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.
#1501
Consider the following statements about the diplomatic developments mentioned on May 30, 2026: 1. Pakistan served as the official interlocutor between Washington and Tehran. 2. The US Secretary of Defense expressed concerns that Pakistan's missile capabilities are currently a direct threat to the US. 3. The US President has referred to the Pakistani Army Chief as his 'favourite field marshal'. 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 Pakistan acted as the interlocutor. Statement 3 is correct as the US President used that specific phrasing. Statement 2 is incorrect because the Secretary of Defense explicitly stated that the US is not calling either country a threat to them at this time. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2003936/us-pakistan-developing-true-friendship-hegseth-hails-islamabads-role-in-us-iran-negotiations, 30 May 2026]
#1502
According to the Power Minister's statement on May 31, 2026, what is the estimated prevalence of corruption within the DISCOs?
(a) 10-15 percent
(b) 25-30 percent
(c) 40-50 percent
(d) 80-90 percent
Explanation: The Power Minister acknowledged that corruption exists within DISCOs but stated that the prevalence is likely between 10 and 15 percent. This contrasts with public perception, which often views the issue as more systemic. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2004146/strict-action-taken-says-power-minister-after-khawaja-asifs-claim-of-lesco-employees-corruption, 31 May 2026]
#1503
Which of the following statements regarding the drone incident on March 14, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The drones were described by the ISPR as rudimentary.
(b) The Pakistan Airports Authority denied that Islamabad's airspace was closed.
(c) The drones successfully hit their intended military targets.
(d) The state refers to the TTP as Fitna al-Khawarij.
Explanation: The ISPR explicitly stated that the drones failed to reach their intended targets and were intercepted by security forces. Therefore, the claim that they successfully hit military targets is false. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981957/rudimentary-drones-launched-by-afghan-taliban-injure-4-failed-to-reach-targets-ispr, 14 Mar 2026]
#1504
Consider the following statements about the events of March 14, 2026: 1. The drone attacks resulted in injuries to civilians in Quetta, Kohat, and Rawalpindi. 2. The Pakistan Airports Authority confirmed that Islamabad International Airport was permanently closed due to the security threat. 3. President Asif Ali Zardari condemned the drone attacks as an attempt to target civilian areas. 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 regarding the locations of the injuries. Statement 3 is correct as the President condemned the targeting of civilians. Statement 2 is incorrect because the Pakistan Airports Authority clarified that reports of the airport's closure were baseless. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981957/rudimentary-drones-launched-by-afghan-taliban-injure-4-failed-to-reach-targets-ispr, 14 Mar 2026]
#1505
Analyze the following statements regarding Pakistan's governance and economic policy frameworks as reported on July 31, 2026:
(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: Statement 1 is incorrect because the National Tariff Commission's anti-dumping investigation specifically concerns Chinese crockery imports, not agricultural machinery. Statement 2 accurately reflects the Federal Minister's focus on infrastructure maintenance via axle load enforcement to ensure economic stabilization. Statement 3 correctly identifies the ECP's refusal to recognize Mahmood Khan Achakzai, citing non-compliance with the Elections Act, 2017 regarding intra-party election mandates. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40432642/mechanism-to-ensure-adherence-to-axle-load-limits-ordered]
#1506
Consider the following statements about the incident involving Itamar Ben-Gvir on May 23, 2026: 1. The minister posted a video showing activists with their hands tied and foreheads to the ground. 2. The video was captioned 'Welcome to Israel' by the minister. 3. The activists were intercepted while attempting to deliver aid to the West Bank. 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 the content and caption of the video. Statement 3 is incorrect because the flotilla was attempting to reach Gaza, not the West Bank. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2002539/france-bans-israeli-security-minister-ben-gvir-from-country, 23 May 2026]
#1507
Analyze the following statements regarding Pakistan's governance and economic policy frameworks as of July 31, 2026: 1. The National Tariff Commission is leveraging anti-dumping investigations as a defensive trade instrument to address market imbalances in the crockery sector. 2. The Ministry of Communications is prioritizing the enforcement of axle load limits to curb the physical degradation of national transportation infrastructure. 3. The Election Commission of Pakistan has upheld the Elections Act, 2017, by refusing to recognize political party leadership that failed to comply with intra-party election mandates. Which of the above statements are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, and 3
Explanation: All three statements accurately reflect the governance challenges and regulatory actions occurring on July 31, 2026. The NTC is investigating crockery imports, the Ministry of Communications is enforcing load limits for infrastructure protection, and the ECP is applying the Elections Act, 2017 to regulate political parties. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40432643/crockery-products-imported-from-china-ntc-initiates-anti-dumping-investigation]
#1508
Arrange the following diplomatic and geopolitical events involving Pakistan in the order of their focus on regional engagement and global standing as reported on July 29, 2026:
(a) 1, 2, 3, 4
(b) 4, 3, 2, 1
(c) 2, 3, 4, 1
(d) 3, 1, 4, 2
Explanation: The chronological reporting indicates that diplomatic priorities proceeded from the assessment of passport power (Henley Index) to substantive bilateral defense ratification with Kuwait, followed by the DPM's high-level dialogue with Kuwait, and finally, broader Middle Eastern advocacy through support for Jordan's diplomatic proposal. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40432257/pakistani-passport-ranked-fourth-weakest-in-the-world]
#1509
Consider the following statements about the economic indicators in February 2026: 1. Pakistan's trade deficit widened to approximately $3 billion. 2. Urea offtake recorded a significant increase compared to the previous year. 3. Liquid foreign exchange reserves held by the State Bank of Pakistan stood at $16.3 billion. 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 urea offtake actually fell by 28 percent year-on-year, reaching the lowest monthly level recorded. Statements 1 and 3 are factually accurate based on the reported economic data. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979645/stocks-nosedive-63pc-in-jittery-week-on-geopolitical-concerns, 08 Mar 2026]
#1510
Which organization hosted the seminar titled 'Enhancing Pak-Libya Trade and Economic Cooperation' in 2026?
(a) Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry
(b) Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry
(c) Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry
(d) Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Explanation: The seminar was hosted by the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) to discuss bilateral economic ties. The other chambers are distinct entities not mentioned as the hosts of this specific event. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431795/pak-workforce-in-libya-declines-by-78pc-envoy, 25 Jul 2026]
#1511
Who is the Ambassador-designate of Pakistan to Libya as of July 2026?
(a) Maj-Gen (r) Mumtaz Hussain
(b) Lt-Gen (r) Asim Munir
(c) Maj-Gen (r) Faisal Shahkar
(d) None of these
Explanation: Maj-Gen (r) Mumtaz Hussain was identified as the Ambassador-designate to Libya during a seminar at the LCCI. The other names are not associated with this diplomatic appointment. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431795/pak-workforce-in-libya-declines-by-78pc-envoy, 25 Jul 2026]
#1512
The United Business Group (UBG) issued a statement regarding the cabinet induction of Anas Sarwar on which date in 2026?
(a) July 25, 2026
(b) July 28, 2026
(c) July 27, 2026
(d) July 26, 2026
Explanation: The report regarding the UBG's statement was published on July 26, 2026. This date aligns with the official record of the event. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431853/ubg-welcomes-induction-of-sarwar-into-uk-govt, 25 Jul 2026]
#1513
The Pakistani workforce in Libya has experienced a decline of what percentage according to the 2026 report?
(a) 78 percent
(b) 65 percent
(c) 82 percent
(d) 90 percent
Explanation: The Ambassador-designate explicitly stated that the Pakistani workforce in Libya has declined by 78 percent. This figure serves as the primary metric for the need to revitalize labor and trade relations. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431795/pak-workforce-in-libya-declines-by-78pc-envoy, 25 Jul 2026]
#1514
Consider the following statements about Pak-Libya relations as of 2026: 1. Pakistan maintains a strong presence in Libya through defense cooperation. 2. The Ambassador-designate advocates for chamber-to-chamber engagement to boost trade. 3. The Pakistani government has officially announced a total ban on labor migration to Libya. 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 Ambassador's remarks regarding defense ties and trade facilitation. Statement 3 is incorrect as the report focuses on reversing the decline in the workforce, not imposing a ban. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431795/pak-workforce-in-libya-declines-by-78pc-envoy, 25 Jul 2026]
#1515
Which specific defensive weapon system was reported to be in short supply within the United States military inventory during the July 2026 conflict?
(a) Tomahawk missiles
(b) Patriot interceptors
(c) Hellfire missiles
(d) Javelin anti-tank systems
Explanation: Reports indicated that concerns over dwindling stockpiles of Patriot interceptors were a factor in the US decision to pause strikes. Other munitions listed are common US assets but were not the primary focus of the supply shortage reports. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018487/us-holds-fire-against-iran-as-reports-of-concerns-over-of-dwindling-munitions-emerge, 26 Jul 2026]
#1516
Which regional group claimed to have downed a Saudi drone over the northwest of Yemen on July 26, 2026?
(a) Hezbollah
(b) Houthi rebels
(c) Kataib Hezbollah
(d) None of these
Explanation: Houthi rebels claimed responsibility for downing the Saudi drone and attacking oil facilities in the Gulf kingdom. The other groups are regional actors but were not the primary entities involved in this specific incident. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018487/us-holds-fire-against-iran-as-reports-of-concerns-over-of-dwindling-munitions-emerge, 26 Jul 2026]
#1517
Consider the following statements about the conflict dynamics as of July 2026: 1. The US military operations were paused after the 13th night of strikes. 2. Iran has offered to broker talks between the Houthi rebels and Riyadh. 3. The conflict has remained strictly limited to US-Iran direct engagements. 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: The Pentagon presented a plan for a 14th night of strikes, implying 13 nights had passed. Iran's Foreign Minister offered to broker talks between the Houthis and Riyadh, but the conflict has clearly expanded beyond direct US-Iran engagements to include regional shipping and Gulf allies. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018487/us-holds-fire-against-iran-as-reports-of-concerns-over-dwindling-munitions-emerge, 26 Jul 2026]
#1518
Consider the following statements about the geopolitical situation in July 2026: 1. The United States military presented a plan for a 14th night of strikes to President Trump. 2. Greek personnel operating a surface-to-air battery in Saudi Arabia intercepted ballistic missiles. 3. The conflict has had no impact on the global economy or the approval ratings of the US administration. 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 of the 14th night of strikes and the Greek air force's role in Saudi Arabia. Statement 3 is incorrect because the conflict has caused shocks to the global economy and is weighing on the US administration's approval ratings. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018487/us-holds-fire-against-iran-as-reports-of-concerns-over-of-dwindling-munitions-emerge, 26 Jul 2026]
#1519
Who is the current army spokesman for Iran who confirmed the halt of retaliatory operations on July 26, 2026?
(a) Abbas Araghchi
(b) Mohammad Akraminia
(c) Dan Caine
(d) None of these
Explanation: Mohammad Akraminia is the identified army spokesman who announced the cessation of Iranian retaliatory strikes. Abbas Araghchi is the Foreign Minister, and Dan Caine is a US general. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018487/us-holds-fire-against-iran-as-reports-of-concerns-over-of-dwindling-munitions-emerge, 26 Jul 2026]
#1520
The ongoing conflict between the United States and Iran in 2026 is nearing its:
(a) Fifth month
(b) Fourth month
(c) Third month
(d) Sixth month
Explanation: The conflict, which was initially predicted by US leadership to last only a few weeks, has extended into its fifth month as of July 2026. This duration has become a point of political concern ahead of upcoming elections. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018487/us-holds-fire-against-iran-as-reports-of-concerns-over-of-dwindling-munitions-emerge, 26 Jul 2026]