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.
#17381
Which of the following statements regarding the Senate Standing Committee's directives on 2026-07-24 is INCORRECT?
(a) The committee reiterated that PECA should not be used against newspaper websites.
(b) The committee confirmed that an FIR had already been registered against the columnist under PECA.
(c) The committee ruled that the PCP is the appropriate forum for examining columnist content.
(d) The committee directed that letters be sent to provincial authorities to expedite case transfers.
Explanation: The NCCIA explicitly informed the committee that no FIR had been registered against the columnist under PECA. The other statements accurately reflect the committee's proceedings and policy stance. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431519/newspaper-columnist-senate-panel-orders-nccia-to-refer-complaint-to-pcp, 24 Jul 2026]
#17382
Consider the following statements about the OGDCL case decided on 2026-07-24: 1. The respondent served in the Pakistan Army for over nine years before joining OGDCL. 2. The FCC bench consisted of three members. 3. The respondent was granted all requested seniority and pay benefits by the OGDCL management prior to the court case. 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 respondent served for nine years and twenty-nine days. Statement 2 is correct as the FCC bench was composed of three members. Statement 3 is incorrect because the respondent was only granted two advance increments, not the full seniority and pay benefits requested. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431567/benefits-under-armed-forces-law-fcc-sets-aside-shc-order-in-ogdcl-employees-case, 24 Jul 2026]
#17383
The ceasefire between the United States and Iran was extended indefinitely in 2026 upon the request of which Pakistani leaders?
(a) The President and the Foreign Minister
(b) The Army Chief and the Prime Minister
(c) The Interior Minister and the Speaker of the National Assembly
(d) None of these
Explanation: The ceasefire extension was granted by the US President specifically following the request of Field Marshal Asim Munir and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Other combinations of officials do not reflect the specific diplomatic request mentioned in the report. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2002286/cdf-asim-munir-arrives-in-iran-as-part-of-ongoing-mediation-efforts-ispr, 22 May 2026]
#17384
Consider the following statements about the Hangor-class submarine arrival: 1. The submarine was welcomed with a fly-past by PN Z9EC helicopters. 2. The original PNS Hangor sank the Indian frigate INS Khukri during the 1971 war. 3. The second, third, and fourth submarines of this class were launched in 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 factually correct. Statement 3 is incorrect because the second, third, and fourth submarines were launched in 2025, not 2026. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2007071/first-hangor-class-submarine-arrives-at-karachi-port, 11 Jun 2026]
#17385
Consider the following statements about the water situation on the Chenab River as of 2026-07-24: 1. The rise in water levels is attributed to rainfall in the upper catchment areas. 2. The government has compared current water levels with historical data from 2017, 2022, 2023, and 2025. 3. The Chenab River has the capacity to generate extreme flooding independently without external rainfall. 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 correct as per the Commissioner's testimony. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Commissioner specifically noted that the river does not have the capacity to generate extreme flooding independently. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431517/senate-panel-told-govt-unaware-of-indias-chenab-water-release, 24 Jul 2026]
#17386
Which organization hosted the regional symposium on 'Space4Climate' in Peshawar on July 24, 2026?
(a) Pakistan Meteorological Department
(b) Global Change Impact Studies Centre
(c) National Disaster Management Authority
(d) Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission
Explanation: The symposium was hosted by SUPARCO through its Space Applications Centre for Climate Sciences (SACCS). The other organizations listed are relevant to climate or disaster management but were not the primary hosts of this specific initiative. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431524/space4climate-services-experts-call-for-institutional-adaptation, 24 Jul 2026]
#17387
Which of the following statements regarding the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Local Government (Amendment) Act, 2026 is INCORRECT?
(a) It was unanimously supported by the Election Commission of Pakistan.
(b) It received the assent of the Governor on July 16, 2026.
(c) It was officially notified on July 21, 2026.
(d) It was passed by the KP Assembly on July 6, 2026.
Explanation: The ECP has formally opposed the amendment, terming it a 'delaying tactic' for local government elections. The other three statements accurately reflect the timeline of the bill's passage, assent, and notification. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431520/ecp-opposes-key-amendment-to-kps-lg-law, 24 Jul 2026]
#17388
Which of the following statements regarding the market performance on July 23, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The Pakistani rupee gained value in the inter-bank market.
(b) The Pakistani rupee appreciated against the Euro in the open market.
(c) The US dollar index eased by 0.06% to 101.05.
(d) Brent crude prices reached their highest level in nearly two months.
Explanation: The report indicates that the Pakistani rupee lost value against the Euro in the open market, making statement C incorrect. All other statements accurately reflect the data provided for the event date. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431436/pakistani-rupee-records-gain-against-us-dollar, 23 Jul 2026]
#17389
Who was the Sessions Judge killed in the Mastung attack on 2026-07-24?
(a) Mir Ziaullah Langove
(b) Tariq Lashari
(c) Abdul Hakeem Kakar
(d) Mir Sarfraz Bugti
Explanation: Abdul Hakeem Kakar was the Sessions Judge who lost his life in the attack. Tariq Lashari was an Additional Sessions Judge who sustained injuries, while the others are provincial government officials. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431528/sessions-judge-among-two-killed-in-mastung-nha-attack, 24 Jul 2026]
#17390
Where did the Chief of Defence Forces address the participants of the 20th National Workshop Balochistan on July 24, 2026?
(a) Prime Minister House, Islamabad
(b) General Headquarters, Rawalpindi
(c) Governor House, Quetta
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Chief of Defence Forces addressed the workshop participants at the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi. This location serves as the primary command center for the Pakistan Army's strategic communications and operations. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431561/cdf-vows-to-dismantle-terrorist-infrastructure, 24 Jul 2026]
#17391
Who has been appointed as the captain of the Pakistan Test cricket team for the series against the West Indies in 2026?
(a) Babar Azam
(b) Shan Masood
(c) Azan Awais
(d) Mohammad Ali
Explanation: Babar Azam returned as the captain of the Pakistan Test team, replacing Shan Masood following a series loss in Bangladesh. Shan Masood was the previous captain, making him a plausible distractor. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018018/brian-lara-stadium-hosts-maiden-test-as-west-indies-face-pakistan, 24 Jul 2026]
#17392
Which stadium in Trinidad is hosting its maiden Test match in July 2026?
(a) Queen's Park Oval
(b) Brian Lara Stadium
(c) Sabina Park
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Brian Lara Stadium, located in the south of Trinidad, was designated as the venue for the first Test of the series. Queen's Park Oval is the other Test venue in Trinidad but is not the site of this maiden Test. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018018/brian-lara-stadium-hosts-maiden-test-as-west-indies-face-pakistan, 24 Jul 2026]
#17393
Who is the current Chief Secretary of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to whom the ECP addressed its concerns regarding the 2026 amendment?
(a) Shahab Ali Shah
(b) Nadeem Qasim
(c) Sardar Sikander Shaheen
(d) None of these
Explanation: Shahab Ali Shah is the Chief Secretary of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa who received the official correspondence from the ECP. Nadeem Qasim is the Additional Director General of the ECP who authored the letter, not the recipient. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431520/ecp-opposes-key-amendment-to-kps-lg-law, 24 Jul 2026]
#17394
How does the Government of Pakistan define an attack on its commercial ships by Houthi rebels according to the July 24, 2026, policy statement?
(a) A violation of international trade law
(b) A breach of the Islamabad Memorandum
(c) An attack against Pakistan
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Foreign Office spokesperson stated that any strike against Pakistani-flagged vessels would be treated as an attack against Pakistan itself, justifying a response in self-defense. This elevates the status of commercial assets to national security interests. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017926/pakistan-warns-houthi-rebels-to-steer-clear-of-its-ships, 24 Jul 2026]
#17395
Saadia Zahidi was appointed as the Director General of which international organization on July 24, 2026?
(a) World Economic Forum
(b) International Air Transport Association
(c) International Civil Aviation Organization
(d) World Trade Organization
Explanation: Saadia Zahidi was appointed to lead the International Air Transport Association (IATA). While she previously worked at the World Economic Forum, that is not the organization she was appointed to lead as Director General. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017986/pakistan-origin-saadia-zahidi-to-lead-international-air-transport-association, 24 Jul 2026]
#17396
Consider the following statements about the ECP's objection to the KP Local Government (Amendment) Act, 2026: 1. The ECP claims the amendment contradicts its constitutional authority to delimit constituencies. 2. The amendment requires the ECP to consult with the provincial government when waiving population conditions. 3. The ECP argues that the amendment is a necessary step to expedite the local government election process. 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 correct as they reflect the ECP's legal stance and the specific provision of the amendment they oppose. Statement 3 is incorrect because the ECP views the amendment as a 'delaying tactic' rather than a measure to expedite the election process. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431520/ecp-opposes-key-amendment-to-kps-lg-law, 24 Jul 2026]
#17397
Consider the following statements about the security incident in Mastung on 2026-07-24: 1. The attack resulted in the death of a Sessions Judge and his gunman. 2. The provincial government described the attack as an assault on the state itself. 3. The incident occurred during a planned protest march on the National Highway. 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 the officials were traveling to perform official duties, not participating in a protest march. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431528/sessions-judge-among-two-killed-in-mastung-nha-attack, 24 Jul 2026]
#17398
Which of the following is NOT a category of information that civil servants are required to disclose under the 2026 rules?
(a) Foreign residence permits
(b) Foreign passports
(c) Foreign bank account balances
(d) Foreign travel documents
Explanation: The 2026 rules focus on nationality, passports, residence permits, and travel documents. Financial disclosures like bank account balances are not covered under this specific set of rules. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431565/civil-servants-foreign-nationality-declaration-made-mandatory, 24 Jul 2026]
#17399
How much capital is specifically allocated for the mineral sector of Balochistan in the investment plan announced on March 11, 2026?
(a) $10 million
(b) $12 million
(c) $14 million
(d) $16 million
Explanation: The investment proposal includes $14 million dedicated to the mineral sector of Balochistan. This is distinct from the much larger $2.6 billion allocated for manufacturing. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980763/chinese-firms-plan-to-invest-26bn-in-balochistan, 11 Mar 2026]
#17400
Which of the following statements regarding the 2026-07-24 Mastung attack is INCORRECT?
(a) The attack occurred while the officials were traveling from Mastung to Quetta.
(b) The Sessions Judge and his gunman were killed on the spot.
(c) The attack targeted judicial officers traveling towards the Sessions Court.
(d) Additional Sessions Judge Tariq Lashari sustained injuries in the attack.
Explanation: The judicial officers were traveling from Quetta to the Sessions Court in Mastung, not the other way around. The other statements accurately reflect the details of the incident. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431528/sessions-judge-among-two-killed-in-mastung-nha-attack, 24 Jul 2026]