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.
#7921
What percentage of possession did Spain hold during their match against Cape Verde on June 15, 2026?
(a) 65 per cent
(b) 70 per cent
(c) 74 per cent
(d) 80 per cent
Explanation: Spain maintained 74 per cent possession throughout the match but failed to score. The other figures are incorrect estimates of their dominance in the game. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2008115/spain-held-0-0-by-world-cup-debutants-cape-verde, 15 Jun 2026]
#7922
The FIFA World Cup 2026 tournament was expanded to include how many teams?
(a) 32 teams
(b) 40 teams
(c) 48 teams
(d) None of these
Explanation: FIFA expanded the 2026 World Cup to 48 teams to allow for greater global representation. The previous standard for many years was 32 teams. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2008115/spain-held-0-0-by-world-cup-debutants-cape-verde, 15 Jun 2026]
#7923
Consider the following statements about the economic indicators of Pakistan in FY2026: 1. The GDP growth rate of 3.7pc is the highest recorded in the past four years. 2. The electricity, gas, and water supply industry experienced contraction during the fiscal year. 3. Large-scale manufacturing (LSM) recorded a decline of 6.1pc during the period. 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 3.7 percent is the highest growth in four years. Statement 2 is correct because the electricity, gas, and water supply industry contracted due to subsidy declines. Statement 3 is incorrect because LSM actually saw a rebound of 6.1 percent, not a decline. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2006877/economy-grows-37pc-in-fy26-fastest-in-four-years-but-short-of-target, 11 Jun 2026]
#7924
Which player was sent off during the Belgium versus Iran match on June 21, 2026?
(a) Kevin De Bruyne
(b) Romelu Lukaku
(c) Nathan Ngoy
(d) Thibaut Courtois
Explanation: Nathan Ngoy was dismissed after a red card for hauling down Mehdi Taremi following a mis-hit backpass. The other players listed remained on the pitch for their respective teams. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2009791/iran-frustrate-star-studded-belgium-to-steal-another-world-cup-point, 21 Jun 2026]
#7925
Which player scored the opening goal for Germany in their 2026 World Cup match against Curacao?
(a) Kai Havertz
(b) Felix Nmecha
(c) Jamal Musiala
(d) Deniz Undav
Explanation: Felix Nmecha scored the opening goal in the sixth minute of the match. While other players like Havertz and Musiala also scored, Nmecha was the first to find the net. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2007821/germany-hammer-world-cup-debutants-curacao-after-early-scare, 14 Jun 2026]
#7926
Consider the following statements about the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group H match between Spain and Cape Verde: 1. The match was held on June 15, 2026. 2. Spain is a former world champion, having won the title in 2010. 3. Cape Verde entered the tournament as a highly ranked favorite to win the World Cup. 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 Cape Verde was considered a 2000-1 underdog, not a favorite. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2008115/spain-held-0-0-by-world-cup-debutants-cape-verde, 15 Jun 2026]
#7927
Manuel Neuer achieved a milestone in the 2026 World Cup by becoming the oldest German player to appear in a World Cup, participating in his:
(a) Third tournament
(b) Fourth tournament
(c) Fifth tournament
(d) Sixth tournament
Explanation: Manuel Neuer, at age 40, reached the milestone of playing in his fifth global tournament. This distinguishes him as the oldest German player to ever appear in the competition. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2007821/germany-hammer-world-cup-debutants-curacao-after-early-scare, 14 Jun 2026]
#7928
Who is the oldest coach to ever appear at the FIFA World Cup finals, as noted during the 2026 tournament?
(a) Julian Nagelsmann
(b) Dick Advocaat
(c) Louis van Gaal
(d) None of these
Explanation: Dick Advocaat, aged 78, holds the record as the oldest coach to appear at the World Cup finals. Julian Nagelsmann is the current coach of the German national team. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2007821/germany-hammer-world-cup-debutants-curacao-after-early-scare, 14 Jun 2026]
#7929
Which of the following statements regarding the Iran vs. Belgium match on June 21, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The match ended in a scoreless draw.
(b) Mehdi Taremi had a goal overturned by VAR for offside.
(c) Iran utilized a back-five defensive formation.
(d) Belgium played with 11 men for the entire duration of the match.
Explanation: Belgium was reduced to 10 men after Nathan Ngoy was sent off, making the statement that they played with 11 men incorrect. All other options accurately describe the events of the match. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2009791/iran-frustrate-star-studded-belgium-to-steal-another-world-cup-point, 21 Jun 2026]
#7930
Who is the head coach of the Belgium national football team as referenced in the 2026 World Cup coverage?
(a) Rudi Garcia
(b) Hans Vanaken
(c) Maxim De Cuyper
(d) Dodi Lukebakio
Explanation: Rudi Garcia is identified as the coach who made a triple substitution during the match against Iran. The other individuals listed are players. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2009791/iran-frustrate-star-studded-belgium-to-steal-another-world-cup-point, 21 Jun 2026]
#7931
What was the real GDP growth rate of Pakistan for the fiscal year ending in 2026?
(a) 2.7 percent
(b) 5.7 percent
(c) 4.7 percent
(d) 3.7 percent
Explanation: The Ministry of Finance reported that real GDP growth reached 3.7 percent, marking the highest growth rate in four years. This figure reflects the broad-based recovery across the agriculture, industry, and services sectors. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2011978/govt-expects-easing-inflationary-pressure-in-new-fiscal-year-following-reopening-of-strait-of-hormuz, 30 Jun 2026]
#7932
Which official granted assent to the KP Provincial Assembly (Powers, Immunities and Privileges) Act, 2026, on May 6, 2026?
(a) Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
(b) Speaker of the KP Assembly
(c) Governor of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
(d) None of these
Explanation: The KP Provincial Assembly (Powers, Immunities and Privileges) Act, 2026, received formal assent from the Governor of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Faisal Karim Kundi, on May 6, 2026. The Chief Minister and Speaker are involved in the legislative process, but the final constitutional assent rests with the Governor. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2013628/kp-govt-enacts-law-granting-lawmakers-lifetime-official-passports-expanding-privileges, 07 Jul 2026]
#7933
Which of the following is NOT a provision included in the KP Provincial Assembly (Powers, Immunities and Privileges) Act, 2026?
(a) Issuance of lifetime official passports to members and their spouses
(b) Requirement for the Speaker's prior permission before arresting a member on a criminal charge
(c) Mandatory life imprisonment for officers who fail to attend member-summoned meetings
(d) Blanket immunity from preventive detention for all members
Explanation: While the Act mandates that officers attend meetings and classifies failure to do so as a breach of privilege, it does not prescribe life imprisonment for such an act. The other three options are accurate descriptions of the privileges granted under the new legislation. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2013628/kp-govt-enacts-law-granting-lawmakers-lifetime-official-passports-expanding-privileges, 07 Jul 2026]
#7934
Under the KP Provincial Assembly (Powers, Immunities and Privileges) Act, 2026, what is the consequence for a government officer who fails to attend a meeting summoned by an MPA without sufficient cause?
(a) Immediate termination from service
(b) Deemed to have committed a breach of privilege
(c) Mandatory fine of one million rupees
(d) Suspension of salary for six months
Explanation: Section 8(3) of the Act explicitly states that any government officer who fails to attend a meeting summoned by a member without sufficient cause shall be deemed to have committed a breach of privilege. This provision is designed to ensure the attendance of officials at constituency-level meetings. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2013628/kp-govt-enacts-law-granting-lawmakers-lifetime-official-passports-expanding-privileges, 07 Jul 2026]
#7935
Consider the following statements about the KP Provincial Assembly (Powers, Immunities and Privileges) Act, 2026: 1. It grants members immunity from preventive detention only during assembly sessions. 2. It requires authorities to seek the Speaker's permission before arresting a member on a criminal charge. 3. It allows the Speaker to order an inquiry before a police challan is submitted to the court. 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 Act provides blanket immunity from preventive detention, not just during sessions. Statements 2 and 3 are correct as they reflect the procedural requirements for arrests and the Speaker's oversight role as defined in Sections 11(1) and 11(2) of the Act. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2013628/kp-govt-enacts-law-granting-lawmakers-lifetime-official-passports-expanding-privileges, 07 Jul 2026]
#7936
Operation Ghazab lil-Haq was officially launched by Pakistan on which date in 2026?
(a) February 26
(b) March 16
(c) March 18
(d) None of these
Explanation: The operation was initiated on the night of February 26, 2026, following unprovoked firing from across the border. March 18 marks the date the temporary pause was announced, not the commencement of the operation. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1983439/pakistan-announces-temporary-pause-in-operation-ghazab-lil-haq-against-afghan-taliban, 18 Mar 2026]
#7937
Consider the following statements about the military actions conducted during Operation Ghazab lil-Haq: 1. Pakistan targeted Afghan military installations in Kabul and Nangarhar on the night of March 16, 2026. 2. The operation targeted drone storage and technical support infrastructure used for attacks against Pakistan. 3. The government claimed that civilian populations were the primary target of the precision engagements. 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 align with the official report of the strikes on March 16. Statement 3 is incorrect because the government explicitly stated that no civilian population or infrastructure was targeted. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1983439/pakistan-announces-temporary-pause-in-operation-ghazab-lil-haq-against-afghan-taliban, 18 Mar 2026]
#7938
Which of the following individuals was NOT reported as being present at the meeting between the Prime Minister and the President on April 14, 2026?
(a) Rana Sanaullah
(b) Bilal Yaseen
(c) Sherry Rehman
(d) Nayyar Bukhari
Explanation: Bilal Yaseen is the Punjab Housing Minister and was not present at the meeting at Aiwan-i-Sadr. The other individuals listed were explicitly mentioned as attendees in the official statement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1991689/pm-takes-president-into-confidence-on-us-iran-talks-briefs-him-on-upcoming-visits-to-saudi-arabia-turkiye, 14 Apr 2026]
#7939
Which federal minister attended the meeting between the Prime Minister and the Chief Minister of Gilgit-Baltistan on July 21, 2026?
(a) Ahsan Iqbal
(b) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari
(c) Rana Sanaullah
(d) None of these
Explanation: Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal was present at the meeting alongside the Deputy Prime Minister and the Minister for Economic Affairs. The other individuals listed were not reported as attendees of this specific meeting. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017241/centre-committed-to-working-closely-with-gb-government-pm-tells-cm-amjad-hussain, 21 Jul 2026]
#7940
Who was elected as the Chief Minister of Gilgit-Baltistan in June 2026?
(a) Amjad Hussain
(b) Bilal Yaseen
(c) Ahad Khan Cheema
(d) None of these
Explanation: Advocate Amjad Hussain was elected unopposed as the Chief Minister of Gilgit-Baltistan on June 22, 2026. The other names listed are either federal ministers or provincial officials not holding this specific office. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017241/centre-committed-to-working-closely-with-gb-government-pm-tells-cm-amjad-hussain, 21 Jul 2026]