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.
#7161
What was the primary objective of the curfew imposed in Khud Kocha on July 22, 2026?
(a) To facilitate a census operation
(b) To manage a natural disaster emergency
(c) To conduct a polio vaccination drive
(d) To maintain peace and public safety
Explanation: The Balochistan Home Department imposed the curfew specifically to address the deteriorating security situation following a bus attack and bridge explosion. The measure was intended to restrict movement and ensure public safety during ongoing security operations. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017589/curfew-imposed-in-mastungs-khud-kocha-after-bus-attack-bridge-blast, 22 Jul 2026]
#7162
Consider the following statements about the 2026 student protests in India: 1. The protests were triggered by a series of exam irregularities including paper leaks. 2. The movement has demanded the resignation of the education minister. 3. The government successfully prevented any injuries during the protests in New Delhi. 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 accurate as the protests were driven by exam fraud and calls for ministerial resignation. Statement 3 is incorrect because police actions, including tear gas and baton charges, resulted in at least 178 injuries. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017750/modi-vows-punishment-for-exam-fraud-in-first-comments-on-indian-student-protests, 23 Jul 2026]
#7163
Who is the CEO of the Russian retail giant Wildberries that was targeted in the July 2026 drone strikes?
(a) Vladimir Kondratyev
(b) Tatiana Kim
(c) Volodymyr Zelensky
(d) None of these
Explanation: Tatiana Kim is the CEO of Wildberries and publicly commented on the evacuation of the logistics centers following the attacks. Vladimir Kondratyev is the governor of the Krasnodar region, not the CEO of the company. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017672/ukraines-drones-hit-stores-of-russian-retail-giant, 23 Jul 2026]
#7164
Who was the Sessions Judge killed in the attack in Mastung on July 23, 2026?
(a) Abdul Hakeem Kakar
(b) Tariq Lashari
(c) Mir Ziaullah Langau
(d) None of these
Explanation: Sessions Judge Abdul Hakeem Kakar was the judicial officer killed in the attack. Tariq Lashari was the Additional Sessions Judge who survived with injuries, and Mir Ziaullah Langau is the Home Minister. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431455/sessions-judge-guard-killed-in-mastung-attack, 23 Jul 2026]
#7165
Which of the following is NOT a stated condition or feature of the US-Saudi nuclear cooperation agreement as of 2026?
(a) It is contingent on Saudi Arabia joining the Abraham Accords.
(b) It is designed for civilian use of nuclear facilities.
(c) It requires submission to the US Congress for review.
(d) It mandates the immediate transfer of nuclear weapon technology to Riyadh.
Explanation: The agreement is strictly for civilian nuclear cooperation and explicitly excludes the transfer of nuclear weapon technology. The other options accurately reflect the conditions and procedural requirements mentioned in the diplomatic framework. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017738/trump-says-us-saudi-nuclear-deal-subject-to-riyadh-joining-abraham-accords, 23 Jul 2026]
#7166
Which of the following regions in Russia experienced a fatality during the drone strikes on July 23, 2026?
(a) Moscow region
(b) Siberia region
(c) Urals region
(d) Krasnodar region
Explanation: The governor of the Krasnodar region confirmed that one person was killed during the strikes on July 23, 2026. While other regions like the Urals have been hit in previous operations, this specific casualty occurred in the south. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017672/ukraines-drones-hit-stores-of-russian-retail-giant, 23 Jul 2026]
#7167
Consider the following statements about the Ukrainian military operations reported on July 23, 2026: 1. Ukraine has intensified strikes on Russian maritime assets in the Black and Azov Seas. 2. The UN reported a decrease in civilian casualties during the first half of 2026. 3. Ukrainian drone strikes have reached as far as the Urals and Siberia. 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 Ukraine has intensified maritime attacks. Statement 3 is correct as drones have reached deep into the Urals and Siberia. Statement 2 is incorrect because the UN reported a 37 percent increase in civilian casualties, not a decrease. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017672/ukraines-drones-hit-stores-of-russian-retail-giant, 23 Jul 2026]
#7168
Which specific air base in Bulgaria was designated to host the United States refueling aircraft in 2026?
(a) Graf Ignatievo Air Base
(b) Bezmer Air Base
(c) Krumovo Air Base
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Bulgarian parliament authorized the stationing of US tanker aircraft at the Bezmer Air Base in the south-east of the country. Other options represent different Bulgarian military installations not involved in this specific deployment. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017669/bulgaria-allows-us-to-station-refuelling-planes, 23 Jul 2026]
#7169
On 2026-07-23, Prime Minister Narendra Modi promised to establish which of the following to address examination fraud?
(a) Special investigative commissions
(b) Fast-track courts
(c) National education tribunals
(d) None of these
Explanation: Prime Minister Modi announced the creation of fast-track courts specifically to expedite the prosecution of individuals involved in question paper leaks. This measure was proposed as a direct response to the student protests challenging the integrity of the national testing system. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017750/modi-vows-punishment-for-exam-fraud-in-first-comments-on-indian-student-protests, 23 Jul 2026]
#7170
In which Russian cities were the Wildberries logistics centers attacked by Ukrainian drones on July 23, 2026?
(a) Krasnodar and Nevinnomyssk
(b) Moscow and Saint Petersburg
(c) Rostov-on-Don and Volgograd
(d) None of these
Explanation: The strikes on July 23, 2026, specifically targeted Wildberries facilities in the southern Russian cities of Krasnodar and Nevinnomyssk. Other major Russian cities like Moscow or Volgograd were not the sites of this specific coordinated drone attack. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017672/ukraines-drones-hit-stores-of-russian-retail-giant, 23 Jul 2026]
#7171
Which of the following is NOT a stated grievance or focus of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) movement as of 2026?
(a) Concerns over unemployment
(b) Restoration of statehood to specific regions
(c) Examination paper leaks
(d) Governance and authoritarian style
Explanation: The CJP movement focuses on unemployment, examination irregularities, and the government's authoritarian style. While other groups may advocate for regional autonomy, it is not a core pillar of the CJP's stated agenda. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017750/modi-vows-punishment-for-exam-fraud-in-first-comments-on-indian-student-protests, 23 Jul 2026]
#7172
Consider the following statements about the 2026 Bulgaria-US refueling agreement: 1. The agreement allows for the use of Bulgarian territory as a base for direct military attacks on Iran. 2. The deployment of US tanker aircraft is supported by a 2006 bilateral defense agreement. 3. Iran has warned that the authorization makes Bulgaria an accomplice to regional aggression. 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 Bulgarian Prime Minister explicitly stated that it is out of the question for military operations in the Middle East to be conducted from Bulgarian territory. Statements 2 and 3 are factually accurate based on the 2006 defense pact and the diplomatic warnings issued by Tehran. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017669/bulgaria-allows-us-to-station-refuelling-planes, 23 Jul 2026]
#7173
Which of the following statements is INCORRECT regarding the 2026 diplomatic exchange at the UN Security Council?
(a) Pakistan accused India of sponsoring terrorism.
(b) Pakistan argued that the Indus Waters Treaty allows for the unilateral suspension of water flow.
(c) India claimed that Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of its territory.
(d) India linked cooperation on the Indus Waters Treaty to the issue of cross-border terrorism.
Explanation: Pakistan explicitly argued that the unilateral and illegal actions taken by India are not provided for by the Treaty or international law. Options A, B, and D accurately reflect the positions stated by the respective envoys during the session. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431428/at-un-pakistan-labels-india-sponsor-of-terrorism-rejects-cross-border-infiltration-claims, 23 Jul 2026]
#7174
On July 23, 2026, which maritime chokepoint was identified as the site of Houthi militia attacks on Saudi Arabian oil tankers?
(a) Strait of Hormuz
(b) Bab el-Mandeb Strait
(c) Suez Canal
(d) Strait of Malacca
Explanation: The Houthi militia targeted Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. This location is a critical maritime chokepoint for global oil supplies, distinct from the Strait of Hormuz. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431430/pakistan-reiterates-unwavering-support-for-saudi-arabias-security-sovereignty, 23 Jul 2026]
#7175
In which region of Iraq did the US military refueling aircraft crash occur on March 12, 2026?
(a) Northern Iraq
(b) Western Iraq
(c) Southern Iraq
(d) Eastern Iraq
Explanation: The US military confirmed the crash took place in western Iraq. This region is a critical area for US aerial operations in the ongoing conflict. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981530/us-refuelling-aircraft-crashes-in-western-iraq-us-military, 12 Mar 2026]
#7176
Consider the following statements about the US military operations in the Middle East as of March 2026: 1. The US military has been conducting operations against Iran since February 28, 2026. 2. The KC-135 aircraft involved in the crash was manufactured by Lockheed Martin. 3. The US military reported that 150 US troops have been wounded in the conflict with Iran.
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) All three
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct as operations began on February 28, 2026. Statement 2 is incorrect because the KC-135 is manufactured by Boeing, not Lockheed Martin. Statement 3 is correct based on reports regarding US casualties in the conflict. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981530/us-refuelling-aircraft-crashes-in-western-iraq-us-military, 12 Mar 2026]
#7177
Which official serves as the Home Minister of Balochistan who condemned the attack on July 23, 2026?
(a) Shahid Rind
(b) Mir Ziaullah Langau
(c) Shehbaz Sharif
(d) None of these
Explanation: Mir Ziaullah Langau is the Home Minister of Balochistan who issued a condemnation of the attack. Shahid Rind is the provincial government spokesperson. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431455/sessions-judge-guard-killed-in-mastung-attack, 23 Jul 2026]
#7178
On July 23, 2026, which Pakistani diplomat at the UN Security Council accused India of weaponizing water against Pakistan?
(a) Ansar Shah
(b) Asim Iftikhar Ahmad
(c) Harish Parvathaneni
(d) None of these
Explanation: Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad represented Pakistan during the debate on 'Natural Resources Governance' and raised the issue of water weaponization. Ansar Shah is a first secretary who exercised the right of reply regarding terrorism allegations, while Harish Parvathaneni is the Indian Ambassador. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431428/at-un-pakistan-labels-india-sponsor-of-terrorism-rejects-cross-border-infiltration-claims, 23 Jul 2026]
#7179
In the context of the 2026 UN Security Council debate, what is the approximate population of Pakistan that the envoy claimed is threatened by the weaponization of water?
(a) 150 million
(b) 200 million
(c) 240 million
(d) 300 million
Explanation: The Pakistani envoy stated that the unilateral actions regarding the Indus Waters Treaty threaten the livelihoods and well-being of more than 240 million people. This figure highlights the scale of the humanitarian concern raised by the state. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431428/at-un-pakistan-labels-india-sponsor-of-terrorism-rejects-cross-border-infiltration-claims, 23 Jul 2026]
#7180
Who signed the nuclear cooperation agreements on behalf of the United States in 2026?
(a) Antony Blinken
(b) Chris Wright
(c) Lloyd Austin
(d) Jake Sullivan
Explanation: US Energy Secretary Chris Wright signed the agreements alongside Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman. The other individuals listed hold different cabinet or advisory positions within the US government. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017738/trump-says-us-saudi-nuclear-deal-subject-to-riyadh-joining-abraham-accords, 23 Jul 2026]