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.
#19641
Who announced the arrest of the individual accused of running an Indian-funded digital misinformation campaign on July 26, 2026?
(a) Attaullah Tarar
(b) Rana Sanaullah
(c) Khawaja Asif
(d) None of these
Explanation: Information Minister Attaullah Tarar held a televised address on July 26, 2026, to disclose the arrest and provide evidence of the digital marketing professional's links to Indian funding. The other individuals listed are prominent political figures but were not the officials who made this specific announcement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018518/tarar-claims-man-arrested-for-spreading-anti-state-material-online-in-exchange-for-indian-funding, 26 Jul 2026]
#19642
Consider the following statements about the security situation in Gaza as of 2026: 1. The International Stabilisation Force is authorized to operate in all areas of Gaza regardless of Israeli control. 2. Israel has indicated plans to expand its area of military control to 70 percent of the enclave. 3. The Board of Peace is planning a pilot humanitarian zone to initiate the peace framework.
(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 force is intended to deploy only in areas not under Israeli control, and each contingent requires individual Israeli approval. Statements 2 and 3 are factually accurate according to the current status of the peace plan and Israeli military policy. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018568/israel-to-allow-international-force-into-gaza-israeli-official-says, 26 Jul 2026]
#19643
All of the following statements regarding the market conditions on July 27, 2026, are true EXCEPT:
(a) The Federal Reserve is expected to definitely raise interest rates by 50 basis points.
(b) Bond markets received a boost from easing inflation fears.
(c) Brent crude prices experienced a decline.
(d) Yemen’s Houthis attacked Saudi oil installations.
Explanation: The market only implies a one-in-three chance of a rate hike, and analysts remain uncertain about the outcome, making the claim of a definite 50 basis point hike false. The other options accurately reflect the geopolitical and economic situation described. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431958/shares-bonds-make-guarded-gains-as-oil-slips, 27 Jul 2026]
#19644
In which month of 2026 did the Reserve Bank of India announce the dollar-inflow schemes that raised $32 billion?
(a) April 2026
(b) June 2026
(c) May 2026
(d) July 2026
Explanation: The dollar-inflow schemes were officially announced by the central bank in June 2026, leading to the reported accumulation of funds by late July 2026. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431961/indian-banks-have-raised-32-bln-under-dollar-inflow-schemes-rbi-chief-tells-hindu-businessline, 27 Jul 2026]
#19645
What is the primary consequence of the liquidity crunch in the energy sector as of July 2026?
(a) Increased reliance on long-term foreign grants
(b) Reduction in domestic fuel production capacity
(c) Increased reliance on short-term bank financing
(d) None of these
Explanation: The mounting unpaid dues have forced energy entities to rely heavily on short-term bank financing, which increases debt-servicing costs and exhausts credit lines. This is a direct result of the operational liquidity constraints mentioned in the report. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018389/gas-power-sector-dues-strain-energy-supply-chain, 26 Jul 2026]
#19646
Consider the following statements about the PDMA's monsoon response in 2026: 1. The PDMA reported that 203 people sustained injuries due to rain-related incidents. 2. The monsoon rains caused the death of six livestock across the province. 3. The PDMA has declared a state of emergency for the entire province for the remainder of the 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 factually correct based on the PDMA report. Statement 3 is incorrect because the PDMA placed district administrations on high alert for the ongoing monsoon spell, but did not declare a province-wide state of emergency for the remainder of the year. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431904/29-die-in-rain-related-incidents-across-punjab, 27 Jul 2026]
#19647
The resignation of the Indian Education Minister in July 2026 was primarily linked to:
(a) Alleged NEET exam irregularities
(b) Failure of the national census
(c) Budgetary mismanagement in the ministry
(d) None of these
Explanation: The resignation followed weeks of protests specifically triggered by alleged irregularities in the NEET examination system. While other issues like unemployment were part of the broader movement, the specific catalyst for the minister's departure was the exam controversy. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018534/modi-announces-panel-to-reform-indias-exam-system-anti-govt-graffiti-at-jantar-mantar-painted-over, 26 Jul 2026]
#19648
According to the statements made on 2026-07-27, who is credited with effectively presenting the Kashmir case at international forums?
(a) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari
(b) Khawaja Asif
(c) Sharjeel Inam Memon
(d) None of these
Explanation: Bilawal Bhutto Zardari is cited for his role as Foreign Minister in advocating for the Kashmiri people's right to self-determination at international forums. Khawaja Asif was mentioned in the context of a separate political controversy. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431894/only-kashmiris-have-to-decide-the-fate-of-kashmir-sharjeel, 27 Jul 2026]
#19649
Which of the following statements regarding the July 26, 2026, Caspian Sea incident is INCORRECT?
(a) Iran admitted to providing military cargo to Russia via the Caspian Sea.
(b) The attack resulted in the death of one sailor.
(c) Ukraine claimed the strike targeted vessels under international sanctions.
(d) The Iranian foreign ministry summoned the Ukrainian charge d'affaires.
Explanation: Iran explicitly asserted that it has never intervened in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, making the claim that it admitted to transporting military cargo factually incorrect. The other three statements accurately reflect the reported details of the event. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018502/iran-accuses-ukraine-of-deadly-attack-on-ship-in-caspian-sea, 26 Jul 2026]
#19650
Which two regions were specifically identified by the Pakistan Meteorological Department in its July 2026 alert as being at high risk for Glacial Lake Outburst Floods?
(a) Punjab and Sindh
(b) Gilgit-Baltistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
(c) Balochistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir
(d) None of these
Explanation: The PMD alert issued on July 26, 2026, specifically highlights Gilgit-Baltistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa due to their high concentration of glaciers and susceptibility to rapid melt. Other regions, while prone to flooding, were not the primary focus of this specific GLOF warning. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431880/new-glacial-lakes-may-form-in-gilgit-baltistan-kp-amid-accelerated-glacier-melt-pmd, 26 Jul 2026]
#19651
On what date in 2026 did the PPP Chairman issue his video message regarding the Truth and Reconciliation Commission?
(a) July 25, 2026
(b) July 27, 2026
(c) July 26, 2026
(d) July 28, 2026
Explanation: The event and the associated news report are dated July 27, 2026. This date marks the official renewal of the call for the commission. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431934/bilawal-renews-call-for-truth-and-reconciliation-commission-in-ajk, 27 Jul 2026]
#19652
According to the RBI chief, how much capital has been attracted by the dollar-mobilization schemes announced in June 2026?
(a) Nearly $15 billion
(b) Nearly $25 billion
(c) Nearly $32 billion
(d) Nearly $40 billion
Explanation: RBI chief Sanjay Malhotra confirmed that the dollar-mobilization schemes have successfully attracted nearly $32 billion in inflows as of July 2026. This liquidity helps the central bank manage currency volatility. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431960/indian-rupee-set-to-rally-after-crude-drops-on-mideast-respite-rbi-led-inflows-build, 27 Jul 2026]
#19653
As of July 27, 2026, what is the primary factor contributing to the expected strengthening of the Indian rupee alongside RBI-led inflows?
(a) A significant decline in global crude oil prices
(b) An increase in domestic interest rates by the central bank
(c) A surge in foreign direct investment in the manufacturing sector
(d) None of these
Explanation: The decline in Brent crude prices, which fell to $93.02, reduces India's import bill, thereby supporting the rupee. RBI-led inflows are the secondary factor mentioned, making option A the correct primary driver. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431960/indian-rupee-set-to-rally-after-crude-drops-on-mideast-respite-rbi-led-inflows-build, 27 Jul 2026]
#19654
Consider the following statements about the events in New Delhi in July 2026: 1. The protest movement was exclusively focused on the resignation of the Education Minister. 2. Municipal workers cleared the protest site at Jantar Mantar shortly after the demonstrators left. 3. The Prime Minister announced the reform task force via a video statement posted to X. 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 movement evolved to include broader concerns such as unemployment and authoritarian governance, not just the minister's resignation. Statements 2 and 3 are factually accurate based on the events of July 26, 2026. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018534/modi-announces-panel-to-reform-indias-exam-system-anti-govt-graffiti-at-jantar-mantar-painted-over, 26 Jul 2026]
#19655
What is the primary climatic driver cited by the PMD for the accelerated glacier melt in northern Pakistan as of July 2026?
(a) Unusually high seismic activity in the Karakoram range
(b) Sustained warm thermal regimes and intermittent precipitation
(c) Deforestation in the lower Indus basin
(d) Increased volcanic activity in the Hindu Kush
Explanation: The PMD attributes the accelerated melting to the combined effect of warm temperatures and ongoing precipitation. These factors increase the volume of meltwater, which destabilizes glacial lakes and increases the risk of outburst floods. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431880/new-glacial-lakes-may-form-in-gilgit-baltistan-kp-amid-accelerated-glacier-melt-pmd, 26 Jul 2026]
#19656
Which of the following statements regarding the wheat situation in Sindh as of July 2026 is INCORRECT?
(a) The Sindh Food Minister chaired a meeting with the Flour Mills Association to review supply chain issues.
(b) The Food Department holds a significant portion of its stock from anti-hoarding operations.
(c) Provincial authorities are conducting intelligence-based operations against wheat hoarders.
(d) The provincial government has imposed strict restrictions on the inter-district movement of wheat.
Explanation: The provincial government explicitly stated that there is no restriction on the inter-district movement of wheat within Sindh to ensure smooth supply. Therefore, the statement claiming that restrictions exist is false. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018192/private-sector-rejects-govt-wheat-import-plan, 25 Jul 2026]
#19657
Consider the following statements about the Indian economic context on July 27, 2026: 1. The recent decline in oil prices is linked to a temporary de-escalation in US-Iran tensions. 2. The RBI's dollar-mobilization schemes have attracted more capital than initial market expectations. 3. India's heavy reliance on crude imports makes its currency highly sensitive to global oil price volatility. 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 correct: the oil price drop is tied to the US-Iran pause, the $32 billion inflow exceeded expectations, and India's import dependency is a well-documented structural vulnerability for the rupee. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431960/indian-rupee-set-to-rally-after-crude-drops-on-mideast-respite-rbi-led-inflows-build, 27 Jul 2026]
#19658
Consider the following statements about the July 26, 2026, Caspian Sea incident: 1. The attack involved the use of long-range drone strikes. 2. The Iranian vessel was reported to have exploded following the strike. 3. The Ukrainian President denied that any military cargo was being transported by the targeted vessels. 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 based on the reports of the drone strikes and the resulting explosion. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Ukrainian President and intelligence services explicitly claimed the vessels were involved in transporting military cargo. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018502/iran-accuses-ukraine-of-deadly-attack-on-ship-in-caspian-sea, 26 Jul 2026]
#19659
According to the RBI Governor, what is the primary source of the $32 billion raised through dollar-inflow schemes as of July 2026?
(a) Foreign portfolio investments in equity
(b) Foreign currency non-resident deposit scheme
(c) Direct foreign institutional investment
(d) None of these
Explanation: The RBI Governor identified the Foreign Currency Non-Resident (FCNR) deposit scheme as the primary contributor to the $32 billion inflow. Foreign portfolio investments in debt securities accounted for a smaller portion of approximately $7 billion. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431961/indian-banks-have-raised-32-bln-under-dollar-inflow-schemes-rbi-chief-tells-hindu-businessline, 27 Jul 2026]
#19660
Which of the following central banks is scheduled to hold a policy meeting on Thursday, July 30, 2026?
(a) Bank of England
(b) Bank of Japan
(c) Federal Reserve
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Bank of England is scheduled to hold its meeting on Thursday, while the Federal Reserve meets on Wednesday and the Bank of Japan on Friday. None of the other options match the Thursday schedule. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431958/shares-bonds-make-guarded-gains-as-oil-slips, 27 Jul 2026]