January 2026 Edition
Start January Quiz
January 2026 Current Affairs MCQs & Solutions
Top national & international current affairs questions for CSS, PMS, FPSC, PPSC, and NTS screening tests.
#8781
The ESG framework approved by SAFA in 2026 is specifically designed for which category of entities?
(a) Private multinational corporations
(b) Public-sector entities
(c) Non-governmental organizations
(d) Small and medium enterprises
Explanation: The framework is titled 'ESG Framework (Version 1) for Public Sector Entities in the South Asian Region.' It focuses on improving transparency and accountability within government-run or public-sector organizations. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431777/safa-board-approves-esg-framework-version-1-for-public-sector-entities-in-south-asia, 25 Jul 2026]
#8782
Prof. Gul Rahim Khan, who received the Ashoka Prize in 2026, is a faculty member at which institution?
(a) University of the Punjab
(b) University of Peshawar
(c) Quaid-i-Azam University
(d) None of these
Explanation: Prof. Gul Rahim Khan is a senior professor in the Department of Archaeology at the University of Peshawar. He was recognized for his research on the numismatics of the Utpala Dynasty. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018423/peshawar-university-teacher-honoured-with-ashoka-award-in-london, 26 Jul 2026]
#8783
Which international organization conferred the Ashoka Prize upon Prof. Gul Rahim Khan in 2026?
(a) Oriental Numismatic Society
(b) International Archaeological Association
(c) Royal Numismatic Society
(d) World Heritage Foundation
Explanation: The Oriental Numismatic Society (ONS) awarded the prize for the best paper published in their journal (JONS). The Royal Numismatic Society is a separate entity often confused with the ONS. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018423/peshawar-university-teacher-honoured-with-ashoka-award-in-london, 26 Jul 2026]
#8784
Consider the following statements about the events in New Delhi in July 2026: 1. The protest site at Jantar Mantar was cleared by municipal workers following the government's concessions. 2. The movement was limited exclusively to demands regarding the NEET examination irregularities. 3. Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the task force via a video statement posted to X. 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 3 are factually correct. Statement 2 is incorrect because the movement evolved to include broader concerns such as unemployment, youth opportunities, and criticism of the government's authoritarian style, extending beyond just the NEET exam. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018534/modi-announces-panel-to-reform-indias-exam-system-anti-govt-graffiti-at-protest-site-painted-over, 26 Jul 2026]
#8785
The resignation of the Indian Education Minister in July 2026 was primarily triggered by:
(a) Alleged irregularities in the NEET examination
(b) Internal party leadership disputes
(c) Failure to implement the national budget
(d) None of these
Explanation: The protests and the subsequent resignation of the Education Minister were driven by widespread allegations of irregularities in the NEET examination system. This issue became a catalyst for broader student dissatisfaction with the government. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018534/modi-announces-panel-to-reform-indias-exam-system-anti-govt-graffiti-at-protest-site-painted-over, 26 Jul 2026]
#8786
The primary site of the anti-government protests in New Delhi during July 2026 was:
(a) Jantar Mantar
(b) Red Fort
(c) India Gate
(d) Connaught Place
Explanation: Jantar Mantar served as the central location for the protests where demonstrators gathered to demand education reforms and express grievances against the government. The site became notable for its 'wall of shame' featuring protest graffiti. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018534/modi-announces-panel-to-reform-indias-exam-system-anti-govt-graffiti-at-jantar-mantar-painted-over, 26 Jul 2026]
#8787
Which of the following is NOT a primary challenge identified in the 2026 report regarding the response to gender-based violence?
(a) Underreporting due to fear of speaking out
(b) Insufficient number of reports describing the problem
(c) Lack of access to legal aid and counseling
(d) Inadequate follow-through on police investigations
Explanation: The report explicitly states that Pakistan has no shortage of reports describing the problem; rather, the issue is a lack of determination to learn from them and implement solutions. The other options are correctly identified as systemic failures. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018677/writing-on-the-wall, 27 Jul 2026]
#8788
The resignation of the Indian Education Minister in July 2026 was primarily linked to:
(a) Alleged NEET exam irregularities
(b) Failure of the national census
(c) Budgetary mismanagement in the ministry
(d) None of these
Explanation: The resignation followed weeks of protests specifically triggered by alleged irregularities in the NEET examination system. While other issues like unemployment were part of the broader movement, the specific catalyst for the minister's departure was the exam controversy. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018534/modi-announces-panel-to-reform-indias-exam-system-anti-govt-graffiti-at-jantar-mantar-painted-over, 26 Jul 2026]
#8789
Consider the following statements about the events in New Delhi in July 2026: 1. The protest movement was exclusively focused on the resignation of the Education Minister. 2. Municipal workers cleared the protest site at Jantar Mantar shortly after the demonstrators left. 3. The Prime Minister announced the reform task force via a video statement posted to X. 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 movement evolved to include broader concerns such as unemployment and authoritarian governance, not just the minister's resignation. Statements 2 and 3 are factually accurate based on the events of July 26, 2026. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018534/modi-announces-panel-to-reform-indias-exam-system-anti-govt-graffiti-at-jantar-mantar-painted-over, 26 Jul 2026]
#8790
What was the value of the GIFT Nifty futures as of 7:59 a.m. IST on July 27, 2026?
(a) 23,767.45
(b) 24,500.75
(c) 24,150.25
(d) 23,974.50
Explanation: The GIFT Nifty futures were recorded at 23,974.50, which indicated a positive opening for the benchmark Nifty 50 index above the previous Friday's close of 23,767.45. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431956/indian-shares-set-to-open-higher-breaking-losing-run-as-oil-slides, 27 Jul 2026]
#8791
What was the price of benchmark copper on the London Metal Exchange on July 27, 2026?
(a) $12,688.5 per metric ton
(b) $13,688.5 per metric ton
(c) $14,688.5 per metric ton
(d) None of these
Explanation: On July 27, 2026, benchmark copper on the London Metal Exchange was recorded at $13,688.5 per metric ton. This increase followed a period of geopolitical tension that had previously pressured global markets. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40432002/copper-prices-rise-as-us-iran-lull-calms-oil-and-economic-growth-fears, 27 Jul 2026]
#8792
Which of the following statements regarding the market conditions on July 27, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) Dubai’s benchmark index rose by 1%.
(b) Oil prices fell to a one-week low of $89.23 a barrel.
(c) Saudi Arabia’s benchmark index closed with significant gains.
(d) Abu Dhabi’s index gained 0.2%.
Explanation: The Saudi Arabian benchmark index closed flat, not with significant gains, due to the tug-of-war between diplomatic hopes and security concerns. The other statements accurately reflect the market data provided. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40432018/gulf-stocks-advance-on-iran-de-escalation-hopes-saudi-ends-flat-after-oil-site-attacks, 27 Jul 2026]
#8793
On July 27, 2026, the benchmark palm oil contract for October delivery on the Bursa Malaysia Derivatives Exchange closed at:
(a) 4,250 ringgit
(b) 4,673 ringgit
(c) 4,890 ringgit
(d) None of these
Explanation: The benchmark palm oil contract for October delivery fell by 49 ringgit to close at 4,673 ringgit per metric ton on July 27, 2026. This decline followed a period where the commodity had reached a 15-week high. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40432000/palm-slips-more-than-1-on-weaker-crude-chinese-vegetable-oils, 27 Jul 2026]
#8794
Consider the following statements about the Indian bond market and economic indicators as of July 27, 2026: 1. The 10-year Treasury yield eased to 4.64%. 2. The most liquid five-year swap rate dropped to settle at 6.36%. 3. Analysts at Capital Economics identified strong monsoon rainfall as a primary driver for economic growth. 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 market data provided. Statement 3 is incorrect because analysts identified weak, not strong, monsoon rainfall as a potential inflation risk. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40432016/india-10-year-bond-yield-logs-biggest-plunge-in-2-months-as-oil-rally-falters, 27 Jul 2026]
#8795
Consider the following statements about the regional market situation on July 27, 2026: 1. The Pentagon paused its 13-night campaign against Iran, contributing to de-escalation hopes. 2. Saudi Aramco facilities in both Jizan and Yanbu were targeted by attacks. 3. Qatar’s benchmark index declined due to poor financial sector performance. 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 factually correct based on the report. Statement 3 is incorrect because Qatar's index actually rose, supported by strong earnings in the financial sector. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40432018/gulf-stocks-advance-on-iran-de-escalation-hopes-saudi-ends-flat-after-oil-site-attacks, 27 Jul 2026]
#8796
Which factor was primarily responsible for the sharp decline in Indian bond yields on July 27, 2026?
(a) A surge in monsoon rainfall
(b) A sudden increase in the current-account deficit
(c) An immediate hike in Federal Reserve rates
(d) A decline in crude oil prices
Explanation: The decline in bond yields was driven by a sharp drop in crude oil prices following a pause in US-Iran hostilities. Higher oil prices typically increase inflationary pressure and worsen the current-account balance, which would otherwise push yields higher. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40432016/india-10-year-bond-yield-logs-biggest-plunge-in-2-months-as-oil-rally-falters, 27 Jul 2026]
#8797
Who represented the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) during the hearing on July 27, 2026?
(a) Saifullah Mohib Kakakhel
(b) Shahid Imran Gigiyani
(c) Waqar Ahmed
(d) Inamullah Khan
Explanation: Shahid Imran Gigiyani, the assistant director legal at NADRA, represented the authority during the court proceedings. Saifullah Mohib Kakakhel was the counsel for the petitioner, while the other two names are the presiding judges. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018808/phc-stops-deportation-of-man-named-quaid-e-azam-directs-him-to-appear-before-nadra-board, 27 Jul 2026]
#8798
Who is the current Chief Justice of the Islamabad High Court as of March 11, 2026?
(a) Justice Sardar Muhammad Sarfraz Dogar
(b) Justice Muhammad Asif
(c) Justice Aamer Farooq
(d) Justice Athar Minallah
Explanation: Chief Justice Sardar Muhammad Sarfraz Dogar presided over the division bench that issued the fine against the NAB. Justice Muhammad Asif was the other member of the bench. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980875/ihc-fines-nab-rs100000-for-employing-delaying-tactics-in-ps190m-graft-case-against-imran-bushra, 11 Mar 2026]
#8799
What was the total combined imprisonment sentence handed down to Imaan Mazari and Hadi Ali Chattha by the sessions court in 2026?
(a) 10 years
(b) 17 years
(c) 15 years
(d) 20 years
Explanation: The sessions court sentenced the couple to a combined total of 17 years of imprisonment. This figure represents the cumulative duration of the sentences imposed under the various charges of the PECA. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018916/imaan-hadi-seek-early-hearing-of-their-petition-in-peca-case, 28 Jul 2026]
#8800
Which judicial body issued the order to restrain the deportation of the petitioner named Quaid-i-Azam on July 27, 2026?
(a) Peshawar High Court
(b) Supreme Court of Pakistan
(c) Lahore High Court
(d) Islamabad High Court
Explanation: The Peshawar High Court (PHC) bench, comprising Justice Waqar Ahmed and Justice Inamullah Khan, issued the stay order. The other courts listed are distinct judicial entities that were not involved in this specific case. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018808/phc-stops-deportation-of-man-named-quaid-e-azam-directs-him-to-appear-before-nadra-board, 27 Jul 2026]