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.
#12021
Consider the following statements about the 2026 diplomatic mission in Pakistan: 1. The Iranian delegation requested the security escort due to fears of a potential Israeli strike. 2. The peace talks resulted in a comprehensive agreement between the United States and Iran. 3. Pakistan utilized its Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) to ensure the safety of the departing delegation. 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 3 are correct as they reflect the security concerns and the technical assets used. Statement 2 is incorrect because the talks were described as inconclusive and the delegations left empty-handed. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1992620/pakistan-escorted-iranian-negotiators-home-from-peace-talks-amid-concerns-of-israeli-attack-sources-say, 17 Apr 2026]
#12022
What was the approximate market value of CXMT Corp in US dollars following its debut on July 27, 2026?
(a) $243.26 billion
(b) $443.26 billion
(c) $343.26 billion
(d) $543.26 billion
Explanation: The market value of CXMT Corp reached over 3 trillion yuan, which is equivalent to approximately $443.26 billion. The other options represent incorrect valuations for this specific event. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431979/china-stocks-rise-as-cxmts-debut-surge-revives-interest-in-battered-shares, 27 Jul 2026]
#12023
Which of the following is NOT a topic discussed during the high-level security consultations in Islamabad on July 21, 2026?
(a) Effective border management
(b) Regional and bilateral security
(c) Nuclear energy cooperation
(d) De-escalation of regional tensions
Explanation: The official reports confirm discussions on border management, regional security, and de-escalation efforts. Nuclear energy cooperation was not mentioned as part of the security consultations between the two interior ministries. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017273/iranian-interior-minister-meets-pm-shehbaz-cdf-munir-in-islamabad, 21 Jul 2026]
#12024
Which of the following statements regarding the May 13, 2026, operation in Barkhan is INCORRECT?
(a) The operation was conducted in the Nosham area.
(b) A major-ranked officer was among those martyred.
(c) The operation was carried out solely by the local police force.
(d) Seven terrorists were killed during the exchange of fire.
Explanation: The operation was a joint effort by the Pakistan Army and the Frontier Corps, not the local police. The other statements accurately reflect the details provided by the ISPR. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1999982/major-among-five-soldiers-martyred-during-operation-in-balochistans-barkhan-ispr, 13 May 2026]
#12025
Which of the following statements regarding the diplomatic meeting on April 18, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The Indian foreign secretary conveyed deep concern regarding the firing on merchant ships.
(b) The Iranian envoy agreed to convey India's views to the authorities in Iran.
(c) India recalled that Iran had previously facilitated the safe passage of ships bound for India.
(d) The meeting resulted in an immediate and permanent reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.
Explanation: The report does not state that the meeting resulted in a permanent reopening of the strait; rather, it notes that the Iranian envoy undertook to convey India's views to his government. Options A, B, and D are factually accurate descriptions of the diplomatic exchange. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1992990/new-delhi-summons-iranian-envoy-after-indian-flagged-tankers-shot-at-near-strait-of-hormuz, 18 Apr 2026]
#12026
What is the total allocation for the health sector in the Sindh budget for 2026-27?
(a) Rs402 billion
(b) Rs302 billion
(c) Rs502 billion
(d) Rs602 billion
Explanation: The health sector received an allocation of Rs402 billion to improve medical services. The other options are incorrect numerical values that do not match the official budgetary data. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2008557/sindh-cm-murad-ali-shah-presents-rs356tr-budget-with-no-new-taxes-7pc-pay-raise, 17 Jun 2026]
#12027
How much has been allocated for law and order in the Punjab budget for the fiscal year 2026-27?
(a) Rs152 billion
(b) Rs202 billion
(c) Rs252 billion
(d) Rs302 billion
Explanation: The government allocated Rs252 billion for law and order, which includes funding for police stations in riverine areas and crime scene units. Other options represent incorrect budgetary allocations. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2008300/punjab-finance-minister-presents-people-friendly-budget-in-assembly, 16 Jun 2026]
#12028
What is the total volume of the Punjab provincial budget for the fiscal year 2026-27?
(a) Rs5.9 trillion
(b) Rs4.9 trillion
(c) Rs6.9 trillion
(d) Rs7.9 trillion
Explanation: The provincial government officially proposed a budget of Rs5.9 trillion for the upcoming fiscal year. Other figures are incorrect distractors representing different potential fiscal scales. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2008300/punjab-finance-minister-presents-people-friendly-budget-in-assembly, 16 Jun 2026]
#12029
What is the newly announced minimum wage for workers in Sindh as per the 2026-27 budget?
(a) Rs35,000
(b) Rs43,000
(c) Rs38,000
(d) Rs48,000
Explanation: The provincial government increased the minimum wage to Rs43,000 to provide relief to the workforce. The other figures are incorrect as they do not align with the specific policy decision announced in the budget speech. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2008557/sindh-cm-murad-ali-shah-presents-rs356tr-budget-with-no-new-taxes-7pc-pay-raise, 17 Jun 2026]
#12030
What is the proposed percentage increase in the salaries of government employees in the 2026-27 Punjab budget?
(a) 7 percent
(b) 5 percent
(c) 3.5 percent
(d) 10 percent
Explanation: The budget proposes a 7 percent increase in salaries for government employees. The 3.5 percent figure refers to the increase in pensions for retired employees. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2008300/punjab-finance-minister-presents-people-friendly-budget-in-assembly, 16 Jun 2026]
#12031
Who confirmed the death of the fisherman to the media on March 8, 2026?
(a) Naqibullah Kakar
(b) Attaur Rehman
(c) Bilal Yaseen
(d) None of these
Explanation: Gwadar Deputy Commissioner Naqibullah Kakar officially confirmed the incident to the press. While District Police Officer Attaur Rehman also provided details, the primary confirmation of the event came from the Deputy Commissioner. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979820/gwadar-fisherman-killed-by-debris-from-israeli-projectile-in-iran-waters, 08 Mar 2026]
#12032
Which specific initiative in the 2026-27 Punjab budget includes the establishment of Neuro Cath Labs?
(a) Nawaz Sharif Medical District
(b) Cardiac Care Program
(c) Emergency Health Response
(d) Stroke Initiative
Explanation: The government set aside Rs1.75 billion for Neuro Cath Labs under the Stroke Initiative. The Nawaz Sharif Medical District is a separate health infrastructure project. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2008300/punjab-finance-minister-presents-people-friendly-budget-in-assembly, 16 Jun 2026]
#12033
Which of the following roads in Rawalpindi experienced the closure of petrol filling stations due to security measures in 2026?
(a) Adiala Road
(b) Jhelum Road
(c) Chaklala Road
(d) Murree Road
Explanation: Murree Road, along with Airport Road and Peshawar Road, was specifically identified as a route where commercial outlets and fuel stations were closed. The other options are major roads in the city but were not the primary focus of the specific security clampdown mentioned. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1990590/public-holiday-extended-in-pindi-markets-fuel-stations-along-key-roads-closed, 11 Apr 2026]
#12034
Consider the following statements about the Punjab budget for the fiscal year 2026-27: 1. The budget includes the imposition of new taxes to cover the fiscal deficit. 2. The proposed allocation for education is 15 percent higher than the previous fiscal year. 3. The government has allocated funds for the construction of police stations in riverine areas. 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 Chief Minister explicitly stated that the budget was prepared without imposing any new taxes. Statements 2 and 3 are factually accurate according to the budget speech. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2008300/punjab-finance-minister-presents-people-friendly-budget-in-assembly, 16 Jun 2026]
#12035
Which JUI-F Senator raised the issue of the security situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa during the Senate session on May 12, 2026?
(a) Attaur Rehman
(b) Rana Sanaullah
(c) Tariq Fazal Chaudhry
(d) None of these
Explanation: Senator Attaur Rehman specifically questioned the government regarding the security crisis in KP, citing attacks in Lakki Marwat and Bannu. Rana Sanaullah and Tariq Fazal Chaudhry were government ministers responding to his concerns. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1999725/treasury-opposition-clash-in-senate-as-jui-f-senator-questions-terrorism-in-kp, 12 May 2026]
#12036
Consider the following statements about the security incident in Attock: 1. The incident occurred on May 11, 2026. 2. The shepherd was killed after confronting a suicide bomber near a security post. 3. The Mankor post is exclusively managed by the provincial police force. 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 report. Statement 3 is incorrect because the post is managed by a combination of civil armed forces, the Federal Board of Revenue, and the Anti-Narcotics Force, not exclusively by the provincial police. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1999466/shepherd-sacrifices-life-averting-suicide-attack-attock, 11 May 2026]
#12037
Which of the following statements regarding the incident on March 8, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The victim was a resident of a town in the Gwadar district.
(b) The debris that struck the boat originated from a US-made missile.
(c) The projectile was intercepted by Iranian air defense systems.
(d) The incident occurred in Iranian territorial waters.
Explanation: The debris was identified as originating from an Israeli projectile, not a US-made missile. The other statements accurately reflect the facts reported regarding the victim's origin, the interception mechanism, and the location of the incident. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979820/gwadar-fisherman-killed-by-debris-from-israeli-projectile-in-iran-waters, 08 Mar 2026]
#12038
Who is the current Interior Minister of Iran who visited Islamabad on July 21, 2026?
(a) Eskandar Momeni
(b) Masoud Pezeshkian
(c) Sayyid Mojtaba Hosseini Khamenei
(d) None of these
Explanation: Eskandar Momeni is the Iranian Interior Minister who led the delegation to Pakistan. Masoud Pezeshkian is the President of Iran, and Sayyid Mojtaba Hosseini Khamenei is the Supreme Leader, making them incorrect choices. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017273/iranian-interior-minister-meets-pm-shehbaz-cdf-munir-in-islamabad, 21 Jul 2026]
#12039
Which of the following regions was NOT explicitly mentioned by the NDMA as being at risk of flash floods in the July 2026 alert?
(a) Gilgit-Baltistan
(b) Azad Jammu and Kashmir
(c) Southern Sindh
(d) Northeastern Balochistan
Explanation: The NDMA alert identified risks in KP, GB, AJK, Punjab, and northeastern Balochistan. Southern Sindh was not included in the specific list of high-risk areas for flash floods in this particular advisory. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017248/monsoon-rains-kill-12-in-kp-in-past-3-days-nationwide-flood-warning-issued, 21 Jul 2026]
#12040
Who officially commended the security forces for the successful operation in Wana on July 18, 2026?
(a) The Prime Minister
(b) The Chief of Army Staff
(c) The Governor of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
(d) The Interior Minister
Explanation: Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi issued a statement paying tribute to the security forces for their professional skill in foiling the terrorist plot. While other officials may oversee security, the report specifically identifies the Interior Minister as the one who provided this public commendation. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016455/terrorist-killed-as-security-forces-destroy-explosive-laden-vehicle-intended-for-suicide-attack-in-wana-state-media, 18 Jul 2026]