January 2026 Edition

January 2026 Current Affairs MCQs & Solutions

Top national & international current affairs questions for CSS, PMS, FPSC, PPSC, and NTS screening tests.

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#7661

During his visit to Pakistan on June 9, 2026, the Bahraini National Guard Commander held a meeting at the Naval Headquarters with which official?

(a) Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi
(b) Admiral Amjad Khan Niazi
(c) Admiral Naveed Ashraf
(d) Admiral Muhammad Amjad Khan
Explanation: Admiral Naveed Ashraf is the current Chief of the Naval Staff of Pakistan. The other names listed are former naval chiefs and serve as plausible distractors. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2006391/bahrain-commander-meets-cdf-munir-discusses-strengthening-military-collaboration-ispr, 09 Jun 2026]
#7662

The primary strategic waterway mentioned in the 2026 Iran agreement as a target for reopening is:

(a) Strait of Hormuz
(b) Suez Canal
(c) Bab-el-Mandeb Strait
(d) Strait of Malacca
Explanation: The agreement specifically aims to reopen the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, which was impacted by the four months of military confrontation. The other options are major global waterways not central to this specific diplomatic accord. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2008356/trump-open-to-congressional-review-of-iran-deal-as-lawmakers-seek-details, 16 Jun 2026]
#7663

Who is the current Director General of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) as of 2026?

(a) Dr. Usman Anwar
(b) Dr. Moeed Yusuf
(c) Dr. Faisal Sultan
(d) None of these
Explanation: Dr. Usman Anwar is the Director General of the FIA who briefed the National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Interior and Narcotics Control regarding anti-smuggling measures. The other names are not associated with this specific leadership role in the provided context. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2006395/fia-disciplines-over-100-officials-over-human-smuggling-links-since-greece-boat-tragedy, 09 Jun 2026]
#7664

Who is the current US Secretary of State who testified before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on June 2, 2026?

(a) Antony Blinken
(b) Marco Rubio
(c) Mike Pompeo
(d) None of these
Explanation: Marco Rubio is the current US Secretary of State who appeared before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on June 2, 2026, to discuss the State Department's budget and the ongoing conflict with Iran. Antony Blinken and Mike Pompeo are former Secretaries of State. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2004681/iran-willing-to-negotiate-aspects-of-nuclear-programme-rubio-says-amid-escalating-scrutiny-over-war, 02 Jun 2026]
#7665

Consider the following statements about the security situation in Balochistan as of June 2, 2026: 1. The IBOs were launched following a suicide attack on a shuttle train in Quetta. 2. The military's media wing reported the recovery of weapons and explosives from the neutralized terrorists. 3. The counter-terrorism campaign 'Azm-e-Istehkam' was approved by the Federal Apex Committee on the National Action Plan. 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 ISPR report. The operations were a direct response to the Quetta train bombing, weapons were recovered, and the campaign is indeed part of the National Action Plan framework. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2004690/security-forces-kill-17-terrorists-in-various-districts-of-balochistan-following-quetta-train-bombing-ispr, 02 Jun 2026]
#7666

Which of the following statements regarding the security operations reported on June 2, 2026, is INCORRECT?

(a) The operations were conducted in response to a suicide car bomb attack on a shuttle train.
(b) The operations were limited exclusively to the city of Quetta.
(c) The Quetta train attack resulted in 14 fatalities.
(d) Security forces recovered improvised explosive devices (IEDs) from the terrorists.
Explanation: The statement that operations were limited to Quetta is incorrect because the ISPR report specified that the IBOs were conducted across multiple districts including Mastung, Nushki, Khuzdar, and Kech. The other statements accurately reflect the details provided in the report. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2004690/security-forces-kill-17-terrorists-in-various-districts-of-balochistan-following-quetta-train-bombing-ispr, 02 Jun 2026]
#7667

General Shaikh Mohammad bin Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa, who visited Pakistan on June 9, 2026, holds which of the following positions?

(a) Commander of the Bahrain National Guard
(b) Chief of the Bahrain Defence Force
(c) Minister of Interior of Bahrain
(d) None of these
Explanation: General Shaikh Mohammad bin Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa is the Commander of the Bahrain National Guard. The other options represent different military or government roles within the Kingdom of Bahrain. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2006391/bahrain-commander-meets-cdf-munir-discusses-strengthening-military-collaboration-ispr, 09 Jun 2026]
#7668

Which of the following statements regarding the FIA's 2026 anti-smuggling measures is INCORRECT?

(a) Over 100 officials have faced disciplinary action for collusion with human smugglers.
(b) Deportations due to organized begging fell by 75 percent in 2025.
(c) The FIA utilizes risk-based profiling to offload passengers.
(d) Illegal migration towards Europe increased by 64 percent in early 2026.
Explanation: The report states that illegal migration towards Europe actually declined by 26 percent in 2025, with a 64 percent drop recorded in January–February 2026 compared to the same period in 2025. Therefore, the statement claiming an increase is false. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2006395/fia-disciplines-over-100-officials-over-human-smuggling-links-since-greece-boat-tragedy, 09 Jun 2026]
#7669

Consider the following statements about the FIA's 2026 briefing on migration: 1. Pakistan is the third largest student visa-receiving country for the United Kingdom. 2. The FIA reported that 10,000 Pakistani students in the UK misuse visas through asylum claims. 3. The Prime Minister's Office issued eight directives to curb human smuggling. 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 briefing provided by the FIA Director General. The briefing confirmed Pakistan's status as a major source of UK student visas, the specific number of visa misuses, and the issuance of eight directives by the PMO. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2006395/fia-disciplines-over-100-officials-over-human-smuggling-links-since-greece-boat-tragedy, 09 Jun 2026]
#7670

In the meeting at Air Headquarters on June 9, 2026, discussions between the Bahraini commander and the Pakistan Air Force leadership focused on which of the following emerging technologies?

(a) Space-based orbital weaponry
(b) Nuclear propulsion systems
(c) Submarine-launched ballistic missiles
(d) Drones and artificial intelligence
Explanation: The discussions at Air Headquarters specifically highlighted emerging defence technologies including drones, artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, and advanced sensors. The other options are not related to the specific technological focus mentioned in the official ISPR statement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2006391/bahrain-commander-meets-cdf-munir-discusses-strengthening-military-collaboration-ispr, 09 Jun 2026]
#7671

Consider the following statements about the 2026 Iran agreement: 1. The agreement was signed electronically by President Trump and Vice President Vance on the Sunday preceding June 16, 2026. 2. The full text of the memorandum of understanding has been released to the public to ensure transparency. 3. Senate Majority Leader John Thune has expressed that he currently lacks sufficient information to judge the merits of the deal. 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 deal was signed electronically on Sunday. Statement 2 is false because the administration has not yet released the text of the memorandum, which is the core of the lawmakers' complaints. Statement 3 is correct as Senator Thune explicitly stated he did not know enough about the deal to judge it. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2008356/trump-open-to-congressional-review-of-iran-deal-as-lawmakers-seek-details, 16 Jun 2026]
#7672

Consider the following statements regarding the governance and security developments reported on August 10, 2026: 1. The Islamabad High Court has sought clarification on the constitutional implications of pending executive advice regarding judicial appointments. 2. The Government of Pakistan has characterized the new Makkah Joint Defence Agreement as an offensive security framework aimed at regional hegemony. 3. Intelligence-based operations in Panjgur represent a shift in the security landscape of Balochistan towards more precise counter-terrorism measures. Which of the above statements are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, and 3
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct as the IHC is examining the constitutional implications of pending PM advice on judicial appointments. Statement 2 is incorrect because Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif explicitly stated the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement is defensive in nature, not for aggression. Statement 3 is correct as intelligence-based operations in Balochistan reflect the evolving security strategy described in the report. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2021893/delay-in-judicial-appointments-ihc-tells-govt-to-explain-consequences-of-keeping-pms-advice-pending]
#7673

Arrange the following administrative and political developments of August 10, 2026, in the correct chronological order based on the nature of the events as provided in the reports: (I) Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim undergoes elective hernia surgery. (II) The Tarbela Dam achieves its maximum water storage capacity. (III) Voting commences in the Bagh and Haveli districts for AJK elections. (IV) Ten additional individuals are added to the Fourth Schedule in AJK.

(a) I, II, III, IV
(b) IV, III, II, I
(c) II, IV, III, I
(d) III, IV, II, I
Explanation: The order reflects the standard reporting sequence provided in the source digest for the date August 10, 2026, starting with the executive health update, followed by the water security achievement, the progress of AJK electoral phases, and the AJK internal security measures. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2021885/malaysia-pm-anwar-ibrahim-undergoes-elective-surgery-to-treat-hernia]
#7674

Which of the following statements regarding the visit of the Bahraini National Guard Commander to Pakistan on June 9, 2026, is INCORRECT?

(a) The commander visited the Pakistan Army's training facility in Quetta.
(b) The discussions included the regional security environment in the Middle East.
(c) The commander met with the Chief of the Air Staff at Air Headquarters.
(d) The commander met with the Chief of the Naval Staff at Naval Headquarters.
Explanation: The ISPR report confirms meetings at GHQ, Naval Headquarters, and Air Headquarters in Rawalpindi/Islamabad, but it does not mention a visit to a training facility in Quetta. Therefore, is the incorrect statement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2006391/bahrain-commander-meets-cdf-munir-discusses-strengthening-military-collaboration-ispr, 09 Jun 2026]
#7675

Consider the following statements about India's recent infrastructure developments in the Himalayas: 1. The Zojila tunnel breakthrough occurred on June 9, 2026. 2. The Chenab Rail Bridge is currently the highest of its kind in the world. 3. The Sonamarg tunnel is a 13.14-kilometre project expected to be completed by 2028. 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 breakthrough occurred on the specified date. Statement 2 is correct regarding the status of the Chenab Rail Bridge. Statement 3 is incorrect because the 13.14-kilometre length refers to the Zojila tunnel, not the Sonamarg tunnel. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2006369/india-nears-completion-of-strategic-himalayan-tunnel-near-china-border, 09 Jun 2026]
#7676

Consider the following statements about the Muharram 1448 AH moon sighting: 1. The Ministry of Religious Affairs announced the moon sighting results based on the Central Ruet-i-Hilal Committee's decision. 2. The first of Muharram 1448 AH was set to begin on June 17, 2026. 3. The government provides security arrangements for religious processions held during the month. 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. The Ministry relies on the committee's findings, the date for the first of Muharram was officially set for June 17, and the government coordinates security for the processions. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2008058/muharram-moon-not-sighted-in-pakistan-ashura-to-fall-on-june-26, 15 Jun 2026]
#7677

Consider the following statements about the defence engagements on June 9, 2026: 1. The Bahraini commander commended the Pakistan Navy for its role as a regional maritime security stabilizer. 2. The Air Chief discussed infrastructure development and indigenization with the Bahraini delegation. 3. The meetings were held in the context of a stable and peaceful Middle East with no ongoing conflicts. 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 ISPR report. Statement 3 is incorrect because the report explicitly mentions tensions in the Middle East and an unresolved war between the United States and Iran. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2006391/bahrain-commander-meets-cdf-munir-discusses-strengthening-military-collaboration-ispr, 09 Jun 2026]
#7678

Who represented Pakistan at the R-4 foreign ministers' meeting held on June 21, 2026?

(a) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari
(b) Shah Mahmood Qureshi
(c) Jalil Abbas Jilani
(d) Ishaq Dar
Explanation: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar attended the meeting in Cairo on behalf of Pakistan. The other individuals listed are former foreign ministers who were not in office during this 2026 event. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2009729/pakistan-saudi-arabia-turkiye-egypt-stress-importance-of-swift-conclusion-to-current-phase-of-us-iran-talks, 21 Jun 2026]
#7679

Consider the following statements regarding current administrative and economic developments in Pakistan as of August 10, 2026:

(a) Only 1 and 2 are correct
(b) Only 2 and 3 are correct
(c) Only 1 and 3 are correct
(d) 1, 2, and 3 are all correct
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect because the Tarbela Dam reached its maximum storage capacity, not its minimum. Statement 2 is correct as fuel prices remained unchanged due to economic governance concerns. Statement 3 is correct as the IHC addressed the executive's role in constitutional mandates regarding judicial appointments. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2021950/govt-leaves-petrol-diesel-prices-unchanged-for-aug-11]
#7680

The Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding, which provided the framework for the US-Iran talks, was signed on which date in 2026?

(a) June 15, 2026
(b) June 22, 2026
(c) June 18, 2026
(d) June 25, 2026
Explanation: The Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding was signed on June 18, 2026. This 14-point accord set the stage for the subsequent negotiations held in Switzerland. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2010038/iran-president-masoud-pezeshkian-to-visit-pakistan-on-tuesday-fo, 22 Jun 2026]