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.
#4901
Which of the following statements regarding the 2026 security operations in southern Lebanon is INCORRECT?
(a) The framework agreement includes a strictly defined, binding timetable for the total withdrawal of Israeli forces.
(b) The Lebanese Armed Forces are tasked with certifying that areas are cleared of Hezbollah weapons.
(c) The pilot zones are located in areas straddling the Litani River.
(d) The United States is a signatory to the trilateral framework agreement.
Explanation: The agreement does not set a specific timetable for the Israeli withdrawal, making the incorrect statement. The other three options accurately reflect the provisions and geographical focus of the trilateral framework. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017160/lebanese-army-begins-takeover-of-pilot-zones, 21 Jul 2026]
#4902
Which of the following statements regarding the 2026-07-21 Nuristan floods is INCORRECT?
(a) The floods resulted in the destruction of riverside shops and hotels.
(b) Government employees, including the mayor, were among those reported missing.
(c) The Afghan government confirmed the deaths and property damage.
(d) The disaster was caused by a severe earthquake in the region.
Explanation: The disaster was caused by flash floods following heavy rainfall, not an earthquake. The other three statements are factually accurate descriptions of the event as reported. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017161/20-afghans-killed100-missing-after-floods, 21 Jul 2026]
#4903
Select the correct chronological sequence of the following events as reported in the August 2026 digest (all dated 2026-08-01):
(a) Search and Rescue on Broad Peak; Martyrdom in North Waziristan; Google AI Tool Launch; PM Welcomes Gaza Peace Progress
(b) Martyrdom in North Waziristan; Search and Rescue on Broad Peak; PM Welcomes Gaza Peace Progress; Google AI Tool Launch
(c) Google AI Tool Launch; Search and Rescue on Broad Peak; PM Welcomes Gaza Peace Progress; Martyrdom in North Waziristan
(d) Search and Rescue on Broad Peak; Google AI Tool Launch; Martyrdom in North Waziristan; PM Welcomes Gaza Peace Progress
Explanation: While all events share the publication date of August 1, 2026, the thematic classification within the digest follows the chronological progression of field operations (Broad Peak rescue), national security incidents (North Waziristan IBO), technological updates (Google AI), and international diplomatic developments (Gaza Peace Plan). [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40432862/drones-deployed-to-locate-missing-climbers-as-search-operation-enters-second-day]
#4904
Consider the following statements about the situation in southern Lebanon as of April 2026: 1. A US-backed ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah took effect prior to the publication of the deployment map. 2. The deployment line runs 5-10 kilometres deep into Lebanese territory. 3. Israeli forces have allowed unrestricted access for Lebanese civilians to all villages south of the new line. 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 factually correct based on the report. Statement 3 is incorrect because Israeli forces continue to prevent access to most villages located south of the newly defined line. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1993257/israeli-military-publishes-map-of-new-deployment-line-in-lebanon-bringing-dozens-of-villages-under-its-control, 19 Apr 2026]
#4905
What specific event in 2026 was cited by many service members as a 'breaking point' for their decision to seek conscientious objector status?
(a) The deployment of troops to the Gaza border
(b) The bombing of a girls' elementary school in Iran
(c) The collapse of diplomatic talks in Tehran
(d) The withdrawal of forces from regional bases
Explanation: The US bombing of the Minab Shajareh Tayyebeh girls' elementary school in Iran is frequently mentioned by service members as the catalyst for their moral opposition to the conflict. The Pentagon later acknowledged US fault in this strike. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1990665/conscientious-objections-to-war-rise-sharply-in-us, 11 Apr 2026]
#4906
Consider the following statements about the 2026-07-21 flooding event: 1. The floods occurred in a region that shares a border with Pakistan. 2. The disaster agency warned residents to stay away from riverbanks due to the risk of further storms. 3. Search and rescue operations were fully equipped with advanced heavy machinery provided by international donors. 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: Nuristan does border Pakistan, and ANDMA did issue warnings regarding further rain. However, reports explicitly stated that residents were searching the area without equipment, contradicting the claim that they were fully equipped with advanced machinery. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017161/20-afghans-killed100-missing-after-floods, 21 Jul 2026]
#4907
On May 6, 2026, Israel conducted an airstrike in Beirut targeting a commander of which specific Hezbollah unit?
(a) Al-Quds Force
(b) Radwan Force
(c) Badr Force
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Israeli military strike in Beirut's southern suburbs specifically targeted a commander associated with the Radwan force. The Al-Quds Force is an external operations unit of the Iranian IRGC, not a Hezbollah unit. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1998133/israel-strikes-beirut-for-the-first-time-since-ceasefire, 06 May 2026]
#4908
In the context of the 2026 conflict, what is the approximate depth of the self-declared security zone Israel has carved out in southern Lebanon?
(a) 5 kilometres
(b) 10 kilometres
(c) 15 kilometres
(d) 20 kilometres
Explanation: Israel has established a security zone extending approximately 10 kilometres into southern Lebanese territory. This zone is intended to mitigate rocket and drone threats from Hezbollah fighters. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1998133/israel-strikes-beirut-for-the-first-time-since-ceasefire, 06 May 2026]
#4909
Who is the current Prime Minister of Lebanon as of May 2026?
(a) Benjamin Netanyahu
(b) Joseph Aoun
(c) Nawaf Salam
(d) Israel Katz
Explanation: Nawaf Salam serves as the Prime Minister of Lebanon and has been involved in diplomatic discussions regarding the ceasefire. Joseph Aoun is the President of Lebanon. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1998133/israel-strikes-beirut-for-the-first-time-since-ceasefire, 06 May 2026]
#4910
Which military operation was launched by Pakistan in late February 2026 following cross-border firing incidents?
(a) Operation Zarb-e-Azb
(b) Operation Ghazab lil-Haq
(c) Operation Radd-ul-Fasaad
(d) Operation Khyber-IV
Explanation: Operation Ghazab lil-Haq was initiated in response to unprovoked firing from across the border. The other operations listed are historical military campaigns. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980547/official-sources-dismiss-reports-of-pakistan-sending-delegation-to-kabul-for-talks-with-afghan-taliban, 10 Mar 2026]
#4911
According to the statement made on July 22, 2026, which entity does the New York City Mayor identify as having the legal authority to execute an ICC warrant?
(a) The United States federal government
(b) The New York State Supreme Court
(c) The New York Police Department
(d) The United Nations Security Council
Explanation: The Mayor clarified that municipal authorities lack the power to enforce international warrants, explicitly calling upon the US federal government to intervene. The NYPD and state courts do not possess jurisdiction over international diplomatic arrests. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017473/he-is-a-war-criminal-mamdani-says-ny-cannot-arrest-netanyahu-on-icc-warrant-urges-us-federal-officials-to-step-in, 22 Jul 2026]
#4912
On what date in 2026 did official sources in Pakistan dismiss reports regarding a delegation sent to Kabul?
(a) March 05, 2026
(b) March 15, 2026
(c) March 10, 2026
(d) March 20, 2026
Explanation: Official sources issued the clarification on March 10, 2026, in response to circulating rumors about diplomatic talks with the Afghan Taliban. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980547/official-sources-dismiss-reports-of-pakistan-sending-delegation-to-kabul-for-talks-with-afghan-taliban, 10 Mar 2026]
#4913
Consider the following statements about the 2026 conflict dynamics: 1. The Lebanese government has officially sought full normalization of relations with Israel. 2. The Israeli military reported the death of 17 soldiers in southern Lebanon since the fighting erupted in March 2026. 3. US President Donald Trump expressed optimism regarding a potential peace deal between Israel and Lebanon in 2026. 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 false because the Lebanese Prime Minister explicitly stated that Lebanon is not seeking normalization, but rather a security agreement and withdrawal. Statements 2 and 3 are factually accurate based on the reported developments in the conflict. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1998133/israel-strikes-beirut-for-the-first-time-since-ceasefire, 06 May 2026]
#4914
Who is the current Supreme Leader of Iran as of April 2026?
(a) Ali Khamenei
(b) Mojtaba Khamenei
(c) Ebrahim Raisi
(d) None of these
Explanation: Mojtaba Khamenei assumed the role of Supreme Leader following the assassination of his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, on February 28, 2026. Ali Khamenei is the late predecessor, not the current leader. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1990308/in-written-message-iran-supreme-leader-says-tehran-does-not-seek-war-but-will-not-renounce-legitimate-rights, 09 Apr 2026]
#4915
Which of the following statements regarding the 2026 Iranian leadership's stance is INCORRECT?
(a) The leadership has renounced all legitimate rights to ensure peace.
(b) Tehran does not seek war with the United States and Israel.
(c) Public demonstrations are considered influential in the outcome of negotiations.
(d) Iran intends to demand compensation for damages inflicted during the war.
Explanation: The leadership explicitly stated that they will NOT renounce their legitimate rights under any circumstances. Therefore, the claim that they have renounced these rights is false. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1990308/in-written-message-iran-supreme-leader-says-tehran-does-not-seek-war-but-will-not-renounce-legitimate-rights, 09 Apr 2026]
#4916
Which of the following statements regarding the tornado events of 2026-03-08 is INCORRECT?
(a) Tornadoes caused significant damage to trees and power infrastructure.
(b) Emergency management personnel were tasked with conducting damage assessments.
(c) At least a dozen people were reported injured in the affected areas.
(d) The storms were confined exclusively to the state of Oklahoma.
Explanation: The statement is incorrect because the tornadoes impacted both Oklahoma and Michigan. The other options accurately describe the damage, the role of emergency management, and the reported injuries. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979693/tornados-tear-through-central-us-leave-eight-dead, 08 Mar 2026]
#4917
Who is the current Mayor of New York City who addressed the ICC arrest warrant for Benjamin Netanyahu on July 22, 2026?
(a) Eric Adams
(b) Zohran Mamdani
(c) Bill de Blasio
(d) None of these
Explanation: Zohran Mamdani is the Mayor of New York City who publicly stated that his administration lacks the legal authority to execute an ICC warrant. Eric Adams and Bill de Blasio are former mayors, making them incorrect. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017473/he-is-a-war-criminal-mamdani-says-ny-cannot-arrest-netanyahu-on-icc-warrant-urges-us-federal-officials-to-step-in, 22 Jul 2026]
#4918
In the context of the 2026 conflict, what is the duration of the ceasefire agreed upon between Iran and the United States?
(a) One week
(b) Two weeks
(c) One month
(d) Three months
Explanation: The Iranian leadership confirmed a two-week ceasefire with the United States to facilitate potential peace negotiations. This period is intended to de-escalate tensions following recent military engagements. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1990308/in-written-message-iran-supreme-leader-says-tehran-does-not-seek-war-but-will-not-renounce-legitimate-rights, 09 Apr 2026]
#4919
Consider the following statements about the US-Iran diplomatic situation as of April 2026: 1. Iran has formally accepted the initial US ceasefire proposal without modifications. 2. The US has demanded that Iran forswear the development of nuclear weapons. 3. Iran has submitted a 10-point counter-proposal to the United States. 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 Iran rejected the US proposal. Statements 2 and 3 are correct as they reflect the core US demand regarding nuclear weapons and the specific counter-proposal submitted by Tehran. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1989227/trump-says-vance-witkoff-kushner-talking-with-intermediaries-in-pakistan-iran-could-be-taken-out-on-tuesday, 06 Apr 2026]
#4920
Consider the following statements about the events of July 3, 2026: 1. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif traveled to Istanbul immediately after attending the funeral ceremony in Tehran. 2. The funeral of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was held at the Imam Khomeini Grand Mosalla. 3. The assassination of the Iranian Supreme Leader occurred in a joint strike involving the United States and Israel. 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 Prime Minister departed for Istanbul after the ceremony, the venue was the Grand Mosalla, and the strike was attributed to US-Israeli involvement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2012668/pm-shehbaz-cdf-munir-pay-respects-to-irans-assassinated-supreme-leader-khamenei, 03 Jul 2026]