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.
#7381
Consider the following statements about the 2026 AJK elections: 1. The election is being held in a single phase to ensure maximum voter turnout. 2. AJK electoral law requires the preliminary result of a constituency to be announced immediately after counting. 3. The current agitation is the fourth wave of protests organized by the JAAC. 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 election is being held in three phases, not one. Statements 2 and 3 are factually accurate according to the current electoral framework and the history of the recent protests. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018443/ajk-election-and-beyond, 26 Jul 2026]
#7382
Consider the following statements about the regional geopolitical situation as of July 26, 2026: 1. The current Israeli leadership has explicitly rejected the possibility of a Palestinian state. 2. Saudi Arabia's role as the custodian of Islam's holiest sites makes its potential recognition of Israel highly significant for the Muslim world. 3. The US administration has successfully coerced all OIC members into recognizing Israel through the Abraham Accords. 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 Israeli leadership has publicly opposed a Palestinian state. Statement 2 is correct regarding Saudi Arabia's unique religious status. Statement 3 is incorrect because many OIC members, including Pakistan, have not recognized Israel. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018440/quid-pro-quo, 26 Jul 2026]
#7383
Consider the following statements about the geopolitical situation in July 2026: 1. The United States military presented a plan for a 14th night of strikes to President Trump. 2. Greek personnel operating a surface-to-air battery in Saudi Arabia intercepted ballistic missiles. 3. The conflict has had no impact on the global economy or the approval ratings of the US administration. 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 of the 14th night of strikes and the Greek air force's role in Saudi Arabia. Statement 3 is incorrect because the conflict has caused shocks to the global economy and is weighing on the US administration's approval ratings. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018487/us-holds-fire-against-iran-as-reports-of-concerns-over-of-dwindling-munitions-emerge, 26 Jul 2026]
#7384
Which of the following statements regarding the events of July 26, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) Israeli settlers set fire to two mosques in the West Bank.
(b) The Israeli military successfully apprehended the suspects at the scene of the Qusra arson.
(c) The Palestinian ministry of endowments reported an attack on a mosque in Kour.
(d) The Israeli military identified signs of arson and graffiti at the Qusra site.
Explanation: The Israeli military stated that the suspects had fled prior to their arrival at the scene in Qusra. Therefore, the claim that they were apprehended at the scene is false. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018507/israeli-settlers-torch-2-mosques-in-west-bank-palestinian-officials, 26 Jul 2026]
#7385
Who is the current army spokesman for Iran who confirmed the halt of retaliatory operations on July 26, 2026?
(a) Abbas Araghchi
(b) Mohammad Akraminia
(c) Dan Caine
(d) None of these
Explanation: Mohammad Akraminia is the identified army spokesman who announced the cessation of Iranian retaliatory strikes. Abbas Araghchi is the Foreign Minister, and Dan Caine is a US general. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018487/us-holds-fire-against-iran-as-reports-of-concerns-over-of-dwindling-munitions-emerge, 26 Jul 2026]
#7386
The ongoing conflict between the United States and Iran in 2026 is nearing its:
(a) Fifth month
(b) Fourth month
(c) Third month
(d) Sixth month
Explanation: The conflict, which was initially predicted by US leadership to last only a few weeks, has extended into its fifth month as of July 2026. This duration has become a point of political concern ahead of upcoming elections. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018487/us-holds-fire-against-iran-as-reports-of-concerns-over-of-dwindling-munitions-emerge, 26 Jul 2026]
#7387
Which of the following statements regarding the July 2026 US-Iran conflict is INCORRECT?
(a) The United States paused its strikes after nearly two weeks of consecutive nightly bombardments.
(b) Iran offered to broker talks between the Houthi rebels and Riyadh.
(c) The conflict has remained strictly confined to the Strait of Hormuz and has not expanded to other regional fronts.
(d) US President Donald Trump threatened a much higher level of strikes against Iran.
Explanation: The conflict has expanded beyond the Strait of Hormuz to include attacks on US bases, regional shipping, and Houthi-led operations in Yemen. Therefore, the statement that it remained strictly confined is false. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018487/us-holds-fire-against-iran-as-reports-of-concerns-over-of-dwindling-munitions-emerge, 26 Jul 2026]
#7388
According to the statement by Governor Faisal Karim Kundi on July 26, 2026, how much explosive material was utilized in the attack on the Tank checkpost?
(a) Over 800 kilograms
(b) Over 1,000 kilograms
(c) Over 1,300 kilograms
(d) None of these
Explanation: Governor Kundi explicitly stated that more than 1,300 kilograms of explosives were used in the attack on the Manji Khel checkpoint. This figure highlights the high level of sophistication and the scale of the threat faced by security forces in the region. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018508/kp-governor-kundi-says-over-1300kg-of-explosives-used-in-tank-checkpost-attack, 26 Jul 2026]
#7389
Consider the following statements about the situation in the West Bank as of July 26, 2026: 1. Violence in the West Bank has intensified since the start of the Gaza conflict in October 2023. 2. At least 1,097 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli troops or settlers since the start of the Gaza assault. 3. The Israeli military has officially declared all settler activities in the West Bank as illegal under international law. 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 provided data. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Israeli government does not classify its own settlements as illegal; rather, they are considered illegal under international law by the global community. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018507/israeli-settlers-torch-2-mosques-in-west-bank-palestinian-officials, 26 Jul 2026]
#7390
Which of the following statements regarding the July 2026 attack on the Manji Khel checkpoint is INCORRECT?
(a) The attack involved the use of an explosive-laden vehicle.
(b) Security forces successfully eliminated 12 terrorists during the engagement.
(c) The attack caused significant damage to the perimeter wall and infrastructure.
(d) The checkpoint was defended solely by the Pakistan Army without any police presence.
Explanation: The statement is incorrect because the Manji Khel checkpoint was a joint facility involving police, the Pakistan Army, and the forest department. The other options accurately describe the tactical details of the incident as reported by the military's media wing. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018508/kp-governor-kundi-says-over-1300kg-of-explosives-used-in-tank-checkpost-attack, 26 Jul 2026]
#7391
Which regional group claimed to have downed a Saudi drone over the northwest of Yemen in July 2026?
(a) Houthi rebels
(b) Hezbollah
(c) Al-Qaeda
(d) Islamic State
Explanation: Houthi rebels reported downing a Saudi drone over Yemen and claimed responsibility for attacks on Saudi Aramco facilities in Jizan and Yanbu. The other groups listed are not involved in this specific operational theater. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018487/us-holds-fire-against-iran-as-reports-of-concerns-over-dwindling-munitions-emerge, 26 Jul 2026]
#7392
Which official held a security briefing at the Regional Police Office in Dera Ismail Khan on July 26, 2026, regarding the Tank incident?
(a) Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
(b) Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi
(c) Governor Faisal Karim Kundi
(d) None of these
Explanation: Governor Faisal Karim Kundi conducted the briefing at the Regional Police Office in Dera Ismail Khan. While he mentioned he would discuss the matter with the Interior Minister and the Chief Minister, he was the official who provided the briefing. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018508/kp-governor-kundi-says-over-1300kg-of-explosives-used-in-tank-checkpost-attack, 26 Jul 2026]
#7393
Consider the following statements about the conflict as of July 26, 2026: 1. The conflict has lasted for nearly five months. 2. Iran has officially declared that it will permanently dismantle its missile program. 3. The US military had prepared a plan for a 14th night of strikes before opting for a pause. 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 nearing its fifth month. Statement 3 is correct as the Pentagon had presented a plan for a 14th night of strikes. Statement 2 is incorrect because Iran has only halted retaliatory attacks, not dismantled its missile program. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018487/iran-says-middle-east-attacks-halted-after-us-holds-fire-amid-reported-concerns-over-dwindling-munitions, 26 Jul 2026]
#7394
Who is the official spokesperson for the Iranian army who announced the halt of retaliatory operations on July 26, 2026?
(a) Abbas Araghchi
(b) Mohammad Akraminia
(c) Dan Caine
(d) None of these
Explanation: Mohammad Akraminia is the identified army spokesperson who confirmed that Iran ceased its retaliatory operations following the US pause. Abbas Araghchi is the Foreign Minister, and Dan Caine is a US general. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018487/iran-says-middle-east-attacks-halted-after-us-holds-fire-amid-reported-concerns-over-dwindling-munitions, 26 Jul 2026]
#7395
Consider the following statements about the economic forecasts provided by the AfDB: 1. The AfDB predicted Africa would see 4.2% economic growth in 2026. 2. The growth projection for 2027 is 4.4%. 3. These growth projections were finalized after accounting for the 'super' El Niño impact. 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: The AfDB predicted 4.2% growth for 2026 and 4.4% for 2027. However, these forecasts were made in May, before the 'super' El Niño projections were integrated, making statement 3 incorrect. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431871/africa-facing-10-20-billion-economic-hit-from-super-el-nino-afdb-climate-chief-warns, 26 Jul 2026]
#7396
Who announced the arrest of the individual accused of running an Indian-funded digital misinformation campaign on July 26, 2026?
(a) Attaullah Tarar
(b) Rana Sanaullah
(c) Khawaja Asif
(d) None of these
Explanation: Information Minister Attaullah Tarar held a televised address on July 26, 2026, to disclose the arrest and provide evidence of the digital marketing professional's links to Indian funding. The other individuals listed are prominent political figures but were not the officials who made this specific announcement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018518/tarar-claims-man-arrested-for-spreading-anti-state-material-online-in-exchange-for-indian-funding, 26 Jul 2026]
#7397
Consider the following statements about the security situation in Gaza as of 2026: 1. The International Stabilisation Force is authorized to operate in all areas of Gaza regardless of Israeli control. 2. Israel has indicated plans to expand its area of military control to 70 percent of the enclave. 3. The Board of Peace is planning a pilot humanitarian zone to initiate the peace framework.
(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 force is intended to deploy only in areas not under Israeli control, and each contingent requires individual Israeli approval. Statements 2 and 3 are factually accurate according to the current status of the peace plan and Israeli military policy. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018568/israel-to-allow-international-force-into-gaza-israeli-official-says, 26 Jul 2026]
#7398
Which of the following statements regarding the July 26, 2026, Caspian Sea incident is INCORRECT?
(a) Iran admitted to providing military cargo to Russia via the Caspian Sea.
(b) The attack resulted in the death of one sailor.
(c) Ukraine claimed the strike targeted vessels under international sanctions.
(d) The Iranian foreign ministry summoned the Ukrainian charge d'affaires.
Explanation: Iran explicitly asserted that it has never intervened in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, making the claim that it admitted to transporting military cargo factually incorrect. The other three statements accurately reflect the reported details of the event. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018502/iran-accuses-ukraine-of-deadly-attack-on-ship-in-caspian-sea, 26 Jul 2026]
#7399
Which of the following statements regarding the wheat situation in Sindh as of July 2026 is INCORRECT?
(a) The Sindh Food Minister chaired a meeting with the Flour Mills Association to review supply chain issues.
(b) The Food Department holds a significant portion of its stock from anti-hoarding operations.
(c) Provincial authorities are conducting intelligence-based operations against wheat hoarders.
(d) The provincial government has imposed strict restrictions on the inter-district movement of wheat.
Explanation: The provincial government explicitly stated that there is no restriction on the inter-district movement of wheat within Sindh to ensure smooth supply. Therefore, the statement claiming that restrictions exist is false. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018192/private-sector-rejects-govt-wheat-import-plan, 25 Jul 2026]
#7400
Consider the following statements about the July 26, 2026, Caspian Sea incident: 1. The attack involved the use of long-range drone strikes. 2. The Iranian vessel was reported to have exploded following the strike. 3. The Ukrainian President denied that any military cargo was being transported by the targeted vessels. 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 based on the reports of the drone strikes and the resulting explosion. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Ukrainian President and intelligence services explicitly claimed the vessels were involved in transporting military cargo. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018502/iran-accuses-ukraine-of-deadly-attack-on-ship-in-caspian-sea, 26 Jul 2026]