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.
#841
In the context of the 2026 pharmaceutical conference, what percentage of pharmaceutical raw material does Pakistan currently import?
(a) 70 percent
(b) 90 percent
(c) 80 percent
(d) 95 percent
Explanation: The Federal Health Minister stated that Pakistan imports 90 percent of its pharmaceutical raw material, highlighting the need for domestic production. 80 percent refers to the digitalization status of DRAP services. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016621/pakistan-china-pharma-conference-ends-with-850m-agreements, 19 Jul 2026]
#842
Which of the following is NOT a stated objective or outcome of the 2026 Pakistan-China Pharmaceutical and Healthcare B2B Investment Conference?
(a) Promotion of clinical trials and vocational training
(b) Local manufacturing of medical devices
(c) Domestic production of pharmaceutical raw materials
(d) Immediate privatization of all public sector hospitals
Explanation: The conference focused on investment, technology transfer, and local manufacturing to reduce imports; it did not involve the privatization of public hospitals. The other three options were explicitly mentioned as key discussion points. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016621/pakistan-china-pharma-conference-ends-with-850m-agreements, 19 Jul 2026]
#843
What was the percentage increase in cotton arrivals recorded in Sindh by July 15, 2026?
(a) 38.9 percent
(b) 77.3 percent
(c) 113.8 percent
(d) 90.0 percent
Explanation: Sindh recorded a 113.8 percent rise in cotton arrivals compared to the previous year. Punjab recorded a 38.9 percent increase, while the national average increase was 77.3 percent. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016601/early-cotton-arrivals-hit-record-527900-bales, 19 Jul 2026]
#844
Which of the following is NOT a component of the export-boosting schemes approved by the ECC on July 28, 2026?
(a) Enhanced Export Finance Scheme (E-EFS)
(b) Direct cash grants for industrial electricity bills
(c) Performance-based rebate on incremental exports
(d) Long-Term Export Growth Financing Facility (LTEGFF)
Explanation: The approved package includes E-EFS, LTEGFF, and a performance-based rebate scheme. Direct cash grants for electricity bills are not part of the three specific schemes mentioned in the ECC approval. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018926/ecc-okays-rs255bn-for-export-boosting-schemes, 28 Jul 2026]
#845
What is the total amount of subsidies approved by the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) for export promotion schemes on July 28, 2026?
(a) Rs155 billion
(b) Rs455 billion
(c) Rs355 billion
(d) Rs255 billion
Explanation: The ECC approved Rs255 billion in subsidies to boost exports through three distinct incentive schemes. This funding is intended to address the stagnation of annual exports at the $30 billion mark. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018926/ecc-okays-rs255bn-for-export-boosting-schemes, 28 Jul 2026]
#846
Who is the current head of the Senate Standing Committee on Economic Affairs as of March 10, 2026?
(a) Senator Saifullah Abro
(b) Senator Syed Nazir Abbas
(c) Senator Ishaq Dar
(d) None of these
Explanation: Senator Saifullah Abro is the chairman of the Senate Standing Committee on Economic Affairs. Dr. Syed Nazir Abbas is the Secretary General of the Oil Companies Advisory Council (OCAC), not the committee chairman. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980379/senate-panel-to-expose-fuel-price-hike-beneficiaries, 10 Mar 2026]
#847
Who presided over the Economic Coordination Committee meeting held on July 27, 2026, where the export subsidy package was approved?
(a) Finance Minister
(b) Minister for Commerce
(c) Prime Minister
(d) Governor State Bank
Explanation: Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb chaired the ECC meeting that approved the export-boosting schemes. The committee is a key executive body responsible for economic decision-making in Pakistan. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018926/ecc-okays-rs255bn-for-export-boosting-schemes, 28 Jul 2026]
#848
Consider the following statements about the oil market developments on March 10, 2026: 1. US President Donald Trump suggested that the war in the Middle East could conclude in the near future. 2. The Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps threatened to block oil exports from the region if attacks continued. 3. The Kremlin reported that Vladimir Putin shared proposals aimed at a quick settlement to the war. 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 report: Trump predicted a short-lived war, the IRGC issued threats regarding oil exports, and the Kremlin confirmed Putin's diplomatic proposals. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980481/oil-sinks-7pc-as-trump-predicts-middle-east-de-escalation, 10 Mar 2026]
#849
Approximately how many barrels of crude oil per day did Kuwait produce in February 2026?
(a) 4.1 million
(b) 3.2 million
(c) 2.6 million
(d) 1.8 million
Explanation: Kuwait's production level in February 2026 was reported at approximately 2.6 million barrels per day. This figure serves as the baseline before the precautionary cuts were implemented. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979510/kuwaits-national-oil-company-cuts-production-as-precaution-amid-iran-tensions, 07 Mar 2026]
#850
By what percentage did Pakistan's trade deficit with the Middle East narrow in fiscal year 2026?
(a) 4.48 percent
(b) 7.37 percent
(c) 2.00 percent
(d) 4.00 percent
Explanation: The trade deficit with the Middle East narrowed by 4.48 percent to $13.32 billion in FY26. The 7.37 percent figure refers to the widening of the deficit observed in the previous fiscal year. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018925/pakistans-exports-to-middle-east-dip-in-fy26, 28 Jul 2026]
#851
Which organization announced a precautionary reduction in crude oil production on March 7, 2026?
(a) Saudi Aramco
(b) Kuwait Petroleum Corporation
(c) QatarEnergy
(d) None of these
Explanation: Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC) officially announced the production cut as a risk management strategy amid regional tensions. Saudi Aramco and QatarEnergy are distinct national entities not involved in this specific announcement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979510/kuwaits-national-oil-company-cuts-production-as-precaution-amid-iran-tensions, 07 Mar 2026]
#852
Consider the following statements about the energy situation in the Middle East as of March 2026: 1. Kuwait Petroleum Corporation has permanently ceased all oil exports due to the conflict. 2. The Strait of Hormuz is identified as a critical point of concern for the safe passage of ships. 3. Qatar has declared force majeure on its gas exports.
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) All three
Explanation: Statement 1 is false because the reduction is described as a 'precautionary' measure subject to review, not a permanent cessation. Statements 2 and 3 are factually accurate based on the reported events. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979510/kuwaits-national-oil-company-cuts-production-as-precaution-amid-iran-tensions, 07 Mar 2026]
#853
Which vital maritime route remains closed according to the testimony provided during the 2026 House Foreign Affairs Committee hearing?
(a) Strait of Hormuz
(b) Strait of Malacca
(c) Suez Canal
(d) Bab-el-Mandeb Strait
Explanation: The Strait of Hormuz is identified as the critical maritime route that remains closed, impacting global oil exports. The other straits listed are not the focus of the current conflict described. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2004963/rubio-declares-us-operation-against-iran-over-claims-washington-achieved-military-objectives, 03 Jun 2026]
#854
Consider the following statements about the diplomatic visit of the Canadian Foreign Minister to Pakistan on July 20, 2026: 1. The visit included the signing of a protocol on phyto-sanitary regulations for canola imports. 2. The Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (FIPPA) was discussed as a tool to boost investor confidence. 3. The Canadian Foreign Minister held meetings with both the Prime Minister and the Deputy Prime Minister of Pakistan. 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 official reports of the visit. The protocol was signed, FIPPA was highlighted as a key investment instrument, and the Foreign Minister met with both Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017004/canada-eyes-new-avenues-for-trade-economic-cooperation-with-pakistan-as-fm-anand-visits-islamabad, 20 Jul 2026]
#855
Which of the following statements regarding the Prime Minister's address at the Indus RAS Expo 2026 is INCORRECT?
(a) The Prime Minister emphasized the need for clear regulatory and ethical frameworks for autonomous systems.
(b) The Prime Minister stated that the RAS revolution should be limited to large corporations and major cities.
(c) The Prime Minister highlighted that simulators displayed at the expo were 100 percent manufactured in Pakistan.
(d) The Prime Minister called for a single national innovation ecosystem involving universities and farmers.
Explanation: The Prime Minister explicitly stated that the RAS revolution must NOT remain the privilege of a few advanced economies or large corporations, but should instead be a force for inclusive growth. Therefore, option B is the incorrect statement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017529/pakistans-progress-in-indigenous-autonomous-capabilities-an-integral-part-of-national-defence-pm-shehbaz, 22 Jul 2026]
#856
Where was the Indus Robotics and Autonomous Systems (RAS) Expo 2026 held?
(a) Jinnah Convention Centre, Islamabad
(b) Pak-China Friendship Centre, Islamabad
(c) Expo Centre, Karachi
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Indus Robotics and Autonomous Systems (RAS) Expo 2026 took place at the Pak-China Friendship Centre in Islamabad on July 22, 2026. The Jinnah Convention Centre and Karachi Expo Centre are common venues for large events but were not the site of this specific expo. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017529/pakistans-progress-in-indigenous-autonomous-capabilities-an-integral-part-of-national-defence-pm-shehbaz, 22 Jul 2026]
#857
According to the Prime Minister's address on July 22, 2026, what percentage of indigenization has been achieved in the production of drones?
(a) 60 percent
(b) 50 percent
(c) 40 percent
(d) 75 percent
Explanation: The Prime Minister noted that drones have achieved 60 percent indigenization, highlighting the progress made in domestic manufacturing capabilities. Other figures like 40 or 50 percent are incorrect as they do not reflect the specific progress cited in the official address. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017529/pakistans-progress-in-indigenous-autonomous-capabilities-an-integral-part-of-national-defence-pm-shehbaz, 22 Jul 2026]
#858
Consider the following statements about Pakistan's defence and technology initiatives: 1. The Indus RAS Expo 2026 was held to showcase advancements in indigenous autonomous capabilities. 2. The Prime Minister recalled the Indus AI Week held in February 2026 as part of the journey in artificial intelligence. 3. The Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and Chief of the Army Staff is Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir. 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 text. The expo focused on autonomous systems, the AI week was held in February, and the title of the Chief of Defence Forces is correctly identified as Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017529/pakistans-progress-in-indigenous-autonomous-capabilities-an-integral-part-of-national-defence-pm-shehbaz, 22 Jul 2026]
#859
Arrange the following reported events in the correct chronological sequence based on their occurrence or the focus of the reporting on August 9, 2026:
(a) 1, 2, 3, 4
(b) 4, 3, 2, 1
(c) 2, 4, 1, 3
(d) 3, 1, 4, 2
Explanation: All events occurred on August 9, 2026. The logical sequence for reporting the impact of internal disruption (strike) leads to the clarification of defense policy (DPM Dar), followed by international economic indicators (China CPI), and finally, external geopolitical expansion (Egypt's interest). [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2021626/goods-oil-transporters-strike-threatens-industry-exports]
#860
Which international agencies provided rating upgrades that reinforced investor confidence in Pakistan during 2026?
(a) Moody's and Standard and Poor's
(b) Standard and Poor's and Fitch
(c) Fitch and Moody's
(d) World Bank and IMF
Explanation: The government's commitment to IMF programs was reinforced by specific rating upgrades from Fitch and Moody's, which helped improve the overall investment climate. [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]