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.
#11881
Consider the following statements about the security situation as of March 18, 2026: 1. The Kabul strike resulted in secondary detonations of old Russian Scud missiles. 2. The DG ISPR claimed that 81 locations in Afghanistan were targeted in airstrikes. 3. The Tarlai imambargah attack was cited as an example of terrorism originating from Afghanistan. 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 supported by the DG ISPR's briefing. The strike in Kabul involved the destruction of stored missiles, 81 locations were targeted to dismantle support infrastructure, and the Tarlai attack was specifically linked to Afghan-based terrorists. [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]
#11882
Which of the following statements regarding the security operations reported on May 21, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The operations were conducted over a period of 72 hours.
(b) The operations resulted in the death of 23 terrorists.
(c) Security forces discovered and destroyed complex underground tunnels and bunkers.
(d) Weapons and a large cache of explosives were recovered from the terrorists.
Explanation: The ISPR statement specified that the operations were conducted over the last 48 hours, not 72 hours. The other statements accurately reflect the findings and outcomes of the reported IBOs. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2002065/security-forces-kill-23-terrorists-in-multiple-khyber-pakhtunkhwa-ibos-ispr, 21 May 2026]
#11883
Who was appointed as the Commander of the National Strategic Command (NSC) on July 24, 2026?
(a) General Sahir Shamshad Mirza
(b) General Aamer Raza
(c) General Asim Munir
(d) None of these
Explanation: General Aamer Raza was promoted to the rank of four-star general and appointed as the Commander of the National Strategic Command. General Sahir Shamshad Mirza is the incorrect choice as he was the last officer to serve as the Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee before that office was abolished. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431733/lt-gen-aamer-promoted-appointed-as-commander-nsc, 24 Jul 2026]
#11884
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) expects a fresh wet spell to commence on July 29, 2026, primarily affecting:
(a) Coastal areas of Balochistan
(b) Upper catchments of major rivers
(c) Southern districts of Sindh
(d) Central plains of Punjab
Explanation: The PMD forecast indicates that the fresh wet spell will impact the upper catchments of major rivers, Islamabad, upper Punjab, AJK, KP, and GB. Coastal and southern regions were not the primary focus of this specific forecast. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018500/chenab-flood-level-eases-from-medium-to-low-pmd-forecasts-more-rain-in-upper-parts-of-punjab-from-july-29, 26 Jul 2026]
#11885
Consider the following statements about the monsoon situation in Punjab as of 2026-07-26: 1. The PDMA reported that five buffaloes were killed due to rain-related incidents. 2. A child drowned in rainwater that accumulated in fields near Pathan Colony in Gujranwala. 3. The PDMA headquarters confirmed that all major rivers in Punjab had exceeded their flood warning levels. 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 PDMA report. Statement 3 is incorrect because the PDMA explicitly stated that major rivers remained within normal limits, not that they had exceeded warning levels. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018407/seven-killed-20-hurt-as-heavy-rains-lash-punjab, 26 Jul 2026]
#11886
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]
#11887
What proportion of the total flood-related deaths reported in Pakistan by July 27, 2026, occurred in the province of Punjab?
(a) Approximately one-fourth
(b) Approximately one-third
(c) Approximately one-half
(d) None of these
Explanation: Official disaster management data indicated that approximately one-third of the total 109 flood-related deaths occurred in Punjab. This highlights the disproportionate impact of the monsoon on the province. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40432025/flooding-forces-residents-to-flee-homes-by-boat-in-pakistan, 27 Jul 2026]
#11888
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]
#11889
Where did the meeting between General Aamer Raza and Field Marshal Asim Munir take place on July 27, 2026?
(a) Prime Minister House, Islamabad
(b) Joint Staff Headquarters, Chaklala
(c) Aiwan-i-Sadr, Islamabad
(d) General Headquarters (GHQ), Rawalpindi
Explanation: The meeting occurred at the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi, where the CNSC was presented with a guard of honour. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018788/newly-appointed-cnsc-aamer-raza-meets-cdf-asim-munir-in-rawalpindi-ispr, 27 Jul 2026]
#11890
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]
#11891
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]
#11892
Who was appointed as the first Commander of the National Strategic Command (CNSC) in 2026?
(a) General Syed Aamer Raza
(b) General Asim Munir
(c) General Sahir Shamshad Mirza
(d) None of these
Explanation: General Syed Aamer Raza was promoted to the rank of a four-star general and appointed as the first CNSC. Asim Munir serves as the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF). [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018788/newly-appointed-cnsc-aamer-raza-meets-cdf-asim-munir-in-rawalpindi-ispr, 27 Jul 2026]
#11893
Which of the following US Congressmen was part of the delegation that visited Pakistan in July 2026?
(a) Ryan Keith Zinke
(b) Michael McCaul
(c) Brad Sherman
(d) None of these
Explanation: Ryan Keith Zinke, representing Montana, was one of the two US congressmen who visited Pakistan. Michael James was the other member of the delegation, making 'None of these' incorrect as Zinke is explicitly listed. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018779/in-meeting-with-cdf-munir-us-congressmen-acknowledge-pakistans-critical-role-in-regional-stability-ispr, 27 Jul 2026]
#11894
Consider the following statements about the military command overhaul in 2026: 1. Field Marshal Asim Munir serves as the country's first Chief of Defence Forces (CDF). 2. The CNSC appointment process is subject to judicial review under the 27th Amendment. 3. The CNSC position replaces the nuclear management functions previously held by the CJCSC.
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) All three
Explanation: Statement 2 is incorrect because the 27th Amendment explicitly states that the appointment process cannot be called into question before any court. Statements 1 and 3 are factually accurate. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018788/newly-appointed-cnsc-aamer-raza-meets-cdf-asim-munir-in-rawalpindi-ispr, 27 Jul 2026]
#11895
Consider the following statements about the visit of the US delegation in July 2026: 1. The delegation met with the Governor of Punjab in Lahore. 2. The US congressmen expressed that the bilateral relationship has never been better. 3. The delegation visited the mausoleum of Allama Iqbal during their stay in Islamabad. 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 the delegation met the Punjab Governor and Zinke remarked on the strength of the relationship. Statement 3 is incorrect because the mausoleum of Allama Iqbal is located in Lahore, not Islamabad. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018779/in-meeting-with-cdf-munir-us-congressmen-acknowledge-pakistans-critical-role-in-regional-stability-ispr, 27 Jul 2026]
#11896
Who is the current Foreign Minister of Iran who met with the Pakistani delegation in Tehran on April 15, 2026?
(a) Abbas Araghchi
(b) Esmaeil Baqaei
(c) Hossein Amir-Abdollahian
(d) Mohammad Javad Zarif
Explanation: Abbas Araghchi is the Iranian Foreign Minister who welcomed Field Marshal Asim Munir in Tehran. Esmaeil Baqaei is the foreign ministry spokesman, not the Foreign Minister. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1991972/cdf-munir-visits-iran-alongside-delegation-as-part-of-mediation-efforts-holds-meeting-with-fm-araghchi, 15 Apr 2026]
#11897
The mediation efforts led by Pakistan in April 2026 are primarily aimed at de-escalating tensions between which two countries?
(a) Pakistan and India
(b) Russia and Ukraine
(c) Saudi Arabia and Iran
(d) Iran and the United States
Explanation: The diplomatic efforts are focused on de-escalation between Iran and the United States, following direct talks held in Islamabad. The other options represent different geopolitical conflicts not addressed by this specific mediation mission. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1991972/cdf-munir-visits-iran-alongside-delegation-as-part-of-mediation-efforts-holds-meeting-with-fm-araghchi, 15 Apr 2026]
#11898
Consider the following statements about the 2026 report on gender-based violence: 1. The report is based on data gathered from official police records exclusively. 2. The report highlights that filing an FIR is only the initial step toward achieving justice. 3. The report suggests that resources should be directed toward districts with a disproportionate share of cases. 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 report is based on newspaper accounts, not exclusively on official police records. Statements 2 and 3 are accurate reflections of the report's findings regarding the judicial process and resource allocation. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018677/writing-on-the-wall, 27 Jul 2026]
#11899
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]
#11900
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]