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.
#12381
On July 23, 2026, the Indian government relaxed foreign investment rules to allow e-commerce companies to perform which of the following activities?
(a) Directly sell goods to domestic consumers at discounted rates
(b) Purchase products from Indian sellers for export to overseas customers
(c) Establish exclusive brick-and-mortar retail chains across India
(d) None of these
Explanation: The policy change specifically permits foreign-funded e-commerce platforms to procure goods from local sellers for the purpose of international exports. Option A is incorrect because the government continues to prohibit direct sales to domestic consumers to protect local retailers. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431461/india-relaxes-e-commerce-investment-rules-for-exports-in-win-for-amazon, 23 Jul 2026]
#12382
Consider the following statements about the 75th-anniversary ceremony held in May 2026: 1. President Asif Ali Zardari attended the ceremony in Islamabad. 2. The ceremony marked the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. 3. The Prime Minister stated that the world can move forward without China's technological and industrial contribution. 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 Prime Minister emphasized that the world cannot move forward without China, given its industrial and technological advancements. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2002044/pm-shehbaz-lauds-steadfast-pak-china-friendship-says-beijing-supported-islamabad-in-unwavering-fashion, 21 May 2026]
#12383
Which French official announced the entry ban against Itamar Ben-Gvir on May 23, 2026?
(a) Jean-Noel Barrot
(b) Antonio Costa
(c) Kaja Kallas
(d) None of these
Explanation: Jean-Noel Barrot is the French Foreign Minister who officially announced the ban on X. Antonio Costa and Kaja Kallas are European Union officials who condemned the actions but did not issue the French national ban. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2002539/france-bans-israeli-security-minister-ben-gvir-from-country, 23 May 2026]
#12384
Consider the following statements about the diplomatic events of May 2026: 1. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi visited Tehran twice in less than a week to facilitate negotiations. 2. The first round of US-Iran talks in Islamabad resulted in a signed comprehensive peace agreement. 3. Field Marshal Asim Munir held meetings with Iranian officials to discuss regional peace and US-Iran talks. 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 Interior Minister made multiple trips to Tehran. Statement 2 is incorrect because the first round of talks ended without an agreement. Statement 3 is correct as the CDF's visit was explicitly for mediation and discussion of regional peace. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2002286/cdf-asim-munir-arrives-in-iran-as-part-of-ongoing-mediation-efforts-ispr, 22 May 2026]
#12385
The Foreign Office spokesperson who addressed the media regarding water security and nuclear developments on June 11, 2026, is:
(a) Mumtaz Zahra Baloch
(b) Tahir Andrabi
(c) Asim Iftikhar Ahmad
(d) None of these
Explanation: Tahir Andrabi served as the spokesperson during the June 11, 2026, press briefing. While Mumtaz Zahra Baloch is a known spokesperson, the specific briefing mentioned in the text was conducted by Andrabi. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2006857/any-attempt-to-block-water-will-have-far-reaching-consequences-warns-fo-after-indian-ministers-remarks, 11 Jun 2026]
#12386
Who serves as the Commissioner for Indus Waters for Pakistan as of 2026-07-24?
(a) Jam Saifullah
(b) Mehar Ali Shah
(c) Khalil Tahir
(d) None of these
Explanation: Mehar Ali Shah is the Commissioner for Indus Waters and also serves as the Additional Secretary at the Ministry of Water Resources. Jam Saifullah is the Chairman of the Senate Standing Committee on Water Resources, not the Commissioner. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431517/senate-panel-told-govt-unaware-of-indias-chenab-water-release, 24 Jul 2026]
#12387
Which constitutional article does the Election Commission of Pakistan cite as being undermined by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Local Government (Amendment) Act, 2026?
(a) Article 140-A
(b) Article 218
(c) Article 222
(d) Article 224
Explanation: The ECP explicitly referenced Article 222 of the Constitution of Pakistan, which protects the powers of the Election Commission from being abridged by provincial legislation. Article 140-A relates to the devolution of political, administrative, and financial responsibility to local governments, but is not the specific article cited in this dispute. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431520/ecp-opposes-key-amendment-to-kps-lg-law, 24 Jul 2026]
#12388
The group targeted by security forces during the July 2026 operation in Mastung is referred to as:
(a) Fitna al Hindustan
(b) Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan
(c) Balochistan Liberation Army
(d) None of these
Explanation: The authorities identified the neutralized militants as members of the group referred to as Fitna al Hindustan. The other options are distinct militant organizations. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431522/six-terrorists-killed-in-mastung, 24 Jul 2026]
#12389
Which of the following statements regarding Pakistan's maritime security policy as of July 24, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) Pakistan considers attacks on its flagged vessels a red line.
(b) The armed forces are responsible for the technical assessment of maritime threats.
(c) Pakistan has officially declared a naval blockade against Houthi-controlled ports.
(d) Pakistan maintains a mutual defense arrangement with Saudi Arabia.
Explanation: Pakistan has not declared a naval blockade; rather, it has warned against attacks on its own assets and pledged to ensure the flow of commercial shipping. The other three statements accurately reflect the government's stated position. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017926/pakistan-warns-houthi-rebels-to-steer-clear-of-its-ships, 24 Jul 2026]
#12390
On July 23, 2026, which US Representative introduced the war powers resolution in the House of Representatives?
(a) Mike Johnson
(b) Pramila Jayapal
(c) Tom Barrett
(d) None of these
Explanation: Representative Pramila Jayapal, a Democrat from Washington, introduced the resolution directing the President to remove US Armed Forces from hostilities against Iran. Mike Johnson is the Speaker of the House, and Tom Barrett is a Republican who voted in favor of the measure. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017858/us-house-votes-to-curb-trumps-iran-war-powers-but-senate-backs-president, 23 Jul 2026]
#12391
The ceasefire between the United States and Iran was extended indefinitely in 2026 upon the request of which Pakistani leaders?
(a) The President and the Foreign Minister
(b) The Army Chief and the Prime Minister
(c) The Interior Minister and the Speaker of the National Assembly
(d) None of these
Explanation: The ceasefire extension was granted by the US President specifically following the request of Field Marshal Asim Munir and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Other combinations of officials do not reflect the specific diplomatic request mentioned in the report. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2002286/cdf-asim-munir-arrives-in-iran-as-part-of-ongoing-mediation-efforts-ispr, 22 May 2026]
#12392
Consider the following statements about the water situation on the Chenab River as of 2026-07-24: 1. The rise in water levels is attributed to rainfall in the upper catchment areas. 2. The government has compared current water levels with historical data from 2017, 2022, 2023, and 2025. 3. The Chenab River has the capacity to generate extreme flooding independently without external rainfall. 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 per the Commissioner's testimony. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Commissioner specifically noted that the river does not have the capacity to generate extreme flooding independently. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431517/senate-panel-told-govt-unaware-of-indias-chenab-water-release, 24 Jul 2026]
#12393
Which of the following statements regarding the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Local Government (Amendment) Act, 2026 is INCORRECT?
(a) It was unanimously supported by the Election Commission of Pakistan.
(b) It received the assent of the Governor on July 16, 2026.
(c) It was officially notified on July 21, 2026.
(d) It was passed by the KP Assembly on July 6, 2026.
Explanation: The ECP has formally opposed the amendment, terming it a 'delaying tactic' for local government elections. The other three statements accurately reflect the timeline of the bill's passage, assent, and notification. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431520/ecp-opposes-key-amendment-to-kps-lg-law, 24 Jul 2026]
#12394
Who was the Sessions Judge killed in the Mastung attack on 2026-07-24?
(a) Mir Ziaullah Langove
(b) Tariq Lashari
(c) Abdul Hakeem Kakar
(d) Mir Sarfraz Bugti
Explanation: Abdul Hakeem Kakar was the Sessions Judge who lost his life in the attack. Tariq Lashari was an Additional Sessions Judge who sustained injuries, while the others are provincial government officials. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431528/sessions-judge-among-two-killed-in-mastung-nha-attack, 24 Jul 2026]
#12395
Where did the Chief of Defence Forces address the participants of the 20th National Workshop Balochistan on July 24, 2026?
(a) Prime Minister House, Islamabad
(b) General Headquarters, Rawalpindi
(c) Governor House, Quetta
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Chief of Defence Forces addressed the workshop participants at the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi. This location serves as the primary command center for the Pakistan Army's strategic communications and operations. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431561/cdf-vows-to-dismantle-terrorist-infrastructure, 24 Jul 2026]
#12396
Who has been appointed as the captain of the Pakistan Test cricket team for the series against the West Indies in 2026?
(a) Babar Azam
(b) Shan Masood
(c) Azan Awais
(d) Mohammad Ali
Explanation: Babar Azam returned as the captain of the Pakistan Test team, replacing Shan Masood following a series loss in Bangladesh. Shan Masood was the previous captain, making him a plausible distractor. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018018/brian-lara-stadium-hosts-maiden-test-as-west-indies-face-pakistan, 24 Jul 2026]
#12397
Which stadium in Trinidad is hosting its maiden Test match in July 2026?
(a) Queen's Park Oval
(b) Brian Lara Stadium
(c) Sabina Park
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Brian Lara Stadium, located in the south of Trinidad, was designated as the venue for the first Test of the series. Queen's Park Oval is the other Test venue in Trinidad but is not the site of this maiden Test. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018018/brian-lara-stadium-hosts-maiden-test-as-west-indies-face-pakistan, 24 Jul 2026]
#12398
Who is the current Chief Secretary of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to whom the ECP addressed its concerns regarding the 2026 amendment?
(a) Shahab Ali Shah
(b) Nadeem Qasim
(c) Sardar Sikander Shaheen
(d) None of these
Explanation: Shahab Ali Shah is the Chief Secretary of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa who received the official correspondence from the ECP. Nadeem Qasim is the Additional Director General of the ECP who authored the letter, not the recipient. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431520/ecp-opposes-key-amendment-to-kps-lg-law, 24 Jul 2026]
#12399
Consider the following statements about the ECP's objection to the KP Local Government (Amendment) Act, 2026: 1. The ECP claims the amendment contradicts its constitutional authority to delimit constituencies. 2. The amendment requires the ECP to consult with the provincial government when waiving population conditions. 3. The ECP argues that the amendment is a necessary step to expedite the local government election process. 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 ECP's legal stance and the specific provision of the amendment they oppose. Statement 3 is incorrect because the ECP views the amendment as a 'delaying tactic' rather than a measure to expedite the election process. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431520/ecp-opposes-key-amendment-to-kps-lg-law, 24 Jul 2026]
#12400
Consider the following statements about the security incident in Mastung on 2026-07-24: 1. The attack resulted in the death of a Sessions Judge and his gunman. 2. The provincial government described the attack as an assault on the state itself. 3. The incident occurred during a planned protest march on the National Highway. 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 the officials were traveling to perform official duties, not participating in a protest march. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431528/sessions-judge-among-two-killed-in-mastung-nha-attack, 24 Jul 2026]