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.
#12161
On April 27, 2026, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting refuted claims that Pakistan targeted which university in Afghanistan's Kunar province?
(a) Kabul University
(b) Sayed Jamaluddin Afghani University
(c) Balkh University
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting explicitly denied reports alleging strikes on the Sayed Jamaluddin Afghani University. Other universities listed are prominent Afghan institutions but were not the subject of the specific false claims addressed by the Ministry. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1995552/info-ministry-rubbishes-reports-of-pakistan-targeting-varsity-residential-areas-in-afghanistans-kunar, 27 Apr 2026]
#12162
Consider the following statements about the security situation between Pakistan and Afghanistan as of April 2026: 1. Pakistan has repeatedly urged the Afghan Taliban to dismantle TTP sanctuaries on its soil. 2. Operation Ghazab lil-Haq was initiated in response to unprovoked cross-border attacks by the Afghan Taliban. 3. The Pakistani government maintains that its military actions are conducted without prior declaration or public ownership. 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 Ministry's stance. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Ministry explicitly stated that whenever Pakistan strikes terror infrastructure, it is 'well declared, fully owned and backed by precise evidence'. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1995552/info-ministry-rubbishes-reports-of-pakistan-targeting-varsity-residential-areas-in-afghanistans-kunar, 27 Apr 2026]
#12163
Consider the following statements about the weather forecast issued on April 5, 2026: 1. The PMD warned of potential landslides in the Galiyat region on April 7 and 8. 2. Standing crops in Punjab, Sindh, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa were identified as being at risk from hailstorms. 3. Widespread rain was predicted for the entire province of Sindh on April 6. 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 PMD warned of landslides in Galiyat for April 7-8. Statement 2 is correct as the PMD explicitly mentioned risks to standing crops in those three provinces. Statement 3 is incorrect because the forecast predicted only scattered rain for Sindh, not widespread rain for the entire province. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1988866/met-office-forecasts-widespread-rain-thunderstorms-in-parts-of-balochistan-kp-punjab-on-monday, 05 Apr 2026]
#12164
Consider the following statements about the situation in the West Bank as of July 2026: 1. The United Nations has reported a sharp increase in violence attributed to Israeli settlers since October 2023. 2. The total number of settlements established under Bezalel Smotrich's four-year tenure is planned to reach 103. 3. International conventions generally view the construction of settlements in occupied territories as illegal. 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 provided report. The UN has documented rising settler violence, the settlement expansion plan is linked to Smotrich's tenure, and the international legal consensus classifies these settlements as illegal. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016519/palestinian-teen-footballer-dies-after-being-shot-during-settler-attack-in-occupied-west-bank, 18 Jul 2026]
#12165
The IMF executive board meeting scheduled for May 8, 2026, is expected to approve a disbursement of approximately how much for Pakistan?
(a) $5.0 billion
(b) $2.5 billion
(c) $3.0 billion
(d) $1.2 billion
Explanation: The IMF board meeting in May 2026 is convened to approve a disbursement of more than $1.2 billion. This is a critical component of the ongoing structural adjustment program. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1996451/govt-hikes-petrol-price-by-rs6-diesel-by-rs19, 30 Apr 2026]
#12166
Which of the following statements regarding the fuel price adjustment announced on April 30, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The price of petrol was increased by Rs6.51 per litre.
(b) The Petroleum Division confirmed that petrol stations would close from May 1 to May 5.
(c) The new prices were scheduled to become effective from May 1, 2026.
(d) The government aims to keep the primary balance target sacrosanct.
Explanation: The Petroleum Division and the All Pakistan Petrol Pump Owners Association explicitly refuted reports of petrol station closures or strikes. Options A, B, and D are factually accurate statements. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1996451/govt-hikes-petrol-price-by-rs6-diesel-by-rs19, 30 Apr 2026]
#12167
Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to visit New York City in September 2026 for which major event?
(a) The 81st session of the UN General Assembly
(b) The G20 Summit
(c) The World Economic Forum
(d) The NATO Leaders' Summit
Explanation: The UN General Assembly is held annually in New York City, and the 81st session is scheduled for 2026. The other listed summits are held in different global locations and are not the reason for the Prime Minister's anticipated visit to New York. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016505/netanyahu-belongs-in-the-hague-nyc-mayor-mamdani-mulls-whether-he-can-order-israeli-pms-arrest, 18 Jul 2026]
#12168
Following the price reduction announced on June 19, 2026, what is the new ex-depot price of petrol per litre?
(a) Rs299.78
(b) Rs311.78
(c) Rs373.78
(d) Rs378.78
Explanation: The new price of petrol was set at Rs299.78 per litre following the Rs74 reduction. Rs311.78 is the new price for high-speed diesel. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2009236/pm-shehbaz-announces-reduction-in-prices-of-petrol-by-rs74-diesel-by-rs67, 19 Jun 2026]
#12169
Which of the following statements regarding the fuel price adjustments in 2026 is INCORRECT?
(a) The government began revising petroleum prices every week on Friday night during the crisis.
(b) The price of petrol was reduced by Rs74 per litre in the June 19, 2026 announcement.
(c) High-speed diesel is primarily used in the heavy transport sector and power plants.
(d) The government maintained a policy of keeping fuel prices fixed for six months regardless of international market trends.
Explanation: The government did not maintain fixed prices; instead, it revised prices weekly on Friday nights to reflect global market volatility. The other statements are factually accurate according to the provided information. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2009236/pm-shehbaz-announces-reduction-in-prices-of-petrol-by-rs74-diesel-by-rs67, 19 Jun 2026]
#12170
Consider the following statements about the fuel price situation in 2026: 1. The peak prices for both petrol and diesel were recorded on April 3, 2026. 2. The government reduced the petroleum levy by Rs80 per litre in April 2026 to provide immediate relief. 3. The June 19, 2026, price reduction was attributed to the restoration of energy shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. 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 correct. The peak occurred on April 3, the levy was slashed by Rs80 to provide relief, and the June reduction was linked to the easing of tensions and the restoration of shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2009236/pm-shehbaz-announces-reduction-in-prices-of-petrol-by-rs74-diesel-by-rs67, 19 Jun 2026]
#12171
Which index serves as the benchmark for China's large-cap stocks mentioned in the context of the July 27, 2026 market performance?
(a) CSI300 Index
(b) Hang Seng Index
(c) Nikkei 225 Index
(d) KSE100 Index
Explanation: The CSI300 Index is the primary benchmark for large-cap stocks in China. The Hang Seng and Nikkei are indices for Hong Kong and Japan, respectively, while the KSE100 is the benchmark for the Pakistan Stock Exchange. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431979/china-stocks-rise-as-cxmts-debut-surge-revives-interest-in-battered-shares, 27 Jul 2026]
#12172
Who served as the primary mediator for the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding signed on June 18, 2026?
(a) United Nations
(b) Pakistan
(c) European Union
(d) None of these
Explanation: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif acted as the mediator for the agreement between the United States and Iran. The deal was signed in Islamabad, with Pakistan playing a critical role in facilitating the 14-point peace framework. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2008902/landmark-islamabad-mou-to-go-a-long-way-in-rebuilding-iran-pm-shehbaz-tells-pezeshkian, 18 Jun 2026]
#12173
Which of the following is NOT a provision included in the Islamabad MoU signed on June 18, 2026?
(a) Immediate cessation of all Iranian military activities in the region
(b) Lifting of the US blockade on Iranian ports
(c) Reopening of the Strait of Hormuz
(d) Waiver of oil sanctions crippling the Iranian economy
Explanation: The agreement focuses on ending the war, reopening the Strait of Hormuz, and lifting economic sanctions. There is no provision in the text regarding a total cessation of all Iranian military activities, making the incorrect statement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2008902/landmark-islamabad-mou-to-go-a-long-way-in-rebuilding-iran-pm-shehbaz-tells-pezeshkian, 18 Jun 2026]
#12174
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]
#12175
Following its debut on July 27, 2026, CXMT Corp became the largest China-listed company by market capitalization, surpassing which of the following institutions?
(a) Industrial and Commercial Bank of China
(b) Bank of China
(c) China Construction Bank
(d) None of these
Explanation: CXMT Corp's market valuation exceeded 3 trillion yuan, allowing it to surpass the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China in market capitalization. The other options are major Chinese banks but were not the specific entity cited as being dwarfed by the new listing. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431979/china-stocks-rise-as-cxmts-debut-surge-revives-interest-in-battered-shares, 27 Jul 2026]
#12176
According to security sources on March 30, 2026, what is the primary objective behind India's alleged plan to use Pakistani prisoners in a false flag operation?
(a) To facilitate a prisoner exchange program
(b) To divert attention from diplomatic humiliation
(c) To conduct a joint border security exercise
(d) None of these
Explanation: Security sources indicate that the operation is intended to cover up India's diplomatic failures and divert public attention away from Pakistan. Option A is incorrect as there is no mention of a prisoner exchange, and option C is factually inconsistent with the nature of a false flag operation. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1986909/india-planning-false-flag-operation-using-pakistani-prisoners-security-sources, 30 Mar 2026]
#12177
On July 18, 2026, which New York City official stated he was consulting the Law Department regarding the potential arrest of Benjamin Netanyahu?
(a) Eric Adams
(b) Zohran Mamdani
(c) Bill de Blasio
(d) None of these
Explanation: Zohran Mamdani is the current Mayor of New York City who publicly discussed the legal feasibility of arresting the Israeli Prime Minister. Eric Adams and Bill de Blasio are former mayors and are not involved in this specific 2026 legal review. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016505/netanyahu-belongs-in-the-hague-nyc-mayor-mamdani-mulls-whether-he-can-order-israeli-pms-arrest, 18 Jul 2026]
#12178
The recent exchange of attacks between Israel and Iran in June 2026 followed an Israeli airstrike on which specific location?
(a) Tehran city center
(b) Strait of Hormuz
(c) Beaufort Castle
(d) Southern suburbs of Beirut
Explanation: The hostilities were triggered by an Israeli airstrike on the southern suburbs of Beirut. Beaufort Castle is a historic site mentioned in the context of Israeli operations in Lebanon, but it was not the target of the specific airstrike that prompted the Iranian retaliation. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2006144/give-peace-a-little-more-chance-pm-shehbaz-calls-for-restraint-after-israel-iran-exchange-attacks, 08 Jun 2026]
#12179
Which global geopolitical event was primarily responsible for the energy crunch and subsequent fuel price hikes in Pakistan during early 2026?
(a) The Suez Canal blockage
(b) The Panama Canal drought
(c) The Strait of Hormuz blockade
(d) The Black Sea grain initiative collapse
Explanation: The energy crunch was driven by the US-Iran war and the resulting blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, which disrupted global oil shipping. The other options refer to different global logistical or geopolitical issues not cited as the cause of the 2026 fuel crisis. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2009236/pm-shehbaz-announces-reduction-in-prices-of-petrol-by-rs74-diesel-by-rs67, 19 Jun 2026]
#12180
Consider the following statements about the political situation involving Benjamin Netanyahu and NYC: 1. Benjamin Netanyahu faces an election scheduled for October 2026. 2. Danny Danon serves as Israel’s ambassador to the United Nations. 3. Mayor Mamdani has previously condemned Hamas as a terrorist organization. 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 provided information. Netanyahu faces an election in October 2026, Danny Danon is the Israeli UN ambassador, and Mayor Mamdani has publicly labeled Hamas a terrorist organization despite his criticism of Israeli policy. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016505/netanyahu-belongs-in-the-hague-nyc-mayor-mamdani-mulls-whether-he-can-order-israeli-pms-arrest, 18 Jul 2026]