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.
#13121
Which of the following statements regarding the 2026-07-21 Nuristan floods is INCORRECT?
(a) The floods resulted in the destruction of riverside shops and hotels.
(b) Government employees, including the mayor, were among those reported missing.
(c) The Afghan government confirmed the deaths and property damage.
(d) The disaster was caused by a severe earthquake in the region.
Explanation: The disaster was caused by flash floods following heavy rainfall, not an earthquake. The other three statements are factually accurate descriptions of the event as reported. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017161/20-afghans-killed100-missing-after-floods, 21 Jul 2026]
#13122
Consider the following statements about the tunnel collapse incident: 1. The incident occurred on July 21, 2026. 2. Approximately 25-27 people were estimated to be trapped initially. 3. The project is located in the state of Uttarakhand. 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 event occurred on July 21, 2026. Statement 2 is correct as the director estimated 25-27 people were trapped. Statement 3 is incorrect because the project is located in Sikkim, not Uttarakhand. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017225/nine-dead-15-trapped-after-tunnel-collapse-in-indias-remote-northeast, 21 Jul 2026]
#13123
Select the correct chronological sequence of the following events as reported in the August 2026 digest (all dated 2026-08-01):
(a) Search and Rescue on Broad Peak; Martyrdom in North Waziristan; Google AI Tool Launch; PM Welcomes Gaza Peace Progress
(b) Martyrdom in North Waziristan; Search and Rescue on Broad Peak; PM Welcomes Gaza Peace Progress; Google AI Tool Launch
(c) Google AI Tool Launch; Search and Rescue on Broad Peak; PM Welcomes Gaza Peace Progress; Martyrdom in North Waziristan
(d) Search and Rescue on Broad Peak; Google AI Tool Launch; Martyrdom in North Waziristan; PM Welcomes Gaza Peace Progress
Explanation: While all events share the publication date of August 1, 2026, the thematic classification within the digest follows the chronological progression of field operations (Broad Peak rescue), national security incidents (North Waziristan IBO), technological updates (Google AI), and international diplomatic developments (Gaza Peace Plan). [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40432862/drones-deployed-to-locate-missing-climbers-as-search-operation-enters-second-day]
#13124
Consider the following statements about the 2026-07-21 flooding event: 1. The floods occurred in a region that shares a border with Pakistan. 2. The disaster agency warned residents to stay away from riverbanks due to the risk of further storms. 3. Search and rescue operations were fully equipped with advanced heavy machinery provided by international donors. 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: Nuristan does border Pakistan, and ANDMA did issue warnings regarding further rain. However, reports explicitly stated that residents were searching the area without equipment, contradicting the claim that they were fully equipped with advanced machinery. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017161/20-afghans-killed100-missing-after-floods, 21 Jul 2026]
#13125
Which of the following areas is expected to experience snowfall over the hills during the weather system forecasted for March 2026?
(a) Coastal Sindh
(b) Southern Punjab
(c) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
(d) Central Balochistan
Explanation: The PMD forecast specifically mentions that snowfall over the hills is expected in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, as well as in Gilgit-Baltistan and Kashmir. Southern Punjab and coastal Sindh are not high-altitude regions prone to snowfall. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1984621/met-office-predicts-rain-thunderstorms-across-country-from-march-24-30, 23 Mar 2026]
#13126
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) issued a nationwide flood alert for the period of July 21 to July 24, 2026, covering which of the following risks?
(a) Flash floods, urban flooding, and landslides
(b) Drought, heatwaves, and forest fires
(c) Earthquakes, tremors, and building collapses
(d) Cyclones, tsunamis, and coastal erosion
Explanation: The NDMA alert specifically warned of flash floods, urban flooding, and landslides across multiple provinces due to the monsoon system. These are the primary hazards associated with heavy rainfall in the region. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017248/monsoon-rains-kill-12-in-kp-in-past-3-days-nationwide-flood-warning-issued, 21 Jul 2026]
#13127
Who presided over the Senate Standing Committee meeting on Economic Affairs held on July 22, 2026?
(a) Senator Rubina Khalid
(b) Senator Waqar Mehdi
(c) Senator Hidayatullah
(d) Senator Saifullah Abro
Explanation: Senator Saifullah Abro presided over the committee meeting that reviewed the utilization of foreign-funded projects. The other senators listed were members who participated in the questioning but did not chair the session. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017399/senate-panel-concerned-over-diversion-of-flood-rehabilitation-funds-in-kp, 22 Jul 2026]
#13128
Which of the following statements regarding the FTO ruling on July 21, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The FTO held that the FBR is duty-bound to provide a functional interface for taxpayers.
(b) The complainant was a salaried individual serving as a director in a private limited company.
(c) The FBR successfully argued that software limitations are a valid legal defense against tax credit claims.
(d) The FTO found that the department's silence on the matter constituted maladministration.
Explanation: The FTO explicitly rejected the FBR's attempt to use software limitations as a shield. Therefore, the statement that the FBR successfully used this as a legal defense is false. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017155/fbr-cannot-hide-behind-software-limitations-federal-tax-ombudsman, 21 Jul 2026]
#13129
Which of the following regions is specifically identified by the PMD as being at risk of flash floods from March 28 to March 30, 2026?
(a) Sindh coastal areas
(b) Central Kashmir valleys
(c) Punjab agricultural plains
(d) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa local streams and nullahs
Explanation: The PMD advisory warns that flash floods are expected in the local streams and nullahs of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa specifically during the period of March 28 to March 30, 2026. Balochistan is identified as being at risk of flash floods earlier, from March 25 to 28. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1984621/met-office-predicts-rain-thunderstorms-across-country-from-march-24-30, 23 Mar 2026]
#13130
According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department, the fresh monsoon rainfall cycle is expected to persist until which date in 2026?
(a) August 2
(b) August 5
(c) August 8
(d) None of these
Explanation: The PMD advisory explicitly states that the fresh spell of monsoon rains is expected to affect the country from July 29 to August 5, 2026. Option A is incorrect as it represents the end date for specific Sindh-related warnings, not the national cycle. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018977/pmd-forecasts-fresh-spell-of-monsoon-rains-across-country-from-july-29-to-august-5, 28 Jul 2026]
#13131
In the 2026 ruling regarding dower rights, which High Court clarified that a wife's right to dower is protected if the marriage is dissolved due to the husband's misconduct?
(a) Islamabad High Court
(b) Lahore High Court
(c) Sindh High Court
(d) Peshawar High Court
Explanation: The Lahore High Court (LHC) issued this ruling on July 20, 2026, through Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani. The ruling specifically addresses the protection of dower as a proprietary right in cases of marital dissolution. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017050/wifes-right-to-dower-remains-protected-if-marriage-dissolved-due-to-husbands-misconduct-lhc, 20 Jul 2026]
#13132
Which of the following is NOT a potential risk or impact identified by the PMD for the weather period of March 24-30, 2026?
(a) Widespread drought conditions
(b) Landslides in vulnerable areas
(c) Damage to solar panels
(d) Damage to electric poles
Explanation: The PMD warns of rain, thunderstorms, flash floods, and damage to infrastructure like solar panels and electric poles; drought is the opposite of the forecasted heavy rainfall. Therefore, drought is the INCORRECT impact. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1984621/met-office-predicts-rain-thunderstorms-across-country-from-march-24-30, 23 Mar 2026]
#13133
According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department, a western disturbance is expected to approach which region first on March 24, 2026?
(a) Southwestern Balochistan
(b) Northern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
(c) Upper Gilgit-Baltistan
(d) None of these
Explanation: The PMD press release explicitly states that the western disturbance is likely to approach the southwestern parts of Balochistan on the evening or night of March 24, 2026. Other regions are forecasted to be affected in subsequent days. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1984621/met-office-predicts-rain-thunderstorms-across-country-from-march-24-30, 23 Mar 2026]
#13134
All of the following are potential impacts of the weather system forecasted by the PMD for March 2026 EXCEPT:
(a) Landslides in vulnerable areas of upper KP, GB, and AJK
(b) Widespread flooding in the Indus River delta
(c) Decrease in daytime temperatures in upper parts of the country
(d) Hailstorm at isolated places in Islamabad
Explanation: The PMD warned of landslides, temperature drops, and hailstorms, but it did not issue a warning for widespread flooding in the Indus River delta. Flooding is not a standard consequence of the described westerly wave in this context. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980117/pmd-warns-winds-could-carry-pollutants-from-iran-worsen-air-quality-in-western-parts-of-pakistan, 09 Mar 2026]
#13135
Consider the following statements about the PMD weather forecast for March 2026: 1. The weather system is expected to persist until March 31, 2026. 2. Hailstorms are expected only in the plains of Punjab. 3. Tourists are advised to avoid unnecessary travel during the forecast period. 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 system may persist until March 31. Statement 2 is incorrect because hailstorms are predicted for various regions, including Balochistan, Sindh, and Kashmir, not just Punjab. Statement 3 is correct as the PMD advised travelers to remain cautious and avoid unnecessary travel. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1984621/met-office-predicts-rain-thunderstorms-across-country-from-march-24-30, 23 Mar 2026]
#13136
Consider the following statements about the monsoon-related disaster response in July 2026: 1. The NDMA forecasted high-level flooding at Marala Headworks on the Chenab River. 2. Power restoration efforts in Peshawar were hindered by the continuation of heavy rainfall. 3. The PDMA reported that no animals perished during the three-day rain period in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. 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 NDMA specifically warned of high-level flooding at Marala Headworks. Statement 2 is correct as Pesco noted that rain hampered restoration efforts. Statement 3 is incorrect because the PDMA report explicitly stated that four animals perished across Upper Dir, Abbottabad, and Buner. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017248/monsoon-rains-kill-12-in-kp-in-past-3-days-nationwide-flood-warning-issued, 21 Jul 2026]
#13137
Which of the following statements regarding the economic and governance landscape of Pakistan on August 11, 2026, are correct?
(a) Only 1 and 2 are correct.
(b) Only 2 and 3 are correct.
(c) Only 1 and 3 are correct.
(d) All statements are correct.
Explanation: The State Bank of Pakistan warned of potential inflationary price spirals, and the Supreme Court declared retrospective tax penalties unlawful. The World Bank expressed concern specifically over the diversion of funds from the Balochistan housing program, not the federal policy. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2022040/sbp-warns-of-price-spirals]
#13138
Which river system is specifically identified by the Flood Forecasting Division as likely to experience high flood levels at the Marala gauging station as of July 2026?
(a) River Indus
(b) River Chenab
(c) River Sutlej
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Flood Forecasting Division bulletin explicitly identifies the Chenab River at Marala as a site expected to reach high flood levels due to heavy rains. The Indus is currently reported at low to below-low levels at its major stations. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017067/chenab-water-level-likely-to-surge-following-ongoing-rains-in-indian-occupied-kashmir-punjab, 20 Jul 2026]
#13139
Who is the current Interior Minister of Pakistan who held talks with his Iranian counterpart in July 2026?
(a) Rana Sanaullah
(b) Mohsin Naqvi
(c) Sheikh Rashid Ahmed
(d) None of these
Explanation: Mohsin Naqvi is the serving Interior Minister of Pakistan who hosted the Iranian delegation. Rana Sanaullah and Sheikh Rashid are former interior ministers, making them incorrect. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017481/pakistan-ready-to-extend-cooperation-with-iran-in-all-fields-naqvi-tells-iranian-counterpart, 22 Jul 2026]
#13140
According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department, which region was specifically identified as being at risk of flash floods in hill torrents on April 6, 2026?
(a) Dera Ghazi Khan
(b) Murree and Galiyat
(c) Gilgit-Baltistan
(d) None of these
Explanation: The PMD forecast explicitly identified the hill torrents of Dera Ghazi Khan in Punjab as being prone to flash flooding due to heavy rainfall on April 6, 2026. While Murree and Galiyat were mentioned in the context of landslides, they were not the primary focus for hill torrent flash floods on that specific date. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1988866/met-office-forecasts-widespread-rain-thunderstorms-in-parts-of-balochistan-kp-punjab-on-monday, 05 Apr 2026]