January 2026 Edition
Start January Quiz
January 2026 Current Affairs MCQs & Solutions
Top national & international current affairs questions for CSS, PMS, FPSC, PPSC, and NTS screening tests.
#7061
The diplomatic discussions held by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on March 20, 2026, were primarily focused on which of the following objectives?
(a) Economic trade agreements
(b) Military alliance formation
(c) Climate change cooperation
(d) Regional de-escalation
Explanation: The primary focus of the calls with leaders from Azerbaijan, Malaysia, and Uzbekistan was the urgent need for de-escalation of hostilities in Iran and the Gulf region. While bilateral ties were mentioned, the core objective was conflict resolution through diplomacy. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1984038/calls-for-de-escalation-in-middle-east-as-pm-shehbaz-speaks-to-several-world-leaders, 20 Mar 2026]
#7062
What is the approximate range of missile capabilities attributed to India by the Pakistani Foreign Office in the March 2026 statement?
(a) Over 5,000 kilometers
(b) Over 8,000 kilometers
(c) Over 15,000 kilometers
(d) Over 12,000 kilometers
Explanation: The FO spokesperson explicitly mentioned that India's development of missile capabilities exceeds 12,000 kilometers. This figure is cited to contrast India's reach with Pakistan's defensive, regional-focused program. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1983677/fo-rejects-us-intelligence-chiefs-claims-about-pakistan-missile-threat, 19 Mar 2026]
#7063
Which specific terrorist training camp located in the Paktia province of Afghanistan was reported as a target during the March 2026 strikes?
(a) Tarawo Camp
(b) Sher-e-Nau Camp
(c) Balkh Training Center
(d) None of these
Explanation: Security sources confirmed that the Sher-e-Nau terrorist camp in Paktia province was struck during the operation. Tarawo camp was also targeted, but it is located in Kandahar, not Paktia. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981638/info-minister-says-pakistan-targeted-terrorists-support-infrastructure-in-afghanistan-overnight, 13 Mar 2026]
#7064
Consider the following statements about the security situation in 2026: 1. The Afghan Taliban 313 Corps headquarters in Kabul was reported as a target during the March 2026 strikes. 2. Operation Ghazab lil-Haq was initiated in response to unprovoked firing from across the border. 3. The suicide bomber involved in the Bajaur attack was identified as a member of the Afghan Taliban's special forces. 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 security reports provided. The operation targeted the 313 Corps, was triggered by border firing, and the identified bomber had links to the Afghan Taliban's special forces. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981638/info-minister-says-pakistan-targeted-terrorists-support-infrastructure-in-afghanistan-overnight, 13 Mar 2026]
#7065
Consider the following statements about the US-NATO relationship in 2026: 1. The US President described NATO as a 'one-way street' due to the lack of support for escort operations. 2. The US President claimed that the US military no longer requires assistance from NATO countries. 3. The US President confirmed that he has already finalized a plan to withdraw from the NATO alliance.
(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 reflections of the President's public statements regarding NATO's role and US military self-sufficiency. Statement 3 is incorrect because the President stated he had 'nothing currently in mind' regarding a change in the US relationship with NATO, despite suggesting it was something to think about. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1983125/trump-blasts-foolish-nato-on-iran-says-us-needs-no-help-after-allies-rebuff-call-for-help-on-hormuz, 17 Mar 2026]
#7066
Which of the following statements regarding the drone incident on March 14, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The drones were described by the ISPR as rudimentary.
(b) The Pakistan Airports Authority denied that Islamabad's airspace was closed.
(c) The drones successfully hit their intended military targets.
(d) The state refers to the TTP as Fitna al-Khawarij.
Explanation: The ISPR explicitly stated that the drones failed to reach their intended targets and were intercepted by security forces. Therefore, the claim that they successfully hit military targets is false. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981957/rudimentary-drones-launched-by-afghan-taliban-injure-4-failed-to-reach-targets-ispr, 14 Mar 2026]
#7067
Which of the following statements regarding the Muharram 9 security arrangements in 2026 is INCORRECT?
(a) The government prioritized the protection of citizens' lives and properties.
(b) Security reviews included officials from Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
(c) The Minister of State for Interior ordered the suspension of all religious processions.
(d) Home secretaries were directed to make security arrangements more effective.
Explanation: The government did not suspend processions; rather, it implemented strict security measures to ensure they could proceed safely. Options A, B, and D are accurate descriptions of the government's actions. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2010752/countrywide-muharram-9-processions-conclude-peacefully-amid-strict-security, 25 Jun 2026]
#7068
Consider the following statements about the regional situation as of July 12, 2026: 1. Pakistan has officially expressed deep concern over the escalation in the Middle East. 2. The United States and Iran have engaged in fresh strikes against each other. 3. The Islamabad MoU was signed in February 2026 to initiate the conflict. 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 Foreign Office statement and the reported military activities. Statement 3 is incorrect because the MoU was signed in June 2026, not February, and it was intended to end the war, not initiate it. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2014857/pakistan-expresses-deep-concern-over-middle-east-escalation-urges-all-sides-to-exercise-restraint, 12 Jul 2026]
#7069
Consider the following statements about the diplomatic tensions between the US and Italy in 2026: 1. Prime Minister Meloni and President Trump previously clashed over the US President's criticism of the Pope. 2. President Trump accused Italy of failing to provide sufficient support to the United States regarding the Iran war. 3. The Italian Defence Minister supported the President's remarks as a necessary diplomatic correction. 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's account of previous friction. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Defence Minister, Guido Crosetto, actually stated that such jokes do not benefit anyone, indicating disapproval rather than support. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2009272/outrage-in-italy-after-trump-says-meloni-begged-for-photo-op, 19 Jun 2026]
#7070
Consider the following statements about the Muharram 9 processions held on June 25, 2026: 1. The main procession in Lahore concluded at Khaima-i-Sadaat Imambargah. 2. The main procession in Quetta emerged from Alamdar Road. 3. The main procession in Hyderabad was organized by the local police department. 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. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Hyderabad procession was organized by Anjuman Guldasta-i-Akbar, not the police department. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2010752/countrywide-muharram-9-processions-conclude-peacefully-amid-strict-security, 25 Jun 2026]
#7071
Which of the following statements regarding the March 18, 2026, weather event in Karachi is INCORRECT?
(a) The event involved heavy showers and strong winds.
(b) The Pakistan Meteorological Department predicted rainfall until Thursday.
(c) The rainfall was limited exclusively to the coastal areas of Clifton and Defence.
(d) The Karachi Mayor advised citizens to avoid unnecessary movement.
Explanation: Rainfall was reported across a wide range of areas including Gulshan-i-Iqbal, North Karachi, and I.I. Chundrigar Road, not just coastal areas. Therefore, the statement that it was limited to Clifton and Defence is false. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1983379/15-die-in-rain-related-incidents-as-heavy-showers-strong-winds-hit-parts-of-karachi, 18 Mar 2026]
#7072
Which of the following statements regarding the March 2026 strikes is INCORRECT?
(a) The strikes targeted logistic bases and training camps.
(b) The operation resulted in the destruction of an ammunition depot in Kabul.
(c) The strikes were conducted in response to cross-border terrorism.
(d) Civilian infrastructure was intentionally targeted to pressure the Afghan regime.
Explanation: The government explicitly stated that no civilian population or civilian infrastructure was targeted. Options A, B, and D are factually consistent with the reported military objectives. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981638/info-minister-says-pakistan-targeted-terrorists-support-infrastructure-in-afghanistan-overnight, 13 Mar 2026]
#7073
Consider the following statements about the security situation in Balochistan as of 2026-07-11: 1. The security forces have utilized intelligence-based operations (IBOs) to target militant hideouts. 2. The government has announced financial compensation for the families of the police personnel martyred at the Mangi Dam. 3. Operation Shaban is limited exclusively to air strikes without ground troop involvement. 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 as the operation involves IBOs and the government has authorized compensation. Statement 3 is incorrect because the operation involves both coordinated air and ground operations. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2014587/23-more-terrorists-killed-in-ongoing-operation-in-balochistan-taking-overall-tally-since-july-5-to-102-state-media, 11 Jul 2026]
#7074
Who chaired the meeting to review security arrangements for Muharram 9, 2026?
(a) The Prime Minister
(b) The Minister of State for Interior
(c) The Sindh Home Minister
(d) The Speaker of the National Assembly
Explanation: Minister of State for Interior Tallal Chaudhry chaired the meeting to review security arrangements with provincial home secretaries and police officials. While the Sindh Home Minister was active in his province, the federal review was led by the Minister of State for Interior. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2010752/countrywide-muharram-9-processions-conclude-peacefully-amid-strict-security, 25 Jun 2026]
#7075
Consider the following statements about the political situation as of July 17, 2026: 1. Rana Sanaullah stated that the JUI-F chief's remarks were damaging to the motivation of those guarding the frontiers. 2. The JUI-F leadership claimed that the media storm regarding the remarks began immediately on the day of the Kasur public meeting. 3. Rana Sanaullah rejected the claim that there was a coordinated propaganda campaign against the JUI-F chief. 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 2 is incorrect because the JUI-F leadership stated that there was no mention of the remarks in the media on July 12, and the outcry only began on July 13. Statements 1 and 3 accurately reflect the position taken by Rana Sanaullah. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016238/sanaullah-says-jui-f-chiefs-remarks-against-martyrs-were-inappropriate-but-unintended, 17 Jul 2026]
#7076
In which committee did the US Director of National Intelligence present the 2026 Annual Threat Assessment?
(a) Senate Foreign Relations Committee
(b) House Armed Services Committee
(c) Senate Intelligence Committee
(d) House Foreign Affairs Committee
Explanation: The report specifies that the assessment was presented before the United States Senate Intelligence Committee. The other committees listed are plausible but incorrect venues for this specific briefing. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1983677/fo-rejects-us-intelligence-chiefs-claims-about-pakistan-missile-threat, 19 Mar 2026]
#7077
Which of the following sectors was explicitly identified as having vast export potential during the meeting held on March 15, 2026?
(a) Textiles and garments
(b) Automobile manufacturing
(c) Information technology
(d) Meat and dairy
Explanation: The official briefing highlighted that Pakistan's agricultural sector, specifically including meat, poultry, dairy, and seafood, possesses significant export potential. Textiles and IT were not the focus of this food-security-centric meeting. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1982358/pm-shehbaz-directs-formulation-of-strategy-for-exporting-surplus-food-items-to-gulf-countries, 15 Mar 2026]
#7078
What technology did Pakistani forces utilize to shoot down three drones belonging to Fitna al-Khawarij during the March 2026 operations?
(a) Surface-to-air missiles
(b) Anti-aircraft artillery
(c) Electronic warfare
(d) Laser-guided interceptors
Explanation: Security sources reported that electronic warfare systems were successfully employed to neutralize the drones. This reflects the military's capability to counter asymmetric aerial threats. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981638/info-minister-says-pakistan-targeted-terrorists-support-infrastructure-in-afghanistan-overnight, 13 Mar 2026]
#7079
Which of the following is NOT a diplomatic action taken by Pakistan in response to the 2026 regional conflict?
(a) Holding phone calls with dignitaries from relevant countries
(b) Deploying military assets to the Gulf region
(c) Exploring prospects for a ceasefire through direct communication
(d) Advocating for dialogue and diplomacy as the primary path to peace
Explanation: Pakistan has focused on diplomatic mediation and 'bridge building' rather than military intervention. Deploying military assets would contradict the stated policy of seeking de-escalation. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1983074/dar-stresses-dialogue-diplomacy-for-achieving-regional-peace-in-meeting-with-iranian-ambassador, 17 Mar 2026]
#7080
Who is the current Interior Minister of Iran mentioned in the context of the June 2026 diplomatic meetings?
(a) Abbas Araghchi
(b) Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf
(c) Eskandar Momeni
(d) Masoud Pezeshkian
Explanation: Eskandar Momeni is the Iranian Interior Minister who held bilateral talks with his Pakistani counterpart. Abbas Araghchi serves as the Foreign Minister, while Masoud Pezeshkian is the President of Iran. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2005678/pm-shehbaz-meets-interior-minister-ahead-of-naqvis-iran-visit, 06 Jun 2026]