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.
#6501
The ongoing conflict between the United States and Iran in 2026 is nearing its:
(a) Fifth month
(b) Fourth month
(c) Third month
(d) Sixth month
Explanation: The conflict, which was initially predicted by US leadership to last only a few weeks, has extended into its fifth month as of July 2026. This duration has become a point of political concern ahead of upcoming elections. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018487/us-holds-fire-against-iran-as-reports-of-concerns-over-of-dwindling-munitions-emerge, 26 Jul 2026]
#6502
Which of the following statements regarding the July 2026 US-Iran conflict is INCORRECT?
(a) The United States paused its strikes after nearly two weeks of consecutive nightly bombardments.
(b) Iran offered to broker talks between the Houthi rebels and Riyadh.
(c) The conflict has remained strictly confined to the Strait of Hormuz and has not expanded to other regional fronts.
(d) US President Donald Trump threatened a much higher level of strikes against Iran.
Explanation: The conflict has expanded beyond the Strait of Hormuz to include attacks on US bases, regional shipping, and Houthi-led operations in Yemen. Therefore, the statement that it remained strictly confined is false. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018487/us-holds-fire-against-iran-as-reports-of-concerns-over-of-dwindling-munitions-emerge, 26 Jul 2026]
#6503
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]
#6504
Consider the following statements about the conflict as of July 26, 2026: 1. The conflict has lasted for nearly five months. 2. Iran has officially declared that it will permanently dismantle its missile program. 3. The US military had prepared a plan for a 14th night of strikes before opting for a pause. 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 conflict is nearing its fifth month. Statement 3 is correct as the Pentagon had presented a plan for a 14th night of strikes. Statement 2 is incorrect because Iran has only halted retaliatory attacks, not dismantled its missile program. [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]
#6505
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]
#6506
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]
#6507
On what date in 2026 did the PPP Chairman issue his video message regarding the Truth and Reconciliation Commission?
(a) July 25, 2026
(b) July 27, 2026
(c) July 26, 2026
(d) July 28, 2026
Explanation: The event and the associated news report are dated July 27, 2026. This date marks the official renewal of the call for the commission. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431934/bilawal-renews-call-for-truth-and-reconciliation-commission-in-ajk, 27 Jul 2026]
#6508
In which administrative division of Azad Jammu and Kashmir was the first phase of the Legislative Assembly elections held on July 27, 2026?
(a) Muzaffarabad Division
(b) Mirpur Division
(c) Poonch Division
(d) None of these
Explanation: The first phase of the AJK Legislative Assembly elections took place specifically in the Mirpur division. Muzaffarabad and Poonch are other administrative divisions of AJK but were not the focus of this specific electoral phase. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431988/polling-underway-in-first-phrase-of-ajk-elections-across-mirpur-division, 27 Jul 2026]
#6509
Who was appointed as the new Supreme Leader of Iran following the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in 2026?
(a) Mojtaba Khamenei
(b) Ali Larijani
(c) Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf
(d) Yousef Pezeshkian
Explanation: Mojtaba Khamenei was named the new Supreme Leader by the Assembly of Experts following the assassination of his father. Ali Larijani and Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf are mentioned as figures expected to handle government and military affairs, respectively, rather than the supreme leadership. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980913/irans-new-supreme-leader-injured-but-safe-says-presidents-son, 11 Mar 2026]
#6510
Which of the following statements regarding the AJK election events on July 27, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The polling process in Mirpur division was marred by scuffles and rigging allegations.
(b) PPP and PML-N workers were involved in skirmishes in the Kotli district.
(c) The Election Commission of AJK cancelled the entire first phase of the elections due to violence.
(d) A fatality was reported in the LA-9 Kotli-II constituency during the polling day.
Explanation: The election process was not cancelled; polling concluded as scheduled despite the violence and allegations. The other three statements accurately reflect the events reported on that day. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018691/polling-concludes-in-mirpur-division-as-scuffles-rigging-allegations-mar-first-phase-of-ajk-elections, 27 Jul 2026]
#6511
The initial air strike that resulted in the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei occurred on which date in 2026?
(a) March 11
(b) February 28
(c) March 10
(d) August 12
Explanation: The air strike that killed the former Supreme Leader and his family members took place on February 28, 2026. March 11 is the date of the report regarding the current leader's status. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980913/irans-new-supreme-leader-injured-but-safe-says-presidents-son, 11 Mar 2026]
#6512
Consider the following statements about the transition of power in Iran in 2026: 1. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) pledged allegiance to the new Supreme Leader. 2. Analysts expect the new leader to delegate significant government and war-related responsibilities to other officials. 3. The United States government officially recognized the legitimacy of the new Supreme Leader immediately upon his appointment.
(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 IRGC pledged support and analysts expect delegation of duties. Statement 3 is incorrect because the US President explicitly warned that the new leader would be 'unacceptable' without US approval. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980913/irans-new-supreme-leader-injured-but-safe-says-presidents-son, 11 Mar 2026]
#6513
The opposition party, led by Imran Khan, scheduled protests for August 5, 2026, to mark the anniversary of what event?
(a) The dissolution of the National Assembly
(b) The incarceration of its leader
(c) The passage of the 26th Amendment
(d) The start of the lawyers' movement
Explanation: The protests were planned to mark three years since the imprisonment of the PTI leader. This date serves as a focal point for the opposition's mobilization against the current government. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018681/why-coercion-doesnt-work, 27 Jul 2026]
#6514
Who served as the Chief Election Commissioner of Azad Jammu and Kashmir during the July 2026 elections?
(a) Ghulam Mustafa Mughal
(b) Chaudhry Muhammad Yasin
(c) Azhar Sadiq
(d) None of these
Explanation: Ghulam Mustafa Mughal is the official who oversaw the electoral process and addressed the media regarding the results and incidents. The other names are political candidates involved in the election. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018908/close-contest-sees-n-take-the-lead-in-mirpur-polls, 28 Jul 2026]
#6515
Consider the following statements about the first phase of the AJK elections held on July 27, 2026: 1. The total number of registered voters across the Mirpur division exceeded 1.4 million. 2. Polling was conducted in six districts of the Mirpur division. 3. The polling time was extended by one hour before concluding at 6:00pm. 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 over 1.4 million voters were registered. Statement 3 is correct regarding the one-hour extension. Statement 2 is incorrect because polling was held in three districts (Kotli, Bhimber, and Mirpur), not six. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431988/polling-concludes-across-mirpur-division-in-first-phase-of-ajk-elections, 27 Jul 2026]
#6516
In which division of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) did the first phase of elections take place on July 27, 2026?
(a) Muzaffarabad Division
(b) Mirpur Division
(c) Poonch Division
(d) None of these
Explanation: The first phase of the AJK elections was held specifically in the Mirpur division, which includes the districts of Bhimber, Mirpur, and Kotli. Other divisions like Muzaffarabad and Poonch were not part of this specific electoral phase. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018691/polling-concludes-in-mirpur-division-as-scuffles-rigging-allegations-mar-first-phase-of-ajk-elections, 27 Jul 2026]
#6517
The violent incident resulting in a fatality during the AJK elections on July 27, 2026, occurred in which constituency?
(a) LA-9 Kotli-II (Nakyal)
(b) LA-7 Bhimber
(c) LA-1 Dadyal
(d) LA-8 Kotli-I
Explanation: The fatal incident involving the death of a political worker occurred in the LA-9 Kotli-II (Nakyal) constituency. Other constituencies listed were sites of polling but not the specific location of this reported fatality. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018691/polling-concludes-in-mirpur-division-as-scuffles-rigging-allegations-mar-first-phase-of-ajk-elections, 27 Jul 2026]
#6518
Consider the following statements about the AJK elections held in July 2026: 1. The Election Commission declared 1,241 polling stations as highly sensitive. 2. A political worker was killed in an incident in Nakyal. 3. The polling process was completed without any extension of voting hours. 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 election reports. Statement 3 is incorrect because voting hours were extended by one hour to accommodate voters. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018908/close-contest-sees-n-take-the-lead-in-mirpur-polls, 28 Jul 2026]
#6519
Which specific constitutional amendments have been the primary focus of the nationwide lawyers' movement in 2026?
(a) 24th and 25th Amendments
(b) 26th and 27th Amendments
(c) 28th and 29th Amendments
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Lawyers Action Committee has organized protests against the 26th and 27th Constitutional Amendments, arguing that these measures compromise judicial independence. Other options are incorrect as they do not correspond to the specific legislation cited in the current political discourse. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018681/why-coercion-doesnt-work, 27 Jul 2026]
#6520
In the 2026 AJK elections, the second phase of polling was scheduled for which division?
(a) Muzaffarabad division
(b) Poonch division
(c) Mirpur division
(d) None of these
Explanation: The second phase of the AJK elections was scheduled for August 2, 2026, covering nine constituencies in the Muzaffarabad division. The Mirpur division polls were held in the first phase. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018960/ajk-elections-pml-n-grabs-9-out-of-13-seats-across-mirpur-division-unofficial-results-show, 28 Jul 2026]