January 2026 Edition

January 2026 Current Affairs MCQs & Solutions

Top national & international current affairs questions for CSS, PMS, FPSC, PPSC, and NTS screening tests.

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#6781

Which of the following statements regarding the July 2026 protests in New Delhi is INCORRECT?

(a) The protests were primarily focused on alleged irregularities in the NEET examination.
(b) Delhi Police reported that over 100 police personnel were injured during the clashes.
(c) The protests were organized by the ruling party to support the Education Minister.
(d) Rahul Gandhi was detained while marching toward the Prime Minister's residence.
Explanation: The protests were organized by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) to demand the resignation of the Education Minister, not to support him. The other statements accurately reflect the reported facts regarding the cause, the police casualty figures, and the detention of the opposition leader. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017219/indian-opposition-leader-gandhi-arrested-outside-pm-modis-delhi-residence-amid-mass-protest, 21 Jul 2026]
#6782

On July 21, 2026, which Indian opposition leader was detained by police while protesting outside the Prime Minister's residence in New Delhi?

(a) Rahul Gandhi
(b) Mallikarjun Kharge
(c) Shashi Tharoor
(d) None of these
Explanation: Rahul Gandhi, the leader of the opposition in the lower house, was detained alongside other political figures during the protest. While other opposition leaders are active in Indian politics, he was the specific individual identified as being detained at the Prime Minister's residence on this date. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017219/indian-opposition-leader-gandhi-arrested-outside-pm-modis-delhi-residence-amid-mass-protest, 21 Jul 2026]
#6783

Which of the following statements regarding the protests in New Delhi on July 21, 2026, is INCORRECT?

(a) The Delhi Police reported that no security personnel were injured during the clashes.
(b) The protests were triggered by alleged irregularities in the NEET examination.
(c) Rahul Gandhi demanded the resignation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
(d) The CJP movement has gained millions of followers on social media since May 2026.
Explanation: The Delhi Police explicitly stated that 118 police personnel were injured during the clashes with protesters. Therefore, the claim that no security personnel were injured is factually incorrect. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017219/indian-opposition-leader-rahul-gandhi-arrested-outside-pm-modis-delhi-residence-amid-mass-protest, 21 Jul 2026]
#6784

Consider the following statements about the political situation in India as of July 2026: 1. The protests in New Delhi represent the largest street rally in the capital in approximately five years. 2. The Cockroach Janta Party movement gained significant momentum through social media platforms. 3. The government immediately accepted the demands of the protesters following the meeting with JP Nadda. 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 reports of the protest scale and the CJP's social media growth. Statement 3 is incorrect because the government had not yet responded to the protesters' demands despite the meeting with the minister. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017219/indian-opposition-leader-gandhi-arrested-outside-pm-modis-delhi-residence-amid-mass-protest, 21 Jul 2026]
#6785

Consider the following statements about the diplomatic developments in April 2026: 1. The first round of direct US-Iran talks in Islamabad concluded with a formal peace agreement. 2. Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar held discussions with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi regarding regional stability. 3. The hostilities between the US and Iran were initially triggered by strikes occurring on February 28, 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 incorrect because the first round of talks in Islamabad ended without a formal agreement, though it also avoided a breakdown. Statements 2 and 3 are factually accurate based on the reported diplomatic timeline. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1993250/in-45-minute-phone-call-with-pezeshkian-pm-shehbaz-reaffirms-pakistans-commitment-to-advancing-regional-peace, 19 Apr 2026]
#6786

Which of the following statements regarding the Senate session on May 12, 2026, is INCORRECT?

(a) The government rejected the impression that any specific province was being targeted by terrorists.
(b) The opposition and treasury reached a consensus on the immediate withdrawal of all security forces from KP.
(c) The Parliamentary Affairs Minister claimed that intelligence-based operations are currently underway.
(d) The government emphasized that there would be no compromise on the resolve to eliminate terrorism.
Explanation: There was no consensus on withdrawing security forces; rather, the government defended its ongoing intelligence-based operations. The other three statements accurately reflect the government's stance during the debate. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1999725/treasury-opposition-clash-in-senate-as-jui-f-senator-questions-terrorism-in-kp, 12 May 2026]
#6787

Consider the following statements about the security situation in Balochistan as of May 2026: 1. The operation in Barkhan targeted members of the group designated as Fitna al Hindustan. 2. The Federal Apex Committee on the National Action Plan approved the vision 'Azm-i-Istehkam'. 3. Security forces recovered weapons and explosives from the terrorists killed in the Barkhan operation. 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 ISPR report regarding the May 13, 2026, operation. The operation targeted the specified group, followed the approved national vision, and resulted in the recovery of militant equipment. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1999982/major-among-five-soldiers-martyred-during-operation-in-balochistans-barkhan-ispr, 13 May 2026]
#6788

Which of the following statements regarding the administrative actions in Islamabad on April 20, 2026, is INCORRECT?

(a) The Rawalpindi district administration suspended public and goods transport.
(b) The Cabinet Division advised federal government establishments in the Red Zone to adopt work-from-home arrangements.
(c) The Islamabad district magistrate suspended entry into the Red Zone.
(d) The Deputy Commissioner confirmed that all public and private offices in the twin cities were ordered to close indefinitely.
Explanation: The statement in is incorrect because the Deputy Commissioner explicitly dismissed the notification claiming a total closure of all offices as fake. The other three statements accurately reflect the official administrative directives issued for that date. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1993252/islamabad-dc-dismisses-notification-falsely-announcing-closure-of-all-offices-in-twin-cities-from-april-20, 19 Apr 2026]
#6789

At which specific location in Islamabad did the Iranian President hold official meetings with the Prime Minister of Pakistan on June 23, 2026?

(a) Aiwan-e-Sadr
(b) Foreign Office
(c) Prime Minister House
(d) Parliament House
Explanation: The official meetings between the Iranian President and the Prime Minister took place at the Prime Minister House. Aiwan-e-Sadr is the President's official residence, which is a common distractor. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2010220/hands-of-friendship-iran-president-calls-for-new-regional-security-structure-among-muslim-nations, 23 Jun 2026]
#6790

The administrative measures taken in Islamabad on April 20, 2026, were primarily in anticipation of the arrival of:

(a) International sports teams
(b) Foreign delegations
(c) National assembly members
(d) None of these
Explanation: The security measures and traffic plans were implemented to facilitate the arrival of foreign delegations for diplomatic talks. The other options do not align with the stated purpose of the administrative security protocols. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1993252/islamabad-dc-dismisses-notification-falsely-announcing-closure-of-all-offices-in-twin-cities-from-april-20, 19 Apr 2026]
#6791

Consider the following statements about the security incident in Lakki Marwat on March 8, 2026: 1. The attack involved a gun battle between the police and the assailants. 2. The incident resulted in the death of a police constable and injury to a civilian. 3. The attack occurred in the Serai Naurang town of the district. 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 a gun battle erupted following the initial firing. Statement 3 is correct regarding the location. Statement 2 is incorrect because the report specifies that a civilian was killed and a police constable was injured, reversing the roles stated in the option. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979866/civilian-killed-cop-injured-as-armed-men-open-fire-on-police-in-kps-lakki-marwat, 08 Mar 2026]
#6792

Under which specific Indian legislation were Asiya Andrabi and her associates sentenced in 2026?

(a) Public Safety Act
(b) National Security Act
(c) Armed Forces Special Powers Act
(d) Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act
Explanation: The court utilized the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) to prosecute and sentence the individuals. The other acts listed are different legal frameworks used in India for security and detention purposes. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1985165/fo-condemns-harsh-sentences-awarded-to-kashmiri-leader-asiya-andrabi-associates-by-delhi-court, 25 Mar 2026]
#6793

Consider the following statements about the administrative directives issued for April 20, 2026: 1. The Cabinet Division mandated that all federal government establishments in the Red Zone must remain fully operational with physical attendance. 2. The Islamabad district magistrate issued a notification allowing offices in the Red Zone to adopt work-from-home arrangements. 3. Public and heavy transport in Islamabad were suspended until further orders. 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 Cabinet Division actually directed a work-from-home arrangement, not full physical attendance. Statements 2 and 3 are factually correct based on the administrative notifications issued to manage security. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1993252/islamabad-dc-dismisses-notification-falsely-announcing-closure-of-all-offices-in-twin-cities-from-april-20, 19 Apr 2026]
#6794

Consider the following statements about the diplomatic developments in Islamabad in April 2026: 1. The Iranian delegation arrived in Islamabad on April 24, 2026. 2. The US delegation was sent to Pakistan to engage in direct talks with Iranian representatives. 3. Pakistan's Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar welcomed the Iranian delegation to Islamabad. 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 3 are factually correct. Statement 2 is incorrect because the talks were described as indirect, with Pakistan serving as the mediator, rather than direct talks between the two parties. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1994680/iranian-delegation-led-by-fm-araghchi-lands-in-islamabad-us-officials-to-also-arrive-in-pakistan, 24 Apr 2026]
#6795

Which of the following statements regarding the border security situation in 2026 is INCORRECT?

(a) Pakistan has repeatedly urged the Kabul administration to dismantle terrorist sanctuaries.
(b) Security forces utilized artillery and heavy weapons in response to the July 19 provocation.
(c) Operation Ghazab lil-Haq was launched following an incident on February 26.
(d) The Afghan Taliban successfully maintained their border posts after the Pakistani retaliatory response.
Explanation: The statement that the Afghan Taliban maintained their posts is false; security sources confirmed that the Taliban were forced to abandon multiple posts and flee following the Pakistani response. The other statements are factually accurate. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016755/security-forces-counter-unprovoked-firing-by-afghan-taliban-targeting-kurram-border-posts, 19 Jul 2026]
#6796

Consider the following statements about the security response to the May 10, 2026, attack: 1. The Bannu police launched an operation led by the Regional Police Officer (RPO) immediately following the attack. 2. The federal government has pledged to provide assistance to the provincial government in the fight against terrorism. 3. Security was tightened across the city with the establishment of additional checkpoints. 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 correct. The RPO led the operation, the Prime Minister reaffirmed federal support for the province, and local security was increased through new checkpoints. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1999132/15-police-personnel-martyred-in-bannu-suicide-attack, 10 May 2026]
#6797

What is the name of the military operation launched by Pakistan on February 26, 2026, to target terrorist hideouts following cross-border firing?

(a) Operation Zarb-e-Azb
(b) Operation Radd-ul-Fasaad
(c) Operation Ghazab lil-Haq
(d) None of these
Explanation: Operation Ghazab lil-Haq was initiated in February 2026 in response to persistent border provocations. The other options refer to historical military operations conducted in previous years. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016755/security-forces-counter-unprovoked-firing-by-afghan-taliban-targeting-kurram-border-posts, 19 Jul 2026]
#6798

On May 10, 2026, which Pakistani official was specifically commended by the Prime Minister for his dedication to the mediation efforts between the US and Iran?

(a) Ishaq Dar
(b) Tahir Andrabi
(c) Asim Munir
(d) None of these
Explanation: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif explicitly congratulated Field Marshal Asim Munir for his dedication to the mediation cause. While Ishaq Dar was also commended, the Prime Minister's specific mention of the Field Marshal's dedication highlights his central role in the military-diplomatic coordination. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1999181/tehran-sends-response-to-us-peace-proposal-via-pakistan, 10 May 2026]
#6799

Which Pakistani official received the Iranian Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, in Islamabad on June 23, 2026?

(a) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari
(b) Ishaq Dar
(c) Khawaja Asif
(d) Ahsan Iqbal
Explanation: Ishaq Dar, serving as the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, received his Iranian counterpart. The other individuals listed do not currently hold the Foreign Minister portfolio. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2010220/hands-of-friendship-iran-president-calls-for-new-regional-security-structure-among-muslim-nations, 23 Jun 2026]
#6800

Who is the current Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas in India as of May 2026?

(a) Nitin Gadkari
(b) Hardeep Singh Puri
(c) Piyush Goyal
(d) None of these
Explanation: Hardeep Singh Puri is identified as the Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas who commented on the financial losses faced by oil marketing companies. The other names are prominent ministers but do not hold this specific portfolio. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1999209/modi-urges-indians-to-reduce-petrol-diesel-consumption-amid-middle-east-war-disruption, 10 May 2026]