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.
#3961
Consider the following statements about the 2026 UN General Assembly vote on the High Commissioner for Human Rights: 1. The renewal of the mandate was approved with 144 votes in favor. 2. Russia proposed an alternative extension of the mandate until December 31, 2026. 3. The United States supported the procedural timeline proposed by the Secretary-General. 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 vote count was 144 in favor. Statement 2 is correct as Russia proposed a shorter extension until the end of 2026. Statement 3 is incorrect because the United States strongly opposed the procedural timeline, accusing the Secretary-General of rushing the process. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018302/volker-turks-term-as-un-human-rights-chief-extended-despite-us-warnings, 25 Jul 2026]
#3962
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]
#3963
Who was the judge assassinated in the attack near Mastung on July 25, 2026?
(a) Abdul Hakeem Kakar
(b) Muhammad Zaman
(c) Mir Raza
(d) None of these
Explanation: Judge Abdul Hakeem Kakar was killed while traveling from Quetta to Mastung. Muhammad Zaman was his security guard who also lost his life in the same incident. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018249/rampant-lawlessness, 25 Jul 2026]
#3964
Consider the following statements about the conflict dynamics as of July 2026: 1. The US military operations were paused after the 13th night of strikes. 2. Iran has offered to broker talks between the Houthi rebels and Riyadh. 3. The conflict has remained strictly limited to US-Iran direct engagements. 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 Pentagon presented a plan for a 14th night of strikes, implying 13 nights had passed. Iran's Foreign Minister offered to broker talks between the Houthis and Riyadh, but the conflict has clearly expanded beyond direct US-Iran engagements to include regional shipping and Gulf allies. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018487/us-holds-fire-against-iran-as-reports-of-concerns-over-dwindling-munitions-emerge, 26 Jul 2026]
#3965
Who is the current Prime Minister of Australia leading the diplomatic response to the 2026 US tariff imposition?
(a) Scott Morrison
(b) Malcolm Turnbull
(c) Kevin Rudd
(d) Anthony Albanese
Explanation: Anthony Albanese is the Prime Minister of Australia who publicly stated his intention to raise the tariff issue with President Donald Trump. The other individuals listed are former Australian Prime Ministers. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431855/australia-to-raise-concerns-over-new-tariffs-with-trump-pm-albanese-says, 26 Jul 2026]
#3966
Prof. Gul Rahim Khan, who received the Ashoka Prize in 2026, is a faculty member at which institution?
(a) University of the Punjab
(b) University of Peshawar
(c) Quaid-i-Azam University
(d) None of these
Explanation: Prof. Gul Rahim Khan is a senior professor in the Department of Archaeology at the University of Peshawar. He was recognized for his research on the numismatics of the Utpala Dynasty. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018423/peshawar-university-teacher-honoured-with-ashoka-award-in-london, 26 Jul 2026]
#3967
Who is the current army spokesman for Iran who confirmed the halt of retaliatory operations on July 26, 2026?
(a) Abbas Araghchi
(b) Mohammad Akraminia
(c) Dan Caine
(d) None of these
Explanation: Mohammad Akraminia is the identified army spokesman who announced the cessation of Iranian retaliatory strikes. Abbas Araghchi is the Foreign Minister, and Dan Caine is a US general. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018487/us-holds-fire-against-iran-as-reports-of-concerns-over-of-dwindling-munitions-emerge, 26 Jul 2026]
#3968
Which regional group claimed to have downed a Saudi drone over the northwest of Yemen in July 2026?
(a) Houthi rebels
(b) Hezbollah
(c) Al-Qaeda
(d) Islamic State
Explanation: Houthi rebels reported downing a Saudi drone over Yemen and claimed responsibility for attacks on Saudi Aramco facilities in Jizan and Yanbu. The other groups listed are not involved in this specific operational theater. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018487/us-holds-fire-against-iran-as-reports-of-concerns-over-dwindling-munitions-emerge, 26 Jul 2026]
#3969
Who is the current Chairman of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) as of July 26, 2026?
(a) Mustafa Kamal
(b) Dr. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui
(c) Farooq Sattar
(d) Aminul Haque
Explanation: Dr. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui serves as the Chairman of the MQM-P and led the rally in Hyderabad. Mustafa Kamal is a senior leader and Federal Health Minister, but not the party chairman. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018340/mqm-p-steps-up-campaign-for-creation-of-new-provinces, 26 Jul 2026]
#3970
Which official held a security briefing at the Regional Police Office in Dera Ismail Khan on July 26, 2026, regarding the Tank incident?
(a) Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
(b) Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi
(c) Governor Faisal Karim Kundi
(d) None of these
Explanation: Governor Faisal Karim Kundi conducted the briefing at the Regional Police Office in Dera Ismail Khan. While he mentioned he would discuss the matter with the Interior Minister and the Chief Minister, he was the official who provided the briefing. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018508/kp-governor-kundi-says-over-1300kg-of-explosives-used-in-tank-checkpost-attack, 26 Jul 2026]
#3971
Who is the official spokesperson for the Iranian army who announced the halt of retaliatory operations on July 26, 2026?
(a) Abbas Araghchi
(b) Mohammad Akraminia
(c) Dan Caine
(d) None of these
Explanation: Mohammad Akraminia is the identified army spokesperson who confirmed that Iran ceased its retaliatory operations following the US pause. Abbas Araghchi is the Foreign Minister, and Dan Caine is a US general. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018487/iran-says-middle-east-attacks-halted-after-us-holds-fire-amid-reported-concerns-over-dwindling-munitions, 26 Jul 2026]
#3972
Who announced the arrest of the individual accused of running an Indian-funded digital misinformation campaign on July 26, 2026?
(a) Attaullah Tarar
(b) Rana Sanaullah
(c) Khawaja Asif
(d) None of these
Explanation: Information Minister Attaullah Tarar held a televised address on July 26, 2026, to disclose the arrest and provide evidence of the digital marketing professional's links to Indian funding. The other individuals listed are prominent political figures but were not the officials who made this specific announcement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018518/tarar-claims-man-arrested-for-spreading-anti-state-material-online-in-exchange-for-indian-funding, 26 Jul 2026]
#3973
According to the statements made on 2026-07-27, who is credited with effectively presenting the Kashmir case at international forums?
(a) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari
(b) Khawaja Asif
(c) Sharjeel Inam Memon
(d) None of these
Explanation: Bilawal Bhutto Zardari is cited for his role as Foreign Minister in advocating for the Kashmiri people's right to self-determination at international forums. Khawaja Asif was mentioned in the context of a separate political controversy. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431894/only-kashmiris-have-to-decide-the-fate-of-kashmir-sharjeel, 27 Jul 2026]
#3974
Which of the following statements regarding the July 26, 2026, Caspian Sea incident is INCORRECT?
(a) Iran admitted to providing military cargo to Russia via the Caspian Sea.
(b) The attack resulted in the death of one sailor.
(c) Ukraine claimed the strike targeted vessels under international sanctions.
(d) The Iranian foreign ministry summoned the Ukrainian charge d'affaires.
Explanation: Iran explicitly asserted that it has never intervened in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, making the claim that it admitted to transporting military cargo factually incorrect. The other three statements accurately reflect the reported details of the event. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018502/iran-accuses-ukraine-of-deadly-attack-on-ship-in-caspian-sea, 26 Jul 2026]
#3975
Consider the following statements about the July 26, 2026, Caspian Sea incident: 1. The attack involved the use of long-range drone strikes. 2. The Iranian vessel was reported to have exploded following the strike. 3. The Ukrainian President denied that any military cargo was being transported by the targeted vessels. 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 based on the reports of the drone strikes and the resulting explosion. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Ukrainian President and intelligence services explicitly claimed the vessels were involved in transporting military cargo. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018502/iran-accuses-ukraine-of-deadly-attack-on-ship-in-caspian-sea, 26 Jul 2026]
#3976
Who is the current Commissioner of the Sindh Employees’ Social Security Institution (SESSI) as of July 2026?
(a) Hadi Bakhsh Kalhoro
(b) Asif Ali Zardari
(c) Syed Murad Ali Shah
(d) None of these
Explanation: Hadi Bakhsh Kalhoro is the Commissioner of SESSI who officially announced the expansion of HIV screening protocols in July 2026. The other names listed are political figures not associated with this specific administrative role. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431899/sessi-expands-hiv-screening, 27 Jul 2026]
#3977
Which two permanent members of the UN Security Council abstained from the vote on the resolution adopted on March 11, 2026?
(a) China and Russia
(b) United States and France
(c) France and United Kingdom
(d) United Kingdom and United States
Explanation: The resolution was adopted with 13 votes in favor, while China and Russia chose to abstain. The other permanent members (US, UK, and France) voted in favor. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981123/unsc-adopts-resolution-against-irans-attacks-on-gulf-nations-tehran-decries-blatant-misuse-of-security-council, 11 Mar 2026]
#3978
Who chaired the Capital Market Development Council (CMDC) meeting held on March 11, 2026?
(a) Muhammad Aurangzeb
(b) Shamshad Akhtar
(c) Miftah Ismail
(d) None of these
Explanation: Muhammad Aurangzeb, as the Finance Minister, chaired the CMDC meeting to discuss reforms for the capital market. The other individuals listed are former finance ministers and are not the current officeholder for the 2026 event. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980943/finance-minister-stresses-more-balanced-system-where-capital-markets-complement-banking-sector, 11 Mar 2026]
#3979
Consider the following statements about the UNSC resolution adopted on March 11, 2026: 1. The resolution was adopted with 13 votes in favor. 2. Pakistan voted against the resolution due to its diplomatic ties with Tehran. 3. The resolution highlights the impact of attacks on maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz. 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 13 members voted in favor. Statement 2 is incorrect because Pakistan was a co-sponsor and voted in favor of the resolution. Statement 3 is correct as the resolution specifically highlights the adverse impact on maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981123/unsc-adopts-resolution-against-irans-attacks-on-gulf-nations-tehran-decries-blatant-misuse-of-security-council, 11 Mar 2026]
#3980
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]