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.
#12701
In which two districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa did the security forces foil infiltration attempts on April 30, 2026?
(a) Mohmand and North Waziristan
(b) Bajaur and Kurram
(c) South Waziristan and Orakzai
(d) Khyber and Dir
Explanation: The ISPR confirmed that the two separate infiltration attempts occurred in the Mohmand and North Waziristan districts. These areas are critical points along the Pak-Afghan border where security forces maintain high vigilance. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1996454/13-terrorists-killed-as-bids-to-infiltrate-pak-afghan-border-in-kp-foiled-ispr, 30 Apr 2026]
#12702
Which military wing issued the official statement regarding the border infiltration events on April 30, 2026?
(a) Ministry of Interior
(b) Inter-Services Public Relations
(c) National Counter Terrorism Authority
(d) Frontier Corps Command
Explanation: The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) is the media affairs wing of the Pakistan Armed Forces responsible for issuing official statements regarding military operations and security incidents. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1996454/13-terrorists-killed-as-bids-to-infiltrate-pak-afghan-border-in-kp-foiled-ispr, 30 Apr 2026]
#12703
Consider the following statements about the security operations reported on April 30, 2026: 1. The operations resulted in the death of 13 terrorists. 2. The engagements took place in the Mohmand and North Waziristan districts. 3. The ISPR claimed that the Afghan Taliban regime has successfully secured the border on their side. 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 ISPR report. Statement 3 is incorrect because the ISPR explicitly stated that the Afghan Taliban regime has failed to ensure effective border management. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1996454/13-terrorists-killed-as-bids-to-infiltrate-pak-afghan-border-in-kp-foiled-ispr, 30 Apr 2026]
#12704
What is the name of the military operation launched by Pakistan against terrorists operating from Afghan soil in 2026?
(a) Operation Zarb-e-Azb
(b) Operation Radd-ul-Fasaad
(c) Operation Ghazab lil-Haq
(d) Operation Khyber-IV
Explanation: Operation Ghazab lil-Haq was initiated by Pakistan on February 26, 2026, to counter cross-border attacks. The other operations listed are historical military campaigns conducted by Pakistan in previous years. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1996946/pakistan-slams-one-sided-remarks-by-british-diplomat-on-pak-afghan-border-situation, 02 May 2026]
#12705
Which international benchmark oil contract reached $117.81 per barrel on 2026-04-29?
(a) West Texas Intermediate
(b) Dubai Crude
(c) Brent Crude
(d) None of these
Explanation: Brent crude is the international benchmark cited in the report as reaching $117.81 per barrel. West Texas Intermediate is a US-based benchmark and is not the contract mentioned in this context. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1996151/oil-spikes-while-stocks-slip-ahead-of-us-fed-rate-decision, 29 Apr 2026]
#12706
Who is the British Special Representative for Afghanistan whose social media remarks were criticized by the Pakistan Foreign Office on May 2, 2026?
(a) Richard Lindsay
(b) Thomas Drew
(c) Christian Turner
(d) None of these
Explanation: Richard Lindsay is the British Special Representative for Afghanistan who issued the remarks regarding the Pak-Afghan border. The other names listed are former British High Commissioners to Pakistan, not the current Special Representative. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1996946/pakistan-slams-one-sided-remarks-by-british-diplomat-on-pak-afghan-border-situation, 02 May 2026]
#12707
Which maritime chokepoint is identified as the primary source of concern for global oil supply disruptions as of 2026-04-29?
(a) Strait of Hormuz
(b) Strait of Malacca
(c) Suez Canal
(d) Bab-el-Mandeb Strait
Explanation: The Strait of Hormuz is a vital oil shipping route currently threatened by a potential blockade, which has caused Brent crude prices to spike. Other options are major maritime chokepoints but are not the focus of the current geopolitical tension described. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1996151/oil-spikes-while-stocks-slip-ahead-of-us-fed-rate-decision, 29 Apr 2026]
#12708
Consider the following statements about the current economic climate as of 2026-04-29: 1. Brent crude prices have surged due to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. 2. The US Federal Reserve is expected to announce a significant reduction in interest rates. 3. Investors are scrutinizing the capital expenditure of major tech firms regarding artificial intelligence.
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) All three
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct as oil prices rose due to the blockade concerns. Statement 3 is correct as tech firm AI spending is a major focus. Statement 2 is incorrect because the report states the Fed is expected to keep interest rates unchanged, not reduce them. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1996151/oil-spikes-while-stocks-slip-ahead-of-us-fed-rate-decision, 29 Apr 2026]
#12709
Who is the current Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Pakistan involved in the 2026 diplomatic efforts?
(a) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari
(b) Ishaq Dar
(c) Shah Mehmood Qureshi
(d) None of these
Explanation: Ishaq Dar serves as the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Pakistan and has been actively engaging with international counterparts to support the peace process. The other names listed are former foreign ministers. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1991712/trump-says-us-iran-talks-could-resume-over-the-next-two-days-were-more-inclined-to-go-to-pakistan, 14 Apr 2026]
#12710
Which of the following statements regarding the 2026 US-Iran diplomatic engagement is INCORRECT?
(a) President Donald Trump confirmed he would personally participate in the negotiations.
(b) The initial talks in Islamabad concluded without a formal agreement.
(c) The ceasefire is currently considered precarious due to potential naval blockades.
(d) Pakistan has been communicating with both sides regarding the timing of the next round.
Explanation: President Trump explicitly confirmed that he would not take part in the negotiations. The other statements accurately reflect the status of the talks and the ceasefire as of April 2026. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1991712/trump-says-us-iran-talks-could-resume-over-the-next-two-days-were-more-inclined-to-go-to-pakistan, 14 Apr 2026]
#12711
On what date was the ceasefire between the United States and Iran initially brokered in 2026?
(a) April 8, 2026
(b) April 14, 2026
(c) April 22, 2026
(d) None of these
Explanation: The ceasefire between the US and Iran was brokered on April 8, 2026. April 22, 2026, is the date the ceasefire is set to expire, making it a common distractor. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1991712/trump-says-us-iran-talks-could-resume-over-the-next-two-days-were-more-inclined-to-go-to-pakistan, 14 Apr 2026]
#12712
Which of the following statements regarding the March 16, 2026, military strikes is INCORRECT?
(a) The Afghan Taliban claimed the strikes hit a military training academy.
(b) The operation was conducted by the Pakistan Air Force.
(c) The strikes targeted ammunition storage facilities in Kabul.
(d) Secondary detonations were observed, indicating the presence of large ammunition depots.
Explanation: The Afghan Taliban spokesperson claimed that a drug rehabilitation hospital was targeted, not a military training academy. The other statements accurately reflect the details provided by the Pakistani government regarding the operation. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1982625/pakistani-forces-strike-afghan-talibans-military-installations-in-kabul-nangarhar-security-sources, 16 Mar 2026]
#12713
The Pakistan Meteorological Department warned that flash floods were expected in vulnerable areas of which of the following regions due to heavy rains in April 2026?
(a) Upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Kashmir
(b) Southern Punjab, Sindh, and Balochistan
(c) Central Punjab, Islamabad, and Potohar Plateau
(d) Coastal Sindh, Makran, and Lasbela
Explanation: The PMD specifically identified upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Kashmir as the regions vulnerable to flash floods and landslides during the forecasted period. These areas are prone to such events due to their mountainous topography. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1991385/pmd-predicts-rainfall-in-upper-parts-of-country-from-april-16-to-19, 13 Apr 2026]
#12714
Who chaired the Punjab Assembly's Standing Committee meeting that approved the Child Marriage Restraint Bill 2026 on April 13, 2026?
(a) Amjad Mahmood
(b) Zulfiqar Shah
(c) Saleem Haider
(d) Pir Ashraf Rasool
Explanation: PML-N MPA Pir Ashraf Rasool chaired the committee meeting. While Zulfiqar Shah was a member who expressed opposition, Saleem Haider is the Governor who promulgated the initial ordinance. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1991404/punjab-assembly-panel-approves-bill-setting-minimum-marriage-age-at-18-for-both-males-and-females, 13 Apr 2026]
#12715
What is the name of the military operation launched by Pakistan in 2026 to target terrorist support infrastructure?
(a) Operation Zarb-e-Azb
(b) Operation Ghazab lil-Haq
(c) Operation Radd-ul-Fasaad
(d) Operation Khyber-IV
Explanation: Operation Ghazab lil-Haq was launched in February 2026 to address cross-border terrorism and military support infrastructure. The other options refer to historical military operations conducted by Pakistan in previous years. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1982625/pakistani-forces-strike-afghan-talibans-military-installations-in-kabul-nangarhar-security-sources, 16 Mar 2026]
#12716
Which of the following statements regarding the April 15, 2026, incident in Bajaur is INCORRECT?
(a) The mortar shells were fired from across the Afghan border.
(b) The Pakistan Army failed to respond to the mortar fire.
(c) The attack resulted in the deaths of three individuals, including children.
(d) Security sources held the Afghan Taliban responsible for the aggression.
Explanation: The statement that the Pakistan Army failed to respond is incorrect, as security sources confirmed that the army destroyed the gun position used for the firing in a retaliatory action. The other statements accurately reflect the reported facts of the event. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1992026/3-killed-in-kps-bajaur-as-mortar-shells-fired-from-across-afghan-border-security-sources, 15 Apr 2026]
#12717
Which of the following statements regarding the provisions of the Child Marriage Restraint Bill 2026 is INCORRECT?
(a) It proposes a fine of Rs100,000 for nikah khawans who register child marriages.
(b) It allows for exceptions to the age limit based on the socio-economic status of the parents.
(c) It classifies cohabitation resulting from a child marriage as child abuse.
(d) It holds guardians accountable for failing to prevent underage marriages.
Explanation: The bill does not include exceptions for socio-economic status; committee members explicitly rejected such suggestions, fearing they would lead to the misuse of the law. The other options accurately reflect the punitive measures outlined in the bill. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1991404/punjab-assembly-panel-approves-bill-setting-minimum-marriage-age-at-18-for-both-males-and-females, 13 Apr 2026]
#12718
According to Pakistani security sources, which countries' manufactured parts were allegedly used in the drone assembly workshops destroyed in the 2026 strikes?
(a) United States and Germany
(b) China and Russia
(c) Iran and Turkey
(d) India and Israel
Explanation: Security sources reported that the drone workshops destroyed in Kabul and Nangarhar utilized components manufactured in India and Israel. This detail was highlighted to emphasize the technical nature of the targeted infrastructure. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1982625/pakistani-forces-strike-afghan-talibans-military-installations-in-kabul-nangarhar-security-sources, 16 Mar 2026]
#12719
Which industrial complex in Saudi Arabia was targeted by strikes, prompting regional security concerns in April 2026?
(a) Ras Tanura oil terminal
(b) Yanbu refinery complex
(c) Jubail petrochemicals complex
(d) Abqaiq processing facility
Explanation: The Jubail petrochemicals complex was the site of the strike that raised concerns regarding regional stability. The other facilities are critical Saudi energy infrastructure but were not the specific target mentioned in this event. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1990849/pakistan-sends-military-force-fighter-jets-to-saudi-arabia, 11 Apr 2026]
#12720
Which regional countries were identified as providing support to Pakistan's mediation efforts between the US and Iran in 2026?
(a) India and Afghanistan
(b) China and Russia
(c) Saudi Arabia and Qatar
(d) Turkiye and Egypt
Explanation: Pakistan's diplomatic efforts to bring the US and Iran to the table were backed by Turkiye and Egypt. While other countries like China and Saudi Arabia were consulted, Turkiye and Egypt were specifically cited as supporting the back-channel efforts. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1991712/trump-says-us-iran-talks-could-resume-over-the-next-two-days-were-more-inclined-to-go-to-pakistan, 14 Apr 2026]