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.
#7121
What is the primary reason the opposition was able to halt the legislative process for the Federal Constabulary bill on March 13, 2026?
(a) A presidential veto
(b) Lack of quorum
(c) Supreme Court stay order
(d) None of these
Explanation: The opposition pointed out the lack of quorum, which is the minimum number of members required to conduct parliamentary proceedings. Once the lack of quorum was established, the chair was forced to prorogue the session. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981390/pointing-out-lack-of-quorum-in-na-opposition-blocks-passage-of-bill-seeking-to-upgrade-fc-to-federal-force, 13 Mar 2026]
#7122
What was the age of the suspect, Kamal Singh Jamwal, at the time of his arrest on March 12, 2026?
(a) 53 years
(b) 73 years
(c) 63 years
(d) 83 years
Explanation: Official reports identified the attacker as a 63-year-old man. He claimed to have been planning the attack for approximately two decades. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981258/man-arrested-after-attempt-on-life-of-former-occupied-kashmir-cm-farooq-abdullah, 12 Mar 2026]
#7123
Consider the following statements about the security incident on March 12, 2026: 1. The suspect claimed to have been planning the attack for nearly twenty years. 2. Farooq Abdullah was serving as the incumbent Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir at the time of the attack. 3. The weapon used by the assailant was recovered by security 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: Statement 1 is correct as the suspect cited a twenty-year plan. Statement 2 is incorrect because Farooq Abdullah is a former Chief Minister, not the incumbent. Statement 3 is correct as the firearm was recovered from the suspect. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981258/man-arrested-after-attempt-on-life-of-former-occupied-kashmir-cm-farooq-abdullah, 12 Mar 2026]
#7124
Which of the following statements regarding the March 12, 2026, incident is INCORRECT?
(a) Multiple congregants were confirmed dead inside the synagogue.
(b) The gunman was killed during the exchange of fire with security.
(c) The Jewish Federation of Detroit placed agencies in lockdown.
(d) Law enforcement had been on high alert for potential threats.
Explanation: It was reported that no individuals were confirmed hurt except for the shooter. Therefore, the statement claiming multiple congregants were killed is false. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981410/gunman-dead-after-attack-on-michigan-synagogue, 12 Mar 2026]
#7125
Consider the following statements about the diplomatic visit of March 12, 2026: 1. The visit was undertaken at the invitation of the Saudi Crown Prince. 2. The discussions focused exclusively on bilateral trade agreements. 3. Pakistan expressed its full solidarity with Saudi Arabia regarding the current regional security challenges. 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 visit was at the invitation of the Crown Prince. Statement 3 is correct regarding the expression of solidarity. Statement 2 is incorrect because the discussions focused on regional security and the ongoing conflict, not exclusively on trade. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981279/as-war-in-middle-east-escalates-pm-shehbaz-departs-on-brief-visit-to-saudi-arabia, 12 Mar 2026]
#7126
What was the approximate time of the ramming attack in Berlin on July 26, 2026?
(a) 10:00 PM
(b) 02:00 PM
(c) 10:00 AM
(d) 06:00 PM
Explanation: The attack occurred at approximately 10:00 PM (2000 GMT) on Saturday, July 26, 2026. The suspect was later located and killed the following day. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018511/suspect-in-berlin-attack-near-pride-gathering-shot-dead-by-police, 26 Jul 2026]
#7127
Consider the following statements about the legislative developments on March 13, 2026: 1. The ordinance previously empowering the government to transform the FC had lapsed. 2. The opposition lawmakers tore apart copies of the agenda during the protest. 3. The government plans to reintroduce the bill in the upcoming sessions after Eid. 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 events of the session. The ordinance had lapsed, the opposition engaged in protest by tearing the agenda, and the government expressed intent to pursue the bill after the Eid holidays. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981390/pointing-out-lack-of-quorum-in-na-opposition-blocks-passage-of-bill-seeking-to-upgrade-fc-to-federal-force, 13 Mar 2026]
#7128
Which official held a meeting with Saudi Defence Minister Khalid bin Salman Al Saud on March 7, 2026, to discuss regional security?
(a) Asim Munir
(b) Ahmad Farooq
(c) Tahir Andrabi
(d) Syed Mustafa Rabani
Explanation: Field Marshal Asim Munir visited Saudi Arabia on March 7, 2026, to meet with the Saudi Defence Minister regarding the security situation. The other individuals listed are diplomats or spokespersons. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981279/as-war-in-middle-east-escalates-pm-shehbaz-departs-on-brief-visit-to-saudi-arabia, 12 Mar 2026]
#7129
Consider the following statements about the energy crisis in South Asia as of March 11, 2026: 1. India is the world's fourth-largest buyer of liquefied natural gas (LNG). 2. Bangladesh has deployed police to patrol filling stations to maintain order. 3. The restaurant industry in India is predominantly dependent on commercial LPG for operations. 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 report. India's status as a major LNG buyer, the deployment of police in Bangladesh, and the reliance of the Indian restaurant sector on commercial LPG are all confirmed details. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980784/troops-guard-bangladesh-depots-after-oil-riots, 11 Mar 2026]
#7130
Consider the following statements about the security incident in Michigan: 1. The incident occurred on March 12, 2026. 2. The shooter was identified as a member of a known extremist group. 3. The Oakland County Sheriff confirmed that security personnel engaged the shooter in gunfire. 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 event occurred on March 12, 2026. Statement 3 is correct as the Sheriff confirmed security engaged the shooter. Statement 2 is incorrect because the shooter was described as an unidentified individual, not a member of a specific extremist group. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981410/gunman-dead-after-attack-on-michigan-synagogue, 12 Mar 2026]
#7131
In which area of Jammu did the assassination attempt on Farooq Abdullah occur on March 12, 2026?
(a) Greater Kailash
(b) Purani Mandi
(c) Royal Park
(d) None of these
Explanation: The incident took place at a wedding ceremony located in the Greater Kailash area of Jammu. While Royal Park is mentioned as the specific venue, Greater Kailash is the broader area identified in reports. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981258/man-arrested-after-attempt-on-life-of-former-occupied-kashmir-cm-farooq-abdullah, 12 Mar 2026]
#7132
Consider the following statements about Pakistan's diplomatic stance on July 22, 2026: 1. Pakistan condemned the Houthi militia for threats against Saudi Arabia. 2. The Foreign Office emphasized that such threats undermine the freedom of navigation. 3. Pakistan explicitly declared an immediate military intervention in the Red Sea. 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 Foreign Office statement. Statement 3 is incorrect because Pakistan reaffirmed its commitment to dialogue and diplomacy, and while it reserved the right to self-defense, it did not declare an immediate military intervention. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431293/pakistan-condemns-houthi-threats-against-saudi-arabia-red-sea-shipping, 22 Jul 2026]
#7133
What is the percentage rate of the Ad hoc Relief Allowance-2026 granted to federal civil employees effective from July 1, 2026?
(a) 5 percent
(b) 7 percent
(c) 10 percent
(d) 15 percent
Explanation: The government notification issued on July 22, 2026, explicitly states that a 7 percent Ad hoc Relief Allowance-2026 was granted to federal civil employees. This allowance is calculated based on the running basic pay under the new BPS-2026 structure. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431195/salary-increase-notified-govt-issues-revised-bps-2026-for-civil-servants, 22 Jul 2026]
#7134
Consider the following statements about the Board of Peace (BoP) and the Gaza reconstruction plan: 1. The BoP was formally established in January 2026. 2. The pilot camp is intended to be established in the buffer zone near Rafah. 3. The UN Security Council resolution authorizing the BoP was adopted in early 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 correct as the BoP was established in January 2026. Statement 2 is correct as the pilot camp is planned for the buffer zone near Rafah. Statement 3 is incorrect because the UN Security Council resolution was adopted in mid-November of the previous year (2025), not in 2026. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2015988/gaza-reconstruction-plan-under-trumps-board-of-peace-reduced-to-pilot-project-british-publication, 16 Jul 2026]
#7135
Consider the following statements about the diplomatic meeting held on July 23, 2026: 1. The Iranian President described Pakistan as a brotherly country and a second home for Iranians. 2. The meeting involved the presentation of credentials by the new Pakistani ambassador. 3. The Iranian President expressed a desire to distance Iran from regional Muslim-majority nations. 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 event. Statement 3 is incorrect because the President specifically emphasized the need for promoting unity among Muslim countries, not distancing Iran from them. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017654/iranian-president-pezeshkian-calls-for-strengthening-pak-iran-relations, 23 Jul 2026]
#7136
Which of the following is NOT a category of Iranian military targets struck by the United States as of July 23, 2026?
(a) Coastal surveillance sites
(b) Missile and drone storage facilities
(c) Air defense assets
(d) Commercial oil refineries
Explanation: The United States Central Command specified that strikes targeted military capabilities, including air defense, surveillance, and storage facilities. Commercial oil refineries were not listed as targets in the official military report. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017740/houthis-attack-saudi-tankers-in-red-sea-as-us-strikes-iran-for-12th-consecutive-day, 23 Jul 2026]
#7137
Which of the following statements regarding the Ad hoc Relief Allowance-2026 is INCORRECT?
(a) It is subject to income tax.
(b) It is admissible during leave and suspension.
(c) It is applicable to contract employees appointed against civil posts.
(d) It counts towards pension and gratuity calculations.
Explanation: The notification explicitly states that the new allowance will not count towards pension, gratuity, or house rent calculations. Therefore, the statement claiming it counts towards these benefits is incorrect. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431195/salary-increase-notified-govt-issues-revised-bps-2026-for-civil-servants, 22 Jul 2026]
#7138
Consider the following statements about the BPS-2026 notification: 1. The new pay scales apply to federal civil employees paid from both civil and defence estimates. 2. Employees posted abroad are eligible to receive the Ad hoc Relief Allowance-2026 during their foreign tenure. 3. The 2022 and 2025 ad hoc relief allowances were abolished upon the implementation of the new scales. 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 notification covers both civil and defence estimates. Statement 3 is correct as the 2022 and 2025 allowances were merged and abolished. Statement 2 is incorrect because employees posted abroad are explicitly excluded from receiving the allowance during their foreign posting. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431195/salary-increase-notified-govt-issues-revised-bps-2026-for-civil-servants, 22 Jul 2026]
#7139
Which of the following statements regarding the security operations in Balochistan on July 22, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) Security forces recovered weapons and improvised explosive devices.
(b) Two female suicide bombers were apprehended.
(c) The operations were limited to a single district in Balochistan.
(d) The operations involved intelligence-based area sanitization.
Explanation: The statement is incorrect because the operations were conducted in two districts, Surab and Mastung, not a single district. The other options accurately reflect the details provided by the ISPR. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431262/10-terrorists-killed-two-female-suicide-bombers-arrested-in-balochistan-ispr, 22 Jul 2026]
#7140
In which districts of Balochistan did security forces conduct the intelligence-based operations reported on July 22, 2026?
(a) Surab and Mastung
(b) Kech and Panjgur
(c) Gwadar and Turbat
(d) None of these
Explanation: The ISPR confirmed that the operations were specifically targeted in District Surab and District Mastung. Seven terrorists were killed in Surab, while three were killed and two female suicide bombers were apprehended in Mastung. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431262/10-terrorists-killed-two-female-suicide-bombers-arrested-in-balochistan-ispr, 22 Jul 2026]