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.
#901
Which political leader met with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on June 13, 2026, following parliamentary debates?
(a) Asad Qaiser
(b) Amir Dogar
(c) Ahsan Iqbal
(d) Mehmood Khan Achakzai
Explanation: Mehmood Khan Achakzai, the Opposition Leader, held a meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on the Saturday preceding the June 14, 2026, report. The other individuals mentioned are active participants in the National Assembly debates but were not the primary interlocutors in this specific meeting. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2007773/info-minister-invites-opposition-to-sign-charter-of-economy-defends-proposed-fy27-budget, 14 Jun 2026]
#902
Consider the following statements about the financial situation reported on April 4, 2026: 1. The total amount of debt to be returned to the UAE is $3.5 billion. 2. The repayment of these deposits is expected to reduce Pakistan's central bank reserves by approximately 18 percent. 3. The UAE deposits were rolled over multiple times since 2019. 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: the amount is $3.5 billion, the impact on reserves is estimated at an 18 percent reduction, and the deposits have been subject to multiple rollovers since 2019. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1988580/fo-rejects-misleading-unfounded-commentary-regarding-financial-deposits-from-uae, 04 Apr 2026]
#903
What is the total amount of debt Pakistan has decided to return to the United Arab Emirates by the end of April 2026?
(a) $2.0 billion
(b) $12.5 billion
(c) $5.0 billion
(d) $3.5 billion
Explanation: The government announced the return of $3.5 billion in deposits to the UAE. This amount was part of the financial support provided in 2019 to stabilize the balance of payments. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1988321/pakistan-to-return-35bn-uae-debt-before-month-end-official, 03 Apr 2026]
#904
Which Pakistani official led the delegation to the United States in July 2026 to discuss economic cooperation?
(a) Muhammad Aurangzeb
(b) Ishaq Dar
(c) Shamshad Akhtar
(d) Miftah Ismail
Explanation: Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb led the delegation and held meetings with the US Treasury Secretary. The other individuals listed are former finance ministers or officials not involved in this specific 2026 visit. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017582/us-treasury-secretary-welcomes-pakistans-economic-reforms-return-to-capital-markets, 22 Jul 2026]
#905
Who is the current US Treasury Secretary who met with Pakistan's Finance Minister in July 2026?
(a) Janet Yellen
(b) Timothy Geithner
(c) Steven Mnuchin
(d) Scott Bessent
Explanation: Scott Bessent is the US Treasury Secretary who held discussions with Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb regarding Pakistan's economic reforms. Janet Yellen is a former Treasury Secretary, making her an incorrect choice. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017582/us-treasury-secretary-welcomes-pakistans-economic-reforms-return-to-capital-markets, 22 Jul 2026]
#906
Consider the following statements about the economic discussions held in July 2026: 1. The US Treasury Secretary explicitly approved the $10 billion exchange stabilisation facility during the meeting. 2. Pakistan is aiming to transition from macroeconomic stabilisation to export-led growth. 3. The US Treasury commended Pakistan's commitment to creating conditions for a return to international capital markets. 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 US Treasury statement did not address or approve the $10 billion request. Statements 2 and 3 accurately reflect the official positions stated during the visit. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017582/us-treasury-secretary-welcomes-pakistans-economic-reforms-return-to-capital-markets, 22 Jul 2026]
#907
What was the total amount of remittances received by Pakistan in February 2026?
(a) 2.5 billion dollars
(b) 3.3 billion dollars
(c) 4.0 billion dollars
(d) None of these
Explanation: The State Bank of Pakistan reported that remittances remained steady in February 2026, totaling 3.3 billion dollars. This figure highlights the resilience of inflows despite the onset of regional conflict. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980726/remittances-steady-but-war-risks-loom, 11 Mar 2026]
#908
Consider the following statements about Pakistan's economic situation as of March 2026: 1. The total remittance inflow for the first eight months of FY26 was 26.5 billion dollars. 2. Saudi Aramco has reportedly reduced its oil production to about half capacity due to the Strait of Hormuz blockage. 3. The government expects to receive 50 billion dollars in total remittances during the full fiscal year 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: Statements 1 and 2 are factually accurate based on the report. Statement 3 is incorrect because the expected total for FY26 is 40 billion dollars, not 50 billion. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980726/remittances-steady-but-war-risks-loom, 11 Mar 2026]
#909
Which of the following is NOT a consequence of higher oil prices for the Indian economy as mentioned in the context of the July 23, 2026, market report?
(a) Increased inflationary pressure
(b) Decreased volatility in the currency market
(c) Widening current account deficit
(d) Slowing economic growth
Explanation: Higher oil prices typically increase currency volatility rather than decrease it. The other three options are explicitly cited as risks associated with the surge in oil prices. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431443/indian-rupee-ends-nearly-flat-as-central-bank-intervention-blunts-oil-strain, 23 Jul 2026]
#910
The surge in global oil prices on July 23, 2026, was primarily triggered by tensions involving which of the following?
(a) Strait of Malacca
(b) Suez Canal
(c) Panama Canal
(d) Strait of Hormuz
Explanation: The rise in Brent crude prices was linked to fears of supply disruptions spreading beyond the Strait of Hormuz following attacks on Saudi oil tankers. This geopolitical risk directly impacted global energy markets. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431443/indian-rupee-ends-nearly-flat-as-central-bank-intervention-blunts-oil-strain, 23 Jul 2026]
#911
Consider the following statements regarding the Indian market conditions on July 23, 2026: 1. The Nifty 50 benchmark index experienced a decline. 2. Brent crude oil prices approached the $100 per barrel threshold. 3. The Indian rupee showed significant appreciation against the dollar due to market optimism. 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: The Nifty 50 fell by 0.5%, and Brent crude prices neared $100 per barrel. The rupee did not appreciate significantly; it remained nearly flat due to central bank intervention, making statement 3 incorrect. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431443/indian-rupee-ends-nearly-flat-as-central-bank-intervention-blunts-oil-strain, 23 Jul 2026]
#912
What was the recorded inflation rate in Pakistan for the month of February 2026?
(a) 5.80 percent
(b) 6.98 percent
(c) 7.15 percent
(d) 8.20 percent
Explanation: Inflation rose to 6.98 percent year-on-year in February 2026, up from 5.8 percent in January. This represents the highest level recorded since October 2024. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979645/stocks-nosedive-63pc-in-jittery-week-on-geopolitical-concerns, 08 Mar 2026]
#913
Which of the following statements regarding the market performance in March 2026 is INCORRECT?
(a) Foreign corporates were net sellers of equities during the week.
(b) The KSE-100 index experienced a single-session decline of over 16,000 points on Monday.
(c) Cement despatches showed a year-on-year increase in February 2026.
(d) The rupee depreciated significantly against the dollar during the week.
Explanation: The rupee remained largely stable, appreciating marginally by 0.02 percent week-on-week. The other statements accurately reflect the market data provided for the period. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979645/stocks-nosedive-63pc-in-jittery-week-on-geopolitical-concerns, 08 Mar 2026]
#914
What was the closing value of the KSE-100 index at the end of the trading week ending on March 8, 2026?
(a) 145,210 points
(b) 157,496 points
(c) 162,305 points
(d) None of these
Explanation: The KSE-100 index closed at 157,496 points after a weekly decline of 6.3 percent. This decline was primarily attributed to investor panic regarding regional geopolitical instability. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979645/stocks-nosedive-63pc-in-jittery-week-on-geopolitical-concerns, 08 Mar 2026]
#915
Consider the following statements about the economic indicators in February 2026: 1. Pakistan's trade deficit widened to approximately $3 billion. 2. Urea offtake recorded a significant increase compared to the previous year. 3. Liquid foreign exchange reserves held by the State Bank of Pakistan stood at $16.3 billion. 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 2 is incorrect because urea offtake actually fell by 28 percent year-on-year, reaching the lowest monthly level recorded. Statements 1 and 3 are factually accurate based on the reported economic data. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979645/stocks-nosedive-63pc-in-jittery-week-on-geopolitical-concerns, 08 Mar 2026]
#916
According to the RBI chief, how much capital has been attracted by the dollar-mobilization schemes announced in June 2026?
(a) Nearly $15 billion
(b) Nearly $25 billion
(c) Nearly $32 billion
(d) Nearly $40 billion
Explanation: RBI chief Sanjay Malhotra confirmed that the dollar-mobilization schemes have successfully attracted nearly $32 billion in inflows as of July 2026. This liquidity helps the central bank manage currency volatility. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431960/indian-rupee-set-to-rally-after-crude-drops-on-mideast-respite-rbi-led-inflows-build, 27 Jul 2026]
#917
As of July 27, 2026, what is the primary factor contributing to the expected strengthening of the Indian rupee alongside RBI-led inflows?
(a) A significant decline in global crude oil prices
(b) An increase in domestic interest rates by the central bank
(c) A surge in foreign direct investment in the manufacturing sector
(d) None of these
Explanation: The decline in Brent crude prices, which fell to $93.02, reduces India's import bill, thereby supporting the rupee. RBI-led inflows are the secondary factor mentioned, making option A the correct primary driver. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431960/indian-rupee-set-to-rally-after-crude-drops-on-mideast-respite-rbi-led-inflows-build, 27 Jul 2026]
#918
Consider the following statements about the Indian economic context on July 27, 2026: 1. The recent decline in oil prices is linked to a temporary de-escalation in US-Iran tensions. 2. The RBI's dollar-mobilization schemes have attracted more capital than initial market expectations. 3. India's heavy reliance on crude imports makes its currency highly sensitive to global oil price volatility. 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 correct: the oil price drop is tied to the US-Iran pause, the $32 billion inflow exceeded expectations, and India's import dependency is a well-documented structural vulnerability for the rupee. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431960/indian-rupee-set-to-rally-after-crude-drops-on-mideast-respite-rbi-led-inflows-build, 27 Jul 2026]
#919
What is the total projected external debt servicing for Pakistan in the fiscal year 2026-27?
(a) $21.5 billion
(b) $18.0 billion
(c) $26.5 billion
(d) $44.0 billion
Explanation: The SBP Governor announced that the total external debt servicing for FY27 is projected at $21.5 billion. This is a decrease from the $26.5 billion paid in the previous fiscal year. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40432030/pakistans-fy27-external-debt-servicing-projected-at-215bn-sbp-governor, 27 Jul 2026]
#920
Consider the following statements about Pakistan's external debt management for FY27: 1. The total external debt servicing requirement is lower than that of FY26. 2. Approximately $10-11 billion of the principal debt is expected to be rolled over or refinanced. 3. The SBP Governor reported that $6 billion of the total debt servicing was already settled by the end of 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: All three statements are factually accurate based on the SBP Governor's briefing. The total debt servicing decreased from $26.5 billion in FY26 to $21.5 billion in FY27, with $6 billion already settled in July 2026. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40432030/pakistans-fy27-external-debt-servicing-projected-at-215bn-sbp-governor, 27 Jul 2026]