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.
#7141
On 2026-07-23, the Foreign Office of Pakistan issued a formal condemnation regarding threats posed by which group against Saudi Arabia and Red Sea shipping?
(a) Al-Shabaab
(b) Houthi militia
(c) Hezbollah
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Foreign Office issued a statement on 2026-07-23 specifically condemning the Houthi militia for their threats against Saudi Arabia and commercial shipping. Other groups like Al-Shabaab or Hezbollah were not the subject of this specific diplomatic communication. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431372/fo-slams-houthi-threats-against-ksa-shipping, 23 Jul 2026]
#7142
Consider the following statements about the security situation in Balochistan as of July 2026: 1. Security forces engaged in joint operations to target remnants of terrorist groups. 2. The military identified a nexus between specific groups and foreign-sponsored entities. 3. The operations resulted in the recovery of ammunition and improvised explosive devices. 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 based on the ISPR report. The military confirmed joint operations, identified a nexus between 'Fitna al Hindustan' and 'Fitna al Khwarij', and reported the recovery of weapons, ammunition, and IEDs. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431262/10-terrorists-killed-two-female-suicide-bombers-arrested-in-balochistan-ispr, 22 Jul 2026]
#7143
Who was appointed as the new Pakistani ambassador to Iran as of July 23, 2026?
(a) Imran Ahmed Siddiqui
(b) Asif Durrani
(c) Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry
(d) None of these
Explanation: Imran Ahmed Siddiqui is the diplomat who presented his credentials to the Iranian President on the specified date. The other names are former diplomats or officials not currently serving in this specific capacity. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017654/iranian-president-pezeshkian-calls-for-strengthening-pak-iran-relations, 23 Jul 2026]
#7144
Who is the current Prime Minister of Lebanon as of July 2026?
(a) Nawaf Salam
(b) Joseph Aoun
(c) Abbas Yaghi
(d) Saad Hariri
Explanation: Nawaf Salam is identified as the Prime Minister of Lebanon who visited the town of Zawtar al-Gharbiya following the Israeli withdrawal. Joseph Aoun is mentioned as the President of Lebanon in the same context. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017639/lebanon-israel-to-hold-next-round-of-talks-in-italy-on-aug-4, 23 Jul 2026]
#7145
The Foreign Office of Pakistan issued its statement regarding Houthi threats on which date in 2026?
(a) July 21, 2026
(b) July 23, 2026
(c) July 25, 2026
(d) July 27, 2026
Explanation: The official Foreign Office statement was published on July 23, 2026, as documented in the official records of the event. The other dates are incorrect distractors. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431372/fo-slams-houthi-threats-against-ksa-shipping, 23 Jul 2026]
#7146
Who is the current President of Iran who received the credentials of the new Pakistani ambassador on July 23, 2026?
(a) Ebrahim Raisi
(b) Hassan Rouhani
(c) Masoud Pezeshkian
(d) Mohammad Mokhber
Explanation: Masoud Pezeshkian is the current President of Iran who met with the Pakistani ambassador in July 2026. Ebrahim Raisi was his predecessor, making him an incorrect distractor. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017654/iranian-president-pezeshkian-calls-for-strengthening-pak-iran-relations, 23 Jul 2026]
#7147
Consider the following statements about the maritime security situation on July 23, 2026: 1. The Houthis claimed that the targeted tankers had violated a naval blockade. 2. The United States Central Command reported the redirection of nine commercial vessels to prevent Iranian port access. 3. The Saudi Arabian government confirmed that the crew of the Encelia suffered multiple casualties during the attack. 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 accurate based on the reports from the Houthis and US Central Command. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Saudi authorities explicitly stated that all crew members were safe and no casualties were reported. [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]
#7148
Consider the following statements about the 2026 UN Arria-Formula meeting on Syria: 1. Pakistan argued that transitional justice is vital for promoting reconciliation and restoring trust. 2. The meeting focused exclusively on military strategies for ending the Syrian conflict. 3. Pakistan emphasized that international mechanisms should respect Syria's national ownership. 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 correct as they reflect Pakistan's focus on reconciliation and sovereignty. Statement 2 is incorrect because the meeting focused on transitional justice and missing persons, not military strategy. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017641/pakistan-opposes-externally-imposed-solutions-for-syria, 23 Jul 2026]
#7149
Which of the following statements regarding the Ukrainian drone strikes on July 23, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The strikes targeted logistics hubs of a major Russian online retailer
(b) The attacks were limited exclusively to sites located within the Moscow city limits
(c) Ukraine claimed the targeted sites were supplying components for the Russian military
(d) The strikes resulted in the evacuation of company logistics centers
Explanation: The strikes occurred in southern Russian cities such as Krasnodar and Nevinnomyssk, not exclusively in Moscow. The other statements accurately reflect the events of July 23, 2026. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017672/ukraines-drones-hit-stores-of-russian-retail-giant, 23 Jul 2026]
#7150
Which of the following is NOT a stated objective of the bilateral cooperation discussed between Pakistan and Iran on July 23, 2026?
(a) Establishing a joint military base in the Persian Gulf
(b) Strengthening unity among the Muslim Ummah
(c) Expanding cooperation across a wide range of sectors
(d) Promoting regional peace and security
Explanation: The diplomatic meeting focused on peace, security, and unity; there was no mention of establishing a joint military base. The other three options are explicitly mentioned as core goals of the bilateral relationship. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017654/iranian-president-pezeshkian-calls-for-strengthening-pak-iran-relations, 23 Jul 2026]
#7151
Consider the following statements about the Lebanon-Israel diplomatic process as of July 2026: 1. The talks are aimed at ending hostilities triggered by the wider US-Iran conflict. 2. Israel has completely withdrawn from all areas within the 10-kilometre buffer zone. 3. The Lebanese army has advised residents to delay returning to Zawtar al-Gharbiya due to unexploded ordnance. 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 linked to US-Iran tensions. Statement 3 is correct regarding the safety concerns for returning residents. Statement 2 is incorrect because Israel continues to occupy a 10-kilometre buffer zone along the border. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017639/lebanon-israel-to-hold-next-round-of-talks-in-italy-on-aug-4, 23 Jul 2026]
#7152
Which of the following statements regarding the attack in Mastung on July 23, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The attack resulted in the death of a security guard.
(b) The incident occurred in the Wali Khan area.
(c) The Additional Sessions Judge was killed in the ambush.
(d) The Prime Minister condemned the attack as a cowardly act.
Explanation: The Additional Sessions Judge, Tariq Lashari, was critically injured but did not die in the attack. The other statements accurately reflect the details of the incident. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431455/sessions-judge-guard-killed-in-mastung-attack, 23 Jul 2026]
#7153
Which organization reported receiving a distress call from a tanker struck by a projectile in the Red Sea on July 23, 2026?
(a) General Transport Authority (GTA)
(b) United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO)
(c) Saudi Arabian Coast Guard
(d) International Maritime Organization (IMO)
Explanation: The UKMTO agency confirmed receiving a report from a tanker master regarding a projectile strike that caused an onboard fire, matching the details of the attack on the Encelia. [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]
#7154
Which international mediation effort by Pakistan was specifically recalled by the Iranian President during the July 2026 meeting?
(a) Negotiations between Iran and Saudi Arabia
(b) Dialogue between Iran and the United States
(c) Talks between Iran and the European Union
(d) Mediation between Iran and Israel
Explanation: President Pezeshkian explicitly acknowledged Pakistan's efforts to facilitate dialogue between Iran and the United States. While Pakistan has been involved in other regional mediations, this specific instance was highlighted in the diplomatic exchange. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017654/iranian-president-pezeshkian-calls-for-strengthening-pak-iran-relations, 23 Jul 2026]
#7155
The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) movement, which led the 2026 protests in New Delhi, initially emerged as a response to remarks made by which official?
(a) Chief Justice Surya Kant
(b) The Minister of Education
(c) The Prime Minister of India
(d) The Home Secretary
Explanation: The CJP movement began in May 2026 as a satirical reaction to reports that Chief Justice Surya Kant had compared young people to 'cockroaches' and 'parasites' during a court hearing. The movement subsequently broadened its scope to include issues of unemployment and governance. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017750/modi-vows-punishment-for-exam-fraud-in-first-comments-on-indian-student-protests, 23 Jul 2026]
#7156
Which of the following is NOT a stated objective of the framework deal agreed upon by Lebanon and Israel in 2026?
(a) The disarmament of Hezbollah
(b) The progressive withdrawal of Israeli troops from southern Lebanon
(c) The immediate annexation of the buffer zone by Israel
(d) The deployment of Lebanese troops in the south
Explanation: The framework deal focuses on the withdrawal of Israeli troops and the deployment of the Lebanese army, not the annexation of territory. Annexation is not a provision of the agreement, making it the correct choice for the negative stem. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017639/lebanon-israel-to-hold-next-round-of-talks-in-italy-on-aug-4, 23 Jul 2026]
#7157
Which of the following statements regarding the March 12, 2026, aircraft crash is INCORRECT?
(a) The crash resulted in the deaths of six US service members.
(b) The incident involved a second KC-135 aircraft that landed safely.
(c) The aircraft involved was a Boeing-manufactured tanker.
(d) The crash was confirmed to be the result of hostile fire.
Explanation: The statement that the crash was caused by hostile fire is incorrect. US Central Command explicitly stated that the incident was not the result of hostile or friendly fire. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981530/us-refuelling-aircraft-crashes-in-western-iraq-us-military, 12 Mar 2026]
#7158
The meeting between Pakistan and Russia on July 23, 2026, took place ahead of which specific event?
(a) 33rd ASEAN Regional Forum Ministerial Meeting
(b) Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit
(c) United Nations General Assembly Session
(d) None of these
Explanation: The bilateral meeting between the foreign ministers occurred in the context of the 33rd ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) Ministerial Meeting. This forum provides a platform for regional security and diplomatic dialogue. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431322/pakistan-russia-vow-stronger-cooperation, 23 Jul 2026]
#7159
Approximately how many candidates were forced to retake a medical entrance test due to a question paper leak in 2026?
(a) One million
(b) Three million
(c) Two million
(d) Four million
Explanation: The leak of a medical entrance question paper necessitated a re-examination for more than two million candidates. This incident was a primary driver of the public anger that fueled the student-led protests. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017750/modi-vows-punishment-for-exam-fraud-in-first-comments-on-indian-student-protests, 23 Jul 2026]
#7160
Which of the following statements regarding the 2026 Bulgaria-US refueling agreement is INCORRECT?
(a) The aircraft are intended for logistical and in-flight refueling missions.
(b) The agreement was approved by the Bulgarian parliament with 136 votes in favor.
(c) The refueling missions are permitted to take place within Bulgarian airspace.
(d) The deployment is scheduled to conclude on October 1, 2026.
Explanation: The statement that missions are permitted within Bulgarian airspace is incorrect; Bulgarian officials explicitly stated that the aircraft will be refueled outside of Bulgarian airspace to maintain the country's non-combatant status. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017669/bulgaria-allows-us-to-station-refuelling-planes, 23 Jul 2026]