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.
#19701
What was the primary driver for the improved risk appetite that supported the yuan's rise on July 27, 2026?
(a) A sudden increase in global oil production
(b) The announcement of a massive fiscal stimulus package
(c) A halt in US-Iran attacks
(d) A significant reduction in China's external surplus
Explanation: The pause in the US bombing campaign in Iran during the weekend led to a drop in oil prices and a subsequent boost in global investor confidence. This improved risk sentiment contributed to the strengthening of the yuan against the dollar. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431978/chinas-yuan-rises-to-near-one-week-high-market-focuses-on-politburo-meeting, 27 Jul 2026]
#19702
By the end of June 2026, what was the total volume of gold reserves held by China's central bank?
(a) 75.44 million fine troy ounces
(b) 74.96 million fine troy ounces
(c) 78.14 million fine troy ounces
(d) None of these
Explanation: China's central bank reported gold reserves of 75.44 million fine troy ounces by the end of June 2026. The figure 74.96 million represents the reserves held in the preceding month. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40432008/chinas-june-net-gold-imports-via-hong-kong-up-from-year-ago-down-from-may, 27 Jul 2026]
#19703
Which of the following factors was cited as a reason for limiting the losses in palm oil prices on July 27, 2026?
(a) A surplus in global palm oil production
(b) The strengthening of the US dollar
(c) A decline in Chinese vegetable oil consumption
(d) Indonesia's B50 biodiesel mandate
Explanation: Optimism regarding higher consumption under Indonesia's B50 biodiesel mandate, alongside strong demand from China and El-Nino related supply risks, helped limit the decline in palm oil prices. Other options are either incorrect or would have exacerbated the price drop. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40432000/palm-slips-more-than-1-on-weaker-crude-chinese-vegetable-oils, 27 Jul 2026]
#19704
What was the primary geopolitical driver for the decline in oil prices on July 27, 2026?
(a) Increased production from OPEC nations
(b) De-escalation of military strikes between the US and Iran
(c) Global economic recession fears
(d) Strategic petroleum reserve releases
Explanation: The tumble in oil prices was directly attributed to the pause in military strikes between the United States and Iran. Other factors like OPEC production or recession fears were not cited as the immediate cause for the price drop on this date. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40432022/dow-sampp-500-rise-as-oil-prices-tumble, 27 Jul 2026]
#19705
On July 27, 2026, what was the primary factor cited for the expected rise in Indian equity markets?
(a) A sharp decline in global oil prices
(b) An unexpected interest rate cut by the Reserve Bank of India
(c) A surge in foreign direct investment inflows
(d) None of these
Explanation: The market recovery was driven by a 4.6% drop in Brent crude prices following a pause in strikes between the United States and Iran. Lower oil prices are beneficial for India as it is a major importer of the commodity. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431956/indian-shares-set-to-open-higher-breaking-losing-run-as-oil-slides, 27 Jul 2026]
#19706
Which US Congressman from Montana was part of the delegation that met with the Pakistani military leadership on July 27, 2026?
(a) Ryan Keith Zinke
(b) Michael James
(c) Mike Johnson
(d) None of these
Explanation: Congressman Ryan Keith Zinke of Montana was one of the two US representatives who visited the GHQ. Michael James of Washington was the other member of the delegation. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40432023/us-lawmakers-meet-field-marshal-munir-discuss-security-economic-cooperation, 27 Jul 2026]
#19707
Who was appointed as the new Supreme Leader of Iran following the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in 2026?
(a) Mojtaba Khamenei
(b) Ali Larijani
(c) Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf
(d) Yousef Pezeshkian
Explanation: Mojtaba Khamenei was named the new Supreme Leader by the Assembly of Experts following the assassination of his father. Ali Larijani and Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf are mentioned as figures expected to handle government and military affairs, respectively, rather than the supreme leadership. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980913/irans-new-supreme-leader-injured-but-safe-says-presidents-son, 11 Mar 2026]
#19708
Who is the current chairman of the Federal Reserve as of July 27, 2026?
(a) Donald Trump
(b) Mike Waltz
(c) Mohammad Akraminia
(d) Kevin Warsh
Explanation: Kevin Warsh is identified as the new chairman of the Federal Reserve responsible for the upcoming interest rate decision. Mike Waltz is the US ambassador to the United Nations, and Mohammad Akraminia is an Iranian army spokesman. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40432022/dow-sampp-500-rise-as-oil-prices-tumble, 27 Jul 2026]
#19709
Which of the following statements regarding the AJK election events on July 27, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The polling process in Mirpur division was marred by scuffles and rigging allegations.
(b) PPP and PML-N workers were involved in skirmishes in the Kotli district.
(c) The Election Commission of AJK cancelled the entire first phase of the elections due to violence.
(d) A fatality was reported in the LA-9 Kotli-II constituency during the polling day.
Explanation: The election process was not cancelled; polling concluded as scheduled despite the violence and allegations. The other three statements accurately reflect the events reported on that day. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018691/polling-concludes-in-mirpur-division-as-scuffles-rigging-allegations-mar-first-phase-of-ajk-elections, 27 Jul 2026]
#19710
The meeting between the US lawmakers and the Pakistani military leadership on July 27, 2026, primarily focused on which of the following areas?
(a) Climate change mitigation
(b) Educational exchange programs
(c) Regional security and economic cooperation
(d) Space exploration technology
Explanation: The discussions centered on regional security, bilateral defence cooperation, and avenues for expanding economic engagement. These topics are central to the strategic alignment between the two nations. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40432023/us-lawmakers-meet-field-marshal-munir-discuss-security-economic-cooperation, 27 Jul 2026]
#19711
The initial air strike that resulted in the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei occurred on which date in 2026?
(a) March 11
(b) February 28
(c) March 10
(d) August 12
Explanation: The air strike that killed the former Supreme Leader and his family members took place on February 28, 2026. March 11 is the date of the report regarding the current leader's status. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980913/irans-new-supreme-leader-injured-but-safe-says-presidents-son, 11 Mar 2026]
#19712
Consider the following statements about the economic outlook for China in late 2026: 1. Analysts expect the upcoming Politburo meeting to unveil a large-scale stimulus package. 2. The People's Bank of China remains comfortable with measured two-way moves in the yuan. 3. Market expectations for significant new easing have been scaled back by some analysts. 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 analysts expect policymakers to focus on implementing existing measures rather than unveiling a large-scale stimulus package. Statements 2 and 3 are correct as they reflect the PBOC's current stance and the prevailing market sentiment regarding policy expectations. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431978/chinas-yuan-rises-to-near-one-week-high-market-focuses-on-politburo-meeting, 27 Jul 2026]
#19713
Which article of the UN Charter is cited in the March 11, 2026, resolution to underscore the right to self-defense?
(a) Article 42
(b) Article 51
(c) Article 99
(d) Article 103
Explanation: Article 51 of the UN Charter recognizes the inherent right of individual or collective self-defense if an armed attack occurs against a member of the United Nations. This was explicitly invoked in the resolution. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981123/unsc-adopts-resolution-against-irans-attacks-on-gulf-nations-tehran-decries-blatant-misuse-of-security-council, 11 Mar 2026]
#19714
By what percentage did the KSE-100 index decline during the trading session on March 11, 2026?
(a) 2.53 per cent
(b) 0.2 per cent
(c) 3.10 per cent
(d) 2.02 per cent
Explanation: The KSE-100 index shed 318.65 points, which corresponds to a 0.2 per cent decline. The other percentages refer to the individual stock performance of The Bank of Punjab, K-Electric, and Cnergyico. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980849/kse-100-ends-lower-after-early-rally-loses-steam, 11 Mar 2026]
#19715
Consider the following statements about the capital market reforms discussed on March 11, 2026: 1. The reforms aim to mobilize long-term domestic savings for private sector investment. 2. The Finance Minister suggested that Pakistan should ignore international experiences to focus solely on local models. 3. Strengthening market-making mechanisms is considered essential for improving investor confidence. 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 as they reflect the government's strategy to mobilize savings and improve market infrastructure. Statement 2 is incorrect because the Finance Minister explicitly directed institutions to review and adapt best practices from international and regional markets. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980943/finance-minister-stresses-more-balanced-system-where-capital-markets-complement-banking-sector, 11 Mar 2026]
#19716
Consider the following statements about the transition of power in Iran in 2026: 1. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) pledged allegiance to the new Supreme Leader. 2. Analysts expect the new leader to delegate significant government and war-related responsibilities to other officials. 3. The United States government officially recognized the legitimacy of the new Supreme Leader immediately upon his appointment.
(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 the IRGC pledged support and analysts expect delegation of duties. Statement 3 is incorrect because the US President explicitly warned that the new leader would be 'unacceptable' without US approval. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980913/irans-new-supreme-leader-injured-but-safe-says-presidents-son, 11 Mar 2026]
#19717
Following the de-escalation of tensions between the United States and Iran, the Indian rupee reached a high of what duration on July 27, 2026?
(a) One-week high
(b) One-month high
(c) Three-week high
(d) Two-week high
Explanation: The Indian rupee hit a two-week high on July 27, 2026, supported by lower oil prices and restored foreign investor flows. Other durations are incorrect based on the market report. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431999/indian-shares-snap-losing-run-on-oil-slide-earnings-optimism, 27 Jul 2026]
#19718
The opposition party, led by Imran Khan, scheduled protests for August 5, 2026, to mark the anniversary of what event?
(a) The dissolution of the National Assembly
(b) The incarceration of its leader
(c) The passage of the 26th Amendment
(d) The start of the lawyers' movement
Explanation: The protests were planned to mark three years since the imprisonment of the PTI leader. This date serves as a focal point for the opposition's mobilization against the current government. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018681/why-coercion-doesnt-work, 27 Jul 2026]
#19719
On March 11, 2026, the KSE-100 index closed at which of the following levels?
(a) 156,177.12 points
(b) 158,624.51 points
(c) 155,858.47 points
(d) 155,652.35 points
Explanation: The KSE-100 index closed at 155,858.47 points after shedding 318.65 points. represents the previous day's closing, while C and D represent the intraday high and low, respectively. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980849/kse-100-ends-lower-after-early-rally-loses-steam, 11 Mar 2026]
#19720
What was the total volume of gold imported by China via Hong Kong in June 2026?
(a) 50.679 tons
(b) 78.147 tons
(c) 75.440 tons
(d) 65.562 tons
Explanation: Total gold imports via Hong Kong reached 78.147 tons in June 2026. The figure 50.679 tons represents the net imports, while 65.562 tons was the total for the previous month. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40432008/chinas-june-net-gold-imports-via-hong-kong-up-from-year-ago-down-from-may, 27 Jul 2026]