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.
#8101
Which of the following individuals was NOT reported as being present at the meeting between the President and the Prime Minister on June 8, 2026?
(a) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari
(b) Syed Murad Ali Shah
(c) Raja Pervaiz Ashraf
(d) None of these
Explanation: All three individuals listed (Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Syed Murad Ali Shah, and Raja Pervaiz Ashraf) were explicitly mentioned as attendees at the meeting. Therefore, none of the options provided are correct as a 'not present' individual. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2006163/in-meeting-with-pm-president-stresses-provincial-rights-economic-stability-in-upcoming-budget, 08 Jun 2026]
#8102
Which Turkish official received Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif upon his arrival at Istanbul's Ataturk Airport on July 3, 2026?
(a) Minister of Trade Professor Dr Omer Bolat
(b) Minister of Foreign Affairs Hakan Fidan
(c) Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Alparslan Bayraktar
(d) None of these
Explanation: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was officially received by the Turkish Minister of Trade, Professor Dr Omer Bolat, alongside Pakistan's Ambassador to Turkiye, Dr Yusuf Junaid. Other options represent high-ranking Turkish officials who were not the primary designated greeters at the airport. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2012743/pm-shehbaz-arrives-in-turkiye-on-official-visit, 03 Jul 2026]
#8103
Consider the following statements about the fuel price management in Pakistan during 2026: 1. The government implemented a targeted fuel subsidy programme to assist the public. 2. The Prime Minister slashed the petroleum levy by Rs80 per litre on April 3, 2026. 3. Global fuel market volatility was triggered by the conflict involving Iran. 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 events of 2026. The government introduced a targeted subsidy, the Prime Minister reduced the levy by Rs80 per litre on April 3, and the regional conflict involving Iran is the identified driver of global fuel market instability. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1994758/govt-hikes-petrol-high-speed-diesel-prices-by-rs26, 24 Apr 2026]
#8104
Who is the current Mayor of New York City who addressed the ICC arrest warrant for Benjamin Netanyahu on July 22, 2026?
(a) Eric Adams
(b) Zohran Mamdani
(c) Bill de Blasio
(d) None of these
Explanation: Zohran Mamdani is the Mayor of New York City who publicly stated that his administration lacks the legal authority to execute an ICC warrant. Eric Adams and Bill de Blasio are former mayors, making them incorrect. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017473/he-is-a-war-criminal-mamdani-says-ny-cannot-arrest-netanyahu-on-icc-warrant-urges-us-federal-officials-to-step-in, 22 Jul 2026]
#8105
Consider the following statements about the diplomatic engagement between Pakistan and Turkiye in July 2026: 1. The visit was preceded by the signing of three MoUs in the power sector. 2. The Prime Minister's visit to Turkiye was his first international trip of the year. 3. The discussions between the leaders focused on enhancing cooperation in trade and investment. 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 three MoUs were signed in the power sector prior to the visit. Statement 3 is correct as trade and investment were primary focus areas. Statement 2 is incorrect as there is no evidence provided to suggest this was the Prime Minister's first international trip of the year. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2012743/pm-shehbaz-arrives-in-turkiye-on-official-visit, 03 Jul 2026]
#8106
The government cited which of the following as the primary cause for the global fuel crisis affecting Pakistan in 2026?
(a) Global supply chain disruptions
(b) US-Israeli war on Iran
(c) OPEC production cuts
(d) Regional trade embargoes
Explanation: The government attributed the skyrocketing oil prices and the resulting fuel crisis to the US-Israeli war on Iran, which commenced on February 28, 2026. Other options are not cited as the primary driver of this specific crisis. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1988282/petrol-price-reduces-to-rs378-per-litre-as-govt-cuts-levy-by-rs80, 03 Apr 2026]
#8107
Consider the following statements about Benjamin Netanyahu's recent health disclosures: 1. The Prime Minister's office confirmed that the prostate cancer was in an early stage. 2. Netanyahu visited a Jerusalem cafe in March 2026 to refute rumors of his death. 3. The medical report indicated that the Prime Minister is currently in poor health. 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 medical report explicitly stated that, aside from the treated cancer, the Prime Minister was in good health. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1994721/netanyahu-says-he-was-successfully-treated-for-prostate-cancer, 24 Apr 2026]
#8108
Consider the following statements about the 2026 NEET protest movement: 1. The movement is led by a group that calls itself the 'Cockroach Janta Party'. 2. The protests were triggered by the leakage of question papers for the medical entrance exam. 3. Opposition leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi were detained by police during the protests. 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 events of July 2026. The movement is indeed named the 'Cockroach Janta Party', the NEET leak was the primary trigger, and the Gandhi siblings were detained after protesting near the Prime Minister's residence. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017491/exam-paper-leak-protests-and-gandhi-siblings-arrest-indias-cockroach-youth-movement-explained, 22 Jul 2026]
#8109
Considering the sequence of governance and economic actions reported on August 11, 2026, which of the following represents the correct chronological order of the event categories based on their thematic emergence in the official reporting cycle?
(a) Judicial Appointments -> Remittance Growth -> Transporter Strike -> Cabinet Policy Approvals
(b) Remittance Growth -> Transporter Strike -> Judicial Appointments -> Cabinet Policy Approvals
(c) Cabinet Policy Approvals -> Remittance Growth -> Judicial Appointments -> Transporter Strike
(d) Transporter Strike -> Cabinet Policy Approvals -> Judicial Appointments -> Remittance Growth
Explanation: Chronological reporting for the day reflects the official approval of judicial appointments, followed by the announcement of remittance increases, the ongoing industrial strike of transporters, and finally, federal cabinet policy approvals. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2022098/president-zardari-approves-additional-judges-appointments-to-high-courts-after-days-long-delay]
#8110
During his visit to Istanbul on July 4, 2026, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Recep Tayyip Erdogan set a bilateral trade target of:
(a) $1 billion
(b) $3 billion
(c) $10 billion
(d) $5 billion
Explanation: The leaders identified a target of $5 billion in bilateral trade as a key objective to unlock the full potential of the economic partnership. This figure represents the mutually agreed goal discussed during the official visit. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2012929/two-hearts-with-one-soul-pm-shehbaz-says-pak-turkiye-economic-partnership-entering-a-new-phase, 04 Jul 2026]
#8111
Which Pakistani minister accompanied Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif during his official visit to Turkiye in July 2026?
(a) Minister of Finance Muhammad Aurangzeb
(b) Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar
(c) Minister of Defence Khawaja Muhammad Asif
(d) Minister of Planning Ahsan Iqbal
Explanation: Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar, along with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar, accompanied the Prime Minister on his visit. The other ministers listed were not mentioned as part of the official delegation for this specific trip. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2012743/pm-shehbaz-arrives-in-turkiye-on-official-visit, 03 Jul 2026]
#8112
Consider the following statements about the repatriation of Afghan nationals: 1. The government reported that over 1.1 million Afghan nationals were deported in 2025. 2. The current repatriation drive was first launched in 2023. 3. The directive requires daily reporting to the Ministry of Interior starting from July 10, 2026. 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 1,155,221 individuals were deported in 2025. Statement 2 is correct as the drive began in 2023. Statement 3 is incorrect because the daily reporting requirement commences on July 11, 2026, not July 10. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2011435/interior-ministry-issues-directive-to-arrest-afghan-nationals-without-valid-visas-from-july-10, 28 Jun 2026]
#8113
Which business group did Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif meet with during his official visit to Turkiye on July 4, 2026?
(a) Sabanci Holding
(b) Koc Holding
(c) Albayrak Group
(d) Dogus Group
Explanation: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a meeting with a business delegation led by the Chairman of the Albayrak Group, Ahmet Albayrak, to discuss investment opportunities. The other options are major Turkish conglomerates not mentioned in the context of this specific meeting. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2012929/two-hearts-with-one-soul-pm-shehbaz-says-pak-turkiye-economic-partnership-entering-a-new-phase, 04 Jul 2026]
#8114
As part of the austerity measures announced on April 3, 2026, for how long will federal cabinet members not receive their salaries?
(a) Two months
(b) Four months
(c) Six months
(d) None of these
Explanation: The government extended the salary suspension for cabinet members from the previously planned two months to six months to address the ongoing fuel crunch. Option D is incorrect because the correct duration is explicitly stated as six months. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1988282/petrol-price-reduces-to-rs378-per-litre-as-govt-cuts-levy-by-rs80, 03 Apr 2026]
#8115
All of the following are key areas of cooperation discussed between Pakistan and Turkiye during the July 4, 2026, visit EXCEPT:
(a) Industrial cooperation
(b) Space exploration
(c) Investment
(d) Bilateral trade
Explanation: The leaders specifically emphasized trade, investment, and industrial cooperation as the pillars of the new phase of their economic partnership. Space exploration was not mentioned as a focus area in the official discussions. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2012929/two-hearts-with-one-soul-pm-shehbaz-says-pak-turkiye-economic-partnership-entering-a-new-phase, 04 Jul 2026]
#8116
Which of the following statements regarding the government's fuel price adjustments on April 3, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The petrol levy was reduced by Rs80 per litre.
(b) The new petrol price is set to remain unchanged for at least one month.
(c) The new petrol price is effective across the entire country.
(d) The government increased the levy on diesel to Rs55 per litre.
Explanation: The government actually reduced the levy on diesel to zero, not increased it to Rs55. The other statements accurately reflect the policy measures announced by the Prime Minister. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1988282/petrol-price-reduces-to-rs378-per-litre-as-govt-cuts-levy-by-rs80, 03 Apr 2026]
#8117
Consider the following statements about the events of July 3, 2026: 1. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif traveled to Istanbul immediately after attending the funeral ceremony in Tehran. 2. The funeral of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was held at the Imam Khomeini Grand Mosalla. 3. The assassination of the Iranian Supreme Leader occurred in a joint strike involving the United States and Israel. 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 provided information. The Prime Minister departed for Istanbul after the ceremony, the venue was the Grand Mosalla, and the strike was attributed to US-Israeli involvement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2012668/pm-shehbaz-cdf-munir-pay-respects-to-irans-assassinated-supreme-leader-khamenei, 03 Jul 2026]
#8118
The Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding, which was highlighted during the July 4, 2026, visit, was signed to address which of the following?
(a) The US-Iran war
(b) Regional climate change
(c) Bilateral education exchange
(d) Maritime border disputes
Explanation: The Prime Minister expressed appreciation for Turkiye's support regarding the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding, which was signed on June 18, 2026, to end the US-Iran war. This reflects the diplomatic role both nations play in regional security. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2012929/two-hearts-with-one-soul-pm-shehbaz-says-pak-turkiye-economic-partnership-entering-a-new-phase, 04 Jul 2026]
#8119
Consider the following statements about the Pak-Turkiye relationship as discussed on July 4, 2026: 1. Pakistan maintains a firm stance in support of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. 2. Turkiye provides consistent support for the people of Jammu and Kashmir. 3. The two leaders agreed that military intervention is the only path to preserving international peace. 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 mutual support on core national issues. Statement 3 is incorrect because the leaders explicitly reaffirmed that dialogue, diplomacy, and mutual respect are the only sustainable paths to resolving disputes. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2012929/two-hearts-with-one-soul-pm-shehbaz-says-pak-turkiye-economic-partnership-entering-a-new-phase, 04 Jul 2026]
#8120
How much did the government spend from national resources over the three weeks prior to April 3, 2026, to cushion the impact of rising oil prices?
(a) Rs80 billion
(b) Rs105 billion
(c) Rs129 billion
(d) Rs160 billion
Explanation: The Prime Minister stated that the government utilized Rs129 billion from national resources to subsidize the impact of international oil price hikes during the three weeks preceding the announcement. The other figures represent different levy rates or adjustments mentioned in the context of the policy. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1988282/petrol-price-reduces-to-rs378-per-litre-as-govt-cuts-levy-by-rs80, 03 Apr 2026]