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.
#17701
What is the notified value of Diyat (blood money) for the fiscal year 2026-27?
(a) Rs6,757,902
(b) Rs9,828,670
(c) Rs19,352,390
(d) None of these
Explanation: The federal government set the Diyat value at Rs19,352,390 for FY2026-27. The other figures represent values from previous fiscal years. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2019000/govt-almost-doubles-blood-money-payment-to-heirs-of-victim-on-account-of-rising-silver-prices, 28 Jul 2026]
#17702
Which of the following statements regarding the fuel pricing policy in July 2026 is INCORRECT?
(a) The government decided to move toward a daily fuel pricing mechanism.
(b) The All Pakistan Dealers Association expressed support for the daily pricing decision.
(c) The price adjustments were influenced by hostilities in the Persian Gulf.
(d) The Petroleum Division issued a notification regarding the new prices.
Explanation: The All Pakistan Dealers Association rejected the daily pricing decision and threatened to protest, making statement B incorrect. The other statements accurately reflect the government's policy and the context of the price changes. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2019031/govt-increases-petrol-price-by-rs163-hsd-price-by-rs155, 28 Jul 2026]
#17703
The Diyat value for FY2026-27 represents an approximate percentage increase over the FY2025-26 value?
(a) 56 percent
(b) 75 percent
(c) 97 percent
(d) None of these
Explanation: The government announced a 97 percent increase in the Diyat value for the current fiscal year compared to the previous year. This sharp rise is attributed to the appreciation of silver prices. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2019000/govt-almost-doubles-blood-money-payment-to-heirs-of-victim-on-account-of-rising-silver-prices, 28 Jul 2026]
#17704
In the context of the 2026 AJK unrest, what was the primary political event that the government claimed the protesters attempted to sabotage?
(a) Regional referendum
(b) General elections
(c) Constitutional assembly session
(d) None of these
Explanation: The government stated that the protesters attempted to disrupt the peaceful and transparent elections held in AJK. 'None of these' is the correct choice because the event was a regional election, not a referendum or assembly session. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2019021/significant-number-of-fitna-al-khawarij-terrorists-present-among-ajk-protesters-information-secretary, 28 Jul 2026]
#17705
Consider the following statements about the fuel price adjustments in July 2026: 1. Petrol prices were increased by Rs1.63 per litre. 2. High-speed diesel prices were increased by Rs1.55 per litre. 3. The new prices were made applicable starting from July 29, 2026. 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 government notification issued on July 28, 2026. The price hikes for petrol and diesel were Rs1.63 and Rs1.55 respectively, with an effective date of July 29. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2019031/govt-increases-petrol-price-by-rs163-hsd-price-by-rs155, 28 Jul 2026]
#17706
In the context of the 2026 pharmaceutical conference, what percentage of pharmaceutical raw material does Pakistan currently import?
(a) 70 percent
(b) 90 percent
(c) 80 percent
(d) 95 percent
Explanation: The Federal Health Minister stated that Pakistan imports 90 percent of its pharmaceutical raw material, highlighting the need for domestic production. 80 percent refers to the digitalization status of DRAP services. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016621/pakistan-china-pharma-conference-ends-with-850m-agreements, 19 Jul 2026]
#17707
Who is the current Foreign Minister of Iran who met with the Pakistani delegation in Tehran on April 15, 2026?
(a) Abbas Araghchi
(b) Esmaeil Baqaei
(c) Hossein Amir-Abdollahian
(d) Mohammad Javad Zarif
Explanation: Abbas Araghchi is the Iranian Foreign Minister who welcomed Field Marshal Asim Munir in Tehran. Esmaeil Baqaei is the foreign ministry spokesman, not the Foreign Minister. [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]
#17708
Who is the current Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs visiting Pakistan in July 2026?
(a) Melanie Joly
(b) Anita Anand
(c) Chrystia Freeland
(d) None of these
Explanation: Anita Anand is the Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs who scheduled a visit to Pakistan in July 2026. The other names listed are former or alternative Canadian cabinet members, making them incorrect. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016734/canadian-foreign-minister-anita-anand-to-visit-pakistan-on-monday, 19 Jul 2026]
#17709
Which of the following is NOT a stated objective or outcome of the 2026 Pakistan-China Pharmaceutical and Healthcare B2B Investment Conference?
(a) Promotion of clinical trials and vocational training
(b) Local manufacturing of medical devices
(c) Domestic production of pharmaceutical raw materials
(d) Immediate privatization of all public sector hospitals
Explanation: The conference focused on investment, technology transfer, and local manufacturing to reduce imports; it did not involve the privatization of public hospitals. The other three options were explicitly mentioned as key discussion points. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016621/pakistan-china-pharma-conference-ends-with-850m-agreements, 19 Jul 2026]
#17710
Consider the following statements about the Pakistan-Canada diplomatic engagement in 2026: 1. The sixth round of Bilateral Political Consultations was held in Islamabad in February 2026. 2. Canada hosted the second round of negotiations for a Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement in June 2026. 3. The Canadian Foreign Minister is expected to meet with the President of Pakistan during her visit. 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 regarding the 2026 diplomatic timeline. Statement 3 is incorrect because the report specifies that the Canadian Foreign Minister is expected to meet with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, not the President. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016734/canadian-foreign-minister-anita-anand-to-visit-pakistan-on-monday, 19 Jul 2026]
#17711
What was the percentage increase in cotton arrivals recorded in Sindh by July 15, 2026?
(a) 38.9 percent
(b) 77.3 percent
(c) 113.8 percent
(d) 90.0 percent
Explanation: Sindh recorded a 113.8 percent rise in cotton arrivals compared to the previous year. Punjab recorded a 38.9 percent increase, while the national average increase was 77.3 percent. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016601/early-cotton-arrivals-hit-record-527900-bales, 19 Jul 2026]
#17712
The mediation efforts led by Pakistan in April 2026 are primarily aimed at de-escalating tensions between which two countries?
(a) Pakistan and India
(b) Russia and Ukraine
(c) Saudi Arabia and Iran
(d) Iran and the United States
Explanation: The diplomatic efforts are focused on de-escalation between Iran and the United States, following direct talks held in Islamabad. The other options represent different geopolitical conflicts not addressed by this specific mediation mission. [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]
#17713
Which of the following statements regarding the 2026 LHC ruling on dower is INCORRECT?
(a) The court ruled that dower is a proprietary right arising from the marriage contract.
(b) The court clarified that family courts cannot routinely convert cruelty-based suits into Khula without informed consent.
(c) The court stated that a wife's credible testimony regarding cruelty requires corroboration by medical certificates.
(d) The court maintained that dissolution of marriage and the right to dower are separate legal rights.
Explanation: The court explicitly ruled that a wife's credible testimony does not require medical certificates or police reports to be acted upon by a family court, making the incorrect statement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017050/wifes-right-to-dower-remains-protected-if-marriage-dissolved-due-to-husbands-misconduct-lhc, 20 Jul 2026]
#17714
The visit of the Canadian Foreign Minister to Pakistan in July 2026 marks the first such visit in how many years?
(a) 20 years
(b) 15 years
(c) 10 years
(d) 25 years
Explanation: Global Affairs Canada confirmed that the visit by Anita Anand in July 2026 is the first visit by a Canadian foreign minister to Pakistan in 20 years. This highlights the significance of the current diplomatic engagement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016734/canadian-foreign-minister-anita-anand-to-visit-pakistan-on-monday, 19 Jul 2026]
#17715
What was the total value of agreements finalized during the Pakistan-China Pharmaceutical and Healthcare B2B Investment Conference in 2026?
(a) $600 million
(b) $1.2 billion
(c) $850 million
(d) $250 million
Explanation: The conference concluded with total agreements worth $850 million, consisting of $600 million in contracts and $250 million in MoUs. $1.2 billion is the projected cost of imported vaccines by 2030, not the conference total. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016621/pakistan-china-pharma-conference-ends-with-850m-agreements, 19 Jul 2026]
#17716
Consider the following statements about the 2026 LHC ruling on dower rights: 1. The ruling was issued in response to a petition challenging a family court decision in Toba Tek Singh. 2. The court held that dower can be reduced or apportioned at the discretion of the family court in all dissolution cases. 3. The ruling highlights the legal confusion caused by the Federal Shariat Court striking down sub-sections (5) and (6) of Section 10 of the Family Courts Act, 1964. 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 2 is incorrect because the court ruled that dower cannot be reduced or apportioned without a specific legal finding, rejecting the idea that it is at the court's discretion. Statements 1 and 3 accurately reflect the case background and the legal context provided in the ruling. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017050/wifes-right-to-dower-remains-protected-if-marriage-dissolved-due-to-husbands-misconduct-lhc, 20 Jul 2026]
#17717
Which of the following is NOT a component of the export-boosting schemes approved by the ECC on July 28, 2026?
(a) Enhanced Export Finance Scheme (E-EFS)
(b) Direct cash grants for industrial electricity bills
(c) Performance-based rebate on incremental exports
(d) Long-Term Export Growth Financing Facility (LTEGFF)
Explanation: The approved package includes E-EFS, LTEGFF, and a performance-based rebate scheme. Direct cash grants for electricity bills are not part of the three specific schemes mentioned in the ECC approval. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018926/ecc-okays-rs255bn-for-export-boosting-schemes, 28 Jul 2026]
#17718
Which of the following statements regarding the market conditions on July 27, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The US dollar index edged lower, making dollar-denominated commodities more affordable.
(b) Nickel prices on the London Metal Exchange (LME) recorded a gain on July 27, 2026.
(c) Brent crude prices had previously exceeded $100 per barrel in the week prior to July 27, 2026.
(d) The most-traded copper contract on the Shanghai Futures Exchange rose by 0.27%.
Explanation: On July 27, 2026, nickel prices on the LME actually lost 0.63%, making the statement that they gained incorrect. The other options accurately reflect the market data provided. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431973/copper-gains-on-mideast-de-escalation-oil-price-drop, 27 Jul 2026]
#17719
Which of the following is NOT a concern raised by Pakistan regarding the current international system in the May 2026 UNSC debate?
(a) The expansion of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization
(b) Weaponization of water treaties
(c) The need for comprehensive UNSC reform
(d) Selective application of international law
Explanation: Pakistan's address focused on the selective application of law, the sanctity of water treaties (specifically the Indus Waters Treaty), and the necessity of UNSC reform. NATO expansion was not a topic addressed by the Foreign Minister in this specific speech. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2003210/pakistan-stresses-need-for-restraint-de-escalation-in-iran-us-conflict, 26 May 2026]
#17720
Which Indian diplomat represented his country during the UNSC debate on Afghanistan on March 10, 2026?
(a) Parvathaneni Harish
(b) Ruchira Kamboj
(c) Syed Akbaruddin
(d) T.S. Tirumurti
Explanation: Parvathaneni Harish served as the Indian Permanent Representative who articulated India's concerns regarding cross-border violence during the session. The other options represent former Indian diplomats at the UN. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980464/pakistan-india-exchange-sharp-words-at-un-security-council-over-afghanistan, 10 Mar 2026]