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.
#13141
Which of the following areas was NOT explicitly mentioned as a focus for enhanced cooperation between Pakistan and Iran during the July 2026 meetings?
(a) Nuclear energy technology transfer
(b) Prevention of illegal immigration
(c) Counter-terrorism
(d) Counter-narcotics
Explanation: The discussions focused on security, trade, and infrastructure, specifically counter-terrorism, immigration, and narcotics. Nuclear energy technology transfer was not part of the official agenda. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017481/pakistan-ready-to-extend-cooperation-with-iran-in-all-fields-naqvi-tells-iranian-counterpart, 22 Jul 2026]
#13142
The 2026 FIFA World Cup final match was scheduled to be held in which US state?
(a) New Jersey
(b) New York
(c) Pennsylvania
(d) Maryland
Explanation: The final was hosted in an open stadium in New Jersey, located across the river from New York City. New York is a common distractor due to its proximity to the venue. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016513/wildfire-haze-hangs-over-eastern-us-world-cup-final-venue, 18 Jul 2026]
#13143
Consider the following statements about the flood situation as of July 2026: 1. The Jhelum River is currently flowing in low to medium flood at Mangla and Rasul. 2. Flash flooding is anticipated in the hill torrents of Dera Ghazi Khan. 3. The Indus River is currently experiencing high flood levels at the Tarbela and Chashma stations. 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 per the FFD observations. Statement 2 is correct regarding the hill torrents. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Indus is reported at low and below-low levels at Tarbela and Chashma, not high flood levels. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017067/chenab-water-level-likely-to-surge-following-ongoing-rains-in-indian-occupied-kashmir-punjab, 20 Jul 2026]
#13144
Consider the following statements about the weather forecast issued on April 5, 2026: 1. The PMD warned of potential landslides in the Galiyat region on April 7 and 8. 2. Standing crops in Punjab, Sindh, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa were identified as being at risk from hailstorms. 3. Widespread rain was predicted for the entire province of Sindh on April 6. 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 warned of landslides in Galiyat for April 7-8. Statement 2 is correct as the PMD explicitly mentioned risks to standing crops in those three provinces. Statement 3 is incorrect because the forecast predicted only scattered rain for Sindh, not widespread rain for the entire province. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1988866/met-office-forecasts-widespread-rain-thunderstorms-in-parts-of-balochistan-kp-punjab-on-monday, 05 Apr 2026]
#13145
Which of the following statements regarding the environmental conditions on July 18, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The smoke originated from wildfires burning in Canada.
(b) The air quality in Washington D.C. was deemed healthy for all groups.
(c) Meteorologists expected thunderstorms to potentially clear the smoke.
(d) New York City skyline was obscured by dense smoke.
Explanation: The Department of Homeland Security and emergency management in Washington D.C. explicitly stated that air quality was 'unhealthy for at-risk groups,' making the claim that it was healthy for all groups incorrect. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016513/wildfire-haze-hangs-over-eastern-us-world-cup-final-venue, 18 Jul 2026]
#13146
Which official was tasked with leading the White House World Cup task force during the 2026 wildfire crisis?
(a) Andrew Giuliani
(b) Zohran Mamdani
(c) Donald Trump
(d) None of these
Explanation: Andrew Giuliani served as the executive director of the White House World Cup task force. Zohran Mamdani is the Mayor of New York, and Donald Trump is the President, making them incorrect for this specific role. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016513/wildfire-haze-hangs-over-eastern-us-world-cup-final-venue, 18 Jul 2026]
#13147
Consider the following statements about the environmental and logistical situation on July 18, 2026: 1. The US President threatened to impose tariffs on Canada due to the smoke pollution. 2. The World Cup final was held in an indoor climate-controlled stadium to avoid smoke exposure. 3. Advocates have linked the frequency of these smoke episodes to climate change. 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 President blamed Canada for negligence. Statement 2 is incorrect because the stadium was explicitly described as an 'open stadium.' Statement 3 is correct as advocates highlighted the climate change connection. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016513/wildfire-haze-hangs-over-eastern-us-world-cup-final-venue, 18 Jul 2026]
#13148
Who served as the primary mediator for the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding signed on June 18, 2026?
(a) United Nations
(b) Pakistan
(c) European Union
(d) None of these
Explanation: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif acted as the mediator for the agreement between the United States and Iran. The deal was signed in Islamabad, with Pakistan playing a critical role in facilitating the 14-point peace framework. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2008902/landmark-islamabad-mou-to-go-a-long-way-in-rebuilding-iran-pm-shehbaz-tells-pezeshkian, 18 Jun 2026]
#13149
Which of the following is NOT a provision included in the Islamabad MoU signed on June 18, 2026?
(a) Immediate cessation of all Iranian military activities in the region
(b) Lifting of the US blockade on Iranian ports
(c) Reopening of the Strait of Hormuz
(d) Waiver of oil sanctions crippling the Iranian economy
Explanation: The agreement focuses on ending the war, reopening the Strait of Hormuz, and lifting economic sanctions. There is no provision in the text regarding a total cessation of all Iranian military activities, making the incorrect statement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2008902/landmark-islamabad-mou-to-go-a-long-way-in-rebuilding-iran-pm-shehbaz-tells-pezeshkian, 18 Jun 2026]
#13150
Which of the following is NOT a potential hazard identified by the PMD in their July 17, 2026, weather advisory?
(a) Widespread volcanic activity
(b) Damage to solar panels
(c) Damage to electric poles
(d) Damage to billboards
Explanation: The PMD warned that strong winds and lightning could damage weak structures, including electric poles, billboards, and solar panels. Volcanic activity is not a weather-related hazard associated with monsoon currents. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016176/pmd-forecasts-widespread-rain-thunderstorms-across-country-until-july-25, 17 Jul 2026]
#13151
According to the PMD advisory issued on July 17, 2026, which weather system is expected to approach the upper parts of Pakistan on July 20, 2026?
(a) Tropical cyclone
(b) Westerly disturbance
(c) Heatwave front
(d) None of these
Explanation: The PMD advisory explicitly mentions that a westerly disturbance is expected to approach the upper parts of the country on July 20, 2026. This system, combined with monsoon currents from the Arabian Sea, is driving the widespread rain forecast. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016176/pmd-forecasts-widespread-rain-thunderstorms-across-country-until-july-25, 17 Jul 2026]
#13152
Consider the following statements about the PMD weather advisory issued on July 17, 2026: 1. Monsoon currents from the Arabian Sea are expected to strengthen over the weekend. 2. The forecast for widespread rain and thundershowers extends until July 25, 2026. 3. The PMD has advised tourists to avoid unnecessary travel to vulnerable areas 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: All three statements are factually correct based on the PMD advisory. The monsoon currents are strengthening, the forecast period concludes on July 25, and the department explicitly advised tourists to avoid unnecessary travel to vulnerable areas. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016176/pmd-forecasts-widespread-rain-thunderstorms-across-country-until-july-25, 17 Jul 2026]
#13153
What was the depth of the earthquake that struck the Hindu Kush region on June 27, 2026?
(a) 10 kilometres
(b) 42 kilometres
(c) 19 kilometres
(d) 178 kilometres
Explanation: The PMD reported the depth of the Hindu Kush earthquake as 178 kilometres. The other depths listed (10km, 42km, 19km) correspond to the shallower earthquakes that occurred in Balochistan on the same date. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2011136/tremors-felt-in-punjab-kp-hours-after-quakes-in-balochistan, 27 Jun 2026]
#13154
The magnitude of the two major tremors that struck Venezuela in June 2026 were:
(a) 7.2 and 7.5
(b) 7.0 and 7.3
(c) 6.5 and 6.8
(d) 7.8 and 8.1
Explanation: The earthquakes were recorded at magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5. These are considered among the most significant seismic events in modern Latin American history. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2010996/death-toll-from-venezuela-earthquake-rises-to-920-as-foreign-rescue-teams-start-arriving, 26 Jun 2026]
#13155
Consider the following statements about the 2026 Venezuela earthquake disaster: 1. The earthquakes occurred approximately 160 kilometres west of Caracas. 2. Over 50,000 people were reported missing in the aftermath of the tremors. 3. The government successfully utilized heavy machinery in all affected regions immediately after the disaster. 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 based on the report. Statement 3 is incorrect because residents specifically decried the lack of state help and the absence of proper equipment and machinery to extract victims from the rubble. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2010996/death-toll-from-venezuela-earthquake-rises-to-920-as-foreign-rescue-teams-start-arriving, 26 Jun 2026]
#13156
How much financial aid did the United States pledge to Venezuela following the June 2026 earthquake disaster?
(a) 50 million dollars
(b) 100 million dollars
(c) 200 million dollars
(d) 150 million dollars
Explanation: The United States government mobilized $150 million in aid to support relief efforts. This was accompanied by a temporary easing of sanctions to ensure the aid could reach the affected population. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2010996/death-toll-from-venezuela-earthquake-rises-to-920-as-foreign-rescue-teams-start-arriving, 26 Jun 2026]
#13157
Which coastal city near Caracas was identified as one of the worst-affected areas by the 2026 earthquakes?
(a) Valencia
(b) La Guaira
(c) Caraballeda
(d) Maracaibo
Explanation: La Guaira is explicitly identified as the worst-affected coastal city where at least 100 buildings collapsed. While Caraballeda is in the same state, La Guaira is the primary city cited for the scale of destruction. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2010996/death-toll-from-venezuela-earthquake-rises-to-920-as-foreign-rescue-teams-start-arriving, 26 Jun 2026]
#13158
Consider the following statements about the earthquake disaster in Venezuela: 1. The earthquakes struck on June 25, 2026, during a public holiday. 2. The US Geological Survey reported that the two major tremors occurred within one minute of each other. 3. More than 24,000 people were listed as unaccounted for on a tracking website by the morning of June 25, 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 reports regarding the timing of the quakes, the USGS data on the tremors, and the figures provided by the opposition-led tracking website. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2010737/thousands-feared-dead-in-venezuela-after-two-major-earthquakes-world-sends-aid-rescue-teams, 25 Jun 2026]
#13159
According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department, the heatwave conditions are expected to persist across large parts of the country during which period in 2026?
(a) June 1 to June 6
(b) June 7 to June 12
(c) June 15 to June 20
(d) June 20 to June 25
Explanation: The PMD issued an official advisory stating that heatwave conditions would affect the country from June 7 to June 12, 2026. Other options represent incorrect timeframes outside the specific window identified by the meteorological office. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2005663/large-parts-of-country-set-to-experience-heatwave-conditions-from-june-7-to-12-pmd, 06 Jun 2026]
#13160
What was the primary meteorological cause for the heavy rainfall in Karachi on March 18, 2026?
(a) A tropical cyclone
(b) A westerly wave
(c) Monsoon currents
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Pakistan Meteorological Department explicitly identified a westerly wave as the system affecting most parts of the country, including Karachi. None of these is incorrect because the cause is clearly stated. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1983379/15-die-in-rain-related-incidents-as-heavy-showers-strong-winds-hit-parts-of-karachi, 18 Mar 2026]