January 2026 Edition
Start January Quiz
January 2026 Current Affairs MCQs & Solutions
Top national & international current affairs questions for CSS, PMS, FPSC, PPSC, and NTS screening tests.
#17601
As of July 2026, which entity carries the largest burden of overdue liabilities in the gas sector?
(a) Sui Southern Gas Company
(b) Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited
(c) Pakistan State Oil
(d) None of these
Explanation: Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) is explicitly identified as carrying the largest burden of overdue liabilities, totaling Rs536 billion as of July 23, 2026. Sui Southern Gas Company is a separate entity and is not cited as the primary holder of these specific overdue liabilities. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018389/gas-power-sector-dues-strain-energy-supply-chain, 26 Jul 2026]
#17602
Which of the following is NOT a primary challenge identified in the 2026 report regarding the response to gender-based violence?
(a) Underreporting due to fear of speaking out
(b) Insufficient number of reports describing the problem
(c) Lack of access to legal aid and counseling
(d) Inadequate follow-through on police investigations
Explanation: The report explicitly states that Pakistan has no shortage of reports describing the problem; rather, the issue is a lack of determination to learn from them and implement solutions. The other options are correctly identified as systemic failures. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018677/writing-on-the-wall, 27 Jul 2026]
#17603
Who announced the arrest of the individual accused of running an Indian-funded digital misinformation campaign on July 26, 2026?
(a) Attaullah Tarar
(b) Rana Sanaullah
(c) Khawaja Asif
(d) None of these
Explanation: Information Minister Attaullah Tarar held a televised address on July 26, 2026, to disclose the arrest and provide evidence of the digital marketing professional's links to Indian funding. The other individuals listed are prominent political figures but were not the officials who made this specific announcement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018518/tarar-claims-man-arrested-for-spreading-anti-state-material-online-in-exchange-for-indian-funding, 26 Jul 2026]
#17604
All of the following statements regarding the market conditions on July 27, 2026, are true EXCEPT:
(a) The Federal Reserve is expected to definitely raise interest rates by 50 basis points.
(b) Bond markets received a boost from easing inflation fears.
(c) Brent crude prices experienced a decline.
(d) Yemen’s Houthis attacked Saudi oil installations.
Explanation: The market only implies a one-in-three chance of a rate hike, and analysts remain uncertain about the outcome, making the claim of a definite 50 basis point hike false. The other options accurately reflect the geopolitical and economic situation described. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431958/shares-bonds-make-guarded-gains-as-oil-slips, 27 Jul 2026]
#17605
What is the primary consequence of the liquidity crunch in the energy sector as of July 2026?
(a) Increased reliance on long-term foreign grants
(b) Reduction in domestic fuel production capacity
(c) Increased reliance on short-term bank financing
(d) None of these
Explanation: The mounting unpaid dues have forced energy entities to rely heavily on short-term bank financing, which increases debt-servicing costs and exhausts credit lines. This is a direct result of the operational liquidity constraints mentioned in the report. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018389/gas-power-sector-dues-strain-energy-supply-chain, 26 Jul 2026]
#17606
Consider the following statements about the PDMA's monsoon response in 2026: 1. The PDMA reported that 203 people sustained injuries due to rain-related incidents. 2. The monsoon rains caused the death of six livestock across the province. 3. The PDMA has declared a state of emergency for the entire province for the remainder of the year. 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 report. Statement 3 is incorrect because the PDMA placed district administrations on high alert for the ongoing monsoon spell, but did not declare a province-wide state of emergency for the remainder of the year. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431904/29-die-in-rain-related-incidents-across-punjab, 27 Jul 2026]
#17607
According to the statements made on 2026-07-27, who is credited with effectively presenting the Kashmir case at international forums?
(a) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari
(b) Khawaja Asif
(c) Sharjeel Inam Memon
(d) None of these
Explanation: Bilawal Bhutto Zardari is cited for his role as Foreign Minister in advocating for the Kashmiri people's right to self-determination at international forums. Khawaja Asif was mentioned in the context of a separate political controversy. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431894/only-kashmiris-have-to-decide-the-fate-of-kashmir-sharjeel, 27 Jul 2026]
#17608
Which two regions were specifically identified by the Pakistan Meteorological Department in its July 2026 alert as being at high risk for Glacial Lake Outburst Floods?
(a) Punjab and Sindh
(b) Gilgit-Baltistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
(c) Balochistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir
(d) None of these
Explanation: The PMD alert issued on July 26, 2026, specifically highlights Gilgit-Baltistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa due to their high concentration of glaciers and susceptibility to rapid melt. Other regions, while prone to flooding, were not the primary focus of this specific GLOF warning. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431880/new-glacial-lakes-may-form-in-gilgit-baltistan-kp-amid-accelerated-glacier-melt-pmd, 26 Jul 2026]
#17609
On what date in 2026 did the PPP Chairman issue his video message regarding the Truth and Reconciliation Commission?
(a) July 25, 2026
(b) July 27, 2026
(c) July 26, 2026
(d) July 28, 2026
Explanation: The event and the associated news report are dated July 27, 2026. This date marks the official renewal of the call for the commission. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431934/bilawal-renews-call-for-truth-and-reconciliation-commission-in-ajk, 27 Jul 2026]
#17610
What is the primary climatic driver cited by the PMD for the accelerated glacier melt in northern Pakistan as of July 2026?
(a) Unusually high seismic activity in the Karakoram range
(b) Sustained warm thermal regimes and intermittent precipitation
(c) Deforestation in the lower Indus basin
(d) Increased volcanic activity in the Hindu Kush
Explanation: The PMD attributes the accelerated melting to the combined effect of warm temperatures and ongoing precipitation. These factors increase the volume of meltwater, which destabilizes glacial lakes and increases the risk of outburst floods. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431880/new-glacial-lakes-may-form-in-gilgit-baltistan-kp-amid-accelerated-glacier-melt-pmd, 26 Jul 2026]
#17611
Which of the following statements regarding the wheat situation in Sindh as of July 2026 is INCORRECT?
(a) The Sindh Food Minister chaired a meeting with the Flour Mills Association to review supply chain issues.
(b) The Food Department holds a significant portion of its stock from anti-hoarding operations.
(c) Provincial authorities are conducting intelligence-based operations against wheat hoarders.
(d) The provincial government has imposed strict restrictions on the inter-district movement of wheat.
Explanation: The provincial government explicitly stated that there is no restriction on the inter-district movement of wheat within Sindh to ensure smooth supply. Therefore, the statement claiming that restrictions exist is false. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018192/private-sector-rejects-govt-wheat-import-plan, 25 Jul 2026]
#17612
Which of the following central banks is scheduled to hold a policy meeting on Thursday, July 30, 2026?
(a) Bank of England
(b) Bank of Japan
(c) Federal Reserve
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Bank of England is scheduled to hold its meeting on Thursday, while the Federal Reserve meets on Wednesday and the Bank of Japan on Friday. None of the other options match the Thursday schedule. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431958/shares-bonds-make-guarded-gains-as-oil-slips, 27 Jul 2026]
#17613
Which of the following statements regarding the flood situation in Muridke as of July 27, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) Residents were forced to evacuate their homes using small motor boats.
(b) The flooding was caused by heavy monsoon rains.
(c) Displaced residents faced severe shortages of clean water and food.
(d) Official state rescue teams were the only entities conducting evacuation operations.
Explanation: The statement is incorrect because the report highlights that volunteer rescuers were actively conducting operations, with some residents complaining that no official rescue teams had reached them after four days. The other options accurately reflect the conditions described in the report. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40432025/flooding-forces-residents-to-flee-homes-by-boat-in-pakistan, 27 Jul 2026]
#17614
Who is the current Commissioner of the Sindh Employees’ Social Security Institution (SESSI) as of July 2026?
(a) Hadi Bakhsh Kalhoro
(b) Asif Ali Zardari
(c) Syed Murad Ali Shah
(d) None of these
Explanation: Hadi Bakhsh Kalhoro is the Commissioner of SESSI who officially announced the expansion of HIV screening protocols in July 2026. The other names listed are political figures not associated with this specific administrative role. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431899/sessi-expands-hiv-screening, 27 Jul 2026]
#17615
Which of the following was NOT identified by the NDMA as a primary cause of death during the 2026 monsoon season?
(a) Landslides
(b) Electrocution
(c) Drowning
(d) House collapses
Explanation: The NDMA specifically cited house collapses, electrocution, and drowning as the causes of death. Landslides, while common in monsoon seasons, were not listed as a primary cause in this specific report. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431935/nationwide-deaths-this-monsoon-cross-100-mark-ndma, 27 Jul 2026]
#17616
Consider the following statements about the market environment on July 27, 2026: 1. The decline in oil prices was attributed to a pause in Gulf fighting. 2. Markets perceive a high certainty that the Federal Reserve will implement a rate hike. 3. The Bank of Japan is expected to hold its policy steady during its upcoming meeting.
(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 de-escalation lowered oil prices. Statement 3 is correct as the Bank of Japan is expected to hold steady. Statement 2 is incorrect because market participants view the Fed's decision as unusually uncertain, not highly certain. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431958/shares-bonds-make-guarded-gains-as-oil-slips, 27 Jul 2026]
#17617
Consider the following statements about the monsoon situation in 2026: 1. The monsoon season officially commenced on June 26, 2026. 2. Gilgit-Baltistan recorded more fatalities than Azad Jammu and Kashmir by 2026-07-27. 3. The NDMA reported that 50 people were injured during the 24-hour period ending on 2026-07-27. 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 monsoon onset was June 26. Statement 3 is correct regarding the 50 injuries reported. Statement 2 is incorrect because AJK recorded seven deaths while GB recorded only one. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431935/nationwide-deaths-this-monsoon-cross-100-mark-ndma, 27 Jul 2026]
#17618
Which of the following companies reported beating first-quarter profit expectations as of July 27, 2026?
(a) Tata Consumer
(b) Bank of Baroda
(c) HDFC Bank
(d) Axis Bank
Explanation: Tata Consumer reported beating profit expectations due to steady consumer demand. In contrast, Bank of Baroda reported a profit drop, and private lenders like HDFC and Axis faced margin concerns. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431956/indian-shares-set-to-open-higher-breaking-losing-run-as-oil-slides, 27 Jul 2026]
#17619
Which of the following statements regarding the market situation on July 27, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The US dollar index slipped to 101.23.
(b) Brent crude prices increased due to heightened military activity.
(c) The British pound rose against the US dollar.
(d) The euro appreciated against the US dollar.
Explanation: Brent crude prices actually decreased (dropped) due to the pause in military strikes, not increased. Options A, B, and D are factually accurate based on the provided market data. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431957/dollar-pulls-back-as-us-iran-attacks-pause-oil-drops, 27 Jul 2026]
#17620
Which individual is identified as the Chair of the Federal Reserve in the context of the July 2026 policy discussions?
(a) Jerome Powell
(b) Kevin Warsh
(c) Sally Auld
(d) None of these
Explanation: The report identifies Kevin Warsh as the Chair of the Federal Reserve whose position on potential rate hikes remains a subject of market uncertainty. Jerome Powell is a common distractor as a former/actual chair, but the text specifies Warsh. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431958/shares-bonds-make-guarded-gains-as-oil-slips, 27 Jul 2026]