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.
#9021
The reduction in the markup rate for development loans in 2026 is primarily attributed to the decline in which of the following?
(a) The federal budget deficit
(b) The central bank's policy rate
(c) The inflation rate of food commodities
(d) None of these
Explanation: The markup rate adjustment is directly linked to the decline in the State Bank of Pakistan's policy rate, which fell from a peak of 22 percent to 11.5 percent. This reduction lowers the government's cost of borrowing and subsequently the rates charged on development advances. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018194/centre-cuts-markup-on-uplift-loans-to-1189pc, 24 Jul 2026]
#9022
Who is the current Chairman of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) as of 2026?
(a) Asif Ali Zardari
(b) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari
(c) Yousaf Raza Gillani
(d) None of these
Explanation: Bilawal Bhutto Zardari serves as the Chairman of the Pakistan Peoples Party. Asif Ali Zardari is the current President of Pakistan, making him a plausible but incorrect distractor. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431691/bilawal-says-only-kashmiris-have-the-right-to-decide-kashmirs-future, 24 Jul 2026]
#9023
Consider the following statements regarding the political discourse on Kashmir: 1. The right to self-determination is a core argument used by Pakistani leadership regarding Kashmir. 2. The PPP leadership stated that the future of Kashmir should be decided by the federal government in Islamabad. 3. The election campaign mentioned in the report took place in July 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 it reflects the standard diplomatic position. Statement 2 is false because the leadership explicitly rejected the idea that Islamabad or any province has the right to decide the future of Kashmir. Statement 3 is correct based on the event timeline. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431691/bilawal-says-only-kashmiris-have-the-right-to-decide-kashmirs-future, 24 Jul 2026]
#9024
According to the political stance expressed on 2026-07-24, who holds the primary right to determine the future of Kashmir?
(a) The provincial government of Punjab
(b) The federal government in Islamabad
(c) The people of Kashmir
(d) The United Nations Security Council
Explanation: The stated position emphasizes that the right to self-determination belongs exclusively to the people of Kashmir. While the UN is involved in the dispute, the specific political message focused on the agency of the Kashmiri people. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431691/bilawal-says-only-kashmiris-have-the-right-to-decide-kashmirs-future, 24 Jul 2026]
#9025
Who is the Senior Sindh Minister who criticized the federal government's approach toward Karachi on June 6, 2026?
(a) Murad Ali Shah
(b) Sharjeel Inam Memon
(c) Saeed Ghani
(d) None of these
Explanation: Sharjeel Inam Memon is the Senior Sindh Minister who addressed the media regarding the infrastructure and economic challenges facing Karachi. Murad Ali Shah and Saeed Ghani are other prominent provincial figures, but they were not the primary speakers in this specific report. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2005655/sharjeel-laments-low-priority-accorded-to-karachi-by-centre, 06 Jun 2026]
#9026
Who is the current Governor of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa as of July 2026?
(a) Ali Amin Gandapur
(b) Faisal Karim Kundi
(c) Mushtaq Ghani
(d) None of these
Explanation: Faisal Karim Kundi is the incumbent Governor of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Ali Amin Gandapur is the Chief Minister of the province, making him a common distractor in provincial governance questions. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431814/governor-kp-vows-to-help-resolve-issues-facing-traders, 25 Jul 2026]
#9027
Which of the following statements regarding the 2026 AJK election process is INCORRECT?
(a) The election is being conducted in three distinct phases.
(b) The PTI is actively participating in the 2026 electoral contest.
(c) The JAAC has been declared unlawful under anti-terrorism laws.
(d) The election commission is staggering polls to optimize law-enforcement deployment.
Explanation: The PTI has officially boycotted the 2026 AJK elections, citing concerns over the fairness of the process. Therefore, the statement claiming they are participating is false. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018443/ajk-election-and-beyond, 26 Jul 2026]
#9028
Which organization's delegation met with the Governor of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to discuss trade-related issues in July 2026?
(a) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chamber of Commerce
(b) Peoples Business Forum
(c) Sarhad Chamber of Commerce and Industry
(d) All Pakistan Traders Association
Explanation: The delegation was led by Maulana Abdul Wali Gul Turabi representing the Peoples Business Forum. The other options represent established trade bodies often involved in provincial policy discussions. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431814/governor-kp-vows-to-help-resolve-issues-facing-traders, 25 Jul 2026]
#9029
Consider the following statements regarding the Governor's remarks on July 25, 2026: 1. The Governor suggested that importing wheat from abroad could be considered if necessary. 2. The Governor emphasized the need for effective utilization of the province's mineral resources. 3. The Governor announced the immediate abolition of all provincial taxes on traders. 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 accurate reflections of the Governor's policy stance. Statement 3 is incorrect as the Governor pledged to take up tax relief issues with relevant authorities, not to unilaterally abolish taxes. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431814/governor-kp-vows-to-help-resolve-issues-facing-traders, 25 Jul 2026]
#9030
Consider the following statements about the 2026 AJK elections: 1. The election is being held in a single phase to ensure maximum voter turnout. 2. AJK electoral law requires the preliminary result of a constituency to be announced immediately after counting. 3. The current agitation is the fourth wave of protests organized by the JAAC. 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 election is being held in three phases, not one. Statements 2 and 3 are factually accurate according to the current electoral framework and the history of the recent protests. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018443/ajk-election-and-beyond, 26 Jul 2026]
#9031
Which official held a security briefing at the Regional Police Office in Dera Ismail Khan on July 26, 2026, regarding the Tank incident?
(a) Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
(b) Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi
(c) Governor Faisal Karim Kundi
(d) None of these
Explanation: Governor Faisal Karim Kundi conducted the briefing at the Regional Police Office in Dera Ismail Khan. While he mentioned he would discuss the matter with the Interior Minister and the Chief Minister, he was the official who provided the briefing. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018508/kp-governor-kundi-says-over-1300kg-of-explosives-used-in-tank-checkpost-attack, 26 Jul 2026]
#9032
Consider the following statements about the PDMA's monsoon response in 2026: 1. The PDMA reported that 203 people sustained injuries due to rain-related incidents. 2. The monsoon rains caused the death of six livestock across the province. 3. The PDMA has declared a state of emergency for the entire province for the remainder of the year. 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 PDMA report. Statement 3 is incorrect because the PDMA placed district administrations on high alert for the ongoing monsoon spell, but did not declare a province-wide state of emergency for the remainder of the year. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431904/29-die-in-rain-related-incidents-across-punjab, 27 Jul 2026]
#9033
On what date in 2026 did the PPP Chairman issue his video message regarding the Truth and Reconciliation Commission?
(a) July 25, 2026
(b) July 27, 2026
(c) July 26, 2026
(d) July 28, 2026
Explanation: The event and the associated news report are dated July 27, 2026. This date marks the official renewal of the call for the commission. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431934/bilawal-renews-call-for-truth-and-reconciliation-commission-in-ajk, 27 Jul 2026]
#9034
Which of the following statements regarding the wheat situation in Sindh as of July 2026 is INCORRECT?
(a) The Sindh Food Minister chaired a meeting with the Flour Mills Association to review supply chain issues.
(b) The Food Department holds a significant portion of its stock from anti-hoarding operations.
(c) Provincial authorities are conducting intelligence-based operations against wheat hoarders.
(d) The provincial government has imposed strict restrictions on the inter-district movement of wheat.
Explanation: The provincial government explicitly stated that there is no restriction on the inter-district movement of wheat within Sindh to ensure smooth supply. Therefore, the statement claiming that restrictions exist is false. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018192/private-sector-rejects-govt-wheat-import-plan, 25 Jul 2026]
#9035
In which administrative division of Azad Jammu and Kashmir was the first phase of the Legislative Assembly elections held on July 27, 2026?
(a) Muzaffarabad Division
(b) Mirpur Division
(c) Poonch Division
(d) None of these
Explanation: The first phase of the AJK Legislative Assembly elections took place specifically in the Mirpur division. Muzaffarabad and Poonch are other administrative divisions of AJK but were not the focus of this specific electoral phase. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431988/polling-underway-in-first-phrase-of-ajk-elections-across-mirpur-division, 27 Jul 2026]
#9036
Which of the following statements regarding the AJK election events on July 27, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The polling process in Mirpur division was marred by scuffles and rigging allegations.
(b) PPP and PML-N workers were involved in skirmishes in the Kotli district.
(c) The Election Commission of AJK cancelled the entire first phase of the elections due to violence.
(d) A fatality was reported in the LA-9 Kotli-II constituency during the polling day.
Explanation: The election process was not cancelled; polling concluded as scheduled despite the violence and allegations. The other three statements accurately reflect the events reported on that day. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018691/polling-concludes-in-mirpur-division-as-scuffles-rigging-allegations-mar-first-phase-of-ajk-elections, 27 Jul 2026]
#9037
Who served as the Chief Election Commissioner of Azad Jammu and Kashmir during the July 2026 elections?
(a) Ghulam Mustafa Mughal
(b) Chaudhry Muhammad Yasin
(c) Azhar Sadiq
(d) None of these
Explanation: Ghulam Mustafa Mughal is the official who oversaw the electoral process and addressed the media regarding the results and incidents. The other names are political candidates involved in the election. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018908/close-contest-sees-n-take-the-lead-in-mirpur-polls, 28 Jul 2026]
#9038
In which division of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) did the first phase of elections take place on July 27, 2026?
(a) Muzaffarabad Division
(b) Mirpur Division
(c) Poonch Division
(d) None of these
Explanation: The first phase of the AJK elections was held specifically in the Mirpur division, which includes the districts of Bhimber, Mirpur, and Kotli. Other divisions like Muzaffarabad and Poonch were not part of this specific electoral phase. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018691/polling-concludes-in-mirpur-division-as-scuffles-rigging-allegations-mar-first-phase-of-ajk-elections, 27 Jul 2026]
#9039
The violent incident resulting in a fatality during the AJK elections on July 27, 2026, occurred in which constituency?
(a) LA-9 Kotli-II (Nakyal)
(b) LA-7 Bhimber
(c) LA-1 Dadyal
(d) LA-8 Kotli-I
Explanation: The fatal incident involving the death of a political worker occurred in the LA-9 Kotli-II (Nakyal) constituency. Other constituencies listed were sites of polling but not the specific location of this reported fatality. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018691/polling-concludes-in-mirpur-division-as-scuffles-rigging-allegations-mar-first-phase-of-ajk-elections, 27 Jul 2026]
#9040
Consider the following statements about the AJK elections held in July 2026: 1. The Election Commission declared 1,241 polling stations as highly sensitive. 2. A political worker was killed in an incident in Nakyal. 3. The polling process was completed without any extension of voting hours. 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 election reports. Statement 3 is incorrect because voting hours were extended by one hour to accommodate voters. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018908/close-contest-sees-n-take-the-lead-in-mirpur-polls, 28 Jul 2026]