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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#11621

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]
#11622

According to the statements made on 2026-07-27, who is credited with effectively presenting the Kashmir case at international forums?

(a) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari
(b) Khawaja Asif
(c) Sharjeel Inam Memon
(d) None of these
Explanation: Bilawal Bhutto Zardari is cited for his role as Foreign Minister in advocating for the Kashmiri people's right to self-determination at international forums. Khawaja Asif was mentioned in the context of a separate political controversy. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431894/only-kashmiris-have-to-decide-the-fate-of-kashmir-sharjeel, 27 Jul 2026]
#11623

Which of the following statements regarding the meeting on July 27, 2026, is INCORRECT?

(a) The meeting was held at the General Headquarters in Rawalpindi.
(b) The delegation included representatives from the US House of Representatives.
(c) Field Marshal Asim Munir highlighted the importance of structural reforms.
(d) The discussions excluded any mention of bilateral economic cooperation.
Explanation: The statement that discussions excluded economic cooperation is incorrect, as economic engagement and trade partnerships were primary agenda items during the meeting. The other three options accurately reflect the events of the day. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40432023/us-lawmakers-meet-field-marshal-munir-discuss-security-economic-cooperation, 27 Jul 2026]
#11624

According to the official statement regarding the July 27, 2026 meeting, what did Field Marshal Asim Munir identify as being closely linked to sustainable regional stability?

(a) Military expansion
(b) Economic growth and trade expansion
(c) Border fencing projects
(d) None of these
Explanation: Field Marshal Munir highlighted that sustainable regional stability is closely linked to economic growth, trade expansion, and regional connectivity. This reflects the current focus on economic diplomacy. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40432023/us-lawmakers-meet-field-marshal-munir-discuss-security-economic-cooperation, 27 Jul 2026]
#11625

Which US Congressman from Montana was part of the delegation that met with the Pakistani military leadership on July 27, 2026?

(a) Ryan Keith Zinke
(b) Michael James
(c) Mike Johnson
(d) None of these
Explanation: Congressman Ryan Keith Zinke of Montana was one of the two US representatives who visited the GHQ. Michael James of Washington was the other member of the delegation. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40432023/us-lawmakers-meet-field-marshal-munir-discuss-security-economic-cooperation, 27 Jul 2026]
#11626

The meeting between the US lawmakers and the Pakistani military leadership on July 27, 2026, primarily focused on which of the following areas?

(a) Climate change mitigation
(b) Educational exchange programs
(c) Regional security and economic cooperation
(d) Space exploration technology
Explanation: The discussions centered on regional security, bilateral defence cooperation, and avenues for expanding economic engagement. These topics are central to the strategic alignment between the two nations. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40432023/us-lawmakers-meet-field-marshal-munir-discuss-security-economic-cooperation, 27 Jul 2026]
#11627

Which military operation was launched by Pakistan against the Afghan Taliban last month, as referenced on March 18, 2026?

(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 identified by the DG ISPR as the ongoing military campaign launched against the Afghan Taliban to counter terrorism. The other options refer to historical operations that are not the subject of this specific 2026 event. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1983447/our-intelligence-was-correct-dg-ispr-says-pakistan-hit-ammunition-storage-site-in-kabul-strike, 18 Mar 2026]
#11628

What was the primary target of the Pakistani strike in Kabul as confirmed by the DG ISPR on March 18, 2026?

(a) A regional administrative office
(b) An ammunition storage site
(c) A border communication tower
(d) A civilian transport hub
Explanation: The DG ISPR confirmed that the strike in Kabul specifically targeted an ammunition and drone storage site. The secondary detonations observed in the area were attributed to the explosion of stored missiles and equipment. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1983447/our-intelligence-was-correct-dg-ispr-says-pakistan-hit-ammunition-storage-site-in-kabul-strike, 18 Mar 2026]
#11629

Which of the following statements regarding the events of March 8, 2026, is INCORRECT?

(a) The Israeli military successfully recovered the remains of the missing navigator.
(b) The Lebanese Health Ministry reported 41 deaths in the Nabi Chit area.
(c) Israeli forces conducted airstrikes in the southern suburbs of Beirut.
(d) Three Lebanese army personnel were reported among the casualties.
Explanation: The Israeli military explicitly stated that no findings related to the missing navigator were recovered during the operation. The other statements accurately reflect the reported casualties and military actions. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979644/israel-pounds-beirut-warns-lebanon-of-heavy-price, 08 Mar 2026]
#11630

Consider the following statements about the conflict escalation on March 8, 2026: 1. The United Nations Special Coordinator for Lebanon warned that military actions will not deliver a lasting win. 2. Approximately 300,000 people have been displaced due to evacuation orders. 3. Israel has claimed territorial sovereignty over parts of the Bekaa Valley. 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 reports of displacement and UN statements. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Israeli Defence Minister explicitly stated that Israel has no territorial claims against Lebanon. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979644/israel-pounds-beirut-warns-lebanon-of-heavy-price, 08 Mar 2026]
#11631

On March 8, 2026, Israeli forces conducted a rare airborne operation in which region of Lebanon?

(a) Bekaa Valley
(b) Tyre District
(c) Sidon Governorate
(d) None of these
Explanation: Israeli helicopters dropped troops near the town of Nabi Chit, which is located in the eastern Bekaa Valley. This operation was specifically aimed at searching for the remains of a missing Israeli airforce navigator. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979644/israel-pounds-beirut-warns-lebanon-of-heavy-price, 08 Mar 2026]
#11632

The Israeli military operation in the Bekaa Valley on March 8, 2026, was officially stated to be a search for the remains of which individual?

(a) Jonathan Pollard
(b) Eli Cohen
(c) Gilad Shalit
(d) Ron Arad
Explanation: The Israeli military stated the operation was intended to recover the remains of Ron Arad, an airforce navigator who has been missing in Lebanon since 1986. The other individuals listed are historical figures not involved in this specific search operation. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979644/israel-pounds-beirut-warns-lebanon-of-heavy-price, 08 Mar 2026]
#11633

Which of the following statements regarding the Prime Minister's address at the Indus RAS Expo 2026 is INCORRECT?

(a) The Prime Minister emphasized the need for clear regulatory and ethical frameworks for autonomous systems.
(b) The Prime Minister stated that the RAS revolution should be limited to large corporations and major cities.
(c) The Prime Minister highlighted that simulators displayed at the expo were 100 percent manufactured in Pakistan.
(d) The Prime Minister called for a single national innovation ecosystem involving universities and farmers.
Explanation: The Prime Minister explicitly stated that the RAS revolution must NOT remain the privilege of a few advanced economies or large corporations, but should instead be a force for inclusive growth. Therefore, option B is the incorrect statement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017529/pakistans-progress-in-indigenous-autonomous-capabilities-an-integral-part-of-national-defence-pm-shehbaz, 22 Jul 2026]
#11634

Where was the Indus Robotics and Autonomous Systems (RAS) Expo 2026 held?

(a) Jinnah Convention Centre, Islamabad
(b) Pak-China Friendship Centre, Islamabad
(c) Expo Centre, Karachi
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Indus Robotics and Autonomous Systems (RAS) Expo 2026 took place at the Pak-China Friendship Centre in Islamabad on July 22, 2026. The Jinnah Convention Centre and Karachi Expo Centre are common venues for large events but were not the site of this specific expo. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017529/pakistans-progress-in-indigenous-autonomous-capabilities-an-integral-part-of-national-defence-pm-shehbaz, 22 Jul 2026]
#11635

According to the Prime Minister's address on July 22, 2026, what percentage of indigenization has been achieved in the production of drones?

(a) 60 percent
(b) 50 percent
(c) 40 percent
(d) 75 percent
Explanation: The Prime Minister noted that drones have achieved 60 percent indigenization, highlighting the progress made in domestic manufacturing capabilities. Other figures like 40 or 50 percent are incorrect as they do not reflect the specific progress cited in the official address. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017529/pakistans-progress-in-indigenous-autonomous-capabilities-an-integral-part-of-national-defence-pm-shehbaz, 22 Jul 2026]
#11636

Consider the following statements about Pakistan's defence and technology initiatives: 1. The Indus RAS Expo 2026 was held to showcase advancements in indigenous autonomous capabilities. 2. The Prime Minister recalled the Indus AI Week held in February 2026 as part of the journey in artificial intelligence. 3. The Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and Chief of the Army Staff is Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir. Which of the statements given above 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 text. The expo focused on autonomous systems, the AI week was held in February, and the title of the Chief of Defence Forces is correctly identified as Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017529/pakistans-progress-in-indigenous-autonomous-capabilities-an-integral-part-of-national-defence-pm-shehbaz, 22 Jul 2026]
#11637

Which of the following statements regarding the Prime Minister's address on May 19, 2026, is INCORRECT?

(a) He reaffirmed Pakistan's resolve to defend its territorial integrity.
(b) He stated that Pakistan's peace offer was a sign of military weakness.
(c) He acknowledged the presence of students from friendly countries at the war college.
(d) He highlighted the importance of military diplomacy for regional stability.
Explanation: The Prime Minister explicitly stated that Pakistan's peace offer was never a sign of weakness, but rather a reflection of its strength and mature stance. Therefore, the statement claiming he called it a weakness is incorrect. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2001538/pakistan-a-net-regional-stabiliser-contributing-to-peace-in-the-region-and-beyond-pm-shehbaz, 19 May 2026]
#11638

Which of the following statements regarding the Defence Minister's remarks on May 18, 2026, is INCORRECT?

(a) He claimed that the Indus Waters Treaty cannot be suspended unilaterally.
(b) He stated that Pakistan's armed forces gave a devastating response to India last year.
(c) He confirmed that the 28th constitutional amendment had been tabled before the cabinet.
(d) He criticized the remarks made by the Indian Army Chief.
Explanation: The Defence Minister explicitly rejected the impression that the 28th constitutional amendment had been tabled, making option C the incorrect statement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2001298/india-will-be-relegated-to-history-if-it-attempts-misadventure-against-pakistan, 18 May 2026]
#11639

Consider the following statements regarding the geopolitical and administrative developments reported on August 9, 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 correct
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect because the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement is described as an evolution toward collective deterrence rather than a bilateral pact. Statement 2 is correct as Egyptian participation is contingent upon resolving technical issues. Statement 3 is correct as the constitutional framework of AJK is designed to mirror the parliamentary system of Pakistan. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2021671/egypt-could-join-pak-saudi-turkiye-defence-pact-once-technical-issues-resolved-says-turkish-foreign-minister]
#11640

In which division of Balochistan did the Prime Minister order the deployment of the Frontier Corps on May 19, 2026?

(a) Rakhshan Division
(b) Kalat Division
(c) Makran Division
(d) None of these
Explanation: During the Apex Committee meeting in Quetta, the Prime Minister specifically directed the deployment of the Frontier Corps in the Rakhshan division to enhance security measures. The other options are existing divisions in Balochistan but were not the focus of this specific directive. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2001538/pakistan-a-net-regional-stabiliser-contributing-to-peace-in-the-region-and-beyond-pm-shehbaz, 19 May 2026]