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.
#6021
Which of the following sequences represents the correct thematic order of events reported on 08 August 2026, based on the regional and institutional scope of the developments?
(a) 1. Typhoon Dolphin impacts East Asia; 2. Hamas reaffirms peace plan; 3. Pakistan-New Zealand bilateral consultations; 4. KP Assembly amends privilege law
(b) 1. KP Assembly amends privilege law; 2. Pakistan-New Zealand bilateral consultations; 3. Hamas reaffirms peace plan; 4. Typhoon Dolphin impacts East Asia
(c) 1. Typhoon Dolphin impacts East Asia; 2. KP Assembly amends privilege law; 3. Pakistan-New Zealand bilateral consultations; 4. Hamas reaffirms peace plan
(d) 1. Hamas reaffirms peace plan; 2. Typhoon Dolphin impacts East Asia; 3. KP Assembly amends privilege law; 4. Pakistan-New Zealand bilateral consultations
Explanation: The events are ordered by their geopolitical scope: starting from regional climate events in East Asia, moving to international conflict mediation (Gaza), then bilateral state-level diplomacy (Pakistan-New Zealand), and finally concluding with sub-national provincial legislative reforms (KP Assembly). [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2021508/typhoon-dolphin-hits-japans-okinawa-china-shuts-ports-ahead-of-landfall]
#6022
Consider the following statements about the digital economy initiatives in Pakistan: 1. The 3rd LCCI IT Freelancing Awards 2026 served as a platform to discuss digital skills training. 2. Punjab is the first province to launch large-scale artificial intelligence initiatives. 3. Freelancers are described as digital ambassadors who contribute to the national economy through foreign exchange. 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 event details. The LCCI awards provided the venue for the announcement, Punjab is leading in AI initiatives, and freelancers are officially recognized as digital ambassadors contributing to foreign exchange reserves. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016952/china-to-train-03m-pakistani-youths-in-digital-skills-annually-says-ahsan-iqbal, 20 Jul 2026]
#6023
During his visit to Manila on July 22, 2026, Ishaq Dar visited the headquarters of which international institution?
(a) World Bank
(b) Asian Development Bank
(c) International Monetary Fund
(d) Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank
Explanation: Ishaq Dar visited the Asian Development Bank (ADB) headquarters in Manila, where he was received by the Director General for the Central and West Asia Department. The other institutions listed were not the focus of this specific visit. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017480/dar-arrives-in-manila-to-attend-asean-regional-forum-ministerial-meeting, 22 Jul 2026]
#6024
Who represented the United States at the 2026 ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting?
(a) Antony Blinken
(b) Marco Rubio
(c) Jake Sullivan
(d) None of these
Explanation: Marco Rubio attended the meeting in his capacity as the US Secretary of State. Antony Blinken is a former official, making him an incorrect choice. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017513/rubio-holds-talks-with-chinas-wang-yi-as-regional-powers-join-asean-meeting, 22 Jul 2026]
#6025
Who received Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar upon his arrival at the airport in Manila on July 22, 2026?
(a) Khalilur Rehman
(b) Sergey Lavrov
(c) Elmer G. Cato
(d) Leah Gutierrez
Explanation: Elmer G. Cato, the assistant secretary at the Philippines’ foreign affairs department, received Ishaq Dar upon his arrival. Sergey Lavrov and Khalilur Rehman were counterparts met by Dar on the sidelines of the forum, while Leah Gutierrez is an official at the ADB. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017480/dar-arrives-in-manila-to-attend-asean-regional-forum-ministerial-meeting, 22 Jul 2026]
#6026
Consider the following statements regarding the developments in Pakistan's economic and legislative landscape on August 8, 2026:
(a) Only 1 and 2 are correct
(b) Only 2 and 3 are correct
(c) Only 1 and 3 are correct
(d) All statements are correct
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect as the BoP President advocated for a 'Welfare GDP' framework to address developmental economics, not specific agricultural cooperation with New Zealand. Statement 2 accurately reflects the KP Assembly's legislative action. Statement 3 accurately describes the economic indicators reported regarding inflation. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2021370/bank-of-punjab-chief-seeks-welfare-gdp]
#6027
Which of the following sequences correctly arranges the reported dates for the highlighted events occurring during the first week of August 2026?
(a) 1. Monsoon Rains (Aug 5); 2. Goods Transporters Strike (Aug 8); 3. Broad Peak Avalanche (Aug 5); 4. Pakistan-US Dialogue (Aug 5)
(b) 1. Goods Transporters Strike (Aug 8); 2. Monsoon Rains (Aug 5); 3. Pakistan-US Dialogue (Aug 5); 4. Broad Peak Avalanche (Aug 5)
(c) 1. Monsoon Rains (Aug 5); 2. Broad Peak Avalanche (Aug 5); 3. Pakistan-US Dialogue (Aug 5); 4. Goods Transporters Strike (Aug 8)
(d) 1. Pakistan-US Dialogue (Aug 5); 2. Goods Transporters Strike (Aug 8); 3. Monsoon Rains (Aug 5); 4. Broad Peak Avalanche (Aug 5)
Explanation: Events are chronologically evaluated based on their scheduled or reported dates: monsoon rains, the Broad Peak avalanche, and the US-Pakistan counter-terrorism dialogue all occurred or were reported on August 5, 2026, while the goods transporters' strike is scheduled for August 8, 2026. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40433365/sindh-and-punjab-5-killed-16-hurt-in-rain-related-incidents]
#6028
Consider the following statements regarding Pakistan's governance and foreign policy developments as reported in August 2026: 1. The Economic Coordination Committee approved financial assistance for the Pakistan Television Corporation. 2. The Islamabad High Court upheld an order requiring the disclosure of cricketers' salaries and perks. 3. The government has proposed the unbundling of two major gas utilities into five distinct entities.
(a) Only 1 and 2 are correct
(b) Only 1 and 3 are correct
(c) Only 2 and 3 are correct
(d) All statements are correct
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct (ECC approved 13bn for PTV). Statement 2 is incorrect, as the Islamabad High Court actually suspended the order regarding the disclosure of cricketers' salaries. Statement 3 is correct regarding the restructuring of SNGPL and SSGCL into five entities. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2020697/economic-coordination-committee-approves-rs13bn-lifeline-for-struggling-ptv]
#6029
Select the correct chronological sequence of official government or judicial actions taken as reported on August 5, 2026:
(a) 1. ECC lifeline to PTV; 2. LHC disposal of rally petition; 3. CJP announcement of women centers; 4. PM strategy on DISCOs
(b) 1. LHC disposal of rally petition; 2. CJP announcement of women centers; 3. ECC lifeline to PTV; 4. PM strategy on DISCOs
(c) 1. CJP announcement of women centers; 2. ECC lifeline to PTV; 3. PM strategy on DISCOs; 4. LHC disposal of rally petition
(d) 1. PM strategy on DISCOs; 2. ECC lifeline to PTV; 3. LHC disposal of rally petition; 4. CJP announcement of women centers
Explanation: These administrative and judicial actions were reported on the same day; however, internal reporting sequences for public interest notifications often follow institutional hierarchy and time-stamping of orders provided by respective departments. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2020762/lhc-disposes-of-pti-petition-for-rally-at-minar-i-pakistan-after-dc-refuses-permission]
#6030
Assess the following assertions regarding international security and regional developments as of August 5, 2026: 1. Pakistan and the United States reaffirmed their joint resolve against regional terrorism. 2. The Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar attended meetings in Jordan regarding the status of Jerusalem. 3. The United Nations reported an escalating malnutrition crisis in Afghanistan.
(a) Only 1 and 2 are correct
(b) Only 1 and 3 are correct
(c) Only 2 and 3 are correct
(d) All statements are correct
Explanation: All three statements are factually correct based on the diplomatic, bilateral, and humanitarian reports from the specified date. Pakistan engaged in a CT dialogue with the US, DPM Dar conducted talks in Jordan concerning Jerusalem/West Bank, and the UN confirmed the worsening situation in Afghanistan. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40433411/pakistan-us-reaffirm-joint-resolve-against-regional-terrorism]
#6031
Which represents the correct order of institutional initiatives reported on August 5, 2026?
(a) 1. AI Lab inauguration; 2. Academic/Agri partnership; 3. Batting coach appointment; 4. Warning to cricketers
(b) 1. Batting coach appointment; 2. Warning to cricketers; 3. AI Lab inauguration; 4. Academic/Agri partnership
(c) 1. Academic/Agri partnership; 2. AI Lab inauguration; 3. Warning to cricketers; 4. Batting coach appointment
(d) 1. Warning to cricketers; 2. Batting coach appointment; 3. Academic/Agri partnership; 4. AI Lab inauguration
Explanation: The order reflects the administrative progression of educational and sporting institutional developments: the inauguration of the AI lab (SSUET), the agricultural partnership (Sindh/Ruhuna universities), the appointment of the national batting coach (Michael Smith), and the regulatory warning issued by the PCB regarding unsanctioned leagues. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40433354/nehal-inaugurates-ai-lab-at-ssuet]
#6032
On July 22, 2026, which strategic waterway did the Houthi rebels threaten to block, impacting commercial shipping to Saudi Arabia?
(a) Bab el-Mandeb Strait
(b) Strait of Hormuz
(c) Suez Canal
(d) Malacca Strait
Explanation: The Houthi rebels specifically threatened the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, which serves as a critical gateway to the Red Sea. While the Strait of Hormuz is also a vital maritime chokepoint, the current threat cited in the report pertains to the Red Sea access. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017517/pakistan-condemns-houthis-threats-to-saudi-arabia-commercial-shipping-in-red-sea, 22 Jul 2026]
#6033
The current monsoon rain spell in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, which commenced on July 19, 2026, is expected to persist until which date?
(a) July 21, 2026
(b) July 23, 2026
(c) July 25, 2026
(d) July 27, 2026
Explanation: According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department, the monsoon spell that began on July 19 was forecasted to continue until July 23, 2026. This period marks the window of heightened alert for flash flooding. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017494/rain-related-fatalities-during-ongoing-monsoon-spell-rise-to-18-in-kp, 22 Jul 2026]
#6034
In January 2026, India and the UAE signed a deal worth how much for the purchase of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG)?
(a) 1 billion dollars
(b) 2 billion dollars
(c) 4 billion dollars
(d) 3 billion dollars
Explanation: In January 2026, New Delhi and Abu Dhabi finalized a $3 billion agreement for India to procure LNG from the UAE. This deal preceded the broader strategic defence framework established in May. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2000469/india-uae-agree-on-framework-for-strategic-defence-partnership-during-modi-visit, 15 May 2026]
#6035
Consider the following statements about the 2026 ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting: 1. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio blamed Iran for the lack of progress in Middle East peace talks. 2. China accused the Philippines of engaging in deliberate provocations in the South China Sea. 3. The meeting was attended exclusively by ASEAN member states. 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 diplomatic discourse at the meeting. Statement 3 is incorrect because the meeting was also attended by non-ASEAN nations such as Britain, Canada, India, Japan, Russia, and South Korea. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017513/rubio-holds-talks-with-chinas-wang-yi-as-regional-powers-join-asean-meeting, 22 Jul 2026]
#6036
The youth-led protest movement that gained prominence in New Delhi in July 2026 is known as the:
(a) Cockroach movement
(b) Student Solidarity Front
(c) Youth Accountability League
(d) None of these
Explanation: The movement is officially referred to as the 'cockroach' movement, organized by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP). It began as an online satire before evolving into large-scale street protests. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017492/under-soaring-pressure-after-cockroach-movement-protests-indias-education-minister-promises-reforms-debate, 22 Jul 2026]
#6037
Consider the following statements about the monsoon-related damages in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa as of July 22, 2026: 1. The PDMA report indicated that 23 houses were partially damaged. 2. A total of 13 cattle perished during the four-day period. 3. The Wana-Gomal Zam Road blockage was caused primarily by riverine flooding rather than landslides. 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 PDMA report. Statement 3 is incorrect because the road blockage was specifically attributed to landslides and falling boulders from mountains, not riverine flooding. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017494/rain-related-fatalities-during-ongoing-monsoon-spell-rise-to-18-in-kp, 22 Jul 2026]
#6038
Which of the following statements regarding the US-Iran escalation as of July 22, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) President Trump threatened to strike any new sites where Iran attempts to resume nuclear activity.
(b) The United States has expressed a strong interest in immediate, unconditional diplomatic engagement with Tehran.
(c) The Strait of Hormuz has remained blocked as part of the ongoing regional tensions.
(d) US forces conducted bombing raids in the south and west of Iran.
Explanation: The report states that Washington has no interest in engaging with Tehran unless they are ready to meet in a 'meaningful way,' contradicting the claim that the US is seeking immediate, unconditional engagement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017405/trump-threatens-to-obliterate-any-active-nuclear-site-in-iran, 22 Jul 2026]
#6039
As of the report date in 2026, what was the total value of Pakistan's foreign reserves, including central bank gold holdings?
(a) $6.7 billion
(b) $16.4 billion
(c) $25.3 billion
(d) $30.1 billion
Explanation: $25.3 billion is the figure reported for foreign reserves as of the end of the month preceding the July 2026 announcement. $6.7 billion was the multi-year low recorded in December 2022. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017530/sampp-global-ratings-upgrades-pakistans-sovereign-credit-rating-to-b, 22 Jul 2026]
#6040
During the visit on May 15, 2026, India and the UAE agreed to explore increasing ADNOC's crude oil storage capacity in India to how many million barrels?
(a) 30 million
(b) 20 million
(c) 10 million
(d) 40 million
Explanation: The agreement between India and the UAE includes a provision for ADNOC to potentially increase its crude oil storage in India to 30 million barrels. This initiative is part of a broader effort to strengthen India's strategic petroleum reserves. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2000469/india-uae-agree-on-framework-for-strategic-defence-partnership-during-modi-visit, 15 May 2026]