January 2026 Edition

January 2026 Current Affairs MCQs & Solutions

Top national & international current affairs questions for CSS, PMS, FPSC, PPSC, and NTS screening tests.

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#12981

Consider the following statements about the 2026 narcotics situation in Islamabad: 1. Drug dealers are increasingly utilizing vulnerable individuals, such as beggars, to act as couriers. 2. The police successfully seized thousands of bottles of liquor alongside synthetic and organic drugs. 3. The current policing strategy is considered highly effective because it successfully dismantled all digital trafficking networks. 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 accurate based on the report. Statement 3 is incorrect because the report explicitly states that the current strategy is failing to dismantle 21st-century trafficking networks, necessitating an overhaul. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018247/the-drug-problem, 25 Jul 2026]
#12982

According to the statement by Governor Faisal Karim Kundi on July 26, 2026, how much explosive material was utilized in the attack on the Tank checkpost?

(a) Over 800 kilograms
(b) Over 1,000 kilograms
(c) Over 1,300 kilograms
(d) None of these
Explanation: Governor Kundi explicitly stated that more than 1,300 kilograms of explosives were used in the attack on the Manji Khel checkpoint. This figure highlights the high level of sophistication and the scale of the threat faced by security forces in the region. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018508/kp-governor-kundi-says-over-1300kg-of-explosives-used-in-tank-checkpost-attack, 26 Jul 2026]
#12983

Which of the following statements regarding the July 2026 attack on the Manji Khel checkpoint is INCORRECT?

(a) The attack involved the use of an explosive-laden vehicle.
(b) Security forces successfully eliminated 12 terrorists during the engagement.
(c) The attack caused significant damage to the perimeter wall and infrastructure.
(d) The checkpoint was defended solely by the Pakistan Army without any police presence.
Explanation: The statement is incorrect because the Manji Khel checkpoint was a joint facility involving police, the Pakistan Army, and the forest department. The other options accurately describe the tactical details of the incident as reported by the military's media wing. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018508/kp-governor-kundi-says-over-1300kg-of-explosives-used-in-tank-checkpost-attack, 26 Jul 2026]
#12984

Which official held a security briefing at the Regional Police Office in Dera Ismail Khan on July 26, 2026, regarding the Tank incident?

(a) Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
(b) Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi
(c) Governor Faisal Karim Kundi
(d) None of these
Explanation: Governor Faisal Karim Kundi conducted the briefing at the Regional Police Office in Dera Ismail Khan. While he mentioned he would discuss the matter with the Interior Minister and the Chief Minister, he was the official who provided the briefing. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018508/kp-governor-kundi-says-over-1300kg-of-explosives-used-in-tank-checkpost-attack, 26 Jul 2026]
#12985

What was the primary reason cited by the Israeli military for the road closures and increased security measures in the West Bank during July 2026?

(a) A counterterrorism operation
(b) A scheduled military training exercise
(c) The construction of a new separation wall
(d) A diplomatic visit by international observers
Explanation: The Israeli military initiated a counterterrorism operation across the West Bank following a deadly clash between settlers and Palestinians in the village of Tell. This operation resulted in the road closures that obstructed the ambulance. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018891/checkpoint-delay-leads-to-stillbirth-in-west-bank, 28 Jul 2026]
#12986

Which of the following statements regarding the ambulance incident on July 28, 2026, is INCORRECT?

(a) The pregnant woman was six months pregnant at the time of the incident.
(b) The ambulance crew was forced to switch off their vehicle at gunpoint.
(c) The ambulance crew had their identity cards confiscated by soldiers.
(d) The baby was delivered successfully in the hospital after the checkpoint delay.
Explanation: The baby was delivered inside the ambulance while it was stranded at the checkpoint and was unfortunately stillborn. Options A, B, and D are factually accurate descriptions of the events reported. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018891/checkpoint-delay-leads-to-stillbirth-in-west-bank, 28 Jul 2026]
#12987

Who represented the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) during the PHC hearing on 2026-07-28?

(a) Saifullah Mohib Kakakhel
(b) Shahid Imran Gigiyani
(c) Waqar Ahmed
(d) Inamullah Khan
Explanation: Shahid Imran Gigiyani, the assistant director legal at NADRA, represented the authority. Saifullah Mohib Kakakhel was the counsel for the petitioner, while the other two names are the presiding judges. [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]
#12988

Which of the following statements regarding the 2026-07-28 PHC case is INCORRECT?

(a) The court ordered the immediate deportation of the petitioner.
(b) The petitioner's national identity card had been blocked by NADRA.
(c) The petitioner's counsel argued that his client was a tax-paying Pakistani citizen.
(d) NADRA officials claimed the petitioner's identity card was considered suspicious.
Explanation: The court actually restrained the authorities from deporting the petitioner, making the statement that it ordered his deportation false. The other three statements are factually accurate based on the court proceedings. [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]
#12989

Who is the current Chief Minister of Sindh as mentioned in the context of the 2026 security arrangements?

(a) Syed Murad Ali Shah
(b) Qaim Ali Shah
(c) Arbab Ghulam Rahim
(d) None of these
Explanation: Syed Murad Ali Shah is the Chief Minister of Sindh who sought cooperation from scholars for security arrangements. The other names are former officeholders. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980177/public-private-schools-in-sindh-to-remain-closed-on-march-11-on-account-of-youm-i-ali, 09 Mar 2026]
#12990

On which date in 2026 did the Sindh government announce the closure of schools for Youm-i-Ali?

(a) March 12, 2026
(b) March 10, 2026
(c) March 11, 2026
(d) March 9, 2026
Explanation: The official announcement regarding the holiday was published on March 9, 2026. This date marks the issuance of the directive by the provincial government. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980177/public-private-schools-in-sindh-to-remain-closed-on-march-11-on-account-of-youm-i-ali, 09 Mar 2026]
#12991

Consider the following statements about the school closure directive in Sindh: 1. The closure applies to both public and private educational institutions. 2. The directive was issued by the Sindh School Education and Literacy Department. 3. The holiday was declared for March 11, 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 official notification. The closure encompasses both sectors, was issued by the relevant department, and is scheduled for the specified date in 2026. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980177/public-private-schools-in-sindh-to-remain-closed-on-march-11-on-account-of-youm-i-ali, 09 Mar 2026]
#12992

Which provincial department issued the notification regarding the closure of schools on March 11, 2026?

(a) Sindh Higher Education Commission
(b) Sindh School Education and Literacy Department
(c) Sindh Board of Technical Education
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Sindh School Education and Literacy Department is the specific administrative body responsible for issuing directives regarding the closure of public and private schools in the province. Other bodies like the Higher Education Commission handle university-level affairs, not primary or secondary school closures. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980177/public-private-schools-in-sindh-to-remain-closed-on-march-11-on-account-of-youm-i-ali, 09 Mar 2026]
#12993

Consider the following statements regarding the governance and security developments reported on August 10, 2026: 1. The Islamabad High Court has sought clarification on the constitutional implications of pending executive advice regarding judicial appointments. 2. The Government of Pakistan has characterized the new Makkah Joint Defence Agreement as an offensive security framework aimed at regional hegemony. 3. Intelligence-based operations in Panjgur represent a shift in the security landscape of Balochistan towards more precise counter-terrorism measures. Which of the above statements are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, and 3
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct as the IHC is examining the constitutional implications of pending PM advice on judicial appointments. Statement 2 is incorrect because Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif explicitly stated the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement is defensive in nature, not for aggression. Statement 3 is correct as intelligence-based operations in Balochistan reflect the evolving security strategy described in the report. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2021893/delay-in-judicial-appointments-ihc-tells-govt-to-explain-consequences-of-keeping-pms-advice-pending]
#12994

Which of the following statements regarding the security incident on May 4, 2026, is INCORRECT?

(a) The attack targeted a security forces' post near Azam Warsak Bazaar.
(b) The explosives-laden vehicle reached the intended target before detonating.
(c) One civilian was martyred as a result of the explosion.
(d) The explosion caused damage to a nearby religious seminary and residential houses.
Explanation: The statement that the vehicle reached its target is incorrect because security forces successfully destroyed the vehicle before it could reach the post. The other statements accurately describe the events of the day. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1997513/suicide-attack-foiled-on-army-check-post-in-south-waziristan-civilian-martyred-15-injured, 04 May 2026]
#12995

Where were the injured civilians transported for medical treatment following the explosion on May 4, 2026?

(a) District Headquarters Hospital, Wana
(b) Combined Military Hospital, Bannu
(c) Lady Reading Hospital, Peshawar
(d) None of these
Explanation: The injured were transported to the District Headquarters Hospital in Wana, where a state of emergency was declared. The other options are major medical facilities in the region but were not the primary site for this specific incident's casualties. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1997513/suicide-attack-foiled-on-army-check-post-in-south-waziristan-civilian-martyred-15-injured, 04 May 2026]
#12996

Consider the following statements about Cambridge examination security protocols: 1. The CIE investigation process involves reviewing evidence from multiple sources to confirm if papers were seen by students before exam dates. 2. In cases of confirmed leaks, the CIE has previously utilized 'assessed marks' as a remedial measure for affected students. 3. The June 2026 examination series is scheduled to conclude on June 9, 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 provided information. The CIE confirms leaks through multi-source evidence, employs assessed marks when necessary, and the current June series is confirmed to run from April 23 to June 9, 2026. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1996140/amid-furore-on-social-media-cambridge-says-aware-of-reports-about-question-paper-leak, 29 Apr 2026]
#12997

The theme for World Hepatitis Day observed on July 28, 2026, was:

(a) Hepatitis: Let’s break it down
(b) Hepatitis: Time for action
(c) Hepatitis: Zero tolerance
(d) None of these
Explanation: The theme for the 2026 observance was 'Hepatitis: Let’s break it down', which serves as a call to remove barriers to prevention, testing, and treatment. Option D is incorrect because the theme is explicitly stated in the text. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018920/ending-hepatitis, 28 Jul 2026]
#12998

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]
#12999

Consider the following statements about the AJK election campaign activities: 1. The election process is scheduled to begin on July 27, 2026. 2. Nawaz Sharif promised to increase the AJK budget by 10 times compared to his previous tenure. 3. The PML-N leadership stated that the governance model being applied in Punjab should be replicated in AJK. 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 campaign launch event. The election start date, the budget increase pledge, and the replication of the Punjab governance model were all highlighted by the party leadership. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017265/pml-n-supremo-nawaz-kicks-off-partys-election-campaign-in-ajk, 21 Jul 2026]
#13000

Which of the following roads in Rawalpindi experienced the closure of petrol filling stations due to security measures in 2026?

(a) Adiala Road
(b) Jhelum Road
(c) Chaklala Road
(d) Murree Road
Explanation: Murree Road, along with Airport Road and Peshawar Road, was specifically identified as a route where commercial outlets and fuel stations were closed. The other options are major roads in the city but were not the primary focus of the specific security clampdown mentioned. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1990590/public-holiday-extended-in-pindi-markets-fuel-stations-along-key-roads-closed, 11 Apr 2026]