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.
#8341
Which of the following is NOT a stated priority discussed by the Foreign Ministers of Pakistan and Iran during their July 2026 meeting?
(a) Promotion of regional peace and stability
(b) Strengthening of bilateral ties
(c) Expansion of military alliances against third parties
(d) Implementation of the Islamabad MoU
Explanation: The meeting focused on de-escalation, dialogue, and regional stability. There was no mention of forming military alliances against third parties, making this the incorrect statement. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431646/pakistan-iran-fms-reaffirm-commitment-to-regional-peace-at-sco-meeting, 24 Jul 2026]
#8342
What specific humanitarian assistance did Pakistan provide to Iran, as acknowledged by the Iranian Foreign Minister in July 2026?
(a) Facilitating the return of Iranian fishermen
(b) Providing emergency medical supplies
(c) Offering technical support for energy infrastructure
(d) None of these
Explanation: Pakistan facilitated the safe transit and return of Iranian fishermen and crew members who had been interdicted. This gesture was explicitly appreciated by the Iranian Foreign Minister during the meeting. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431646/pakistan-iran-fms-reaffirm-commitment-to-regional-peace-at-sco-meeting, 24 Jul 2026]
#8343
Consider the following statements about the Civil Servants (Disclosure and Regulation of Foreign Nationality) Rules, 2026: 1. The rules apply only to the civil servant and not their dependents. 2. Civil servants must declare if they are married to foreign nationals. 3. The rules require disclosure of foreign status at the time of joining service. 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 rules explicitly require the disclosure of foreign nationality and travel documents for both the civil servant and their dependents. Statements 2 and 3 are accurate reflections of the new regulatory requirements. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431565/civil-servants-foreign-nationality-declaration-made-mandatory, 24 Jul 2026]
#8344
The Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) referenced during the July 2026 meeting between Pakistan and Iran was signed in which month?
(a) April 2026
(b) May 2026
(c) July 2026
(d) June 2026
Explanation: The Islamabad MoU, which serves as a framework for bilateral cooperation, was signed in June 2026. The meeting in July 2026 focused on building upon the understandings reached in that document. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431646/pakistan-iran-fms-reaffirm-commitment-to-regional-peace-at-sco-meeting, 24 Jul 2026]
#8345
Consider the following statements regarding Pakistan's diplomatic stance at the SCO meeting on July 24, 2026: 1. Pakistan emphasized that a stable Afghanistan is in the interest of all SCO member states. 2. The DPM highlighted that Afghan nationals have been involved in terrorist attacks within Pakistan. 3. Pakistan advocated for military intervention by the SCO to resolve the Afghan security crisis. 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 reflections of the DPM's address. Statement 3 is incorrect because Pakistan explicitly stated that dialogue and diplomacy remain the only sustainable paths to resolving conflicts, rather than advocating for military intervention. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431639/dpm-ishaq-dar-urges-sco-to-hold-afghan-taliban-accountable-over-terrorism, 24 Jul 2026]
#8346
The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) movement gained significant national traction following the cancellation of which type of examination in May 2026?
(a) Civil Services Examination
(b) Engineering entrance exam
(c) Medical school entrance test
(d) University graduation finals
Explanation: The movement expanded to millions of followers after a national medical school entrance test was cancelled due to a question paper leak. This event served as the primary catalyst for the widespread youth mobilization. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018062/indian-government-seeks-time-on-youth-protesters-minister-resignation-demand, 24 Jul 2026]
#8347
Consider the following statements about the meeting between the Foreign Ministers of Pakistan and Iran in July 2026: 1. The meeting occurred on the sidelines of the SCO Council of Foreign Ministers. 2. The ministers discussed the importance of de-escalation and sustained diplomatic engagement. 3. The Iranian Foreign Minister criticized Pakistan's role in regional security. 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 reflect the venue and the diplomatic tone of the meeting. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Iranian Foreign Minister actually expressed appreciation for Pakistan's constructive role in regional peace. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431646/pakistan-iran-fms-reaffirm-commitment-to-regional-peace-at-sco-meeting, 24 Jul 2026]
#8348
What specific medical condition did Mohammed Shahabuddin cite as the reason for his resignation on July 24, 2026?
(a) Autonomic neuropathy
(b) Chronic hypertension
(c) Cardiac arrhythmia
(d) None of these
Explanation: Mohammed Shahabuddin officially cited autonomic neuropathy, a condition causing occasional loss of consciousness, as the primary reason for his inability to continue his constitutional duties. The other options are common medical conditions but were not the reason provided in his resignation statement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018063/bangladesh-president-shahabuddin-76-resigns-citing-health-concerns, 24 Jul 2026]
#8349
Consider the following statements about the market timing policies in May 2026: 1. The federal government announced a nationwide 8pm market closure policy on April 6, 2026. 2. The Sindh government's decision to lift curbs was intended to facilitate businesses and citizens. 3. The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government requested citizens to continue observing electricity conservation measures despite lifting timing restrictions. 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 federal government did announce the 8pm policy in April, Sindh cited facilitation as the reason for the change, and KP explicitly requested continued electricity conservation. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2000676/sindh-lifts-curbs-on-market-timings-minister-says-step-taken-to-facilitate-businesses-citizens, 16 May 2026]
#8350
Consider the following statements about the refinery project announced on March 11, 2026: 1. The project involves a partnership with India's Reliance Industries. 2. The facility is intended to be the first major oil refinery built in the United States in half a century. 3. The project is entirely funded by the US federal government. 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 reflect the partnership with Reliance and the historical context of the refinery construction. Statement 3 is incorrect because the project is a private investment initiative, not a federally funded government project. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980847/trump-touts-us-oil-refinery-deal-with-indias-energy-giant-reliance-industries, 11 Mar 2026]
#8351
According to the statement made by Ishaq Dar on July 24, 2026, approximately how many terrorist incidents occurred in Pakistan during the current year?
(a) Over 1,000
(b) Over 1,500
(c) Over 2,000
(d) Over 2,500
Explanation: Ishaq Dar reported that over 2,000 terrorist incidents had occurred in Pakistan during the year 2026, resulting in the deaths of more than 560 citizens. This statistic underscores the urgency of his call for regional accountability. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431639/dpm-ishaq-dar-urges-sco-to-hold-afghan-taliban-accountable-over-terrorism, 24 Jul 2026]
#8352
Who was appointed as the Commander of the National Strategic Command on July 24, 2026?
(a) General Syed Asim Munir
(b) General Aamer Raza
(c) General Asif Ali Zardari
(d) None of these
Explanation: Lieutenant General Aamer Raza was promoted to the rank of four-star General and appointed as the Commander of the National Strategic Command on July 24, 2026. General Syed Asim Munir serves as the Chief of Defence Forces, making him an incorrect choice for this specific command role. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431618/lt-gen-aamer-raza-promoted-to-general-appointed-as-commander-of-national-strategic-command, 24 Jul 2026]
#8353
Who is the Education Minister of India whose resignation is being demanded by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) as of July 24, 2026?
(a) JP Nadda
(b) Dharmendra Pradhan
(c) Jitendra Singh
(d) Narendra Modi
Explanation: Dharmendra Pradhan is the Education Minister currently facing calls for resignation due to examination paper leaks. JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh are federal ministers who represented the government in the talks with the protesters. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018062/indian-government-seeks-time-on-youth-protesters-minister-resignation-demand, 24 Jul 2026]
#8354
Consider the following statements about the political transition in Bangladesh: 1. Tarique Rahman was sworn in as the Prime Minister of Bangladesh in February 2026. 2. The Awami League party remains a legally active and permitted political entity in Bangladesh. 3. The resignation of the president occurred amidst a period of significant political restructuring following the 2024 uprising. 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 Tarique Rahman took office in February 2026. Statement 3 is correct as the resignation is part of the post-2024 political shift. Statement 2 is incorrect because the Awami League party has been banned following the uprising. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018063/bangladesh-president-shahabuddin-76-resigns-citing-health-concerns, 24 Jul 2026]
#8355
Which of the following statements regarding the parliamentary proceedings on March 10, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The deputy speaker granted the opposition the floor to debate the fuel price hike.
(b) Opposition members raised slogans against the government's fuel price hike.
(c) The protest occurred immediately after the question hour.
(d) Lawmakers from PTI and JUI-F participated in the protest.
Explanation: The deputy speaker refused to grant the opposition the floor to address the fuel price hike, which directly led to the uproar and subsequent adjournment. The other statements accurately reflect the events of the session. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40410878/na-adjourned-after-oppositions-uproar-against-fuel-price-hike, 10 Mar 2026]
#8356
On March 10, 2026, the National Assembly session was adjourned following protests regarding an increase in the price of which commodities?
(a) Electricity and Gas
(b) Petrol and Diesel
(c) Wheat and Sugar
(d) None of these
Explanation: The session was adjourned due to opposition uproar specifically concerning a Rs55 per litre hike in petrol and diesel prices. Other commodities like electricity or food items were not the primary cause of the protest. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40410878/na-adjourned-after-oppositions-uproar-against-fuel-price-hike, 10 Mar 2026]
#8357
Who assumed the position of Supreme Leader of Iran following the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in 2026?
(a) Ebrahim Raisi
(b) Mojtaba Khamenei
(c) Hassan Rouhani
(d) None of these
Explanation: Mojtaba Khamenei assumed the role of Supreme Leader of Iran in March 2026. The other individuals listed are former Iranian officials who do not hold this current position. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40410989/pm-shehbaz-president-zardari-congratulate-irans-new-supreme-leader-mojtaba-khamenei, 10 Mar 2026]
#8358
According to the claims made by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister on May 20, 2026, what percentage of vision has the former prime minister allegedly lost in one eye?
(a) 85 per cent
(b) 75 per cent
(c) 50 per cent
(d) 95 per cent
Explanation: The Chief Minister stated during the press conference that the former prime minister has lost 85 per cent of his vision in one eye. This figure was cited as a primary reason for the demand for specialized medical care. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2001835/afridi-aleema-claim-shots-were-fired-at-adiala-sit-in-participants, 20 May 2026]
#8359
Which of the following claims was NOT made by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister or Aleema Khan during the press conference on May 20, 2026?
(a) Shots were fired at the sit-in participants on Tuesday night.
(b) Wheat supplies to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have been blocked by the federal government.
(c) The former prime minister secured a deal for petroleum products at 30 per cent lower rates from Russia.
(d) The judiciary is currently operating with complete independence in all cases.
Explanation: Aleema Khan explicitly claimed that the judiciary had been 'managed' and that no judge was willing to independently hear the cases, making the false statement. The other options reflect claims made by the speakers during the event. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2001835/afridi-aleema-claim-shots-were-fired-at-adiala-sit-in-participants, 20 May 2026]
#8360
In which city was the lawsuit filed by Anthropic against the United States government on March 10, 2026?
(a) San Francisco
(b) Washington
(c) New York
(d) Los Angeles
Explanation: The complaint was filed in federal court located in San Francisco. While Washington is the seat of the federal government and the Pentagon, the legal action itself was initiated in the Northern District of California. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980425/anthropic-takes-us-govt-to-court-over-security-risk-designation, 10 Mar 2026]