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.
#11921
Consider the following statements regarding the diplomatic engagements of May 27, 2026: 1. The Prime Minister discussed the potential for a US-Iran peace deal to unlock economic potential. 2. The Malaysian Prime Minister described Pakistan's role in the Gulf ceasefire as remarkable. 3. The Kuwaiti leadership expressed reservations regarding Pakistan's mediation efforts. 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 diplomatic exchanges. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Kuwaiti leadership was reported to be fully supportive of Pakistan's mediation efforts, not reserved. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2003497/us-iran-peace-deal-could-benefit-entire-region-pm-tells-pezeshkian-in-eid-call, 27 May 2026]
#11922
In which districts of Balochistan were the intelligence-based operations (IBOs) conducted by security forces on June 2, 2026?
(a) Mastung, Nushki, Khuzdar, and Kech
(b) Gwadar, Turbat, Panjgur, and Lasbela
(c) Quetta, Pishin, Chaman, and Zhob
(d) None of these
Explanation: The ISPR statement confirmed that the IBOs were specifically carried out in the districts of Mastung, Nushki, Khuzdar, and Kech following the Quetta train attack. Other districts listed in the distractors, while located in Balochistan, were not the primary sites of these specific operations. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2004690/security-forces-kill-17-terrorists-in-various-districts-of-balochistan-following-quetta-train-bombing-ispr, 02 Jun 2026]
#11923
All of the following statements regarding the June 10, 2026, helicopter crash are TRUE EXCEPT:
(a) The crash occurred during take-off.
(b) A board of inquiry has been ordered to investigate the cause.
(c) There were survivors among the personnel on board.
(d) The incident took place near Muzaffarabad.
Explanation: The ISPR confirmed that there were no survivors in the crash, making the false statement. All other options accurately reflect the details provided by the military's media wing. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2006621/no-survivors-as-pakistan-army-mi-17-helicopter-crashes-near-muzaffarabad-ispr, 10 Jun 2026]
#11924
Which Malaysian leader appreciated Pakistan's role in the ceasefire in the Gulf during a conversation on May 27, 2026?
(a) Mahathir Mohamad
(b) Anwar Ibrahim
(c) Ismail Sabri Yaakob
(d) Muhyiddin Yassin
Explanation: Malaysian Prime Minister Dr. Anwar Ibrahim held a telephonic conversation with PM Shehbaz Sharif to appreciate Pakistan's role in the Gulf ceasefire. The other options represent former Malaysian leaders who were not involved in this specific diplomatic exchange. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2003497/us-iran-peace-deal-could-benefit-entire-region-pm-tells-pezeshkian-in-eid-call, 27 May 2026]
#11925
According to the ISPR, what was the primary reason cited for the Mi-17 helicopter crash on June 10, 2026?
(a) Adverse weather conditions
(b) Pilot error
(c) Hostile fire
(d) Technical fault
Explanation: The ISPR statement explicitly identified a technical fault during take-off as the cause of the accident. While weather has been a factor in other historical crashes, it was not the cause cited for this specific incident. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2006621/no-survivors-as-pakistan-army-mi-17-helicopter-crashes-near-muzaffarabad-ispr, 10 Jun 2026]
#11926
During his visit to Pakistan on June 9, 2026, the Bahraini National Guard Commander held a meeting at the Naval Headquarters with which official?
(a) Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi
(b) Admiral Amjad Khan Niazi
(c) Admiral Naveed Ashraf
(d) Admiral Muhammad Amjad Khan
Explanation: Admiral Naveed Ashraf is the current Chief of the Naval Staff of Pakistan. The other names listed are former naval chiefs and serve as plausible distractors. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2006391/bahrain-commander-meets-cdf-munir-discusses-strengthening-military-collaboration-ispr, 09 Jun 2026]
#11927
Consider the following statements about the security situation in Balochistan as of June 2, 2026: 1. The IBOs were launched following a suicide attack on a shuttle train in Quetta. 2. The military's media wing reported the recovery of weapons and explosives from the neutralized terrorists. 3. The counter-terrorism campaign 'Azm-e-Istehkam' was approved by the Federal Apex Committee on the National Action Plan. 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 ISPR report. The operations were a direct response to the Quetta train bombing, weapons were recovered, and the campaign is indeed part of the National Action Plan framework. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2004690/security-forces-kill-17-terrorists-in-various-districts-of-balochistan-following-quetta-train-bombing-ispr, 02 Jun 2026]
#11928
Which of the following statements regarding the security operations reported on June 2, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The operations were conducted in response to a suicide car bomb attack on a shuttle train.
(b) The operations were limited exclusively to the city of Quetta.
(c) The Quetta train attack resulted in 14 fatalities.
(d) Security forces recovered improvised explosive devices (IEDs) from the terrorists.
Explanation: The statement that operations were limited to Quetta is incorrect because the ISPR report specified that the IBOs were conducted across multiple districts including Mastung, Nushki, Khuzdar, and Kech. The other statements accurately reflect the details provided in the report. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2004690/security-forces-kill-17-terrorists-in-various-districts-of-balochistan-following-quetta-train-bombing-ispr, 02 Jun 2026]
#11929
General Shaikh Mohammad bin Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa, who visited Pakistan on June 9, 2026, holds which of the following positions?
(a) Commander of the Bahrain National Guard
(b) Chief of the Bahrain Defence Force
(c) Minister of Interior of Bahrain
(d) None of these
Explanation: General Shaikh Mohammad bin Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa is the Commander of the Bahrain National Guard. The other options represent different military or government roles within the Kingdom of Bahrain. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2006391/bahrain-commander-meets-cdf-munir-discusses-strengthening-military-collaboration-ispr, 09 Jun 2026]
#11930
In the meeting at Air Headquarters on June 9, 2026, discussions between the Bahraini commander and the Pakistan Air Force leadership focused on which of the following emerging technologies?
(a) Space-based orbital weaponry
(b) Nuclear propulsion systems
(c) Submarine-launched ballistic missiles
(d) Drones and artificial intelligence
Explanation: The discussions at Air Headquarters specifically highlighted emerging defence technologies including drones, artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, and advanced sensors. The other options are not related to the specific technological focus mentioned in the official ISPR statement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2006391/bahrain-commander-meets-cdf-munir-discusses-strengthening-military-collaboration-ispr, 09 Jun 2026]
#11931
Which of the following statements regarding the visit of the Bahraini National Guard Commander to Pakistan on June 9, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The commander visited the Pakistan Army's training facility in Quetta.
(b) The discussions included the regional security environment in the Middle East.
(c) The commander met with the Chief of the Air Staff at Air Headquarters.
(d) The commander met with the Chief of the Naval Staff at Naval Headquarters.
Explanation: The ISPR report confirms meetings at GHQ, Naval Headquarters, and Air Headquarters in Rawalpindi/Islamabad, but it does not mention a visit to a training facility in Quetta. Therefore, is the incorrect statement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2006391/bahrain-commander-meets-cdf-munir-discusses-strengthening-military-collaboration-ispr, 09 Jun 2026]
#11932
Consider the following statements about the defence engagements on June 9, 2026: 1. The Bahraini commander commended the Pakistan Navy for its role as a regional maritime security stabilizer. 2. The Air Chief discussed infrastructure development and indigenization with the Bahraini delegation. 3. The meetings were held in the context of a stable and peaceful Middle East with no ongoing conflicts. 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 report explicitly mentions tensions in the Middle East and an unresolved war between the United States and Iran. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2006391/bahrain-commander-meets-cdf-munir-discusses-strengthening-military-collaboration-ispr, 09 Jun 2026]
#11933
Consider the following statements about the maritime rescue operations conducted by Pakistan in 2026: 1. The Pakistan Navy and PMSA rescued 20 crew members from a cargo dhow in July 2026. 2. In April 2026, the Navy rescued 18 crew members from a merchant vessel in the Arabian Sea. 3. All rescue operations in 2026 involved only foreign nationals. 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 reported events of 2026. Statement 3 is incorrect because the 20 crew members rescued in July 2026 were all Pakistani nationals. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2014176/20-crew-members-rescued-from-sinking-cargo-dhow-east-of-ormara-ispr, 09 Jul 2026]
#11934
Which of the following statements regarding the rescue operation on July 9, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The distressed vessel was a passenger ferry traveling from Muscat.
(b) The rescued crew members were provided with necessary medical attention.
(c) The operation was conducted by the Pakistan Navy and the Pakistan Maritime Security Agency.
(d) The operation was coordinated through the Joint Maritime Information Coordination Centre.
Explanation: The distressed vessel was a cargo dhow, not a passenger ferry. The other statements accurately reflect the details of the rescue operation as reported by the ISPR. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2014176/20-crew-members-rescued-from-sinking-cargo-dhow-east-of-ormara-ispr, 09 Jul 2026]
#11935
Which naval vessel was specifically mentioned as being diverted for the rescue operation on July 9, 2026?
(a) PNS Alamgir
(b) PNS Tippu Sultan
(c) PNS Taimur
(d) PNS Hunain
Explanation: PNS Hunain was one of the primary assets diverted to the site of the distressed vessel. Other assets included aerial units coordinated through the Joint Maritime Information Coordination Centre. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2014176/20-crew-members-rescued-from-sinking-cargo-dhow-east-of-ormara-ispr, 09 Jul 2026]
#11936
Which of the following individuals was NOT mentioned as being present at the Provincial Apex Committee meeting in Quetta on July 9, 2026?
(a) Field Marshal Asim Munir
(b) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari
(c) Jaffar Khan Mandokhail
(d) Sarfraz Bugti
Explanation: The meeting was attended by the Chief of Army Staff, the Chief Minister of Balochistan (Sarfraz Bugti), and the Governor of Balochistan (Jaffar Khan Mandokhail). Bilawal Bhutto Zardari was not reported as an attendee. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2014127/mutual-and-singular-decision-by-leadership-to-end-terrorism-pm-shehbaz-says-after-balochistan-attacks, 09 Jul 2026]
#11937
Who is the current Chairman of the Pakistan Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (PVARA) as of 2026?
(a) Waqas Ghani
(b) Bilal bin Saqib
(c) Taqi Usmani
(d) None of these
Explanation: Bilal bin Saqib serves as the Chairman of the PVARA and is leading the dialogue with religious scholars regarding digital asset classification. Waqas Ghani is a research head at a brokerage firm, and Mufti Taqi Usmani is a prominent religious scholar. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2015697/crypto-czar-asks-jamia-darul-uloom-to-distinguish-between-speculative-crypto-asset-backed-tokens, 15 Jul 2026]
#11938
Who accompanied Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif during his visit to Quetta on July 9, 2026?
(a) Minister of Defence
(b) Minister of Interior
(c) Minister of Information
(d) Minister of Finance
Explanation: Information Minister Attaullah Tarar was among the officials who accompanied the Prime Minister to Quetta. Other attendees included the Minister of Economic Affairs and the Adviser on Political Affairs. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2014127/mutual-and-singular-decision-by-leadership-to-end-terrorism-pm-shehbaz-says-after-balochistan-attacks, 09 Jul 2026]
#11939
Which of the following statements regarding the security situation in Balochistan as of July 8, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) An ambush on an army convoy occurred in Bela.
(b) An armed attack took place on the outskirts of Quetta on July 5.
(c) A police post in Ziarat was assaulted on July 6.
(d) The security situation in Balochistan showed an increase in attacks in June compared to May.
Explanation: The statement that attacks increased in June is incorrect because the PICSS data explicitly reported a significant decline in terrorism in Balochistan during June, with 49 attacks compared to 71 in May. The other three options accurately describe the specific recent incidents mentioned in the report. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2013924/cross-border-terrorism-will-be-crushed-with-full-might-of-the-state-field-marshal-asim-munir, 08 Jul 2026]
#11940
Which of the following statements regarding the 2026 visit of the Pakistani CDF to Turkiye is INCORRECT?
(a) The CDF visited the Mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk.
(b) The CDF was accorded a guard of honour at the Turkish General Staff Headquarters.
(c) The CDF signed a formal mutual defence treaty during the visit.
(d) The CDF held a meeting with the Turkish Minister of National Defence.
Explanation: While the visit focused on strengthening cooperation, there is no record of a formal mutual defence treaty being signed during this specific trip. The other three options are factually accurate events that occurred during the visit. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2015389/cdf-munir-meets-turkish-president-erdogan-armed-forces-chief-in-ankara-ispr, 14 Jul 2026]