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.
#6361
Consider the following statements about the petroleum sector reform announced in July 2026: 1. The reform replaces the weekly price announcement cycle with a daily adjustment mechanism. 2. The policy was approved by the federal cabinet on the directive of the Prime Minister. 3. The Inland Freight Equalisation Margin (IFEM) is being excluded from the new pricing formula. 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 correct as they reflect the core policy shift and the administrative approval process. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Petroleum Division is actively addressing technical matters, including the IFEM, within the new framework rather than excluding it. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016504/daily-fuel-price-adjustments-to-curb-market-abuse-ensure-fair-prices-petroleum-minister, 18 Jul 2026]
#6362
Who appointed Andy Burnham as the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom on July 20, 2026?
(a) King William V
(b) King Charles III
(c) King George VII
(d) None of these
Explanation: King Charles III formally appointed Andy Burnham as Prime Minister during an audience at Buckingham Palace. The other options are incorrect as they do not represent the current British monarch. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017007/andy-burnham-becomes-uk-pm-says-britain-needs-to-regain-stability, 20 Jul 2026]
#6363
What was the specific reduction in the price of high-speed diesel (HSD) announced on April 11, 2026?
(a) Rs12 per litre
(b) Rs17.33 per litre
(c) Rs25.31 per litre
(d) Rs135 per litre
Explanation: The government announced a reduction of Rs135 per litre for high-speed diesel, bringing the price down to Rs385.54. The other figures represent price cuts for petrol, kerosene, and light diesel oil respectively. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1990666/diesel-price-cut-by-rs135-petrol-sees-drop-of-rs12, 11 Apr 2026]
#6364
On which date in 2026 did the Islamabad Deputy Commissioner officially refute the fake notification regarding office closures?
(a) April 18, 2026
(b) April 20, 2026
(c) April 19, 2026
(d) April 21, 2026
Explanation: The official refutation by the Deputy Commissioner occurred on April 19, 2026, as reported in the news desk update. This date precedes the date mentioned in the fake notification. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1993252/islamabad-dc-dismisses-notification-falsely-announcing-closure-of-all-offices-in-twin-cities-from-april-20, 19 Apr 2026]
#6365
Brent crude futures fell to approximately what price per barrel on March 11, 2026, following the market's reaction to de-escalation hopes?
(a) 105.60 dollars
(b) 92.45 dollars
(c) 84.73 dollars
(d) 119.00 dollars
Explanation: Brent futures dropped to $84.73 per barrel on March 11, 2026, representing a sharp decline from the session highs observed earlier in the week. The other values represent either higher price points or incorrect benchmarks. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980727/oil-plunges-15pc-amid-hopes-of-de-escalation, 11 Mar 2026]
#6366
Which of the following statements regarding the fuel price adjustment on April 11, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The price of light diesel oil (LDO) was reduced by Rs25.31 per litre.
(b) The government decided to retain a portion of the global price fall to recoup previous subsidy expenditures.
(c) Tax rates on all fuel products were kept unchanged during this price revision.
(d) The price of kerosene was reduced by Rs17.33 per litre.
Explanation: The Prime Minister explicitly rejected the proposal to retain part of the price fall to recoup subsidy costs, making statement A incorrect. All other statements accurately reflect the details provided in the announcement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1990666/diesel-price-cut-by-rs135-petrol-sees-drop-of-rs12, 11 Apr 2026]
#6367
All of the following factors contributed to the volatility of oil prices in March 2026 EXCEPT:
(a) Supply cuts by Saudi Arabia and other producers
(b) A permanent global transition to renewable energy sources
(c) Concerns regarding disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz
(d) Diplomatic proposals aimed at a settlement to the war
Explanation: The market volatility in March 2026 was driven by immediate geopolitical tensions and supply chain concerns, not by a long-term transition to renewable energy. The other three options are direct factors that influenced the price fluctuations described. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980727/oil-plunges-15pc-amid-hopes-of-de-escalation, 11 Mar 2026]
#6368
Which specific area in Islamabad was subjected to restricted entry and work-from-home arrangements on April 20, 2026?
(a) Red Zone
(b) Diplomatic Enclave
(c) Blue Area
(d) F-6 Sector
Explanation: The Red Zone was the specific area where the district magistrate and Cabinet Division mandated work-from-home arrangements and restricted traffic access. Other areas like the Blue Area or F-6 were not the primary focus of these specific administrative directives. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1993252/islamabad-dc-dismisses-notification-falsely-announcing-closure-of-all-offices-in-twin-cities-from-april-20, 19 Apr 2026]
#6369
According to the Chief Minister of KP, what is the approximate trade deficit of the country as of 2026?
(a) $16 billion
(b) $26 billion
(c) $46 billion
(d) $36 billion
Explanation: The Chief Minister cited a trade deficit of approximately $36 billion while criticizing national economic performance. The other figures are incorrect estimates of the trade deficit. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2010593/cm-afridi-vows-peace-in-fy27-as-kp-assembly-passes-rs217tr-budget, 24 Jun 2026]
#6370
What is the total budget amount approved by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly for the fiscal year 2026-27?
(a) Rs2.17 trillion
(b) Rs1.17 trillion
(c) Rs3.17 trillion
(d) Rs4.17 trillion
Explanation: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly passed a budget of Rs2.17 trillion for the fiscal year 2026-27. Other figures provided are incorrect distractors representing different potential fiscal scales. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2010593/cm-afridi-vows-peace-in-fy27-as-kp-assembly-passes-rs217tr-budget, 24 Jun 2026]
#6371
Consider the following statements about the first phase of the 2026 AJK elections: 1. The polling was held across three districts: Kotli, Bhimber, and Mirpur. 2. The total number of registered voters across these constituencies exceeded 1.4 million. 3. The polling process concluded at 5:00pm after the original timing was extended. 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 correct. Statement 3 is incorrect because the polling concluded at 6:00pm, not 5:00pm, following the one-hour extension. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431988/polling-underway-in-first-phase-of-ajk-elections-across-mirpur-division, 27 Jul 2026]
#6372
In March 2026, which US official stated that the American military had facilitated a shipment of oil to maintain global energy stability?
(a) Secretary of Energy
(b) Secretary of Defense
(c) Secretary of State
(d) Secretary of Treasury
Explanation: US Energy Secretary Chris Wright publicly confirmed that the American military facilitated oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz. This action was intended to reassure markets regarding the continuity of energy supplies. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980727/oil-plunges-15pc-amid-hopes-of-de-escalation, 11 Mar 2026]
#6373
On March 11, 2026, by what approximate percentage did global oil prices plunge following reports of potential de-escalation in the conflict with Iran?
(a) 5 percent
(b) 10 percent
(c) 20 percent
(d) 15 percent
Explanation: Oil prices experienced a significant correction of approximately 15 percent on March 11, 2026, as markets reacted to diplomatic signals suggesting a potential end to the conflict. This followed a period of extreme volatility where prices had previously surged to levels not seen since 2022. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980727/oil-plunges-15pc-amid-hopes-of-de-escalation, 11 Mar 2026]
#6374
What is the total amount the government spent on fuel subsidies over the month preceding the April 11, 2026, announcement?
(a) Rs129 billion
(b) Rs107 billion
(c) Rs81 billion
(d) Rs385 billion
Explanation: The Prime Minister noted that the government had spent Rs129 billion on fuel subsidies over the past month. The other figures refer to tax components or the final price of fuel. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1990666/diesel-price-cut-by-rs135-petrol-sees-drop-of-rs12, 11 Apr 2026]
#6375
The ex-depot price of petrol was fixed at which of the following rates on April 11, 2026?
(a) Rs450.15 per litre
(b) Rs385.54 per litre
(c) Rs366.58 per litre
(d) Rs369.72 per litre
Explanation: Following the Rs12 reduction, the new price for petrol was fixed at Rs366.58 per litre. The other values correspond to the new prices for HSD, kerosene, and light diesel oil. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1990666/diesel-price-cut-by-rs135-petrol-sees-drop-of-rs12, 11 Apr 2026]
#6376
What was the new price of kerosene per litre following the government notification issued on March 7, 2026?
(a) Rs188.73
(b) Rs318.81
(c) Rs288.50
(d) Rs350.25
Explanation: The Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority issued a notification increasing the price of kerosene by Rs130.08, bringing the total to Rs318.81 per litre. Rs188.73 was the previous price effective from March 1, 2026. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979534/govt-hikes-kerosene-price-by-rs130-to-rs31881-per-litre, 07 Mar 2026]
#6377
Consider the following statements about the fuel price revision on April 11, 2026: 1. The reduction in diesel prices was partially attributed to a correction in the pricing formula that previously benefited local refineries. 2. High-speed diesel is considered an inflationary item due to its extensive use in freight transportation. 3. The government reduced the petroleum levy on petrol to provide immediate relief to consumers. 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 correct as they reflect the pricing formula correction and the inflationary nature of diesel. Statement 3 is incorrect because the government explicitly stated that tax rates, including the petroleum levy, were kept unchanged. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1990666/diesel-price-cut-by-rs135-petrol-sees-drop-of-rs12, 11 Apr 2026]
#6378
Consider the following statements about the KP budget session held on June 25, 2026: 1. The opposition leader criticized the government for bulldozing cut motions. 2. The provincial government announced it would provide additional funds to the federal government. 3. The Chief Minister stated that the province would invest in merged districts from its own resources. 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 opposition leader complained about the process. Statement 2 is incorrect because the CM explicitly stated the government would not provide additional funds to the Centre. Statement 3 is correct as the CM confirmed self-reliance for the merged districts. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2010593/cm-afridi-vows-peace-in-fy27-as-kp-assembly-passes-rs217tr-budget, 24 Jun 2026]
#6379
Consider the following statements regarding the global oil market situation in March 2026: 1. Crude benchmarks had surged to their highest levels since 2022 prior to the price plunge. 2. The US administration expressed concerns that high energy prices could negatively impact consumer sentiment before midterm elections. 3. Market analysts suggested that the initial price surge was an overreaction to the upside, while the subsequent plunge was an overreaction to the downside. Which of the statements given above 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 conditions and expert commentary provided in the report. The surge to 2022 levels, the political sensitivity of energy prices, and the assessment of market overreaction are all verified components of the event. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980727/oil-plunges-15pc-amid-hopes-of-de-escalation, 11 Mar 2026]
#6380
What is the duration of the physical closure of educational institutions in Sindh as announced in March 2026?
(a) March 1 to March 15
(b) March 20 to April 5
(c) March 10 to March 25
(d) March 16 to March 31
Explanation: The Sindh government mandated the closure of educational institutions from March 16 to March 31, 2026. Other options represent incorrect date ranges that do not align with the official provincial directive. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40410966/sindh-shuts-educational-institutions-until-from-march-16-to-31, 10 Mar 2026]