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.
#12881
Which of the following atmospheric phenomena is contributing to the monsoon spell forecast for July 2026?
(a) Moist currents from the Arabian Sea
(b) Dry winds from the Thar Desert
(c) Cold fronts from the Siberian plateau
(d) None of these
Explanation: The PMD identified that moist currents from the Arabian Sea are penetrating the eastern and central parts of the country, alongside a westerly wave and moisture from the Bay of Bengal. Option D is incorrect because the Arabian Sea influence is a primary factor mentioned. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2011619/pmd-forecasts-nationwide-monsoon-rainfall-from-first-week-of-july, 29 Jun 2026]
#12882
According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) advisory issued on June 29, 2026, the monsoon rains are expected to begin in the country from:
(a) The last week of June
(b) The first week of July
(c) The second week of July
(d) The third week of July
Explanation: The PMD advisory explicitly states that a fresh monsoon spell is set to begin in the country from the first week of July. This period is crucial for replenishing water supplies across the region. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2011619/pmd-forecasts-nationwide-monsoon-rainfall-from-first-week-of-july, 29 Jun 2026]
#12883
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]
#12884
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]
#12885
Which of the following infrastructure elements was specifically mentioned by the PMD as being vulnerable to damage from dust storms during the May 2026 heatwave?
(a) Underground fiber optic cables
(b) Solar panels
(c) Water filtration plants
(d) Railway tracks
Explanation: The PMD warned that wind or dust storms could damage loose structures, specifically citing electric poles, trees, vehicles, and solar panels. Solar panels are particularly vulnerable to high-velocity winds and debris associated with such weather events. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1996972/cm-murad-urges-public-to-take-precautionary-measures-amid-heatwave-alert-for-sindhs-central-upper-regions, 02 May 2026]
#12886
What specific directive did the Chief Minister of Sindh issue to district administrations in response to the May 2026 heatwave alert?
(a) To impose a curfew in urban centers
(b) To suspend all public transport services
(c) To establish heatwave relief camps
(d) None of these
Explanation: Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah explicitly instructed district administrations in the affected areas to establish heatwave relief camps to provide support to the public. This measure is a standard institutional response to mitigate the impact of extreme weather events. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1996972/cm-murad-urges-public-to-take-precautionary-measures-amid-heatwave-alert-for-sindhs-central-upper-regions, 02 May 2026]
#12887
Consider the following statements regarding the heatwave conditions in Sindh as of May 2, 2026: 1. The PMD predicted dust thunderstorms in districts including Shikarpur and Ghotki. 2. The Chief Minister directed that special arrangements be made in hospitals for heatstroke patients. 3. The heatwave alert was issued for the entire province of Sindh, including coastal areas. 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 PMD predicted dust storms in districts like Shikarpur and Ghotki. Statement 2 is correct as the CM ordered hospital preparations. Statement 3 is incorrect because the alert was specifically focused on the central and upper regions of the province, not the entire province including coastal areas. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1996972/cm-murad-urges-public-to-take-precautionary-measures-amid-heatwave-alert-for-sindhs-central-upper-regions, 02 May 2026]
#12888
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]
#12889
According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department, the westerly wave was expected to persist in the upper parts of the country until which date in April 2026?
(a) April 17
(b) April 18
(c) April 19
(d) April 20
Explanation: The PMD press release stated that the westerly wave would approach northwestern parts on April 16 and persist in the upper regions until April 19. April 19 is the final day of the forecasted weather system. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1991385/pmd-predicts-rainfall-in-upper-parts-of-country-from-april-16-to-19, 13 Apr 2026]
#12890
In the context of the April 2026 weather advisory, what specific weather phenomenon was expected in the upper parts of Sindh from April 16 to 18?
(a) Heavy snowfall
(b) Dust-raising winds
(c) Cyclonic rainfall
(d) Persistent fog
Explanation: The PMD forecast for upper Sindh specifically mentioned windstorms or dust-raising winds for the period of April 16 to 18. Snowfall was restricted to the mountainous regions of the north. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1991385/pmd-predicts-rainfall-in-upper-parts-of-country-from-april-16-to-19, 13 Apr 2026]
#12891
Consider the following statements about the weather advisory issued in April 2026: 1. The westerly wave was expected to bring snowfall over the mountains in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan. 2. The PMD advised farmers to manage their crops due to the risk of damage from hailstorms and windstorms. 3. Tourists were encouraged to visit the northern areas to witness the weather system's 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: Statements 1 and 2 are correct as they reflect the PMD's specific warnings regarding snowfall and crop management. Statement 3 is incorrect because the PMD explicitly urged tourists to remain cautious and avoid unnecessary traveling during the forecast period. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1991385/pmd-predicts-rainfall-in-upper-parts-of-country-from-april-16-to-19, 13 Apr 2026]
#12892
Consider the following statements about the cabinet committee meeting held on April 6, 2026: 1. The committee expressed concern over loopholes in the diesel rate build-up. 2. Climate Change Minister Dr. Musadik Malik previously served as the energy and petroleum minister. 3. The government decided to rely solely on private sector data for monitoring retail outlets. 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. Statement 3 is incorrect because the government is actively deploying joint teams to ensure data transparency and is not relying solely on private sector data, which was noted as having even poorer integration than PSO. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1989171/ogra-pso-come-under-fire-for-poor-monitoring-of-oil-stocks, 06 Apr 2026]
#12893
Which of the following statements regarding the protest incident on March 8, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The FBI's Joint Terrorism Task Force participated in the investigation.
(b) Police arrested six people in connection with the unrest.
(c) The suspect named Amir Balat was detained by police.
(d) The devices were confirmed by the bomb squad to contain high-grade military explosives.
Explanation: The bomb squad stated that it was not yet clear if the devices contained energetic explosive material, only that they appeared to be jars with hardware and fuses. Therefore, the claim that they were confirmed to contain high-grade military explosives is false. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979791/new-york-police-probe-man-for-throwing-ignited-devices-near-anti-muslim-protest-in-front-of-mayor-mamdanis-house, 08 Mar 2026]
#12894
Who is the current Mayor of New York whose official residence was the site of the protest on March 8, 2026?
(a) Eric Adams
(b) Zohran Mamdani
(c) Bill de Blasio
(d) None of these
Explanation: Zohran Mamdani is the Mayor of New York whose residence, Gracie Mansion, was the location of the protest. Eric Adams and Bill de Blasio are former mayors, making them incorrect. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979791/new-york-police-probe-man-for-throwing-ignited-devices-near-anti-muslim-protest-in-front-of-mayor-mamdanis-house, 08 Mar 2026]
#12895
The 2026 FIFA World Cup was jointly hosted by which of the following groups of nations?
(a) United States, Brazil, and Mexico
(b) Canada, Mexico, and Argentina
(c) United States, Canada, and Mexico
(d) United States, Canada, and Brazil
Explanation: The 2026 FIFA World Cup was hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The other options include countries that were not part of the official host consortium. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017229/5-questions-that-continue-to-linger-after-the-fifa-world-cup, 21 Jul 2026]
#12896
Consider the following statements about the 2026 FIFA World Cup: 1. The tournament was the most expansive edition held to date. 2. The final match featured a halftime show inspired by the Super Bowl. 3. FIFA's disciplinary processes were praised for their absolute transparency throughout the tournament. 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 tournament was described as the most expansive. Statement 2 is correct regarding the introduction of a Super Bowl-style halftime show. Statement 3 is incorrect because the tournament was specifically criticized for a lack of transparency in disciplinary processes. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017229/5-questions-that-continue-to-linger-after-the-fifa-world-cup, 21 Jul 2026]
#12897
Which of the following statements regarding the 2026 FIFA World Cup controversies is INCORRECT?
(a) The red card issued to Folarin Balogun was rescinded following political intervention.
(b) Spain won the final match against Argentina by a score of 2-0.
(c) The VAR system faced criticism for a lack of transparency in referee communications.
(d) High ticket prices raised concerns about the accessibility of the tournament for ordinary fans.
Explanation: Spain won the final match 1-0, not 2-0. The other statements accurately reflect the controversies and events described in the tournament report. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017229/5-questions-that-continue-to-linger-after-the-fifa-world-cup, 21 Jul 2026]
#12898
Who is the current President of FIFA mentioned in the context of the 2026 tournament governance?
(a) Sepp Blatter
(b) Michel Platini
(c) Gianni Infantino
(d) None of these
Explanation: Gianni Infantino is the current President of FIFA. The other names listed are former officials who are no longer in this position. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017229/5-questions-that-continue-to-linger-after-the-fifa-world-cup, 21 Jul 2026]
#12899
Which international submarine cable system experienced a fault on July 2, 2026, leading to potential internet disruptions in Pakistan?
(a) SEA-ME-WE 3
(b) SEA-ME-WE 5
(c) SEA-ME-WE 4
(d) SEA-ME-WE 6
Explanation: The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority identified a fault in the SEA-ME-WE 5 (SMW5) system. While SMW6 is a newer cable, the specific disruption reported on the event date involved the SMW5 consortium. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2012491/submarine-cable-fault-may-cause-intermittent-internet-disruption-pta, 02 Jul 2026]
#12900
According to the study published on 2026-07-17, what percentage increase in annual case resolution was observed when judges were provided with AI access and targeted training?
(a) 4.2 percent
(b) 5.1 percent
(c) 7.8 percent
(d) 6.3 percent
Explanation: The study reported that the introduction of the AI assistant alongside targeted training resulted in an additional 1,848 cases being resolved per year, representing a 6.3 percent increase over the mean. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016213/study-finds-ai-use-in-trial-courts-results-in-over-6pc-more-cases-resolved-annually, 17 Jul 2026]