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.
#12921
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]
#12922
During the visit to Shanghai on 2026-07-16, the Pakistani delegation reaffirmed commitment to high-quality development under which framework?
(a) CPEC 2.0
(b) CPEC 1.0
(c) Belt and Road Initiative
(d) Global Development Initiative
Explanation: The Foreign Office confirmed that the leaders underscored the importance of advancing high-quality development specifically under CPEC 2.0. CPEC 1.0 refers to the earlier phase of the project. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2015858/pakistan-becomes-founding-member-of-world-artificial-intelligence-cooperation-organisation, 16 Jul 2026]
#12923
The Virtual Assets Act 2026 mandates that the licensing and supervision of virtual asset activities in Pakistan are the responsibility of which body?
(a) Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan
(b) Federal Board of Revenue
(c) State Bank of Pakistan
(d) Pakistan Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority
Explanation: The Virtual Assets Act 2026 explicitly designates the PVARA as the statutory authority for the regulation and oversight of virtual assets. While the State Bank of Pakistan is involved in policy changes, the specific regulatory mandate belongs to the PVARA. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1996695/pm-shehbaz-says-regulatory-system-for-virtual-assets-should-be-operationalised-at-the-earliest, 01 May 2026]
#12924
Consider the following statements about the regulatory developments for virtual assets in Pakistan: 1. The Virtual Assets Act 2026 provides the legal basis for the PVARA to act as a statutory regulator. 2. The PVARA has introduced a regulatory sandbox to facilitate innovation in virtual asset services. 3. All pilot projects involving virtual assets are exempt from prior authorization requirements. 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 they reflect the legal framework and the operational tools (regulatory sandbox) mentioned in the policy. Statement 3 is incorrect because the authority explicitly stated that any pilot involving virtual assets requires prior authorization. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1996695/pm-shehbaz-says-regulatory-system-for-virtual-assets-should-be-operationalised-at-the-earliest, 01 May 2026]
#12925
The maintenance work on the PTCL submarine cable is expected to conclude by which date in 2026?
(a) April 18
(b) April 22
(c) April 20
(d) April 25
Explanation: PTCL announced that the maintenance work, which begins on April 14, 2026, is scheduled to last until April 20, 2026. This period is intended to address necessary repairs to ensure network stability. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1991416/ptcl-says-repair-work-on-submarine-cable-to-begin-from-tuesday-internet-users-may-face-service-degradation-in-evening-hours, 13 Apr 2026]
#12926
Consider the following statements about the visit of the Pakistani delegation to China on 2026-07-16: 1. Ishaq Dar held a bilateral meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. 2. Pakistan joined WAICO as a founding member. 3. The visit included participation in the World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) 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 correct. Ishaq Dar met with Wang Yi, Pakistan became a founding member of WAICO, and the delegation participated in the WAIC 2026. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2015858/pakistan-becomes-founding-member-of-world-artificial-intelligence-cooperation-organisation, 16 Jul 2026]
#12927
Which federal minister attended the meeting between the Prime Minister and the Chief Minister of Gilgit-Baltistan on July 21, 2026?
(a) Ahsan Iqbal
(b) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari
(c) Rana Sanaullah
(d) None of these
Explanation: Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal was present at the meeting alongside the Deputy Prime Minister and the Minister for Economic Affairs. The other individuals listed were not reported as attendees of this specific meeting. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017241/centre-committed-to-working-closely-with-gb-government-pm-tells-cm-amjad-hussain, 21 Jul 2026]
#12928
Who was elected as the Chief Minister of Gilgit-Baltistan in June 2026?
(a) Amjad Hussain
(b) Bilal Yaseen
(c) Ahad Khan Cheema
(d) None of these
Explanation: Advocate Amjad Hussain was elected unopposed as the Chief Minister of Gilgit-Baltistan on June 22, 2026. The other names listed are either federal ministers or provincial officials not holding this specific office. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017241/centre-committed-to-working-closely-with-gb-government-pm-tells-cm-amjad-hussain, 21 Jul 2026]
#12929
Consider the following statements regarding the energy sector meeting held on May 2, 2026: 1. The Prime Minister directed authorities to prioritize relief for both industrial and domestic consumers. 2. The government is exploring the use of advanced technology to enhance digital facilities for bill payments. 3. The meeting concluded with a decision to immediately abolish all fixed charges on electricity bills. 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 they reflect the Prime Minister's directives on consumer relief and digital modernization. Statement 3 is incorrect because the government did not announce the abolition of fixed charges, despite public suggestions. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1996962/pm-shehbaz-orders-formulation-of-strategy-to-stabilise-electricity-tariffs, 02 May 2026]
#12930
Who currently serves as the Minister for Power in the federal cabinet as of May 2, 2026?
(a) Ahad Khan Cheema
(b) Sardar Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari
(c) Ali Pervaiz Malik
(d) Attaullah Tarar
Explanation: Sardar Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari is the Minister for Power. The other individuals listed hold different portfolios, such as Economic Affairs, Petroleum, and Information and Broadcasting. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1996962/pm-shehbaz-orders-formulation-of-strategy-to-stabilise-electricity-tariffs, 02 May 2026]
#12931
Consider the following statements about the political and administrative developments in Gilgit-Baltistan as of July 2026: 1. The PPP formed the government in Gilgit-Baltistan with the support of the PML-N. 2. The Chief Minister of Gilgit-Baltistan was elected by the regional assembly on June 22, 2026. 3. The federal government has committed to establishing knowledge schools in the region. 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. The PPP-PML-N coalition in GB mirrors the federal arrangement, the election occurred on the specified date, and the establishment of knowledge schools is a confirmed federal priority. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017241/centre-committed-to-working-closely-with-gb-government-pm-tells-cm-amjad-hussain, 21 Jul 2026]
#12932
All of the following factors contributed to the volatility of oil prices in March 2026 EXCEPT:
(a) Supply cuts by Saudi Arabia and other producers
(b) A permanent global transition to renewable energy sources
(c) Concerns regarding disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz
(d) Diplomatic proposals aimed at a settlement to the war
Explanation: The market volatility in March 2026 was driven by immediate geopolitical tensions and supply chain concerns, not by a long-term transition to renewable energy. The other three options are direct factors that influenced the price fluctuations described. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980727/oil-plunges-15pc-amid-hopes-of-de-escalation, 11 Mar 2026]
#12933
Which organization hosted the regional symposium on 'Space4Climate' in Peshawar on July 24, 2026?
(a) Pakistan Meteorological Department
(b) Global Change Impact Studies Centre
(c) National Disaster Management Authority
(d) Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission
Explanation: The symposium was hosted by SUPARCO through its Space Applications Centre for Climate Sciences (SACCS). The other organizations listed are relevant to climate or disaster management but were not the primary hosts of this specific initiative. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431524/space4climate-services-experts-call-for-institutional-adaptation, 24 Jul 2026]
#12934
From which facility was the Vikram-1 rocket launched on July 18, 2026?
(a) Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre
(b) Satish Dhawan Space Centre
(c) Thumba Equatorial Rocket Launching Station
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Vikram-1 rocket was launched from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre located in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. The other options represent different Indian space facilities not involved in this specific mission. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016450/indias-skyroot-launches-vikram-1-in-first-private-orbital-rocket-mission, 18 Jul 2026]
#12935
Consider the following statements about the Indian space sector: 1. The Indian government opened the space sector to private investment in 2020. 2. Skyroot Aerospace achieved a $1 billion valuation in 2026. 3. The Vikram-S mission in 2022 was the first privately developed rocket to reach space from Indian soil. 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. The sector was liberalized in 2020, Skyroot reached the unicorn valuation threshold in 2026, and the Vikram-S mission was indeed the first private suborbital flight from India. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016450/indias-skyroot-launches-vikram-1-in-first-private-orbital-rocket-mission, 18 Jul 2026]
#12936
Consider the following statements about the astronomical forecast for Eidul Fitr 2026: 1. The Pakistan Meteorological Department predicted that Ramazan would likely last 30 days. 2. The new moon of Shawwal 1447 AH was expected to be born on March 19, 2026. 3. Suparco confirmed that the sighting of the crescent was guaranteed on March 19, 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 correct based on the provided data. Statement 3 is incorrect because Suparco explicitly stated that the chances of sighting the crescent on March 19 were low, not guaranteed. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980975/eidul-fitr-likely-to-fall-on-march-21-suparco, 11 Mar 2026]
#12937
What was the estimated age of the new moon at the time of sunset on March 19, 2026, according to Suparco?
(a) 12 hours and 41 minutes
(b) 10 hours and 20 minutes
(c) 14 hours and 15 minutes
(d) 16 hours and 30 minutes
Explanation: Suparco's technical assessment determined the age of the moon to be approximately 12 hours and 41 minutes at sunset on March 19, 2026. This age was considered insufficient for reliable sighting under standard conditions. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980975/eidul-fitr-likely-to-fall-on-march-21-suparco, 11 Mar 2026]
#12938
Which of the following statements regarding the 2026 Shawwal moon sighting is INCORRECT?
(a) The new moon was expected to be born on March 19, 2026.
(b) Suparco predicted the chances of sighting the crescent on March 19 were low.
(c) The Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee is not required to consider witness testimonies.
(d) The estimated interval between sunset and moonset was 28 minutes.
Explanation: The statement that the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee is not required to consider witness testimonies is false. The committee is explicitly mandated to make decisions based on credible witness testimonies and verified observations. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980975/eidul-fitr-likely-to-fall-on-march-21-suparco, 11 Mar 2026]
#12939
According to the 2026 astronomical forecast, on what date was the new moon of Shawwal 1447 AH expected to be born?
(a) March 17, 2026
(b) March 18, 2026
(c) March 19, 2026
(d) None of these
Explanation: The astronomical analysis stated that the new moon of Shawwal 1447 AH was expected to be born on March 19, 2026, at 6:23 am. This timing is critical for determining the visibility of the crescent at sunset on the same day. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980975/eidul-fitr-likely-to-fall-on-march-21-suparco, 11 Mar 2026]
#12940
In the context of the 2026 regional security situation, which of the following has been targeted by retaliatory strikes in the Middle East?
(a) Public healthcare hospitals
(b) Agricultural research centers
(c) Educational universities
(d) Energy installations
Explanation: The regional conflict has involved strikes against critical infrastructure, specifically including energy installations, airports, and military bases. Agricultural and educational facilities are not cited as primary targets in this security context. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1983459/saudi-arabia-to-celebrate-eidul-fitr-on-friday, 18 Mar 2026]