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.
#19361
According to the PDMA, what was the primary cause of the 17 rain-related deaths reported in Punjab as of July 22, 2026?
(a) Electrocution
(b) Lightning strikes
(c) Building or structure collapses
(d) None of these
Explanation: The PDMA reported that 12 out of the 17 deaths were caused by the collapse of buildings or other structures. Electrocution and lightning strikes accounted for the remaining five fatalities. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017532/intermittent-heavy-rain-hits-punjab-cities-lahore-receives-123mm, 22 Jul 2026]
#19362
Which of the following factors was primarily responsible for the pressure on Indian bond sentiment during the week ending July 24, 2026?
(a) Surging oil prices
(b) Domestic political instability
(c) A sudden decline in tax revenue
(d) None of these
Explanation: Surging oil prices and higher U.S. Treasury yields were the primary drivers of negative sentiment in the Indian bond market. Domestic political instability and tax revenue are not cited as factors in this context. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431650/india-bonds-end-three-day-losing-streak-but-post-second-straight-weekly-decline, 24 Jul 2026]
#19363
Which of the following indices recorded a 0.2% decline to reach a near seven-week low on July 24, 2026?
(a) Saudi Stock Exchange
(b) Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange
(c) Dubai Financial Market
(d) Kuwait Stock Exchange
Explanation: The Dubai main market index slipped 0.2% to hit a near seven-week low on the specified date. The Abu Dhabi benchmark index experienced a smaller decline of 0.1%. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431652/uae-stocks-slip-amid-escalating-middle-east-conflict, 24 Jul 2026]
#19364
The humanitarian aid convoy involved in the incident on May 23, 2026, was known as the:
(a) Mediterranean Aid Mission
(b) Freedom Gaza Convoy
(c) Global Sumud Flotilla
(d) Humanity First Fleet
Explanation: The activists were part of the Global Sumud Flotilla attempting to breach the blockade of Gaza. The other options are plausible-sounding but incorrect names for this specific 2026 event. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2002539/france-bans-israeli-security-minister-ben-gvir-from-country, 23 May 2026]
#19365
Which specific category of inflation in Japan slowed to 1.2% in June 2026 despite steady wage gains?
(a) Service inflation
(b) Energy inflation
(c) Food inflation
(d) None of these
Explanation: Service inflation slowed to 1.2% in June from 1.4% in May. This deceleration occurred even as nominal wages showed steady gains, complicating the inflation outlook. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431592/japan-june-core-inflation-accelerates-stays-below-boj-target, 24 Jul 2026]
#19366
According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) forecast issued on July 24, 2026, which of the following districts is expected to experience heavy rainfall and potential urban flooding?
(a) Shikarpur
(b) Kashmore
(c) Jacobabad
(d) Tharparkar
Explanation: The PMD specifically identified Tharparkar, along with districts like Hyderabad and Badin, as areas at high risk for heavy rainfall and urban flooding. While Kashmore, Jacobabad, and Shikarpur are expected to receive rain, they were categorized under light to moderate intensity in the forecast. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431626/pmd-forecasts-widespread-rain-across-sindh-warns-of-urban-flooding, 24 Jul 2026]
#19367
What was the closing value of the FTSE 100 index on July 24, 2026?
(a) 10,474.68 points
(b) 10,674.68 points
(c) 10,574.68 points
(d) 10,774.68 points
Explanation: The blue-chip FTSE 100 index rose 0.3% to reach 10,674.68 points on the specified date. This reflects the market's reaction to the financial sector's performance despite geopolitical headwinds. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431643/londons-ftse-100-rises-as-hsbc-lifts-financial-stocks-middle-east-tensions-linger, 24 Jul 2026]
#19368
Consider the following statements regarding Pakistan's diplomatic stance at the SCO meeting on July 24, 2026: 1. Pakistan emphasized that a stable Afghanistan is in the interest of all SCO member states. 2. The DPM highlighted that Afghan nationals have been involved in terrorist attacks within Pakistan. 3. Pakistan advocated for military intervention by the SCO to resolve the Afghan security crisis. 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 accurate reflections of the DPM's address. Statement 3 is incorrect because Pakistan explicitly stated that dialogue and diplomacy remain the only sustainable paths to resolving conflicts, rather than advocating for military intervention. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431639/dpm-ishaq-dar-urges-sco-to-hold-afghan-taliban-accountable-over-terrorism, 24 Jul 2026]
#19369
Consider the following statements about the aviation industry's response to the 2026 Middle East conflict: 1. Air New Zealand suspended its financial outlook for 2026 due to market uncertainty. 2. Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Etihad account for approximately one-third of passenger traffic between Europe and Asia. 3. British Airways-owner IAG announced immediate plans to increase ticket prices across all routes.
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) All three
Explanation: Statement 1 and 2 are factually correct based on the report. Statement 3 is incorrect because IAG explicitly stated it was well-hedged and had no immediate plans to change ticket prices. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980748/airlines-raise-ticket-prices-as-middle-east-conflict-drives-up-fuel-costs, 11 Mar 2026]
#19370
Which of the following statements regarding the market conditions as of March 11, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) Spot platinum prices fell by 5 percent.
(b) Spot gold prices were recorded at $5,202.10 per ounce.
(c) Oil prices dropped below $90 per barrel.
(d) Gold has risen more than 20 percent so far this year.
Explanation: Spot platinum actually rose by 0.1 percent, making the claim that it fell by 5 percent incorrect. The other statements accurately reflect the market data provided for the specified date. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980850/gold-edges-higher-on-safe-haven-demand-ahead-of-us-cpi-data, 11 Mar 2026]
#19371
Consider the following statements about Japan's economic situation in June 2026: 1. The yen has depreciated to a four-decade low. 2. Producer price inflation has shown signs of sharp acceleration. 3. The Bank of Japan is expected to aggressively raise interest rates at its next meeting to combat hyperinflation. 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 Bank of Japan is widely expected to keep interest rates steady at its upcoming meeting, not aggressively raise them. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431592/japan-june-core-inflation-accelerates-stays-below-boj-target, 24 Jul 2026]
#19372
Consider the following statements about the investment plan announced on March 11, 2026: 1. The investment plan aims to stimulate industrial activities and generate employment in Balochistan. 2. The Chinese delegation was accompanied by the former finance minister of Balochistan, Amjad Rasheed. 3. The proposed investment in the mineral sector is larger than the investment in the manufacturing sector. 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 investment aims to boost industry and jobs. Statement 2 is correct as Amjad Rasheed accompanied the delegation. Statement 3 is incorrect because the $2.6 billion manufacturing investment is significantly larger than the $14 million mineral sector investment. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980763/chinese-firms-plan-to-invest-26bn-in-balochistan, 11 Mar 2026]
#19373
What is the duration of the call option attached to the State Bank of India's 2026 perpetual debt issuance?
(a) Three years
(b) Seven years
(c) Five years
(d) Ten years
Explanation: The current issuance features a five-year call option. A ten-year call option was utilized by the bank in its previous issuance in October 2024. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431637/indias-sbi-to-issue-first-rupee-denominated-perpetual-debt-of-2026-sources-say, 24 Jul 2026]
#19374
Consider the following statements about the State Bank of India's capital raising activities: 1. The board approved raising up to 600 billion rupees through debt in the current financial year. 2. The bank's previous perpetual bond issuance occurred in November 2025. 3. The 2026 perpetual debt issuance is designed to be Basel III-compliant. 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 regarding the 600 billion rupee board approval. Statement 3 is correct regarding Basel III compliance. Statement 2 is incorrect because the bank's previous perpetual bond issuance occurred in October 2024, whereas Canara Bank issued bonds in November 2025. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431637/indias-sbi-to-issue-first-rupee-denominated-perpetual-debt-of-2026-sources-say, 24 Jul 2026]
#19375
Consider the following statements about the joint statement issued on July 24, 2026: 1. The statement was issued by a group of eight Arab and Islamic nations. 2. The signatories included Pakistan, Türkiye, and Indonesia. 3. The statement explicitly mentions that the actions taken by Israel are in accordance with international humanitarian law. 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 accurately identify the number and composition of the signatory nations. Statement 3 is incorrect because the statement explicitly claims that the actions are a flagrant violation of international humanitarian law, not in accordance with it. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431627/pakistan-seven-other-islamic-states-condemn-israeli-escalation-at-al-aqsa-mosque, 24 Jul 2026]
#19376
The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) movement gained significant national traction following the cancellation of which type of examination in May 2026?
(a) Civil Services Examination
(b) Engineering entrance exam
(c) Medical school entrance test
(d) University graduation finals
Explanation: The movement expanded to millions of followers after a national medical school entrance test was cancelled due to a question paper leak. This event served as the primary catalyst for the widespread youth mobilization. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018062/indian-government-seeks-time-on-youth-protesters-minister-resignation-demand, 24 Jul 2026]
#19377
Consider the following statements about the meeting between the Foreign Ministers of Pakistan and Iran in July 2026: 1. The meeting occurred on the sidelines of the SCO Council of Foreign Ministers. 2. The ministers discussed the importance of de-escalation and sustained diplomatic engagement. 3. The Iranian Foreign Minister criticized Pakistan's role in regional security. 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 venue and the diplomatic tone of the meeting. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Iranian Foreign Minister actually expressed appreciation for Pakistan's constructive role in regional peace. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431646/pakistan-iran-fms-reaffirm-commitment-to-regional-peace-at-sco-meeting, 24 Jul 2026]
#19378
The S&P/ASX 200 index closed at which of the following levels on July 24, 2026?
(a) 8,783.9 points
(b) 13,768.9 points
(c) 19,849.0 points
(d) 72,192.0 points
Explanation: The S&P/ASX 200 index was reported at 8,783.9 points. The other figures represent different indices like the S&P/NZX 50 or local market indicators. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431620/australian-shares-on-track-for-third-weekly-loss-as-miners-tech-weigh, 24 Jul 2026]
#19379
The monsoon currents influencing the weather conditions in Sindh as of July 24, 2026, are originating from which body of water?
(a) Bay of Bengal
(b) Arabian Sea
(c) Persian Gulf
(d) None of these
Explanation: The PMD report explicitly states that strong monsoon currents from the Arabian Sea, combined with a low-pressure area over Rajasthan, are driving the weather patterns. The Bay of Bengal and Persian Gulf are not the primary sources of these specific monsoon currents. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431626/pmd-forecasts-widespread-rain-across-sindh-warns-of-urban-flooding, 24 Jul 2026]
#19380
Consider the following statements about the market performance on July 24, 2026: 1. The FTSE 100 index rose by 0.3%. 2. Energy shares like BP and Shell saw gains due to rising oil prices. 3. The United States imposed new tariffs on goods from 60 trading partners. 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 FTSE 100 rose 0.3%. Statement 2 is incorrect because energy shares actually fell (BP down 1.6%, Shell down 0.9%). Statement 3 is correct as the US imposed new tariffs of 10% and 12.5% on goods from 60 trading partners. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431643/londons-ftse-100-rises-as-hsbc-lifts-financial-stocks-middle-east-tensions-linger, 24 Jul 2026]