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.
#3561
Consider the following statements about the security incidents in Hassan Khel: 1. The BDU official was killed while defusing an IED inside an active police station. 2. The incident on July 14, 2026, involved two IEDs, one of which had already been detonated by terrorists. 3. Victims of the July 1, 2026, suspected drone strike were transported to Shamshato Hospital. 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 police post was abandoned and vacant, not active. Statements 2 and 3 are factually accurate based on the reports of the events in Hassan Khel. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2015448/bomb-disposal-unit-official-martyred-in-ied-explosion-in-kps-peshawar-district-police, 14 Jul 2026]
#3562
The total savings identified for the quarterly tariff adjustment (QTA) refund in 2026 amount to approximately:
(a) Rs42 billion
(b) Rs54 billion
(c) Rs74 billion
(d) Rs64 billion
Explanation: The total savings accrued for the first quarter of 2026, which are being passed on to consumers, amount to approximately Rs64 billion. This figure is derived from savings in capacity charges, market operator fees, and other operational adjustments. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1998087/power-consumers-to-get-rs175-per-unit-relief-over-next-3-months, 06 May 2026]
#3563
Which of the following statements regarding the 2026 electricity tariff adjustment is INCORRECT?
(a) The relief applies to all 11 Discos and K-Electric.
(b) The negative QTA is permanent and will not be subject to future fuel cost adjustments.
(c) The relief is based on savings from the first quarter of 2026.
(d) The relief period covers June, July, and August 2026.
Explanation: The negative QTA is a temporary adjustment for three months and does not preclude future monthly fuel cost adjustments (FCAs). FCAs remain an automatic mechanism to pass on fuel price variations to consumers. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1998087/power-consumers-to-get-rs175-per-unit-relief-over-next-3-months, 06 May 2026]
#3564
Which distribution company reported the highest savings leading to the QTA refund in 2026?
(a) Lahore Electric Supply Company
(b) Islamabad Electric Supply Company
(c) Faisalabad Electric Supply Company
(d) None of these
Explanation: Faisalabad Electric Supply Company (FESCO) leads the savings list with Rs10.45 billion, followed by Hyderabad Electric Supply Company. None of these is incorrect because FESCO is explicitly identified as the leader. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1998087/power-consumers-to-get-rs175-per-unit-relief-over-next-3-months, 06 May 2026]
#3565
Which of the following statements regarding the security incident on May 4, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The attack targeted a security forces' post near Azam Warsak Bazaar.
(b) The explosives-laden vehicle reached the intended target before detonating.
(c) One civilian was martyred as a result of the explosion.
(d) The explosion caused damage to a nearby religious seminary and residential houses.
Explanation: The statement that the vehicle reached its target is incorrect because security forces successfully destroyed the vehicle before it could reach the post. The other statements accurately describe the events of the day. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1997513/suicide-attack-foiled-on-army-check-post-in-south-waziristan-civilian-martyred-15-injured, 04 May 2026]
#3566
Consider the following statements about the 2026 electricity tariff adjustments: 1. The negative QTA is intended to replace a previous positive QTA of 42 paisa per unit. 2. The savings are primarily driven by lower capacity charges paid to power producers. 3. The relief is applicable to all consumers, including those under the special incremental consumption package. 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 the negative QTA replaces the 42 paisa positive QTA and is driven by capacity charge savings. Statement 3 is incorrect because the QTA does not apply to eligible consumers under the special tariff package for incremental consumption. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1998087/power-consumers-to-get-rs175-per-unit-relief-over-next-3-months, 06 May 2026]
#3567
Where were the injured civilians transported for medical treatment following the explosion on May 4, 2026?
(a) District Headquarters Hospital, Wana
(b) Combined Military Hospital, Bannu
(c) Lady Reading Hospital, Peshawar
(d) None of these
Explanation: The injured were transported to the District Headquarters Hospital in Wana, where a state of emergency was declared. The other options are major medical facilities in the region but were not the primary site for this specific incident's casualties. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1997513/suicide-attack-foiled-on-army-check-post-in-south-waziristan-civilian-martyred-15-injured, 04 May 2026]
#3568
Which of the following statements regarding the US military posture in the Strait of Hormuz as of May 5, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The US is actively escorting every individual commercial ship through the Strait.
(b) The US has established a defensive umbrella referred to as a 'red, white and blue dome'.
(c) US destroyers are on station providing overwatch for commercial shipping.
(d) The US is utilizing electronic warfare capabilities to respond to potential threats.
Explanation: Admiral Brad Cooper clarified that the United States is not directly escorting ships, but rather has cleared a safe path and implemented multi-layered defenses. Therefore, the claim that they are escorting every ship is incorrect. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1997773/us-threatens-devastating-response-to-any-iran-attack-on-shipping, 05 May 2026]
#3569
Which of the following statements regarding the border security situation as of April 30, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) Pakistan has accused the Afghan Taliban regime of failing to ensure effective border management.
(b) The ISPR reported that the terrorists involved were foreign-sponsored.
(c) Security forces are conducting sanitization operations to eliminate remaining threats in the area.
(d) The infiltration attempts occurred exclusively within the Balochistan province.
Explanation: The infiltration attempts occurred in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, not Balochistan. The other statements accurately reflect the official position and actions reported by the ISPR. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1996454/13-terrorists-killed-as-bids-to-infiltrate-pak-afghan-border-in-kp-foiled-ispr, 30 Apr 2026]
#3570
Who among the following was present alongside the DG ISPR during the press conference on May 7, 2026?
(a) Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee
(b) Chief of Army Staff
(c) Minister of Defence
(d) Deputy Chief of Naval Staff (Operations), Rear Admiral Shifaat Ali
Explanation: Rear Admiral Shifaat Ali, the Deputy Chief of Naval Staff (Operations), and Air Vice Marshal Tariq Ghazi were the officials present at the press conference. The other options are high-ranking officials who were not mentioned as attendees at this specific event. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1998318/we-are-prepared-dg-ispr-highlights-indigenous-military-capabilities-on-marka-i-haq-anniversary, 07 May 2026]
#3571
The total prize money offered at the French Open in 2026 is:
(a) 61.7 million euros
(b) 53.5 million euros
(c) 80.06 million euros
(d) 90.0 million euros
Explanation: The French Open prize money for 2026 was increased by 9.5 percent to reach a total of 61.7 million euros. The other figures represent different currencies or amounts associated with other Grand Slam tournaments. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1997810/players-would-boycott-french-open-over-prize-money-dispute-says-sabalenka, 05 May 2026]
#3572
Which of the following statements regarding the rescue operation on May 4, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The rescue operation was conducted in the Bay of Bengal.
(b) The crew included an Indonesian national.
(c) The Pakistan Navy deployed the PMSS Kashmir for the operation.
(d) The vessel was en route from Oman to India.
Explanation: The rescue operation took place in the Arabian Sea, not the Bay of Bengal. The other three statements are factually accurate regarding the event. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1997526/six-indian-nationals-among-sailors-rescued-by-navy-maritime-security-agency-in-arabian-sea-security-sources, 04 May 2026]
#3573
Which vessel was rescued by the Pakistan Navy and the Pakistan Maritime Security Agency on May 4, 2026?
(a) MV Gold Autumn
(b) MV Gautam
(c) MV Indus Cloud
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Pakistan Navy and PMSA provided assistance to the MV Gautam, an Indian offshore tug and supply vessel, following a technical fault. MV Gold Autumn was a separate vessel rescued by the Pakistan Navy in the previous month. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1997526/six-indian-nationals-among-sailors-rescued-by-navy-maritime-security-agency-in-arabian-sea-security-sources, 04 May 2026]
#3574
Consider the following statements about the humanitarian operations conducted by the Pakistan Navy in 2026: 1. The Pakistan Navy rescued 18 crew members from the MV Gold Autumn in the month preceding the May 4, 2026, operation. 2. The crew of the MV Gold Autumn included nationals from China, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Vietnam, and Indonesia. 3. The Pakistan Navy provided only medical aid to the crew of the MV Gautam, excluding technical support.
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) All three
Explanation: Statement 3 is incorrect because the Pakistan Navy provided food, medical aid, and technical support to the crew of the MV Gautam. Statements 1 and 2 accurately reflect the details of the previous rescue operation mentioned in the report. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1997526/six-indian-nationals-among-sailors-rescued-by-navy-maritime-security-agency-in-arabian-sea-security-sources, 04 May 2026]
#3575
Consider the following statements about the 2026 French Open prize money dispute: 1. Aryna Sabalenka indicated that a boycott is a potential strategy to secure better rights. 2. The current prize money allocation is approximately 22 percent of the total tournament revenue. 3. Coco Gauff highlighted that many players ranked between 50 and 200 struggle financially. 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 Sabalenka voiced the boycott threat. Statement 3 is correct as Gauff noted the financial struggles of lower-ranked players. Statement 2 is incorrect because the current allocation is less than 15 percent, not 22 percent (which is the target demand). [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1997810/players-would-boycott-french-open-over-prize-money-dispute-says-sabalenka, 05 May 2026]
#3576
Who serves as the current US Special Envoy on Middle East mentioned in the context of the 2026 diplomatic discussions?
(a) Amos Hochstein
(b) Steve Witkoff
(c) Brett McGurk
(d) David Satterfield
Explanation: Steve Witkoff is identified as the US Special Envoy on Middle East who confirmed that the United States was in conversation with Iran regarding the peace negotiations. The other individuals listed are known figures in US diplomacy but are not the subjects of this specific report. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1997230/iran-reviewing-us-response-to-14-point-plan-trump-says-washington-having-very-positive-discussions-with-tehran, 03 May 2026]
#3577
Operation Ghazab lil-Haq was officially launched by Pakistan on which date in 2026?
(a) February 26
(b) March 16
(c) March 18
(d) None of these
Explanation: The operation was initiated on the night of February 26, 2026, following unprovoked firing from across the border. March 18 marks the date the temporary pause was announced, not the commencement of the operation. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1983439/pakistan-announces-temporary-pause-in-operation-ghazab-lil-haq-against-afghan-taliban, 18 Mar 2026]
#3578
Which of the following statements regarding the Pakistan Foreign Office response on May 2, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The FO spokesperson confirmed that Pakistan has ceased all military operations permanently to appease international observers.
(b) The FO spokesperson claimed that Afghan allegations of civilian casualties lack evidential credibility.
(c) The FO spokesperson stated that the British remarks were devoid of a deeper understanding of the border situation.
(d) The FO spokesperson highlighted that Pakistan has rendered unparalleled sacrifices in the fight against terrorism.
Explanation: Statement C is incorrect because Pakistan explicitly stated that its operations would continue until their objectives are achieved, rather than ceasing them permanently. The other statements accurately reflect the official stance communicated by the Foreign Office. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1996946/pakistan-slams-one-sided-remarks-by-british-diplomat-on-pak-afghan-border-situation, 02 May 2026]
#3579
What is the primary objective of the United States' 'Project Freedom' initiative announced in 2026?
(a) To enforce a permanent naval blockade in the Persian Gulf
(b) To conduct joint military exercises with regional allies
(c) To guide commercial vessels safely out of the Strait of Hormuz
(d) None of these
Explanation: Project Freedom is described as a humanitarian gesture intended to assist vessels that are stuck in the Strait of Hormuz due to the ongoing regional conflict. The initiative aims to ensure the safety of crews and the delivery of essential supplies. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1997230/iran-reviewing-us-response-to-14-point-plan-trump-says-washington-having-very-positive-discussions-with-tehran, 03 May 2026]
#3580
What is the name of the security operation launched by Pakistan on February 26, 2026, to counter cross-border attacks?
(a) Operation Zarb-e-Azb
(b) Operation Radd-ul-Fasaad
(c) Operation Ghazab lil-Haq
(d) None of these
Explanation: Operation Ghazab lil-Haq was initiated in February 2026 as a direct response to unprovoked cross-border aggression. The other listed operations are historical military campaigns and not the current operation mentioned. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1996135/firing-from-across-afghan-border-injures-5-in-kps-south-waziristan-security-sources, 29 Apr 2026]