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.
#20261
Who accompanied Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif during his visit to Quetta on July 9, 2026?
(a) Minister of Defence
(b) Minister of Interior
(c) Minister of Information
(d) Minister of Finance
Explanation: Information Minister Attaullah Tarar was among the officials who accompanied the Prime Minister to Quetta. Other attendees included the Minister of Economic Affairs and the Adviser on Political Affairs. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2014127/mutual-and-singular-decision-by-leadership-to-end-terrorism-pm-shehbaz-says-after-balochistan-attacks, 09 Jul 2026]
#20262
Which of the following statements regarding the security situation in Balochistan as of July 8, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) An ambush on an army convoy occurred in Bela.
(b) An armed attack took place on the outskirts of Quetta on July 5.
(c) A police post in Ziarat was assaulted on July 6.
(d) The security situation in Balochistan showed an increase in attacks in June compared to May.
Explanation: The statement that attacks increased in June is incorrect because the PICSS data explicitly reported a significant decline in terrorism in Balochistan during June, with 49 attacks compared to 71 in May. The other three options accurately describe the specific recent incidents mentioned in the report. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2013924/cross-border-terrorism-will-be-crushed-with-full-might-of-the-state-field-marshal-asim-munir, 08 Jul 2026]
#20263
The K2 Airways cargo aircraft that disappeared over the Arabian Sea on July 7, 2026, was a:
(a) Boeing 777-300ER
(b) Boeing 737-400
(c) Airbus A320-200
(d) None of these
Explanation: The aircraft involved in the incident was a Boeing 737-400 freighter. It was registered as AP-BOI and had been in service with K2 Airways since 2024. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2013645/cargo-plane-disappears-from-radar-over-arabian-sea-off-karachi, 07 Jul 2026]
#20264
Under the KP Provincial Assembly (Powers, Immunities and Privileges) Act, 2026, what is the consequence for a government officer who fails to attend a meeting summoned by an MPA without sufficient cause?
(a) Immediate termination from service
(b) Deemed to have committed a breach of privilege
(c) Mandatory fine of one million rupees
(d) Suspension of salary for six months
Explanation: Section 8(3) of the Act explicitly states that any government officer who fails to attend a meeting summoned by a member without sufficient cause shall be deemed to have committed a breach of privilege. This provision is designed to ensure the attendance of officials at constituency-level meetings. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2013628/kp-govt-enacts-law-granting-lawmakers-lifetime-official-passports-expanding-privileges, 07 Jul 2026]
#20265
What was the primary professional role of the individual martyred in the IED explosion in Peshawar on July 14, 2026?
(a) Bomb Disposal Unit official
(b) Federal Constabulary personnel
(c) Intelligence Bureau operative
(d) Counter-Terrorism Department officer
Explanation: The victim was a member of the Bomb Disposal Unit (BDU) of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa police. He was attempting to defuse an unexploded IED at an abandoned police post. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2015448/bomb-disposal-unit-official-martyred-in-ied-explosion-in-kps-peshawar-district-police, 14 Jul 2026]
#20266
Consider the following statements about the Provincial Apex Committee meeting held on July 9, 2026: 1. The meeting was chaired by the Prime Minister to discuss the National Action Plan. 2. The leadership identified the eastern neighbour as being involved in supporting terrorist activities. 3. The committee decided to reduce the presence of security forces in Balochistan to de-escalate tensions. 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 Prime Minister chaired the meeting and explicitly accused the eastern neighbour of involvement. Statement 3 is incorrect because the leadership resolved to continue the war against terrorism until the last terrorist is eliminated, rather than reducing security presence. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2014127/mutual-and-singular-decision-by-leadership-to-end-terrorism-pm-shehbaz-says-after-balochistan-attacks, 09 Jul 2026]
#20267
Consider the following statements about the diplomatic situation as of July 8, 2026: 1. Pakistan has officially offered to continue its role as a mediator between Washington and Tehran. 2. The US leadership expressed optimism regarding the continuation of the ceasefire during the Nato summit. 3. The Islamabad MoU was signed after the US carried out attacks in response to the downing of an Apache helicopter. 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 Pakistan reaffirmed its mediation role. Statement 3 is correct as the MoU followed the helicopter incident. Statement 2 is incorrect because the US leadership explicitly stated the ceasefire was 'over' at the summit. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2013927/pakistan-urges-us-iran-to-exercise-restraint-after-overnight-strikes, 08 Jul 2026]
#20268
Where did Field Marshal Asim Munir deliver his address regarding the state's response to cross-border terrorism on July 8, 2026?
(a) Command and Staff College, Quetta
(b) Pakistan Military Academy, Kakul
(c) National Defence University, Islamabad
(d) General Headquarters, Rawalpindi
Explanation: Field Marshal Asim Munir addressed the graduating officers of the National Security and War Course at the National Defence University in Islamabad. This location is the primary institution for training senior military and civilian leaders in national security strategy. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2013924/cross-border-terrorism-will-be-crushed-with-full-might-of-the-state-field-marshal-asim-munir, 08 Jul 2026]
#20269
Consider the following statements about the security address delivered by Field Marshal Asim Munir on July 8, 2026: 1. He emphasized that wars are won through media rhetoric and political sloganeering. 2. He highlighted the importance of strategic clarity in dealing with hybrid and sub-conventional threats. 3. He stated that proxy networks operating under hostile intelligence agencies would not be allowed to undermine Pakistan's economic prosperity. 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 Field Marshal explicitly stated that wars are NOT won through media rhetoric or political sloganeering, but through faith, unity, and discipline. Statements 2 and 3 accurately reflect his emphasis on strategic clarity and the threat posed by proxy networks to national prosperity. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2013924/cross-border-terrorism-will-be-crushed-with-full-might-of-the-state-field-marshal-asim-munir, 08 Jul 2026]
#20270
Consider the following statements about the KP Provincial Assembly (Powers, Immunities and Privileges) Act, 2026: 1. It grants members immunity from preventive detention only during assembly sessions. 2. It requires authorities to seek the Speaker's permission before arresting a member on a criminal charge. 3. It allows the Speaker to order an inquiry before a police challan is submitted to the court. 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 Act provides blanket immunity from preventive detention, not just during sessions. Statements 2 and 3 are correct as they reflect the procedural requirements for arrests and the Speaker's oversight role as defined in Sections 11(1) and 11(2) of the Act. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2013628/kp-govt-enacts-law-granting-lawmakers-lifetime-official-passports-expanding-privileges, 07 Jul 2026]
#20271
Who is the current Director General of the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) as of July 2026?
(a) Lieutenant General Babar Iftikhar
(b) Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry
(c) Major General Asif Ghafoor
(d) Lieutenant General Nadeem Anjum
Explanation: Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry is the official who conducted the press briefing on July 8, 2026, regarding the security situation in Balochistan. The other individuals listed are either former DG ISPRs or hold different high-ranking military positions. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2013924/cross-border-terrorism-will-be-crushed-with-full-might-of-the-state-field-marshal-asim-munir, 08 Jul 2026]
#20272
The official visit of the Pakistani CDF to Turkiye in 2026 was primarily aimed at strengthening which of the following?
(a) Economic trade agreements
(b) Strategic and defence cooperation
(c) Cultural exchange programs
(d) None of these
Explanation: The visit was explicitly stated by the military media wing to be aimed at strengthening strategic and defence cooperation. While economic ties are important, they were not the primary focus of this specific military-led visit. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2015389/cdf-munir-meets-turkish-president-erdogan-armed-forces-chief-in-ankara-ispr, 14 Jul 2026]
#20273
On July 17, 2026, which political leader initiated an election campaign in Azad Jammu and Kashmir with a pledge to represent the region's interests in the federal capital?
(a) Nawaz Sharif
(b) Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari
(c) Imran Khan
(d) None of these
Explanation: Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, as the Chairman of the Pakistan Peoples Party, officially launched the election campaign in AJK on July 17, 2026. He emphasized his role as a bridge between the federal government and the people of the region. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016221/bilawal-kicks-off-ajk-election-campaign-pledges-to-be-voice-of-people-in-centre, 17 Jul 2026]
#20274
Which of the following statements regarding the oil market situation as of July 17, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) Brent crude futures experienced a rise of approximately 0.08 percent.
(b) The Red Sea has already been officially closed to all commercial shipping traffic.
(c) The US launched two major waves of air strikes in a single day on Wednesday.
(d) US West Texas Intermediate futures gained 16 cents per barrel.
Explanation: The Red Sea has not been closed; rather, there is a 'potential threat' of closure. Options A, B, and C are all factually accurate details reported on July 17, 2026. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016168/oil-rises-on-intensifying-us-iran-hostilities-threat-of-red-sea-closure, 17 Jul 2026]
#20275
Which organization provided the data indicating a decline in anti-state violence in Pakistan during the month of June 2026?
(a) Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies
(b) National Counter Terrorism Authority
(c) Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad
(d) Centre for Research and Security Studies
Explanation: The Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS) reported a decline in overall anti-state violence for June 2026, specifically noting a 31 percent reduction in attacks within Balochistan compared to May. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2013924/cross-border-terrorism-will-be-crushed-with-full-might-of-the-state-field-marshal-asim-munir, 08 Jul 2026]
#20276
Consider the following statements about the security situation in AJK as of July 14, 2026: 1. The JAAC leader Khwaja Mehran issued a 48-hour deadline to close entry points to the state. 2. Rangers were deployed to assist the police in the operation against the armed group. 3. The government reported that the majority of the population continues to support the JAAC's blockade strategy. 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 Home Secretary's briefing. Statement 3 is incorrect because the government explicitly stated that the majority of the population has distanced itself from the JAAC. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2015416/ajk-govt-says-operation-under-way-to-reopen-routes-blocked-by-banned-jaac, 14 Jul 2026]
#20277
What is the new price of high-speed diesel (HSD) per litre following the government's announcement on July 10, 2026?
(a) Rs310.71
(b) Rs458.41
(c) Rs281.00
(d) Rs323.30
Explanation: The government increased the price of high-speed diesel to Rs323.30 per litre. Rs310.71 is the current price of petrol, while the other figures represent historical price points. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2014423/govt-raises-petrol-price-by-rs1318-diesel-by-rs1380, 10 Jul 2026]
#20278
Who is the current Chief of the Turkish General Staff that held a detailed meeting with the Pakistani CDF in 2026?
(a) General Metin Tokel
(b) General Selcuk Bayraktaroglu
(c) Yasar Guler
(d) None of these
Explanation: General Selcuk Bayraktaroglu is the Chief of the Turkish General Staff who hosted the Pakistani CDF. General Metin Tokel serves as the Commander of the Turkish Land Forces, while Yasar Guler is the Minister of National Defence. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2015389/cdf-munir-meets-turkish-president-erdogan-armed-forces-chief-in-ankara-ispr, 14 Jul 2026]
#20279
What tactic did the terrorists employ to hinder rescue services and reinforcements during the July 15, 2026, attack?
(a) Blocking the main highway with heavy vehicles
(b) Setting fire to the local hospital entrance
(c) Destroying a bridge on the route to the police station
(d) Cutting off telecommunication lines in the district
Explanation: Terrorists blew up a previously damaged bridge on the route to the police station to prevent reinforcements from reaching the site. This is a common tactic used to isolate the target area during an assault. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2015690/at-least-5-injured-including-police-official-in-attack-on-bannu-police-station, 15 Jul 2026]
#20280
Which police station was the specific target of the terrorist attack on July 15, 2026, in Bannu?
(a) Domel Police Station
(b) Miryan Police Station
(c) Bannu City Police Station
(d) None of these
Explanation: The attack on July 15, 2026, targeted the Miryan Police Station in Bannu. Domel Police Station was the site of a separate suicide car bomb attack in April 2026. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2015690/at-least-5-injured-including-police-official-in-attack-on-bannu-police-station, 15 Jul 2026]