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.
#19301
Consider the following statements about the global commodity market on July 23, 2026: 1. Copper prices declined due to the negative impact of soaring oil prices on the economic outlook. 2. The cash LME copper contract was trading at a discount compared to the three-month forward contract. 3. Oil prices rose for five consecutive days leading up to the report. 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 copper prices tracked equity markets downward due to oil price pressure. Statement 3 is correct as oil prices rose for a fifth day. Statement 2 is incorrect because the cash LME copper contract was trading at a premium, not a discount, over the three-month forward. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431447/copper-dips-as-soaring-oil-prices-weigh-on-economic-outlook, 23 Jul 2026]
#19302
Which organization hosted the regional symposium on 'Space4Climate' in Peshawar on July 24, 2026?
(a) Pakistan Meteorological Department
(b) Global Change Impact Studies Centre
(c) National Disaster Management Authority
(d) Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission
Explanation: The symposium was hosted by SUPARCO through its Space Applications Centre for Climate Sciences (SACCS). The other organizations listed are relevant to climate or disaster management but were not the primary hosts of this specific initiative. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431524/space4climate-services-experts-call-for-institutional-adaptation, 24 Jul 2026]
#19303
Which of the following statements regarding the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Local Government (Amendment) Act, 2026 is INCORRECT?
(a) It was unanimously supported by the Election Commission of Pakistan.
(b) It received the assent of the Governor on July 16, 2026.
(c) It was officially notified on July 21, 2026.
(d) It was passed by the KP Assembly on July 6, 2026.
Explanation: The ECP has formally opposed the amendment, terming it a 'delaying tactic' for local government elections. The other three statements accurately reflect the timeline of the bill's passage, assent, and notification. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431520/ecp-opposes-key-amendment-to-kps-lg-law, 24 Jul 2026]
#19304
In which administrative region did the NCCIA conduct the arrest of the espionage suspect in 2026?
(a) Gilgit-Baltistan
(b) Azad Jammu and Kashmir
(c) Islamabad Capital Territory
(d) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Explanation: The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) Gilgit branch carried out the arrest. Gilgit is the administrative center of the Gilgit-Baltistan region. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431521/nccia-gilgit-arrests-suspect-in-espionage-case, 24 Jul 2026]
#19305
Consider the following statements regarding the Indian market conditions on July 23, 2026: 1. The Nifty 50 benchmark index experienced a decline. 2. Brent crude oil prices approached the $100 per barrel threshold. 3. The Indian rupee showed significant appreciation against the dollar due to market optimism. 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: The Nifty 50 fell by 0.5%, and Brent crude prices neared $100 per barrel. The rupee did not appreciate significantly; it remained nearly flat due to central bank intervention, making statement 3 incorrect. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431443/indian-rupee-ends-nearly-flat-as-central-bank-intervention-blunts-oil-strain, 23 Jul 2026]
#19306
Which of the following statements regarding the market performance on July 23, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The Pakistani rupee gained value in the inter-bank market.
(b) The Pakistani rupee appreciated against the Euro in the open market.
(c) The US dollar index eased by 0.06% to 101.05.
(d) Brent crude prices reached their highest level in nearly two months.
Explanation: The report indicates that the Pakistani rupee lost value against the Euro in the open market, making statement C incorrect. All other statements accurately reflect the data provided for the event date. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431436/pakistani-rupee-records-gain-against-us-dollar, 23 Jul 2026]
#19307
Who was the Sessions Judge killed in the Mastung attack on 2026-07-24?
(a) Mir Ziaullah Langove
(b) Tariq Lashari
(c) Abdul Hakeem Kakar
(d) Mir Sarfraz Bugti
Explanation: Abdul Hakeem Kakar was the Sessions Judge who lost his life in the attack. Tariq Lashari was an Additional Sessions Judge who sustained injuries, while the others are provincial government officials. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431528/sessions-judge-among-two-killed-in-mastung-nha-attack, 24 Jul 2026]
#19308
Where did the Chief of Defence Forces address the participants of the 20th National Workshop Balochistan on July 24, 2026?
(a) Prime Minister House, Islamabad
(b) General Headquarters, Rawalpindi
(c) Governor House, Quetta
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Chief of Defence Forces addressed the workshop participants at the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi. This location serves as the primary command center for the Pakistan Army's strategic communications and operations. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431561/cdf-vows-to-dismantle-terrorist-infrastructure, 24 Jul 2026]
#19309
Who has been appointed as the captain of the Pakistan Test cricket team for the series against the West Indies in 2026?
(a) Babar Azam
(b) Shan Masood
(c) Azan Awais
(d) Mohammad Ali
Explanation: Babar Azam returned as the captain of the Pakistan Test team, replacing Shan Masood following a series loss in Bangladesh. Shan Masood was the previous captain, making him a plausible distractor. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018018/brian-lara-stadium-hosts-maiden-test-as-west-indies-face-pakistan, 24 Jul 2026]
#19310
Which stadium in Trinidad is hosting its maiden Test match in July 2026?
(a) Queen's Park Oval
(b) Brian Lara Stadium
(c) Sabina Park
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Brian Lara Stadium, located in the south of Trinidad, was designated as the venue for the first Test of the series. Queen's Park Oval is the other Test venue in Trinidad but is not the site of this maiden Test. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018018/brian-lara-stadium-hosts-maiden-test-as-west-indies-face-pakistan, 24 Jul 2026]
#19311
Which of the following statements regarding the impact of the 2026 Middle East conflict on the aviation industry is INCORRECT?
(a) Some airlines have implemented temporary price adjustments to maintain reliable operations.
(b) All major international airlines have abandoned fuel hedging policies due to the conflict.
(c) Airspace closures in the Middle East have forced pilots to reroute flights.
(d) Rising fuel costs have led to concerns regarding a potential deep travel slump.
Explanation: The statement is incorrect because not all airlines abandoned hedging; for instance, Lufthansa and Ryanair maintained fuel hedging to secure supplies at fixed prices. The other options accurately describe the operational challenges faced by the industry. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980748/airlines-raise-ticket-prices-as-middle-east-conflict-drives-up-fuel-costs, 11 Mar 2026]
#19312
Who is the current Chief Secretary of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to whom the ECP addressed its concerns regarding the 2026 amendment?
(a) Shahab Ali Shah
(b) Nadeem Qasim
(c) Sardar Sikander Shaheen
(d) None of these
Explanation: Shahab Ali Shah is the Chief Secretary of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa who received the official correspondence from the ECP. Nadeem Qasim is the Additional Director General of the ECP who authored the letter, not the recipient. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431520/ecp-opposes-key-amendment-to-kps-lg-law, 24 Jul 2026]
#19313
How does the Government of Pakistan define an attack on its commercial ships by Houthi rebels according to the July 24, 2026, policy statement?
(a) A violation of international trade law
(b) A breach of the Islamabad Memorandum
(c) An attack against Pakistan
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Foreign Office spokesperson stated that any strike against Pakistani-flagged vessels would be treated as an attack against Pakistan itself, justifying a response in self-defense. This elevates the status of commercial assets to national security interests. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017926/pakistan-warns-houthi-rebels-to-steer-clear-of-its-ships, 24 Jul 2026]
#19314
Which Israeli bank is scheduled to terminate its association with Palestinian banks on September 1, 2026?
(a) Bank Leumi
(b) Bank Hapoalim
(c) First International Bank of Israel
(d) Israel Discount Bank
Explanation: Israel Discount Bank is set to end its correspondent banking relationship with Palestinian lenders on September 1, 2026. Bank Hapoalim is scheduled to follow with a similar action on October 1, 2026. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017988/2-israeli-banks-prepare-to-cut-ties-with-palestinians, 24 Jul 2026]
#19315
Saadia Zahidi was appointed as the Director General of which international organization on July 24, 2026?
(a) World Economic Forum
(b) International Air Transport Association
(c) International Civil Aviation Organization
(d) World Trade Organization
Explanation: Saadia Zahidi was appointed to lead the International Air Transport Association (IATA). While she previously worked at the World Economic Forum, that is not the organization she was appointed to lead as Director General. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017986/pakistan-origin-saadia-zahidi-to-lead-international-air-transport-association, 24 Jul 2026]
#19316
Who is the communications chief of the United States Secret Service who issued the statement regarding the investigation on 2026-07-24?
(a) Kimberly Cheatle
(b) James Murray
(c) Anthony Guglielmi
(d) Randolph Alles
Explanation: Anthony Guglielmi serves as the chief of communications for the Secret Service and provided the official confirmation of the investigation. The other individuals listed are former directors or officials not associated with this specific 2026 statement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017994/vances-agent-faces-probe-after-leak-about-chopper-trip-for-son, 24 Jul 2026]
#19317
Consider the following statements about the current Middle Eastern energy landscape as of July 2026: 1. ADNOC has sold over 74 million barrels of crude in previous tenders since June. 2. The viability of the shuttle fleet service is currently considered certain and risk-free. 3. Spot premiums for Middle Eastern crude have reached a more than one-month high. 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 factually correct based on the report. Statement 2 is incorrect because the report explicitly states that the viability of the shuttle fleet service is unclear due to ongoing hostilities. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431617/adnoc-offers-crude-oil-in-7th-tender-issued-since-june-sources-say, 24 Jul 2026]
#19318
Consider the following statements about the ECP's objection to the KP Local Government (Amendment) Act, 2026: 1. The ECP claims the amendment contradicts its constitutional authority to delimit constituencies. 2. The amendment requires the ECP to consult with the provincial government when waiving population conditions. 3. The ECP argues that the amendment is a necessary step to expedite the local government election process. 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 ECP's legal stance and the specific provision of the amendment they oppose. Statement 3 is incorrect because the ECP views the amendment as a 'delaying tactic' rather than a measure to expedite the election process. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431520/ecp-opposes-key-amendment-to-kps-lg-law, 24 Jul 2026]
#19319
The NCCIA Gilgit operation conducted on July 24, 2026, primarily focused on which type of criminal activity?
(a) Financial embezzlement
(b) Election rigging
(c) Cyber-bullying
(d) Espionage
Explanation: The NCCIA arrested the suspect for allegedly sharing sensitive national security information with a foreign intelligence agency, which constitutes an espionage case. The other options represent different categories of crime not related to this specific investigation. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431521/nccia-gilgit-arrests-suspect-in-espionage-case, 24 Jul 2026]
#19320
Consider the following statements about the security incident in Mastung on 2026-07-24: 1. The attack resulted in the death of a Sessions Judge and his gunman. 2. The provincial government described the attack as an assault on the state itself. 3. The incident occurred during a planned protest march on the National Highway. 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 report. Statement 3 is incorrect because the officials were traveling to perform official duties, not participating in a protest march. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431528/sessions-judge-among-two-killed-in-mastung-nha-attack, 24 Jul 2026]