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.
#12661
Consider the following statements about the JCP interview committees: 1. The committees were formed to vet candidates for additional judge positions in four high courts. 2. The proposal to form a seven-member committee was originally suggested by Senator Farooq Hamid Naek. 3. The committees are tasked with interviewing candidates nominated until July 4, 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: All three statements are factually accurate based on the JCP notification and the internal deliberations of the Rule-Making Committee. The committees cover four high courts, follow the proposal of Senator Naek, and have a deadline of July 4, 2026. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2012237/no-supreme-court-judge-in-jcp-panels-for-vetting-high-court-judges, 01 Jul 2026]
#12662
Which naval vessel was specifically mentioned as being diverted for the rescue operation on July 9, 2026?
(a) PNS Alamgir
(b) PNS Tippu Sultan
(c) PNS Taimur
(d) PNS Hunain
Explanation: PNS Hunain was one of the primary assets diverted to the site of the distressed vessel. Other assets included aerial units coordinated through the Joint Maritime Information Coordination Centre. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2014176/20-crew-members-rescued-from-sinking-cargo-dhow-east-of-ormara-ispr, 09 Jul 2026]
#12663
Which of the following individuals was NOT mentioned as being present at the Provincial Apex Committee meeting in Quetta on July 9, 2026?
(a) Field Marshal Asim Munir
(b) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari
(c) Jaffar Khan Mandokhail
(d) Sarfraz Bugti
Explanation: The meeting was attended by the Chief of Army Staff, the Chief Minister of Balochistan (Sarfraz Bugti), and the Governor of Balochistan (Jaffar Khan Mandokhail). Bilawal Bhutto Zardari was not reported as an attendee. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2014127/mutual-and-singular-decision-by-leadership-to-end-terrorism-pm-shehbaz-says-after-balochistan-attacks, 09 Jul 2026]
#12664
Who is the current Chairman of the Pakistan Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (PVARA) as of 2026?
(a) Waqas Ghani
(b) Bilal bin Saqib
(c) Taqi Usmani
(d) None of these
Explanation: Bilal bin Saqib serves as the Chairman of the PVARA and is leading the dialogue with religious scholars regarding digital asset classification. Waqas Ghani is a research head at a brokerage firm, and Mufti Taqi Usmani is a prominent religious scholar. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2015697/crypto-czar-asks-jamia-darul-uloom-to-distinguish-between-speculative-crypto-asset-backed-tokens, 15 Jul 2026]
#12665
Consider the following statements about the PMD monsoon forecast for July 2026: 1. Moist currents from the Bay of Bengal are expected to reach the upper parts of the country from July 2. 2. The PMD warned of potential landslides in vulnerable areas of upper KP, GB, and Kashmir. 3. Rainfall in Sindh is predicted to occur throughout the entire first week of July. 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 advisory. Statement 3 is incorrect because the forecast for Sindh specifically mentions rain on July 3 and July 4, not the entire first week. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2011619/pmd-forecasts-nationwide-monsoon-rainfall-from-first-week-of-july, 29 Jun 2026]
#12666
Who accompanied Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif during his visit to Quetta on July 9, 2026?
(a) Minister of Defence
(b) Minister of Interior
(c) Minister of Information
(d) Minister of Finance
Explanation: Information Minister Attaullah Tarar was among the officials who accompanied the Prime Minister to Quetta. Other attendees included the Minister of Economic Affairs and the Adviser on Political Affairs. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2014127/mutual-and-singular-decision-by-leadership-to-end-terrorism-pm-shehbaz-says-after-balochistan-attacks, 09 Jul 2026]
#12667
Which of the following statements regarding the security situation in Balochistan as of July 8, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) An ambush on an army convoy occurred in Bela.
(b) An armed attack took place on the outskirts of Quetta on July 5.
(c) A police post in Ziarat was assaulted on July 6.
(d) The security situation in Balochistan showed an increase in attacks in June compared to May.
Explanation: The statement that attacks increased in June is incorrect because the PICSS data explicitly reported a significant decline in terrorism in Balochistan during June, with 49 attacks compared to 71 in May. The other three options accurately describe the specific recent incidents mentioned in the report. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2013924/cross-border-terrorism-will-be-crushed-with-full-might-of-the-state-field-marshal-asim-munir, 08 Jul 2026]
#12668
Which of the following statements regarding the 2026 visit of the Pakistani CDF to Turkiye is INCORRECT?
(a) The CDF visited the Mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk.
(b) The CDF was accorded a guard of honour at the Turkish General Staff Headquarters.
(c) The CDF signed a formal mutual defence treaty during the visit.
(d) The CDF held a meeting with the Turkish Minister of National Defence.
Explanation: While the visit focused on strengthening cooperation, there is no record of a formal mutual defence treaty being signed during this specific trip. The other three options are factually accurate events that occurred during the visit. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2015389/cdf-munir-meets-turkish-president-erdogan-armed-forces-chief-in-ankara-ispr, 14 Jul 2026]
#12669
Consider the following statements about the Provincial Apex Committee meeting held on July 9, 2026: 1. The meeting was chaired by the Prime Minister to discuss the National Action Plan. 2. The leadership identified the eastern neighbour as being involved in supporting terrorist activities. 3. The committee decided to reduce the presence of security forces in Balochistan to de-escalate tensions. 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 the Prime Minister chaired the meeting and explicitly accused the eastern neighbour of involvement. Statement 3 is incorrect because the leadership resolved to continue the war against terrorism until the last terrorist is eliminated, rather than reducing security presence. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2014127/mutual-and-singular-decision-by-leadership-to-end-terrorism-pm-shehbaz-says-after-balochistan-attacks, 09 Jul 2026]
#12670
Where did Field Marshal Asim Munir deliver his address regarding the state's response to cross-border terrorism on July 8, 2026?
(a) Command and Staff College, Quetta
(b) Pakistan Military Academy, Kakul
(c) National Defence University, Islamabad
(d) General Headquarters, Rawalpindi
Explanation: Field Marshal Asim Munir addressed the graduating officers of the National Security and War Course at the National Defence University in Islamabad. This location is the primary institution for training senior military and civilian leaders in national security strategy. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2013924/cross-border-terrorism-will-be-crushed-with-full-might-of-the-state-field-marshal-asim-munir, 08 Jul 2026]
#12671
Consider the following statements about the security address delivered by Field Marshal Asim Munir on July 8, 2026: 1. He emphasized that wars are won through media rhetoric and political sloganeering. 2. He highlighted the importance of strategic clarity in dealing with hybrid and sub-conventional threats. 3. He stated that proxy networks operating under hostile intelligence agencies would not be allowed to undermine Pakistan's economic prosperity. 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 Field Marshal explicitly stated that wars are NOT won through media rhetoric or political sloganeering, but through faith, unity, and discipline. Statements 2 and 3 accurately reflect his emphasis on strategic clarity and the threat posed by proxy networks to national prosperity. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2013924/cross-border-terrorism-will-be-crushed-with-full-might-of-the-state-field-marshal-asim-munir, 08 Jul 2026]
#12672
Who is the current Director General of the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) as of July 2026?
(a) Lieutenant General Babar Iftikhar
(b) Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry
(c) Major General Asif Ghafoor
(d) Lieutenant General Nadeem Anjum
Explanation: Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry is the official who conducted the press briefing on July 8, 2026, regarding the security situation in Balochistan. The other individuals listed are either former DG ISPRs or hold different high-ranking military positions. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2013924/cross-border-terrorism-will-be-crushed-with-full-might-of-the-state-field-marshal-asim-munir, 08 Jul 2026]
#12673
The official visit of the Pakistani CDF to Turkiye in 2026 was primarily aimed at strengthening which of the following?
(a) Economic trade agreements
(b) Strategic and defence cooperation
(c) Cultural exchange programs
(d) None of these
Explanation: The visit was explicitly stated by the military media wing to be aimed at strengthening strategic and defence cooperation. While economic ties are important, they were not the primary focus of this specific military-led visit. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2015389/cdf-munir-meets-turkish-president-erdogan-armed-forces-chief-in-ankara-ispr, 14 Jul 2026]
#12674
Which of the following statements regarding the oil market situation as of July 17, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) Brent crude futures experienced a rise of approximately 0.08 percent.
(b) The Red Sea has already been officially closed to all commercial shipping traffic.
(c) The US launched two major waves of air strikes in a single day on Wednesday.
(d) US West Texas Intermediate futures gained 16 cents per barrel.
Explanation: The Red Sea has not been closed; rather, there is a 'potential threat' of closure. Options A, B, and C are all factually accurate details reported on July 17, 2026. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016168/oil-rises-on-intensifying-us-iran-hostilities-threat-of-red-sea-closure, 17 Jul 2026]
#12675
Which organization provided the data indicating a decline in anti-state violence in Pakistan during the month of June 2026?
(a) Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies
(b) National Counter Terrorism Authority
(c) Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad
(d) Centre for Research and Security Studies
Explanation: The Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS) reported a decline in overall anti-state violence for June 2026, specifically noting a 31 percent reduction in attacks within Balochistan compared to May. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2013924/cross-border-terrorism-will-be-crushed-with-full-might-of-the-state-field-marshal-asim-munir, 08 Jul 2026]
#12676
Which prestigious award was conferred upon the Pakistani CDF by the Turkish General Staff in 2026?
(a) Medal of Military Merit
(b) Order of the Republic of Turkiye
(c) State Medal of Honour
(d) Turkish Armed Forces Distinguished Service Medal
Explanation: The Turkish Armed Forces Distinguished Service Medal was awarded to the CDF in recognition of his commitment to bolstering bilateral military cooperation. The other options are generic titles that do not represent the specific award mentioned in the official report. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2015389/cdf-munir-meets-turkish-president-erdogan-armed-forces-chief-in-ankara-ispr, 14 Jul 2026]
#12677
Consider the following statements about the security situation in AJK as of July 14, 2026: 1. The JAAC leader Khwaja Mehran issued a 48-hour deadline to close entry points to the state. 2. Rangers were deployed to assist the police in the operation against the armed group. 3. The government reported that the majority of the population continues to support the JAAC's blockade strategy. 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 Home Secretary's briefing. Statement 3 is incorrect because the government explicitly stated that the majority of the population has distanced itself from the JAAC. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2015416/ajk-govt-says-operation-under-way-to-reopen-routes-blocked-by-banned-jaac, 14 Jul 2026]
#12678
Who is the current Chief of the Turkish General Staff that held a detailed meeting with the Pakistani CDF in 2026?
(a) General Metin Tokel
(b) General Selcuk Bayraktaroglu
(c) Yasar Guler
(d) None of these
Explanation: General Selcuk Bayraktaroglu is the Chief of the Turkish General Staff who hosted the Pakistani CDF. General Metin Tokel serves as the Commander of the Turkish Land Forces, while Yasar Guler is the Minister of National Defence. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2015389/cdf-munir-meets-turkish-president-erdogan-armed-forces-chief-in-ankara-ispr, 14 Jul 2026]
#12679
What tactic did the terrorists employ to hinder rescue services and reinforcements during the July 15, 2026, attack?
(a) Blocking the main highway with heavy vehicles
(b) Setting fire to the local hospital entrance
(c) Destroying a bridge on the route to the police station
(d) Cutting off telecommunication lines in the district
Explanation: Terrorists blew up a previously damaged bridge on the route to the police station to prevent reinforcements from reaching the site. This is a common tactic used to isolate the target area during an assault. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2015690/at-least-5-injured-including-police-official-in-attack-on-bannu-police-station, 15 Jul 2026]
#12680
Which police station was the specific target of the terrorist attack on July 15, 2026, in Bannu?
(a) Domel Police Station
(b) Miryan Police Station
(c) Bannu City Police Station
(d) None of these
Explanation: The attack on July 15, 2026, targeted the Miryan Police Station in Bannu. Domel Police Station was the site of a separate suicide car bomb attack in April 2026. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2015690/at-least-5-injured-including-police-official-in-attack-on-bannu-police-station, 15 Jul 2026]