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.
#12141
Which of the following statements regarding the tornado events of 2026-03-08 is INCORRECT?
(a) Tornadoes caused significant damage to trees and power infrastructure.
(b) Emergency management personnel were tasked with conducting damage assessments.
(c) At least a dozen people were reported injured in the affected areas.
(d) The storms were confined exclusively to the state of Oklahoma.
Explanation: The statement is incorrect because the tornadoes impacted both Oklahoma and Michigan. The other options accurately describe the damage, the role of emergency management, and the reported injuries. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979693/tornados-tear-through-central-us-leave-eight-dead, 08 Mar 2026]
#12142
Consider the following statements about the abduction case reported on July 5, 2026: 1. The police rescued the victims after a car crash occurred near Bhatta Chowk. 2. The suspect, Muhammad Raza Dar, was apprehended after he voluntarily surrendered at the police station. 3. The police established contact with the victims through a conference call involving the Defence ASP. 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 the victims escaped after a crash and coordinated with the Defence ASP via a conference call. Statement 2 is incorrect because the police traced the suspect's location using technology and directed him to surrender, rather than him voluntarily walking into the station. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2013143/foreign-women-abduction-case-police-ordered-to-treat-minister-linked-suspect-like-any-other-criminal, 05 Jul 2026]
#12143
Which of the following statements regarding the economic and governance landscape of Pakistan on August 11, 2026, are correct?
(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: The State Bank of Pakistan warned of potential inflationary price spirals, and the Supreme Court declared retrospective tax penalties unlawful. The World Bank expressed concern specifically over the diversion of funds from the Balochistan housing program, not the federal policy. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2022040/sbp-warns-of-price-spirals]
#12144
Who is the current Mayor of New York City who addressed the ICC arrest warrant for Benjamin Netanyahu on July 22, 2026?
(a) Eric Adams
(b) Zohran Mamdani
(c) Bill de Blasio
(d) None of these
Explanation: Zohran Mamdani is the Mayor of New York City who publicly stated that his administration lacks the legal authority to execute an ICC warrant. Eric Adams and Bill de Blasio are former mayors, making them incorrect. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017473/he-is-a-war-criminal-mamdani-says-ny-cannot-arrest-netanyahu-on-icc-warrant-urges-us-federal-officials-to-step-in, 22 Jul 2026]
#12145
Consider the following statements about the 2026 NEET protest movement: 1. The movement is led by a group that calls itself the 'Cockroach Janta Party'. 2. The protests were triggered by the leakage of question papers for the medical entrance exam. 3. Opposition leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi were detained by police during the protests. 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 events of July 2026. The movement is indeed named the 'Cockroach Janta Party', the NEET leak was the primary trigger, and the Gandhi siblings were detained after protesting near the Prime Minister's residence. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017491/exam-paper-leak-protests-and-gandhi-siblings-arrest-indias-cockroach-youth-movement-explained, 22 Jul 2026]
#12146
The petitioner in the 2026-07-28 PHC case claimed to be engaged in business activities in which location?
(a) Karachi and London
(b) Peshawar and Kabul
(c) Dubai and Pakistan
(d) Islamabad and Doha
Explanation: The petitioner's counsel informed the court that his client was conducting business in both Dubai and Pakistan. The other locations are incorrect as they were not mentioned in the context of the petitioner's business operations. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018808/phc-stops-deportation-of-man-named-quaid-i-azam-directs-him-to-appear-before-nadra-board, 28 Jul 2026]
#12147
On what date in 2026 did the Pakistan Airports Authority issue the Notam extending the airspace ban on Indian aircraft?
(a) August 23, 2026
(b) July 24, 2026
(c) August 12, 2026
(d) July 18, 2026
Explanation: The PAA issued the specific Notam regarding the extension on July 18, 2026. August 23 is the date until which the ban is extended, not the date of the announcement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016474/paa-extends-airspace-ban-on-indian-aircraft-until-aug-23, 18 Jul 2026]
#12148
Which of the following Afghan provinces were targeted during the precision air strikes conducted by Pakistan on the night of June 28/29, 2026?
(a) Kandahar, Helmand, and Nimruz
(b) Nangarhar, Logar, and Khost
(c) Paktia, Paktika, and Kunar
(d) None of these
Explanation: The precision strikes targeted terrorist hideouts specifically located in the Paktia, Paktika, and Kunar provinces of Afghanistan. None of these is incorrect because the correct provinces are explicitly identified in the report. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2011438/security-forces-kill-29-terrorists-in-ground-ops-air-strikes-along-pak-afghan-border-info-minister, 28 Jun 2026]
#12149
Consider the following statements about the diplomatic efforts in 2026: 1. Pakistan has been actively working to bring Tehran and Washington to the table for talks. 2. The Iranian Foreign Minister visited Pakistan twice within a two-day period. 3. The conflict involving Iran began with US-Israeli strikes on February 28, 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 diplomatic events of April 2026. Pakistan's mediation role, the frequency of the Iranian minister's visits, and the timeline of the conflict's origin are all verified details. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1995258/irans-araghchi-visits-pakistan-for-2nd-time-in-two-days-envoy-says-trip-undertaken-to-discuss-regional-developments, 26 Apr 2026]
#12150
Which police official held the press conference on July 5, 2026, to detail the recovery of the foreign women?
(a) DIG Operations Faisal Kamran
(b) Capital City Police Officer (CCPO) Bilal Siddique
(c) Inspector General of Police (IGP) Usman Anwar
(d) None of these
Explanation: DIG Operations Faisal Kamran addressed the media on July 5, 2026, to clarify the police's role in the rescue and the status of the investigation. The other names are prominent police officials but were not the primary spokespersons for this specific event. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2013143/foreign-women-abduction-case-police-ordered-to-treat-minister-linked-suspect-like-any-other-criminal, 05 Jul 2026]
#12151
During his visit to Istanbul on July 4, 2026, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Recep Tayyip Erdogan set a bilateral trade target of:
(a) $1 billion
(b) $3 billion
(c) $10 billion
(d) $5 billion
Explanation: The leaders identified a target of $5 billion in bilateral trade as a key objective to unlock the full potential of the economic partnership. This figure represents the mutually agreed goal discussed during the official visit. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2012929/two-hearts-with-one-soul-pm-shehbaz-says-pak-turkiye-economic-partnership-entering-a-new-phase, 04 Jul 2026]
#12152
Consider the following statements about the security operations conducted on June 28, 2026: 1. The ground operation resulted in the death of a high-value commander named Khan Farosh. 2. The Karachi Rangers camp attack was attributed to terrorists belonging to Jamaatul Ahrar. 3. The air strikes destroyed large quantities of weapons and ammunition stored at terrorist hideouts. 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 correct. The ground operation neutralized Khan Farosh, the Karachi attack was linked to Jamaatul Ahrar, and the air strikes successfully destroyed significant caches of weapons and ammunition. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2011438/security-forces-kill-29-terrorists-in-ground-ops-air-strikes-along-pak-afghan-border-info-minister, 28 Jun 2026]
#12153
According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department, which region was specifically identified as being at risk of flash floods in hill torrents on April 6, 2026?
(a) Dera Ghazi Khan
(b) Murree and Galiyat
(c) Gilgit-Baltistan
(d) None of these
Explanation: The PMD forecast explicitly identified the hill torrents of Dera Ghazi Khan in Punjab as being prone to flash flooding due to heavy rainfall on April 6, 2026. While Murree and Galiyat were mentioned in the context of landslides, they were not the primary focus for hill torrent flash floods on that specific date. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1988866/met-office-forecasts-widespread-rain-thunderstorms-in-parts-of-balochistan-kp-punjab-on-monday, 05 Apr 2026]
#12154
The 2026 FIFA World Cup final match was scheduled to be held in which US state?
(a) New Jersey
(b) New York
(c) Pennsylvania
(d) Maryland
Explanation: The final was hosted in an open stadium in New Jersey, located across the river from New York City. New York is a common distractor due to its proximity to the venue. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016513/wildfire-haze-hangs-over-eastern-us-world-cup-final-venue, 18 Jul 2026]
#12155
In which religious complex in Tehran were the funeral ceremonies for Ayatollah Ali Khamenei held on July 4, 2026?
(a) Imam Khomeini Grand Mosalla
(b) Azadi Stadium
(c) Behesht-e Zahra Cemetery
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Grand Mosalla religious complex served as the primary venue for the public farewell and funeral ceremonies. Other locations like Behesht-e Zahra are significant for historical burials but were not the site of this specific event. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2012913/huge-crowds-gather-in-iran-as-funeral-ceremonies-for-assassinated-supreme-leader-begin, 04 Jul 2026]
#12156
Until what date in 2026 is the current airspace restriction on Indian-registered aircraft effective?
(a) August 23, 2026
(b) August 12, 2026
(c) July 24, 2026
(d) September 23, 2026
Explanation: The Notam explicitly states that the restriction remains in force until 11:59pm on August 23, 2026. July 24 was the expiration date of the previous restriction period. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016474/paa-extends-airspace-ban-on-indian-aircraft-until-aug-23, 18 Jul 2026]
#12157
Consider the following statements about the diplomatic developments on April 25, 2026: 1. The Iranian Foreign Minister described his visit to Pakistan as very fruitful. 2. President Donald Trump stated that the US would resume the war immediately following the cancellation of the envoys' visit. 3. Part of the Iranian delegation returned to Tehran to obtain instructions regarding the war.
(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 minister publicly termed the visit fruitful. Statement 3 is correct as part of the delegation returned to Tehran for instructions. Statement 2 is incorrect because President Trump explicitly stated that the cancellation did not mean he would resume the war. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1994958/iranian-delegation-led-by-araghchi-leaves-after-meeting-pm-cdf-munir-trump-cancels-us-envoys-visit, 25 Apr 2026]
#12158
Fadi Hamdallah al-Nassan, who died on July 18, 2026, was a member of which sports organization?
(a) Palestine National Youth Team
(b) Ramallah Athletic Club
(c) Al-Mughayyir Football Club
(d) None of these
Explanation: Fadi Hamdallah al-Nassan was a 17-year-old footballer who played for the Al-Mughayyir Club and was a member of the Palestinian national youth team. He succumbed to injuries sustained during a settler attack in his village. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016519/palestinian-teen-footballer-dies-after-being-shot-during-settler-attack-in-occupied-west-bank, 18 Jul 2026]
#12159
Given the events reported on August 11, 2026, identify the correct chronological order of the following developments as they pertain to the broader Pakistani socio-economic and institutional framework (assuming sequential reporting across regional sectors):
(a) 1. Remittances data release -> 2. Balochistan housing funds controversy -> 3. High Court judicial appointments -> 4. Fuel price adjustments
(b) 1. Balochistan housing funds controversy -> 2. Remittances data release -> 3. Fuel price adjustments -> 4. High Court judicial appointments
(c) 1. High Court judicial appointments -> 2. Fuel price adjustments -> 3. Remittances data release -> 4. Balochistan housing funds controversy
(d) 1. Remittances data release -> 2. Balochistan housing funds controversy -> 3. Fuel price adjustments -> 4. High Court judicial appointments
Explanation: Based on the provided event sequence and reporting metadata, the flow of policy-related updates on August 11, 2026, began with external economic inflows (remittances), followed by fiduciary concerns (Balochistan), then judicial administrative updates, and finally, energy-sector fiscal adjustments. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2022042/remittances-rise-13pc-to-36bn-in-july]
#12160
Consider the following statements about the security situation in Islamabad and Rawalpindi in April 2026: 1. The Red Zone was sealed to facilitate expected diplomatic talks between the United States and Iran. 2. Electric buses were prohibited from operating during the entire period of the security lockdown. 3. The district administration reported that remaining closed areas were expected to reopen by the following Monday. 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 Red Zone was sealed for the talks. Statement 2 is incorrect because electric buses were reported to be plying their routes on Sunday. Statement 3 is correct as the administration indicated a Monday reopening for remaining areas. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1995277/traffic-restrictions-around-islamabads-red-zone-serena-hotel-lifted-ishaq-dar, 26 Apr 2026]