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.
#12461
Consider the following statements about the security operations in Balochistan as of July 2026: 1. The operations were intelligence-based and targeted militant hideouts. 2. The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) was identified by state sources as a target of these operations. 3. The operations resulted in the recovery of materials used for IED production. 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 accurate: the operations were intelligence-based, the BLA was specifically named as a target, and IED materials were recovered from the destroyed hideouts. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431769/death-toll-of-terrorists-rises-to-13-in-operation-al-azm-state-media, 25 Jul 2026]
#12462
Consider the following statements about the digital propaganda network investigation: 1. The network utilized UK-based bank accounts to receive foreign funds. 2. The campaign specifically targeted narratives related to the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC). 3. The investigation was concluded on July 25, 2026, with no further suspects identified. 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 accurate based on the investigation findings. Statement 3 is incorrect because authorities are actively expanding the investigation to identify and apprehend additional facilitators. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431851/leas-uncover-foreign-funded-digital-propaganda, 25 Jul 2026]
#12463
What is the name of the ongoing counter-terrorism operation in Balochistan as of July 26, 2026?
(a) Operation Al-Azm
(b) Operation Zarb-e-Azb
(c) Operation Radd-ul-Fasaad
(d) Operation Shaban
Explanation: Operation Al-Azm was launched in response to escalating security challenges in Balochistan. Operation Shaban is a separate, distinct security initiative mentioned in the context of earlier regional operations. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018497/security-forces-have-killed-16-terrorists-so-far-during-ongoing-operation-al-azm-in-balochistan-state-media, 26 Jul 2026]
#12464
Who was the judge assassinated in the attack near Mastung on July 25, 2026?
(a) Abdul Hakeem Kakar
(b) Muhammad Zaman
(c) Mir Raza
(d) None of these
Explanation: Judge Abdul Hakeem Kakar was killed while traveling from Quetta to Mastung. Muhammad Zaman was his security guard who also lost his life in the same incident. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018249/rampant-lawlessness, 25 Jul 2026]
#12465
Consider the following statements about the issues raised by Jamaat-i-Islami in July 2026: 1. The party criticized the civic administration for failing to clear storm-water drains despite a budget of over Rs 530 million. 2. The protest campaign is limited exclusively to the city of Karachi. 3. The party demands the immediate abolition of the petroleum levy.
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) All three
Explanation: Statement 2 is incorrect because the protest is described as a 'nationwide' day of protest, not limited to Karachi. Statements 1 and 3 accurately reflect the party's stated grievances and demands. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431801/ji-to-hold-protest-against-fuel-price-hike-on-aug-7, 25 Jul 2026]
#12466
On July 26, 2026, the Punjab irrigation department reported that approximately how many square kilometers of land had been inundated by floodwaters?
(a) 400 square kilometers
(b) 300 square kilometers
(c) 200 square kilometers
(d) 500 square kilometers
Explanation: The irrigation department official confirmed that a vast area of approximately 400 square kilometers was submerged across several districts in the Lahore and Gujranwala divisions. This figure highlights the severity of the monsoon-induced flooding. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018383/ravi-chenab-flood-levels-likely-to-reach-medium-to-high-today, 26 Jul 2026]
#12467
On July 26, 2026, the MQM-P held a rally to demand new provinces at which location in Hyderabad?
(a) Liberty Chowk to Kohinoor Chowk
(b) Tower to Press Club
(c) Station Road to GPO
(d) None of these
Explanation: The MQM-P organized a rally in Hyderabad on July 26, 2026, which proceeded from Liberty Chowk to Kohinoor Chowk. This event was part of their intensified campaign for administrative restructuring. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018340/mqm-p-steps-up-campaign-for-creation-of-new-provinces, 26 Jul 2026]
#12468
Consider the following statements about the monsoon situation in Punjab as of 2026-07-26: 1. The PDMA reported that five buffaloes were killed due to rain-related incidents. 2. A child drowned in rainwater that accumulated in fields near Pathan Colony in Gujranwala. 3. The PDMA headquarters confirmed that all major rivers in Punjab had exceeded their flood warning levels. 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 PDMA report. Statement 3 is incorrect because the PDMA explicitly stated that major rivers remained within normal limits, not that they had exceeded warning levels. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018407/seven-killed-20-hurt-as-heavy-rains-lash-punjab, 26 Jul 2026]
#12469
Who is the current Chairman of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) as of July 26, 2026?
(a) Mustafa Kamal
(b) Dr. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui
(c) Farooq Sattar
(d) Aminul Haque
Explanation: Dr. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui serves as the Chairman of the MQM-P and led the rally in Hyderabad. Mustafa Kamal is a senior leader and Federal Health Minister, but not the party chairman. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018340/mqm-p-steps-up-campaign-for-creation-of-new-provinces, 26 Jul 2026]
#12470
The primary site of the anti-government protests in New Delhi during July 2026 was:
(a) Jantar Mantar
(b) Red Fort
(c) India Gate
(d) Connaught Place
Explanation: Jantar Mantar served as the central location for the protests where demonstrators gathered to demand education reforms and express grievances against the government. The site became notable for its 'wall of shame' featuring protest graffiti. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018534/modi-announces-panel-to-reform-indias-exam-system-anti-govt-graffiti-at-jantar-mantar-painted-over, 26 Jul 2026]
#12471
Who announced the arrest of the individual accused of running an Indian-funded digital misinformation campaign on July 26, 2026?
(a) Attaullah Tarar
(b) Rana Sanaullah
(c) Khawaja Asif
(d) None of these
Explanation: Information Minister Attaullah Tarar held a televised address on July 26, 2026, to disclose the arrest and provide evidence of the digital marketing professional's links to Indian funding. The other individuals listed are prominent political figures but were not the officials who made this specific announcement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018518/tarar-claims-man-arrested-for-spreading-anti-state-material-online-in-exchange-for-indian-funding, 26 Jul 2026]
#12472
Which of the following statements regarding the flood situation in Muridke as of July 27, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) Residents were forced to evacuate their homes using small motor boats.
(b) The flooding was caused by heavy monsoon rains.
(c) Displaced residents faced severe shortages of clean water and food.
(d) Official state rescue teams were the only entities conducting evacuation operations.
Explanation: The statement is incorrect because the report highlights that volunteer rescuers were actively conducting operations, with some residents complaining that no official rescue teams had reached them after four days. The other options accurately reflect the conditions described in the report. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40432025/flooding-forces-residents-to-flee-homes-by-boat-in-pakistan, 27 Jul 2026]
#12473
Which central bank official is scheduled to speak on July 28, 2026, regarding the economic outlook?
(a) Adrian Orr
(b) Philip Lowe
(c) Michele Bullock
(d) Glenn Stevens
Explanation: RBA Governor Michele Bullock is scheduled to speak on Tuesday, July 28, 2026. Markets are anticipating her comments for potential hawkish signals amidst regional geopolitical tensions. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431969/australia-nz-dollars-climb-as-oil-slide-eases-rate-concerns, 27 Jul 2026]
#12474
Which river's rising water levels were identified as the primary cause of the flooding in Muridke on July 27, 2026?
(a) River Chenab
(b) River Ravi
(c) River Jhelum
(d) River Sutlej
Explanation: The flooding in Muridke was directly attributed to the rise in water levels of the River Ravi. The other rivers listed are major tributaries in Punjab but were not cited as the cause of this specific event. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40432025/flooding-forces-residents-to-flee-homes-by-boat-in-pakistan, 27 Jul 2026]
#12475
What proportion of the total flood-related deaths reported in Pakistan by July 27, 2026, occurred in the province of Punjab?
(a) Approximately one-fourth
(b) Approximately one-third
(c) Approximately one-half
(d) None of these
Explanation: Official disaster management data indicated that approximately one-third of the total 109 flood-related deaths occurred in Punjab. This highlights the disproportionate impact of the monsoon on the province. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40432025/flooding-forces-residents-to-flee-homes-by-boat-in-pakistan, 27 Jul 2026]
#12476
What was the total value of Treasury bills awarded by the Philippine Bureau of the Treasury on July 27, 2026?
(a) $500 million
(b) $950 million
(c) $1.2 billion
(d) $810.1 million
Explanation: The Philippine Bureau of the Treasury awarded 50 billion pesos, which is equivalent to $810.1 million, during the auction held on July 27, 2026. This figure represents the total successful bid amount for the three tenors offered. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431975/philippines-awards-810mn-t-bill-offer, 27 Jul 2026]
#12477
What was the total volume of tenders received by the Philippine Bureau of the Treasury during the July 27, 2026 auction?
(a) 50 billion pesos
(b) 134.5 billion pesos
(c) 100 billion pesos
(d) 200 billion pesos
Explanation: The auction attracted significant market interest, resulting in total tenders of 134.5 billion pesos against an award of 50 billion pesos. This indicates a high demand for government debt instruments. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431975/philippines-awards-810mn-t-bill-offer, 27 Jul 2026]
#12478
Which of the following statements regarding the July 27, 2026, Philippine Treasury auction is INCORRECT?
(a) The total tenders received were less than the total amount awarded.
(b) The auction included 91-day, 182-day, and 364-day tenors.
(c) The average rate for 364-day bills was 5.950%.
(d) The total amount awarded was 50 billion pesos.
Explanation: The statement that tenders were less than the amount awarded is false; in fact, the total tenders of 134.5 billion pesos significantly exceeded the 50 billion pesos awarded. The other options accurately reflect the auction data. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431975/philippines-awards-810mn-t-bill-offer, 27 Jul 2026]
#12479
Consider the following statements about the flood-related crisis in Pakistan as of July 27, 2026: 1. The flooding in Muridke was exacerbated by the overflow of the River Ravi. 2. Flood-related deaths have been attributed solely to house collapses. 3. Volunteer rescuers were involved in evacuating residents from approximately a dozen villages. 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 River Ravi overflowed. Statement 2 is incorrect because deaths were caused by both drowning and house collapses. Statement 3 is correct as volunteers were working in about a dozen villages. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40432025/flooding-forces-residents-to-flee-homes-by-boat-in-pakistan, 27 Jul 2026]
#12480
How many CNICs of deceased individuals were cancelled by Nadra in the reconciliation exercise reported on March 11, 2026?
(a) 2.1 million
(b) 3.0 million
(c) 4.2 million
(d) 5.5 million
Explanation: Nadra reported the cancellation of 4.2 million CNICs following a reconciliation with provincial civil registration records. While 3 million cards were cancelled voluntarily by families, the total figure for the reconciliation exercise is 4.2 million. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980970/nadra-cancels-42-million-cnics-of-deceased-individuals, 11 Mar 2026]