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.
#19261
Following the escalation of the Middle East conflict in 2026, jet fuel prices surged to which of the following ranges per barrel?
(a) $100-$120
(b) $150-$200
(c) $250-$300
(d) None of these
Explanation: Jet fuel prices rose significantly from their previous range of $85-$90 to between $150 and $200 per barrel due to the conflict. This sharp increase forced several airlines to adjust their ticket pricing to maintain operational stability. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980748/airlines-raise-ticket-prices-as-middle-east-conflict-drives-up-fuel-costs, 11 Mar 2026]
#19262
Consider the following statements about the market situation on July 23, 2026: 1. The Dow Jones Industrial Average experienced a decline of 0.8 percent. 2. Investor skepticism was linked to high capital spending on new technologies by major firms. 3. The conflict in the Middle East was identified as a primary driver for the surge in oil prices. 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 correct based on the report. The Dow Jones fell by 0.8 percent, tech firms faced skepticism over capital expenditure, and the Middle East conflict was the catalyst for the oil price surge. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431469/us-stocks-tumble-as-brent-oil-tops-100, 23 Jul 2026]
#19263
The surge in global oil prices on July 23, 2026, was primarily triggered by tensions involving which of the following?
(a) Strait of Malacca
(b) Suez Canal
(c) Panama Canal
(d) Strait of Hormuz
Explanation: The rise in Brent crude prices was linked to fears of supply disruptions spreading beyond the Strait of Hormuz following attacks on Saudi oil tankers. This geopolitical risk directly impacted global energy markets. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431443/indian-rupee-ends-nearly-flat-as-central-bank-intervention-blunts-oil-strain, 23 Jul 2026]
#19264
On July 23, 2026, Itamar Ben Gvir led followers into the Al-Aqsa compound to mark which Jewish day of mourning?
(a) Yom Kippur
(b) Rosh Hashanah
(c) Tisha B'Av
(d) None of these
Explanation: Tisha B'Av is the Jewish day of fasting and mourning that commemorates the destruction of the First and Second Temples. It is the specific occasion during which the minister led the visit to the compound. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017854/far-right-israeli-minister-ben-gvir-storms-al-aqsa-mosque-compound-with-hundreds-of-followers, 23 Jul 2026]
#19265
Consider the following statements about the global vegetable oil market in 2026: 1. Palm oil prices often track the price movements of rival edible oils like soyoil. 2. The 2026/27 soybean crop in Brazil is projected to increase significantly due to favorable weather. 3. Stronger crude oil futures increase the attractiveness of palm oil for biodiesel production. 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 palm oil competes with other vegetable oils. Statement 3 is correct as higher crude prices boost biodiesel demand. Statement 2 is incorrect because the Brazilian soybean crop is projected to fall by 2%, not increase. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431446/palm-oil-hits-3-month-high-on-supply-risks-biodiesel-demand-prospects, 23 Jul 2026]
#19266
Which factor primarily contributed to the rise in global oil prices as of July 23, 2026?
(a) Increased global demand for aviation fuel
(b) Escalating hostilities in the Middle East
(c) OPEC production quota adjustments
(d) None of these
Explanation: Oil prices rose significantly due to escalating hostilities in the Middle East, specifically involving attacks on oil tankers. This geopolitical instability is the primary driver mentioned for the price surge. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431447/copper-dips-as-soaring-oil-prices-weigh-on-economic-outlook, 23 Jul 2026]
#19267
Who presided over the Senate Standing Committee meeting held on 2026-07-24?
(a) Senator Pervaiz Rashid
(b) Senator Irfan Siddiqui
(c) Senator Nuzhat Nazar
(d) Senator Sarmad Ali
Explanation: Senator Sarmad Ali served as the acting chairman during the committee meeting held at the Pakistan Television headquarters. Senator Pervaiz Rashid was present as a member but did not chair the session. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431519/newspaper-columnist-senate-panel-orders-nccia-to-refer-complaint-to-pcp, 24 Jul 2026]
#19268
Which of the following statements regarding the US legislative actions on July 23, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The House of Representatives passed a resolution to curb presidential war powers.
(b) The Senate voted to block a war powers measure similar to the one passed by the House.
(c) The Senate successfully passed a binding resolution to end military action against Iran.
(d) Four Republicans in the House voted in favor of the war powers resolution.
Explanation: The Senate did not pass a binding resolution; instead, it voted 49 to 47 to block its own war powers measure. The other three statements accurately reflect the events of that day. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017858/us-house-votes-to-curb-trumps-iran-war-powers-but-senate-backs-president, 23 Jul 2026]
#19269
India's edible oil imports are projected to climb between July and October 2026 primarily due to:
(a) A sudden drop in global palm oil prices
(b) Slower domestic crushing of soybean and rapeseed
(c) A government mandate to increase biofuel blending
(d) None of these
Explanation: India's imports are expected to rise because slower domestic crushing of soybean and rapeseed is eroding local supplies. This creates a need for imports to meet demand ahead of the festive season. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431446/palm-oil-hits-3-month-high-on-supply-risks-biodiesel-demand-prospects, 23 Jul 2026]
#19270
Which official holds the position of Balochistan Home Minister as of 2026-07-24?
(a) Mir Sarfraz Bugti
(b) Mir Ziaullah Langove
(c) Abdul Hakeem Kakar
(d) Tariq Lashari
Explanation: Mir Ziaullah Langove is the Home Minister of Balochistan who condemned the attack. Mir Sarfraz Bugti is the Chief Minister, and the others are judicial officers. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431528/sessions-judge-among-two-killed-in-mastung-nha-attack, 24 Jul 2026]
#19271
In which French region were over 20,000 people evacuated due to a fire in a seaside pine forest in July 2026?
(a) Calabria
(b) Cotignac
(c) Le Porge
(d) Bordeaux
Explanation: The massive evacuation of over 20,000 people occurred in the region surrounding Bordeaux, France, where a fire ravaged a dense pine forest. While Le Porge is a specific town within that area, Bordeaux is the primary regional identifier used for the scale of the evacuation. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017997/deadly-wildfires-in-europe-force-thousands-to-flee, 24 Jul 2026]
#19272
Consider the following statements about the political context of the 2026 US midterm elections: 1. President Trump has suggested that immigration officers might be deployed at polling places. 2. The SAVE America Act proposes requiring photo identification at polling stations. 3. Democrats have expressed concern that Trump's rhetoric is intended to undermine confidence in the electoral process.
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) All three
Explanation: All three statements are accurate reflections of the political discourse described: the potential for immigration officers at polls, the provisions of the SAVE America Act, and the Democratic response to Trump's rhetoric. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016135/trump-revives-sweeping-election-fraud-claims-ahead-of-us-midterms-accuses-china-of-meddling, 17 Jul 2026]
#19273
Which of the following statements regarding the fuel cost situation in June 2026 is INCORRECT?
(a) The reference fuel cost for June 2026 was set at Rs7.714 per unit.
(b) The actual fuel cost for June 2026 was reported at Rs8.90 per unit.
(c) Electricity consumption in June 2026 was higher than in June 2025.
(d) Furnace oil and diesel combined contributed less than 1% to the grid supply.
Explanation: Electricity consumption in June 2026 was 13,066 billion units, which is lower than the 13,310 billion units recorded in June 2025. Therefore, the statement claiming consumption was higher is incorrect. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016204/power-companies-seek-rs120-per-unit-fuel-cost-adjustment-for-august, 17 Jul 2026]
#19274
On which date in 2026 was the Zilhaj moon officially sighted in Pakistan?
(a) May 15, 2026
(b) May 16, 2026
(c) May 18, 2026
(d) May 17, 2026
Explanation: The Central Ruet-i-Hilal Committee met on May 17, 2026, and confirmed the sighting of the crescent moon on that evening. This date marks the official start of the lunar month transition as reported. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2000923/zilhaj-moon-sighted-eidul-azha-to-fall-on-may-27, 17 May 2026]
#19275
Consider the following statements about the incident involving Itamar Ben-Gvir on May 23, 2026: 1. The minister posted a video showing activists with their hands tied and foreheads to the ground. 2. The video was captioned 'Welcome to Israel' by the minister. 3. The activists were intercepted while attempting to deliver aid to the West Bank. 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 content and caption of the video. Statement 3 is incorrect because the flotilla was attempting to reach Gaza, not the West Bank. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2002539/france-bans-israeli-security-minister-ben-gvir-from-country, 23 May 2026]
#19276
Who is the current Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces of Pakistan who visited Tehran in May 2026?
(a) General Qamar Javed Bajwa
(b) Field Marshal Asim Munir
(c) General Raheel Sharif
(d) None of these
Explanation: Field Marshal Asim Munir is the current Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces who led the mediation delegation to Tehran. The other names listed are former army chiefs. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2002541/encouraging-progress-made-during-cdf-munirs-tehran-visit-ispr, 23 May 2026]
#19277
Which Indian dam on the Sutlej River was reported to be filled to approximately 30 percent capacity on 2026-07-24?
(a) Bhakra Dam
(b) Pong Dam
(c) Salal Dam
(d) Thein Dam
Explanation: The Commissioner for Indus Waters informed the committee that the Bhakra Dam on the Sutlej River was at 30 percent capacity. The Pong Dam is located on the Beas River, and the Thein Dam is on the Ravi River. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431517/senate-panel-told-govt-unaware-of-indias-chenab-water-release, 24 Jul 2026]
#19278
Consider the following statements about the events at the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound on July 23, 2026: 1. Itamar Ben Gvir led hundreds of followers into the compound. 2. The visit was condemned by the Jordanian government. 3. The Turkish government officially supported the visit as a religious right. 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 the minister led the group and Jordan issued a formal condemnation. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Turkish government strongly criticized the visit, labeling it a violation of the historical and legal status of the site. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017854/far-right-israeli-minister-ben-gvir-storms-al-aqsa-mosque-compound-with-hundreds-of-followers, 23 Jul 2026]
#19279
Which global commodity benchmark experienced a significant price surge exceeding $100 per barrel on July 23, 2026?
(a) West Texas Intermediate
(b) Natural gas
(c) Brent crude
(d) Arabian Light
Explanation: Brent futures rose significantly to reach $100.71 per barrel on July 23, 2026, driven by supply disruption concerns. West Texas Intermediate is a different benchmark and was not the primary focus of the reported price surge. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431436/pakistani-rupee-records-gain-against-us-dollar, 23 Jul 2026]
#19280
Which body did the Senate Standing Committee on Information and Broadcasting direct the NCCIA to approach regarding a complaint against a newspaper columnist on 2026-07-24?
(a) Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority
(b) Press Council of Pakistan
(c) Federal Investigation Agency
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Senate Standing Committee ruled that the Press Council of Pakistan is the appropriate forum to examine published content by columnists. This directive aims to prevent the misuse of cybercrime laws against traditional media outlets. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431519/newspaper-columnist-senate-panel-orders-nccia-to-refer-complaint-to-pcp, 24 Jul 2026]