January 2025 Edition
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January 2025 Current Affairs MCQs & Solutions
Top national & international current affairs questions for CSS, PMS, FPSC, PPSC, and NTS screening tests.
#2161
What was the name of the military operation conducted by Pakistan in response to Indian adventurism following the 2025 Pahalgam attack?
(a) Operation Zarb-e-Azb
(b) Operation Bunyanum Marsoos
(c) Operation Swift Retort
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Foreign Office explicitly referenced Operation Bunyanum Marsoos as the response to India's military actions in 2025. Other operations listed are either historical or unrelated to this specific timeline. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1994381/pakistan-rejects-indian-propaganda-on-pahalgam-attack-deplores-weaponisation-of-false-narrative, 23 Apr 2026]
#2162
Which of the following Apple models remained stable with no change in valuation between the January ruling and the April 2026 ruling?
(a) iPhone 15 Pro Max
(b) iPhone XS Max
(c) iPhone SE 2
(d) iPhone 13
Explanation: The iPhone XS Max and the iPhone SE 3 were identified as the most stable models, showing no change in valuation between the two rulings. Other models like the iPhone 15 Pro Max and iPhone SE 2 experienced varying degrees of upward adjustment. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1994373/customs-increases-import-valuation-for-62-old-and-used-mobile-phone-models, 23 Apr 2026]
#2163
Consider the following statements about the repatriation of Afghan nationals: 1. The government reported that over 1.1 million Afghan nationals were deported in 2025. 2. The current repatriation drive was first launched in 2023. 3. The directive requires daily reporting to the Ministry of Interior starting from July 10, 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: Statement 1 is correct as 1,155,221 individuals were deported in 2025. Statement 2 is correct as the drive began in 2023. Statement 3 is incorrect because the daily reporting requirement commences on July 11, 2026, not July 10. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2011435/interior-ministry-issues-directive-to-arrest-afghan-nationals-without-valid-visas-from-july-10, 28 Jun 2026]
#2164
Consider the following statements about the airspace restrictions between Pakistan and India: 1. The airspace closure was initially implemented in response to tensions following an attack in Pahalgam. 2. Pakistan has offered a neutral probe into the allegations regarding the 2025 incident. 3. The airspace ban has been extended only once since its inception in 2025. 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 regarding the origin of the tensions and Pakistan's diplomatic stance. Statement 3 is incorrect because the ban has been extended multiple times since 2025. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016474/paa-extends-airspace-ban-on-indian-aircraft-until-aug-23, 18 Jul 2026]
#2165
Consider the following statements about development loans in Pakistan: 1. The markup rate for 2025-26 is lower than the rate charged in 2024-25. 2. The federal government charges markup on loans to provincial governments as a source of revenue. 3. Foreign re-lent loans are advanced by the federal government out of its own domestic resources. 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 rate dropped from 17.74 percent to 11.89 percent. Statement 2 is correct as markup on these loans is a key revenue stream. Statement 3 is incorrect because cash development loans are funded from domestic resources, while foreign re-lent loans are sourced from international lenders. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018194/centre-cuts-markup-on-uplift-loans-to-1189pc, 24 Jul 2026]
#2166
Consider the following statements about the recent diplomatic tensions between Pakistan and India: 1. The Pakistani Foreign Office accused India of systemic discrimination against Christians and Muslims. 2. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs claimed that Pakistan's remarks were part of a broader regional peace initiative. 3. The Pakistani Foreign Office cited that 55 Muslims were lynched in India during 2025. 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 FO highlighted discrimination against these groups. Statement 3 is correct as it reflects the data provided in the FO statement. Statement 2 is incorrect because the Indian Ministry of External Affairs actually accused Pakistan of systemic victimization of minorities, not a peace initiative. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1986308/exercise-in-deflection-masquerading-as-concern-fo-rejects-indias-comments-on-pakistans-shia-community, 28 Mar 2026]
#2167
Consider the following statements about the Jamaatul Ahrar (JuA) group: 1. It was formed by Abdul Wali, also known as Omar Khalid Khorasani. 2. The group split from the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) in 2014. 3. The group has maintained a complete and formal separation from the TTP since 2025. 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 JuA was formed by Khorasani in 2014 after splitting from the TTP. Statement 3 is incorrect because, although disputes surfaced in 2025, no formal separation occurred, and the groups had previously joined hands in 2024. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2011436/terrorist-involved-in-rangers-camp-attack-in-karachi-reveals-he-was-trained-in-afghanistan, 28 Jun 2026]
#2168
Which Apple mobile phone models remained stable with no change in valuation between the January and April 2026 rulings?
(a) iPhone 15 Pro Max and iPhone 14
(b) iPhone 13 and iPhone 12 Pro
(c) iPhone XS Max and iPhone SE 3
(d) iPhone 11 and iPhone XR
Explanation: The iPhone XS Max and iPhone SE 3 were identified as the most stable models, showing no change in their customs valuation between the two rulings. Other models experienced varying degrees of upward revision. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1994373/customs-increases-import-valuation-for-62-old-and-used-mobile-phone-models, 23 Apr 2026]
#2169
Consider the following statements about the diplomatic situation regarding Pakistani workers in the UAE as of May 2026: 1. The Ministry of Interior confirmed that the UAE has initiated a large-scale expulsion of Pakistani workers due to regional conflicts. 2. The Pakistani embassy in Abu Dhabi issued 780 emergency travel documents between January and April 2026. 3. The government maintains that issues regarding Pakistani nationals are handled on a case-by-case basis through established foreign office channels. 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 Ministry of Interior explicitly denied that a large-scale, targeted expulsion was occurring. Statements 2 and 3 are factually accurate based on the official briefing provided by the Foreign Office. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1998692/interior-ministry-denies-reports-of-country-or-sect-specific-deportation-of-pakistanis-from-uae, 08 May 2026]
#2170
The five reservists were initially charged in February 2025 for an incident that took place in which month of the previous year?
(a) July 2024
(b) May 2024
(c) September 2024
(d) December 2024
Explanation: The military reported that the abuse occurred in July 2024. The other months are incorrect distractors within the same calendar year. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981395/israel-drops-indictment-of-five-soldiers-accused-of-sexually-assaulting-palestinian-detainee, 12 Mar 2026]
#2171
According to the Annual Security Report 2025, what was the approximate percentage increase in violence in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa compared to the previous year?
(a) 22 percent
(b) 44 percent
(c) 66 percent
(d) 82 percent
Explanation: The report indicates a 44 percent year-on-year surge in violence in the province. The 82 percent figure refers to the province's share of the net national rise in fatalities, not the year-on-year growth rate. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981779/law-enforcers-kill-6-terrorists-in-lakki-marwat-operation-ctd, 13 Mar 2026]
#2172
Consider the following statements about the Board of Peace (BoP) and the Gaza reconstruction plan: 1. The BoP was formally established in January 2026. 2. The pilot camp is intended to be established in the buffer zone near Rafah. 3. The UN Security Council resolution authorizing the BoP was adopted in early 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: Statement 1 is correct as the BoP was established in January 2026. Statement 2 is correct as the pilot camp is planned for the buffer zone near Rafah. Statement 3 is incorrect because the UN Security Council resolution was adopted in mid-November of the previous year (2025), not in 2026. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2015988/gaza-reconstruction-plan-under-trumps-board-of-peace-reduced-to-pilot-project-british-publication, 16 Jul 2026]
#2173
Consider the following statements about the BPS-2026 notification: 1. The new pay scales apply to federal civil employees paid from both civil and defence estimates. 2. Employees posted abroad are eligible to receive the Ad hoc Relief Allowance-2026 during their foreign tenure. 3. The 2022 and 2025 ad hoc relief allowances were abolished upon the implementation of the new scales. 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 notification covers both civil and defence estimates. Statement 3 is correct as the 2022 and 2025 allowances were merged and abolished. Statement 2 is incorrect because employees posted abroad are explicitly excluded from receiving the allowance during their foreign posting. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431195/salary-increase-notified-govt-issues-revised-bps-2026-for-civil-servants, 22 Jul 2026]
#2174
Consider the following statements about the US-Saudi nuclear cooperation agreement: 1. The agreement includes provisions for bilateral safeguards. 2. The deal is subject to review by the US Congress. 3. The agreement was signed in 2025 to coincide with the mutual defence pact. 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 deal includes bilateral safeguards and requires Congressional review. Statement 3 is incorrect because the nuclear agreement was signed in 2026, whereas the mutual defence pact mentioned in the text was signed in 2025. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017738/us-announces-civilian-nuclear-deal-with-saudi-arabia-says-it-includes-non-proliferation-safeguards, 23 Jul 2026]
#2175
Consider the following statements about the water situation on the Chenab River as of 2026-07-24: 1. The rise in water levels is attributed to rainfall in the upper catchment areas. 2. The government has compared current water levels with historical data from 2017, 2022, 2023, and 2025. 3. The Chenab River has the capacity to generate extreme flooding independently without external rainfall. 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 per the Commissioner's testimony. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Commissioner specifically noted that the river does not have the capacity to generate extreme flooding independently. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431517/senate-panel-told-govt-unaware-of-indias-chenab-water-release, 24 Jul 2026]
#2176
Consider the following statements about the State Bank of India's capital raising activities: 1. The board approved raising up to 600 billion rupees through debt in the current financial year. 2. The bank's previous perpetual bond issuance occurred in November 2025. 3. The 2026 perpetual debt issuance is designed to be Basel III-compliant. 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 regarding the 600 billion rupee board approval. Statement 3 is correct regarding Basel III compliance. Statement 2 is incorrect because the bank's previous perpetual bond issuance occurred in October 2024, whereas Canara Bank issued bonds in November 2025. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431637/indias-sbi-to-issue-first-rupee-denominated-perpetual-debt-of-2026-sources-say, 24 Jul 2026]
#2177
What is the revised markup rate fixed by the federal government for development loans and advances for the fiscal year 2025-26?
(a) 10.30 percent
(b) 17.74 percent
(c) 11.89 percent
(d) 17.84 percent
Explanation: The Ministry of Finance fixed the markup rate at 11.89 percent for the 2025-26 fiscal year. This represents a significant reduction from the 17.74 percent rate applied in the previous fiscal year. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018194/centre-cuts-markup-on-uplift-loans-to-1189pc, 24 Jul 2026]
#2178
Consider the following statements about the automotive sector in 8MFY26: 1. The sharp month-on-month decline in February 2026 sales was partly attributed to a high base effect from January. 2. Lower interest rates and easing inflation were cited as key drivers for year-on-year growth. 3. Tractor sales experienced a significant year-on-year growth of 43 percent during the 8MFY26 period. 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 market analysis provided by industry experts. Statement 3 is incorrect because tractor sales actually plunged by 21 percent year-on-year, not grew by 43 percent. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980724/auto-sales-rise-43pc-in-july-february, 11 Mar 2026]
#2179
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]
#2180
The US Department of Defence has been operating under which alternative title since September 2025?
(a) Department of Security
(b) Department of Strategic Command
(c) Department of Defense Operations
(d) Department of War
Explanation: The CRS report notes that the Department of Defence adopted the title 'Department of War' following an executive order issued in September 2025. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2002532/congressional-report-details-losses-of-42-us-aircraft-in-iran-campaign, 23 May 2026]