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.
#12501
The major bridge damaged by floodwaters on 2026-07-28 is located near which area?
(a) Raiwind Junction
(b) Qila Sattar Shah
(c) Wazirabad City
(d) Lala Musa
Explanation: The railway authorities identified the bridge near Qila Sattar Shah as a primary site of structural damage due to soil erosion. This bridge is situated on the Lahore-Shahdara-Sheikhupura-Faisalabad section. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018903/floodwaters-sever-rail-link-between-lahore-faisalabad, 28 Jul 2026]
#12502
Consider the following statements about the railway infrastructure crisis on 2026-07-28: 1. The flooding caused breaches at 25 locations along the Lahore-Faisalabad route. 2. The Karakoram Express was completely cancelled due to the damage. 3. The Met Office warned of continued flood risks in major rivers due to monsoon rains. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 2 only
(d) All three
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct as 25 breaches were reported. Statement 2 is incorrect because the Karakoram Express was diverted, not cancelled. Statement 3 is correct as the Met Office issued warnings regarding the monsoon flood risk. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018903/floodwaters-sever-rail-link-between-lahore-faisalabad, 28 Jul 2026]
#12503
Who is the Chief Justice of India presiding over the directives regarding the youth protests on July 28, 2026?
(a) Surya Kant
(b) Dharmendra Pradhan
(c) Tushar Mehta
(d) Narendra Modi
Explanation: Chief Justice Surya Kant issued the interim directives to protect protesters and ensure an independent investigation into police conduct. Dharmendra Pradhan is the former Education Minister, and Tushar Mehta is the Solicitor General. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2019008/indias-top-court-orders-no-coercive-action-against-youth-protesters-and-release-of-minors-media-reports-say, 28 Jul 2026]
#12504
Consider the following statements about the Supreme Court's intervention in the 2026 protests: 1. The court ordered that protesters' personal data should not be made public. 2. The Solicitor General claimed that approximately 250 police officers were injured during the demonstrations. 3. The protests continued even after the resignation of the Education Minister. 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 court proceedings. Statement 3 is incorrect because the protests ended on the Saturday following the minister's resignation and the government's agreement to protesters' demands. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2019008/indias-top-court-orders-no-coercive-action-against-youth-protesters-and-release-of-minors-media-reports-say, 28 Jul 2026]
#12505
What was the primary reason cited by the Israeli military for the road closures and increased security measures in the West Bank during July 2026?
(a) A counterterrorism operation
(b) A scheduled military training exercise
(c) The construction of a new separation wall
(d) A diplomatic visit by international observers
Explanation: The Israeli military initiated a counterterrorism operation across the West Bank following a deadly clash between settlers and Palestinians in the village of Tell. This operation resulted in the road closures that obstructed the ambulance. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018891/checkpoint-delay-leads-to-stillbirth-in-west-bank, 28 Jul 2026]
#12506
Which of the following statements regarding the ambulance incident on July 28, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The pregnant woman was six months pregnant at the time of the incident.
(b) The ambulance crew was forced to switch off their vehicle at gunpoint.
(c) The ambulance crew had their identity cards confiscated by soldiers.
(d) The baby was delivered successfully in the hospital after the checkpoint delay.
Explanation: The baby was delivered inside the ambulance while it was stranded at the checkpoint and was unfortunately stillborn. Options A, B, and D are factually accurate descriptions of the events reported. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018891/checkpoint-delay-leads-to-stillbirth-in-west-bank, 28 Jul 2026]
#12507
In the context of the 2026 pharmaceutical conference, what percentage of pharmaceutical raw material does Pakistan currently import?
(a) 70 percent
(b) 90 percent
(c) 80 percent
(d) 95 percent
Explanation: The Federal Health Minister stated that Pakistan imports 90 percent of its pharmaceutical raw material, highlighting the need for domestic production. 80 percent refers to the digitalization status of DRAP services. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016621/pakistan-china-pharma-conference-ends-with-850m-agreements, 19 Jul 2026]
#12508
Who is the current Foreign Minister of Iran who met with the Pakistani delegation in Tehran on April 15, 2026?
(a) Abbas Araghchi
(b) Esmaeil Baqaei
(c) Hossein Amir-Abdollahian
(d) Mohammad Javad Zarif
Explanation: Abbas Araghchi is the Iranian Foreign Minister who welcomed Field Marshal Asim Munir in Tehran. Esmaeil Baqaei is the foreign ministry spokesman, not the Foreign Minister. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1991972/cdf-munir-visits-iran-alongside-delegation-as-part-of-mediation-efforts-holds-meeting-with-fm-araghchi, 15 Apr 2026]
#12509
Which of the following is NOT a stated objective or outcome of the 2026 Pakistan-China Pharmaceutical and Healthcare B2B Investment Conference?
(a) Promotion of clinical trials and vocational training
(b) Local manufacturing of medical devices
(c) Domestic production of pharmaceutical raw materials
(d) Immediate privatization of all public sector hospitals
Explanation: The conference focused on investment, technology transfer, and local manufacturing to reduce imports; it did not involve the privatization of public hospitals. The other three options were explicitly mentioned as key discussion points. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016621/pakistan-china-pharma-conference-ends-with-850m-agreements, 19 Jul 2026]
#12510
The mediation efforts led by Pakistan in April 2026 are primarily aimed at de-escalating tensions between which two countries?
(a) Pakistan and India
(b) Russia and Ukraine
(c) Saudi Arabia and Iran
(d) Iran and the United States
Explanation: The diplomatic efforts are focused on de-escalation between Iran and the United States, following direct talks held in Islamabad. The other options represent different geopolitical conflicts not addressed by this specific mediation mission. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1991972/cdf-munir-visits-iran-alongside-delegation-as-part-of-mediation-efforts-holds-meeting-with-fm-araghchi, 15 Apr 2026]
#12511
What was the total value of agreements finalized during the Pakistan-China Pharmaceutical and Healthcare B2B Investment Conference in 2026?
(a) $600 million
(b) $1.2 billion
(c) $850 million
(d) $250 million
Explanation: The conference concluded with total agreements worth $850 million, consisting of $600 million in contracts and $250 million in MoUs. $1.2 billion is the projected cost of imported vaccines by 2030, not the conference total. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016621/pakistan-china-pharma-conference-ends-with-850m-agreements, 19 Jul 2026]
#12512
Which Indian diplomat represented his country during the UNSC debate on Afghanistan on March 10, 2026?
(a) Parvathaneni Harish
(b) Ruchira Kamboj
(c) Syed Akbaruddin
(d) T.S. Tirumurti
Explanation: Parvathaneni Harish served as the Indian Permanent Representative who articulated India's concerns regarding cross-border violence during the session. The other options represent former Indian diplomats at the UN. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980464/pakistan-india-exchange-sharp-words-at-un-security-council-over-afghanistan, 10 Mar 2026]
#12513
Consider the following statements about the 2026 report on gender-based violence: 1. The report is based on data gathered from official police records exclusively. 2. The report highlights that filing an FIR is only the initial step toward achieving justice. 3. The report suggests that resources should be directed toward districts with a disproportionate share of cases. 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 report is based on newspaper accounts, not exclusively on official police records. Statements 2 and 3 are accurate reflections of the report's findings regarding the judicial process and resource allocation. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018677/writing-on-the-wall, 27 Jul 2026]
#12514
Which military operation was launched by Pakistan against the Afghan Taliban last month, as referenced on March 18, 2026?
(a) Operation Zarb-e-Azb
(b) Operation Radd-ul-Fasaad
(c) Operation Ghazab lil-Haq
(d) None of these
Explanation: Operation Ghazab lil-Haq was identified by the DG ISPR as the ongoing military campaign launched against the Afghan Taliban to counter terrorism. The other options refer to historical operations that are not the subject of this specific 2026 event. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1983447/our-intelligence-was-correct-dg-ispr-says-pakistan-hit-ammunition-storage-site-in-kabul-strike, 18 Mar 2026]
#12515
Who represented Pakistan at the United Nations Security Council session held on March 10, 2026?
(a) Asim Iftikhar Ahmad
(b) Munir Akram
(c) Maleeha Lodhi
(d) None of these
Explanation: Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad is the Permanent Representative of Pakistan who addressed the UNSC session on the specified date. Other names listed are former or different representatives not involved in this specific exchange. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980464/pakistan-india-exchange-sharp-words-at-un-security-council-over-afghanistan, 10 Mar 2026]
#12516
What was the primary target of the Pakistani strike in Kabul as confirmed by the DG ISPR on March 18, 2026?
(a) A regional administrative office
(b) An ammunition storage site
(c) A border communication tower
(d) A civilian transport hub
Explanation: The DG ISPR confirmed that the strike in Kabul specifically targeted an ammunition and drone storage site. The secondary detonations observed in the area were attributed to the explosion of stored missiles and equipment. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1983447/our-intelligence-was-correct-dg-ispr-says-pakistan-hit-ammunition-storage-site-in-kabul-strike, 18 Mar 2026]
#12517
What is the percentage reduction in fuel allotted for official vehicles as announced by the Sindh government in March 2026?
(a) 20 percent
(b) 30 percent
(c) 50 percent
(d) 60 percent
Explanation: The provincial government mandated a 50 percent reduction in fuel allocations for official vehicles to save approximately Rs960 million. This is distinct from the 20 percent reduction applied to other non-essential expenditures like stationery. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980528/sindh-schools-to-close-from-march-16-31-friday-to-be-wfh-for-govt-offices-as-part-of-austerity-measures, 10 Mar 2026]
#12518
Consider the following statements about the oil market developments on March 10, 2026: 1. US President Donald Trump suggested that the war in the Middle East could conclude in the near future. 2. The Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps threatened to block oil exports from the region if attacks continued. 3. The Kremlin reported that Vladimir Putin shared proposals aimed at a quick settlement to the war. 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 report: Trump predicted a short-lived war, the IRGC issued threats regarding oil exports, and the Kremlin confirmed Putin's diplomatic proposals. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980481/oil-sinks-7pc-as-trump-predicts-middle-east-de-escalation, 10 Mar 2026]
#12519
According to the Sindh government's 2026 austerity measures, schools in the province will observe spring vacation during which period?
(a) March 1 to March 15
(b) March 16 to March 31
(c) April 1 to April 15
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Sindh government announced that schools will remain closed for spring vacation from March 16 to March 31, 2026. This is part of a broader set of austerity measures aimed at reducing provincial expenditures. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980528/sindh-schools-to-close-from-march-16-31-friday-to-be-wfh-for-govt-offices-as-part-of-austerity-measures, 10 Mar 2026]
#12520
In the context of the March 10, 2026, UNSC session, what specific term did India use to describe its concern regarding regional trade vulnerabilities?
(a) Transit corridor exploitation
(b) Economic border sabotage
(c) Trade and transit terrorism
(d) Logistical warfare
Explanation: India's representative specifically used the phrase 'trade and transit terrorism' to argue that the vulnerabilities of land-locked developing countries should not be weaponized. This was a central point of contention during the Indian address. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980464/pakistan-india-exchange-sharp-words-at-un-security-council-over-afghanistan, 10 Mar 2026]