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.
#19341
Which of the following statements regarding the refinery project announced on March 11, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The project is located at the Port of Brownsville.
(b) The refinery is designed to process imported crude oil from the Middle East.
(c) Reliance Industries is involved as a partner in the project.
(d) The project is framed as a major investment in US energy infrastructure.
Explanation: The refinery is designed to process 100 per cent American shale oil, not imported crude from the Middle East. Therefore, statement C is factually incorrect. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980847/trump-touts-us-oil-refinery-deal-with-indias-energy-giant-reliance-industries, 11 Mar 2026]
#19342
Consider the following statements about the energy market developments as of March 11, 2026: 1. The IEA's proposed oil release is intended to offset disruptions caused by the US-Israeli conflict with Iran. 2. Goldman Sachs analysts estimated that the proposed stockpile release would offset 12 days of Gulf export disruptions. 3. US crude prices reached their highest level since June 2022 on Monday, March 9, 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 report: the IEA is responding to the Iran conflict, Goldman Sachs provided the 12-day offset estimate, and WTI crude prices hit their highest point since June 2022 on the preceding Monday. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980857/oil-falls-on-report-of-iea-proposing-biggest-oil-release-ever, 11 Mar 2026]
#19343
Which of the following statements regarding the automotive sector performance in February 2026 is INCORRECT?
(a) Truck and bus sales surged by 37 percent year-on-year.
(b) Honda Atlas Cars Ltd sales increased by 57 percent month-on-month.
(c) Hyundai Nishat Motors recorded a year-on-year decline in sales.
(d) Pak Suzuki Motor Company recorded a 53 percent year-on-year increase.
Explanation: Honda Atlas Cars Ltd sales actually fell by 42 percent month-on-month in February 2026, not increased. The other three statements are factually accurate according to the reported data. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980724/auto-sales-rise-43pc-in-july-february, 11 Mar 2026]
#19344
Who announced the decision to lift market timing restrictions in Sindh on May 16, 2026?
(a) Murad Ali Shah
(b) Sharjeel Memon
(c) Saeed Ghani
(d) None of these
Explanation: Sharjeel Memon, serving as the Sindh Senior Minister, officially announced the exemption of markets and businesses from fixed closing times. Murad Ali Shah is the Chief Minister, but the specific announcement regarding this policy shift was attributed to the Senior Minister. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2000676/sindh-lifts-curbs-on-market-timings-minister-says-step-taken-to-facilitate-businesses-citizens, 16 May 2026]
#19345
What was the percentage increase in cumulative sales of cars, SUVs, pickups, and vans during the first eight months of the 2026 fiscal year (8MFY26)?
(a) 31 percent
(b) 59 percent
(c) 43 percent
(d) 90 percent
Explanation: Cumulative sales for the 8MFY26 period reached 128,498 units, representing a 43 percent increase over the 89,770 units sold in the same period of the previous fiscal year. Other figures, such as 59 percent, refer to specific company-level growth for Indus Motor Company rather than the total sector aggregate. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980724/auto-sales-rise-43pc-in-july-february, 11 Mar 2026]
#19346
Consider the following statements about the security address delivered on July 24, 2026: 1. The CDF emphasized that targeted operations will continue until terrorist infrastructure is eliminated. 2. The address highlighted that development initiatives in Balochistan are focused on an inclusive, people-centric approach. 3. The security forces are acting independently of civil society and media support in the province. 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 official stance on military operations and socio-economic development. Statement 3 is incorrect because the CDF specifically praised the constructive role of civil society, academia, and media in promoting national integration. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431561/cdf-vows-to-dismantle-terrorist-infrastructure, 24 Jul 2026]
#19347
Consider the following statements about the 2026 Test series between West Indies and Pakistan: 1. The series is being held during a period in the southern Caribbean prone to significant rainfall. 2. Mohammad Ali is a pace bowler who performed well in the warm-up match for Pakistan. 3. The West Indies Test team recently achieved a series victory against Sri Lanka. 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 provided information. The July/August period is noted for rainfall, Mohammad Ali took five wickets in the warm-up, and the West Indies recently defeated Sri Lanka. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018018/brian-lara-stadium-hosts-maiden-test-as-west-indies-face-pakistan, 24 Jul 2026]
#19348
Which of the following statements regarding ADNOC's July 2026 tender policy is INCORRECT?
(a) The tender includes crude loading from August to October.
(b) The tender is valid for only 24 hours after submission.
(c) The tender bid submission is due on July 27.
(d) Bids from buyers at a discounted differential are automatically rejected.
Explanation: The tender is valid until at least July 29, not 24 hours after submission. The other statements accurately reflect the terms set by ADNOC for the July 2026 tender. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431617/adnoc-offers-crude-oil-in-7th-tender-issued-since-june-sources-say, 24 Jul 2026]
#19349
Which of the following is NOT a stated priority discussed by the Foreign Ministers of Pakistan and Iran during their July 2026 meeting?
(a) Promotion of regional peace and stability
(b) Strengthening of bilateral ties
(c) Expansion of military alliances against third parties
(d) Implementation of the Islamabad MoU
Explanation: The meeting focused on de-escalation, dialogue, and regional stability. There was no mention of forming military alliances against third parties, making this the incorrect statement. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431646/pakistan-iran-fms-reaffirm-commitment-to-regional-peace-at-sco-meeting, 24 Jul 2026]
#19350
As of July 24, 2026, what is the primary reason cited for the surge in Brent crude oil prices exceeding $100 per barrel?
(a) Global supply chain disruptions in the semiconductor industry
(b) Escalating conflict in the Middle East
(c) Unexpected production cuts by OPEC+ members
(d) None of these
Explanation: The surge in crude oil prices is directly attributed to the escalating Middle East crisis, which has impacted shipping chokepoints. Other options, while relevant to global economics, are not the primary drivers mentioned for this specific price movement. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431590/indian-shares-to-open-lower-as-crude-tops-100, 24 Jul 2026]
#19351
What specific humanitarian assistance did Pakistan provide to Iran, as acknowledged by the Iranian Foreign Minister in July 2026?
(a) Facilitating the return of Iranian fishermen
(b) Providing emergency medical supplies
(c) Offering technical support for energy infrastructure
(d) None of these
Explanation: Pakistan facilitated the safe transit and return of Iranian fishermen and crew members who had been interdicted. This gesture was explicitly appreciated by the Iranian Foreign Minister during the meeting. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431646/pakistan-iran-fms-reaffirm-commitment-to-regional-peace-at-sco-meeting, 24 Jul 2026]
#19352
Which institution introduced the swap facility that lowered hedging costs for Indian banks in 2026?
(a) State Bank of India
(b) Reserve Bank of India
(c) Ministry of Finance
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Reserve Bank of India introduced a swap facility allowing eligible external commercial borrowings to be hedged at a fixed rate of 1.5% per annum. This measure made overseas dollar fundraising more attractive for Indian lenders. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431638/icici-bank-prices-1-billion-debt-in-largest-dollar-issue-by-indian-private-lender, 24 Jul 2026]
#19353
Which Indian financial institution was the last to tap the market for Basel III-compliant additional Tier I perpetual bonds prior to the SBI issuance in 2026?
(a) Canara Bank
(b) ICICI Bank
(c) HDFC Bank
(d) Axis Bank
Explanation: Canara Bank was the last lender to issue such bonds, raising 35 billion rupees in November 2025. The other banks listed are major private sector players not mentioned in the context of this specific recent issuance. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431637/indias-sbi-to-issue-first-rupee-denominated-perpetual-debt-of-2026-sources-say, 24 Jul 2026]
#19354
What is the total value of the perpetual debt issuance planned by the State Bank of India in 2026?
(a) 35 billion rupees
(b) 50 billion rupees
(c) 600 billion rupees
(d) None of these
Explanation: The State Bank of India planned to raise 50 billion rupees through its perpetual bond issuance. While 600 billion rupees is the total board-approved limit for the financial year, 50 billion is the specific amount for this transaction. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431637/indias-sbi-to-issue-first-rupee-denominated-perpetual-debt-of-2026-sources-say, 24 Jul 2026]
#19355
Which sector led the gains on the FTSE 100 index on July 24, 2026?
(a) Pharmaceuticals and healthcare
(b) Retail and consumer goods
(c) Electronics and technology
(d) Investment banks and brokerages
Explanation: Investment banks and brokerages recorded a 1.6% rise, leading sectoral gains on the benchmark index. This was bolstered by positive analyst revisions for companies like 3i Group. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431643/londons-ftse-100-rises-as-hsbc-lifts-financial-stocks-middle-east-tensions-linger, 24 Jul 2026]
#19356
Which of the following statements regarding the market conditions on July 24, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) Energy shares experienced a decline due to regional tensions
(b) The FTSE 250 index also recorded a climb of 0.3%
(c) Oil prices remained stable throughout the trading session
(d) Investors monitored rising oil prices amid Middle East tensions
Explanation: Oil prices did not remain stable; they were volatile and retreated after initial concerns regarding energy flow disruptions in the Red Sea. The other statements accurately reflect the market data provided. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431643/londons-ftse-100-rises-as-hsbc-lifts-financial-stocks-middle-east-tensions-linger, 24 Jul 2026]
#19357
Which of the following countries was NOT among the eight nations that issued the joint statement condemning the Israeli escalation at Al-Aqsa Mosque on July 24, 2026?
(a) Malaysia
(b) Saudi Arabia
(c) Indonesia
(d) United Arab Emirates
Explanation: The joint statement was issued by eight specific nations: Pakistan, Egypt, Türkiye, Indonesia, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. Malaysia was not a signatory to this specific diplomatic declaration. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431627/pakistan-seven-other-islamic-states-condemn-israeli-escalation-at-al-aqsa-mosque, 24 Jul 2026]
#19358
Consider the following statements about the Civil Servants (Disclosure and Regulation of Foreign Nationality) Rules, 2026: 1. The rules apply only to the civil servant and not their dependents. 2. Civil servants must declare if they are married to foreign nationals. 3. The rules require disclosure of foreign status at the time of joining service. 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 incorrect because the rules explicitly require the disclosure of foreign nationality and travel documents for both the civil servant and their dependents. Statements 2 and 3 are accurate reflections of the new regulatory requirements. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431565/civil-servants-foreign-nationality-declaration-made-mandatory, 24 Jul 2026]
#19359
The Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) referenced during the July 2026 meeting between Pakistan and Iran was signed in which month?
(a) April 2026
(b) May 2026
(c) July 2026
(d) June 2026
Explanation: The Islamabad MoU, which serves as a framework for bilateral cooperation, was signed in June 2026. The meeting in July 2026 focused on building upon the understandings reached in that document. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431646/pakistan-iran-fms-reaffirm-commitment-to-regional-peace-at-sco-meeting, 24 Jul 2026]
#19360
Consider the following statements about the weather forecast issued on July 24, 2026: 1. The rainfall is expected to continue until July 27, 2026. 2. Karachi is expected to receive heavy downpours similar to the interior districts of Sindh. 3. A low-pressure area over southwest Rajasthan is contributing to the current weather conditions. 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 forecast covers the period until July 27. Statement 3 is correct as the low-pressure area over Rajasthan is a key driver. Statement 2 is incorrect because Karachi is only expected to receive light rain or drizzle, not heavy downpours. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431626/pmd-forecasts-widespread-rain-across-sindh-warns-of-urban-flooding, 24 Jul 2026]