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.
#7741
Operation Ghazab lil-Haq was officially launched by Pakistan on which date in 2026?
(a) February 26
(b) March 16
(c) March 18
(d) None of these
Explanation: The operation was initiated on the night of February 26, 2026, following unprovoked firing from across the border. March 18 marks the date the temporary pause was announced, not the commencement of the operation. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1983439/pakistan-announces-temporary-pause-in-operation-ghazab-lil-haq-against-afghan-taliban, 18 Mar 2026]
#7742
Which of the following statements regarding the Pakistan Foreign Office response on May 2, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The FO spokesperson confirmed that Pakistan has ceased all military operations permanently to appease international observers.
(b) The FO spokesperson claimed that Afghan allegations of civilian casualties lack evidential credibility.
(c) The FO spokesperson stated that the British remarks were devoid of a deeper understanding of the border situation.
(d) The FO spokesperson highlighted that Pakistan has rendered unparalleled sacrifices in the fight against terrorism.
Explanation: Statement C is incorrect because Pakistan explicitly stated that its operations would continue until their objectives are achieved, rather than ceasing them permanently. The other statements accurately reflect the official stance communicated by the Foreign Office. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1996946/pakistan-slams-one-sided-remarks-by-british-diplomat-on-pak-afghan-border-situation, 02 May 2026]
#7743
What is the primary objective of the United States' 'Project Freedom' initiative announced in 2026?
(a) To enforce a permanent naval blockade in the Persian Gulf
(b) To conduct joint military exercises with regional allies
(c) To guide commercial vessels safely out of the Strait of Hormuz
(d) None of these
Explanation: Project Freedom is described as a humanitarian gesture intended to assist vessels that are stuck in the Strait of Hormuz due to the ongoing regional conflict. The initiative aims to ensure the safety of crews and the delivery of essential supplies. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1997230/iran-reviewing-us-response-to-14-point-plan-trump-says-washington-having-very-positive-discussions-with-tehran, 03 May 2026]
#7744
What is the name of the security operation launched by Pakistan on February 26, 2026, to counter cross-border attacks?
(a) Operation Zarb-e-Azb
(b) Operation Radd-ul-Fasaad
(c) Operation Ghazab lil-Haq
(d) None of these
Explanation: Operation Ghazab lil-Haq was initiated in February 2026 as a direct response to unprovoked cross-border aggression. The other listed operations are historical military campaigns and not the current operation mentioned. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1996135/firing-from-across-afghan-border-injures-5-in-kps-south-waziristan-security-sources, 29 Apr 2026]
#7745
Consider the following statements about the border security situation on April 29, 2026: 1. The shelling in Angoor Adda resulted in injuries to four children and one woman. 2. The Pakistan Army refrained from retaliatory fire to avoid escalating tensions. 3. The Afghan Taliban were attempting to assist the infiltration of militants into 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: Statement 1 is correct regarding the demographics of the injured. Statement 3 is correct as the infiltration attempt was the primary driver of the conflict. Statement 2 is incorrect because the Pakistan Army did engage in prompt retaliatory fire to destroy the firing positions. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1996135/firing-from-across-afghan-border-injures-5-in-kps-south-waziristan-security-sources, 29 Apr 2026]
#7746
Who is the current Foreign Minister of Iran mentioned in the context of the 2026 diplomatic efforts?
(a) Ali Bagheri Kani
(b) Hossein Amir-Abdollahian
(c) Mohammad Javad Zarif
(d) Abbas Araghchi
Explanation: Abbas Araghchi is identified as the Iranian Foreign Minister who expressed readiness for diplomacy provided the United States alters its approach. The other individuals listed are either former officials or not the primary spokesperson for this specific event. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1996711/trump-not-satisfied-with-irans-new-proposal-says-truce-terminated-hostilities-as-war-powers-deadline-arrives, 01 May 2026]
#7747
Which of the following is NOT a factor currently influencing global market sentiment as of 2026-04-29?
(a) Anticipation of a US Federal Reserve interest rate decision
(b) Expectations of immediate global nuclear disarmament
(c) Concerns regarding the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz
(d) Earnings updates from major technology firms
Explanation: The report focuses on energy security, monetary policy, and corporate earnings; it does not mention global nuclear disarmament as a current market driver. The other three options are explicitly identified as key factors affecting investor behavior. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1996151/oil-spikes-while-stocks-slip-ahead-of-us-fed-rate-decision, 29 Apr 2026]
#7748
In which two districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa did the security forces foil infiltration attempts on April 30, 2026?
(a) Mohmand and North Waziristan
(b) Bajaur and Kurram
(c) South Waziristan and Orakzai
(d) Khyber and Dir
Explanation: The ISPR confirmed that the two separate infiltration attempts occurred in the Mohmand and North Waziristan districts. These areas are critical points along the Pak-Afghan border where security forces maintain high vigilance. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1996454/13-terrorists-killed-as-bids-to-infiltrate-pak-afghan-border-in-kp-foiled-ispr, 30 Apr 2026]
#7749
Consider the following statements about the 2026 global economic outlook: 1. The World Bank projects that inflation in developing economies will be higher than previously expected before the conflict. 2. Urea prices are expected to jump by 60% in 2026. 3. Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz is expected to return to pre-war levels by early 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: Statement 1 is correct as inflation was revised upward by one percentage point. Statement 2 is correct regarding the 60% jump in urea. Statement 3 is incorrect because the baseline assumption is a return to pre-war levels by late 2026, not early 2026. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1995842/energy-prices-expected-to-surge-24pc-reaching-highest-level-since-2022-russia-ukraine-war-world-bank-assessment, 28 Apr 2026]
#7750
Which military wing issued the official statement regarding the border infiltration events on April 30, 2026?
(a) Ministry of Interior
(b) Inter-Services Public Relations
(c) National Counter Terrorism Authority
(d) Frontier Corps Command
Explanation: The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) is the media affairs wing of the Pakistan Armed Forces responsible for issuing official statements regarding military operations and security incidents. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1996454/13-terrorists-killed-as-bids-to-infiltrate-pak-afghan-border-in-kp-foiled-ispr, 30 Apr 2026]
#7751
Who is the current Petroleum Minister of Pakistan as of April 2026?
(a) Musadik Malik
(b) Ali Pervaiz Malik
(c) Jam Kamal Khan
(d) None of these
Explanation: Ali Pervaiz Malik is the Petroleum Minister who addressed the Reuters report regarding LNG procurement strategies. Musadik Malik is a common distractor due to his previous involvement in the energy ministry. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1992034/pakistan-considering-buying-lng-on-spot-market-to-offset-supply-disruptions-caused-by-iran-war-petroleum-minister, 15 Apr 2026]
#7752
Consider the following statements about the security operations reported on April 30, 2026: 1. The operations resulted in the death of 13 terrorists. 2. The engagements took place in the Mohmand and North Waziristan districts. 3. The ISPR claimed that the Afghan Taliban regime has successfully secured the border on their side. 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 ISPR explicitly stated that the Afghan Taliban regime has failed to ensure effective border management. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1996454/13-terrorists-killed-as-bids-to-infiltrate-pak-afghan-border-in-kp-foiled-ispr, 30 Apr 2026]
#7753
What is the name of the military operation launched by Pakistan against terrorists operating from Afghan soil in 2026?
(a) Operation Zarb-e-Azb
(b) Operation Radd-ul-Fasaad
(c) Operation Ghazab lil-Haq
(d) Operation Khyber-IV
Explanation: Operation Ghazab lil-Haq was initiated by Pakistan on February 26, 2026, to counter cross-border attacks. The other operations listed are historical military campaigns conducted by Pakistan in previous years. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1996946/pakistan-slams-one-sided-remarks-by-british-diplomat-on-pak-afghan-border-situation, 02 May 2026]
#7754
Consider the following statements about Cambridge examination security protocols: 1. The CIE investigation process involves reviewing evidence from multiple sources to confirm if papers were seen by students before exam dates. 2. In cases of confirmed leaks, the CIE has previously utilized 'assessed marks' as a remedial measure for affected students. 3. The June 2026 examination series is scheduled to conclude on June 9, 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 provided information. The CIE confirms leaks through multi-source evidence, employs assessed marks when necessary, and the current June series is confirmed to run from April 23 to June 9, 2026. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1996140/amid-furore-on-social-media-cambridge-says-aware-of-reports-about-question-paper-leak, 29 Apr 2026]
#7755
Which international benchmark oil contract reached $117.81 per barrel on 2026-04-29?
(a) West Texas Intermediate
(b) Dubai Crude
(c) Brent Crude
(d) None of these
Explanation: Brent crude is the international benchmark cited in the report as reaching $117.81 per barrel. West Texas Intermediate is a US-based benchmark and is not the contract mentioned in this context. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1996151/oil-spikes-while-stocks-slip-ahead-of-us-fed-rate-decision, 29 Apr 2026]
#7756
Consider the following statements about the military actions conducted during Operation Ghazab lil-Haq: 1. Pakistan targeted Afghan military installations in Kabul and Nangarhar on the night of March 16, 2026. 2. The operation targeted drone storage and technical support infrastructure used for attacks against Pakistan. 3. The government claimed that civilian populations were the primary target of the precision engagements. 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 correct as they align with the official report of the strikes on March 16. Statement 3 is incorrect because the government explicitly stated that no civilian population or infrastructure was targeted. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1983439/pakistan-announces-temporary-pause-in-operation-ghazab-lil-haq-against-afghan-taliban, 18 Mar 2026]
#7757
Who is the British Special Representative for Afghanistan whose social media remarks were criticized by the Pakistan Foreign Office on May 2, 2026?
(a) Richard Lindsay
(b) Thomas Drew
(c) Christian Turner
(d) None of these
Explanation: Richard Lindsay is the British Special Representative for Afghanistan who issued the remarks regarding the Pak-Afghan border. The other names listed are former British High Commissioners to Pakistan, not the current Special Representative. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1996946/pakistan-slams-one-sided-remarks-by-british-diplomat-on-pak-afghan-border-situation, 02 May 2026]
#7758
Consider the following statements about the energy situation in Pakistan as of April 2026: 1. Spot LNG prices have surged to between $20 and $30 per mmBtu due to Middle East conflict. 2. Eight out of ten fertilizer plants in the country are currently operational despite gas supply disruptions. 3. The Baragzai X-01 well is expected to contribute approximately 25% of Pakistan's total crude output. 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 2 are factually correct based on the report. Statement 3 is incorrect because the well is expected to contribute about 10% of crude output, not 25%. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1992034/pakistan-considering-buying-lng-on-spot-market-to-offset-supply-disruptions-caused-by-iran-war-petroleum-minister, 15 Apr 2026]
#7759
Which maritime chokepoint is identified as the primary source of concern for global oil supply disruptions as of 2026-04-29?
(a) Strait of Hormuz
(b) Strait of Malacca
(c) Suez Canal
(d) Bab-el-Mandeb Strait
Explanation: The Strait of Hormuz is a vital oil shipping route currently threatened by a potential blockade, which has caused Brent crude prices to spike. Other options are major maritime chokepoints but are not the focus of the current geopolitical tension described. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1996151/oil-spikes-while-stocks-slip-ahead-of-us-fed-rate-decision, 29 Apr 2026]
#7760
Consider the following statements about the current economic climate as of 2026-04-29: 1. Brent crude prices have surged due to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. 2. The US Federal Reserve is expected to announce a significant reduction in interest rates. 3. Investors are scrutinizing the capital expenditure of major tech firms regarding artificial intelligence.
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) All three
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct as oil prices rose due to the blockade concerns. Statement 3 is correct as tech firm AI spending is a major focus. Statement 2 is incorrect because the report states the Fed is expected to keep interest rates unchanged, not reduce them. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1996151/oil-spikes-while-stocks-slip-ahead-of-us-fed-rate-decision, 29 Apr 2026]