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.
#12941
Which of the following is NOT a type of infrastructure mentioned as being targeted during the 2026 regional retaliatory strikes?
(a) Airports
(b) Telecommunication satellites
(c) Residential areas
(d) Military bases
Explanation: The reports specify that airports, residential areas, energy installations, and military bases were targeted. Telecommunication satellites are not mentioned in the context of these specific regional strikes. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1983459/saudi-arabia-to-celebrate-eidul-fitr-on-friday, 18 Mar 2026]
#12942
Which scientific organization provided a forecast that the Shawwal moon was unlikely to be visible on March 19, 2026?
(a) Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC)
(b) Pakistan Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (PCSIR)
(c) National Institute of Oceanography (NIO)
(d) Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO)
Explanation: SUPARCO is the national space agency responsible for atmospheric and astronomical forecasting in Pakistan. The other organizations listed are scientific bodies but do not specialize in lunar sighting predictions. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1983722/shawwal-moon-not-sighted-eidul-fitr-to-be-celebrated-on-saturday, 19 Mar 2026]
#12943
Which government ministry issued the official notification regarding the commencement of the month of Shawwal in 2026?
(a) Ministry of Interior
(b) Ministry of Information and Broadcasting
(c) Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony
(d) Ministry of Science and Technology
Explanation: The Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony is the designated authority responsible for issuing official notifications regarding moon sightings and religious observances. Other ministries listed are involved in different aspects of governance but do not handle this specific religious notification. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1983722/shawwal-moon-not-sighted-eidul-fitr-to-be-celebrated-on-saturday, 19 Mar 2026]
#12944
Consider the following statements about the 2026 Eidul Fitr announcement: 1. The Central Ruet-i-Hilal Committee declared that the month of Ramazan would last for 30 days. 2. The official date for Eidul Fitr in Pakistan was set for March 21, 2026. 3. Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates celebrated Eidul Fitr on the same day as the rest of Pakistan. 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 committee confirmed the 30-day duration and the March 21 date. Statement 3 is incorrect because Saudi Arabia and the UAE celebrated Eid on Friday, March 20, whereas the national announcement for Pakistan was for Saturday, March 21. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1983722/shawwal-moon-not-sighted-eidul-fitr-to-be-celebrated-on-saturday, 19 Mar 2026]
#12945
Who is the Chairman of the Central Ruet-i-Hilal Committee that announced the Eidul Fitr moon sighting status on March 19, 2026?
(a) Mufti Muneeb-ur-Rehman
(b) Maulana Abdul Khabeer Azad
(c) Mufti Shahabuddin Popalzai
(d) None of these
Explanation: Maulana Abdul Khabeer Azad serves as the Chairman of the Central Ruet-i-Hilal Committee and presided over the meeting in Islamabad. Mufti Muneeb-ur-Rehman is a former chairman, making him a plausible but incorrect distractor. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1983722/shawwal-moon-not-sighted-eidul-fitr-to-be-celebrated-on-saturday, 19 Mar 2026]
#12946
Consider the following statements about the 2026 Zilhaj moon sighting: 1. The first day of Zilhaj 1447 AH was determined to be May 18, 2026. 2. Eidul Azha is scheduled to be celebrated on May 27, 2026. 3. The Ruet-i-Hilal Committee meeting was held in Islamabad for the central announcement. 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 correct as per the official announcement. Statement 3 is incorrect because the central meeting was held in Karachi, not Islamabad, which hosted only a zonal committee. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2000923/zilhaj-moon-sighted-eidul-azha-to-fall-on-may-27, 17 May 2026]
#12947
Who is the current Chairperson of the Central Ruet-i-Hilal Committee as of May 2026?
(a) Mufti Muneeb-ur-Rehman
(b) Maulana Abdul Khabeer Azad
(c) Mufti Shahabuddin Popalzai
(d) None of these
Explanation: Maulana Abdul Khabeer Azad serves as the Chairperson of the Central Ruet-i-Hilal Committee and presided over the meeting held in Karachi on May 17, 2026. Mufti Muneeb-ur-Rehman is a former chairperson, making him an incorrect choice. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2000923/zilhaj-moon-sighted-eidul-azha-to-fall-on-may-27, 17 May 2026]
#12948
On which date in 2026 was the Zilhaj moon officially sighted in Pakistan?
(a) May 15, 2026
(b) May 16, 2026
(c) May 18, 2026
(d) May 17, 2026
Explanation: The Central Ruet-i-Hilal Committee met on May 17, 2026, and confirmed the sighting of the crescent moon on that evening. This date marks the official start of the lunar month transition as reported. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2000923/zilhaj-moon-sighted-eidul-azha-to-fall-on-may-27, 17 May 2026]
#12949
Which organization hosted the regional symposium on 'Space4Climate' in Peshawar on July 24, 2026?
(a) Pakistan Meteorological Department
(b) Global Change Impact Studies Centre
(c) National Disaster Management Authority
(d) Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission
Explanation: The symposium was hosted by SUPARCO through its Space Applications Centre for Climate Sciences (SACCS). The other organizations listed are relevant to climate or disaster management but were not the primary hosts of this specific initiative. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431524/space4climate-services-experts-call-for-institutional-adaptation, 24 Jul 2026]
#12950
In which ocean did the Artemis II capsule splash down upon its return to Earth on April 11, 2026?
(a) Atlantic Ocean
(b) Pacific Ocean
(c) Indian Ocean
(d) Arctic Ocean
Explanation: The Orion capsule successfully splashed down in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Southern California. The other oceans listed were not the site of this recovery operation. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1990741/artemis-ii-astronauts-safely-back-on-earth-after-historic-trip-around-moon, 11 Apr 2026]
#12951
Consider the following statements about the Artemis II mission: 1. The mission launched from Cape Canaveral, Florida, on April 1, 2026. 2. The Orion capsule experienced a planned radio blackout during re-entry. 3. The mission traveled a total distance of over 1 million kilometers.
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) All three
Explanation: All three statements are factually correct: the mission launched on April 1, 2026, from Florida, underwent a radio blackout due to ionized gas during re-entry, and covered a total distance of 1,117,515 kilometers. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1990741/artemis-ii-astronauts-safely-back-on-earth-after-historic-trip-around-moon, 11 Apr 2026]
#12952
Who led the police operation following the suicide attack in Bannu on May 9, 2026?
(a) Regional Police Officer Sajjad Khan
(b) District Police Officer Qudratullah Khan
(c) The Inspector General of Police KP
(d) The Commandant of the Frontier Constabulary
Explanation: Regional Police Officer Sajjad Khan personally led the police operation at the site of the attack. Qudratullah Khan is the spokesman for the DPO in Lakki Marwat, serving as a plausible distractor. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1998957/police-foil-suicide-attack-on-bannu-post-at-least-2-personnel-martyred, 09 May 2026]
#12953
Consider the following statements about the security incident in Attock: 1. The incident occurred on May 11, 2026. 2. The shepherd was killed after confronting a suicide bomber near a security post. 3. The Mankor post is exclusively managed by the provincial police force. 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 report. Statement 3 is incorrect because the post is managed by a combination of civil armed forces, the Federal Board of Revenue, and the Anti-Narcotics Force, not exclusively by the provincial police. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1999466/shepherd-sacrifices-life-averting-suicide-attack-attock, 11 May 2026]
#12954
Consider the following statements about the security incident in Lakki Marwat on March 8, 2026: 1. The attack involved a gun battle between the police and the assailants. 2. The incident resulted in the death of a police constable and injury to a civilian. 3. The attack occurred in the Serai Naurang town of the district. 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 a gun battle erupted following the initial firing. Statement 3 is correct regarding the location. Statement 2 is incorrect because the report specifies that a civilian was killed and a police constable was injured, reversing the roles stated in the option. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979866/civilian-killed-cop-injured-as-armed-men-open-fire-on-police-in-kps-lakki-marwat, 08 Mar 2026]
#12955
Consider the following statements about the security response to the May 10, 2026, attack: 1. The Bannu police launched an operation led by the Regional Police Officer (RPO) immediately following the attack. 2. The federal government has pledged to provide assistance to the provincial government in the fight against terrorism. 3. Security was tightened across the city with the establishment of additional checkpoints. 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 correct. The RPO led the operation, the Prime Minister reaffirmed federal support for the province, and local security was increased through new checkpoints. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1999132/15-police-personnel-martyred-in-bannu-suicide-attack, 10 May 2026]
#12956
Which of the following statements regarding the security situation in Bannu on May 9, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The suicide attack involved an explosive-filled vehicle.
(b) The explosion caused the roof of the police post to collapse.
(c) No civilians were injured during the suicide attack on the police post.
(d) An emergency was declared in the district hospitals.
Explanation: The report confirms that two civilians were injured in the attack, making the statement that no civilians were injured incorrect. The other statements accurately reflect the events described. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1998957/police-foil-suicide-attack-on-bannu-post-at-least-2-personnel-martyred, 09 May 2026]
#12957
On May 9, 2026, a suicide attack targeted which specific police post in the Bannu district?
(a) Dadiwala police post
(b) Fateh Khel police post
(c) Kurrum Par police post
(d) None of these
Explanation: The attack occurred at the Fateh Khel police post in Bannu. Dadiwala is a police station in the neighboring Lakki Marwat district, making it an incorrect distractor. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1998957/police-foil-suicide-attack-on-bannu-post-at-least-2-personnel-martyred, 09 May 2026]
#12958
Consider the following statements about the security incidents in Bannu on May 9, 2026: 1. A quadcopter drone explosion occurred in a residential area one day prior to the suicide attack. 2. The suicide attack on the police post involved the use of advanced weapons by militants who were later apprehended at the scene. 3. Security agencies intensified snap-checking across the city following the suicide attack. 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 a drone explosion occurred the day before. Statement 3 is correct as police intensified snap-checking. Statement 2 is incorrect because the suicide attack involved an explosive-filled vehicle, and the report does not state the militants were apprehended at the scene. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1998957/police-foil-suicide-attack-on-bannu-post-at-least-2-personnel-martyred, 09 May 2026]
#12959
The armed attack on police in Serai Naurang on March 8, 2026, was carried out by assailants using which mode of transport?
(a) Motorcycles
(b) Pick-up trucks
(c) Sedan cars
(d) None of these
Explanation: Official reports confirmed that the armed men involved in the firing attack on the police patrol were riding motorcycles. Other vehicles like pick-up trucks are often used in different types of militant operations, but motorcycles were the specific mode identified in this instance. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979866/civilian-killed-cop-injured-as-armed-men-open-fire-on-police-in-kps-lakki-marwat, 08 Mar 2026]
#12960
Which judicial body issued the stay order against the deportation of the petitioner named 'Quaid-i-Azam' on 2026-07-28?
(a) Supreme Court of Pakistan
(b) Islamabad High Court
(c) Lahore High Court
(d) Peshawar High Court
Explanation: The Peshawar High Court (PHC) bench, comprising Justice Waqar Ahmed and Justice Inamullah Khan, issued the order. The other high courts listed are incorrect as they were not involved in this specific case. [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]