January 2026 Edition

January 2026 Current Affairs MCQs & Solutions

Top national & international current affairs questions for CSS, PMS, FPSC, PPSC, and NTS screening tests.

Start January Quiz
#3241

In the context of the 2026 political discourse, which regions were specifically mentioned as being the subject of disrespectful remarks by the PML-N leader?

(a) Sindh and Kashmir
(b) Punjab and Balochistan
(c) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan
(d) Sindh and Punjab
Explanation: The controversy centers on the perceived ridicule of the people of Sindh and Kashmir. These two regions were explicitly named by the provincial minister as having been insulted by the federal political leadership. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431697/nawaz-has-ridiculed-people-of-sindh-kashmir-sharjeel, 24 Jul 2026]
#3242

Which of the following statements regarding the UNESCO emergency listing on July 24, 2026, is INCORRECT?

(a) Beaufort Castle is a Crusader-era fortress.
(b) The emergency procedure was justified by the serious threat of conflict-related damage.
(c) Sebastia is located in an area currently under the exclusive administrative control of the Lebanese government.
(d) The listing includes sites in both Lebanon and the occupied West Bank.
Explanation: Sebastia is located in the occupied West Bank in an area controlled by Israel, not the Lebanese government. The other statements accurately reflect the details of the UNESCO announcement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018222/unesco-places-lebanese-castle-west-bank-site-on-danger-list, 24 Jul 2026]
#3243

Who announced the new global visa restriction policy targeting cybercriminals on July 25, 2026?

(a) Antony Blinken
(b) Marco Rubio
(c) Mike Pompeo
(d) None of these
Explanation: Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the policy as part of the administration's campaign against cybercrime. Antony Blinken and Mike Pompeo are former Secretaries of State and are incorrect in the context of this 2026 announcement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018267/us-announces-visa-restriction-policy-on-cyber-criminals-their-immediate-family-members, 25 Jul 2026]
#3244

According to the political stance expressed on 2026-07-24, who holds the primary right to determine the future of Kashmir?

(a) The provincial government of Punjab
(b) The federal government in Islamabad
(c) The people of Kashmir
(d) The United Nations Security Council
Explanation: The stated position emphasizes that the right to self-determination belongs exclusively to the people of Kashmir. While the UN is involved in the dispute, the specific political message focused on the agency of the Kashmiri people. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431691/bilawal-says-only-kashmiris-have-the-right-to-decide-kashmirs-future, 24 Jul 2026]
#3245

Who currently holds the portfolio of Sindh Minister for Information, Transport and Mass Transit as of 2026?

(a) Murad Ali Shah
(b) Sharjeel Inam Memon
(c) Saeed Ghani
(d) None of these
Explanation: Sharjeel Inam Memon is the incumbent Sindh Minister for Information, Transport and Mass Transit. He is the official who issued the statement criticizing the remarks made by the PML-N leadership. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431697/nawaz-has-ridiculed-people-of-sindh-kashmir-sharjeel, 24 Jul 2026]
#3246

Which regulatory body is responsible for setting daily petroleum prices under the new mechanism introduced on July 25, 2026?

(a) State Bank of Pakistan
(b) Competition Commission of Pakistan
(c) Ministry of Finance
(d) Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority
Explanation: The Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) is the designated body tasked with setting daily fuel prices using Platts benchmark rates. This shift is intended to reduce political interference and ensure transparency in the pricing structure. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018248/daily-fuel-pricing, 25 Jul 2026]
#3247

In which venue was the Central Asian Volleyball Association (CAVA) Men’s Volleyball Championship held on 2026-07-25?

(a) Jinnah Stadium
(b) Liaquat Gymnasium
(c) Ayub National Stadium
(d) None of these
Explanation: The tournament matches were hosted at the Liaquat Gymnasium located within the Pakistan Sports Complex in Islamabad. Jinnah Stadium is a separate facility often used for football or athletics, making it an incorrect distractor. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018165/pakistan-stay-perfect-in-central-asian-volleyball-association-championship, 25 Jul 2026]
#3248

What is the total amount of the fine imposed by the European Commission on Google for breaching the Digital Markets Act in July 2026?

(a) 460 million euros
(b) 430 million euros
(c) 1.2 billion euros
(d) 890 million euros
Explanation: The European Commission issued two separate fines of 460 million euros and 430 million euros, totaling 890 million euros. This represents the first penalty imposed on Google under the Digital Markets Act. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018219/trump-says-eu-to-pay-very-big-price-for-google-fine, 25 Jul 2026]
#3249

Consider the following statements about the CAVA Men’s Volleyball Championship matches held on 2026-07-25: 1. Pakistan maintained an unbeaten record in the tournament. 2. The match between Uzbekistan and Sri Lanka concluded in four sets. 3. Kazakhstan won the opening set against Bangladesh. 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 tournament reports from 2026-07-25. Pakistan remained unbeaten, Uzbekistan won 3-1 (four sets), and Kazakhstan took the first set against Bangladesh. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018165/pakistan-stay-perfect-in-central-asian-volleyball-association-championship, 25 Jul 2026]
#3250

Which of the following statements regarding the CAVA Men’s Volleyball Championship matches on 2026-07-25 is INCORRECT?

(a) Pakistan defeated Nepal in straight sets.
(b) Uzbekistan defeated Sri Lanka 3-1.
(c) The tournament was held at the Liaquat Gymnasium.
(d) Bangladesh defeated Kazakhstan in a three-set sweep.
Explanation: The match between Bangladesh and Kazakhstan was a five-set thriller, not a three-set sweep. The other statements accurately reflect the match outcomes and venue. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018165/pakistan-stay-perfect-in-central-asian-volleyball-association-championship, 25 Jul 2026]
#3251

Who met with the Governor of Sindh on July 25, 2026, to discuss bilateral cooperation in the healthcare sector?

(a) Dr. Kemal Aydin
(b) Dr. Ahmet Davutoglu
(c) Dr. Mehmet Oz
(d) None of these
Explanation: Dr. Kemal Aydin, Chairman of the Ibn Sina Foundation, held a meeting with the Governor of Sindh to discuss expanding cooperation in medical research and education. The other names are prominent figures but were not involved in this specific diplomatic engagement. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431850/governor-seeks-stronger-pak-turkiye-partnership-in-healthcare, 25 Jul 2026]
#3252

Consider the following statements about the German national football team's recent history: 1. Germany has won four World Cup titles in its history. 2. Manuel Neuer participated in the 2026 World Cup at the age of 40. 3. Joshua Kimmich has served as the team captain since 2023. 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: Germany has indeed won four World Cups, and Manuel Neuer played in the 2026 World Cup at age 40. However, statement 3 is incorrect because Joshua Kimmich has worn the captain's armband since autumn 2024, not 2023. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018152/jurgen-klopp-handed-task-of-reviving-germanys-football-fortunes, 25 Jul 2026]
#3253

Consider the following statements about the SAFA ESG framework approved in 2026: 1. It is the first version of the framework developed for the region. 2. The framework aims to improve institutional resilience and public-service delivery. 3. The framework was developed solely by the Pakistani member body of SAFA. 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 it is titled 'Version 1'. Statement 2 is correct as the framework aims to strengthen transparency and public-service delivery. Statement 3 is incorrect because the framework was a collaborative effort involving multiple regional member bodies, not just Pakistan. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431777/safa-board-approves-esg-framework-version-1-for-public-sector-entities-in-south-asia, 25 Jul 2026]
#3254

Which of the following items were recovered from the destroyed hideouts during the July 2026 operations?

(a) Communication satellite equipment
(b) Improvised explosive device (IED) materials
(c) Foreign currency reserves
(d) Heavy artillery vehicles
Explanation: Security forces recovered weapons, ammunition, and materials specifically used for the preparation of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) from the militant hideouts. The other options are not cited as recovered items in the official reports. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431769/death-toll-of-terrorists-rises-to-13-in-operation-al-azm-state-media, 25 Jul 2026]
#3255

The security operations in Balochistan during July 2026 were conducted under which designated title?

(a) Operation Al-Azm
(b) Operation Radd-ul-Fasaad
(c) Operation Zarb-e-Azb
(d) Operation Koh-e-Suleman
Explanation: The ongoing intelligence-based operations in Balochistan are officially designated as Operation Al-Azm. The other operations listed are historical or distinct counterterrorism campaigns. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431769/death-toll-of-terrorists-rises-to-13-in-operation-al-azm-state-media, 25 Jul 2026]
#3256

Consider the following statements about the security operations in Balochistan as of July 2026: 1. The operations were intelligence-based and targeted militant hideouts. 2. The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) was identified by state sources as a target of these operations. 3. The operations resulted in the recovery of materials used for IED production. 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 accurate: the operations were intelligence-based, the BLA was specifically named as a target, and IED materials were recovered from the destroyed hideouts. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431769/death-toll-of-terrorists-rises-to-13-in-operation-al-azm-state-media, 25 Jul 2026]
#3257

The United Business Group (UBG) issued a statement regarding the cabinet induction of Anas Sarwar on which date in 2026?

(a) July 25, 2026
(b) July 28, 2026
(c) July 27, 2026
(d) July 26, 2026
Explanation: The report regarding the UBG's statement was published on July 26, 2026. This date aligns with the official record of the event. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431853/ubg-welcomes-induction-of-sarwar-into-uk-govt, 25 Jul 2026]
#3258

The ESG framework approved by SAFA in 2026 is specifically designed for which category of entities?

(a) Private multinational corporations
(b) Public-sector entities
(c) Non-governmental organizations
(d) Small and medium enterprises
Explanation: The framework is titled 'ESG Framework (Version 1) for Public Sector Entities in the South Asian Region.' It focuses on improving transparency and accountability within government-run or public-sector organizations. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431777/safa-board-approves-esg-framework-version-1-for-public-sector-entities-in-south-asia, 25 Jul 2026]
#3259

Who is the current Governor of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa as of July 2026?

(a) Ali Amin Gandapur
(b) Faisal Karim Kundi
(c) Mushtaq Ghani
(d) None of these
Explanation: Faisal Karim Kundi is the incumbent Governor of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Ali Amin Gandapur is the Chief Minister of the province, making him a common distractor in provincial governance questions. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431814/governor-kp-vows-to-help-resolve-issues-facing-traders, 25 Jul 2026]
#3260

What is the name of the ongoing counter-terrorism operation in Balochistan as of July 26, 2026?

(a) Operation Al-Azm
(b) Operation Zarb-e-Azb
(c) Operation Radd-ul-Fasaad
(d) Operation Shaban
Explanation: Operation Al-Azm was launched in response to escalating security challenges in Balochistan. Operation Shaban is a separate, distinct security initiative mentioned in the context of earlier regional operations. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018497/security-forces-have-killed-16-terrorists-so-far-during-ongoing-operation-al-azm-in-balochistan-state-media, 26 Jul 2026]