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.
#5001
Which of the following regions in Russia experienced a fatality during the drone strikes on July 23, 2026?
(a) Moscow region
(b) Siberia region
(c) Urals region
(d) Krasnodar region
Explanation: The governor of the Krasnodar region confirmed that one person was killed during the strikes on July 23, 2026. While other regions like the Urals have been hit in previous operations, this specific casualty occurred in the south. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017672/ukraines-drones-hit-stores-of-russian-retail-giant, 23 Jul 2026]
#5002
Consider the following statements about the Ukrainian military operations reported on July 23, 2026: 1. Ukraine has intensified strikes on Russian maritime assets in the Black and Azov Seas. 2. The UN reported a decrease in civilian casualties during the first half of 2026. 3. Ukrainian drone strikes have reached as far as the Urals and Siberia. 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 Ukraine has intensified maritime attacks. Statement 3 is correct as drones have reached deep into the Urals and Siberia. Statement 2 is incorrect because the UN reported a 37 percent increase in civilian casualties, not a decrease. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017672/ukraines-drones-hit-stores-of-russian-retail-giant, 23 Jul 2026]
#5003
In which Russian cities were the Wildberries logistics centers attacked by Ukrainian drones on July 23, 2026?
(a) Krasnodar and Nevinnomyssk
(b) Moscow and Saint Petersburg
(c) Rostov-on-Don and Volgograd
(d) None of these
Explanation: The strikes on July 23, 2026, specifically targeted Wildberries facilities in the southern Russian cities of Krasnodar and Nevinnomyssk. Other major Russian cities like Moscow or Volgograd were not the sites of this specific coordinated drone attack. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017672/ukraines-drones-hit-stores-of-russian-retail-giant, 23 Jul 2026]
#5004
In which region of Iraq did the US military refueling aircraft crash occur on March 12, 2026?
(a) Northern Iraq
(b) Western Iraq
(c) Southern Iraq
(d) Eastern Iraq
Explanation: The US military confirmed the crash took place in western Iraq. This region is a critical area for US aerial operations in the ongoing conflict. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981530/us-refuelling-aircraft-crashes-in-western-iraq-us-military, 12 Mar 2026]
#5005
Consider the following statements about the US military operations in the Middle East as of March 2026: 1. The US military has been conducting operations against Iran since February 28, 2026. 2. The KC-135 aircraft involved in the crash was manufactured by Lockheed Martin. 3. The US military reported that 150 US troops have been wounded in the conflict with Iran.
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) All three
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct as operations began on February 28, 2026. Statement 2 is incorrect because the KC-135 is manufactured by Boeing, not Lockheed Martin. Statement 3 is correct based on reports regarding US casualties in the conflict. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981530/us-refuelling-aircraft-crashes-in-western-iraq-us-military, 12 Mar 2026]
#5006
Which of the following is NOT a challenge highlighted by the Deputy Prime Minister during the 2026 ASEAN Regional Forum meeting?
(a) The Kashmir dispute
(b) The Indus Waters Treaty status
(c) The expansion of the European Union
(d) The humanitarian crisis in Gaza
Explanation: The Deputy Prime Minister specifically addressed the Kashmir dispute, the IWT, and the Gaza crisis as key challenges. The expansion of the European Union was not mentioned as a threat to peaceful coexistence in his address. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017794/kashmir-iwt-among-key-global-challenges-threatening-peaceful-coexistence-dar-tells-asean-moot, 23 Jul 2026]
#5007
On March 11, 2026, which Iranian official stated that negotiations with the United States were no longer on the agenda?
(a) Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf
(b) Abbas Araghchi
(c) Eyal Zamir
(d) None of these
Explanation: Abbas Araghchi, serving as the Iranian Foreign Minister, explicitly ruled out negotiations with the United States during an interview with PBS News. Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf is the parliamentary speaker who focused on retaliatory threats rather than diplomatic agendas. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980759/iran-vows-to-keep-hormuz-strait-blocked-as-long-as-war-continues, 11 Mar 2026]
#5008
Who represented Pakistan at the 33rd Ministerial Meeting of the ASEAN Regional Forum in 2026?
(a) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari
(b) Shah Mahmood Qureshi
(c) Ishaq Dar
(d) None of these
Explanation: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar led the Pakistani delegation at the ARF meeting in Manila. The other individuals listed did not hold this specific office during the July 2026 event. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017794/kashmir-iwt-among-key-global-challenges-threatening-peaceful-coexistence-dar-tells-asean-moot, 23 Jul 2026]
#5009
Consider the following statements about the conflict as of March 11, 2026: 1. The US administration has expressed consistent and unified messaging regarding potential talks with Tehran. 2. Iranian parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has decreed a policy of 'an eye for an eye' in response to strikes. 3. The US has requested that Israel avoid targeting Iranian energy infrastructure to prevent regional economic instability. 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 US has been sending 'mixed signals,' with the President suggesting talks while the Pentagon chief vows to ramp up strikes. Statements 2 and 3 are factually accurate based on the reported events. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980759/iran-vows-to-keep-hormuz-strait-blocked-as-long-as-war-continues, 11 Mar 2026]
#5010
Consider the following statements about the diplomatic efforts mentioned in the 2026 ASEAN Regional Forum address: 1. Pakistan facilitated talks between the United States and Iran after 47 years. 2. The ASEAN region has a combined GDP of approximately $3.8 trillion. 3. The Deputy Prime Minister advocated for a Palestinian state based on post-1967 borders. 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 factually correct based on the report. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Deputy Prime Minister advocated for a state based on pre-1967 borders, not post-1967 borders. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017794/kashmir-iwt-among-key-global-challenges-threatening-peaceful-coexistence-dar-tells-asean-moot, 23 Jul 2026]
#5011
On July 23, 2026, Itamar Ben Gvir led followers into the Al-Aqsa compound to mark which Jewish day of mourning?
(a) Yom Kippur
(b) Rosh Hashanah
(c) Tisha B'Av
(d) None of these
Explanation: Tisha B'Av is the Jewish day of fasting and mourning that commemorates the destruction of the First and Second Temples. It is the specific occasion during which the minister led the visit to the compound. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017854/far-right-israeli-minister-ben-gvir-storms-al-aqsa-mosque-compound-with-hundreds-of-followers, 23 Jul 2026]
#5012
Consider the following statements about the incident involving Itamar Ben-Gvir on May 23, 2026: 1. The minister posted a video showing activists with their hands tied and foreheads to the ground. 2. The video was captioned 'Welcome to Israel' by the minister. 3. The activists were intercepted while attempting to deliver aid to the West Bank. 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 regarding the content and caption of the video. Statement 3 is incorrect because the flotilla was attempting to reach Gaza, not the West Bank. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2002539/france-bans-israeli-security-minister-ben-gvir-from-country, 23 May 2026]
#5013
Consider the following statements about the events at the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound on July 23, 2026: 1. Itamar Ben Gvir led hundreds of followers into the compound. 2. The visit was condemned by the Jordanian government. 3. The Turkish government officially supported the visit as a religious right. 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 the minister led the group and Jordan issued a formal condemnation. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Turkish government strongly criticized the visit, labeling it a violation of the historical and legal status of the site. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017854/far-right-israeli-minister-ben-gvir-storms-al-aqsa-mosque-compound-with-hundreds-of-followers, 23 Jul 2026]
#5014
Which French official announced the entry ban against Itamar Ben-Gvir on May 23, 2026?
(a) Jean-Noel Barrot
(b) Antonio Costa
(c) Kaja Kallas
(d) None of these
Explanation: Jean-Noel Barrot is the French Foreign Minister who officially announced the ban on X. Antonio Costa and Kaja Kallas are European Union officials who condemned the actions but did not issue the French national ban. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2002539/france-bans-israeli-security-minister-ben-gvir-from-country, 23 May 2026]
#5015
Which Israeli bank is scheduled to terminate its association with Palestinian banks on September 1, 2026?
(a) Bank Leumi
(b) Bank Hapoalim
(c) First International Bank of Israel
(d) Israel Discount Bank
Explanation: Israel Discount Bank is set to end its correspondent banking relationship with Palestinian lenders on September 1, 2026. Bank Hapoalim is scheduled to follow with a similar action on October 1, 2026. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017988/2-israeli-banks-prepare-to-cut-ties-with-palestinians, 24 Jul 2026]
#5016
Which of the following is NOT a stated objective of the US Central Command (Centcom) strikes against Iran as of July 24, 2026?
(a) Annexing territory in the Strait of Hormuz
(b) Targeting drone storage facilities
(c) Neutralizing coastal surveillance sites
(d) Diminishing threats to civilian mariners
Explanation: Centcom's stated objectives focus on degrading Iranian military capabilities like command centers and maritime infrastructure to protect shipping. Annexation is not a stated objective of these military operations. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018016/us-strikes-iran-again-to-diminish-threat-to-mariners-vessels-after-attacks-on-saudi-oil-tankers-in-red-sea, 24 Jul 2026]
#5017
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]
#5018
The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) movement gained significant national traction following the cancellation of which type of examination in May 2026?
(a) Civil Services Examination
(b) Engineering entrance exam
(c) Medical school entrance test
(d) University graduation finals
Explanation: The movement expanded to millions of followers after a national medical school entrance test was cancelled due to a question paper leak. This event served as the primary catalyst for the widespread youth mobilization. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018062/indian-government-seeks-time-on-youth-protesters-minister-resignation-demand, 24 Jul 2026]
#5019
Who led the delegation from the Istanbul Bar Association No. 2 during its visit to the Karachi Press Club on July 27, 2026?
(a) Amir Latif
(b) Yasin Samli
(c) Nasrullah Chaudhry
(d) Maqsood Yousufi
Explanation: Advocate Yasin Samli is the President of the Istanbul Bar Association No. 2 and led the delegation. The other individuals listed were Pakistani representatives who received the delegation at the Karachi Press Club. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431897/istanbul-bar-number-2-delegation-visits-karachi-press-club, 27 Jul 2026]
#5020
Consider the following statements about the market environment on July 24, 2026: 1. The Philadelphia SE Semiconductor index experienced a decline of 3.1%. 2. The Federal Reserve is expected to meet the following week to discuss monetary policy. 3. The U.S. military action against targets in Iran was a response to Houthi activities in Yemen. Which of the statements given above 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 report: the semiconductor index fell by 3.1%, the Fed is meeting the following week, and the U.S. strikes were linked to warnings regarding Iran and its Houthi allies. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431657/sampp-500-nasdaq-fall-as-investors-juggle-earnings-mideast-risks-and-tariffs, 24 Jul 2026]