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.
#15141
Which of the following statements regarding the Ad hoc Relief Allowance-2026 is INCORRECT?
(a) It is subject to income tax.
(b) It is admissible during leave and suspension.
(c) It is applicable to contract employees appointed against civil posts.
(d) It counts towards pension and gratuity calculations.
Explanation: The notification explicitly states that the new allowance will not count towards pension, gratuity, or house rent calculations. Therefore, the statement claiming it counts towards these benefits is incorrect. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431195/salary-increase-notified-govt-issues-revised-bps-2026-for-civil-servants, 22 Jul 2026]
#15142
Consider the following statements about the BPS-2026 notification: 1. The new pay scales apply to federal civil employees paid from both civil and defence estimates. 2. Employees posted abroad are eligible to receive the Ad hoc Relief Allowance-2026 during their foreign tenure. 3. The 2022 and 2025 ad hoc relief allowances were abolished upon the implementation of the new scales. 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 notification covers both civil and defence estimates. Statement 3 is correct as the 2022 and 2025 allowances were merged and abolished. Statement 2 is incorrect because employees posted abroad are explicitly excluded from receiving the allowance during their foreign posting. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431195/salary-increase-notified-govt-issues-revised-bps-2026-for-civil-servants, 22 Jul 2026]
#15143
On July 22, 2026, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif inaugurated which of the following events in Pakistan?
(a) Global Robotics and AI Innovation Forum 2026
(b) National Digital Transformation Summit 2026
(c) Indus RAS – Robotics and Autonomous Systems Expo 2026
(d) Pakistan Indigenous Technology and Security Expo 2026
Explanation: The Prime Minister inaugurated the Indus RAS – Robotics and Autonomous Systems Expo 2026 on July 22, 2026. This event served as the platform for his call to establish a unified national innovation ecosystem. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431277/pm-shehbaz-calls-for-national-innovation-ecosystem-to-advance-indigenous-robotics-technology, 22 Jul 2026]
#15144
Consider the following statements about the economic discussions held in July 2026: 1. The US Treasury Secretary explicitly approved the $10 billion exchange stabilisation facility during the meeting. 2. Pakistan is aiming to transition from macroeconomic stabilisation to export-led growth. 3. The US Treasury commended Pakistan's commitment to creating conditions for a return to international capital markets. 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 incorrect because the US Treasury statement did not address or approve the $10 billion request. Statements 2 and 3 accurately reflect the official positions stated during the visit. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017582/us-treasury-secretary-welcomes-pakistans-economic-reforms-return-to-capital-markets, 22 Jul 2026]
#15145
Which of the following statements regarding the security operations in Balochistan on July 22, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) Security forces recovered weapons and improvised explosive devices.
(b) Two female suicide bombers were apprehended.
(c) The operations were limited to a single district in Balochistan.
(d) The operations involved intelligence-based area sanitization.
Explanation: The statement is incorrect because the operations were conducted in two districts, Surab and Mastung, not a single district. The other options accurately reflect the details provided by the ISPR. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431262/10-terrorists-killed-two-female-suicide-bombers-arrested-in-balochistan-ispr, 22 Jul 2026]
#15146
What is the primary objective of the national innovation ecosystem proposed by the Prime Minister on July 22, 2026?
(a) To increase foreign direct investment in the telecommunications sector
(b) To develop indigenous knowledge and technological capabilities
(c) To privatize all public sector research and development centers
(d) To exclusively focus on importing advanced robotics from the Global North
Explanation: The core objective is to foster indigenous knowledge and technological capabilities, ensuring that the technology is owned and continuously advanced within Pakistan rather than relying solely on imports. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431277/pm-shehbaz-calls-for-national-innovation-ecosystem-to-advance-indigenous-robotics-technology, 22 Jul 2026]
#15147
Consider the following statements about the national innovation ecosystem proposed on July 22, 2026: 1. It aims to ensure that the knowledge behind robotics technology is indigenous and owned by Pakistan. 2. The initiative is intended to be confined to major cities to ensure high-tech efficiency. 3. It emphasizes the need for regulatory frameworks to govern the ethics of autonomous systems. 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 and 3 are correct as they reflect the Prime Minister's focus on indigenous ownership and ethical regulation. Statement 2 is incorrect because the Prime Minister explicitly stated that the revolution should not remain confined to major cities but should reach underserved communities. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431277/pm-shehbaz-calls-for-national-innovation-ecosystem-to-advance-indigenous-robotics-technology, 22 Jul 2026]
#15148
In which districts of Balochistan did security forces conduct the intelligence-based operations reported on July 22, 2026?
(a) Surab and Mastung
(b) Kech and Panjgur
(c) Gwadar and Turbat
(d) None of these
Explanation: The ISPR confirmed that the operations were specifically targeted in District Surab and District Mastung. Seven terrorists were killed in Surab, while three were killed and two female suicide bombers were apprehended in Mastung. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431262/10-terrorists-killed-two-female-suicide-bombers-arrested-in-balochistan-ispr, 22 Jul 2026]
#15149
On 2026-07-23, the Foreign Office of Pakistan issued a formal condemnation regarding threats posed by which group against Saudi Arabia and Red Sea shipping?
(a) Al-Shabaab
(b) Houthi militia
(c) Hezbollah
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Foreign Office issued a statement on 2026-07-23 specifically condemning the Houthi militia for their threats against Saudi Arabia and commercial shipping. Other groups like Al-Shabaab or Hezbollah were not the subject of this specific diplomatic communication. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431372/fo-slams-houthi-threats-against-ksa-shipping, 23 Jul 2026]
#15150
Consider the following statements about the security situation in Balochistan as of July 2026: 1. Security forces engaged in joint operations to target remnants of terrorist groups. 2. The military identified a nexus between specific groups and foreign-sponsored entities. 3. The operations resulted in the recovery of ammunition and improvised explosive devices. 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 ISPR report. The military confirmed joint operations, identified a nexus between 'Fitna al Hindustan' and 'Fitna al Khwarij', and reported the recovery of weapons, ammunition, and IEDs. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431262/10-terrorists-killed-two-female-suicide-bombers-arrested-in-balochistan-ispr, 22 Jul 2026]
#15151
Who was appointed as the new Pakistani ambassador to Iran as of July 23, 2026?
(a) Imran Ahmed Siddiqui
(b) Asif Durrani
(c) Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry
(d) None of these
Explanation: Imran Ahmed Siddiqui is the diplomat who presented his credentials to the Iranian President on the specified date. The other names are former diplomats or officials not currently serving in this specific capacity. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017654/iranian-president-pezeshkian-calls-for-strengthening-pak-iran-relations, 23 Jul 2026]
#15152
Who signed the civilian nuclear cooperation agreement on behalf of the United States on July 23, 2026?
(a) The Secretary of Energy
(b) The Secretary of Defense
(c) The Secretary of State
(d) The National Security Advisor
Explanation: The US Energy Secretary, Chris Wright, signed the agreements on peaceful nuclear cooperation and bilateral safeguards with his Saudi counterpart. The other officials listed were not the primary signatories for this specific energy-sector agreement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017738/us-announces-civilian-nuclear-deal-with-saudi-arabia-says-it-includes-non-proliferation-safeguards, 23 Jul 2026]
#15153
In the context of urban resilience during the 2026-07-23 rain spell, which specific infrastructure was prioritized for immediate drainage?
(a) Underpasses
(b) Industrial zones
(c) Agricultural canals
(d) Power grids
Explanation: The Chief Minister specifically ordered the drainage of rainwater from streets, markets, roads, and underpasses to ensure public safety and traffic flow. Underpasses are particularly vulnerable to flooding during heavy monsoon spells. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431317/cm-voices-her-grief-over-rain-related-deaths, 23 Jul 2026]
#15154
Who is the current Secretary General of the Pakistan People's Party Parliamentarians (PPP-P) as of 2026?
(a) Nadeem Afzal Chan
(b) Syed Nayyer Hussain Bukhari
(c) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari
(d) None of these
Explanation: Syed Nayyer Hussain Bukhari serves as the Secretary General of the PPP-P. Nadeem Afzal Chan is the Central Secretary Information, making him a plausible but incorrect distractor. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431326/ajk-polls-ppp-leader-says-optimistic-about-electoral-prospects, 23 Jul 2026]
#15155
Who is the current Prime Minister of Lebanon as of July 2026?
(a) Nawaf Salam
(b) Joseph Aoun
(c) Abbas Yaghi
(d) Saad Hariri
Explanation: Nawaf Salam is identified as the Prime Minister of Lebanon who visited the town of Zawtar al-Gharbiya following the Israeli withdrawal. Joseph Aoun is mentioned as the President of Lebanon in the same context. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017639/lebanon-israel-to-hold-next-round-of-talks-in-italy-on-aug-4, 23 Jul 2026]
#15156
The Foreign Office of Pakistan issued its statement regarding Houthi threats on which date in 2026?
(a) July 21, 2026
(b) July 23, 2026
(c) July 25, 2026
(d) July 27, 2026
Explanation: The official Foreign Office statement was published on July 23, 2026, as documented in the official records of the event. The other dates are incorrect distractors. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431372/fo-slams-houthi-threats-against-ksa-shipping, 23 Jul 2026]
#15157
Who is the current President of Iran who received the credentials of the new Pakistani ambassador on July 23, 2026?
(a) Ebrahim Raisi
(b) Hassan Rouhani
(c) Masoud Pezeshkian
(d) Mohammad Mokhber
Explanation: Masoud Pezeshkian is the current President of Iran who met with the Pakistani ambassador in July 2026. Ebrahim Raisi was his predecessor, making him an incorrect distractor. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017654/iranian-president-pezeshkian-calls-for-strengthening-pak-iran-relations, 23 Jul 2026]
#15158
Consider the following statements about the maritime security situation on July 23, 2026: 1. The Houthis claimed that the targeted tankers had violated a naval blockade. 2. The United States Central Command reported the redirection of nine commercial vessels to prevent Iranian port access. 3. The Saudi Arabian government confirmed that the crew of the Encelia suffered multiple casualties during the attack. 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 reports from the Houthis and US Central Command. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Saudi authorities explicitly stated that all crew members were safe and no casualties were reported. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017740/houthis-attack-saudi-tankers-in-red-sea-as-us-strikes-iran-for-12th-consecutive-day, 23 Jul 2026]
#15159
Who is the current Chief Minister of Punjab as of 2026-07-23?
(a) Hamza Shahbaz
(b) Maryam Nawaz Sharif
(c) Parvez Elahi
(d) None of these
Explanation: Maryam Nawaz Sharif is the incumbent Chief Minister of Punjab. The other options represent former officeholders. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431317/cm-voices-her-grief-over-rain-related-deaths, 23 Jul 2026]
#15160
Consider the following statements about the 2026 UN Arria-Formula meeting on Syria: 1. Pakistan argued that transitional justice is vital for promoting reconciliation and restoring trust. 2. The meeting focused exclusively on military strategies for ending the Syrian conflict. 3. Pakistan emphasized that international mechanisms should respect Syria's national ownership. 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 and 3 are correct as they reflect Pakistan's focus on reconciliation and sovereignty. Statement 2 is incorrect because the meeting focused on transitional justice and missing persons, not military strategy. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017641/pakistan-opposes-externally-imposed-solutions-for-syria, 23 Jul 2026]