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.
#13261
The current monsoon rain spell in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, which commenced on July 19, 2026, is expected to persist until which date?
(a) July 21, 2026
(b) July 23, 2026
(c) July 25, 2026
(d) July 27, 2026
Explanation: According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department, the monsoon spell that began on July 19 was forecasted to continue until July 23, 2026. This period marks the window of heightened alert for flash flooding. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017494/rain-related-fatalities-during-ongoing-monsoon-spell-rise-to-18-in-kp, 22 Jul 2026]
#13262
Consider the following statements about the monsoon-related damages in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa as of July 22, 2026: 1. The PDMA report indicated that 23 houses were partially damaged. 2. A total of 13 cattle perished during the four-day period. 3. The Wana-Gomal Zam Road blockage was caused primarily by riverine flooding rather than landslides. 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 road blockage was specifically attributed to landslides and falling boulders from mountains, not riverine flooding. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017494/rain-related-fatalities-during-ongoing-monsoon-spell-rise-to-18-in-kp, 22 Jul 2026]
#13263
Which location in the United Kingdom recorded its highest May temperature on record on May 25, 2026?
(a) Kew Gardens
(b) Heathrow Airport
(c) Greenwich Park
(d) None of these
Explanation: Kew Gardens in southwest London recorded a temperature of 34.8°C, which the Met Office confirmed as the hottest May day on record for the UK. Other locations did not reach this specific record-breaking threshold. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2003065/mini-version-of-hell-heat-dome-over-europe-scorches-uk-france-spain, 25 May 2026]
#13264
Consider the following statements about the climate situation in Europe as of May 2026: 1. Climate advisers warned that UK infrastructure is built for a climate that no longer exists. 2. The Met Office described the May heat as exceptional even for mid-summer standards. 3. Human-induced climate change is identified as a factor increasing the frequency of such extreme weather events. 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. Climate advisers have urged infrastructure adaptation, the Met Office highlighted the exceptional nature of the May heat, and scientists link these events to human-induced climate change. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2003065/mini-version-of-hell-heat-dome-over-europe-scorches-uk-france-spain, 25 May 2026]
#13265
What was the focal depth of the earthquake that occurred in Jhelum on May 26, 2026?
(a) 128 kilometres
(b) 190 kilometres
(c) 58 kilometres
(d) 12 kilometres
Explanation: The earthquake had a shallow focal depth of 12 kilometres. The other options refer to the depths of different seismic events that occurred earlier in the year. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2003299/at-least-one-killed-11-injured-as-earthquake-damages-houses-in-punjabs-jhelum-district, 26 May 2026]
#13266
What meteorological phenomenon was identified as the primary cause of the extreme heat across Europe on May 25, 2026?
(a) Polar vortex
(b) Cyclonic depression
(c) Atmospheric river
(d) Heat dome
Explanation: A heat dome occurs when a high-pressure system traps warm air over a specific region, preventing it from escaping. This phenomenon was responsible for the record-breaking temperatures observed across Western Europe in May 2026. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2003065/mini-version-of-hell-heat-dome-over-europe-scorches-uk-france-spain, 25 May 2026]
#13267
The warm air mass that contributed to the heat dome over Europe in May 2026 originated from which region?
(a) Northern Africa
(b) Central Asia
(c) Eastern Europe
(d) Western Siberia
Explanation: Meteorological reports confirmed that the heat dome was fueled by warm air moving northward from northern Africa. This air mass became trapped under a high-pressure system over Western Europe. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2003065/mini-version-of-hell-heat-dome-over-europe-scorches-uk-france-spain, 25 May 2026]
#13268
Which of the following statements regarding the earthquake in Jhelum on May 26, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The epicentre was located 58 kilometres northeast of Jhelum.
(b) Rescue 1122 reached the site within eight minutes of receiving the emergency call.
(c) The earthquake resulted in at least one fatality.
(d) Approximately 10 houses were seriously damaged in the incident.
Explanation: The epicentre was located 58 kilometres southwest of Jhelum, not northeast. The other statements accurately reflect the reported facts of the incident. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2003299/at-least-one-killed-11-injured-as-earthquake-damages-houses-in-punjabs-jhelum-district, 26 May 2026]
#13269
Consider the following statements about the seismic profile of Pakistan: 1. Pakistan is situated at the intersection of the Arabian, Euro-Asian, and Indian tectonic plates. 2. The country is divided into five distinct seismic zones based on tectonic activity. 3. The earthquake on May 26, 2026, was caused by the movement of the Hindu Kush fault line. 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 regarding Pakistan's tectonic setting and seismic zoning. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Jhelum earthquake was not attributed to the Hindu Kush fault line, which is associated with different regional tremors. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2003299/at-least-one-killed-11-injured-as-earthquake-damages-houses-in-punjabs-jhelum-district, 26 May 2026]
#13270
Which of the following is NOT a stated priority of the PPP for the Gilgit-Baltistan region in the 2026 campaign?
(a) Immediate privatization of all regional hydroelectric assets
(b) Granting ownership of arable land to local residents
(c) Securing the right of sovereignty for the people
(d) Ensuring the right to employment for the youth
Explanation: The PPP platform focuses on sovereignty, land ownership, and employment. There is no mention of privatizing hydroelectric assets in the party's stated campaign priorities for the region. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2005196/at-ghizer-rally-bilawal-urges-voters-to-give-ppp-heavy-mandate-to-safeguard-regions-rights, 04 Jun 2026]
#13271
Consider the following statements about the political discourse in Gilgit-Baltistan as of June 2026: 1. The PPP claims that the establishment of the GB assembly and the office of the Chief Minister was facilitated by President Asif Ali Zardari. 2. Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari expressed concern that competing parties might reverse legislation regarding land ownership if they secure a majority. 3. The PPP manifesto for the region focuses exclusively on urban infrastructure development in Gilgit city. 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 report attributes the regional assembly and identity to Asif Ali Zardari. Statement 2 is correct as Bilawal warned that other parties might tear up land legislation. Statement 3 is incorrect because the party's focus is broader, including land ownership and employment across the entire region, not just urban infrastructure in Gilgit. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2005196/at-ghizer-rally-bilawal-urges-voters-to-give-ppp-heavy-mandate-to-safeguard-regions-rights, 04 Jun 2026]
#13272
In the 2026 Supreme Court judgment, which Justice authored the 14-page ruling on acid violence?
(a) Justice Salahuddin Panhwar
(b) Justice Muhammad Hashim Khan Kakar
(c) Justice Ishtiaq Ibrahim
(d) None of these
Explanation: Justice Muhammad Hashim Khan Kakar authored the strongly worded judgment that classified acid attacks as more heinous than homicide. The other two judges mentioned were part of the three-judge bench but did not author the specific text. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2006139/acid-attack-more-heinous-than-homicide-tool-of-patriarchal-violence-sc, 08 Jun 2026]
#13273
Which of the following is NOT a recommendation made by the Supreme Court in its 2026 judgment regarding acid attack survivors?
(a) Establishment of a National Acid Survivors’ Rehabilitation Fund
(b) Immediate capital punishment for all individuals convicted of acid violence
(c) Formulation of national rehabilitation guidelines for standardized medical treatment
(d) Provision of a mandatory monthly stipend for survivors unable to support themselves
Explanation: The court focused on rehabilitation, medical coverage, and pre-emptive regulation rather than mandating capital punishment. The other three options are explicit recommendations found within the court's judgment. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2006139/acid-attack-more-heinous-than-homicide-tool-of-patriarchal-violence-sc, 08 Jun 2026]
#13274
Consider the following statements about the Supreme Court's 2026 ruling on acid violence: 1. The court observed that acid violence is a tool of patriarchal dominance used to inflict social death. 2. The ruling suggests that penal sanctions alone are sufficient to eradicate the problem of acid attacks. 3. The court recommended that the sale of acid be prohibited to individuals under the age of 18. 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 2 is incorrect because the court explicitly stated that penal sanctions alone are insufficient to address the root of the problem. Statements 1 and 3 accurately reflect the court's observations on patriarchal violence and the regulatory measures cited from the Punjab Acid Control Act 2025. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2006139/acid-attack-more-heinous-than-homicide-tool-of-patriarchal-violence-sc, 08 Jun 2026]
#13275
Consider the following statements regarding current administrative and economic developments in Pakistan as of August 10, 2026:
(a) Only 1 and 2 are correct
(b) Only 2 and 3 are correct
(c) Only 1 and 3 are correct
(d) 1, 2, and 3 are all correct
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect because the Tarbela Dam reached its maximum storage capacity, not its minimum. Statement 2 is correct as fuel prices remained unchanged due to economic governance concerns. Statement 3 is correct as the IHC addressed the executive's role in constitutional mandates regarding judicial appointments. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2021950/govt-leaves-petrol-diesel-prices-unchanged-for-aug-11]
#13276
Which of the following atmospheric phenomena is contributing to the monsoon spell forecast for July 2026?
(a) Moist currents from the Arabian Sea
(b) Dry winds from the Thar Desert
(c) Cold fronts from the Siberian plateau
(d) None of these
Explanation: The PMD identified that moist currents from the Arabian Sea are penetrating the eastern and central parts of the country, alongside a westerly wave and moisture from the Bay of Bengal. Option D is incorrect because the Arabian Sea influence is a primary factor mentioned. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2011619/pmd-forecasts-nationwide-monsoon-rainfall-from-first-week-of-july, 29 Jun 2026]
#13277
Consider the following statements about the maritime rescue operations conducted by Pakistan in 2026: 1. The Pakistan Navy and PMSA rescued 20 crew members from a cargo dhow in July 2026. 2. In April 2026, the Navy rescued 18 crew members from a merchant vessel in the Arabian Sea. 3. All rescue operations in 2026 involved only foreign nationals. 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 reported events of 2026. Statement 3 is incorrect because the 20 crew members rescued in July 2026 were all Pakistani nationals. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2014176/20-crew-members-rescued-from-sinking-cargo-dhow-east-of-ormara-ispr, 09 Jul 2026]
#13278
According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) advisory issued on June 29, 2026, the monsoon rains are expected to begin in the country from:
(a) The last week of June
(b) The first week of July
(c) The second week of July
(d) The third week of July
Explanation: The PMD advisory explicitly states that a fresh monsoon spell is set to begin in the country from the first week of July. This period is crucial for replenishing water supplies across the region. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2011619/pmd-forecasts-nationwide-monsoon-rainfall-from-first-week-of-july, 29 Jun 2026]
#13279
Which of the following statements regarding the rescue operation on July 9, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The distressed vessel was a passenger ferry traveling from Muscat.
(b) The rescued crew members were provided with necessary medical attention.
(c) The operation was conducted by the Pakistan Navy and the Pakistan Maritime Security Agency.
(d) The operation was coordinated through the Joint Maritime Information Coordination Centre.
Explanation: The distressed vessel was a cargo dhow, not a passenger ferry. The other statements accurately reflect the details of the rescue operation as reported by the ISPR. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2014176/20-crew-members-rescued-from-sinking-cargo-dhow-east-of-ormara-ispr, 09 Jul 2026]
#13280
Which naval vessel was specifically mentioned as being diverted for the rescue operation on July 9, 2026?
(a) PNS Alamgir
(b) PNS Tippu Sultan
(c) PNS Taimur
(d) PNS Hunain
Explanation: PNS Hunain was one of the primary assets diverted to the site of the distressed vessel. Other assets included aerial units coordinated through the Joint Maritime Information Coordination Centre. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2014176/20-crew-members-rescued-from-sinking-cargo-dhow-east-of-ormara-ispr, 09 Jul 2026]