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.
#18381
Which of the following is NOT a stated objective of the government's new energy policy announced on July 17, 2026?
(a) Increasing transparency in fuel pricing
(b) Immediate elimination of all petroleum levies
(c) Deregulation of the energy sector
(d) Establishing strategic petroleum reserves
Explanation: The government has not announced the elimination of petroleum levies; rather, it noted that these levies remain low. The other options are explicitly mentioned as goals or ongoing initiatives of the current administration. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016227/govt-to-fix-fuel-prices-daily-due-to-renewed-hostilities-in-persian-gulf-petroleum-minister, 17 Jul 2026]
#18382
What was the total amount of public debt in Pakistan as of February 2026?
(a) Rs82.1 trillion
(b) Rs75.5 trillion
(c) Rs79.3 trillion
(d) Rs68.4 trillion
Explanation: Pakistan's total public debt reached Rs79.3 trillion in February 2026, marking a 1 percent increase month-on-month. This figure represents a 10 percent rise compared to the same period in the previous year. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979645/stocks-nosedive-63pc-in-jittery-week-on-geopolitical-concerns, 08 Mar 2026]
#18383
According to the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS), what trend was observed in the tribal districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa during June 2026?
(a) A 23 percent decrease in terrorism
(b) A 23 percent increase in terrorism
(c) A 16 percent increase in terrorism
(d) A 16 percent decrease in terrorism
Explanation: PICSS data indicated a 23 percent decrease in terrorist attacks in the tribal districts (formerly FATA) during June. The 16 percent figure refers to the increase in attacks in the rest of the province, not the tribal districts. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016455/terrorist-killed-as-security-forces-destroy-explosive-laden-vehicle-intended-for-suicide-attack-in-wana-state-media, 18 Jul 2026]
#18384
Consider the following statements about the fuel price adjustments in April 2026: 1. The government reduced the petroleum levy by Rs80 per litre in early April 2026. 2. The price of petrol was set at Rs366.58 per litre in the week preceding April 17, 2026. 3. The government announced an unprecedented increase in fuel prices on April 2, 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 government's policy announcements in April 2026. The government implemented a levy reduction, maintained a specific petrol price, and executed a significant price hike earlier in the month. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1992656/govt-slashes-diesel-price-by-rs32, 17 Apr 2026]
#18385
Which international benchmark crude oil price dropped below $90 a barrel on July 27, 2026?
(a) West Texas Intermediate
(b) North Sea Brent
(c) OPEC Reference Basket
(d) Dubai Crude
Explanation: North Sea Brent crude shed more than seven percent early on July 27, 2026, to briefly drop below $90 a barrel, contributing to improved market sentiment. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018715/psx-opens-week-in-the-green-gains-more-than-7000-points-to-close-above-178000-mark, 27 Jul 2026]
#18386
Consider the following statements about the political transition in the United Kingdom on July 20, 2026: 1. Andy Burnham was appointed by King Charles III to form a new government. 2. The transition occurred following the resignation of Keir Starmer. 3. Andy Burnham indicated that his first diplomatic calls would include the leaders of the United States and Ukraine. 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 events of July 20, 2026. Burnham was appointed by the King, succeeded Starmer, and confirmed his intent to contact the US and Ukrainian presidents. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017007/andy-burnham-becomes-uk-pm-says-britain-needs-to-regain-stability, 20 Jul 2026]
#18387
Which of the following demands was NOT included in the resolution passed by the TTAP on March 11, 2026?
(a) The release of incarcerated PTI founder Imran Khan
(b) The immediate cessation of all trade with the United States
(c) The resolution of issues with Afghanistan through diplomatic channels
(d) The treatment of Afghan refugees in accordance with international laws
Explanation: The resolution called for diplomatic measures and restraint but did not demand a cessation of trade with the United States. The other three options were explicit demands or positions taken by the alliance in their resolution. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981002/ttap-calls-on-govt-to-take-opposition-parliament-into-confidence-on-defence-pacts-amid-changing-regional-situation, 11 Mar 2026]
#18388
Which of the following statements regarding the 2026-07-21 Nuristan floods is INCORRECT?
(a) The floods resulted in the destruction of riverside shops and hotels.
(b) Government employees, including the mayor, were among those reported missing.
(c) The Afghan government confirmed the deaths and property damage.
(d) The disaster was caused by a severe earthquake in the region.
Explanation: The disaster was caused by flash floods following heavy rainfall, not an earthquake. The other three statements are factually accurate descriptions of the event as reported. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017161/20-afghans-killed100-missing-after-floods, 21 Jul 2026]
#18389
What was the total monetary value of the fine imposed by the EU on AliExpress on July 21, 2026?
(a) $630 million
(b) $200 million
(c) $120 million
(d) $550 million
Explanation: The EU imposed a fine of 550 million euros, which is equivalent to $630 million. The other figures represent fines previously issued to other companies like Temu and X. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017112/eu-imposes-630m-fine-on-aliexpress-over-illegal-products, 21 Jul 2026]
#18390
Who currently serves as the Petroleum Minister of Pakistan as of July 17, 2026?
(a) Attaullah Tarar
(b) Shehbaz Sharif
(c) Ali Pervaiz Malik
(d) Asim Munir
Explanation: Ali Pervaiz Malik is the Petroleum Minister who addressed the press conference regarding the new fuel pricing policy. Attaullah Tarar is the Information Minister, and Shehbaz Sharif is the Prime Minister. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016227/govt-to-fix-fuel-prices-daily-due-to-renewed-hostilities-in-persian-gulf-petroleum-minister, 17 Jul 2026]
#18391
Consider the following statements about the petroleum sector reform announced in July 2026: 1. The reform replaces the weekly price announcement cycle with a daily adjustment mechanism. 2. The policy was approved by the federal cabinet on the directive of the Prime Minister. 3. The Inland Freight Equalisation Margin (IFEM) is being excluded from the new pricing formula. 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 core policy shift and the administrative approval process. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Petroleum Division is actively addressing technical matters, including the IFEM, within the new framework rather than excluding it. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016504/daily-fuel-price-adjustments-to-curb-market-abuse-ensure-fair-prices-petroleum-minister, 18 Jul 2026]
#18392
Who chaired the meeting of the Tehreek Tahaffuz Ayeen-i-Pakistan (TTAP) held at the Parliament House on March 11, 2026?
(a) Imran Khan
(b) Mehmood Khan Achakzai
(c) Omar Ayub Khan
(d) None of these
Explanation: Mehmood Khan Achakzai is the Chairman of the TTAP and presided over the parliamentary meeting. Imran Khan is currently incarcerated, and Omar Ayub is a prominent opposition leader but did not chair this specific session. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981002/ttap-calls-on-govt-to-take-opposition-parliament-into-confidence-on-defence-pacts-amid-changing-regional-situation, 11 Mar 2026]
#18393
Consider the following statements about the tunnel collapse incident: 1. The incident occurred on July 21, 2026. 2. Approximately 25-27 people were estimated to be trapped initially. 3. The project is located in the state of Uttarakhand. 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 event occurred on July 21, 2026. Statement 2 is correct as the director estimated 25-27 people were trapped. Statement 3 is incorrect because the project is located in Sikkim, not Uttarakhand. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017225/nine-dead-15-trapped-after-tunnel-collapse-in-indias-remote-northeast, 21 Jul 2026]
#18394
What was the primary reason cited by Iran for closing the Strait of Hormuz to commercial shipping on April 18, 2026?
(a) United States blockade of Iranian ports
(b) Severe weather conditions in the Persian Gulf
(c) Routine naval military exercises
(d) Diplomatic dispute with the United Arab Emirates
Explanation: Iran declared the waterway closed for commercial ships due to the United States' continued blockade of its ports. This action directly impacted the transit of merchant vessels in the region. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1992990/new-delhi-summons-iranian-envoy-after-indian-flagged-tankers-shot-at-near-strait-of-hormuz, 18 Apr 2026]
#18395
In April 2026, the government raised $500 million in the international capital market through which financial instrument?
(a) Sovereign Sukuk
(b) Treasury Bill
(c) Commercial Loan
(d) Eurobond
Explanation: The government successfully raised $500 million through a Eurobond issuance in April 2026, marking the first such issuance in four years. This is part of a broader strategy to diversify financing sources beyond traditional bilateral loans. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1993003/sbp-says-govt-has-paid-2bn-to-uae, 18 Apr 2026]
#18396
Which of the following statements regarding the 2026 petroleum pricing dispute is INCORRECT?
(a) The APPPOA claimed the daily pricing mechanism favours Oil Marketing Companies.
(b) The PPDA immediately joined the APPPOA strike without further consultation.
(c) The government's new pricing mechanism is based on a seven-day rolling average of international prices.
(d) The Petroleum Division claimed that talks with the PPDA were successful.
Explanation: The PPDA did not immediately join the strike; instead, they stated that their executive committee would meet to decide on the matter after consulting with OGRA. The other three statements accurately reflect the positions and claims made by the respective parties. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017314/petrol-pump-owners-announce-nationwide-strike-after-talks-over-daily-pricing-fail, 21 Jul 2026]
#18397
According to the bomb disposal squad, what type of vehicle was utilized to carry the explosives during the attack on May 10, 2026?
(a) Loader rickshaw
(b) Armored personnel carrier
(c) Pickup truck
(d) None of these
Explanation: The bomb disposal squad confirmed that a loader rickshaw was used to transport the 1,000 to 1,500 kilograms of explosive material. The other options are incorrect as they do not match the specific vehicle identified in the investigation. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1999132/15-police-personnel-martyred-in-bannu-suicide-attack, 10 May 2026]
#18398
Who appointed Andy Burnham as the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom on July 20, 2026?
(a) King William V
(b) King Charles III
(c) King George VII
(d) None of these
Explanation: King Charles III formally appointed Andy Burnham as Prime Minister during an audience at Buckingham Palace. The other options are incorrect as they do not represent the current British monarch. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017007/andy-burnham-becomes-uk-pm-says-britain-needs-to-regain-stability, 20 Jul 2026]
#18399
Who presided over the high-level consultative meeting regarding the petroleum products situation on March 27, 2026?
(a) Mir Shoaib Nosherwani
(b) Ali Pervaiz Malik
(c) Shaza Fatima Khawaja
(d) Muhammad Aurangzeb
Explanation: Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb chaired the meeting. While other ministers like Ali Pervaiz Malik and Shaza Fatima Khawaja were present, they did not preside over the session. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1985900/centre-provinces-agree-on-rolling-out-app-based-fuel-quota-system-for-motorcycles-rickshaws, 27 Mar 2026]
#18400
To which High Court was Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani transferred in the notification issued on April 29, 2026?
(a) Lahore High Court
(b) Peshawar High Court
(c) Sindh High Court
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Ministry of Law and Justice notified the transfer of Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani to the Lahore High Court. The other options represent different High Courts to which other judges were transferred. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1996098/law-ministry-notifies-transfer-of-3-ihc-judges-to-other-high-courts, 29 Apr 2026]