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.
#7561
Consider the following statements about the drone interception incident on March 13, 2026: 1. The drones were identified as rudimentary in nature. 2. The Afghan defence ministry claimed that a military center was targeted at Faizabad. 3. The Pakistan Airports Authority confirmed that flight operations were suspended for 24 hours due to the security threat. 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. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Pakistan Airports Authority explicitly denied that flight operations were closed, stating they continued without interruption. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981736/2-rudimentary-drones-intercepted-brought-down-at-different-locations-adjacent-to-pindi-security-sources, 13 Mar 2026]
#7562
Consider the following statements about the diplomatic visit on March 12, 2026: 1. The visit was conducted at the invitation of the Saudi Crown Prince. 2. The discussions focused exclusively on bilateral trade agreements. 3. The Prime Minister expressed appreciation for the Kingdom's long-standing support to Pakistan. 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 visit was indeed at the invitation of the Crown Prince, and the Prime Minister conveyed appreciation for the Kingdom's support. However, the discussions were focused on regional security and tensions, not exclusively on trade. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981279/in-restricted-meeting-with-saudi-crown-prince-pm-shehbaz-assures-him-of-pakistans-full-solidarity-support, 12 Mar 2026]
#7563
Which official held the position of Deputy Commissioner of Rawalpindi during the security arrangements for the US-Iran dialogue in 2026?
(a) Syed Khalid Hamdani
(b) Dr. Hassan Waqar Cheema
(c) Rao Abdul Kareem
(d) None of these
Explanation: Dr. Hassan Waqar Cheema served as the Deputy Commissioner of Rawalpindi and confirmed the government's decision to declare a public holiday. Syed Khalid Hamdani is the City Police Officer (CPO) who supervised the security operations. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1990590/public-holiday-extended-in-pindi-markets-fuel-stations-along-key-roads-closed, 11 Apr 2026]
#7564
On what date in 2026 did the new Supreme Leader of Iran deliver his first public address?
(a) March 10, 2026
(b) March 14, 2026
(c) March 12, 2026
(d) March 16, 2026
Explanation: The address was delivered on March 12, 2026, as confirmed by state media reports. The other dates are incorrect distractors. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981500/read-the-full-text-of-irans-new-supreme-leader-mojtaba-khameneis-first-address, 12 Mar 2026]
#7565
Which political figure moved the resolution in the Punjab Assembly on 2026-07-20 seeking a ban on dual nationals in government service?
(a) Noor Alam Khan
(b) Amjad Ali Javed
(c) Ishaq Dar
(d) None of these
Explanation: Amjad Ali Javed, a PML-N MPA, moved the resolution in the Punjab Assembly. Noor Alam Khan is a separate MNA who has advocated for similar restrictions at the federal level. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017045/pml-n-mpa-seeks-ban-on-appointment-of-dual-nationals-to-government-service, 20 Jul 2026]
#7566
Consider the following statements about the security measures in Rawalpindi in 2026: 1. The district administration declared a public holiday for three consecutive days starting April 9. 2. Bus terminals on Peshawar Road were closed for two days. 3. The security clampdown was monitored by the Inspector General of Police Punjab. 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 administrative orders issued during the event. The administration observed April 9 and 10 as holidays and extended them, bus terminals were closed for two days, and the IGP Punjab oversaw the security operations. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1990590/public-holiday-extended-in-pindi-markets-fuel-stations-along-key-roads-closed, 11 Apr 2026]
#7567
Consider the following statements about the intelligence-based operation conducted on July 18, 2026: 1. The operation took place near the Tank-Dera Ismail Khan Road. 2. The terrorist was wanted for the killing of a CTD constable in 2025. 3. The terrorist surrendered immediately upon being surrounded by the CTD.
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) All three
Explanation: Statements 1 and 2 are correct as the operation occurred on the specified road and the individual was wanted for the 2025 killing of Constable Muhammad Ali. Statement 3 is incorrect because the terrorist refused to surrender and opened fire on the personnel. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016443/wanted-terrorist-killed-in-intelligence-based-operation-in-dera-ismail-khan-ctd, 18 Jul 2026]
#7568
Who is the current emir of Jamaat-i-Islami Pakistan who announced the nationwide highway blockade in 2026?
(a) Sirajul Haq
(b) Hafiz Naeemur Rehman
(c) Liaquat Baloch
(d) None of these
Explanation: Hafiz Naeemur Rehman is the current emir of Jamaat-i-Islami who addressed the press conference at Mansoorah regarding the protest campaign. Sirajul Haq is a former emir, making him an incorrect choice. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017280/jamaat-i-islami-announces-nationwide-road-blockade-against-petroleum-levy, 21 Jul 2026]
#7569
The terrorist neutralized by the CTD on July 18, 2026, was affiliated with which banned organization?
(a) Sipah-e-Sahaba Pakistan
(b) Lashkar-e-Jhangvi
(c) Balochistan Liberation Army
(d) Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan
Explanation: The slain terrorist was identified as a member of the Zakir Kochi Karwan group, which is a faction of the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan. The other organizations listed are distinct militant groups operating in different contexts. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016443/wanted-terrorist-killed-in-intelligence-based-operation-in-dera-ismail-khan-ctd, 18 Jul 2026]
#7570
Consider the following statements about the security situation in Bannu as of July 19, 2026: 1. The intelligence-based operation was conducted for the third consecutive day. 2. A terrorist was killed while attempting to plant an improvised explosive device. 3. The military reported that 24 terrorists were killed in Bannu and its adjoining areas in the 24 hours preceding July 17, 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: All three statements are factually accurate based on the report. The operation was in its third day, the terrorist was killed while planting an IED, and the ISPR confirmed the death of 24 terrorists in the preceding 24-hour window relative to the Friday report. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016737/one-terrorist-killed-8-others-held-as-joint-operation-continues-in-bannu, 19 Jul 2026]
#7571
Which of the following statements regarding the 2026 ASEAN meeting is INCORRECT?
(a) Australia was welcomed by China as a neutral mediator in the South China Sea.
(b) The US and China discussed a potential summit between their leaders.
(c) The meeting addressed concerns regarding the Middle East conflict.
(d) The Philippines and China have experienced increased tensions in the South China Sea.
Explanation: China explicitly stated that Australia was not a party to the South China Sea issue and had no right to intervene, contradicting the idea that they were welcomed as a mediator. The other statements accurately reflect the diplomatic context of the event. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017513/rubio-holds-talks-with-chinas-wang-yi-as-regional-powers-join-asean-meeting, 22 Jul 2026]
#7572
In which two districts of Balochistan did security forces conduct the counter-terrorism operations reported on July 22, 2026?
(a) Ziarat and Quetta
(b) Surab and Mastung
(c) Gwadar and Turbat
(d) None of these
Explanation: The ISPR confirmed that the operations were carried out in the Surab and Mastung districts. Ziarat was the site of a separate incident involving the Mangi Dam pumping station earlier in the month. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017521/10-terrorists-killed-2-female-suicide-bombers-and-their-facilitator-apprehended-in-balochistan-operations-ispr, 22 Jul 2026]
#7573
Who received the Iranian Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni upon his arrival in Islamabad on July 20, 2026?
(a) Mohsin Naqvi
(b) Syed Asim Munir
(c) Shehbaz Sharif
(d) None of these
Explanation: Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi officially received his Iranian counterpart, Eskandar Momeni, upon his arrival in Islamabad. While the visiting dignitary was scheduled to meet with the Prime Minister and the Army Chief, the reception at the airport was conducted by the Interior Minister. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017051/irans-interior-minister-eskandar-momeni-arrives-in-pakistan, 20 Jul 2026]
#7574
Which of the following statements regarding the diplomatic situation in July 2026 is INCORRECT?
(a) Pakistan has been leading peace efforts since the conflict began in February 2026.
(b) Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei stated that diplomatic exchanges with the US have completely ceased.
(c) The Islamabad MoU was a 14-point interim peace deal.
(d) The conflict has led to a surge in global oil prices.
Explanation: Statement C is incorrect because the Iranian foreign ministry spokesman explicitly stated that diplomatic exchanges with the US via mediators were ongoing, despite the military escalation. The other statements accurately reflect the status of the mediation and the economic impact of the conflict. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017051/irans-interior-minister-eskandar-momeni-arrives-in-pakistan, 20 Jul 2026]
#7575
Who led the joint intelligence-based operation in Bannu on July 19, 2026?
(a) Major General Ahmed Sharif
(b) Captain (retd) Muhammad Furqan Bilal
(c) Inspector General of Police KP
(d) Commissioner Bannu Division
Explanation: Captain (retd) Muhammad Furqan Bilal, the District Police Officer (DPO) of Bannu, led the operation. The other options represent higher-level administrative or military roles not directly leading this specific district-level IBO. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016737/one-terrorist-killed-8-others-held-as-joint-operation-continues-in-bannu, 19 Jul 2026]
#7576
Which Chinese company signed an MoU with StarCharge Energy Pakistan on July 22, 2026, to develop EV charging infrastructure?
(a) Bahum Global Ltd
(b) BYD Auto Industry
(c) Great Wall Motor
(d) None of these
Explanation: Bahum Global Ltd is the Chinese firm that partnered with StarCharge Energy Pakistan to provide technological support for the EV charging network. Other major Chinese EV manufacturers like BYD are not the signatories mentioned in this specific agreement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017426/mou-signed-with-chinese-firm-for-ev-charging-stations, 22 Jul 2026]
#7577
What is the total estimated cost of the military conflict against Iran as reported by the US Pentagon in July 2026?
(a) 37.5 billion dollars
(b) 27.5 billion dollars
(c) 17.5 billion dollars
(d) 47.5 billion dollars
Explanation: Pentagon Chief Pete Hegseth confirmed that the financial expenditure for the military operations against Iran has reached 37.5 billion dollars. This figure is a central point of political debate regarding the sustainability of the conflict. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017476/us-continues-strikes-on-iran-for-11th-consecutive-night-triggering-air-defences-in-tehran, 22 Jul 2026]
#7578
Who currently serves as the Minister of State for Interior in the federal cabinet as of July 2026?
(a) Attaullah Tarar
(b) Tariq Fazal Chaudhry
(c) Tallal Chaudhry
(d) None of these
Explanation: Tallal Chaudhry is the Minister of State for Interior who publicly commented on the case. Attaullah Tarar is the Information Minister, and Tariq Fazal Chaudhry is the Parliamentary Affairs Minister. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016686/nccia-summons-imrans-sister-noreen-for-allegedly-disseminating-false-offensive-inflammatory-content, 19 Jul 2026]
#7579
Which media organization's X accounts were banned by the UAE in March 2026?
(a) Al-Arabiya
(b) Al-Jazeera
(c) Sky News Arabia
(d) Asharq News
Explanation: The UAE banned the X accounts of the Saudi-owned television network Al-Arabiya in March 2026 during a period of heightened diplomatic tension. This action was a notable example of the friction that the July 2026 social media posts sought to address. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017482/saudi-uae-ministers-use-social-media-to-signal-unity-after-months-of-tension, 22 Jul 2026]
#7580
During his visit to Manila on July 22, 2026, Ishaq Dar visited the headquarters of which international institution?
(a) World Bank
(b) Asian Development Bank
(c) International Monetary Fund
(d) Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank
Explanation: Ishaq Dar visited the Asian Development Bank (ADB) headquarters in Manila, where he was received by the Director General for the Central and West Asia Department. The other institutions listed were not the focus of this specific visit. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017480/dar-arrives-in-manila-to-attend-asean-regional-forum-ministerial-meeting, 22 Jul 2026]