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.
#17581
Consider the following statements about the 2026 AJK elections: 1. The election is being held in a single phase to ensure maximum voter turnout. 2. AJK electoral law requires the preliminary result of a constituency to be announced immediately after counting. 3. The current agitation is the fourth wave of protests organized by the JAAC. 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 election is being held in three phases, not one. Statements 2 and 3 are factually accurate according to the current electoral framework and the history of the recent protests. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018443/ajk-election-and-beyond, 26 Jul 2026]
#17582
Consider the following statements about the regional geopolitical situation as of July 26, 2026: 1. The current Israeli leadership has explicitly rejected the possibility of a Palestinian state. 2. Saudi Arabia's role as the custodian of Islam's holiest sites makes its potential recognition of Israel highly significant for the Muslim world. 3. The US administration has successfully coerced all OIC members into recognizing Israel through the Abraham Accords. 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 Israeli leadership has publicly opposed a Palestinian state. Statement 2 is correct regarding Saudi Arabia's unique religious status. Statement 3 is incorrect because many OIC members, including Pakistan, have not recognized Israel. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018440/quid-pro-quo, 26 Jul 2026]
#17583
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]
#17584
Consider the following statements about the political developments in July 2026: 1. The Prime Minister held consultations with Khawaja Saad Rafique regarding party discipline. 2. The Pakistan People's Party expressed concerns over remarks made about Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. 3. The PML-N leadership agreed to prioritize political stability in the national interest. 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 events of July 25, 2026. The Prime Minister met with Rafique, addressed the PPP's concerns, and emphasized the need for continued political stability. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431807/pm-advises-pml-n-leaders-to-exercise-caution-in-public-statements, 25 Jul 2026]
#17585
Prof. Gul Rahim Khan, who received the Ashoka Prize in 2026, is a faculty member at which institution?
(a) University of the Punjab
(b) University of Peshawar
(c) Quaid-i-Azam University
(d) None of these
Explanation: Prof. Gul Rahim Khan is a senior professor in the Department of Archaeology at the University of Peshawar. He was recognized for his research on the numismatics of the Utpala Dynasty. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018423/peshawar-university-teacher-honoured-with-ashoka-award-in-london, 26 Jul 2026]
#17586
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]
#17587
On July 26, 2026, the MQM-P held a rally to demand new provinces at which location in Hyderabad?
(a) Liberty Chowk to Kohinoor Chowk
(b) Tower to Press Club
(c) Station Road to GPO
(d) None of these
Explanation: The MQM-P organized a rally in Hyderabad on July 26, 2026, which proceeded from Liberty Chowk to Kohinoor Chowk. This event was part of their intensified campaign for administrative restructuring. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018340/mqm-p-steps-up-campaign-for-creation-of-new-provinces, 26 Jul 2026]
#17588
The Virtual Assets Act 2026 was passed to regulate which of the following sectors in Pakistan?
(a) Cryptocurrency and digital asset providers
(b) Traditional textile export manufacturing
(c) Informal hundi and hawala networks
(d) Cross-border physical commodity trade
Explanation: The Virtual Assets Act 2026 provides a regulatory framework for licensed virtual asset providers, allowing banks to facilitate services for the sector. This is distinct from the informal hundi/hawala systems which remain illegal. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018391/war-dries-up-unofficial-dollar-inflows, 26 Jul 2026]
#17589
Which of the following statements regarding the Virtual Assets Act 2026 is INCORRECT?
(a) It allows regulated banks to open accounts for entities registered under the Pakistan Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority.
(b) It establishes a framework for licensed virtual asset providers to operate within the formal financial system.
(c) It was passed in the same year that Pakistan lifted its eight-year ban on crypto-related banking activity.
(d) It permits banks to use customer deposits to trade or invest in digital assets for profit.
Explanation: The Act explicitly prohibits banks from using their own capital or customer deposits to trade, hold, or invest in digital assets. Therefore, is the incorrect statement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018391/war-dries-up-unofficial-dollar-inflows, 26 Jul 2026]
#17590
Which international organization conferred the Ashoka Prize upon Prof. Gul Rahim Khan in 2026?
(a) Oriental Numismatic Society
(b) International Archaeological Association
(c) Royal Numismatic Society
(d) World Heritage Foundation
Explanation: The Oriental Numismatic Society (ONS) awarded the prize for the best paper published in their journal (JONS). The Royal Numismatic Society is a separate entity often confused with the ONS. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018423/peshawar-university-teacher-honoured-with-ashoka-award-in-london, 26 Jul 2026]
#17591
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]
#17592
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]
#17593
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]
#17594
According to the statement by Governor Faisal Karim Kundi on July 26, 2026, how much explosive material was utilized in the attack on the Tank checkpost?
(a) Over 800 kilograms
(b) Over 1,000 kilograms
(c) Over 1,300 kilograms
(d) None of these
Explanation: Governor Kundi explicitly stated that more than 1,300 kilograms of explosives were used in the attack on the Manji Khel checkpoint. This figure highlights the high level of sophistication and the scale of the threat faced by security forces in the region. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018508/kp-governor-kundi-says-over-1300kg-of-explosives-used-in-tank-checkpost-attack, 26 Jul 2026]
#17595
Which of the following statements regarding the July 2026 attack on the Manji Khel checkpoint is INCORRECT?
(a) The attack involved the use of an explosive-laden vehicle.
(b) Security forces successfully eliminated 12 terrorists during the engagement.
(c) The attack caused significant damage to the perimeter wall and infrastructure.
(d) The checkpoint was defended solely by the Pakistan Army without any police presence.
Explanation: The statement is incorrect because the Manji Khel checkpoint was a joint facility involving police, the Pakistan Army, and the forest department. The other options accurately describe the tactical details of the incident as reported by the military's media wing. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018508/kp-governor-kundi-says-over-1300kg-of-explosives-used-in-tank-checkpost-attack, 26 Jul 2026]
#17596
Who is the current Chairman of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) as of July 26, 2026?
(a) Mustafa Kamal
(b) Dr. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui
(c) Farooq Sattar
(d) Aminul Haque
Explanation: Dr. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui serves as the Chairman of the MQM-P and led the rally in Hyderabad. Mustafa Kamal is a senior leader and Federal Health Minister, but not the party chairman. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018340/mqm-p-steps-up-campaign-for-creation-of-new-provinces, 26 Jul 2026]
#17597
Which official held a security briefing at the Regional Police Office in Dera Ismail Khan on July 26, 2026, regarding the Tank incident?
(a) Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
(b) Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi
(c) Governor Faisal Karim Kundi
(d) None of these
Explanation: Governor Faisal Karim Kundi conducted the briefing at the Regional Police Office in Dera Ismail Khan. While he mentioned he would discuss the matter with the Interior Minister and the Chief Minister, he was the official who provided the briefing. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018508/kp-governor-kundi-says-over-1300kg-of-explosives-used-in-tank-checkpost-attack, 26 Jul 2026]
#17598
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]
#17599
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]
#17600
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]