingdom and United States
Explanation: The resolution was adopted with 13 votes in favor, while China and Russia chose to abstain. The other permanent members (US, UK, and France) voted in favor. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981123/unsc-adopts-resolution-against-irans-attacks-on-gulf-nations-tehran-decries-blatant-misuse-of-security-council, 11 Mar 2026]
#5885
Who chaired the Capital Market Development Council (CMDC) meeting held on March 11, 2026?
(a) Muhammad Aurangzeb
(b) Shamshad Akhtar
(c) Miftah Ismail
(d) None of these
Explanation: Muhammad Aurangzeb, as the Finance Minister, chaired the CMDC meeting to discuss reforms for the capital market. The other individuals listed are former finance ministers and are not the current officeholder for the 2026 event. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980943/finance-minister-stresses-more-balanced-system-where-capital-markets-complement-banking-sector, 11 Mar 2026]
#5886
Which of the following statements regarding the Indian market performance on July 27, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) Brent crude oil prices increased by 9.3%.
(b) All 16 major sectors in the Indian market advanced.
(c) The Nifty 50 rose by 0.96%.
(d) The BSE Sensex added 1.02%.
Explanation: Brent crude oil prices fell by 9.3%, not increased. The other three statements accurately reflect the market data reported for that date. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431999/indian-shares-snap-losing-run-on-oil-slide-earnings-optimism, 27 Jul 2026]
#5887
Consider the following statements about the economic indicators reported on July 27, 2026: 1. The Reserve Bank of New Zealand raised rates to 2.5% earlier in July 2026. 2. Economists expect the trimmed mean measure of core inflation to rise 0.9% in the second quarter. 3. The 10-year Australian government bond yields dropped 7 basis points to 5.015%. 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 economic data provided for July 27, 2026. These indicators collectively illustrate the current monetary policy environment and market reactions in the Oceania region. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431969/australia-nz-dollars-climb-as-oil-slide-eases-rate-concerns, 27 Jul 2026]
#5888
According to the official statement regarding the July 27, 2026 meeting, what did Field Marshal Asim Munir identify as being closely linked to sustainable regional stability?
(a) Military expansion
(b) Economic growth and trade expansion
(c) Border fencing projects
(d) None of these
Explanation: Field Marshal Munir highlighted that sustainable regional stability is closely linked to economic growth, trade expansion, and regional connectivity. This reflects the current focus on economic diplomacy. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40432023/us-lawmakers-meet-field-marshal-munir-discuss-security-economic-cooperation, 27 Jul 2026]
#5889
Consider the following statements about the UNSC resolution adopted on March 11, 2026: 1. The resolution was adopted with 13 votes in favor. 2. Pakistan voted against the resolution due to its diplomatic ties with Tehran. 3. The resolution highlights the impact of attacks on maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz. 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 13 members voted in favor. Statement 2 is incorrect because Pakistan was a co-sponsor and voted in favor of the resolution. Statement 3 is correct as the resolution specifically highlights the adverse impact on maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981123/unsc-adopts-resolution-against-irans-attacks-on-gulf-nations-tehran-decries-blatant-misuse-of-security-council, 11 Mar 2026]
#5890
Which company led the trading volume on the Pakistan Stock Exchange on March 11, 2026?
(a) K-Electric Limited
(b) Cnergyico PK Limited
(c) The Bank of Punjab
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Bank of Punjab led the trading activity with a volume of 37,706,784 shares. K-Electric and Cnergyico followed with lower trading volumes. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980849/kse-100-ends-lower-after-early-rally-loses-steam, 11 Mar 2026]
#5891
Consider the following statements about the Indian equity market recovery on July 27, 2026: 1. The recovery followed five consecutive sessions of market declines. 2. The broader small-cap and mid-cap indices both recorded gains exceeding 1%. 3. The market rally was driven by fears of an immediate supply disruption in the energy sector. 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 market snapped a five-day losing streak. Statement 2 is correct as small-caps added 1.3% and mid-caps added 1.1%. Statement 3 is incorrect because the rally was driven by the easing of fears regarding supply disruptions, not the presence of them. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431999/indian-shares-snap-losing-run-on-oil-slide-earnings-optimism, 27 Jul 2026]
#5892
What is the total projected external debt servicing for Pakistan in the fiscal year 2026-27?
(a) $21.5 billion
(b) $18.0 billion
(c) $26.5 billion
(d) $44.0 billion
Explanation: The SBP Governor announced that the total external debt servicing for FY27 is projected at $21.5 billion. This is a decrease from the $26.5 billion paid in the previous fiscal year. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40432030/pakistans-fy27-external-debt-servicing-projected-at-215bn-sbp-governor, 27 Jul 2026]
#5893
What was the primary driver for the improved risk appetite that supported the yuan's rise on July 27, 2026?
(a) A sudden increase in global oil production
(b) The announcement of a massive fiscal stimulus package
(c) A halt in US-Iran attacks
(d) A significant reduction in China's external surplus
Explanation: The pause in the US bombing campaign in Iran during the weekend led to a drop in oil prices and a subsequent boost in global investor confidence. This improved risk sentiment contributed to the strengthening of the yuan against the dollar. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431978/chinas-yuan-rises-to-near-one-week-high-market-focuses-on-politburo-meeting, 27 Jul 2026]
#5894
Which of the following factors was cited as a reason for limiting the losses in palm oil prices on July 27, 2026?
(a) A surplus in global palm oil production
(b) The strengthening of the US dollar
(c) A decline in Chinese vegetable oil consumption
(d) Indonesia's B50 biodiesel mandate
Explanation: Optimism regarding higher consumption under Indonesia's B50 biodiesel mandate, alongside strong demand from China and El-Nino related supply risks, helped limit the decline in palm oil prices. Other options are either incorrect or would have exacerbated the price drop. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40432000/palm-slips-more-than-1-on-weaker-crude-chinese-vegetable-oils, 27 Jul 2026]
#5895
On July 27, 2026, what was the primary factor cited for the expected rise in Indian equity markets?
(a) A sharp decline in global oil prices
(b) An unexpected interest rate cut by the Reserve Bank of India
(c) A surge in foreign direct investment inflows
(d) None of these
Explanation: The market recovery was driven by a 4.6% drop in Brent crude prices following a pause in strikes between the United States and Iran. Lower oil prices are beneficial for India as it is a major importer of the commodity. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431956/indian-shares-set-to-open-higher-breaking-losing-run-as-oil-slides, 27 Jul 2026]
#5896
Which US Congressman from Montana was part of the delegation that met with the Pakistani military leadership on July 27, 2026?
(a) Ryan Keith Zinke
(b) Michael James
(c) Mike Johnson
(d) None of these
Explanation: Congressman Ryan Keith Zinke of Montana was one of the two US representatives who visited the GHQ. Michael James of Washington was the other member of the delegation. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40432023/us-lawmakers-meet-field-marshal-munir-discuss-security-economic-cooperation, 27 Jul 2026]
#5897
The meeting between the US lawmakers and the Pakistani military leadership on July 27, 2026, primarily focused on which of the following areas?
(a) Climate change mitigation
(b) Educational exchange programs
(c) Regional security and economic cooperation
(d) Space exploration technology
Explanation: The discussions centered on regional security, bilateral defence cooperation, and avenues for expanding economic engagement. These topics are central to the strategic alignment between the two nations. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40432023/us-lawmakers-meet-field-marshal-munir-discuss-security-economic-cooperation, 27 Jul 2026]
#5898
Consider the following statements about the economic outlook for China in late 2026: 1. Analysts expect the upcoming Politburo meeting to unveil a large-scale stimulus package. 2. The People's Bank of China remains comfortable with measured two-way moves in the yuan. 3. Market expectations for significant new easing have been scaled back by some analysts. 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 analysts expect policymakers to focus on implementing existing measures rather than unveiling a large-scale stimulus package. Statements 2 and 3 are correct as they reflect the PBOC's current stance and the prevailing market sentiment regarding policy expectations. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431978/chinas-yuan-rises-to-near-one-week-high-market-focuses-on-politburo-meeting, 27 Jul 2026]
#5899
Which article of the UN Charter is cited in the March 11, 2026, resolution to underscore the right to self-defense?
(a) Article 42
(b) Article 51
(c) Article 99
(d) Article 103
Explanation: Article 51 of the UN Charter recognizes the inherent right of individual or collective self-defense if an armed attack occurs against a member of the United Nations. This was explicitly invoked in the resolution. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981123/unsc-adopts-resolution-against-irans-attacks-on-gulf-nations-tehran-decries-blatant-misuse-of-security-council, 11 Mar 2026]
#5900
By what percentage did the KSE-100 index decline during the trading session on March 11, 2026?
(a) 2.53 per cent
(b) 0.2 per cent
(c) 3.10 per cent
(d) 2.02 per cent
Explanation: The KSE-100 index shed 318.65 points, which corresponds to a 0.2 per cent decline. The other percentages refer to the individual stock performance of The Bank of Punjab, K-Electric, and Cnergyico. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980849/kse-100-ends-lower-after-early-rally-loses-steam, 11 Mar 2026]