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.
#12861
The Emergency Response Committee (ERC) held its fifth meeting on July 26, 2026, to review monsoon preparedness under the chairmanship of:
(a) The Minister for Climate Change
(b) The Chairman of the NDMA
(c) The Minister for Planning
(d) None of these
Explanation: The meeting was chaired by Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal via video link. While the NDMA Chairman and Climate Change Minister were present, the chair was held by the Planning Minister. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018500/nationwide-deaths-this-monsoon-cross-100-more-rain-likely-in-countrys-upper-parts-from-july-29, 26 Jul 2026]
#12862
Consider the following statements about the economic forecasts provided by the AfDB: 1. The AfDB predicted Africa would see 4.2% economic growth in 2026. 2. The growth projection for 2027 is 4.4%. 3. These growth projections were finalized after accounting for the 'super' El Niño impact. 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: The AfDB predicted 4.2% growth for 2026 and 4.4% for 2027. However, these forecasts were made in May, before the 'super' El Niño projections were integrated, making statement 3 incorrect. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431871/africa-facing-10-20-billion-economic-hit-from-super-el-nino-afdb-climate-chief-warns, 26 Jul 2026]
#12863
Which two regions were specifically identified by the Pakistan Meteorological Department in its July 2026 alert as being at high risk for Glacial Lake Outburst Floods?
(a) Punjab and Sindh
(b) Gilgit-Baltistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
(c) Balochistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir
(d) None of these
Explanation: The PMD alert issued on July 26, 2026, specifically highlights Gilgit-Baltistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa due to their high concentration of glaciers and susceptibility to rapid melt. Other regions, while prone to flooding, were not the primary focus of this specific GLOF warning. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431880/new-glacial-lakes-may-form-in-gilgit-baltistan-kp-amid-accelerated-glacier-melt-pmd, 26 Jul 2026]
#12864
What is the primary climatic driver cited by the PMD for the accelerated glacier melt in northern Pakistan as of July 2026?
(a) Unusually high seismic activity in the Karakoram range
(b) Sustained warm thermal regimes and intermittent precipitation
(c) Deforestation in the lower Indus basin
(d) Increased volcanic activity in the Hindu Kush
Explanation: The PMD attributes the accelerated melting to the combined effect of warm temperatures and ongoing precipitation. These factors increase the volume of meltwater, which destabilizes glacial lakes and increases the risk of outburst floods. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431880/new-glacial-lakes-may-form-in-gilgit-baltistan-kp-amid-accelerated-glacier-melt-pmd, 26 Jul 2026]
#12865
Which of the following statements regarding the flood situation in Gilgit-Baltistan as of July 28, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The Astore Valley Road was blocked at Kachak due to river erosion.
(b) The Hushe Valley Road remained open for traffic despite the monsoon floods.
(c) The GBDMA provided water and rations to stranded passengers on the Baltistan Road.
(d) Residents of the Hispar Valley were disconnected following Glacial Lake Outburst Floods.
Explanation: The Hushe Valley Road was explicitly reported as impassable at Rout Longba in the Ghanche district. Therefore, the statement that it remained open is false. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018881/many-stranded-in-gb-for-six-days-as-flood-delays-repairs, 28 Jul 2026]
#12866
Consider the following statements about the flood-related damages reported in Gilgit-Baltistan on July 28, 2026: 1. A total of 18.2 kilometers of roads were damaged during the monsoon season. 2. The disaster incidents resulted in the death of 73 livestock. 3. The GBDMA Director General ordered the preparation of a permanent housing solution for displaced persons in Ghizer. 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 GBDMA disaster summary and the actions taken by the Director General in the Ghizer district. The report confirms the road damage length, livestock losses, and the directive for permanent housing. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018881/many-stranded-in-gb-for-six-days-as-flood-delays-repairs, 28 Jul 2026]
#12867
According to the French President, the 2026 wildfire situation is the most severe recorded since which historical period?
(a) The First World War
(b) The Second World War
(c) The Cold War
(d) The Great Depression
Explanation: President Emmanuel Macron characterized the 2026 wildfire crisis as the most severe since the Second World War. This highlights the unprecedented nature of the current climate-driven disaster. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018994/firefighters-in-france-spain-scramble-to-contain-blazes-as-new-heatwave-looms, 28 Jul 2026]
#12868
Consider the following statements about the 2026 wildfire crisis in Europe: 1. The heatwave conditions have hindered cargo shipping on European waterways due to low river levels. 2. Firefighters in Spain were able to effectively tackle active fire fronts in Madrid during the night. 3. The UK Met Office predicted that the heatwave would be a long-term, multi-month event. 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 operational challenges and successes reported. Statement 3 is incorrect because the UK Met Office described the spell of hot weather as 'relatively short-lived,' not a multi-month event. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018994/firefighters-in-france-spain-scramble-to-contain-blazes-as-new-heatwave-looms, 28 Jul 2026]
#12869
The report published on 2026-07-28 advocates for the integration of which of the following into a single national strategy?
(a) Maritime security, industrial policy, and water management
(b) Space exploration, telecommunications, and water management
(c) Water management, agriculture, and urban planning
(d) Public health, education, and water management
Explanation: The strategy emphasizes a holistic approach that combines water management, agricultural reform, urban planning, climate resilience, and water diplomacy. This integration is essential to address the multifaceted nature of the water crisis. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018921/water-policy, 28 Jul 2026]
#12870
What was the name of the Pakistani fisherman who lost his life in the incident on March 9, 2026?
(a) Muhammad Tayyab
(b) Naqibullah Kakar
(c) Attaur Rehman
(d) None of these
Explanation: Muhammad Tayyab was the fisherman from Gannz, Gwadar, who was killed by debris. Naqibullah Kakar and Attaur Rehman are the officials who confirmed the details of the incident. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40410710/iran-waters-gwadar-fisherman-killed-by-debris-from-israeli-projectile, 09 Mar 2026]
#12871
In which areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa were the intelligence-based operations conducted on May 21, 2026?
(a) Datta Khel, Spinwam, and Bannu
(b) Tank, Dera Ismail Khan, and Wana
(c) Mir Ali, Razmak, and Khyber
(d) None of these
Explanation: The ISPR confirmed that the operations conducted over the 48-hour period leading to May 21, 2026, were focused in the areas of Datta Khel, Spinwam, and Bannu. Other locations like Tank and Dera Ismail Khan have been sites of separate operations but were not the primary focus of this specific report. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2002065/security-forces-kill-23-terrorists-in-multiple-khyber-pakhtunkhwa-ibos-ispr, 21 May 2026]
#12872
Consider the following statements about the PIK study published on 2026-03-08: 1. The study reports a statistical certainty of over 98 percent regarding the acceleration of global warming since 2015. 2. The warming rate from 1970 to 2015 was approximately 0.35°C per decade. 3. The study aims to reduce 'noise' to make the underlying long-term warming signal more visible. 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 study cites 98 percent certainty. Statement 2 is incorrect because the 0.35°C rate applies to the post-2015 period, while the 1970-2015 period averaged just under 0.2°C. Statement 3 is correct as the methodology involved filtering natural influences to clarify the warming signal. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979692/global-warming-has-seen-significant-acceleration-since-2015-study-finds, 08 Mar 2026]
#12873
Who was appointed as the new Supreme Leader of Iran on March 12, 2026?
(a) Ali Khamenei
(b) Mojtaba Khamenei
(c) Ebrahim Raisi
(d) None of these
Explanation: Mojtaba Khamenei succeeded his father as the Supreme Leader of Iran. Ali Khamenei is the predecessor, and Ebrahim Raisi is not the current successor. [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]
#12874
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]
#12875
Which of the following sequences represents the correct thematic order of events reported on 08 August 2026, based on the regional and institutional scope of the developments?
(a) 1. Typhoon Dolphin impacts East Asia; 2. Hamas reaffirms peace plan; 3. Pakistan-New Zealand bilateral consultations; 4. KP Assembly amends privilege law
(b) 1. KP Assembly amends privilege law; 2. Pakistan-New Zealand bilateral consultations; 3. Hamas reaffirms peace plan; 4. Typhoon Dolphin impacts East Asia
(c) 1. Typhoon Dolphin impacts East Asia; 2. KP Assembly amends privilege law; 3. Pakistan-New Zealand bilateral consultations; 4. Hamas reaffirms peace plan
(d) 1. Hamas reaffirms peace plan; 2. Typhoon Dolphin impacts East Asia; 3. KP Assembly amends privilege law; 4. Pakistan-New Zealand bilateral consultations
Explanation: The events are ordered by their geopolitical scope: starting from regional climate events in East Asia, moving to international conflict mediation (Gaza), then bilateral state-level diplomacy (Pakistan-New Zealand), and finally concluding with sub-national provincial legislative reforms (KP Assembly). [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2021508/typhoon-dolphin-hits-japans-okinawa-china-shuts-ports-ahead-of-landfall]
#12876
Which location in the United Kingdom recorded its highest May temperature on record on May 25, 2026?
(a) Kew Gardens
(b) Heathrow Airport
(c) Greenwich Park
(d) None of these
Explanation: Kew Gardens in southwest London recorded a temperature of 34.8°C, which the Met Office confirmed as the hottest May day on record for the UK. Other locations did not reach this specific record-breaking threshold. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2003065/mini-version-of-hell-heat-dome-over-europe-scorches-uk-france-spain, 25 May 2026]
#12877
Consider the following statements about the climate situation in Europe as of May 2026: 1. Climate advisers warned that UK infrastructure is built for a climate that no longer exists. 2. The Met Office described the May heat as exceptional even for mid-summer standards. 3. Human-induced climate change is identified as a factor increasing the frequency of such extreme weather events. 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 provided information. Climate advisers have urged infrastructure adaptation, the Met Office highlighted the exceptional nature of the May heat, and scientists link these events to human-induced climate change. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2003065/mini-version-of-hell-heat-dome-over-europe-scorches-uk-france-spain, 25 May 2026]
#12878
What meteorological phenomenon was identified as the primary cause of the extreme heat across Europe on May 25, 2026?
(a) Polar vortex
(b) Cyclonic depression
(c) Atmospheric river
(d) Heat dome
Explanation: A heat dome occurs when a high-pressure system traps warm air over a specific region, preventing it from escaping. This phenomenon was responsible for the record-breaking temperatures observed across Western Europe in May 2026. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2003065/mini-version-of-hell-heat-dome-over-europe-scorches-uk-france-spain, 25 May 2026]
#12879
The warm air mass that contributed to the heat dome over Europe in May 2026 originated from which region?
(a) Northern Africa
(b) Central Asia
(c) Eastern Europe
(d) Western Siberia
Explanation: Meteorological reports confirmed that the heat dome was fueled by warm air moving northward from northern Africa. This air mass became trapped under a high-pressure system over Western Europe. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2003065/mini-version-of-hell-heat-dome-over-europe-scorches-uk-france-spain, 25 May 2026]
#12880
Consider the following statements regarding current administrative and economic developments in Pakistan as of August 10, 2026:
(a) Only 1 and 2 are correct
(b) Only 2 and 3 are correct
(c) Only 1 and 3 are correct
(d) 1, 2, and 3 are all correct
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect because the Tarbela Dam reached its maximum storage capacity, not its minimum. Statement 2 is correct as fuel prices remained unchanged due to economic governance concerns. Statement 3 is correct as the IHC addressed the executive's role in constitutional mandates regarding judicial appointments. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2021950/govt-leaves-petrol-diesel-prices-unchanged-for-aug-11]