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.
#13601
As of June 26, 2026, what is the fixed price per litre for petrol in Pakistan?
(a) Rs299.50
(b) Rs311.47
(c) Rs321.17
(d) Rs378.00
Explanation: The government maintained the petrol price at Rs299.50 per litre on June 26, 2026. The figure Rs311.47 represents the price of high-speed diesel, while the other options reflect historical price points. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2011069/govt-keeps-petrol-diesel-prices-unchanged-till-further-orders, 26 Jun 2026]
#13602
Consider the following statements regarding fuel price management in Pakistan: 1. The government currently revises petroleum prices on a weekly basis every Friday night. 2. High-speed diesel is used exclusively for private passenger vehicles. 3. The government announced a reduction in fuel prices in the week preceding June 26, 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: Statement 1 is correct as the government adopted a weekly revision schedule. Statement 3 is correct because the Prime Minister announced a significant reduction in prices the week prior to the June 26 announcement. Statement 2 is incorrect because diesel is primarily used for heavy transport and power generation, not private passenger vehicles. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2011069/govt-keeps-petrol-diesel-prices-unchanged-till-further-orders, 26 Jun 2026]
#13603
Consider the following statements regarding the economic concerns raised by business leaders in March 2026: 1. Business leaders argued that high interest rates discourage capital investment and modernization. 2. The SBP acknowledged a decline in exports alongside an increase in imports as a sign of slowing economic activity. 3. The business community unanimously agreed that the 10.5 percent interest rate was the optimal level for economic stability. 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 concerns regarding investment and the SBP's own assessment of trade data. Statement 3 is incorrect because the business community expressed disappointment and advocated for a rate reduction, showing a lack of consensus on the optimality of the 10.5 percent rate. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980387/high-interest-rate-to-hit-economy-in-war-times-warn-businesses, 10 Mar 2026]
#13604
Consider the following statements regarding the fuel conservation measures issued in March 2026: 1. The directive applies to all offices working under the KP Finance Department. 2. The Prime Minister has directed the finance and petroleum ministers to coordinate with provinces for a conservation strategy. 3. The fuel conservation measures were implemented because the government has no petroleum reserves left. 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 scope of the provincial directive and the federal government's coordination efforts. Statement 3 is incorrect because the government explicitly assured the nation that petroleum reserves were sufficient. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979478/kp-finance-dept-orders-adoption-of-fuel-conservation-measures-due-to-anticipated-disruptions, 07 Mar 2026]
#13605
Which index experienced a decline of almost 19 percent from its all-time highs during July 2026?
(a) Philadelphia SE Semiconductor Index
(b) Nasdaq Composite Index
(c) S&P 500 Technology Index
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Philadelphia SE Semiconductor index faced significant turbulence in July 2026, dropping nearly 19 percent as investors reassessed the sustainability of the AI-driven market rally. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016222/apple-closes-in-on-nvidia-in-race-for-worlds-most-valuable-company, 17 Jul 2026]
#13606
Consider the following statements about the edible oil supply chain in Pakistan as of March 2026: 1. The PVMA has reported a critical shortage of raw materials for ghee production. 2. Maritime supply routes are being monitored due to regional geopolitical tensions. 3. Domestic reserves are projected to cover national demand for the next two months. 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 PVMA explicitly stated there is no shortage of raw materials. Statements 2 and 3 are correct as they align with the association's assessment of regional risks and current stock levels. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980381/no-shortage-of-edible-oil-pvma, 10 Mar 2026]
#13607
Consider the following statements about the diplomatic mediation efforts on May 10, 2026: 1. Pakistan acted as a mediator to convey Iran's response to the US. 2. The US proposal includes a 30-day window for negotiating Iran's nuclear program. 3. The US has completely lifted its naval blockade of Iranian ports. 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 diplomatic developments. Statement 3 is incorrect because the US maintained the broader naval blockade of Iranian ports despite suspending the specific 'Project Freedom' escort plan. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1999181/tehran-sends-response-to-us-peace-proposal-via-pakistan, 10 May 2026]
#13608
In 2026, Pakistan became the 28th permanent member of which international organization?
(a) International Olive Council
(b) International Food Policy Research Institute
(c) World Olive Oil Federation
(d) None of these
Explanation: Pakistan officially joined the International Olive Council in May 2026, becoming the first South Asian country to attain this status. This membership is crucial for aligning domestic production with international quality and trade standards. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018683/harvest-of-hope, 27 Jul 2026]
#13609
Who is the current Petroleum Minister of Pakistan as of March 2026?
(a) Muhammad Aurangzeb
(b) Ali Pervaiz Malik
(c) Murad Ali Shah
(d) None of these
Explanation: Ali Pervaiz Malik is the Petroleum Minister who briefed provincial leadership on fuel reserves. Muhammad Aurangzeb is the Finance Minister, and Murad Ali Shah is the Chief Minister of Sindh. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979807/three-petrol-shipments-expected-on-monday-petroleum-minister, 08 Mar 2026]
#13610
In which sector of Islamabad were the Aurat March activists detained by the police on March 8, 2026?
(a) Sector F-7
(b) Sector G-7
(c) Sector I-8
(d) Sector F-6
Explanation: The activists were detained near the Super Market located in Sector F-6. Other sectors listed are common residential or commercial areas in Islamabad but were not the site of this specific police action. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979796/dozens-of-aurat-march-activists-participants-detained-by-police-in-islamabad-ahead-of-international-womens-day-rally, 08 Mar 2026]
#13611
For how many consecutive months has Thailand's factory output experienced a decline as of June 2026?
(a) 18 months
(b) 15 months
(c) 12 months
(d) 24 months
Explanation: The report confirms that Thailand's factory output has been in a state of decline for 18 consecutive months. This reflects a sustained period of industrial contraction. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431970/thai-june-factory-output-falls-31-yy-weaker-than-forecast, 27 Jul 2026]
#13612
According to the CME’s FedWatch tool, what is the market expectation for the US Federal Reserve's interest rate decision in the meeting following July 27, 2026?
(a) No rate change
(b) A rate cut
(c) A rate hike
(d) A gradual phase-out of rates
Explanation: Market participants priced in a 63.7% probability that the Federal Reserve would maintain flat interest rates. Stable rates are viewed as beneficial for growth-dependent commodities like copper. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431973/copper-gains-on-mideast-de-escalation-oil-price-drop, 27 Jul 2026]
#13613
Which of the following statements regarding the edible oil supply situation in March 2026 is INCORRECT?
(a) The PVMA claims that domestic stocks are sufficient for two months.
(b) The government has imposed a total ban on all edible oil imports.
(c) Local manufacturers currently possess ample supplies of raw materials.
(d) Ongoing import consignments are currently in transit to Pakistan.
Explanation: The statement regarding a total ban on imports is false, as the industry is actively receiving and expecting new consignments to maintain market stability. The other three statements accurately reflect the information provided by the PVMA. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980381/no-shortage-of-edible-oil-pvma, 10 Mar 2026]
#13614
In May 2026, Pakistan LNG Limited rejected bids from which of the following companies?
(a) PetroChina and Vitol Bahrain
(b) BP Singapore and TotalEnergies
(c) OQ Trading and SOCAR Trading
(d) None of these
Explanation: PLL rejected the two lowest evaluated bids submitted by BP Singapore and TotalEnergies for the May 2026 delivery windows. Other companies like PetroChina and Vitol Bahrain also participated but were not the specific subjects of the rejection mentioned. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1998447/pakistan-turns-down-two-lowest-evaluated-lng-bids, 07 May 2026]
#13615
What was the total value of Pakistan's exports to the Middle East in fiscal year 2026?
(a) $2.093 billion
(b) $3.093 billion
(c) $4.093 billion
(d) None of these
Explanation: According to State Bank of Pakistan data, exports to the Middle East reached $3.093 billion in FY26. This represents a decline of over 2 percent compared to the previous year. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018925/pakistans-exports-to-middle-east-dip-in-fy26, 28 Jul 2026]
#13616
What was the peak price per litre reached by high-speed diesel (HSD) on April 3, 2026?
(a) Rs335.86
(b) Rs458.40
(c) Rs311.47
(d) Rs520.35
Explanation: On April 3, 2026, HSD prices reached a peak of Rs520.35 per litre. The other figures represent different historical price points for either petrol or diesel. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2011069/govt-keeps-petrol-diesel-prices-unchanged-till-further-orders, 26 Jun 2026]
#13617
Following the government announcement on July 20, 2026, what is the new price of petrol per litre in Pakistan?
(a) Rs315.80
(b) Rs360.06
(c) Rs458.41
(d) Rs266.00
Explanation: The government set the price of petrol at Rs315.80 per litre following the adjustment announced on July 20, 2026. The figure Rs360.06 represents the price of high-speed diesel, while the other options are historical peak or starting prices. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017065/govt-decreases-petrol-price-by-rs035-increases-diesel-by-rs571-per-litre, 20 Jul 2026]
#13618
Consider the following statements about the fuel management strategy discussed in March 2026: 1. The government is developing a joint dashboard to monitor fuel reserves across provinces. 2. The Punjab Enforcement and Regulatory Authority has been tasked with monitoring the fuel supply situation. 3. The government has successfully secured a permanent exemption from the petroleum levy from the IMF. 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 administrative measures taken to monitor reserves and enforce regulations. Statement 3 is incorrect because the government is only planning to request relief, not that it has already secured a permanent exemption. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979807/three-petrol-shipments-expected-on-monday-petroleum-minister, 08 Mar 2026]
#13619
The government decided in principle to implement which of the following for petroleum prices effective from March 8, 2026?
(a) Monthly revisions
(b) Quarterly revisions
(c) Weekly revisions
(d) Annual revisions
Explanation: To better manage the volatility of international oil prices, the government decided to shift to weekly revisions of petroleum prices. This allows for more frequent adjustments in line with global market fluctuations. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979860/pm-shehbaz-to-announce-austerity-plan-tomorrow-amid-global-fuel-crisis, 08 Mar 2026]
#13620
Which fiscal tool did the Prime Minister utilize to reduce the petrol price to Rs378 per litre following the April 2026 price hike?
(a) General sales tax
(b) Petroleum levy
(c) Customs duty
(d) Excise duty
Explanation: The government slashed the petroleum levy by Rs80 per litre to provide immediate relief to consumers. This is a common fiscal instrument used to adjust the final ex-depot price of fuel. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2011069/govt-keeps-petrol-diesel-prices-unchanged-till-further-orders, 26 Jun 2026]