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.
#11901
What was the name of the Pakistani fisherman who lost his life in the incident on March 9, 2026?
(a) Muhammad Tayyab
(b) Naqibullah Kakar
(c) Attaur Rehman
(d) None of these
Explanation: Muhammad Tayyab was the fisherman from Gannz, Gwadar, who was killed by debris. Naqibullah Kakar and Attaur Rehman are the officials who confirmed the details of the incident. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40410710/iran-waters-gwadar-fisherman-killed-by-debris-from-israeli-projectile, 09 Mar 2026]
#11902
In which areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa were the intelligence-based operations conducted on May 21, 2026?
(a) Datta Khel, Spinwam, and Bannu
(b) Tank, Dera Ismail Khan, and Wana
(c) Mir Ali, Razmak, and Khyber
(d) None of these
Explanation: The ISPR confirmed that the operations conducted over the 48-hour period leading to May 21, 2026, were focused in the areas of Datta Khel, Spinwam, and Bannu. Other locations like Tank and Dera Ismail Khan have been sites of separate operations but were not the primary focus of this specific report. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2002065/security-forces-kill-23-terrorists-in-multiple-khyber-pakhtunkhwa-ibos-ispr, 21 May 2026]
#11903
Consider the following statements about the incident involving the Gwadar fisherman: 1. The incident took place on March 7, 2026. 2. The projectile was identified by officials as being of Israeli origin. 3. The victim's body was transported back to his native town via sea. 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 incident occurred on Saturday, March 7, 2026, but the report was published on March 9, 2026. Statements 2 and 3 are factually correct as per the official confirmation provided by the Gwadar Deputy Commissioner. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40410710/iran-waters-gwadar-fisherman-killed-by-debris-from-israeli-projectile, 09 Mar 2026]
#11904
Consider the following statements about the PMD monsoon forecast for 2026: 1. A westerly wave is expected to strengthen from August 1, affecting upper and central parts of the country. 2. Rainfall in Sindh is expected to occur primarily between July 31 and August 2. 3. The PMD advisory warns of landslides in the coastal districts of Sindh. 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 PMD advisory. Statement 3 is incorrect because the PMD warns of landslides in mountainous regions like KP, GB, and AJK, not in the coastal districts of Sindh. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018977/pmd-forecasts-fresh-spell-of-monsoon-rains-across-country-from-july-29-to-august-5, 28 Jul 2026]
#11905
Which of the following Iranian officials did Field Marshal Asim Munir NOT meet during his visit to Tehran in May 2026?
(a) Masoud Pezeshkian
(b) Ali Khamenei
(c) Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf
(d) Abbas Araghchi
Explanation: Field Marshal Asim Munir met with President Masoud Pezeshkian, Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. There is no mention of a meeting with the Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, in the official reports. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2002541/encouraging-progress-made-during-cdf-munirs-tehran-visit-ispr, 23 May 2026]
#11906
Which of the following barrages in Sindh reported a 42 percent water shortage as of May 2026?
(a) Sukkur Barrage
(b) Guddu Barrage
(c) Taunsa Barrage
(d) Jinnah Barrage
Explanation: Guddu Barrage is specifically cited as experiencing a 42 percent water shortage, reflecting the severe impact of reduced water releases on Sindh's irrigation infrastructure. Taunsa and Jinnah barrages are located in Punjab. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2004154/sharjeel-memon-criticises-irsas-unjust-reduction-of-sindhs-water-share-urges-centre-to-take-notice, 31 May 2026]
#11907
Consider the following statements about the water dispute in May 2026: 1. Sindh reported a 22 percent overall water shortage across the province. 2. IRSA justified the cuts as an effort to equalise shortages between Punjab and Sindh. 3. The Sindh government requested the immediate halting of the Taunsa-Panjnad link canal operations. 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 reported events of May 2026. The province faced a 22 percent shortage, IRSA cited 'shortage equalisation' as the policy, and the Sindh Irrigation Department formally requested the suspension of link canal extractions. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2004154/sharjeel-memon-criticises-irsas-unjust-reduction-of-sindhs-water-share-urges-centre-to-take-notice, 31 May 2026]
#11908
Consider the following statements about the diplomatic situation in March 2026: 1. The sinking of the IRIS Dena represents the first such US naval action since World War Two. 2. The Iranian diplomats in Colombo have requested the return of the remains of the 84 deceased sailors. 3. The IRIS Lavan was permitted to dock in Sri Lanka on humanitarian grounds. 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 US action was described as the first of its kind since World War Two. Statement 2 is correct as Iranian diplomats requested the remains. Statement 3 is incorrect because the IRIS Lavan docked in India, not Sri Lanka. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979691/sri-lanka-to-treat-iranian-sailors-according-to-international-law, 08 Mar 2026]
#11909
Who accompanied Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif during his diplomatic visit to Saudi Arabia on March 12, 2026?
(a) Ishaq Dar and Asim Munir
(b) Bilawal Bhutto and Nadeem Anjum
(c) Ahsan Iqbal and Sahir Shamshad Mirza
(d) None of these
Explanation: The official delegation included Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir. This reflects the high-level security and diplomatic nature of the visit. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981279/in-restricted-meeting-with-saudi-crown-prince-pm-shehbaz-assures-him-of-pakistans-full-solidarity-support, 12 Mar 2026]
#11910
Consider the following statements about the security situation in Bannu as of July 19, 2026: 1. The intelligence-based operation was conducted for the third consecutive day. 2. A terrorist was killed while attempting to plant an improvised explosive device. 3. The military reported that 24 terrorists were killed in Bannu and its adjoining areas in the 24 hours preceding July 17, 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 report. The operation was in its third day, the terrorist was killed while planting an IED, and the ISPR confirmed the death of 24 terrorists in the preceding 24-hour window relative to the Friday report. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016737/one-terrorist-killed-8-others-held-as-joint-operation-continues-in-bannu, 19 Jul 2026]
#11911
In which two districts of Balochistan did security forces conduct the counter-terrorism operations reported on July 22, 2026?
(a) Ziarat and Quetta
(b) Surab and Mastung
(c) Gwadar and Turbat
(d) None of these
Explanation: The ISPR confirmed that the operations were carried out in the Surab and Mastung districts. Ziarat was the site of a separate incident involving the Mangi Dam pumping station earlier in the month. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017521/10-terrorists-killed-2-female-suicide-bombers-and-their-facilitator-apprehended-in-balochistan-operations-ispr, 22 Jul 2026]
#11912
Who received the Iranian Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni upon his arrival in Islamabad on July 20, 2026?
(a) Mohsin Naqvi
(b) Syed Asim Munir
(c) Shehbaz Sharif
(d) None of these
Explanation: Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi officially received his Iranian counterpart, Eskandar Momeni, upon his arrival in Islamabad. While the visiting dignitary was scheduled to meet with the Prime Minister and the Army Chief, the reception at the airport was conducted by the Interior Minister. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017051/irans-interior-minister-eskandar-momeni-arrives-in-pakistan, 20 Jul 2026]
#11913
Which of the following statements regarding the diplomatic situation in July 2026 is INCORRECT?
(a) Pakistan has been leading peace efforts since the conflict began in February 2026.
(b) Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei stated that diplomatic exchanges with the US have completely ceased.
(c) The Islamabad MoU was a 14-point interim peace deal.
(d) The conflict has led to a surge in global oil prices.
Explanation: Statement C is incorrect because the Iranian foreign ministry spokesman explicitly stated that diplomatic exchanges with the US via mediators were ongoing, despite the military escalation. The other statements accurately reflect the status of the mediation and the economic impact of the conflict. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017051/irans-interior-minister-eskandar-momeni-arrives-in-pakistan, 20 Jul 2026]
#11914
Consider the following statements regarding the developments in Pakistan's economic and legislative landscape on August 8, 2026:
(a) Only 1 and 2 are correct
(b) Only 2 and 3 are correct
(c) Only 1 and 3 are correct
(d) All statements are correct
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect as the BoP President advocated for a 'Welfare GDP' framework to address developmental economics, not specific agricultural cooperation with New Zealand. Statement 2 accurately reflects the KP Assembly's legislative action. Statement 3 accurately describes the economic indicators reported regarding inflation. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2021370/bank-of-punjab-chief-seeks-welfare-gdp]
#11915
Consider the following statements about the 2026 mediation efforts: 1. The negotiations include discussions on the Strait of Hormuz and Iran's nuclear programme. 2. Pakistan's Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also participated in diplomatic efforts in Tehran. 3. The ceasefire that preceded these talks was established on 8th April, 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 report. The negotiations cover the specified technical frameworks, Interior Minister Naqvi was actively involved in multiple visits, and the ceasefire date is correctly cited as 8th April, 2026. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2002541/encouraging-progress-made-during-cdf-munirs-tehran-visit-ispr, 23 May 2026]
#11916
On June 11, 2026, the first Hangor-class submarine arrived at which naval facility?
(a) Gwadar Port
(b) Karachi Port
(c) Ormara Naval Base
(d) None of these
Explanation: The first Hangor-class submarine arrived at Karachi Port on June 11, 2026, as part of the Pakistan Navy's modernization program. Gwadar and Ormara are other naval locations, but they were not the site of this specific arrival. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2007071/first-hangor-class-submarine-arrives-at-karachi-port, 11 Jun 2026]
#11917
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]
#11918
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]
#11919
The Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) between Pakistan and India has been in place for how many years as of 2026?
(a) 66 years
(b) 60 years
(c) 50 years
(d) 70 years
Explanation: The Indus Waters Treaty has been in effect for 66 years. It remains a foundational document for water-sharing between the two nations. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2001298/india-will-be-relegated-to-history-if-it-attempts-misadventure-against-pakistan, 18 May 2026]
#11920
Who is the current Defence Minister of Pakistan as of May 18, 2026?
(a) Azam Nazir Tarar
(b) Khawaja Muhammad Asif
(c) Upendra Dwivedi
(d) None of these
Explanation: Khawaja Muhammad Asif is the serving Defence Minister of Pakistan. Azam Nazir Tarar is the Law Minister, and Upendra Dwivedi is the Indian Army Chief. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2001298/india-will-be-relegated-to-history-if-it-attempts-misadventure-against-pakistan, 18 May 2026]