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.
#8821
Consider the following statements about the 2026 report on gender-based violence: 1. The report is based on data gathered from official police records exclusively. 2. The report highlights that filing an FIR is only the initial step toward achieving justice. 3. The report suggests that resources should be directed toward districts with a disproportionate share of cases. 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 report is based on newspaper accounts, not exclusively on official police records. Statements 2 and 3 are accurate reflections of the report's findings regarding the judicial process and resource allocation. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018677/writing-on-the-wall, 27 Jul 2026]
#8822
On March 10, 2026, by what approximate percentage did global oil prices fall following comments regarding Middle East de-escalation?
(a) 5 percent
(b) 9 percent
(c) 7 percent
(d) 11 percent
Explanation: Oil prices plummeted by approximately 7 percent on March 10, 2026, after reaching highs above $119 per barrel. This correction was driven by market optimism following US President Donald Trump's predictions regarding the conflict. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980481/oil-sinks-7pc-as-trump-predicts-middle-east-de-escalation, 10 Mar 2026]
#8823
Which of the following is NOT a component of the judicial austerity measures implemented in 2026?
(a) Implementation of a four-day work week
(b) Reduction in the monthly POL ceiling for judicial officers
(c) Restriction on additional protocol or security vehicles
(d) Complete suspension of all court proceedings on Fridays
Explanation: While the courts observe a four-day work week, the policy explicitly states that urgent judicial and administrative functions must continue without disruption on Fridays and Saturdays. Therefore, a complete suspension is incorrect. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980575/courts-join-others-in-adopting-austerity-measures-will-observe-4-day-work-week, 10 Mar 2026]
#8824
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]
#8825
Which of the following statements regarding the market conditions on March 9, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The KSE-100 index closed at 146,480.14 points.
(b) Gold prices fell by 2 percent amid geopolitical tensions.
(c) The market suspension was triggered by a 10 percent drop in the KSE-100 index.
(d) The government recently increased petrol and diesel prices by Rs55 per litre.
Explanation: The market suspension was triggered by a 5 percent drop in the KSE-30 index, not a 10 percent drop in the KSE-100 index. The other statements accurately reflect the market data and government policy actions reported on that date. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980057/bloodbath-at-psx-as-kse-100-slides-over-11000-points, 09 Mar 2026]
#8826
What is the primary objective behind the judiciary's decision to adopt a four-day work week in 2026?
(a) To facilitate the digitization of all historical court records
(b) To conserve resources amid potential fuel supply disruptions
(c) To increase the number of judges in the Supreme Court
(d) None of these
Explanation: The judiciary adopted these measures specifically to address the anticipated disruption in petroleum supply and rising global energy costs. Option A is incorrect as digitization is not the primary driver of this specific austerity policy. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980575/courts-join-others-in-adopting-austerity-measures-will-observe-4-day-work-week, 10 Mar 2026]
#8827
By how many points did the KSE-100 index decline on March 9, 2026?
(a) 9,780.15 points
(b) 157,496.10 points
(c) 13,157.62 points
(d) 11,015.96 points
Explanation: The KSE-100 index plummeted by 11,015.96 points during the trading session on March 9, 2026. While 9,780.15 points was the threshold that triggered the initial trading halt, the final decline recorded by the closing bell was 11,015.96 points. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980057/bloodbath-at-psx-as-kse-100-slides-over-11000-points, 09 Mar 2026]
#8828
What was the primary trigger for the temporary suspension of trading at the PSX on March 9, 2026?
(a) A 5 percent decline in the KSE-30 index
(b) A 6.99 percent decline in the KSE-100 index
(c) A 10 percent decline in the KSE-All Share index
(d) None of these
Explanation: According to PSX regulations, a market halt is triggered when the KSE-30 index falls by 5 percent from the previous day's close. This specific regulatory threshold was reached at 9:20am, leading to the suspension of equity-based markets. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980057/bloodbath-at-psx-as-kse-100-slides-over-11000-points, 09 Mar 2026]
#8829
Global oil prices surged by approximately what percentage on March 9, 2026?
(a) 15 percent
(b) 25 percent
(c) 20 percent
(d) 30 percent
Explanation: Global oil prices surged by approximately 25 percent on March 9, 2026, reaching their highest levels since mid-2022. This surge was a primary factor contributing to the negative investor sentiment and the subsequent market sell-off. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980057/bloodbath-at-psx-as-kse-100-slides-over-11000-points, 09 Mar 2026]
#8830
Consider the following statements about the market events of March 9, 2026: 1. The KSE-100 index experienced a decline of 6.99 percent. 2. Trading was halted at 9:20am due to regulatory triggers. 3. The market recovered fully to its previous close before the end of the session. 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 the index fell by 6.99 percent and the halt occurred at 9:20am. Statement 3 is incorrect because the market remained deep in the red at the closing bell despite a brief recovery attempt. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980057/bloodbath-at-psx-as-kse-100-slides-over-11000-points, 09 Mar 2026]
#8831
Consider the following statements about the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) movement: 1. The movement was launched in May 2026. 2. The movement initially focused exclusively on unemployment issues. 3. The movement organized protests in New Delhi near the Jantar Mantar site. 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 movement began in May 2026. Statement 2 is incorrect because the movement initially focused on exam paper leaks and judicial remarks, only later broadening its agenda to include unemployment. Statement 3 is correct as Jantar Mantar was the site of the march toward parliament. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018741/indias-cockroach-janta-party-demands-release-of-protesters-after-reports-of-detention, 27 Jul 2026]
#8832
Which of the following factors is NOT cited as a reason for the market rally on July 27, 2026?
(a) An immediate reduction in the SBP policy rate
(b) A sharp decline in global oil prices
(c) Easing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East
(d) Improved investor sentiment following a pause in combat
Explanation: The SBP maintained the policy rate at 11.5 percent rather than reducing it. Therefore, an immediate reduction in the policy rate is an incorrect statement regarding the events of that day. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018715/psx-opens-week-in-the-green-gains-more-than-7000-points-to-close-above-178000-mark, 27 Jul 2026]
#8833
Which of the following companies was among the leading performers contributing to the PSX benchmark index rally on July 27, 2026?
(a) Engro Fertilizers
(b) Lucky Cement
(c) United Bank Limited
(d) None of these
Explanation: While UBL, FFC, ENGROH, MEBL, and LUCK were identified as leading contributors, the options provided (Engro Fertilizers, Lucky Cement, United Bank Limited) are individual entities. Since all three are correct, 'None of these' is the appropriate choice as it implies none of the single-option choices exclusively represent the list of top performers. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018715/psx-opens-week-in-the-green-gains-more-than-7000-points-to-close-above-178000-mark, 27 Jul 2026]
#8834
The KSE-100 index closed above which of the following thresholds on July 27, 2026?
(a) 168,000 points
(b) 198,000 points
(c) 188,000 points
(d) 178,000 points
Explanation: The KSE-100 index gained over 7,000 points to close at 178,262.33, successfully crossing the 178,000-point threshold. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018715/psx-opens-week-in-the-green-gains-more-than-7000-points-to-close-above-178000-mark, 27 Jul 2026]
#8835
On July 27, 2026, the State Bank of Pakistan maintained the policy rate at which of the following levels?
(a) 10.5 percent
(b) 12.5 percent
(c) 11.5 percent
(d) 13.5 percent
Explanation: The State Bank of Pakistan maintained the policy rate at 11.5 percent during the announcement on July 27, 2026. Analysts viewed this as a cautious stance given the prevailing regional geopolitical tensions. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018715/psx-opens-week-in-the-green-gains-more-than-7000-points-to-close-above-178000-mark, 27 Jul 2026]
#8836
Consider the following statements about the PSX performance on July 27, 2026: 1. The KSE-100 index gained more than 7,000 points during the session. 2. The market rally was partially attributed to the resumption of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. 3. The index reached an intra-day peak of over 178,500 points. 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 market data from July 27, 2026. The index gained 7,241.13 points, investor sentiment improved due to hopes for shipping resumption, and the intra-day peak was 178,588.33 points. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018715/psx-opens-week-in-the-green-gains-more-than-7000-points-to-close-above-178000-mark, 27 Jul 2026]
#8837
Who represented the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) during the PHC hearing on 2026-07-28?
(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. 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-i-azam-directs-him-to-appear-before-nadra-board, 28 Jul 2026]
#8838
Which of the following statements regarding the 2026-07-28 PHC case is INCORRECT?
(a) The court ordered the immediate deportation of the petitioner.
(b) The petitioner's national identity card had been blocked by NADRA.
(c) The petitioner's counsel argued that his client was a tax-paying Pakistani citizen.
(d) NADRA officials claimed the petitioner's identity card was considered suspicious.
Explanation: The court actually restrained the authorities from deporting the petitioner, making the statement that it ordered his deportation false. The other three statements are factually accurate based on the court proceedings. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018808/phc-stops-deportation-of-man-named-quaid-i-azam-directs-him-to-appear-before-nadra-board, 28 Jul 2026]
#8839
Which organization was declared a proscribed entity by the AJK government in June 2026?
(a) Joint Awami Action Committee
(b) Kashmir Liberation Front
(c) All Parties Hurriyat Conference
(d) None of these
Explanation: The AJK government proscribed the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) due to its involvement in activities deemed prejudicial to the peace and security of the state. The other options are not the organization mentioned in the context of the 2026 crackdown. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2006132/pakistan-rejects-unwarranted-remarks-on-ajk-by-individuals-in-uk, 08 Jun 2026]
#8840
Consider the following statements regarding the government's response to the March 2026 economic situation: 1. The Prime Minister directed that actionable proposals for austerity be presented within 48 hours. 2. The government announced a Rs55 per litre increase in petrol and high-speed diesel prices. 3. The Information Minister confirmed that the government would rely on private sector estimates for fuel pricing updates. 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 government's directives and the price hike announcement. Statement 3 is incorrect because the government emphasized that it would release accurate and verified information from official ministries, not private sector estimates. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979462/pm-tells-ministers-to-prepare-strategy-for-conserving-petroleum-products-ensuring-uninterrupted-supply, 07 Mar 2026]