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.
#7401
Who is the current Commissioner of the Sindh Employees’ Social Security Institution (SESSI) as of July 2026?
(a) Hadi Bakhsh Kalhoro
(b) Asif Ali Zardari
(c) Syed Murad Ali Shah
(d) None of these
Explanation: Hadi Bakhsh Kalhoro is the Commissioner of SESSI who officially announced the expansion of HIV screening protocols in July 2026. The other names listed are political figures not associated with this specific administrative role. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431899/sessi-expands-hiv-screening, 27 Jul 2026]
#7402
Which of the following statements regarding the market situation on July 27, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The US dollar index slipped to 101.23.
(b) Brent crude prices increased due to heightened military activity.
(c) The British pound rose against the US dollar.
(d) The euro appreciated against the US dollar.
Explanation: Brent crude prices actually decreased (dropped) due to the pause in military strikes, not increased. Options A, B, and D are factually accurate based on the provided market data. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431957/dollar-pulls-back-as-us-iran-attacks-pause-oil-drops, 27 Jul 2026]
#7403
Which of the following statements regarding the meeting on July 27, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The meeting was held at the General Headquarters in Rawalpindi.
(b) The delegation included representatives from the US House of Representatives.
(c) Field Marshal Asim Munir highlighted the importance of structural reforms.
(d) The discussions excluded any mention of bilateral economic cooperation.
Explanation: The statement that discussions excluded economic cooperation is incorrect, as economic engagement and trade partnerships were primary agenda items during the meeting. The other three options accurately reflect the events of the day. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40432023/us-lawmakers-meet-field-marshal-munir-discuss-security-economic-cooperation, 27 Jul 2026]
#7404
According to futures markets on July 27, 2026, what is the approximate probability that the Federal Reserve will keep interest rates unchanged?
(a) 62 percent
(b) 52 percent
(c) 45 percent
(d) 75 percent
Explanation: Futures markets indicated a 62 percent probability that the Federal Reserve would maintain current interest rates. This reflects market expectations regarding the policy stance of the new chairman. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40432022/dow-sampp-500-rise-as-oil-prices-tumble, 27 Jul 2026]
#7405
Consider the following statements about the market conditions on July 27, 2026: 1. Crude oil prices experienced a decline of more than six percent. 2. The Dow Jones Industrial Average recorded a gain of 0.7 percent. 3. The Federal Reserve decision is expected to be the first under the new chairman. 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 report. Statement 3 is incorrect because the report specifies that the upcoming decision is the second, not the first, under the new chairman. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40432022/dow-sampp-500-rise-as-oil-prices-tumble, 27 Jul 2026]
#7406
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]
#7407
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]
#7408
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]
#7409
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]
#7410
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]
#7411
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]
#7412
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]
#7413
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]
#7414
Where did the meeting between General Aamer Raza and Field Marshal Asim Munir take place on July 27, 2026?
(a) Prime Minister House, Islamabad
(b) Joint Staff Headquarters, Chaklala
(c) Aiwan-i-Sadr, Islamabad
(d) General Headquarters (GHQ), Rawalpindi
Explanation: The meeting occurred at the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi, where the CNSC was presented with a guard of honour. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018788/newly-appointed-cnsc-aamer-raza-meets-cdf-asim-munir-in-rawalpindi-ispr, 27 Jul 2026]
#7415
What was the primary geopolitical driver for the decline in oil prices on July 27, 2026?
(a) Increased production from OPEC nations
(b) De-escalation of military strikes between the US and Iran
(c) Global economic recession fears
(d) Strategic petroleum reserve releases
Explanation: The tumble in oil prices was directly attributed to the pause in military strikes between the United States and Iran. Other factors like OPEC production or recession fears were not cited as the immediate cause for the price drop on this date. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40432022/dow-sampp-500-rise-as-oil-prices-tumble, 27 Jul 2026]
#7416
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]
#7417
Who was appointed as the new Supreme Leader of Iran following the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in 2026?
(a) Mojtaba Khamenei
(b) Ali Larijani
(c) Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf
(d) Yousef Pezeshkian
Explanation: Mojtaba Khamenei was named the new Supreme Leader by the Assembly of Experts following the assassination of his father. Ali Larijani and Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf are mentioned as figures expected to handle government and military affairs, respectively, rather than the supreme leadership. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980913/irans-new-supreme-leader-injured-but-safe-says-presidents-son, 11 Mar 2026]
#7418
Who is the current chairman of the Federal Reserve as of July 27, 2026?
(a) Donald Trump
(b) Mike Waltz
(c) Mohammad Akraminia
(d) Kevin Warsh
Explanation: Kevin Warsh is identified as the new chairman of the Federal Reserve responsible for the upcoming interest rate decision. Mike Waltz is the US ambassador to the United Nations, and Mohammad Akraminia is an Iranian army spokesman. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40432022/dow-sampp-500-rise-as-oil-prices-tumble, 27 Jul 2026]
#7419
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]
#7420
The initial air strike that resulted in the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei occurred on which date in 2026?
(a) March 11
(b) February 28
(c) March 10
(d) August 12
Explanation: The air strike that killed the former Supreme Leader and his family members took place on February 28, 2026. March 11 is the date of the report regarding the current leader's status. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980913/irans-new-supreme-leader-injured-but-safe-says-presidents-son, 11 Mar 2026]