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.
#3901
The Foreign Office spokesperson who addressed the media regarding water security and nuclear developments on June 11, 2026, is:
(a) Mumtaz Zahra Baloch
(b) Tahir Andrabi
(c) Asim Iftikhar Ahmad
(d) None of these
Explanation: Tahir Andrabi served as the spokesperson during the June 11, 2026, press briefing. While Mumtaz Zahra Baloch is a known spokesperson, the specific briefing mentioned in the text was conducted by Andrabi. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2006857/any-attempt-to-block-water-will-have-far-reaching-consequences-warns-fo-after-indian-ministers-remarks, 11 Jun 2026]
#3902
Who serves as the Commissioner for Indus Waters for Pakistan as of 2026-07-24?
(a) Jam Saifullah
(b) Mehar Ali Shah
(c) Khalil Tahir
(d) None of these
Explanation: Mehar Ali Shah is the Commissioner for Indus Waters and also serves as the Additional Secretary at the Ministry of Water Resources. Jam Saifullah is the Chairman of the Senate Standing Committee on Water Resources, not the Commissioner. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431517/senate-panel-told-govt-unaware-of-indias-chenab-water-release, 24 Jul 2026]
#3903
On July 23, 2026, which US Representative introduced the war powers resolution in the House of Representatives?
(a) Mike Johnson
(b) Pramila Jayapal
(c) Tom Barrett
(d) None of these
Explanation: Representative Pramila Jayapal, a Democrat from Washington, introduced the resolution directing the President to remove US Armed Forces from hostilities against Iran. Mike Johnson is the Speaker of the House, and Tom Barrett is a Republican who voted in favor of the measure. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017858/us-house-votes-to-curb-trumps-iran-war-powers-but-senate-backs-president, 23 Jul 2026]
#3904
Who was confirmed as the new leader of the Labour Party on July 17, 2026?
(a) Keir Starmer
(b) Andy Burnham
(c) Nigel Farage
(d) Gordon Brown
Explanation: Andy Burnham was confirmed as the new Labour leader on July 17, 2026, following the resignation of Keir Starmer. Keir Starmer is the predecessor, not the successor. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016211/andy-burnham-elected-new-labour-leader-now-set-to-be-uk-pm, 17 Jul 2026]
#3905
Who scored the opening goal of the 2026 FIFA World Cup during the match against South Africa?
(a) Raul Jimenez
(b) Cesar Montes
(c) Julian Quinones
(d) Roberto Alvarado
Explanation: Julian Quinones scored the opening goal of the tournament in the ninth minute of the match against South Africa. Raul Jimenez scored the second goal later in the game. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2007165/mexico-beat-south-africa-2-0-to-kick-off-2026-fifa-world-cup, 11 Jun 2026]
#3906
Who was the Sessions Judge killed in the Mastung attack on 2026-07-24?
(a) Mir Ziaullah Langove
(b) Tariq Lashari
(c) Abdul Hakeem Kakar
(d) Mir Sarfraz Bugti
Explanation: Abdul Hakeem Kakar was the Sessions Judge who lost his life in the attack. Tariq Lashari was an Additional Sessions Judge who sustained injuries, while the others are provincial government officials. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431528/sessions-judge-among-two-killed-in-mastung-nha-attack, 24 Jul 2026]
#3907
Who has been appointed as the captain of the Pakistan Test cricket team for the series against the West Indies in 2026?
(a) Babar Azam
(b) Shan Masood
(c) Azan Awais
(d) Mohammad Ali
Explanation: Babar Azam returned as the captain of the Pakistan Test team, replacing Shan Masood following a series loss in Bangladesh. Shan Masood was the previous captain, making him a plausible distractor. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018018/brian-lara-stadium-hosts-maiden-test-as-west-indies-face-pakistan, 24 Jul 2026]
#3908
Which stadium in Trinidad is hosting its maiden Test match in July 2026?
(a) Queen's Park Oval
(b) Brian Lara Stadium
(c) Sabina Park
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Brian Lara Stadium, located in the south of Trinidad, was designated as the venue for the first Test of the series. Queen's Park Oval is the other Test venue in Trinidad but is not the site of this maiden Test. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018018/brian-lara-stadium-hosts-maiden-test-as-west-indies-face-pakistan, 24 Jul 2026]
#3909
Who is the current Chief Secretary of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to whom the ECP addressed its concerns regarding the 2026 amendment?
(a) Shahab Ali Shah
(b) Nadeem Qasim
(c) Sardar Sikander Shaheen
(d) None of these
Explanation: Shahab Ali Shah is the Chief Secretary of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa who received the official correspondence from the ECP. Nadeem Qasim is the Additional Director General of the ECP who authored the letter, not the recipient. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431520/ecp-opposes-key-amendment-to-kps-lg-law, 24 Jul 2026]
#3910
Who is the communications chief of the United States Secret Service who issued the statement regarding the investigation on 2026-07-24?
(a) Kimberly Cheatle
(b) James Murray
(c) Anthony Guglielmi
(d) Randolph Alles
Explanation: Anthony Guglielmi serves as the chief of communications for the Secret Service and provided the official confirmation of the investigation. The other individuals listed are former directors or officials not associated with this specific 2026 statement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017994/vances-agent-faces-probe-after-leak-about-chopper-trip-for-son, 24 Jul 2026]
#3911
Consider the following statements about the 2026 European wildfire situation: 1. The total area of land burnt in EU countries in 2026 reached the second largest on record. 2. Authorities in Spain allowed residents to return to their homes near Toledo after progress was made against a major wildfire. 3. The fires in the Bordeaux region were primarily caused by a volcanic eruption. 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 accurate reflections of the 2026 wildfire events. Statement 3 is false because the fires were attributed to environmental conditions and human activity, not volcanic activity. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017997/deadly-wildfires-in-europe-force-thousands-to-flee, 24 Jul 2026]
#3912
Which of the following statements regarding the 2026 European wildfires is INCORRECT?
(a) The fires were exacerbated by strong winds and scorching temperatures.
(b) Climate change is identified as a factor increasing the severity of European droughts.
(c) All wildfires in the region were officially attributed to arson by civil protection authorities.
(d) Three firefighters were reported killed during the July 2026 heatwave events.
Explanation: While arson was mentioned as a specific concern in the Calabria region, it is incorrect to state that all wildfires were attributed to arson, as other causes like mechanical sparks and environmental conditions were also cited. The other three statements are factually supported by the reports. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017997/deadly-wildfires-in-europe-force-thousands-to-flee, 24 Jul 2026]
#3913
Who represented Pakistan at the SCO Council of Foreign Ministers meeting held in July 2026?
(a) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari
(b) Mohammad Ishaq Dar
(c) Shah Mahmood Qureshi
(d) None of these
Explanation: Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, serving as the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, represented Pakistan at the meeting. The other individuals listed are former foreign ministers. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431646/pakistan-iran-fms-reaffirm-commitment-to-regional-peace-at-sco-meeting, 24 Jul 2026]
#3914
Which of the following statements regarding the 2026 West Indies vs Pakistan Test series is INCORRECT?
(a) The series consists of two Test matches.
(b) The second Test is scheduled to be played at Queen's Park Oval.
(c) Pakistan enters the series having won their last seven consecutive away Test matches.
(d) The Brian Lara Stadium has previously hosted T20 internationals.
Explanation: Pakistan is actually attempting to end a streak of seven consecutive away Test losses, not wins. The other statements accurately reflect the series structure and venue history. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018018/brian-lara-stadium-hosts-maiden-test-as-west-indies-face-pakistan, 24 Jul 2026]
#3915
Who announced the decision to lift market timing restrictions in Sindh on May 16, 2026?
(a) Murad Ali Shah
(b) Sharjeel Memon
(c) Saeed Ghani
(d) None of these
Explanation: Sharjeel Memon, serving as the Sindh Senior Minister, officially announced the exemption of markets and businesses from fixed closing times. Murad Ali Shah is the Chief Minister, but the specific announcement regarding this policy shift was attributed to the Senior Minister. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2000676/sindh-lifts-curbs-on-market-timings-minister-says-step-taken-to-facilitate-businesses-citizens, 16 May 2026]
#3916
Consider the following statements about the 2026 Test series between West Indies and Pakistan: 1. The series is being held during a period in the southern Caribbean prone to significant rainfall. 2. Mohammad Ali is a pace bowler who performed well in the warm-up match for Pakistan. 3. The West Indies Test team recently achieved a series victory against Sri Lanka. 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 provided information. The July/August period is noted for rainfall, Mohammad Ali took five wickets in the warm-up, and the West Indies recently defeated Sri Lanka. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018018/brian-lara-stadium-hosts-maiden-test-as-west-indies-face-pakistan, 24 Jul 2026]
#3917
What specific humanitarian assistance did Pakistan provide to Iran, as acknowledged by the Iranian Foreign Minister in July 2026?
(a) Facilitating the return of Iranian fishermen
(b) Providing emergency medical supplies
(c) Offering technical support for energy infrastructure
(d) None of these
Explanation: Pakistan facilitated the safe transit and return of Iranian fishermen and crew members who had been interdicted. This gesture was explicitly appreciated by the Iranian Foreign Minister during the meeting. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431646/pakistan-iran-fms-reaffirm-commitment-to-regional-peace-at-sco-meeting, 24 Jul 2026]
#3918
Which of the following countries was NOT among the eight nations that issued the joint statement condemning the Israeli escalation at Al-Aqsa Mosque on July 24, 2026?
(a) Malaysia
(b) Saudi Arabia
(c) Indonesia
(d) United Arab Emirates
Explanation: The joint statement was issued by eight specific nations: Pakistan, Egypt, Türkiye, Indonesia, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. Malaysia was not a signatory to this specific diplomatic declaration. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431627/pakistan-seven-other-islamic-states-condemn-israeli-escalation-at-al-aqsa-mosque, 24 Jul 2026]
#3919
The humanitarian aid convoy involved in the incident on May 23, 2026, was known as the:
(a) Mediterranean Aid Mission
(b) Freedom Gaza Convoy
(c) Global Sumud Flotilla
(d) Humanity First Fleet
Explanation: The activists were part of the Global Sumud Flotilla attempting to breach the blockade of Gaza. The other options are plausible-sounding but incorrect names for this specific 2026 event. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2002539/france-bans-israeli-security-minister-ben-gvir-from-country, 23 May 2026]
#3920
Consider the following statements about the joint statement issued on July 24, 2026: 1. The statement was issued by a group of eight Arab and Islamic nations. 2. The signatories included Pakistan, Türkiye, and Indonesia. 3. The statement explicitly mentions that the actions taken by Israel are in accordance with international humanitarian law. 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 accurately identify the number and composition of the signatory nations. Statement 3 is incorrect because the statement explicitly claims that the actions are a flagrant violation of international humanitarian law, not in accordance with it. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431627/pakistan-seven-other-islamic-states-condemn-israeli-escalation-at-al-aqsa-mosque, 24 Jul 2026]