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.
#7341
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]
#7342
In which country was the SCO Council of Foreign Ministers meeting held in 2026?
(a) Kazakhstan
(b) Kyrgyz Republic
(c) Tajikistan
(d) Uzbekistan
Explanation: The meeting took place in Cholpon-Ata, which is located in the Kyrgyz Republic. Other Central Asian states are often confused as hosts, but the Kyrgyz Republic was the specific venue for this event. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431689/dar-chinese-fm-discuss-bilateral-ties, 24 Jul 2026]
#7343
Consider the following statements about the 2026 wildfire crisis: 1. More than 100,000 people were forced to flee their homes across France and Spain. 2. French regional fire chief Marc Vermeulen reported that flames were consuming up to 1,000 hectares of forest per hour. 3. The fires in the Madrid region were described as the worst in the region's history by local officials. 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 correct. The total number of displaced persons exceeded 100,000, the rate of forest destruction was confirmed by the regional fire chief, and the severity of the Madrid fires was officially noted as unprecedented. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018225/over-100000-flee-forest-fires-in-france-spain, 24 Jul 2026]
#7344
On the sidelines of which international forum did Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar meet with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on 2026-07-24?
(a) UN General Assembly
(b) SCO Council of Foreign Ministers
(c) SAARC Summit
(d) None of these
Explanation: The meeting occurred during the SCO Council of Foreign Ministers session held in Cholpon-Ata. This platform serves as a key venue for regional diplomatic engagement between Pakistan and China. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431689/dar-chinese-fm-discuss-bilateral-ties, 24 Jul 2026]
#7345
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]
#7346
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]
#7347
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]
#7348
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]
#7349
Which organization provided a study linking the 2026 wildfires to human-fuelled climate change?
(a) World Meteorological Organization
(b) International Panel on Climate Change
(c) European Environment Agency
(d) World Weather Attribution
Explanation: The World Weather Attribution group published a study in July 2026 identifying human-fuelled climate change as a driver for the drought and wildfire conditions. While other organizations monitor climate, this specific study was attributed to the WWA. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018225/over-100000-flee-forest-fires-in-france-spain, 24 Jul 2026]
#7350
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]
#7351
The US visa restriction policy announced in 2026 is designed to combat criminal networks involved in which of the following?
(a) Drug smuggling
(b) Illegal arms trafficking
(c) Online investment scams
(d) Human organ trade
Explanation: The policy focuses on cyber-enabled crimes, specifically citing online investment scams as a primary target that defrauded US citizens of billions of dollars. The other options, while serious crimes, are not the primary focus of this specific cyber-visa policy. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018267/us-announces-visa-restriction-policy-on-cyber-criminals-their-immediate-family-members, 25 Jul 2026]
#7352
Who chaired the Senate Standing Committee meeting held on July 24, 2026, regarding federal interference in devolved ministries?
(a) Senator Farooq H. Naek
(b) Senator Raza Rabbani
(c) Senator Zamir Hussain Ghumro
(d) Senator Mushahid Hussain
Explanation: Senator Zamir Hussain Ghumro chaired the committee meeting where concerns were raised regarding the federal government's failure to adhere to the devolution process mandated by the 18th Amendment. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431713/17-ministries-senate-body-says-concerned-at-govts-meddling, 24 Jul 2026]
#7353
The town of Navas del Rey, threatened by wildfires in July 2026, is located approximately how many kilometers from Madrid?
(a) 50 kilometers
(b) 80 kilometers
(c) 120 kilometers
(d) None of these
Explanation: Navas del Rey is situated about 50 kilometers from the Spanish capital. The 80-kilometer figure refers to the location of Cebreros, another site mentioned in the context of the Madrid region fires. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018225/over-100000-flee-forest-fires-in-france-spain, 24 Jul 2026]
#7354
Consider the following statements about the US visa restriction policy announced on July 25, 2026: 1. The policy is limited exclusively to nationals of a single country. 2. It targets individuals involved in cyber-enabled crimes such as sextortion. 3. The policy allows for the restriction of visas for immediate family members of identified cybercriminals. 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 the policy is global in scope, not limited to one country. Statements 2 and 3 accurately reflect the scope and the specific targets of the new visa restriction measures. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018267/us-announces-visa-restriction-policy-on-cyber-criminals-their-immediate-family-members, 25 Jul 2026]
#7355
Which of the following statements regarding the events of July 24, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The Israeli military announced an extensive operation in the occupied territory.
(b) Israeli settlers were reported to have killed four Palestinians during the raids.
(c) The Israeli government announced the immediate dismantling of all existing farm outposts.
(d) The Israeli military postponed soldiers' leave and deployed additional forces.
Explanation: The government announced the legalization and expansion of farm outposts, not their dismantling. The other three options accurately reflect the military and settler actions reported on that date. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018200/netanyahu-orders-new-settler-posts-in-occupied-west-bank, 24 Jul 2026]
#7356
Consider the following statements about the UNESCO heritage designations of July 24, 2026: 1. The emergency procedure was invoked due to the immediate threat of destruction from military conflict. 2. Shamaa Castle was cited by the Lebanese Culture Minister as having already been destroyed. 3. The site of Sebastia is located near the modern Palestinian town of Nablus. 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 2 are correct. Statement 3 is incorrect because Sebastia is located near the town of Sebastia, not Nablus (though it is near the city of Nablus, the town of Sebastia is the specific local reference point). [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018222/unesco-places-lebanese-castle-west-bank-site-on-danger-list, 24 Jul 2026]
#7357
Which Israeli official announced the government's plan to establish new settler outposts in the occupied West Bank on July 24, 2026?
(a) Benjamin Netanyahu
(b) Itamar Ben Gvir
(c) Yoav Gallant
(d) None of these
Explanation: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the expansion of settler outposts following the violent raids in the West Bank. While other officials like Israel Katz were involved in the security response, Netanyahu is the primary figure who declared the policy shift. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018200/netanyahu-orders-new-settler-posts-in-occupied-west-bank, 24 Jul 2026]
#7358
Consider the following statements about the situation in the West Bank as of July 24, 2026: 1. More than 500,000 Israelis live in settlements in the West Bank, excluding East Jerusalem. 2. The Israeli military characterized the settler-Palestinian clashes as a violent confrontation. 3. The Palestinian Health Ministry reported that over 1,000 Palestinians have been killed since the Gaza war began. 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 provided data. The population figures, the military's characterization of the events, and the casualty statistics provided by the Palestinian Health Ministry are all consistent with the report. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018200/netanyahu-orders-new-settler-posts-in-occupied-west-bank, 24 Jul 2026]
#7359
Which of the following statements regarding the UNESCO emergency listing on July 24, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) Beaufort Castle is a Crusader-era fortress.
(b) The emergency procedure was justified by the serious threat of conflict-related damage.
(c) Sebastia is located in an area currently under the exclusive administrative control of the Lebanese government.
(d) The listing includes sites in both Lebanon and the occupied West Bank.
Explanation: Sebastia is located in the occupied West Bank in an area controlled by Israel, not the Lebanese government. The other statements accurately reflect the details of the UNESCO announcement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018222/unesco-places-lebanese-castle-west-bank-site-on-danger-list, 24 Jul 2026]
#7360
Who announced the new global visa restriction policy targeting cybercriminals on July 25, 2026?
(a) Antony Blinken
(b) Marco Rubio
(c) Mike Pompeo
(d) None of these
Explanation: Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the policy as part of the administration's campaign against cybercrime. Antony Blinken and Mike Pompeo are former Secretaries of State and are incorrect in the context of this 2026 announcement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018267/us-announces-visa-restriction-policy-on-cyber-criminals-their-immediate-family-members, 25 Jul 2026]