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.
#981
What is the targeted GDP growth rate for Pakistan in the fiscal year 2026-27?
(a) 3.5 percent
(b) 5.0 percent
(c) 4.5 percent
(d) 4.0 percent
Explanation: The government has set a GDP growth target of 4 percent for the fiscal year 2026-27 as part of its economic stabilization and growth strategy. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2007374/finmin-aurangzeb-says-govt-committed-to-reducing-tax-burden-by-widening-tax-net, 12 Jun 2026]
#982
What is the total size of the federal budget unveiled for the fiscal year 2026-27?
(a) Rs 15.5 trillion
(b) Rs 18.8 trillion
(c) Rs 20.2 trillion
(d) None of these
Explanation: The federal budget for the fiscal year 2026-27 was announced at Rs 18.8 trillion. This figure represents the government's primary fiscal planning document for the upcoming year. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2007374/finmin-aurangzeb-says-govt-committed-to-reducing-tax-burden-by-widening-tax-net, 12 Jun 2026]
#983
Which of the following is NOT a stated concern or position of the PPP regarding the upcoming 2026-27 budget?
(a) Support for immediate reduction in development spending
(b) Preference for a broader tax base over taxing the existing base
(c) Dissatisfaction with the budget in its current form
(d) Opposition to the imposition of new taxes
Explanation: The PPP emphasized the need for development spending and inclusive growth, rather than supporting a reduction in such expenditures. The other three options accurately reflect the party's stated positions during the consultations. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2004970/another-meeting-expected-as-pml-n-ppp-continue-budget-discussions-ahead-of-june-10-presentation, 03 Jun 2026]
#984
Consider the following statements about the 2026-27 budget consultations: 1. The consultations were influenced by new fiscal demands from the IMF. 2. The FBR Chairman participated in the discussions regarding tax measures. 3. The budget presentation date was finalized as June 10, 2026, by the Prime Minister alone without coalition input. 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 IMF demands were a central topic and the FBR Chairman was present. Statement 3 is incorrect because the date was decided through a unanimous recommendation by the coalition partners to the Prime Minister. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2004970/another-meeting-expected-as-pml-n-ppp-continue-budget-discussions-ahead-of-june-10-presentation, 03 Jun 2026]
#985
On what date is the federal budget for the fiscal year 2026-27 scheduled to be presented in the National Assembly?
(a) June 07, 2026
(b) June 10, 2026
(c) June 15, 2026
(d) June 20, 2026
Explanation: The government and coalition partners officially agreed to recommend that the budget be tabled on June 10, 2026. Other dates provided are distractors related to the surrounding political timeline. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2004970/another-meeting-expected-as-pml-n-ppp-continue-budget-discussions-ahead-of-june-10-presentation, 03 Jun 2026]
#986
Who currently serves as the Finance Minister of Pakistan involved in the 2026-27 budget consultations?
(a) Ishaq Dar
(b) Muhammad Aurangzeb
(c) Bilal Azhar Kayani
(d) None of these
Explanation: Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb is the incumbent Finance Minister. Ishaq Dar serves as the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, while Bilal Azhar Kayani is a Minister of State. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2004970/another-meeting-expected-as-pml-n-ppp-continue-budget-discussions-ahead-of-june-10-presentation, 03 Jun 2026]
#987
Which sector recorded a growth rate of 4.09pc in the fiscal year 2026?
(a) Services sector
(b) Industrial sector
(c) Agriculture sector
(d) Mining and quarrying sector
Explanation: The services sector recorded a growth of 4.09 percent during FY2026. The agriculture and industrial sectors recorded growth rates of 2.89 percent and 3.51 percent, respectively. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2006877/economy-grows-37pc-in-fy26-fastest-in-four-years-but-short-of-target, 11 Jun 2026]
#988
In the context of the 2026-27 budget preparations, which body is responsible for coordinating economic policies between the federal and provincial governments?
(a) National Finance Commission
(b) Economic Coordination Committee
(c) Council of Common Interests
(d) National Economic Council
Explanation: The National Economic Council (NEC) is the constitutional body responsible for reviewing the overall economic condition of the country and coordinating economic policies between the federal and provincial governments. While the NFC Award deals with revenue distribution, the NEC is the primary body for development budget oversight. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2006413/president-zardari-summons-na-senate-sessions-on-june-10, 09 Jun 2026]
#989
The National Assembly session summoned by President Zardari on June 10, 2026, was identified as which session of the 16th National Assembly?
(a) 26th session
(b) 27th session
(c) 28th session
(d) None of these
Explanation: The official notification issued by the presidency confirmed that the session convened on June 10, 2026, was the 28th session of the 16th National Assembly. The other options are incorrect as they do not align with the official parliamentary record for that date. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2006413/president-zardari-summons-na-senate-sessions-on-june-10, 09 Jun 2026]
#990
Consider the following statements about the economic indicators of Pakistan in FY2026: 1. The GDP growth rate of 3.7pc is the highest recorded in the past four years. 2. The electricity, gas, and water supply industry experienced contraction during the fiscal year. 3. Large-scale manufacturing (LSM) recorded a decline of 6.1pc during the period. 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 3.7 percent is the highest growth in four years. Statement 2 is correct because the electricity, gas, and water supply industry contracted due to subsidy declines. Statement 3 is incorrect because LSM actually saw a rebound of 6.1 percent, not a decline. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2006877/economy-grows-37pc-in-fy26-fastest-in-four-years-but-short-of-target, 11 Jun 2026]
#991
Who is the current Finance Minister of Pakistan responsible for presenting the federal budget for FY2026-27?
(a) Ishaq Dar
(b) Muhammad Aurangzeb
(c) Shaukat Tarin
(d) None of these
Explanation: Muhammad Aurangzeb is the incumbent Finance Minister tasked with presenting the federal budget. Ishaq Dar and Shaukat Tarin are former finance ministers and serve as incorrect distractors. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2006648/finance-minister-aurangzeb-to-present-budget-for-fy2026-27-on-june-12, 10 Jun 2026]
#992
Consider the following statements about the parliamentary sessions summoned in June 2026: 1. The President summoned both the National Assembly and the Senate to meet on June 10, 2026. 2. The federal budget for the fiscal year 2026-27 was scheduled to be presented in Parliament on June 10, 2026. 3. The National Economic Council meeting was postponed multiple times prior to the budget 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: Statement 1 is correct as both houses were summoned for June 10. Statement 2 is incorrect because, while the sessions were summoned on June 10, the budget presentation was expected on June 12. Statement 3 is correct as the NEC meeting faced multiple postponements due to negotiations over provincial shares. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2006413/president-zardari-summons-na-senate-sessions-on-june-10, 09 Jun 2026]
#993
Consider the following statements about the federal budget for FY2026-27: 1. The budget presentation is scheduled for June 12, 2026. 2. Provincial shares from the federal divisible pool are proposed to be increased significantly. 3. The government aims to cover an estimated Rs800 billion revenue shortfall.
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) All three
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct regarding the date. Statement 3 is correct regarding the revenue shortfall. Statement 2 is incorrect because the agreement stipulates that provincial shares will remain frozen at the current fiscal year's position. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2006648/finance-minister-aurangzeb-to-present-budget-for-fy2026-27-on-june-12, 10 Jun 2026]
#994
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]
#995
Consider the following statements about Pakistan's economic outlook for 2026: 1. The government expects inflationary pressures to ease due to the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. 2. The size of the national economy reached 452.1 billion dollars by the end of the fiscal year. 3. The consumer price index (CPI) inflation for June 2026 was recorded at 15 percent. 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 Ministry of Finance report. Statement 3 is incorrect because the ministry anticipated June inflation to remain within the range of 11-12 percent, not 15 percent. [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]
#996
The primary surplus achieved by Pakistan during the period of July 2025 to April 2026 was:
(a) 3.5 percent of GDP
(b) 3.0 percent of GDP
(c) 2.5 percent of GDP
(d) 4.0 percent of GDP
Explanation: Effective expenditure management and revenue mobilization efforts enabled the government to achieve a primary surplus of 3.5 percent of GDP during the Jul-Apr period of the 2026 fiscal year. [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]
#997
According to the Ministry of Finance, the current account recorded a surplus of how much during the period of July 2025 to May 2026?
(a) 155 million dollars
(b) 255 million dollars
(c) 355 million dollars
(d) None of these
Explanation: The external sector remained stable, with the current account recording a surplus of 255 million dollars during the Jul-May period of the 2026 fiscal year, supported by remittances and IT exports. [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]
#998
What was the real GDP growth rate of Pakistan for the fiscal year ending in 2026?
(a) 2.7 percent
(b) 5.7 percent
(c) 4.7 percent
(d) 3.7 percent
Explanation: The Ministry of Finance reported that real GDP growth reached 3.7 percent, marking the highest growth rate in four years. This figure reflects the broad-based recovery across the agriculture, industry, and services sectors. [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]
#999
All of the following are cited as factors contributing to Pakistan's economic stability in 2026 EXCEPT:
(a) Record workers' remittances
(b) Increased reliance on foreign grants
(c) Expansion in large-scale manufacturing
(d) Continued growth in IT exports
Explanation: The government emphasizes fiscal discipline, remittances, and IT exports as drivers of stability. Reliance on foreign grants is not cited as a primary pillar of the current economic outlook. [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]
#1000
Who was appointed as the Commander of the National Strategic Command (NSC) on July 24, 2026?
(a) General Sahir Shamshad Mirza
(b) General Aamer Raza
(c) General Asim Munir
(d) None of these
Explanation: General Aamer Raza was promoted to the rank of four-star general and appointed as the Commander of the National Strategic Command. General Sahir Shamshad Mirza is the incorrect choice as he was the last officer to serve as the Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee before that office was abolished. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431733/lt-gen-aamer-promoted-appointed-as-commander-nsc, 24 Jul 2026]