January 2026 Edition
Start January Quiz
January 2026 Current Affairs MCQs & Solutions
Top national & international current affairs questions for CSS, PMS, FPSC, PPSC, and NTS screening tests.
#13221
On July 26, 2026, the Punjab irrigation department reported that approximately how many square kilometers of land had been inundated by floodwaters?
(a) 400 square kilometers
(b) 300 square kilometers
(c) 200 square kilometers
(d) 500 square kilometers
Explanation: The irrigation department official confirmed that a vast area of approximately 400 square kilometers was submerged across several districts in the Lahore and Gujranwala divisions. This figure highlights the severity of the monsoon-induced flooding. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018383/ravi-chenab-flood-levels-likely-to-reach-medium-to-high-today, 26 Jul 2026]
#13222
Consider the following statements about the GLOF alert issued on July 26, 2026: 1. The alert was driven by a combination of a warm thermal regime and intermittent precipitation. 2. The PMD warned that thawing permafrost could trigger the flow of heavy mud and debris. 3. The alert period for the high-risk conditions extends until the end of September 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: Statements 1 and 2 are accurate descriptions of the meteorological conditions and geological risks identified by the PMD. Statement 3 is incorrect because the alert specifically mentions the high-risk period continuing only until the first week of August, not the end of September. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018510/pmd-issues-glof-alert-for-northern-areas-as-several-gb-areas-cut-off-for-5th-consecutive-day, 26 Jul 2026]
#13223
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) expects a fresh wet spell to commence on July 29, 2026, primarily affecting:
(a) Coastal areas of Balochistan
(b) Upper catchments of major rivers
(c) Southern districts of Sindh
(d) Central plains of Punjab
Explanation: The PMD forecast indicates that the fresh wet spell will impact the upper catchments of major rivers, Islamabad, upper Punjab, AJK, KP, and GB. Coastal and southern regions were not the primary focus of this specific forecast. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018500/chenab-flood-level-eases-from-medium-to-low-pmd-forecasts-more-rain-in-upper-parts-of-punjab-from-july-29, 26 Jul 2026]
#13224
What type of infrastructure was being installed on the Baltistan Highway to restore traffic following flood damage on July 26, 2026?
(a) Concrete flyover
(b) Suspension cable bridge
(c) Iron Bailey bridge
(d) None of these
Explanation: Authorities utilized a temporary iron Bailey bridge to restore connectivity on the Baltistan Highway after flash floods destroyed existing road links. Bailey bridges are standard rapid-deployment solutions for disaster-stricken areas. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018510/pmd-issues-glof-alert-for-northern-areas-as-several-gb-areas-cut-off-for-5th-consecutive-day, 26 Jul 2026]
#13225
Consider the following statements about the monsoon situation in Punjab as of 2026-07-26: 1. The PDMA reported that five buffaloes were killed due to rain-related incidents. 2. A child drowned in rainwater that accumulated in fields near Pathan Colony in Gujranwala. 3. The PDMA headquarters confirmed that all major rivers in Punjab had exceeded their flood warning levels. 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 PDMA report. Statement 3 is incorrect because the PDMA explicitly stated that major rivers remained within normal limits, not that they had exceeded warning levels. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018407/seven-killed-20-hurt-as-heavy-rains-lash-punjab, 26 Jul 2026]
#13226
Consider the following statements regarding the monsoon situation as of July 26, 2026: 1. The total countrywide death toll since June 26 has exceeded 100. 2. The PMD expects flood-generating rainfall activity to occur between July 26 and July 28. 3. The Emergency Response Committee is responsible for overseeing coordinated monsoon response measures. 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 death toll crossed 100. Statement 2 is incorrect because the PMD explicitly stated that no flood-generating rainfall activity was expected until July 28. Statement 3 is correct as the ERC was constituted to oversee coordinated response efforts. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018500/chenab-flood-level-eases-from-medium-to-low-pmd-forecasts-more-rain-in-upper-parts-of-punjab-from-july-29, 26 Jul 2026]
#13227
The Emergency Response Committee (ERC) held its fifth meeting on July 26, 2026, to review monsoon preparedness under the chairmanship of:
(a) The Minister for Climate Change
(b) The Chairman of the NDMA
(c) The Minister for Planning
(d) None of these
Explanation: The meeting was chaired by Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal via video link. While the NDMA Chairman and Climate Change Minister were present, the chair was held by the Planning Minister. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018500/nationwide-deaths-this-monsoon-cross-100-more-rain-likely-in-countrys-upper-parts-from-july-29, 26 Jul 2026]
#13228
Consider the following statements about the monsoon situation as of July 26, 2026: 1. The total nationwide death toll since June 26 has exceeded 100. 2. The Emergency Response Committee (ERC) is responsible for overseeing the implementation of preparedness measures by PDMAs. 3. The Pakistan Meteorological Department expects flood-generating rainfall activity to occur before July 28. 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 toll reached 107. Statement 2 is correct regarding the ERC's mandate. Statement 3 is incorrect because the PMD explicitly stated that no flood-generating rainfall was expected until July 28. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018500/nationwide-deaths-this-monsoon-cross-100-more-rain-likely-in-countrys-upper-parts-from-july-29, 26 Jul 2026]
#13229
Which of the following is NOT a category of emergency covered under the Rescue 1122 Monsoon Contingency Plan 2026?
(a) Drought management
(b) Lightning strikes
(c) Urban flooding
(d) Building collapses
Explanation: The contingency plan focuses on immediate monsoon-related hazards such as urban flooding, lightning strikes, and building collapses. Drought management is a long-term climate adaptation issue and is not listed as a component of this specific monsoon emergency plan. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431896/sindh-on-high-alert-as-heavy-monsoon-rains-loom, 27 Jul 2026]
#13230
Consider the following statements about the PDMA's monsoon response in 2026: 1. The PDMA reported that 203 people sustained injuries due to rain-related incidents. 2. The monsoon rains caused the death of six livestock across the province. 3. The PDMA has declared a state of emergency for the entire province for the remainder of the year. 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 PDMA report. Statement 3 is incorrect because the PDMA placed district administrations on high alert for the ongoing monsoon spell, but did not declare a province-wide state of emergency for the remainder of the year. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431904/29-die-in-rain-related-incidents-across-punjab, 27 Jul 2026]
#13231
The primary site of the anti-government protests in New Delhi during July 2026 was:
(a) India Gate
(b) Jantar Mantar
(c) Red Fort
(d) Connaught Place
Explanation: Jantar Mantar served as the central location for the student-led protests and the subsequent 'wall of shame' where demonstrators displayed their grievances. Other locations like India Gate or Red Fort are prominent landmarks but were not the focal point of these specific protests. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018534/modi-announces-panel-to-reform-indias-exam-system-anti-govt-graffiti-at-protest-site-painted-over, 26 Jul 2026]
#13232
Which two regions were specifically identified by the Pakistan Meteorological Department in its July 2026 alert as being at high risk for Glacial Lake Outburst Floods?
(a) Punjab and Sindh
(b) Gilgit-Baltistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
(c) Balochistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir
(d) None of these
Explanation: The PMD alert issued on July 26, 2026, specifically highlights Gilgit-Baltistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa due to their high concentration of glaciers and susceptibility to rapid melt. Other regions, while prone to flooding, were not the primary focus of this specific GLOF warning. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431880/new-glacial-lakes-may-form-in-gilgit-baltistan-kp-amid-accelerated-glacier-melt-pmd, 26 Jul 2026]
#13233
What is the primary climatic driver cited by the PMD for the accelerated glacier melt in northern Pakistan as of July 2026?
(a) Unusually high seismic activity in the Karakoram range
(b) Sustained warm thermal regimes and intermittent precipitation
(c) Deforestation in the lower Indus basin
(d) Increased volcanic activity in the Hindu Kush
Explanation: The PMD attributes the accelerated melting to the combined effect of warm temperatures and ongoing precipitation. These factors increase the volume of meltwater, which destabilizes glacial lakes and increases the risk of outburst floods. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431880/new-glacial-lakes-may-form-in-gilgit-baltistan-kp-amid-accelerated-glacier-melt-pmd, 26 Jul 2026]
#13234
Which of the following statements regarding the flood situation in Muridke as of July 27, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) Residents were forced to evacuate their homes using small motor boats.
(b) The flooding was caused by heavy monsoon rains.
(c) Displaced residents faced severe shortages of clean water and food.
(d) Official state rescue teams were the only entities conducting evacuation operations.
Explanation: The statement is incorrect because the report highlights that volunteer rescuers were actively conducting operations, with some residents complaining that no official rescue teams had reached them after four days. The other options accurately reflect the conditions described in the report. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40432025/flooding-forces-residents-to-flee-homes-by-boat-in-pakistan, 27 Jul 2026]
#13235
Which of the following was NOT identified by the NDMA as a primary cause of death during the 2026 monsoon season?
(a) Landslides
(b) Electrocution
(c) Drowning
(d) House collapses
Explanation: The NDMA specifically cited house collapses, electrocution, and drowning as the causes of death. Landslides, while common in monsoon seasons, were not listed as a primary cause in this specific report. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431935/nationwide-deaths-this-monsoon-cross-100-mark-ndma, 27 Jul 2026]
#13236
Consider the following statements about the monsoon situation in 2026: 1. The monsoon season officially commenced on June 26, 2026. 2. Gilgit-Baltistan recorded more fatalities than Azad Jammu and Kashmir by 2026-07-27. 3. The NDMA reported that 50 people were injured during the 24-hour period ending on 2026-07-27. 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 monsoon onset was June 26. Statement 3 is correct regarding the 50 injuries reported. Statement 2 is incorrect because AJK recorded seven deaths while GB recorded only one. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431935/nationwide-deaths-this-monsoon-cross-100-mark-ndma, 27 Jul 2026]
#13237
Which river's rising water levels were identified as the primary cause of the flooding in Muridke on July 27, 2026?
(a) River Chenab
(b) River Ravi
(c) River Jhelum
(d) River Sutlej
Explanation: The flooding in Muridke was directly attributed to the rise in water levels of the River Ravi. The other rivers listed are major tributaries in Punjab but were not cited as the cause of this specific event. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40432025/flooding-forces-residents-to-flee-homes-by-boat-in-pakistan, 27 Jul 2026]
#13238
What proportion of the total flood-related deaths reported in Pakistan by July 27, 2026, occurred in the province of Punjab?
(a) Approximately one-fourth
(b) Approximately one-third
(c) Approximately one-half
(d) None of these
Explanation: Official disaster management data indicated that approximately one-third of the total 109 flood-related deaths occurred in Punjab. This highlights the disproportionate impact of the monsoon on the province. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40432025/flooding-forces-residents-to-flee-homes-by-boat-in-pakistan, 27 Jul 2026]
#13239
Consider the following statements about the flood-related crisis in Pakistan as of July 27, 2026: 1. The flooding in Muridke was exacerbated by the overflow of the River Ravi. 2. Flood-related deaths have been attributed solely to house collapses. 3. Volunteer rescuers were involved in evacuating residents from approximately a dozen villages. 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 River Ravi overflowed. Statement 2 is incorrect because deaths were caused by both drowning and house collapses. Statement 3 is correct as volunteers were working in about a dozen villages. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40432025/flooding-forces-residents-to-flee-homes-by-boat-in-pakistan, 27 Jul 2026]
#13240
Which train was specifically mentioned as being rerouted via Wazirabad and Lala Musa due to the 2026-07-28 flood disruptions?
(a) Shalimar Express
(b) Karakoram Express
(c) Mianwali Express
(d) Millat Express
Explanation: The Mianwali Express, which typically operates between Lahore and Sargodha, was rerouted via Wazirabad and Lala Musa. Other trains like the Karakoram and Shalimar were diverted via Sahiwal. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018903/floodwaters-sever-rail-link-between-lahore-faisalabad, 28 Jul 2026]