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.
#1741
Who accompanied Field Marshal Asim Munir during his diplomatic visit to Tehran on April 15, 2026?
(a) Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar
(b) Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi
(c) Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb
(d) None of these
Explanation: Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi was part of the formal delegation that accompanied Field Marshal Asim Munir to Tehran. The other listed ministers were not reported as part of this specific security-focused delegation. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1991972/cdf-munir-visits-iran-alongside-delegation-as-part-of-mediation-efforts-holds-meeting-with-fm-araghchi, 15 Apr 2026]
#1742
The Pakistan-brokered ceasefire between the United States and Iran was scheduled to conclude on which date in 2026?
(a) April 19
(b) April 28
(c) April 25
(d) April 22
Explanation: The ceasefire, which paused hostilities following the February 2026 strikes, was set to expire on April 22, 2026. This date is critical as it marks the end of the diplomatic window for the current round of talks. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1993224/trump-says-us-representatives-heading-to-islamabad-will-be-there-tomorrow-evening-for-negotiations-with-iran, 19 Apr 2026]
#1743
Brent crude futures rose by what percentage on July 21, 2026, as hostilities in the Gulf intensified?
(a) 1.2 percent
(b) 1.8 percent
(c) 1.5 percent
(d) 2.0 percent
Explanation: Brent crude futures rose by $1.62, which corresponds to a 1.8 percent increase, reaching $90.84 a barrel. This rise occurred as early market optimism eroded due to continued regional hostilities. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017214/psx-gains-2000-points-during-intraday-trade-as-oil-eases-amid-us-iran-mediation-efforts, 21 Jul 2026]
#1744
What is the primary objective of the refinery modernization plan discussed by the Finance Minister in July 2026?
(a) To reduce reliance on imported petroleum products
(b) To increase the export of crude oil to the United States
(c) To privatize all state-owned oil marketing companies
(d) To establish a new pipeline network to Central Asia
Explanation: The modernization plan aims to enhance domestic refining capacity, which directly contributes to reducing the country's heavy reliance on imported petroleum products. This is a strategic move to improve energy security and stabilize the national economy. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017217/us-technology-firm-proposes-refinery-modernisation-plan-for-pakistan-in-meeting-with-finance-minister, 21 Jul 2026]
#1745
Which of the following statements regarding the KSE-100 performance on July 21, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The index opened the session in the green.
(b) The market experienced broad-based profit-taking in the latter half of the session.
(c) Investor sentiment remained cautious due to global energy market uncertainty.
(d) The index closed with a significant gain of over 2,000 points.
Explanation: The index closed with a marginal gain of only 205.83 points, not 2,000 points. The 2,442.72 point figure mentioned in reports refers to the initial surge, not the final closing gain. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017214/psx-gains-2000-points-during-intraday-trade-as-oil-eases-amid-us-iran-mediation-efforts, 21 Jul 2026]
#1746
What was the level of SBP foreign exchange reserves as of June 5, 2026?
(a) 17.2 billion dollars
(b) 16.2 billion dollars
(c) 15.2 billion dollars
(d) 18.2 billion dollars
Explanation: The SBP foreign exchange reserves reached $17.2 billion by June 5, 2026, following the successful completion of IMF reviews for the Extended Fund Facility and Resilience and Sustainability Facility. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2008043/central-bank-keeps-policy-rate-unchanged-at-115pc, 15 Jun 2026]
#1747
Which US-based technology firm held a meeting with Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb in July 2026 to discuss refinery modernization?
(a) General Electric
(b) Honeywell Technologies
(c) Caterpillar Inc.
(d) None of these
Explanation: The finance minister met with a delegation from Honeywell Technologies in Washington on July 20, 2026, to discuss upgrading Pakistan's refinery infrastructure. General Electric and Caterpillar are major industrial firms but were not the primary participants in this specific refinery modernization proposal. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017217/us-technology-firm-proposes-refinery-modernisation-plan-for-pakistan-in-meeting-with-finance-minister, 21 Jul 2026]
#1748
In the context of the 2026 US-Iran negotiations, what specific term did President Trump use to refer to Iran's enriched uranium stockpile?
(a) Heavy water
(b) Yellow cake
(c) Nuclear dust
(d) Fissile material
Explanation: President Trump referred to the enriched uranium stockpile as 'nuclear dust' during his remarks to reporters. The other terms are technical descriptors for nuclear materials but were not the specific terminology used by the President. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1992383/trump-says-if-iran-deal-is-reached-and-signed-in-islamabad-i-might-go-there, 16 Apr 2026]
#1749
What is the approximate total value of Canadian imports affected by the new US tariff measures announced in July 2026?
(a) 10 billion dollars
(b) 40 billion dollars
(c) 30 billion dollars
(d) 20 billion dollars
Explanation: The US Trade Representative's office confirmed that the new 50 percent tariffs apply to approximately 20 billion dollars worth of imports from Canada. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017209/us-imposes-new-50pc-tariffs-on-20bn-worth-of-canadian-products, 21 Jul 2026]
#1750
Which of the following statements regarding the diplomatic efforts in April 2026 is INCORRECT?
(a) The US and Iran were engaged in talks brokered by Pakistan.
(b) Pakistan's leadership has been actively seeking to bring the parties to the table.
(c) The ceasefire was implemented following US-Israeli strikes.
(d) President Trump confirmed he would personally participate in the negotiation sessions.
Explanation: President Trump explicitly stated that he would not participate in the actual negotiation sessions, even though he expressed a willingness to travel to Islamabad for the final signing of a deal. The other statements accurately reflect the diplomatic situation described. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1992383/trump-says-if-iran-deal-is-reached-and-signed-in-islamabad-i-might-go-there, 16 Apr 2026]
#1751
Who led the Iranian delegation during the 2026 peace talks in Islamabad?
(a) Ali Larijani
(b) Abbas Araqchi
(c) Esmail Khatib
(d) Gholamreza Soleimani
Explanation: The Iranian delegation was led by Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf. The other individuals listed are either deceased or held different roles. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1992620/pakistan-escorted-iranian-negotiators-home-from-peace-talks-amid-concerns-of-israeli-attack-sources-say, 17 Apr 2026]
#1752
What was the primary geopolitical factor influencing global oil price volatility on July 21, 2026?
(a) US-Iran diplomatic mediation efforts
(b) OPEC production quota adjustments
(c) Global supply chain disruptions in Asia
(d) Changes in US Federal Reserve interest rates
Explanation: Market volatility was driven by reports of mediation efforts between the US and Iran, contrasted against ongoing hostilities and threats of naval blockades in the Gulf. While other factors can influence oil, the specific context of this session was the US-Iran diplomatic situation. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017214/psx-gains-2000-points-during-intraday-trade-as-oil-eases-amid-us-iran-mediation-efforts, 21 Jul 2026]
#1753
Consider the following statements regarding the economic outlook as of June 2026: 1. The primary balance surplus for FY26 was estimated at 2.5 percent of GDP. 2. The MPC is targeting a primary balance surplus of 2 percent of GDP for FY27. 3. Headline inflation remained in single digits throughout April and May 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 correct as they reflect the fiscal consolidation targets and estimates provided by the MPC. Statement 3 is incorrect because headline inflation rose to double digits in April and May 2026, not single digits. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2008043/central-bank-keeps-policy-rate-unchanged-at-115pc, 15 Jun 2026]
#1754
Which brokerage house provided analysis regarding the profit-taking observed during the July 21, 2026, trading session?
(a) AKD Securities
(b) Arif Habib Limited
(c) JS Global Capital
(d) Topline Securities Ltd
Explanation: Topline Securities Ltd provided the market commentary noting that the early rally was short-lived due to broad-based profit-taking. While AKD Securities also provided research, the specific observation regarding profit-taking at elevated levels was attributed to Topline. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017214/kse-100-makes-marginal-gains-as-global-energy-uncertainty-weighs-on-early-rally, 21 Jul 2026]
#1755
Which sector faced specific selling pressure on July 21, 2026, due to speculation regarding policy delays?
(a) Textile sector
(b) Cement sector
(c) Refinery sector
(d) Banking sector
Explanation: Topline Securities reported that refinery stocks experienced selling pressure due to market speculation that the long-awaited refinery policy might face further delays. Other sectors like cement and textiles were noted for their potential to post strong earnings rather than facing policy-related selling pressure. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017214/psx-gains-2000-points-during-intraday-trade-as-oil-eases-amid-us-iran-mediation-efforts, 21 Jul 2026]
#1756
What was the closing value of the KSE-100 index on July 21, 2026?
(a) 176,133.56 points
(b) 178,370.45 points
(c) 177,000.00 points
(d) None of these
Explanation: The KSE-100 index closed at 176,133.56 points on July 21, 2026. The value 178,370.45 represents the intraday high reached earlier in the same session. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017214/psx-gains-2000-points-during-intraday-trade-as-oil-eases-amid-us-iran-mediation-efforts, 21 Jul 2026]
#1757
Brent crude futures rose by 1.8 percent to reach which price per barrel on July 21, 2026?
(a) 90.84 dollars
(b) 83.96 dollars
(c) 84.60 dollars
(d) 92.84 dollars
Explanation: Brent crude futures rose by $1.62, or 1.8 percent, to reach $90.84 per barrel. The other figures represent different oil contract prices mentioned in the market data. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017214/psx-gains-1200-points-during-intraday-trade-as-oil-eases-amid-us-iran-mediation-efforts, 21 Jul 2026]
#1758
The flash floods in Nuristan on July 21, 2026, were primarily caused by which environmental phenomenon?
(a) Tectonic plate shifting
(b) Heavy rainfall and subsequent mudslides
(c) Glacial lake outburst floods
(d) None of these
Explanation: The disaster was triggered by heavy rainfall leading to flash floods and mudslides that brought boulders into the town. While residents compared the sound to an earthquake, it was a hydrological event, not a tectonic one. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017247/afghans-search-for-dozens-missing-some-with-bare-hands-after-devastating-flood-in-nuristan-province, 21 Jul 2026]
#1759
Consider the following statements about the KSE-100 market session on July 21, 2026: 1. The market reached an intraday high of over 178,000 points. 2. Oil and gas exploration companies are expected to post stronger-than-usual results. 3. The market closed lower than its opening value. 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 high was 178,370.45. Statement 2 is correct as analysts cited optimism for oil and gas exploration earnings. Statement 3 is incorrect because the market closed with a gain of 205.83 points, meaning it closed higher than the previous session's close, and the prompt does not state it closed lower than the opening value. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017214/psx-gains-2000-points-during-intraday-trade-as-oil-eases-amid-us-iran-mediation-efforts, 21 Jul 2026]
#1760
Which of the following statements regarding the status of the Strait of Hormuz as of April 17, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The Strait is open for all commercial vessels for the duration of the ceasefire.
(b) The reopening followed a ceasefire agreement reached in Lebanon.
(c) Iran has agreed to never again use the closure of the Strait as a weapon against the world.
(d) The United States has completely lifted its naval blockade on all ships entering the region.
Explanation: The statement that the US has completely lifted its naval blockade is incorrect; the US explicitly stated that the naval blockade remains in full force and effect specifically for ships sailing to Iranian ports. The other statements accurately reflect the conditions reported on April 17, 2026. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1992627/iran-says-strait-of-hormuz-open-for-commercial-vessels-after-lebanon-deal, 17 Apr 2026]