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.
#12261
Consider the following statements about the Muharram 9 processions held on June 25, 2026: 1. The main procession in Lahore concluded at Khaima-i-Sadaat Imambargah. 2. The main procession in Quetta emerged from Alamdar Road. 3. The main procession in Hyderabad was organized by the local police department. 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. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Hyderabad procession was organized by Anjuman Guldasta-i-Akbar, not the police department. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2010752/countrywide-muharram-9-processions-conclude-peacefully-amid-strict-security, 25 Jun 2026]
#12262
Consider the following statements about the PMD's seasonal outlook for June–August 2026: 1. Mean temperatures are expected to remain above normal throughout the country. 2. The largest negative rainfall departures are likely over the northeastern parts of Punjab. 3. The El Nino–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) is expected to weaken significantly during the season. 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 correct as per the PMD outlook. Statement 3 is incorrect because the PMD stated that the ENSO has moved into a positive phase and is expected to strengthen further, not weaken. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2005663/large-parts-of-country-set-to-experience-heatwave-conditions-from-june-7-to-12-pmd, 06 Jun 2026]
#12263
Which of the following statements regarding the March 18, 2026, weather event in Karachi is INCORRECT?
(a) The event involved heavy showers and strong winds.
(b) The Pakistan Meteorological Department predicted rainfall until Thursday.
(c) The rainfall was limited exclusively to the coastal areas of Clifton and Defence.
(d) The Karachi Mayor advised citizens to avoid unnecessary movement.
Explanation: Rainfall was reported across a wide range of areas including Gulshan-i-Iqbal, North Karachi, and I.I. Chundrigar Road, not just coastal areas. Therefore, the statement that it was limited to Clifton and Defence is false. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1983379/15-die-in-rain-related-incidents-as-heavy-showers-strong-winds-hit-parts-of-karachi, 18 Mar 2026]
#12264
Consider the following statements about the security situation in Balochistan as of 2026-07-11: 1. The security forces have utilized intelligence-based operations (IBOs) to target militant hideouts. 2. The government has announced financial compensation for the families of the police personnel martyred at the Mangi Dam. 3. Operation Shaban is limited exclusively to air strikes without ground troop involvement. 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 as the operation involves IBOs and the government has authorized compensation. Statement 3 is incorrect because the operation involves both coordinated air and ground operations. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2014587/23-more-terrorists-killed-in-ongoing-operation-in-balochistan-taking-overall-tally-since-july-5-to-102-state-media, 11 Jul 2026]
#12265
Who is the Chairman of the Central Ruet-i-Hilal Committee that announced the Eidul Fitr moon sighting status on March 19, 2026?
(a) Mufti Muneeb-ur-Rehman
(b) Maulana Abdul Khabeer Azad
(c) Mufti Shahabuddin Popalzai
(d) None of these
Explanation: Maulana Abdul Khabeer Azad serves as the Chairman of the Central Ruet-i-Hilal Committee and presided over the meeting in Islamabad. Mufti Muneeb-ur-Rehman is a former chairman, making him a plausible but incorrect distractor. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1983722/shawwal-moon-not-sighted-eidul-fitr-to-be-celebrated-on-saturday, 19 Mar 2026]
#12266
Which of the following sectors was explicitly identified as having vast export potential during the meeting held on March 15, 2026?
(a) Textiles and garments
(b) Automobile manufacturing
(c) Information technology
(d) Meat and dairy
Explanation: The official briefing highlighted that Pakistan's agricultural sector, specifically including meat, poultry, dairy, and seafood, possesses significant export potential. Textiles and IT were not the focus of this food-security-centric meeting. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1982358/pm-shehbaz-directs-formulation-of-strategy-for-exporting-surplus-food-items-to-gulf-countries, 15 Mar 2026]
#12267
Which of the following is NOT a diplomatic action taken by Pakistan in response to the 2026 regional conflict?
(a) Holding phone calls with dignitaries from relevant countries
(b) Deploying military assets to the Gulf region
(c) Exploring prospects for a ceasefire through direct communication
(d) Advocating for dialogue and diplomacy as the primary path to peace
Explanation: Pakistan has focused on diplomatic mediation and 'bridge building' rather than military intervention. Deploying military assets would contradict the stated policy of seeking de-escalation. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1983074/dar-stresses-dialogue-diplomacy-for-achieving-regional-peace-in-meeting-with-iranian-ambassador, 17 Mar 2026]
#12268
With which leader did Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif hold a 'restricted meeting' during his visit to Saudi Arabia in 2026?
(a) King Salman bin Abdulaziz
(b) Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman
(c) President Masoud Pezeshkian
(d) None of these
Explanation: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met with Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman to discuss regional stability and express solidarity with the Gulf country. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1983074/dar-stresses-dialogue-diplomacy-for-achieving-regional-peace-in-meeting-with-iranian-ambassador, 17 Mar 2026]
#12269
In which of the following regions are maximum temperatures expected to reach the highest range of 48°C to 51°C during the June 2026 heatwave?
(a) Sukkur, Jacobabad, and Larkana
(b) Islamabad, Rawalpindi, and Attock
(c) Chitral, Dir, and Swat
(d) Lahore, Faisalabad, and Multan
Explanation: The PMD advisory identifies districts in Sindh and Balochistan, including Sukkur, Jacobabad, and Larkana, as the areas expected to experience the most extreme temperatures between 48°C and 51°C. Other regions listed have lower projected temperature ranges. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2005663/large-parts-of-country-set-to-experience-heatwave-conditions-from-june-7-to-12-pmd, 06 Jun 2026]
#12270
Consider the following statements about Pakistan's diplomatic engagements in 2026: 1. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held discussions with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian regarding a potential ceasefire. 2. The Foreign Office of Pakistan has officially condemned the Iranian government for the ongoing regional instability. 3. Pakistan has emphasized that dialogue is the only viable path to resolving the current Middle Eastern conflict. 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 government's active diplomatic efforts. Statement 2 is incorrect because Pakistan has expressed solidarity with Iran rather than condemning its government. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1983074/dar-stresses-dialogue-diplomacy-for-achieving-regional-peace-in-meeting-with-iranian-ambassador, 17 Mar 2026]
#12271
Which of the following statements regarding the security situation in Bajaur as of March 13, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The abducted policeman was taken from the premises of the Badan police station.
(b) Four police officers were martyred in a patrol party attack in February 2026.
(c) A police officer was martyred in a fire attack on a police post in War Mamund in the week preceding the incident.
(d) Law enforcement personnel have faced an increasing number of attacks in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa recently.
Explanation: The police spokesperson explicitly dismissed reports that the officer was abducted from the Badan police station. The other statements accurately reflect the security context described in the reports. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981729/abducted-policeman-found-dead-in-kps-bajaur, 13 Mar 2026]
#12272
Consider the following statements about the diplomatic developments in April 2026: 1. Pakistan is acting as a mediator to facilitate talks between Tehran and Washington. 2. The Iranian Foreign Minister visited Pakistan twice within a span of two days. 3. The conflict involving Iran began with US-Israeli strikes on February 28, 2026. 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 report. Pakistan is actively mediating, the minister made two visits in two days, and the conflict timeline is correctly identified. [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]
#12273
At which location in Pakistan did the Iranian Foreign Minister arrive during his April 2026 visit?
(a) Allama Iqbal International Airport
(b) Jinnah International Airport
(c) Nur Khan Air Base
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Iranian Foreign Minister arrived at the Nur Khan air base in Rawalpindi. The other options are major civilian airports in Pakistan, which were not the site of this specific diplomatic arrival. [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]
#12274
Which cities were part of Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi's regional tour starting April 24, 2026?
(a) Islamabad, Tehran, and Riyadh
(b) Islamabad, Kabul, and Ankara
(c) Islamabad, Muscat, and Moscow
(d) Islamabad, Dubai, and Doha
Explanation: According to Iran's state media and Araghchi's own statement, his regional tour included Islamabad, Muscat, and Moscow. The other options list cities not mentioned as part of this specific tour. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1994680/iranian-delegation-led-by-fm-araghchi-lands-in-islamabad-us-officials-to-also-arrive-in-pakistan, 24 Apr 2026]
#12275
Consider the following statements about the diplomatic developments on April 25, 2026: 1. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif emphasized the importance of dialogue and diplomacy for regional stability. 2. The Iranian Foreign Minister described his visit to Pakistan as very fruitful. 3. The US President confirmed that the cancellation of the envoys' visit signifies an immediate resumption of war.
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) All three
Explanation: Statements 1 and 2 are accurate reflections of the official statements made by the Prime Minister and the Iranian Foreign Minister. Statement 3 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]
#12276
Consider the following statements about the energy sector performance in June 2026: 1. The price of Regasified Liquefied Natural Gas (RLNG) nearly doubled compared to the same month in the previous year. 2. Nuclear power generation was identified as a zero-fuel-cost energy source. 3. The fuel cost for imported coal was significantly higher than the fuel cost for local coal.
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) All three
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct as RLNG prices rose sharply. Statement 3 is correct as imported coal cost Rs16.65 per unit versus Rs11.5 per unit for local coal. Statement 2 is incorrect because nuclear power has a reported fuel cost of Rs2.85 per unit, unlike hydropower which is a zero-fuel-cost source. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016204/power-companies-seek-rs120-per-unit-fuel-cost-adjustment-for-august, 17 Jul 2026]
#12277
Consider the following statements about the events of March 14, 2026: 1. The drone attacks resulted in injuries to civilians in Quetta, Kohat, and Rawalpindi. 2. The Pakistan Airports Authority confirmed that Islamabad International Airport was permanently closed due to the security threat. 3. President Asif Ali Zardari condemned the drone attacks as an attempt to target civilian 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 correct regarding the locations of the injuries. Statement 3 is correct as the President condemned the targeting of civilians. Statement 2 is incorrect because the Pakistan Airports Authority clarified that reports of the airport's closure were baseless. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981957/rudimentary-drones-launched-by-afghan-taliban-injure-4-failed-to-reach-targets-ispr, 14 Mar 2026]
#12278
What was the age of the police officer, Shah Munir Khan, who was killed in Bajaur in March 2026?
(a) 48 years
(b) 62 years
(c) 58 years
(d) 54 years
Explanation: Official reports identified the victim as 54-year-old Shah Munir Khan. The other options represent plausible age ranges for a senior police officer but are factually incorrect. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981729/abducted-policeman-found-dead-in-kps-bajaur, 13 Mar 2026]
#12279
Consider the following statements about the political discourse regarding AJK on July 17, 2026: 1. The PPP Chairman argued that politicians have a duty to act as a bridge between the region and the Centre. 2. The proposed reforms include calling constitutional conventions to allow local input on governance. 3. The PPP Chairman suggested that the AJK issue can only be resolved through military intervention. 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 correct as they reflect the Chairman's emphasis on political bridging and local input through conventions. Statement 3 is incorrect because he explicitly stated that there is no issue that cannot be resolved politically and peacefully. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016221/bilawal-kicks-off-ajk-election-campaign-pledges-to-be-voice-of-people-in-centre, 17 Jul 2026]
#12280
Who was the ring leader neutralized by security forces during the operations reported on May 21, 2026?
(a) Noor Wali Mehsud
(b) Hafiz Gul Bahadur
(c) Jan Meer alias Toor Saqib
(d) Fazlullah
Explanation: The ISPR identified the ring leader killed during the operation as Jan Meer, also known as Toor Saqib. He was a high-value target wanted for his involvement in attacks against security personnel and civilians. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2002065/security-forces-kill-23-terrorists-in-multiple-khyber-pakhtunkhwa-ibos-ispr, 21 May 2026]