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.
#12481
Who was appointed as the new Supreme Leader of Iran following the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in 2026?
(a) Mojtaba Khamenei
(b) Ali Larijani
(c) Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf
(d) Yousef Pezeshkian
Explanation: Mojtaba Khamenei was named the new Supreme Leader by the Assembly of Experts following the assassination of his father. Ali Larijani and Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf are mentioned as figures expected to handle government and military affairs, respectively, rather than the supreme leadership. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980913/irans-new-supreme-leader-injured-but-safe-says-presidents-son, 11 Mar 2026]
#12482
The initial air strike that resulted in the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei occurred on which date in 2026?
(a) March 11
(b) February 28
(c) March 10
(d) August 12
Explanation: The air strike that killed the former Supreme Leader and his family members took place on February 28, 2026. March 11 is the date of the report regarding the current leader's status. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980913/irans-new-supreme-leader-injured-but-safe-says-presidents-son, 11 Mar 2026]
#12483
Which of the following statements regarding the market conditions on July 27, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) Dubai’s benchmark index rose by 1%.
(b) Oil prices fell to a one-week low of $89.23 a barrel.
(c) Saudi Arabia’s benchmark index closed with significant gains.
(d) Abu Dhabi’s index gained 0.2%.
Explanation: The Saudi Arabian benchmark index closed flat, not with significant gains, due to the tug-of-war between diplomatic hopes and security concerns. The other statements accurately reflect the market data provided. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40432018/gulf-stocks-advance-on-iran-de-escalation-hopes-saudi-ends-flat-after-oil-site-attacks, 27 Jul 2026]
#12484
Consider the following statements about the capital market reforms discussed on March 11, 2026: 1. The reforms aim to mobilize long-term domestic savings for private sector investment. 2. The Finance Minister suggested that Pakistan should ignore international experiences to focus solely on local models. 3. Strengthening market-making mechanisms is considered essential for improving investor confidence. 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 3 are correct as they reflect the government's strategy to mobilize savings and improve market infrastructure. Statement 2 is incorrect because the Finance Minister explicitly directed institutions to review and adapt best practices from international and regional markets. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980943/finance-minister-stresses-more-balanced-system-where-capital-markets-complement-banking-sector, 11 Mar 2026]
#12485
Consider the following statements about the transition of power in Iran in 2026: 1. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) pledged allegiance to the new Supreme Leader. 2. Analysts expect the new leader to delegate significant government and war-related responsibilities to other officials. 3. The United States government officially recognized the legitimacy of the new Supreme Leader immediately upon his appointment.
(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 IRGC pledged support and analysts expect delegation of duties. Statement 3 is incorrect because the US President explicitly warned that the new leader would be 'unacceptable' without US approval. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980913/irans-new-supreme-leader-injured-but-safe-says-presidents-son, 11 Mar 2026]
#12486
The opposition party, led by Imran Khan, scheduled protests for August 5, 2026, to mark the anniversary of what event?
(a) The dissolution of the National Assembly
(b) The incarceration of its leader
(c) The passage of the 26th Amendment
(d) The start of the lawyers' movement
Explanation: The protests were planned to mark three years since the imprisonment of the PTI leader. This date serves as a focal point for the opposition's mobilization against the current government. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018681/why-coercion-doesnt-work, 27 Jul 2026]
#12487
What was the primary driver for the rise in Gulf equity markets on July 27, 2026?
(a) Record-breaking quarterly earnings across all sectors
(b) Hopes of a diplomatic de-escalation in the U.S.-Iran conflict
(c) A sudden surge in global oil prices above $100 per barrel
(d) None of these
Explanation: The market rally was primarily attributed to investor optimism regarding a potential diplomatic off-ramp in the U.S.-Iran war. Oil prices actually declined to a one-week low, making option C incorrect. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40432018/gulf-stocks-advance-on-iran-de-escalation-hopes-saudi-ends-flat-after-oil-site-attacks, 27 Jul 2026]
#12488
Which Dubai-based developer saw its shares climb by 2% on July 27, 2026?
(a) Aldar Properties
(b) Emaar Properties
(c) Damac Properties
(d) Nakheel Properties
Explanation: Emaar Properties is the blue-chip developer mentioned as having climbed 2% during the session. Aldar Properties is based in Abu Dhabi, not Dubai. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40432018/gulf-stocks-advance-on-iran-de-escalation-hopes-saudi-ends-flat-after-oil-site-attacks, 27 Jul 2026]
#12489
Consider the following statements about the regional market situation on July 27, 2026: 1. The Pentagon paused its 13-night campaign against Iran, contributing to de-escalation hopes. 2. Saudi Aramco facilities in both Jizan and Yanbu were targeted by attacks. 3. Qatar’s benchmark index declined due to poor financial sector performance. 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 report. Statement 3 is incorrect because Qatar's index actually rose, supported by strong earnings in the financial sector. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40432018/gulf-stocks-advance-on-iran-de-escalation-hopes-saudi-ends-flat-after-oil-site-attacks, 27 Jul 2026]
#12490
Who represented the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) during the hearing on July 27, 2026?
(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 during the court proceedings. 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-e-azam-directs-him-to-appear-before-nadra-board, 27 Jul 2026]
#12491
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]
#12492
Which judicial body issued the order to restrain the deportation of the petitioner named Quaid-i-Azam on July 27, 2026?
(a) Peshawar High Court
(b) Supreme Court of Pakistan
(c) Lahore High Court
(d) Islamabad High Court
Explanation: The Peshawar High Court (PHC) bench, comprising Justice Waqar Ahmed and Justice Inamullah Khan, issued the stay order. The other courts listed are distinct judicial entities that were not involved in this specific case. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018808/phc-stops-deportation-of-man-named-quaid-e-azam-directs-him-to-appear-before-nadra-board, 27 Jul 2026]
#12493
Which of the following statements regarding the flood situation in Gilgit-Baltistan as of July 28, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The Astore Valley Road was blocked at Kachak due to river erosion.
(b) The Hushe Valley Road remained open for traffic despite the monsoon floods.
(c) The GBDMA provided water and rations to stranded passengers on the Baltistan Road.
(d) Residents of the Hispar Valley were disconnected following Glacial Lake Outburst Floods.
Explanation: The Hushe Valley Road was explicitly reported as impassable at Rout Longba in the Ghanche district. Therefore, the statement that it remained open is false. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018881/many-stranded-in-gb-for-six-days-as-flood-delays-repairs, 28 Jul 2026]
#12494
Which specific constitutional amendments have been the primary focus of the nationwide lawyers' movement in 2026?
(a) 24th and 25th Amendments
(b) 26th and 27th Amendments
(c) 28th and 29th Amendments
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Lawyers Action Committee has organized protests against the 26th and 27th Constitutional Amendments, arguing that these measures compromise judicial independence. Other options are incorrect as they do not correspond to the specific legislation cited in the current political discourse. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018681/why-coercion-doesnt-work, 27 Jul 2026]
#12495
Consider the following statements about the visit of the US delegation in July 2026: 1. The delegation met with the Governor of Punjab in Lahore. 2. The US congressmen expressed that the bilateral relationship has never been better. 3. The delegation visited the mausoleum of Allama Iqbal during their stay in Islamabad. 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 delegation met the Punjab Governor and Zinke remarked on the strength of the relationship. Statement 3 is incorrect because the mausoleum of Allama Iqbal is located in Lahore, not Islamabad. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018779/in-meeting-with-cdf-munir-us-congressmen-acknowledge-pakistans-critical-role-in-regional-stability-ispr, 27 Jul 2026]
#12496
According to the 2026 UNAIDS report, by what percentage did global funding for HIV initiatives decline in 2025?
(a) 12 percent
(b) 15 percent
(c) 22 percent
(d) 18 percent
Explanation: The UNAIDS report released in 2026 explicitly states that global funding for HIV fell by 18 percent to $7.3 billion in 2025. This represents the lowest level of funding in nearly two decades. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018957/world-risks-hiv-resurgence-as-funding-falls-18pc-unaids-says, 28 Jul 2026]
#12497
Consider the following statements about the security situation in Lakki Marwat: 1. The March 10, 2026, attack was the first time a quadcopter was used in the district. 2. Local police identified the perpetrators as suspected terrorists. 3. Previous quadcopter strikes in the region have targeted public spaces like football grounds. 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 mentions a previous quadcopter strike in the same district approximately one month prior. Statements 2 and 3 are factually accurate based on the provided information. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980622/5-children-injured-in-quadcopter-attack-in-kps-lakki-marwat-officials, 10 Mar 2026]
#12498
Consider the following statements about the 2026 UNAIDS report: 1. The report warns that the world risks a resurgence of the HIV epidemic. 2. National data for Cameroon, Nigeria, and Zambia showed a decline in the number of people receiving PrEP. 3. The report indicates that the global goal to end AIDS by 2030 is currently on track. 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 report's findings regarding the risk of resurgence and the decline in PrEP access in specific African nations. Statement 3 is incorrect because the report explicitly states that the 2030 goal is off track. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018957/world-risks-hiv-resurgence-as-funding-falls-18pc-unaids-says, 28 Jul 2026]
#12499
Which of the following statements regarding the 2026 UNAIDS report is INCORRECT?
(a) Total HIV resources experienced an overall decline of 18 percent in 2025.
(b) The global goal to end AIDS by 2030 is currently off track.
(c) Global funding for HIV fell to $7.3 billion in 2025.
(d) Domestic spending increases partially offset the impact of foreign funding cuts.
Explanation: While international funding fell by 18 percent, the report notes that total HIV resources (including domestic spending) saw an overall decline of only 6 percent. Therefore, stating the total resources declined by 18 percent is factually incorrect. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018957/world-risks-hiv-resurgence-as-funding-falls-18pc-unaids-says, 28 Jul 2026]
#12500
Consider the following statements about the flood-related damages reported in Gilgit-Baltistan on July 28, 2026: 1. A total of 18.2 kilometers of roads were damaged during the monsoon season. 2. The disaster incidents resulted in the death of 73 livestock. 3. The GBDMA Director General ordered the preparation of a permanent housing solution for displaced persons in Ghizer. 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 GBDMA disaster summary and the actions taken by the Director General in the Ghizer district. The report confirms the road damage length, livestock losses, and the directive for permanent housing. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018881/many-stranded-in-gb-for-six-days-as-flood-delays-repairs, 28 Jul 2026]