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.
#18701
Who is the current United Nations Secretary-General who commended Pakistan's diplomatic initiatives on July 23, 2026?
(a) Kofi Annan
(b) Ban Ki-moon
(c) Antonio Guterres
(d) None of these
Explanation: Antonio Guterres is the incumbent UN Secretary-General who addressed the UNSC open debate regarding Pakistan's peace initiatives. The other options are former Secretaries-General. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017861/un-chief-praises-pakistans-peace-initiatives-to-reduce-tensions-and-create-space-for-dialogue, 23 Jul 2026]
#18702
Consider the following statements about the funeral ceremonies held on July 4, 2026: 1. The ceremonies were held amidst a broader regional conflict involving the US and Israel. 2. The funeral procession was limited exclusively to the city of Tehran. 3. The event featured the coffins of the Supreme Leader and his family members.
(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 assassination occurred during a regional conflict. Statement 2 is incorrect because the procession was planned to move to other cities, including Qom. Statement 3 is correct as the coffins of the leader and his family were displayed on a dais. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2012913/huge-crowds-gather-in-iran-as-funeral-ceremonies-for-assassinated-supreme-leader-begin, 04 Jul 2026]
#18703
Consider the following statements about Spain's football achievements: 1. Spain is the first country to hold both the men's and women's FIFA World Cup titles simultaneously. 2. The 2026 World Cup victory was Spain's first-ever title in the tournament's history. 3. The victory parade route in Madrid was planned to conclude at Cibeles square. 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 Spain's women won in 2023 and men in 2026. Statement 2 is incorrect because this was Spain's second title, the first being in 2010. Statement 3 is correct as Cibeles square is the traditional celebration point. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017043/fifa-world-cup-heroes-spain-return-home-ahead-of-victory-parade, 20 Jul 2026]
#18704
Until what date in 2026 is the current airspace restriction on Indian-registered aircraft effective?
(a) August 23, 2026
(b) August 12, 2026
(c) July 24, 2026
(d) September 23, 2026
Explanation: The Notam explicitly states that the restriction remains in force until 11:59pm on August 23, 2026. July 24 was the expiration date of the previous restriction period. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016474/paa-extends-airspace-ban-on-indian-aircraft-until-aug-23, 18 Jul 2026]
#18705
Consider the following statements about the diplomatic developments on April 25, 2026: 1. The Iranian Foreign Minister described his visit to Pakistan as very fruitful. 2. President Donald Trump stated that the US would resume the war immediately following the cancellation of the envoys' visit. 3. Part of the Iranian delegation returned to Tehran to obtain instructions regarding the war.
(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 minister publicly termed the visit fruitful. Statement 3 is correct as part of the delegation returned to Tehran for instructions. Statement 2 is incorrect because President Trump explicitly stated that the cancellation did not mean he would resume the war. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1994958/iranian-delegation-led-by-araghchi-leaves-after-meeting-pm-cdf-munir-trump-cancels-us-envoys-visit, 25 Apr 2026]
#18706
Fadi Hamdallah al-Nassan, who died on July 18, 2026, was a member of which sports organization?
(a) Palestine National Youth Team
(b) Ramallah Athletic Club
(c) Al-Mughayyir Football Club
(d) None of these
Explanation: Fadi Hamdallah al-Nassan was a 17-year-old footballer who played for the Al-Mughayyir Club and was a member of the Palestinian national youth team. He succumbed to injuries sustained during a settler attack in his village. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016519/palestinian-teen-footballer-dies-after-being-shot-during-settler-attack-in-occupied-west-bank, 18 Jul 2026]
#18707
Consider the following statements about the flood situation as of July 2026: 1. The Jhelum River is currently flowing in low to medium flood at Mangla and Rasul. 2. Flash flooding is anticipated in the hill torrents of Dera Ghazi Khan. 3. The Indus River is currently experiencing high flood levels at the Tarbela and Chashma stations. 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 per the FFD observations. Statement 2 is correct regarding the hill torrents. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Indus is reported at low and below-low levels at Tarbela and Chashma, not high flood levels. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017067/chenab-water-level-likely-to-surge-following-ongoing-rains-in-indian-occupied-kashmir-punjab, 20 Jul 2026]
#18708
Consider the following statements about the diplomatic developments in April 2026: 1. The first round of direct US-Iran talks occurred in April 2026. 2. The US president insisted that future negotiations would require in-person meetings in Islamabad. 3. Pakistan has been actively involved in mediating between Washington and Tehran. 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 talks occurred in April 2026. Statement 2 is incorrect because the US president explicitly stated that future talks would be held remotely by telephone, not in person. Statement 3 is correct as Pakistan is recognized for its mediatory role. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1995275/great-respect-for-pakistan-and-they-will-stay-involved-but-we-are-going-to-do-it-by-phone-trump-on-iran-talks, 26 Apr 2026]
#18709
According to the study published on 2026-07-17, what percentage increase in annual case resolution was observed when judges were provided with AI access and targeted training?
(a) 4.2 percent
(b) 5.1 percent
(c) 7.8 percent
(d) 6.3 percent
Explanation: The study reported that the introduction of the AI assistant alongside targeted training resulted in an additional 1,848 cases being resolved per year, representing a 6.3 percent increase over the mean. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016213/study-finds-ai-use-in-trial-courts-results-in-over-6pc-more-cases-resolved-annually, 17 Jul 2026]
#18710
Analyze the following statements regarding Pakistan's economic and governance indicators reported on August 11, 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 automotive sector experienced a 141% surge in sales, not a contraction. Statement 2 is correct regarding the Privitisation Commission's move to outsource major airports. Statement 3 is correct regarding the rise in external remittances to $3.6 billion in July. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2022170/privatisation-commission-approves-financial-adviser-for-outsourcing-karachi-lahore-airports]
#18711
Given the events reported on August 11, 2026, identify the correct chronological order of the following developments as they pertain to the broader Pakistani socio-economic and institutional framework (assuming sequential reporting across regional sectors):
(a) 1. Remittances data release -> 2. Balochistan housing funds controversy -> 3. High Court judicial appointments -> 4. Fuel price adjustments
(b) 1. Balochistan housing funds controversy -> 2. Remittances data release -> 3. Fuel price adjustments -> 4. High Court judicial appointments
(c) 1. High Court judicial appointments -> 2. Fuel price adjustments -> 3. Remittances data release -> 4. Balochistan housing funds controversy
(d) 1. Remittances data release -> 2. Balochistan housing funds controversy -> 3. Fuel price adjustments -> 4. High Court judicial appointments
Explanation: Based on the provided event sequence and reporting metadata, the flow of policy-related updates on August 11, 2026, began with external economic inflows (remittances), followed by fiduciary concerns (Balochistan), then judicial administrative updates, and finally, energy-sector fiscal adjustments. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2022042/remittances-rise-13pc-to-36bn-in-july]
#18712
Which of the following Pakistani legal institutions did the Istanbul Bar Association No. 2 delegation NOT visit during their 2026 tour?
(a) Supreme Court Bar Association
(b) Pakistan Bar Council
(c) Sindh Bar Council
(d) Lahore High Court Bar Association
Explanation: The delegation visited the Pakistan Bar Council, Sindh Bar Council, and the Lahore High Court Bar Association. The Supreme Court Bar Association was not mentioned in the official list of visited institutions. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431897/istanbul-bar-number-2-delegation-visits-karachi-press-club, 27 Jul 2026]
#18713
Consider the following statements about the security situation in Islamabad and Rawalpindi in April 2026: 1. The Red Zone was sealed to facilitate expected diplomatic talks between the United States and Iran. 2. Electric buses were prohibited from operating during the entire period of the security lockdown. 3. The district administration reported that remaining closed areas were expected to reopen by the following Monday. 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 Red Zone was sealed for the talks. Statement 2 is incorrect because electric buses were reported to be plying their routes on Sunday. Statement 3 is correct as the administration indicated a Monday reopening for remaining areas. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1995277/traffic-restrictions-around-islamabads-red-zone-serena-hotel-lifted-ishaq-dar, 26 Apr 2026]
#18714
On April 27, 2026, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting refuted claims that Pakistan targeted which university in Afghanistan's Kunar province?
(a) Kabul University
(b) Sayed Jamaluddin Afghani University
(c) Balkh University
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting explicitly denied reports alleging strikes on the Sayed Jamaluddin Afghani University. Other universities listed are prominent Afghan institutions but were not the subject of the specific false claims addressed by the Ministry. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1995552/info-ministry-rubbishes-reports-of-pakistan-targeting-varsity-residential-areas-in-afghanistans-kunar, 27 Apr 2026]
#18715
Consider the following statements about the security situation between Pakistan and Afghanistan as of April 2026: 1. Pakistan has repeatedly urged the Afghan Taliban to dismantle TTP sanctuaries on its soil. 2. Operation Ghazab lil-Haq was initiated in response to unprovoked cross-border attacks by the Afghan Taliban. 3. The Pakistani government maintains that its military actions are conducted without prior declaration or public 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: Statements 1 and 2 are factually correct based on the Ministry's stance. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Ministry explicitly stated that whenever Pakistan strikes terror infrastructure, it is 'well declared, fully owned and backed by precise evidence'. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1995552/info-ministry-rubbishes-reports-of-pakistan-targeting-varsity-residential-areas-in-afghanistans-kunar, 27 Apr 2026]
#18716
Consider the following statements regarding policy developments and national events occurring in August 2026: 1. The Sindh Governor has taken steps toward institutional modernization by inaugurating an AI laboratory at an engineering university. 2. The Government of Pakistan has unveiled a roadmap to restructure and unbundle existing gas utility companies into five distinct entities. 3. The national transport sector has announced a nationwide protest action slated to commence on August 8 due to operational grievances.
(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: All statements are verified: the Governor of Sindh inaugurated an AI laboratory at SSUET; the government formally proposed restructuring gas utilities SNGPL and SSGCL into five entities; and transport associations have confirmed a nationwide strike beginning August 8. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40433354/nehal-inaugurates-ai-lab-at-ssuet]
#18717
Consider the following statements about the weather forecast issued on April 5, 2026: 1. The PMD warned of potential landslides in the Galiyat region on April 7 and 8. 2. Standing crops in Punjab, Sindh, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa were identified as being at risk from hailstorms. 3. Widespread rain was predicted for the entire province of Sindh on April 6. 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 PMD warned of landslides in Galiyat for April 7-8. Statement 2 is correct as the PMD explicitly mentioned risks to standing crops in those three provinces. Statement 3 is incorrect because the forecast predicted only scattered rain for Sindh, not widespread rain for the entire province. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1988866/met-office-forecasts-widespread-rain-thunderstorms-in-parts-of-balochistan-kp-punjab-on-monday, 05 Apr 2026]
#18718
Which of the following statements regarding the environmental conditions on July 18, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The smoke originated from wildfires burning in Canada.
(b) The air quality in Washington D.C. was deemed healthy for all groups.
(c) Meteorologists expected thunderstorms to potentially clear the smoke.
(d) New York City skyline was obscured by dense smoke.
Explanation: The Department of Homeland Security and emergency management in Washington D.C. explicitly stated that air quality was 'unhealthy for at-risk groups,' making the claim that it was healthy for all groups incorrect. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016513/wildfire-haze-hangs-over-eastern-us-world-cup-final-venue, 18 Jul 2026]
#18719
The 2026 DHS regulation replaces which long-standing system for foreign journalists, students, and exchange visitors?
(a) Automatic renewal protocol
(b) Permanent residency track
(c) Visa waiver program
(d) Duration of status
Explanation: The 'duration of status' system previously allowed individuals to remain in the US for the length of their assignment or program. The new rule replaces this with fixed-term admissions to increase oversight. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016518/trump-administration-finalises-overhaul-of-foreign-journalists-visas-ends-duration-of-status-system, 18 Jul 2026]
#18720
Which official was tasked with leading the White House World Cup task force during the 2026 wildfire crisis?
(a) Andrew Giuliani
(b) Zohran Mamdani
(c) Donald Trump
(d) None of these
Explanation: Andrew Giuliani served as the executive director of the White House World Cup task force. Zohran Mamdani is the Mayor of New York, and Donald Trump is the President, making them incorrect for this specific role. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016513/wildfire-haze-hangs-over-eastern-us-world-cup-final-venue, 18 Jul 2026]