January 2026 Edition
Start January Quiz
January 2026 Current Affairs MCQs & Solutions
Top national & international current affairs questions for CSS, PMS, FPSC, PPSC, and NTS screening tests.
#20621
Consider the following statements about the security situation in Balochistan as of July 23, 2026: 1. The Chief of Defence Forces pledged to continue operations until terrorism is eliminated. 2. The security strategy relies solely on military force without public involvement. 3. The federal and provincial governments are pursuing development initiatives in the province. 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 CDF vowed to continue operations. Statement 3 is correct as the government is pursuing development. Statement 2 is incorrect because the strategy explicitly emphasizes the necessity of public support. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431473/field-marshal-munir-vows-to-continue-operations-against-terrorists-in-balochistan, 23 Jul 2026]
#20622
Where was the 20th National Workshop Balochistan held on July 23, 2026?
(a) Governor House, Quetta
(b) General Headquarters, Rawalpindi
(c) Aiwan-e-Sadr, Islamabad
(d) None of these
Explanation: The 20th National Workshop Balochistan took place at the General Headquarters in Rawalpindi. This venue is the primary administrative and command center for the Pakistan Army. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431473/field-marshal-munir-vows-to-continue-operations-against-terrorists-in-balochistan, 23 Jul 2026]
#20623
Who is the current Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces of Pakistan who visited Tehran in May 2026?
(a) General Qamar Javed Bajwa
(b) Field Marshal Asim Munir
(c) General Raheel Sharif
(d) None of these
Explanation: Field Marshal Asim Munir is the current Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces who led the mediation delegation to Tehran. The other names listed are former army chiefs. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2002541/encouraging-progress-made-during-cdf-munirs-tehran-visit-ispr, 23 May 2026]
#20624
Where did the Chief of Defence Forces address the participants of the 20th National Workshop Balochistan on July 24, 2026?
(a) Prime Minister House, Islamabad
(b) General Headquarters, Rawalpindi
(c) Governor House, Quetta
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Chief of Defence Forces addressed the workshop participants at the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi. This location serves as the primary command center for the Pakistan Army's strategic communications and operations. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431561/cdf-vows-to-dismantle-terrorist-infrastructure, 24 Jul 2026]
#20625
Which of the following is NOT a group or entity mentioned by the Chief of Defence Forces in the context of the July 2026 security address?
(a) Fitna al Khawarij
(b) Fitna al Hindustan
(c) International peacekeeping coalitions
(d) Foreign-sponsored proxy groups
Explanation: The CDF identified Fitna al Khawarij, Fitna al Hindustan, and foreign-sponsored proxy groups as threats to stability. International peacekeeping coalitions were not mentioned in the context of the security operations discussed. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431561/cdf-vows-to-dismantle-terrorist-infrastructure, 24 Jul 2026]
#20626
Which specific groups were identified by the Chief of Defence Forces as targets for continued operations on July 24, 2026?
(a) Fitna al Khawarij and Fitna al Hindustan
(b) Fitna al Sahaba and Fitna al Mujahideen
(c) Fitna al Fasad and Fitna al Baghi
(d) Fitna al Munafiq and Fitna al Kuffar
Explanation: The CDF explicitly named Fitna al Khawarij and Fitna al Hindustan as the primary threats that the security forces are committed to dismantling. These terms are used by the state to categorize specific militant and proxy elements operating against national stability. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431561/cdf-vows-to-dismantle-terrorist-infrastructure, 24 Jul 2026]
#20627
Consider the following statements about the security address delivered on July 24, 2026: 1. The CDF emphasized that targeted operations will continue until terrorist infrastructure is eliminated. 2. The address highlighted that development initiatives in Balochistan are focused on an inclusive, people-centric approach. 3. The security forces are acting independently of civil society and media support in the province. 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 official stance on military operations and socio-economic development. Statement 3 is incorrect because the CDF specifically praised the constructive role of civil society, academia, and media in promoting national integration. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431561/cdf-vows-to-dismantle-terrorist-infrastructure, 24 Jul 2026]
#20628
Who was appointed as the Commander of the National Strategic Command on July 24, 2026?
(a) General Syed Asim Munir
(b) General Aamer Raza
(c) General Asif Ali Zardari
(d) None of these
Explanation: Lieutenant General Aamer Raza was promoted to the rank of four-star General and appointed as the Commander of the National Strategic Command on July 24, 2026. General Syed Asim Munir serves as the Chief of Defence Forces, making him an incorrect choice for this specific command role. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431618/lt-gen-aamer-raza-promoted-to-general-appointed-as-commander-of-national-strategic-command, 24 Jul 2026]
#20629
Which of the following statements regarding the meeting on July 27, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The meeting was held at the General Headquarters in Rawalpindi.
(b) The delegation included representatives from the US House of Representatives.
(c) Field Marshal Asim Munir highlighted the importance of structural reforms.
(d) The discussions excluded any mention of bilateral economic cooperation.
Explanation: The statement that discussions excluded economic cooperation is incorrect, as economic engagement and trade partnerships were primary agenda items during the meeting. The other three options accurately reflect the events of the day. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40432023/us-lawmakers-meet-field-marshal-munir-discuss-security-economic-cooperation, 27 Jul 2026]
#20630
According to the official statement regarding the July 27, 2026 meeting, what did Field Marshal Asim Munir identify as being closely linked to sustainable regional stability?
(a) Military expansion
(b) Economic growth and trade expansion
(c) Border fencing projects
(d) None of these
Explanation: Field Marshal Munir highlighted that sustainable regional stability is closely linked to economic growth, trade expansion, and regional connectivity. This reflects the current focus on economic diplomacy. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40432023/us-lawmakers-meet-field-marshal-munir-discuss-security-economic-cooperation, 27 Jul 2026]
#20631
Where did the meeting between General Aamer Raza and Field Marshal Asim Munir take place on July 27, 2026?
(a) Prime Minister House, Islamabad
(b) Joint Staff Headquarters, Chaklala
(c) Aiwan-i-Sadr, Islamabad
(d) General Headquarters (GHQ), Rawalpindi
Explanation: The meeting occurred at the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi, where the CNSC was presented with a guard of honour. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018788/newly-appointed-cnsc-aamer-raza-meets-cdf-asim-munir-in-rawalpindi-ispr, 27 Jul 2026]
#20632
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]
#20633
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]
#20634
Who was appointed as the first Commander of the National Strategic Command (CNSC) in 2026?
(a) General Syed Aamer Raza
(b) General Asim Munir
(c) General Sahir Shamshad Mirza
(d) None of these
Explanation: General Syed Aamer Raza was promoted to the rank of a four-star general and appointed as the first CNSC. Asim Munir serves as the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF). [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018788/newly-appointed-cnsc-aamer-raza-meets-cdf-asim-munir-in-rawalpindi-ispr, 27 Jul 2026]
#20635
Consider the following statements about the military command overhaul in 2026: 1. Field Marshal Asim Munir serves as the country's first Chief of Defence Forces (CDF). 2. The CNSC appointment process is subject to judicial review under the 27th Amendment. 3. The CNSC position replaces the nuclear management functions previously held by the CJCSC.
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) All three
Explanation: Statement 2 is incorrect because the 27th Amendment explicitly states that the appointment process cannot be called into question before any court. Statements 1 and 3 are factually accurate. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018788/newly-appointed-cnsc-aamer-raza-meets-cdf-asim-munir-in-rawalpindi-ispr, 27 Jul 2026]
#20636
Who is the current Foreign Minister of Iran who met with the Pakistani delegation in Tehran on April 15, 2026?
(a) Abbas Araghchi
(b) Esmaeil Baqaei
(c) Hossein Amir-Abdollahian
(d) Mohammad Javad Zarif
Explanation: Abbas Araghchi is the Iranian Foreign Minister who welcomed Field Marshal Asim Munir in Tehran. Esmaeil Baqaei is the foreign ministry spokesman, not the Foreign Minister. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1991972/cdf-munir-visits-iran-alongside-delegation-as-part-of-mediation-efforts-holds-meeting-with-fm-araghchi, 15 Apr 2026]
#20637
The mediation efforts led by Pakistan in April 2026 are primarily aimed at de-escalating tensions between which two countries?
(a) Pakistan and India
(b) Russia and Ukraine
(c) Saudi Arabia and Iran
(d) Iran and the United States
Explanation: The diplomatic efforts are focused on de-escalation between Iran and the United States, following direct talks held in Islamabad. The other options represent different geopolitical conflicts not addressed by this specific mediation mission. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1991972/cdf-munir-visits-iran-alongside-delegation-as-part-of-mediation-efforts-holds-meeting-with-fm-araghchi, 15 Apr 2026]
#20638
Which of the following Iranian officials did Field Marshal Asim Munir NOT meet during his visit to Tehran in May 2026?
(a) Masoud Pezeshkian
(b) Ali Khamenei
(c) Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf
(d) Abbas Araghchi
Explanation: Field Marshal Asim Munir met with President Masoud Pezeshkian, Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. There is no mention of a meeting with the Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, in the official reports. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2002541/encouraging-progress-made-during-cdf-munirs-tehran-visit-ispr, 23 May 2026]
#20639
Who accompanied Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif during his diplomatic visit to Saudi Arabia on March 12, 2026?
(a) Ishaq Dar and Asim Munir
(b) Bilawal Bhutto and Nadeem Anjum
(c) Ahsan Iqbal and Sahir Shamshad Mirza
(d) None of these
Explanation: The official delegation included Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir. This reflects the high-level security and diplomatic nature of the visit. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981279/in-restricted-meeting-with-saudi-crown-prince-pm-shehbaz-assures-him-of-pakistans-full-solidarity-support, 12 Mar 2026]
#20640
Consider the following statements about the diplomatic visit on March 12, 2026: 1. The visit was conducted at the invitation of the Saudi Crown Prince. 2. The discussions focused exclusively on bilateral trade agreements. 3. The Prime Minister expressed appreciation for the Kingdom's long-standing support to Pakistan. 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: The visit was indeed at the invitation of the Crown Prince, and the Prime Minister conveyed appreciation for the Kingdom's support. However, the discussions were focused on regional security and tensions, not exclusively on trade. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981279/in-restricted-meeting-with-saudi-crown-prince-pm-shehbaz-assures-him-of-pakistans-full-solidarity-support, 12 Mar 2026]