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.
#12341
Consider the following statements about the US military operations in the Middle East as of March 2026: 1. The US military has been conducting operations against Iran since February 28, 2026. 2. The KC-135 aircraft involved in the crash was manufactured by Lockheed Martin. 3. The US military reported that 150 US troops have been wounded in the conflict with Iran.
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) All three
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct as operations began on February 28, 2026. Statement 2 is incorrect because the KC-135 is manufactured by Boeing, not Lockheed Martin. Statement 3 is correct based on reports regarding US casualties in the conflict. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981530/us-refuelling-aircraft-crashes-in-western-iraq-us-military, 12 Mar 2026]
#12342
Which official serves as the Home Minister of Balochistan who condemned the attack on July 23, 2026?
(a) Shahid Rind
(b) Mir Ziaullah Langau
(c) Shehbaz Sharif
(d) None of these
Explanation: Mir Ziaullah Langau is the Home Minister of Balochistan who issued a condemnation of the attack. Shahid Rind is the provincial government spokesperson. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431455/sessions-judge-guard-killed-in-mastung-attack, 23 Jul 2026]
#12343
Which of the following represents the correct chronological order of the following developments as reported or cited on July 29, 2026? I. Pakistan Meteorological Department issues alert for fresh monsoon spell starting July 29. II. Prime Minister congratulates PML-N leadership on AJK election results. III. US Senate confirms Jay Clayton as Trump intelligence chief. IV. Fatima Zahra secures a boxing medal at the Commonwealth Games.
(a) I, II, III, IV
(b) IV, I, II, III
(c) II, IV, III, I
(d) III, I, IV, II
Explanation: Based on the internal context of historical records associated with the events reported on July 29, 2026, the chronological order of these developments, when considering their respective occurrences leading up to the report, follows the sequence: the sports achievement (IV), the weather alert (I), the election results announcement (II), and the senate confirmation (III). [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2019100/fatima-zahra-becomes-first-pakistan-woman-boxer-to-secure-commonwealth-games-boxing-medal]
#12344
In which two districts of Balochistan were the intelligence-based operations conducted on July 23, 2026?
(a) Quetta and Chaman
(b) Surab and Mastung
(c) Gwadar and Turbat
(d) Khuzdar and Kalat
Explanation: The ISPR confirmed that the intelligence-based operations were specifically targeted at terrorist hideouts located in the Surab and Mastung districts. Other districts listed are common areas of security concern but were not the sites of this specific operation. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431351/balochistan-ibos-10-terrorists-killed-two-female-suicide-bombers-held, 23 Jul 2026]
#12345
On March 11, 2026, which Iranian official stated that negotiations with the United States were no longer on the agenda?
(a) Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf
(b) Abbas Araghchi
(c) Eyal Zamir
(d) None of these
Explanation: Abbas Araghchi, serving as the Iranian Foreign Minister, explicitly ruled out negotiations with the United States during an interview with PBS News. Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf is the parliamentary speaker who focused on retaliatory threats rather than diplomatic agendas. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980759/iran-vows-to-keep-hormuz-strait-blocked-as-long-as-war-continues, 11 Mar 2026]
#12346
The counterterrorism campaign mentioned in the context of the July 2026 operations is known as:
(a) Zarb-e-Azb
(b) Radd-ul-Fasaad
(c) Operation Khyber
(d) Azm-e-Istehkam
Explanation: The ISPR stated that the ongoing counterterrorism efforts are being conducted under the Azm-e-Istehkam vision. Zarb-e-Azb and Radd-ul-Fasaad were previous military operations. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431351/balochistan-ibos-10-terrorists-killed-two-female-suicide-bombers-held, 23 Jul 2026]
#12347
Consider the following statements about the conflict as of March 11, 2026: 1. The US administration has expressed consistent and unified messaging regarding potential talks with Tehran. 2. Iranian parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has decreed a policy of 'an eye for an eye' in response to strikes. 3. The US has requested that Israel avoid targeting Iranian energy infrastructure to prevent regional economic instability. 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 US has been sending 'mixed signals,' with the President suggesting talks while the Pentagon chief vows to ramp up strikes. Statements 2 and 3 are factually accurate based on the reported events. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980759/iran-vows-to-keep-hormuz-strait-blocked-as-long-as-war-continues, 11 Mar 2026]
#12348
Which body approved the vision under which the July 2026 counterterrorism operations are being conducted?
(a) Federal Apex Committee on the National Action Plan
(b) National Security Council
(c) Parliamentary Committee on Defence
(d) Provincial Apex Committee of Balochistan
Explanation: The military confirmed that the Azm-e-Istehkam vision was approved by the Federal Apex Committee on the National Action Plan. This committee serves as the primary executive authority for national counterterrorism policy. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431351/balochistan-ibos-10-terrorists-killed-two-female-suicide-bombers-held, 23 Jul 2026]
#12349
According to the statement issued on July 23, 2026, what is considered essential for achieving lasting peace in Balochistan?
(a) Immediate withdrawal of federal administrative control
(b) Sustained efforts by security forces and public support
(c) Complete privatization of all natural resources
(d) Exclusive reliance on international peacekeeping forces
Explanation: The Chief of Defence Forces emphasized that peace in Balochistan is contingent upon the combined efforts of security agencies and the support of the local population. Other options are not part of the official security policy framework mentioned. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431473/field-marshal-munir-vows-to-continue-operations-against-terrorists-in-balochistan, 23 Jul 2026]
#12350
Which of the following statements regarding India's e-commerce policy as of July 23, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) Foreign e-commerce companies are permitted to operate as marketplaces to connect buyers and sellers
(b) Foreign e-commerce companies are now fully permitted to sell goods directly to domestic consumers
(c) The government aims to facilitate greater exports through increased access to global markets
(d) Policy restrictions on foreign e-commerce have been a point of contention between New Delhi and Washington
Explanation: The government continues to prohibit foreign e-commerce companies from selling goods directly to domestic consumers to protect local brick-and-mortar retailers. Therefore, statement C is false. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431461/india-relaxes-e-commerce-investment-rules-for-exports-in-win-for-amazon, 23 Jul 2026]
#12351
Consider the following statements about the security operations in Balochistan on July 23, 2026: 1. Two female suicide bombers were apprehended during the operations in Mastung. 2. The operations were limited to the arrest of facilitators only. 3. The military identified the apprehended individuals as being linked to foreign-sponsored entities. 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 two female suicide bombers were captured in Mastung. Statement 2 is incorrect because the operations also resulted in the neutralization of ten terrorists, not just the arrest of facilitators. Statement 3 is correct as the ISPR linked the militants to foreign-sponsored groups. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431351/balochistan-ibos-10-terrorists-killed-two-female-suicide-bombers-held, 23 Jul 2026]
#12352
Which official met with the Chinese delegation to discuss investment opportunities in Balochistan on March 11, 2026?
(a) Senate Deputy Chairman Syedal Khan
(b) Finance Minister of Balochistan
(c) Chairman of the Board of Investment
(d) None of these
Explanation: Senate Deputy Chairman Syedal Khan held the meeting with the Chinese delegation to discuss the $2.6 billion investment plan. The other options are incorrect as they do not accurately identify the official who hosted the delegation. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980763/chinese-firms-plan-to-invest-26bn-in-balochistan, 11 Mar 2026]
#12353
Which of the following is NOT a policy goal mentioned by the PPP Chairman for the people of AJK in 2026?
(a) Securing rights of governance
(b) Privatization of all public utilities
(c) Ensuring rights of ownership
(d) Securing rights of employment
Explanation: The PPP Chairman's manifesto focuses on governance, ownership, and employment rights. Privatization of public utilities was not mentioned as a policy goal in his address. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431352/bilawal-says-ajk-election-crucial-for-kashmirs-future, 23 Jul 2026]
#12354
In which specific location near the White House did the security breach occur on March 11, 2026?
(a) Lafayette Square
(b) National Mall
(c) Capitol Hill
(d) None of these
Explanation: The security breach involving the van occurred at Lafayette Square, which is situated directly north of the White House. The other locations listed are prominent landmarks in Washington, D.C., but were not the site of this specific incident. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980968/white-house-area-shut-down-after-van-breaches-security-barricade, 11 Mar 2026]
#12355
Which political leader emphasized the inclusion of Kashmiri representatives in the National Finance Commission (NFC) during an election rally in 2026?
(a) Nawaz Sharif
(b) Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari
(c) Imran Khan
(d) None of these
Explanation: Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, as the Chairman of the PPP, advocated for the inclusion of Kashmiri representatives in national policy forums like the NFC and the Council of Common Interests. Nawaz Sharif and Imran Khan were not the speakers at this specific AJK election rally. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431352/bilawal-says-ajk-election-crucial-for-kashmirs-future, 23 Jul 2026]
#12356
Which of the following is NOT a stated objective of the security strategy for Balochistan as per the July 23, 2026, address?
(a) Immediate cessation of all development initiatives
(b) Dismantling terrorist infrastructure
(c) Eliminating terrorist facilitators
(d) Achieving lasting peace through sustained efforts
Explanation: The government is actively pursuing development initiatives to improve socio-economic conditions, making the cessation of such projects an incorrect statement. The other options are core components of the stated security policy. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431473/field-marshal-munir-vows-to-continue-operations-against-terrorists-in-balochistan, 23 Jul 2026]
#12357
Consider the following statements about the political discourse in AJK as of July 2026: 1. The PPP Chairman advocated for a constitutional amendment to protect the rights of AJK people if a two-thirds majority is achieved. 2. Restrictions on internet services in AJK were criticized as being harmful to the local population. 3. The PPP Chairman suggested that decisions regarding the future of Kashmir should be made by authorities in Sindh or Punjab. 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 they reflect the Chairman's stated goals and criticisms. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Chairman explicitly stated that decisions should be made by Kashmiris, not by people from Sindh or Punjab. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431352/bilawal-says-ajk-election-crucial-for-kashmirs-future, 23 Jul 2026]
#12358
Consider the following statements about Pakistan's economic situation as of March 2026: 1. The total remittance inflow for the first eight months of FY26 was 26.5 billion dollars. 2. Saudi Aramco has reportedly reduced its oil production to about half capacity due to the Strait of Hormuz blockage. 3. The government expects to receive 50 billion dollars in total remittances during the full fiscal year 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: Statements 1 and 2 are factually accurate based on the report. Statement 3 is incorrect because the expected total for FY26 is 40 billion dollars, not 50 billion. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980726/remittances-steady-but-war-risks-loom, 11 Mar 2026]
#12359
The meeting between the Pakistan Airports Authority and IATA in 2026 primarily focused on which of the following areas?
(a) Aviation fuel subsidy negotiations
(b) Cross-border air traffic control disputes
(c) Privatization of national flag carriers
(d) Capacity building and aviation infrastructure roadmap
Explanation: The PAA and IATA discussions were centered on institutional capacity building, consultancy services, and establishing a sustainable roadmap for the aviation sector. Other options represent unrelated or broader policy issues not specified in the meeting agenda. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431349/paa-iata-discuss-future-aviation-roadmap, 23 Jul 2026]
#12360
Consider the following statements about the security situation in Balochistan as of July 23, 2026: 1. The Chief of Defence Forces pledged to continue operations until terrorism is eliminated. 2. The security strategy relies solely on military force without public involvement. 3. The federal and provincial governments are pursuing development initiatives in the province. 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 CDF vowed to continue operations. Statement 3 is correct as the government is pursuing development. Statement 2 is incorrect because the strategy explicitly emphasizes the necessity of public support. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431473/field-marshal-munir-vows-to-continue-operations-against-terrorists-in-balochistan, 23 Jul 2026]