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.
#12041
According to the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS), what trend was observed in the tribal districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa during June 2026?
(a) A 23 percent decrease in terrorism
(b) A 23 percent increase in terrorism
(c) A 16 percent increase in terrorism
(d) A 16 percent decrease in terrorism
Explanation: PICSS data indicated a 23 percent decrease in terrorist attacks in the tribal districts (formerly FATA) during June. The 16 percent figure refers to the increase in attacks in the rest of the province, not the tribal districts. [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]
#12042
Which of the following statements regarding the 2026-07-21 Nuristan floods is INCORRECT?
(a) The floods resulted in the destruction of riverside shops and hotels.
(b) Government employees, including the mayor, were among those reported missing.
(c) The Afghan government confirmed the deaths and property damage.
(d) The disaster was caused by a severe earthquake in the region.
Explanation: The disaster was caused by flash floods following heavy rainfall, not an earthquake. The other three statements are factually accurate descriptions of the event as reported. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017161/20-afghans-killed100-missing-after-floods, 21 Jul 2026]
#12043
What was the total monetary value of the fine imposed by the EU on AliExpress on July 21, 2026?
(a) $630 million
(b) $200 million
(c) $120 million
(d) $550 million
Explanation: The EU imposed a fine of 550 million euros, which is equivalent to $630 million. The other figures represent fines previously issued to other companies like Temu and X. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017112/eu-imposes-630m-fine-on-aliexpress-over-illegal-products, 21 Jul 2026]
#12044
Consider the following statements about the tunnel collapse incident: 1. The incident occurred on July 21, 2026. 2. Approximately 25-27 people were estimated to be trapped initially. 3. The project is located in the state of Uttarakhand. 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 event occurred on July 21, 2026. Statement 2 is correct as the director estimated 25-27 people were trapped. Statement 3 is incorrect because the project is located in Sikkim, not Uttarakhand. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017225/nine-dead-15-trapped-after-tunnel-collapse-in-indias-remote-northeast, 21 Jul 2026]
#12045
What was the primary reason cited by Iran for closing the Strait of Hormuz to commercial shipping on April 18, 2026?
(a) United States blockade of Iranian ports
(b) Severe weather conditions in the Persian Gulf
(c) Routine naval military exercises
(d) Diplomatic dispute with the United Arab Emirates
Explanation: Iran declared the waterway closed for commercial ships due to the United States' continued blockade of its ports. This action directly impacted the transit of merchant vessels in the region. [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]
#12046
Which vessel was identified as being involved in the shooting incident near the Strait of Hormuz on April 18, 2026?
(a) Sanmar Herald
(b) Larak Star
(c) Persian Pearl
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Sanmar Herald was identified by Indian government sources as the crude oil tanker that came under fire while attempting to transit the Strait of Hormuz. Other options are fabricated names that do not appear in the report. [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]
#12047
What specific type of threat did security forces neutralize in Wana on July 18, 2026?
(a) A coordinated drone strike
(b) An explosive-laden vehicle and motorcycle
(c) A hostage situation at a government office
(d) A cyber-attack on local infrastructure
Explanation: Security forces destroyed a vehicle and a motorcycle loaded with explosives that were intended for a suicide attack. The other options describe different types of security threats not present in this specific incident. [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]
#12048
Consider the following statements about the security situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa as reported in July 2026: 1. Security forces foiled an attempted suicide attack in the Kari Kot area earlier in the week. 2. A suicide attack near Azam Warsak Bazaar in May 2026 resulted in civilian casualties. 3. The rest of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa witnessed a 23 percent increase in attacks in June 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: Statement 1 is correct as the report mentions the Kari Kot incident. Statement 2 is correct regarding the May incident near Azam Warsak. Statement 3 is incorrect because the 23 percent figure refers to the decrease in tribal districts, while the rest of the province saw a 16 percent increase. [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]
#12049
Select the correct chronological sequence of the following events as reported in the August 2026 digest (all dated 2026-08-01):
(a) Search and Rescue on Broad Peak; Martyrdom in North Waziristan; Google AI Tool Launch; PM Welcomes Gaza Peace Progress
(b) Martyrdom in North Waziristan; Search and Rescue on Broad Peak; PM Welcomes Gaza Peace Progress; Google AI Tool Launch
(c) Google AI Tool Launch; Search and Rescue on Broad Peak; PM Welcomes Gaza Peace Progress; Martyrdom in North Waziristan
(d) Search and Rescue on Broad Peak; Google AI Tool Launch; Martyrdom in North Waziristan; PM Welcomes Gaza Peace Progress
Explanation: While all events share the publication date of August 1, 2026, the thematic classification within the digest follows the chronological progression of field operations (Broad Peak rescue), national security incidents (North Waziristan IBO), technological updates (Google AI), and international diplomatic developments (Gaza Peace Plan). [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40432862/drones-deployed-to-locate-missing-climbers-as-search-operation-enters-second-day]
#12050
What was the specific reduction in the price of high-speed diesel (HSD) announced on April 11, 2026?
(a) Rs12 per litre
(b) Rs17.33 per litre
(c) Rs25.31 per litre
(d) Rs135 per litre
Explanation: The government announced a reduction of Rs135 per litre for high-speed diesel, bringing the price down to Rs385.54. The other figures represent price cuts for petrol, kerosene, and light diesel oil respectively. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1990666/diesel-price-cut-by-rs135-petrol-sees-drop-of-rs12, 11 Apr 2026]
#12051
Who was identified by the US leadership as the head of the American delegation expected to travel to Pakistan on April 20, 2026?
(a) Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf
(b) Esmaeil Baqaei
(c) JD Vance
(d) Donald Trump
Explanation: US leadership confirmed that Vice President JD Vance was expected to lead the delegation to Pakistan. The other individuals listed are Iranian officials. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1993458/us-delegation-expected-in-islamabad-but-uncertainty-prevails-over-talks-amid-mixed-signals-from-iran, 20 Apr 2026]
#12052
How long did the telephone conversation between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Masoud Pezeshkian last on April 19, 2026?
(a) 15 minutes
(b) 45 minutes
(c) 30 minutes
(d) 60 minutes
Explanation: The official statement from the Prime Minister's Office confirmed that the conversation between the two leaders lasted for approximately 45 minutes. This duration allowed for a detailed exchange regarding the current regional security situation. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1993250/in-45-minute-phone-call-with-pezeshkian-pm-shehbaz-reaffirms-pakistans-commitment-to-advancing-regional-peace, 19 Apr 2026]
#12053
Consider the following statements about the situation in southern Lebanon as of April 2026: 1. A US-backed ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah took effect prior to the publication of the deployment map. 2. The deployment line runs 5-10 kilometres deep into Lebanese territory. 3. Israeli forces have allowed unrestricted access for Lebanese civilians to all villages south of the new line. 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 report. Statement 3 is incorrect because Israeli forces continue to prevent access to most villages located south of the newly defined line. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1993257/israeli-military-publishes-map-of-new-deployment-line-in-lebanon-bringing-dozens-of-villages-under-its-control, 19 Apr 2026]
#12054
Which of the following statements regarding the security operation in Wana on July 18, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The operation was based on intelligence inputs.
(b) The target was an explosive-laden vehicle intended for a suicide attack.
(c) The operation resulted in zero casualties among the terrorists.
(d) The operation prevented potential civilian casualties.
Explanation: The report confirms that one terrorist was killed and five others were injured during the operation. Therefore, the statement that there were zero casualties among the terrorists is false. [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]
#12055
Which of the following statements regarding the fuel price adjustment on April 11, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The price of light diesel oil (LDO) was reduced by Rs25.31 per litre.
(b) The government decided to retain a portion of the global price fall to recoup previous subsidy expenditures.
(c) Tax rates on all fuel products were kept unchanged during this price revision.
(d) The price of kerosene was reduced by Rs17.33 per litre.
Explanation: The Prime Minister explicitly rejected the proposal to retain part of the price fall to recoup subsidy costs, making statement A incorrect. All other statements accurately reflect the details provided in the announcement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1990666/diesel-price-cut-by-rs135-petrol-sees-drop-of-rs12, 11 Apr 2026]
#12056
Which maritime trade route was reported as closed by Iran on April 18, 2026, amid escalating tensions with the United States?
(a) Strait of Hormuz
(b) Suez Canal
(c) Bab-el-Mandeb Strait
(d) Panama Canal
Explanation: Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz, stating it would remain shut until the US ended its blockade of Iranian ports. The other straits are not involved in this specific diplomatic dispute. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1993458/us-delegation-expected-in-islamabad-but-uncertainty-prevails-over-talks-amid-mixed-signals-from-iran, 20 Apr 2026]
#12057
Consider the following statements regarding the diplomatic situation on April 20, 2026: 1. The US leadership confirmed that a delegation was en route to Islamabad. 2. Iranian officials expressed full confidence in the US commitment to the diplomatic process. 3. Security measures in Islamabad included the sealing of the Red Zone. 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 US leadership confirmed the delegation's travel. Statement 3 is correct as security was tightened in Islamabad. Statement 2 is incorrect because Iranian officials explicitly expressed a lack of trust in Washington's seriousness. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1993458/us-delegation-expected-in-islamabad-but-uncertainty-prevails-over-talks-amid-mixed-signals-from-iran, 20 Apr 2026]
#12058
According to the Chief Minister of KP, what is the approximate trade deficit of the country as of 2026?
(a) $16 billion
(b) $26 billion
(c) $46 billion
(d) $36 billion
Explanation: The Chief Minister cited a trade deficit of approximately $36 billion while criticizing national economic performance. The other figures are incorrect estimates of the trade deficit. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2010593/cm-afridi-vows-peace-in-fy27-as-kp-assembly-passes-rs217tr-budget, 24 Jun 2026]
#12059
What is the total budget amount approved by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly for the fiscal year 2026-27?
(a) Rs2.17 trillion
(b) Rs1.17 trillion
(c) Rs3.17 trillion
(d) Rs4.17 trillion
Explanation: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly passed a budget of Rs2.17 trillion for the fiscal year 2026-27. Other figures provided are incorrect distractors representing different potential fiscal scales. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2010593/cm-afridi-vows-peace-in-fy27-as-kp-assembly-passes-rs217tr-budget, 24 Jun 2026]
#12060
In which district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa did security forces conduct the intelligence-based operation on July 18, 2026?
(a) North Waziristan
(b) Lower South Waziristan
(c) Upper South Waziristan
(d) None of these
Explanation: The operation took place in Wana, which is located in Lower South Waziristan. North Waziristan is a separate administrative district and is not the location mentioned in the report. [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]