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.
#19481
Arrange the following major international and regional developments in the correct chronological order of their reported occurrences or scheduling (earliest to latest): 1. The 11th Pakistan Banking Awards. 2. The 2024 uprising in Bangladesh leading to the current political climate for Sheikh Hasina. 3. The reported monsoon-related fatalities in India reaching over 100 on August 6, 2026. 4. The legislative advancement of a conditional amnesty bill for PKK fighters in Turkey.
(a) 2, 3, 4, 1
(b) 3, 2, 4, 1
(c) 2, 1, 3, 4
(d) 4, 2, 3, 1
Explanation: The sequence is determined by the 2024 Bangladesh uprising, followed by the specific disaster reports from India (August 6, 2026), the legislative action in Turkey (August 6, 2026), and finally the scheduled Pakistan Banking Awards (August 21, 2026). [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2020870/floods-landslides-leave-over-100-dead-as-monsoon-batters-india]
#19482
Consider the following statements about the front-running case involving Axis Mutual Fund: 1. The scheme involved leaking confidential information about the fund house's impending trades. 2. Prijesh Kurani, a Dubai-based trader, was identified as a collaborator in the scheme. 3. The SEBI order was finalized and passed on July 24, 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 SEBI order. The scheme involved the misuse of confidential trade information, collaboration with a Dubai-based trader, and the final order was issued on the specified date of July 24, 2026. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431649/india-regulator-bars-former-axis-mf-dealer-for-seven-years-in-front-running-case, 24 Jul 2026]
#19483
Consider the following statements about the 2026 diplomatic engagement between Pakistan and Iran: 1. The Iranian Ambassador highlighted Pakistan's constructive role in facilitating regional peace negotiations. 2. The event was held at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI). 3. The discussion addressed the geopolitical implications of recent developments in West Asia. 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 correct. Statement 2 is incorrect because the event was organized by the Centre for International Strategic Studies (CISS), not the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI), although the director general of the latter was a participant. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431693/regional-challenges-irans-envoy-for-greater-bilateral-cooperation, 24 Jul 2026]
#19484
The Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding, facilitated by Pakistan in 2026, involved which two nations?
(a) Iran and the United States
(b) Pakistan and India
(c) China and Russia
(d) Afghanistan and Tajikistan
Explanation: Pakistan hosted talks that led to the signing of the Islamabad MoU between Iran and the United States in June 2026. This diplomatic breakthrough marked the first high-level direct contact between the two nations in 47 years. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431712/sco-cfms-meeting-held-dar-highlights-involvement-of-afghan-nationals-in-terrorist-attacks, 24 Jul 2026]
#19485
Which of the following factors is NOT cited as a primary risk to the Indian economy in the context of the July 24, 2026 market report?
(a) Persistent high crude oil prices
(b) Excessive foreign direct investment inflows
(c) Supply-chain disruptions
(d) Erratic monsoon and rainfall deficit
Explanation: The report identifies high oil prices, rainfall deficits, and supply-chain disruptions as key risks. Excessive foreign direct investment is not mentioned as a risk factor in this context. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431634/indian-shares-log-weekly-losses-as-crude-climbs-hdfc-bank-tumbles, 24 Jul 2026]
#19486
Consider the following statements about the Indian rupee market conditions on July 24, 2026: 1. The Indian rupee reached a new all-time record low during the trading session. 2. The Reserve Bank of India conducted interventions in both the spot and non-deliverable forwards markets. 3. Brent crude oil prices retreated by approximately 4 percent after initially topping 100 dollars per barrel. 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 rupee avoided a record low, remaining near the May record of 96.96. Statements 2 and 3 are factually accurate descriptions of the market intervention and oil price movements reported on that date. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431635/intervention-shields-indian-rupee-in-face-of-oil-hedging-strain, 24 Jul 2026]
#19487
On July 19, 2026, protests against data center expansion were coordinated by which grassroots organization?
(a) HumansFirst
(b) Data Centre Coalition
(c) Tech Accountability Watch
(d) None of these
Explanation: The protests were organized by HumansFirst, a grassroots group co-founded by Amy Kremer. The Data Centre Coalition is an industry lobbying group, not the protest organizer. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016593/data-centre-protests-held-across-us-as-backlash-grows, 19 Jul 2026]
#19488
Which organization hosted the roundtable discussion titled 'Pakistan-Iran Relations and Strategic Stability in West Asia' in 2026?
(a) Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad
(b) National Defence University
(c) Pakistan Institute of International Affairs
(d) Centre for International Strategic Studies
Explanation: The Centre for International Strategic Studies (CISS) organized the event. The Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) is a separate entity whose director general participated in the discussion. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431693/regional-challenges-irans-envoy-for-greater-bilateral-cooperation, 24 Jul 2026]
#19489
Who is the current Ambassador of Iran to Pakistan as of 2026?
(a) Reza Amiri Moghadam
(b) Ali Sarwar Naqvi
(c) Moinul Haque
(d) None of these
Explanation: Reza Amiri Moghadam serves as the Iranian Ambassador to Pakistan. The other names listed are prominent Pakistani diplomats associated with strategic research institutes. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431693/regional-challenges-irans-envoy-for-greater-bilateral-cooperation, 24 Jul 2026]
#19490
Consider the following statements about the Sky47 project: 1. It serves as a landmark achievement for Pakistan's technological capabilities. 2. The project was inaugurated by the Prime Minister on July 24, 2026. 3. The government intends to limit AI infrastructure development exclusively to Islamabad. 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. Statement 3 is incorrect because the government explicitly announced plans to expand similar infrastructure to other major cities like Karachi and Lahore. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431665/pm-shehbaz-inaugurates-pakistans-largest-data-centre-ai-cloud-sky47-in-islamabad, 24 Jul 2026]
#19491
Who represented Pakistan at the 25th SCO Council of Foreign Ministers Meeting in 2026?
(a) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari
(b) Jalil Abbas Jilani
(c) Shah Mahmood Qureshi
(d) Mohammad Ishaq Dar
Explanation: Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, serving as the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, led the Pakistani delegation and addressed the meeting. The other individuals listed are former foreign ministers of Pakistan. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431712/sco-cfms-meeting-held-dar-highlights-involvement-of-afghan-nationals-in-terrorist-attacks, 24 Jul 2026]
#19492
Who was appointed as the Commander of the National Strategic Command (NSC) on July 24, 2026?
(a) General Sahir Shamshad Mirza
(b) General Aamer Raza
(c) General Asim Munir
(d) None of these
Explanation: General Aamer Raza was promoted to the rank of four-star general and appointed as the Commander of the National Strategic Command. General Sahir Shamshad Mirza is the incorrect choice as he was the last officer to serve as the Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee before that office was abolished. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431733/lt-gen-aamer-promoted-appointed-as-commander-nsc, 24 Jul 2026]
#19493
Consider the following statements about the migrant smuggling incident: 1. The smuggling operation spanned from April 2023 through May 2026. 2. The migrants were discovered in a shipping container at a rail yard in San Antonio. 3. The outside temperatures during the transit exceeded 31 degrees Celsius. 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 correct. Statement 2 is incorrect because the migrants were discovered in Laredo, not San Antonio, which was the intended destination of the train. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018220/11-indicted-in-us-over-migrants-deaths-on-train, 24 Jul 2026]
#19494
Which French peninsula experienced mass evacuations due to forest fires on July 24, 2026?
(a) Cap Ferret
(b) Brittany
(c) Normandy
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Cap Ferret peninsula was the primary site of mass evacuations in France, where thousands of residents and holidaymakers were forced to flee by boat and road. Brittany and Normandy are other French regions but were not the focus of this specific wildfire event. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018225/over-100000-flee-forest-fires-in-france-spain, 24 Jul 2026]
#19495
Which of the following statements regarding the US-EU trade tensions in July 2026 is INCORRECT?
(a) The US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer supported the EU's enforcement action as a boost to transatlantic trade.
(b) The European Commission's fine against Google was the first penalty under the Digital Markets Act.
(c) The US administration announced new tariffs of 10 to 12.5 percent on 60 trading partners.
(d) President Trump threatened to initiate a Section 301 investigation into the EU's antitrust practices.
Explanation: US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer actually criticized the EU's decision, stating that it undermined constructive dialogue and posed a risk to trade stability, making the incorrect statement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018219/trump-says-eu-to-pay-very-big-price-for-google-fine, 25 Jul 2026]
#19496
Where was the rescheduled 2026 White House Correspondents' Association Dinner held?
(a) Washington Hilton
(b) Waldorf Astoria
(c) The White House
(d) None of these
Explanation: The event was moved to the Waldorf Astoria in Washington, DC, following the security incident at the Washington Hilton in April. The Washington Hilton is the traditional venue, but it was not the site of the rescheduled dinner. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018299/trump-bashes-fake-news-stokes-2028-furore-in-press-gala-rerun, 25 Jul 2026]
#19497
Consider the following statements about the 2026 White House Correspondents' Association Dinner: 1. President Trump attended the dinner despite his history of strained relations with the press. 2. The event included a tribute to a Secret Service agent who assisted during the April security incident. 3. The incoming WHCA president announced that the dinner will be held at the Waldorf Astoria again next year. 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 Trump attended the event and a tribute was held for the agent. Statement 3 is incorrect because the incoming president stated the event would return to the Washington Hilton next year, not the Waldorf Astoria. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018299/trump-bashes-fake-news-stokes-2028-furore-in-press-gala-rerun, 25 Jul 2026]
#19498
Which of the following is NOT a stated concern regarding the intensification of regional tensions mentioned in the 2026 roundtable?
(a) Maritime security
(b) Global energy markets
(c) Internal border demarcation
(d) Regional peace and stability
Explanation: The roundtable discussion focused on strategic stability, maritime security, and energy markets. Internal border demarcation was not listed as a primary concern in the context of this specific diplomatic event. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431693/regional-challenges-irans-envoy-for-greater-bilateral-cooperation, 24 Jul 2026]
#19499
Consider the following statements about the diplomatic engagement between Pakistan and China in 2026: 1. The meeting occurred on the sidelines of the SCO Council of Foreign Ministers. 2. China expressed support for Pakistan's upcoming chairmanship of the SCO Council of Heads of State. 3. The meeting was held in Islamabad to discuss bilateral trade tariffs. 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 accurate based on the diplomatic event. Statement 3 is incorrect because the meeting was held in the Kyrgyz Republic, not Islamabad, and focused on regional cooperation rather than trade tariffs. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431689/dar-chinese-fm-discuss-bilateral-ties, 24 Jul 2026]
#19500
What was the recorded inflation rate in Pakistan for the month of February 2026?
(a) 5.80 percent
(b) 6.98 percent
(c) 7.15 percent
(d) 8.20 percent
Explanation: Inflation rose to 6.98 percent year-on-year in February 2026, up from 5.8 percent in January. This represents the highest level recorded since October 2024. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979645/stocks-nosedive-63pc-in-jittery-week-on-geopolitical-concerns, 08 Mar 2026]