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.
#19781
Which of the following statements regarding the 2026 AJK elections is INCORRECT?
(a) The PML-N and PPP are coalition partners in the federal government.
(b) An interim setup takes charge in AJK during the election period.
(c) The PPP alleged that the election process was marred by rigging.
(d) The PML-N leadership urged the PPP to accept the election results.
Explanation: The Punjab Chief Minister explicitly stated that no interim setup takes charge in AJK during the election period, making the incorrect statement. The other options accurately reflect the political dynamics and allegations reported. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2019014/coalition-partners-ppp-pml-n-spar-after-first-phase-of-ajk-elections-as-political-temperatures-rise, 28 Jul 2026]
#19782
Who is the current Prime Minister of Japan who addressed the media regarding the earthquake recovery efforts on July 28, 2026?
(a) Yoshihide Suga
(b) Fumio Kishida
(c) Shigeru Ishiba
(d) Sanae Takaichi
Explanation: Sanae Takaichi is the Prime Minister who provided official updates and coordinated the deployment of 3,600 soldiers for disaster recovery. The other individuals listed are prominent Japanese politicians but were not the acting Prime Minister during this event. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018983/major-earthquake-hits-japans-kyushu-region-pm-says-injuries-reported-buildings-collapsed, 28 Jul 2026]
#19783
Consider the following statements about the legal proceedings involving Senator Pauline Hanson: 1. The Federal Court of Australia dismissed Hanson's appeal on July 27, 2026. 2. Hanson argued that the racial discrimination law was constitutionally invalid. 3. The court ruled that Hanson's comments were protected under absolute free speech provisions. 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 the appeal was dismissed on the specified date and Hanson did challenge the constitutionality of the law. Statement 3 is incorrect because the court ruled that her comments were not protected and actually breached anti-discrimination laws. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018722/australian-politician-fails-to-overturn-racial-vilification-ruling-over-telling-muslim-senator-to-go-back-to-pakistan, 27 Jul 2026]
#19784
According to the French President, the 2026 wildfire situation is the most severe recorded since which historical period?
(a) The First World War
(b) The Second World War
(c) The Cold War
(d) The Great Depression
Explanation: President Emmanuel Macron characterized the 2026 wildfire crisis as the most severe since the Second World War. This highlights the unprecedented nature of the current climate-driven disaster. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018994/firefighters-in-france-spain-scramble-to-contain-blazes-as-new-heatwave-looms, 28 Jul 2026]
#19785
According to the 2026 LHC ruling, what is the legal status of an unpaid deferred dower in a marriage dissolution case?
(a) It is a debt owed by the husband
(b) It is a penalty imposed on the husband
(c) It is a discretionary benefit of the court
(d) It is automatically forfeited upon Khula
Explanation: The court explicitly defined unpaid deferred dower as a debt owed by the husband, which cannot be erased or forfeited simply because a marriage is dissolved. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017050/wifes-right-to-dower-remains-protected-if-marriage-dissolved-due-to-husbands-misconduct-lhc, 20 Jul 2026]
#19786
On July 28, 2026, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu traveled to Washington to meet with which US President?
(a) Joe Biden
(b) Donald Trump
(c) Barack Obama
(d) None of these
Explanation: Benjamin Netanyahu traveled to Washington in July 2026 for his eighth meeting with Donald Trump since Trump returned to office. The meeting was scheduled to address regional security concerns, particularly regarding Iran. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018884/iran-tops-agenda-as-netanyahu-due-to-meet-trump, 28 Jul 2026]
#19787
Which of the following statements regarding the Pakistani passport ranking in 2026 is INCORRECT?
(a) It ranked 105th in May 2026.
(b) It ranked 97th in February 2026.
(c) It ranked 98th in March 2026.
(d) It is ranked as the fourth-worst passport globally.
Explanation: The passport was ranked 100th in May 2026, not 105th. The other statements accurately reflect the historical ranking data provided for the year 2026. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018979/pakistani-passports-ranking-slips-to-101st-still-4th-worst-in-the-world, 28 Jul 2026]
#19788
According to shipping data from Kpler, oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz during the weekend of July 27, 2026, fell to what percentage of pre-war levels?
(a) 5 percent
(b) 25 percent
(c) 15 percent
(d) 35 percent
Explanation: Shipping data indicated that flows through the Strait of Hormuz dropped to approximately 15 percent of pre-war levels. This reduction reflects the severe impact of regional military tensions on maritime energy transit. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018729/oil-prices-near-one-week-low-after-us-iran-pause-fighting-over-weekend, 27 Jul 2026]
#19789
Consider the following statements about the energy sector reforms discussed on 28 July 2026: 1. The government aims to increase strategic petroleum reserves to mitigate supply shocks. 2. The Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (Ogra) is slated for performance-related reforms. 3. The federal budget for FY24-25 provided full, uninterrupted support for the 2023 refining policy. 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 2 are correct as they reflect the PM's directives. Statement 3 is incorrect because the federal budget for FY24-25 actually nullified many incentives in the 2023 policy, causing refineries to pause their projects. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018968/pm-orders-increase-in-countrys-strategic-petroleum-reserves-changes-to-oil-refining-policy-approved, 28 Jul 2026]
#19790
Which of the following statements regarding the earthquake event on July 28, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The earthquake had a preliminary magnitude of 7.1.
(b) The epicenter was located approximately 20 kilometers south of Kumamoto city.
(c) The earthquake caused no damage to the regional high-speed rail network.
(d) The Japan Meteorological Agency warned of potential landslides for about a week.
Explanation: The statement that there was no damage to the rail network is incorrect, as reports confirmed that rail services were halted and high-speed train passengers were among those injured. The other three statements are factually accurate based on the event details. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018983/major-earthquake-hits-japans-kyushu-region-pm-says-injuries-reported-buildings-collapsed, 28 Jul 2026]
#19791
Consider the following statements about the energy security situation on July 27, 2026: 1. The conflict has caused oil shipments to be diverted away from the Red Sea. 2. Houthi forces targeted supply sites linking eastern Saudi Arabia to the city of Yanbu. 3. The Caspian Pipeline Consortium terminal in the Black Sea remained closed indefinitely as of July 27, 2026. 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 impact on Red Sea shipping and the specific targets of Houthi attacks. Statement 3 is incorrect because the energy ministry reported that the Caspian Pipeline Consortium terminal had resumed oil loadings. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018729/oil-prices-near-one-week-low-after-us-iran-pause-fighting-over-weekend, 27 Jul 2026]
#19792
Consider the following statements about the earthquake event on July 28, 2026: 1. Approximately 300,000 people were instructed to move to evacuation centres. 2. The earthquake caused damage to roads, bridges, and residential buildings. 3. The Japan Meteorological Agency declared that the risk of aftershocks had completely ended within 24 hours.
(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 disaster management agency's instructions and the reported infrastructure damage. Statement 3 is incorrect because the agency warned that residents must remain vigilant for strong aftershocks for about a week. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018983/powerful-quake-hits-southern-japan-deaths-feared-in-shopping-mall-explosion, 28 Jul 2026]
#19793
Consider the following statements about the 2026 T20 World Cup travel crisis: 1. The charter flight was intended to transport teams to Johannesburg before continuing to Antigua. 2. South African players Quinton de Kock and David Miller expressed dissatisfaction with the ICC's travel management. 3. The West Indies team remained in India for several days after their elimination due to repeated charter delays. 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 reports regarding the travel disruptions. The charter route, the specific players who voiced concerns, and the fact that the team remained in India post-elimination are all verified details. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980612/t20-world-cup-west-indies-players-leave-india-on-commercial-flights-after-charter-cancelled, 10 Mar 2026]
#19794
Consider the following statements about the 2026 wildfire crisis in Europe: 1. The heatwave conditions have hindered cargo shipping on European waterways due to low river levels. 2. Firefighters in Spain were able to effectively tackle active fire fronts in Madrid during the night. 3. The UK Met Office predicted that the heatwave would be a long-term, multi-month event. 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 operational challenges and successes reported. Statement 3 is incorrect because the UK Met Office described the spell of hot weather as 'relatively short-lived,' not a multi-month event. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018994/firefighters-in-france-spain-scramble-to-contain-blazes-as-new-heatwave-looms, 28 Jul 2026]
#19795
Which of the following statements regarding the market events of March 10, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The State Bank of Pakistan increased the policy rate to 12.5% to curb inflation.
(b) Trading was temporarily suspended due to a 5% rise in the KSE-30 index.
(c) The market rally was partially attributed to improved global market conditions.
(d) The KSE-100 index closed the session in the green.
Explanation: The State Bank of Pakistan maintained the policy rate at 10.5%, not 12.5%. Options A, B, and C are factually accurate descriptions of the market conditions on that date. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980474/bulls-return-as-kse-100-surges-past-9000-points-market-closes-in-the-green, 10 Mar 2026]
#19796
Which of the following statements regarding the oil market situation on March 10, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) Brent futures experienced a decline of approximately 6.8 percent.
(b) Goldman Sachs immediately adjusted its fourth-quarter 2026 price forecast for Brent to $90 per barrel.
(c) US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude prices fell by approximately 6.8 percent.
(d) Volumes in Brent dropped to the lowest amount since February 27.
Explanation: Goldman Sachs explicitly stated it was not changing its oil price forecast for Brent at $66 per barrel for the fourth quarter of 2026, making the incorrect statement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980481/oil-sinks-7pc-as-trump-predicts-middle-east-de-escalation, 10 Mar 2026]
#19797
Consider the following statements about the Sindh government's transport policy announced on April 5, 2026: 1. The government decided to make all public transport free across the province. 2. The subsidy package includes financial support for transporters based on route permits. 3. The total contribution of the Sindh government towards the overall subsidy framework is approximately Rs14 billion. 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 government explicitly chose a fare freeze over making buses free. Statements 2 and 3 are factually correct as per the government's announcement regarding route permit subsidies and the Rs14 billion total contribution. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1988836/sindh-cm-secures-fare-freeze-after-talks-with-transporters-amid-fuel-price-hike, 05 Apr 2026]
#19798
Consider the following statements about the Supreme Court's intervention in the 2026 protests: 1. The court ordered that protesters' personal data should not be made public. 2. The Solicitor General claimed that approximately 250 police officers were injured during the demonstrations. 3. The protests continued even after the resignation of the Education Minister. 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 court proceedings. Statement 3 is incorrect because the protests ended on the Saturday following the minister's resignation and the government's agreement to protesters' demands. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2019008/indias-top-court-orders-no-coercive-action-against-youth-protesters-and-release-of-minors-media-reports-say, 28 Jul 2026]
#19799
In April 2026, Iran announced a temporary ceasefire of what duration with the United States?
(a) One week
(b) One month
(c) Two weeks
(d) Three months
Explanation: The Iranian leadership confirmed a two-week ceasefire with the United States in April 2026, intended to facilitate potential peace negotiations. This duration was explicitly mentioned in the state-broadcast message. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1990308/in-written-message-iran-supreme-leader-says-tehran-does-not-seek-war-but-will-not-renounce-legitimate-rights, 09 Apr 2026]
#19800
Consider the following statements about the market activity on March 10, 2026: 1. The KSE-100 index gained over 9,000 points during the trading session. 2. The market halt was triggered by a 5% increase in the KSE-100 index. 3. The rally followed a significant decline in the index on the previous trading day. 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 index advanced 9,696.98 points. Statement 2 is incorrect because the halt was triggered by the KSE-30 index, not the KSE-100. Statement 3 is correct as the rally followed the historic drop on March 9. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980474/bulls-return-as-kse-100-surges-past-9000-points-market-closes-in-the-green, 10 Mar 2026]