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.
#17441
Who was appointed as the Commander of the National Strategic Command on July 24, 2026?
(a) General Syed Asim Munir
(b) General Aamer Raza
(c) General Asif Ali Zardari
(d) None of these
Explanation: Lieutenant General Aamer Raza was promoted to the rank of four-star General and appointed as the Commander of the National Strategic Command on July 24, 2026. General Syed Asim Munir serves as the Chief of Defence Forces, making him an incorrect choice for this specific command role. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431618/lt-gen-aamer-raza-promoted-to-general-appointed-as-commander-of-national-strategic-command, 24 Jul 2026]
#17442
According to the CME FedWatch tool, what is the approximate market-priced probability of a Federal Reserve rate hike as of July 24, 2026?
(a) 33 percent
(b) 25 percent
(c) 12 percent
(d) 50 percent
Explanation: Markets are pricing in a roughly one-in-three chance (approximately 33%) of a rate hike, which represents an increase from the 12% probability observed a week earlier. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431657/sampp-500-nasdaq-fall-as-investors-juggle-earnings-mideast-risks-and-tariffs, 24 Jul 2026]
#17443
Consider the following statements about the monsoon situation in Punjab as of July 22, 2026: 1. Lahore received 123mm of rainfall during the reported period. 2. The PDMA reported that 139mm of rainfall was recorded in Sialkot. 3. Wasa claimed that no water accumulation occurred on any major road in Lahore. 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 PDMA and Wasa data. Statement 3 is incorrect because while Wasa claimed no accumulation on 'most' major roads, the report confirms that multiple major roads and streets in Lahore were indeed inundated. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017532/intermittent-heavy-rain-hits-punjab-cities-lahore-receives-123mm, 22 Jul 2026]
#17444
Consider the following statements about the market environment on July 24, 2026: 1. The Philadelphia SE Semiconductor index experienced a decline of 3.1%. 2. The Federal Reserve is expected to meet the following week to discuss monetary policy. 3. The U.S. military action against targets in Iran was a response to Houthi activities in Yemen. 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 accurate based on the provided report: the semiconductor index fell by 3.1%, the Fed is meeting the following week, and the U.S. strikes were linked to warnings regarding Iran and its Houthi allies. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431657/sampp-500-nasdaq-fall-as-investors-juggle-earnings-mideast-risks-and-tariffs, 24 Jul 2026]
#17445
Who is the Education Minister of India whose resignation is being demanded by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) as of July 24, 2026?
(a) JP Nadda
(b) Dharmendra Pradhan
(c) Jitendra Singh
(d) Narendra Modi
Explanation: Dharmendra Pradhan is the Education Minister currently facing calls for resignation due to examination paper leaks. JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh are federal ministers who represented the government in the talks with the protesters. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018062/indian-government-seeks-time-on-youth-protesters-minister-resignation-demand, 24 Jul 2026]
#17446
Which of the following teams was scheduled to play against Pakistan in the opening match of the 2026 CAVA championship?
(a) Sri Lanka
(b) Kazakhstan
(c) Uzbekistan
(d) Bangladesh
Explanation: Pakistan was scheduled to face Sri Lanka in the opening fixture of the tournament. The other countries listed are participating teams but were scheduled for different matches. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017387/hosts-pakistan-to-face-sri-lanka-in-central-asian-volleyball-opener, 22 Jul 2026]
#17447
Consider the following statements about the Indian bond market and macroeconomic indicators as of July 24, 2026: 1. The 10-year U.S. Treasury yield reached its highest level since January 2025. 2. Brent crude prices briefly exceeded $100 per barrel for the first time in two months. 3. The probability of a Federal Reserve rate hike in September was estimated at 30%. 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. Statement 3 is incorrect because the probability of a Federal Reserve rate hike in September was reported at 80%, while the probability for July was 30%. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431650/india-bonds-end-three-day-losing-streak-but-post-second-straight-weekly-decline, 24 Jul 2026]
#17448
The 2026 CAVA Men’s Volleyball Championship is scheduled to conclude on which date?
(a) July 22, 2026
(b) July 25, 2026
(c) August 01, 2026
(d) July 29, 2026
Explanation: The tournament is a week-long event that officially concludes on July 29, 2026. The other dates represent either the start of the event or arbitrary dates within the same month. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017387/hosts-pakistan-to-face-sri-lanka-in-central-asian-volleyball-opener, 22 Jul 2026]
#17449
Who is the current Law Minister of Pakistan who advised the media to avoid debating foreign policy on March 10, 2026?
(a) Talal Chaudhry
(b) Azam Nazeer Tarar
(c) Shehbaz Sharif
(d) None of these
Explanation: Azam Nazeer Tarar is the Law Minister who issued the statement regarding media responsibility. Talal Chaudhry was present at the press conference but holds the portfolio for Information and Broadcasting. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40410963/law-minister-urges-media-to-avoid-debating-foreign-policy-citing-regional-sensitivities, 10 Mar 2026]
#17450
Which of the following statements regarding the parliamentary proceedings on March 10, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The deputy speaker granted the opposition the floor to debate the fuel price hike.
(b) Opposition members raised slogans against the government's fuel price hike.
(c) The protest occurred immediately after the question hour.
(d) Lawmakers from PTI and JUI-F participated in the protest.
Explanation: The deputy speaker refused to grant the opposition the floor to address the fuel price hike, which directly led to the uproar and subsequent adjournment. The other statements accurately reflect the events of the session. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40410878/na-adjourned-after-oppositions-uproar-against-fuel-price-hike, 10 Mar 2026]
#17451
The total sales volume of two- and three-wheelers in Pakistan reached which level during the first eight months of the 2026 fiscal year?
(a) 1.1 million units
(b) 1.3 million units
(c) 1.5 million units
(d) None of these
Explanation: Two- and three-wheeler sales reached 1.3 million units in 8MFY26, marking a 31 percent rise year-on-year. None of these is incorrect because 1.3 million is the explicitly stated figure. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980724/auto-sales-rise-43pc-in-july-february, 11 Mar 2026]
#17452
Which of the following statements regarding the Law Minister's address on March 10, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The minister expressed concern over negative vlogs created merely for views.
(b) The minister advised against irresponsible commentary on national security.
(c) The minister noted that Pakistan has made diplomatic efforts to reduce regional tensions.
(d) The minister stated that freedom of expression is absolute and has no constitutional boundaries.
Explanation: The minister explicitly stated that freedom of expression must be exercised within the boundaries of the Constitution and the law, making the incorrect statement. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40410963/law-minister-urges-media-to-avoid-debating-foreign-policy-citing-regional-sensitivities, 10 Mar 2026]
#17453
On March 10, 2026, the National Assembly session was adjourned following protests regarding an increase in the price of which commodities?
(a) Electricity and Gas
(b) Petrol and Diesel
(c) Wheat and Sugar
(d) None of these
Explanation: The session was adjourned due to opposition uproar specifically concerning a Rs55 per litre hike in petrol and diesel prices. Other commodities like electricity or food items were not the primary cause of the protest. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40410878/na-adjourned-after-oppositions-uproar-against-fuel-price-hike, 10 Mar 2026]
#17454
Who assumed the position of Supreme Leader of Iran following the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in 2026?
(a) Ebrahim Raisi
(b) Mojtaba Khamenei
(c) Hassan Rouhani
(d) None of these
Explanation: Mojtaba Khamenei assumed the role of Supreme Leader of Iran in March 2026. The other individuals listed are former Iranian officials who do not hold this current position. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40410989/pm-shehbaz-president-zardari-congratulate-irans-new-supreme-leader-mojtaba-khamenei, 10 Mar 2026]
#17455
According to the claims made by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister on May 20, 2026, what percentage of vision has the former prime minister allegedly lost in one eye?
(a) 85 per cent
(b) 75 per cent
(c) 50 per cent
(d) 95 per cent
Explanation: The Chief Minister stated during the press conference that the former prime minister has lost 85 per cent of his vision in one eye. This figure was cited as a primary reason for the demand for specialized medical care. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2001835/afridi-aleema-claim-shots-were-fired-at-adiala-sit-in-participants, 20 May 2026]
#17456
Which of the following statements regarding the 2026 CAVA Men’s Volleyball Championship is INCORRECT?
(a) The tournament is being hosted at the Liaqat Gymnasium.
(b) The Pakistan Volleyball Federation made security arrangements for all participating teams.
(c) India participated in the tournament after securing no-objection certificates.
(d) The championship aims to promote regional friendship through sports.
Explanation: The Indian team withdrew from the tournament at the eleventh hour despite the PVF securing the necessary documentation and security arrangements. Therefore, the statement that India participated is false. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017387/hosts-pakistan-to-face-sri-lanka-in-central-asian-volleyball-opener, 22 Jul 2026]
#17457
Which of the following statements regarding Pakistan's recent domestic policy developments as of July 29, 2026, are correct?
(a) Only 1 and 2 are correct.
(b) Only 2 and 3 are correct.
(c) Only 1 and 3 are correct.
(d) 1, 2, and 3 are all correct.
Explanation: The digitization of welfare via the Rahmat Card aims to increase transparency, the FBR is implementing new tax regimes to address fiscal deficits, and monsoon-related climate events continue to pose significant infrastructure and human safety risks in cities like Lahore. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40432278/jazzcash-begins-rahmat-card-digital-disbursements]
#17458
Arrange the following diplomatic and geopolitical events involving Pakistan in the order of their focus on regional engagement and global standing as reported on July 29, 2026:
(a) 1, 2, 3, 4
(b) 4, 3, 2, 1
(c) 2, 3, 4, 1
(d) 3, 1, 4, 2
Explanation: The chronological reporting indicates that diplomatic priorities proceeded from the assessment of passport power (Henley Index) to substantive bilateral defense ratification with Kuwait, followed by the DPM's high-level dialogue with Kuwait, and finally, broader Middle Eastern advocacy through support for Jordan's diplomatic proposal. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40432257/pakistani-passport-ranked-fourth-weakest-in-the-world]
#17459
Which of the following claims was NOT made by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister or Aleema Khan during the press conference on May 20, 2026?
(a) Shots were fired at the sit-in participants on Tuesday night.
(b) Wheat supplies to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have been blocked by the federal government.
(c) The former prime minister secured a deal for petroleum products at 30 per cent lower rates from Russia.
(d) The judiciary is currently operating with complete independence in all cases.
Explanation: Aleema Khan explicitly claimed that the judiciary had been 'managed' and that no judge was willing to independently hear the cases, making the false statement. The other options reflect claims made by the speakers during the event. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2001835/afridi-aleema-claim-shots-were-fired-at-adiala-sit-in-participants, 20 May 2026]
#17460
In which city was the lawsuit filed by Anthropic against the United States government on March 10, 2026?
(a) San Francisco
(b) Washington
(c) New York
(d) Los Angeles
Explanation: The complaint was filed in federal court located in San Francisco. While Washington is the seat of the federal government and the Pentagon, the legal action itself was initiated in the Northern District of California. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980425/anthropic-takes-us-govt-to-court-over-security-risk-designation, 10 Mar 2026]