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.
#19401
According to the CME FedWatch tool, what is the approximate market-priced probability of a Federal Reserve rate hike as of July 24, 2026?
(a) 33 percent
(b) 25 percent
(c) 12 percent
(d) 50 percent
Explanation: Markets are pricing in a roughly one-in-three chance (approximately 33%) of a rate hike, which represents an increase from the 12% probability observed a week earlier. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431657/sampp-500-nasdaq-fall-as-investors-juggle-earnings-mideast-risks-and-tariffs, 24 Jul 2026]
#19402
Consider the following statements about the monsoon situation in Punjab as of July 22, 2026: 1. Lahore received 123mm of rainfall during the reported period. 2. The PDMA reported that 139mm of rainfall was recorded in Sialkot. 3. Wasa claimed that no water accumulation occurred on any major road in Lahore. 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 PDMA and Wasa data. Statement 3 is incorrect because while Wasa claimed no accumulation on 'most' major roads, the report confirms that multiple major roads and streets in Lahore were indeed inundated. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017532/intermittent-heavy-rain-hits-punjab-cities-lahore-receives-123mm, 22 Jul 2026]
#19403
Consider the following statements about the market environment on July 24, 2026: 1. The Philadelphia SE Semiconductor index experienced a decline of 3.1%. 2. The Federal Reserve is expected to meet the following week to discuss monetary policy. 3. The U.S. military action against targets in Iran was a response to Houthi activities in Yemen. 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 provided report: the semiconductor index fell by 3.1%, the Fed is meeting the following week, and the U.S. strikes were linked to warnings regarding Iran and its Houthi allies. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431657/sampp-500-nasdaq-fall-as-investors-juggle-earnings-mideast-risks-and-tariffs, 24 Jul 2026]
#19404
Who is the Education Minister of India whose resignation is being demanded by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) as of July 24, 2026?
(a) JP Nadda
(b) Dharmendra Pradhan
(c) Jitendra Singh
(d) Narendra Modi
Explanation: Dharmendra Pradhan is the Education Minister currently facing calls for resignation due to examination paper leaks. JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh are federal ministers who represented the government in the talks with the protesters. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018062/indian-government-seeks-time-on-youth-protesters-minister-resignation-demand, 24 Jul 2026]
#19405
Consider the following statements about the political transition in Bangladesh: 1. Tarique Rahman was sworn in as the Prime Minister of Bangladesh in February 2026. 2. The Awami League party remains a legally active and permitted political entity in Bangladesh. 3. The resignation of the president occurred amidst a period of significant political restructuring following the 2024 uprising. 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 Tarique Rahman took office in February 2026. Statement 3 is correct as the resignation is part of the post-2024 political shift. Statement 2 is incorrect because the Awami League party has been banned following the uprising. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018063/bangladesh-president-shahabuddin-76-resigns-citing-health-concerns, 24 Jul 2026]
#19406
What was the price of benchmark three-month copper on the London Metal Exchange as of July 24, 2026?
(a) $12,450.25 per metric ton
(b) $13,626.50 per metric ton
(c) $14,890.75 per metric ton
(d) None of these
Explanation: The benchmark three-month copper price on the LME was recorded at $13,626.50 per metric ton on the specified date. This reflects a 0.2% increase following two sessions of decline. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431641/copper-edges-up-heads-for-weekly-gain-as-non-us-stocks-tighten, 24 Jul 2026]
#19407
Which of the following teams was scheduled to play against Pakistan in the opening match of the 2026 CAVA championship?
(a) Sri Lanka
(b) Kazakhstan
(c) Uzbekistan
(d) Bangladesh
Explanation: Pakistan was scheduled to face Sri Lanka in the opening fixture of the tournament. The other countries listed are participating teams but were scheduled for different matches. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017387/hosts-pakistan-to-face-sri-lanka-in-central-asian-volleyball-opener, 22 Jul 2026]
#19408
What is the status of Comex copper stocks in the United States as of July 24, 2026?
(a) They have reached a record high of 639,147 metric tons.
(b) They have fallen to their lowest level since March.
(c) They have remained stagnant due to import bans.
(d) They have decreased by 5.2% due to reverse cancellations.
Explanation: Comex copper stocks in the U.S. rose to a record 639,147 metric tons, contrasting with the tightening inventories observed in the London Metal Exchange and Shanghai markets. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431641/copper-edges-up-heads-for-weekly-gain-as-non-us-stocks-tighten, 24 Jul 2026]
#19409
Consider the following statements about the Indian bond market and macroeconomic indicators as of July 24, 2026: 1. The 10-year U.S. Treasury yield reached its highest level since January 2025. 2. Brent crude prices briefly exceeded $100 per barrel for the first time in two months. 3. The probability of a Federal Reserve rate hike in September was estimated at 30%. 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. Statement 3 is incorrect because the probability of a Federal Reserve rate hike in September was reported at 80%, while the probability for July was 30%. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431650/india-bonds-end-three-day-losing-streak-but-post-second-straight-weekly-decline, 24 Jul 2026]
#19410
Which of the following statements regarding the copper market on July 24, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) Benchmark three-month copper on the LME rose by 0.2%.
(b) Oil prices exceeded $100 a barrel due to Middle East conflict escalation.
(c) Available LME inventory rose by 5.2% due to reverse cancellations.
(d) Aluminium prices increased by 0.7% alongside copper.
Explanation: Aluminium prices actually fell by 0.7% to $3,165.50 a ton, making the statement that they increased incorrect. The other three statements accurately reflect the market data provided. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431641/copper-edges-up-heads-for-weekly-gain-as-non-us-stocks-tighten, 24 Jul 2026]
#19411
Which government department lost one official during the terrorist attack in Tank on July 24, 2026?
(a) Forest Department
(b) Irrigation Department
(c) Revenue Department
(d) Health Department
Explanation: The casualties included 12 soldiers, two police officials, and one official from the Forest Department. The other departments listed were not involved in the personnel count at the check post. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431653/15-martyred-as-terrorists-target-tank-check-post-security-forces-kill-12-assailants, 24 Jul 2026]
#19412
On July 24, 2026, which UAE-based company saw a 4.4% gain in its stock price following reports of interest in its district cooling assets?
(a) Tecom Group
(b) National Central Cooling Company (Tabreed)
(c) Alpha Dhabi Holding
(d) Aldar Properties
Explanation: Tabreed's stock rose by 4.4% after reports indicated that I Squared Capital and Saudi Tabreed were bidding for district cooling assets in Riyadh. Other companies like Tecom Group and Alpha Dhabi Holding experienced declines during the same trading session. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431652/uae-stocks-slip-amid-escalating-middle-east-conflict, 24 Jul 2026]
#19413
Consider the following statements about the global copper market as of July 24, 2026: 1. The escalation of conflict in the Middle East has negatively impacted the global economic growth outlook. 2. Reverse cancellations in South Korea and Taiwan contributed to an increase in available LME copper inventory. 3. The United States imposed new tariffs of 10% and 12.5% 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: All three statements are factually accurate based on the report: geopolitical tensions weighed on growth, reverse cancellations increased available LME stocks, and the U.S. implemented the specified tariff measures. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431641/copper-edges-up-heads-for-weekly-gain-as-non-us-stocks-tighten, 24 Jul 2026]
#19414
The 2026 CAVA Men’s Volleyball Championship is scheduled to conclude on which date?
(a) July 22, 2026
(b) July 25, 2026
(c) August 01, 2026
(d) July 29, 2026
Explanation: The tournament is a week-long event that officially concludes on July 29, 2026. The other dates represent either the start of the event or arbitrary dates within the same month. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017387/hosts-pakistan-to-face-sri-lanka-in-central-asian-volleyball-opener, 22 Jul 2026]
#19415
Which of the following statements regarding the energy market situation as of March 11, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The IEA's proposed drawdown would exceed the 182 million barrels released in 2022.
(b) Brent futures traded down by approximately 1 per cent on the day of the report.
(c) The US Navy has officially agreed to provide military escorts for all commercial tankers in the Strait of Hormuz.
(d) ADNOC shut its Ruwais refinery following a drone strike.
Explanation: The US Navy has actually refused requests from the shipping industry for military escorts due to the high risk of attacks, making the incorrect statement. The other options accurately reflect the market and security conditions described in the report. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980857/oil-falls-on-report-of-iea-proposing-biggest-oil-release-ever, 11 Mar 2026]
#19416
Which of the following statements regarding the parliamentary proceedings on March 10, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The deputy speaker granted the opposition the floor to debate the fuel price hike.
(b) Opposition members raised slogans against the government's fuel price hike.
(c) The protest occurred immediately after the question hour.
(d) Lawmakers from PTI and JUI-F participated in the protest.
Explanation: The deputy speaker refused to grant the opposition the floor to address the fuel price hike, which directly led to the uproar and subsequent adjournment. The other statements accurately reflect the events of the session. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40410878/na-adjourned-after-oppositions-uproar-against-fuel-price-hike, 10 Mar 2026]
#19417
The total sales volume of two- and three-wheelers in Pakistan reached which level during the first eight months of the 2026 fiscal year?
(a) 1.1 million units
(b) 1.3 million units
(c) 1.5 million units
(d) None of these
Explanation: Two- and three-wheeler sales reached 1.3 million units in 8MFY26, marking a 31 percent rise year-on-year. None of these is incorrect because 1.3 million is the explicitly stated figure. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980724/auto-sales-rise-43pc-in-july-february, 11 Mar 2026]
#19418
On March 10, 2026, the National Assembly session was adjourned following protests regarding an increase in the price of which commodities?
(a) Electricity and Gas
(b) Petrol and Diesel
(c) Wheat and Sugar
(d) None of these
Explanation: The session was adjourned due to opposition uproar specifically concerning a Rs55 per litre hike in petrol and diesel prices. Other commodities like electricity or food items were not the primary cause of the protest. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40410878/na-adjourned-after-oppositions-uproar-against-fuel-price-hike, 10 Mar 2026]
#19419
Who assumed the position of Supreme Leader of Iran following the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in 2026?
(a) Ebrahim Raisi
(b) Mojtaba Khamenei
(c) Hassan Rouhani
(d) None of these
Explanation: Mojtaba Khamenei assumed the role of Supreme Leader of Iran in March 2026. The other individuals listed are former Iranian officials who do not hold this current position. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40410989/pm-shehbaz-president-zardari-congratulate-irans-new-supreme-leader-mojtaba-khamenei, 10 Mar 2026]
#19420
Which player scored the equalizer for Canada in the 2026 World Cup match against Bosnia-Herzegovina?
(a) Jonathan David
(b) Jovo Lukic
(c) Ismael Kone
(d) Cyle Larin
Explanation: Cyle Larin scored the equalizer in the 78th minute of the match. Jovo Lukic scored the opening goal for Bosnia-Herzegovina, while Jonathan David and Ismael Kone were other Canadian players involved in key attacking plays. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2007443/canada-draw-with-bosnia-herzegovina-to-earn-first-ever-world-cup-point, 12 Jun 2026]