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.
#12541
On March 8, 2026, Israeli forces conducted a rare airborne operation in which region of Lebanon?
(a) Bekaa Valley
(b) Tyre District
(c) Sidon Governorate
(d) None of these
Explanation: Israeli helicopters dropped troops near the town of Nabi Chit, which is located in the eastern Bekaa Valley. This operation was specifically aimed at searching for the remains of a missing Israeli airforce navigator. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979644/israel-pounds-beirut-warns-lebanon-of-heavy-price, 08 Mar 2026]
#12542
Consider the following statements about the PMD monsoon forecast for 2026: 1. A westerly wave is expected to strengthen from August 1, affecting upper and central parts of the country. 2. Rainfall in Sindh is expected to occur primarily between July 31 and August 2. 3. The PMD advisory warns of landslides in the coastal districts of Sindh. 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 factually correct based on the PMD advisory. Statement 3 is incorrect because the PMD warns of landslides in mountainous regions like KP, GB, and AJK, not in the coastal districts of Sindh. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018977/pmd-forecasts-fresh-spell-of-monsoon-rains-across-country-from-july-29-to-august-5, 28 Jul 2026]
#12543
Who represented the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) during the PHC hearing on 2026-07-28?
(a) Saifullah Mohib Kakakhel
(b) Shahid Imran Gigiyani
(c) Waqar Ahmed
(d) Inamullah Khan
Explanation: Shahid Imran Gigiyani, the assistant director legal at NADRA, represented the authority. Saifullah Mohib Kakakhel was the counsel for the petitioner, while the other two names are the presiding judges. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018808/phc-stops-deportation-of-man-named-quaid-i-azam-directs-him-to-appear-before-nadra-board, 28 Jul 2026]
#12544
Which of the following statements regarding the 2026-07-28 PHC case is INCORRECT?
(a) The court ordered the immediate deportation of the petitioner.
(b) The petitioner's national identity card had been blocked by NADRA.
(c) The petitioner's counsel argued that his client was a tax-paying Pakistani citizen.
(d) NADRA officials claimed the petitioner's identity card was considered suspicious.
Explanation: The court actually restrained the authorities from deporting the petitioner, making the statement that it ordered his deportation false. The other three statements are factually accurate based on the court proceedings. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018808/phc-stops-deportation-of-man-named-quaid-i-azam-directs-him-to-appear-before-nadra-board, 28 Jul 2026]
#12545
Who is the current Petroleum Minister of Pakistan as of March 2026?
(a) Ali Pervaiz Malik
(b) Shehbaz Sharif
(c) Ishaq Dar
(d) None of these
Explanation: Ali Pervaiz Malik is identified as the Petroleum Minister who provided statements regarding fuel costs in March 2026. Shehbaz Sharif is the Prime Minister, not the Petroleum Minister. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980901/tanker-drivers-claim-they-are-facing-long-waits-at-depots-due-to-fuel-shortage, 11 Mar 2026]
#12546
On March 13, 2026, which technology was primarily utilized by Pakistani security forces to neutralize the two drones near Rawalpindi?
(a) Surface-to-air missiles
(b) Electronic countermeasures
(c) Anti-aircraft artillery
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Ministry of Information confirmed that the drones were brought down using electronic countermeasures. This technology is specifically designed to disrupt the control signals of unmanned aerial vehicles without requiring kinetic interception. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981736/2-rudimentary-drones-intercepted-brought-down-at-different-locations-adjacent-to-pindi-security-sources, 13 Mar 2026]
#12547
Which of the following Iranian officials did Field Marshal Asim Munir NOT meet during his visit to Tehran in May 2026?
(a) Masoud Pezeshkian
(b) Ali Khamenei
(c) Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf
(d) Abbas Araghchi
Explanation: Field Marshal Asim Munir met with President Masoud Pezeshkian, Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. There is no mention of a meeting with the Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, in the official reports. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2002541/encouraging-progress-made-during-cdf-munirs-tehran-visit-ispr, 23 May 2026]
#12548
Which organization was declared a proscribed entity by the AJK government in June 2026?
(a) Joint Awami Action Committee
(b) Kashmir Liberation Front
(c) All Parties Hurriyat Conference
(d) None of these
Explanation: The AJK government proscribed the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) due to its involvement in activities deemed prejudicial to the peace and security of the state. The other options are not the organization mentioned in the context of the 2026 crackdown. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2006132/pakistan-rejects-unwarranted-remarks-on-ajk-by-individuals-in-uk, 08 Jun 2026]
#12549
What is the proposed allocation for the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) in the 2026-27 budget?
(a) Rs71 billion
(b) Rs8,045 billion
(c) Rs15,264 billion
(d) Rs838 billion
Explanation: The BISP budget was increased by 17 percent to reach Rs838 billion, aiming to expand coverage to 12 million families. Rs71 billion is the allocation for the Apna Ghar housing scheme. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2007283/govt-unveils-rs188tr-budget-for-fy2026-27-gdp-growth-targeted-at-4pc, 12 Jun 2026]
#12550
Which of the following sectors was NOT explicitly mentioned by the Finance Minister as receiving relief in the 2026-27 budget?
(a) IT sector
(b) Construction sector
(c) Agricultural sector
(d) Salaried class
Explanation: The Finance Minister specifically listed exporters, manufacturers, the IT sector, construction, and the salaried class as beneficiaries of relief measures. The agricultural sector was not included in this specific list of relief recipients. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2007374/finmin-aurangzeb-says-govt-committed-to-reducing-tax-burden-by-widening-tax-net, 12 Jun 2026]
#12551
The US proposal sent to Iran in March 2026 consists of how many points?
(a) 15 points
(b) 10 points
(c) 5 points
(d) 20 points
Explanation: The US proposal, which covers demands regarding nuclear and missile programs and trade route control, is a 15-point document. The other options are incorrect numerical distractors. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1985991/rubio-says-war-on-iran-to-last-weeks-not-months-no-us-ground-troops-needed, 27 Mar 2026]
#12552
Consider the following statements about the US-Iran conflict as of March 2026: 1. The US has officially ruled out the use of any ground troops in the region. 2. Iran has publicly rejected the 15-point proposal presented by the US. 3. The US has extended a deadline for Iran to reopen the blockaded Strait of Hormuz. 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 while Rubio stated the US can achieve aims without ground troops, the US is still deploying Marines and airborne soldiers to the region. Statements 2 and 3 are factually accurate based on the reported events. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1985991/rubio-says-war-on-iran-to-last-weeks-not-months-no-us-ground-troops-needed, 27 Mar 2026]
#12553
Which of the following barrages in Sindh reported a 42 percent water shortage as of May 2026?
(a) Sukkur Barrage
(b) Guddu Barrage
(c) Taunsa Barrage
(d) Jinnah Barrage
Explanation: Guddu Barrage is specifically cited as experiencing a 42 percent water shortage, reflecting the severe impact of reduced water releases on Sindh's irrigation infrastructure. Taunsa and Jinnah barrages are located in Punjab. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2004154/sharjeel-memon-criticises-irsas-unjust-reduction-of-sindhs-water-share-urges-centre-to-take-notice, 31 May 2026]
#12554
According to the statement by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on March 27, 2026, what is the projected duration of the military operation in the Gulf?
(a) Several years
(b) Weeks, not months
(c) Exactly six months
(d) None of these
Explanation: Rubio explicitly stated that the operation is expected to conclude in a matter of weeks rather than months. This reflects the US administration's current assessment of the conflict's timeline. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1985991/rubio-says-war-on-iran-to-last-weeks-not-months-no-us-ground-troops-needed, 27 Mar 2026]
#12555
In the context of the 2026 Gulf conflict, which body did Marco Rubio meet with to discuss the operation?
(a) The United Nations Security Council
(b) G7 counterparts
(c) The Arab League
(d) The North Atlantic Council
Explanation: Rubio met with his G7 counterparts in France to coordinate on the ongoing military operation and diplomatic strategy. The other organizations were not cited as the primary venue for this specific meeting. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1985991/rubio-says-war-on-iran-to-last-weeks-not-months-no-us-ground-troops-needed, 27 Mar 2026]
#12556
On which date in 2026 did the UAE defence ministry initially report the death of a person due to falling debris in Abu Dhabi?
(a) March 01
(b) February 28
(c) March 05
(d) March 08
Explanation: The conflict and the initial interception incidents in Abu Dhabi began on February 28, 2026. March 8 is the date of the report regarding the second fatality in Dubai. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979732/second-pakistani-killed-in-uae-due-to-falling-debris-from-aerial-interception-amid-ongoing-iran-us-israel-war, 08 Mar 2026]
#12557
Where were two tankers reported to be ablaze following attacks by suspected explosive-laden boats on March 12, 2026?
(a) Port of Bandar Abbas
(b) Port of Jebel Ali
(c) Port of Basra
(d) Port of Chabahar
Explanation: Reports confirmed that two tankers were hit and set ablaze in an Iraqi port, specifically identified as the Port of Basra. The other ports are located in Iran or the UAE. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981360/in-first-remarks-irans-new-supreme-leader-vows-to-avenge-martyrs-keep-strait-of-hormuz-closed, 12 Mar 2026]
#12558
Consider the following statements about the fuel situation in Pakistan in March 2026: 1. The government recently hiked fuel prices by approximately 20 percent. 2. Naval escorts were provided to vessels transporting fuel to ensure supply continuity. 3. The Petroleum Minister confirmed that fuel prices would see immediate and significant changes. 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 government hiked prices by 20 percent. Statement 2 is correct as naval escorts were deployed. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Minister stated there would be 'no immediate significant changes' in fuel costs. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980901/tanker-drivers-claim-they-are-facing-long-waits-at-depots-due-to-fuel-shortage, 11 Mar 2026]
#12559
Who is the current Hurriyat chairman who reported that the gates of the Jama Masjid were locked from all sides on the last Friday of Ramazan in 2026?
(a) Yasin Malik
(b) Syed Ali Geelani
(c) Mirwaiz Umar Farooq
(d) Shabbir Shah
Explanation: Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, the chief cleric and Hurriyat chairman, confirmed the closure via social media. The other individuals listed are prominent Kashmiri figures but do not hold the specific title mentioned in the context of this event. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981738/fo-condemns-continued-closure-of-historic-mosque-in-occupied-kashmir-on-last-friday-of-ramazan, 13 Mar 2026]
#12560
Consider the following statements about the US diplomatic presence in Pakistan as of 2026: 1. The US State Department ordered non-emergency personnel and their families to leave consulates in Karachi and Lahore due to security concerns. 2. The Peshawar consulate was the closest US diplomatic mission to the Afghan border. 3. The closure of the Peshawar consulate was primarily triggered by the joint US-Israeli war against Iran. 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 security situation and the strategic location of the Peshawar facility. Statement 3 is incorrect because the report explicitly clarifies that the closure is not related to the Iran war, but rather to long-term downsizing and cost-saving measures. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981261/us-to-permanently-close-its-peshawar-consulate-report, 12 Mar 2026]