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.
#17641
On July 27, 2026, what was the primary factor cited for the expected rise in Indian equity markets?
(a) A sharp decline in global oil prices
(b) An unexpected interest rate cut by the Reserve Bank of India
(c) A surge in foreign direct investment inflows
(d) None of these
Explanation: The market recovery was driven by a 4.6% drop in Brent crude prices following a pause in strikes between the United States and Iran. Lower oil prices are beneficial for India as it is a major importer of the commodity. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431956/indian-shares-set-to-open-higher-breaking-losing-run-as-oil-slides, 27 Jul 2026]
#17642
Which US Congressman from Montana was part of the delegation that met with the Pakistani military leadership on July 27, 2026?
(a) Ryan Keith Zinke
(b) Michael James
(c) Mike Johnson
(d) None of these
Explanation: Congressman Ryan Keith Zinke of Montana was one of the two US representatives who visited the GHQ. Michael James of Washington was the other member of the delegation. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40432023/us-lawmakers-meet-field-marshal-munir-discuss-security-economic-cooperation, 27 Jul 2026]
#17643
Who is the current chairman of the Federal Reserve as of July 27, 2026?
(a) Donald Trump
(b) Mike Waltz
(c) Mohammad Akraminia
(d) Kevin Warsh
Explanation: Kevin Warsh is identified as the new chairman of the Federal Reserve responsible for the upcoming interest rate decision. Mike Waltz is the US ambassador to the United Nations, and Mohammad Akraminia is an Iranian army spokesman. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40432022/dow-sampp-500-rise-as-oil-prices-tumble, 27 Jul 2026]
#17644
Which of the following statements regarding the AJK election events on July 27, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The polling process in Mirpur division was marred by scuffles and rigging allegations.
(b) PPP and PML-N workers were involved in skirmishes in the Kotli district.
(c) The Election Commission of AJK cancelled the entire first phase of the elections due to violence.
(d) A fatality was reported in the LA-9 Kotli-II constituency during the polling day.
Explanation: The election process was not cancelled; polling concluded as scheduled despite the violence and allegations. The other three statements accurately reflect the events reported on that day. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018691/polling-concludes-in-mirpur-division-as-scuffles-rigging-allegations-mar-first-phase-of-ajk-elections, 27 Jul 2026]
#17645
The meeting between the US lawmakers and the Pakistani military leadership on July 27, 2026, primarily focused on which of the following areas?
(a) Climate change mitigation
(b) Educational exchange programs
(c) Regional security and economic cooperation
(d) Space exploration technology
Explanation: The discussions centered on regional security, bilateral defence cooperation, and avenues for expanding economic engagement. These topics are central to the strategic alignment between the two nations. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40432023/us-lawmakers-meet-field-marshal-munir-discuss-security-economic-cooperation, 27 Jul 2026]
#17646
Which article of the UN Charter is cited in the March 11, 2026, resolution to underscore the right to self-defense?
(a) Article 42
(b) Article 51
(c) Article 99
(d) Article 103
Explanation: Article 51 of the UN Charter recognizes the inherent right of individual or collective self-defense if an armed attack occurs against a member of the United Nations. This was explicitly invoked in the resolution. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981123/unsc-adopts-resolution-against-irans-attacks-on-gulf-nations-tehran-decries-blatant-misuse-of-security-council, 11 Mar 2026]
#17647
By what percentage did the KSE-100 index decline during the trading session on March 11, 2026?
(a) 2.53 per cent
(b) 0.2 per cent
(c) 3.10 per cent
(d) 2.02 per cent
Explanation: The KSE-100 index shed 318.65 points, which corresponds to a 0.2 per cent decline. The other percentages refer to the individual stock performance of The Bank of Punjab, K-Electric, and Cnergyico. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980849/kse-100-ends-lower-after-early-rally-loses-steam, 11 Mar 2026]
#17648
Consider the following statements about the capital market reforms discussed on March 11, 2026: 1. The reforms aim to mobilize long-term domestic savings for private sector investment. 2. The Finance Minister suggested that Pakistan should ignore international experiences to focus solely on local models. 3. Strengthening market-making mechanisms is considered essential for improving investor confidence. 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 and 3 are correct as they reflect the government's strategy to mobilize savings and improve market infrastructure. Statement 2 is incorrect because the Finance Minister explicitly directed institutions to review and adapt best practices from international and regional markets. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980943/finance-minister-stresses-more-balanced-system-where-capital-markets-complement-banking-sector, 11 Mar 2026]
#17649
The opposition party, led by Imran Khan, scheduled protests for August 5, 2026, to mark the anniversary of what event?
(a) The dissolution of the National Assembly
(b) The incarceration of its leader
(c) The passage of the 26th Amendment
(d) The start of the lawyers' movement
Explanation: The protests were planned to mark three years since the imprisonment of the PTI leader. This date serves as a focal point for the opposition's mobilization against the current government. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018681/why-coercion-doesnt-work, 27 Jul 2026]
#17650
On March 11, 2026, the KSE-100 index closed at which of the following levels?
(a) 156,177.12 points
(b) 158,624.51 points
(c) 155,858.47 points
(d) 155,652.35 points
Explanation: The KSE-100 index closed at 155,858.47 points after shedding 318.65 points. represents the previous day's closing, while C and D represent the intraday high and low, respectively. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980849/kse-100-ends-lower-after-early-rally-loses-steam, 11 Mar 2026]
#17651
Which of the following statements regarding the market performance on July 27, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The Pakistani Rupee appreciated against the Euro in the open market.
(b) The US Dollar weakened against major peers like the Yen and the Euro.
(c) The Pakistani Rupee gained marginally against the US Dollar in the inter-bank market.
(d) Brent crude futures experienced a decline in price.
Explanation: In the open market, the Pakistani Rupee actually lost value against the Euro, closing at 319.79 for buying and 322.67 for selling. Therefore, the statement claiming appreciation is false. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431965/pakistani-rupee-registers-gain-against-us-dollar, 27 Jul 2026]
#17652
Consider the following statements about the economic indicators on July 27, 2026: 1. The Pakistani Rupee recorded a gain of Re0.01 against the US Dollar in the inter-bank market. 2. The State Bank of Pakistan increased the policy rate to 12.5%. 3. Brent crude futures fell by approximately 6% during the session. 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 Rupee gained Re0.01. Statement 2 is incorrect because the policy rate was maintained at 11.5%, not increased. Statement 3 is correct as Brent crude fell by about 6% to $90.93. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431965/pakistani-rupee-registers-gain-against-us-dollar, 27 Jul 2026]
#17653
Consider the following statements about Pakistan's external debt management for FY27: 1. The total external debt servicing requirement is lower than that of FY26. 2. Approximately $10-11 billion of the principal debt is expected to be rolled over or refinanced. 3. The SBP Governor reported that $6 billion of the total debt servicing was already settled by the end of July 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 accurate based on the SBP Governor's briefing. The total debt servicing decreased from $26.5 billion in FY26 to $21.5 billion in FY27, with $6 billion already settled in July 2026. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40432030/pakistans-fy27-external-debt-servicing-projected-at-215bn-sbp-governor, 27 Jul 2026]
#17654
Consider the following statements about the market performance on March 11, 2026: 1. The KSE-100 index shed 318.65 points during the session. 2. Global crude oil prices plunged by approximately 15 per cent. 3. The Bank of Punjab experienced a decline in its share price. 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 and 2 are correct based on the report. Statement 3 is incorrect because The Bank of Punjab rose by 2.53 per cent, it did not decline. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980849/kse-100-ends-lower-after-early-rally-loses-steam, 11 Mar 2026]
#17655
Who serves as the Prime Minister's Spokesperson for Foreign Media who commented on the bilateral support for Saudi Arabia on March 11, 2026?
(a) Ishaq Dar
(b) Asim Munir
(c) Mosharraf Zaidi
(d) None of these
Explanation: Mosharraf Zaidi, acting as the Prime Minister's Spokesperson for Foreign Media, provided the interview to Bloomberg TV regarding Pakistan's stance on regional security. Ishaq Dar is the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980894/no-matter-what-no-matter-when-pms-spokesperson-reiterates-support-for-saudi-arabia-before-it-is-needed, 11 Mar 2026]
#17656
Consider the following statements about the first phase of the AJK elections held on July 27, 2026: 1. The total number of registered voters across the Mirpur division exceeded 1.4 million. 2. Polling was conducted in six districts of the Mirpur division. 3. The polling time was extended by one hour before concluding at 6:00pm. 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 over 1.4 million voters were registered. Statement 3 is correct regarding the one-hour extension. Statement 2 is incorrect because polling was held in three districts (Kotli, Bhimber, and Mirpur), not six. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431988/polling-concludes-across-mirpur-division-in-first-phase-of-ajk-elections, 27 Jul 2026]
#17657
Who represented the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) during the hearing on July 27, 2026?
(a) Saifullah Mohib Kakakhel
(b) Shahid Imran Gigiyani
(c) Waqar Ahmed
(d) Inamullah Khan
Explanation: Shahid Imran Gigiyani, the assistant director legal at NADRA, represented the authority during the court proceedings. Saifullah Mohib Kakakhel was the counsel for the petitioner, while the other two names are the presiding judges. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018808/phc-stops-deportation-of-man-named-quaid-e-azam-directs-him-to-appear-before-nadra-board, 27 Jul 2026]
#17658
In which division of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) did the first phase of elections take place on July 27, 2026?
(a) Muzaffarabad Division
(b) Mirpur Division
(c) Poonch Division
(d) None of these
Explanation: The first phase of the AJK elections was held specifically in the Mirpur division, which includes the districts of Bhimber, Mirpur, and Kotli. Other divisions like Muzaffarabad and Poonch were not part of this specific electoral phase. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018691/polling-concludes-in-mirpur-division-as-scuffles-rigging-allegations-mar-first-phase-of-ajk-elections, 27 Jul 2026]
#17659
What is the new price of petrol per litre following the government's adjustment on July 27, 2026?
(a) Rs520.35
(b) Rs386.83
(c) Rs458.41
(d) Rs334.18
Explanation: Following the adjustment announced on July 27, 2026, the price of petrol was set at Rs334.18 per litre. The other figures represent either the price of HSD or historical peak prices mentioned in the report. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018803/govt-decreases-petrol-price-by-re1-increases-hsd-price-by-rs337, 27 Jul 2026]
#17660
The violent incident resulting in a fatality during the AJK elections on July 27, 2026, occurred in which constituency?
(a) LA-9 Kotli-II (Nakyal)
(b) LA-7 Bhimber
(c) LA-1 Dadyal
(d) LA-8 Kotli-I
Explanation: The fatal incident involving the death of a political worker occurred in the LA-9 Kotli-II (Nakyal) constituency. Other constituencies listed were sites of polling but not the specific location of this reported fatality. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018691/polling-concludes-in-mirpur-division-as-scuffles-rigging-allegations-mar-first-phase-of-ajk-elections, 27 Jul 2026]