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.
#18881
Consider the following statements about the security arrangements for Ashura 2026: 1. In Sindh, approximately 60,000 police and Rangers personnel were deployed for security. 2. Section 144 was imposed in the Rawalpindi district to maintain public order. 3. The Karachi police chief stated that mobile and internet services would remain fully operational throughout the city. 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 Sindh Chief Minister confirmed the deployment of 60,000 personnel. Statement 2 is correct as Section 144 was imposed in Rawalpindi. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Karachi police chief explicitly stated that mobile and internet services would likely be suspended along the procession route. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2011005/ashura-processions-conclude-peacefully-countrywide-amid-strict-security, 26 Jun 2026]
#18882
Consider the following statements about the 2026 Venezuela earthquake disaster: 1. The earthquakes occurred approximately 160 kilometres west of Caracas. 2. Over 50,000 people were reported missing in the aftermath of the tremors. 3. The government successfully utilized heavy machinery in all affected regions immediately after the disaster. 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 residents specifically decried the lack of state help and the absence of proper equipment and machinery to extract victims from the rubble. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2010996/death-toll-from-venezuela-earthquake-rises-to-920-as-foreign-rescue-teams-start-arriving, 26 Jun 2026]
#18883
On July 10, 2026, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a telephone conversation regarding regional stability with which Iranian leader?
(a) Ayatollah Ali Khamenei
(b) Masoud Pezeshkian
(c) Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei
(d) None of these
Explanation: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif spoke with President Masoud Pezeshkian to express concern over the escalation of hostilities. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is the late supreme leader, while Mojtaba Khamenei is the current supreme leader, making them incorrect in the context of the presidential call. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2014422/pm-shehbaz-calls-on-iran-other-parties-not-to-jeopardise-hard-earned-peace-gains, 10 Jul 2026]
#18884
Which of the following statements regarding the security situation in Balochistan in July 2026 is INCORRECT?
(a) The military spokesperson identified India as a source of support for the terrorists.
(b) The security operations in Balochistan are conducted solely by the Balochistan Police.
(c) The Provincial Apex Committee meeting was attended by the Chief of the Army Staff.
(d) A terrorist attack in the Zedi area of Khuzdar district was foiled on July 10, 2026.
Explanation: The statement that operations are conducted solely by the Balochistan Police is incorrect because the operations are joint efforts involving the Pakistan Army, Frontier Corps, and the Balochistan Police. The other statements are factually accurate based on the reports. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2014419/75-terrorists-killed-in-balochistan-since-july-5-says-cm-bugti, 10 Jul 2026]
#18885
How much financial aid did the United States pledge to Venezuela following the June 2026 earthquake disaster?
(a) 50 million dollars
(b) 100 million dollars
(c) 200 million dollars
(d) 150 million dollars
Explanation: The United States government mobilized $150 million in aid to support relief efforts. This was accompanied by a temporary easing of sanctions to ensure the aid could reach the affected population. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2010996/death-toll-from-venezuela-earthquake-rises-to-920-as-foreign-rescue-teams-start-arriving, 26 Jun 2026]
#18886
Who led the PPP Sindh chapter rally in Hyderabad on July 12, 2026?
(a) Tariq Shah Jamot
(b) Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari
(c) Nisar Ahmed Khuhro
(d) Ajiz Dhamra
Explanation: Nisar Ahmed Khuhro, the PPP Sindh chapter president, led the rally from Shahbaz Building Chowk to the local press club in Hyderabad on July 12, 2026. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2014901/we-will-not-give-up-indus-ppp-holds-sindh-wide-rallies-condemning-indias-threats-to-pakistans-water-share, 12 Jul 2026]
#18887
What was the total financial penalty imposed by PEMRA on Geo News in the 2026 regulatory order?
(a) Rs 5 million
(b) Rs 10 million
(c) Rs 15 million
(d) None of these
Explanation: The authority mandated a fine of Rs 10 million as part of the disciplinary action for the regulatory violation. This fine was a prerequisite for the resumption of transmission. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2014653/geo-news-resumes-transmission-after-15-day-suspension-warned-of-licence-cancellation-over-future-violations, 11 Jul 2026]
#18888
Consider the following statements about the security operations in Balochistan in July 2026: 1. The military spokesperson stated that security forces would exercise proportionality in their response to the attacks. 2. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif emphasized a mutual and singular decision by civil and military leadership to end terrorism. 3. The attacks in Balochistan since July 5 included an ambush of an army convoy in Bela. 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 ISPR spokesperson explicitly warned that terrorists should expect no 'rationality and proportionality' in the security response. Statements 2 and 3 are factually correct as per the official government and military briefings. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2014419/75-terrorists-killed-in-balochistan-since-july-5-says-cm-bugti, 10 Jul 2026]
#18889
Who is the head of the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG) as of July 2026?
(a) Ismail al-Thawabta
(b) Ali Shaath
(c) Mohammed al-Farra
(d) Hazem Qassem
Explanation: Ali Shaath is the designated head of the NCAG, the technocratic body tasked with assuming administrative control in Gaza. Ismail al-Thawabta serves as the head of Hamas's government media office, while Mohammed al-Farra was the head of the committee that was dissolved. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2013378/hamas-announces-dissolution-of-gaza-governing-body, 06 Jul 2026]
#18890
Which of the following statements regarding the June 27, 2026, attack is INCORRECT?
(a) Three Rangers personnel were martyred in the line of duty.
(b) The captured militant was identified as an Afghan national.
(c) Four soldiers were reported injured during the exchange of fire.
(d) The attack was successfully carried out by the militants without any casualties to their own ranks.
Explanation: The statement that the militants suffered no casualties is incorrect, as the ISPR confirmed that three attackers were eliminated and one was captured. The other options accurately reflect the details provided in the official report. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2011178/3-sindh-rangers-personnel-martyred-during-attack-on-local-headquarters-in-karachis-gulistan-i-jauhar-sindh-ig, 27 Jun 2026]
#18891
Which of the following is NOT a security measure implemented during the Ashura processions in 2026?
(a) Deployment of snipers on rooftops
(b) Mandatory closure of all private businesses nationwide
(c) Suspension of mobile and internet services
(d) Installation of CCTV cameras for monitoring
Explanation: While authorities implemented strict security measures like snipers, service suspensions, and CCTV monitoring, there was no nationwide mandatory closure of all private businesses. The other options are documented security protocols used to maintain public order. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2011005/ashura-processions-conclude-peacefully-countrywide-amid-strict-security, 26 Jun 2026]
#18892
Which coastal city near Caracas was identified as one of the worst-affected areas by the 2026 earthquakes?
(a) Valencia
(b) La Guaira
(c) Caraballeda
(d) Maracaibo
Explanation: La Guaira is explicitly identified as the worst-affected coastal city where at least 100 buildings collapsed. While Caraballeda is in the same state, La Guaira is the primary city cited for the scale of destruction. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2010996/death-toll-from-venezuela-earthquake-rises-to-920-as-foreign-rescue-teams-start-arriving, 26 Jun 2026]
#18893
Who served as the co-chairs for the symposium held on Capitol Hill on March 24, 2026?
(a) Tom Suozzi and Jack Bergman
(b) Paul Kapur and Natalie Baker
(c) Rizwan Saeed Sheikh and Donald Trump
(d) None of these
Explanation: Congressmen Tom Suozzi and Jack Bergman chaired the four-hour session. Paul Kapur and Natalie Baker were speakers or contributors, not the chairs of the event. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1985157/pakistans-mediation-offer-reflects-growing-diplomatic-confidence-capitol-hill-symposium-told, 25 Mar 2026]
#18894
Consider the following statements about the security operation in Karachi on June 27, 2026: 1. The attack occurred in the evening hours near Mosamiyat Chowrangi. 2. The Sindh Inspector General of Police confirmed that a fierce exchange of gunfire followed the initial blast. 3. The funeral prayers for the martyred personnel were attended by the Chief of Army Staff. 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 align with the reported timeline and official confirmation by the Sindh IGP. Statement 3 is incorrect because the report mentions the attendance of the Interior Minister, Sindh Governor, and Sindh Chief Minister, but does not list the COAS as a participant in the funeral prayers. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2011178/3-sindh-rangers-personnel-martyred-during-attack-on-local-headquarters-in-karachis-gulistan-i-jauhar-sindh-ig, 27 Jun 2026]
#18895
What is the name of the peace agreement signed between the United States and Iran in 2026?
(a) Geneva Accord
(b) Burgenstock Treaty
(c) Islamabad Peace Deal
(d) Hormuz Security Pact
Explanation: The agreement that ended the hostilities between the United States and Iran in 2026 is officially referred to as the Islamabad Peace Deal. While Geneva was mentioned as a potential site for subsequent talks, it is not the name of the primary agreement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2009269/pm-shehbaz-saudi-crown-prince-discuss-iran-us-talks-stress-peace-process-must-not-be-undermined, 19 Jun 2026]
#18896
Which of the following statements regarding the 2026 US-Iran peace process is INCORRECT?
(a) The peace deal includes a framework to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
(b) The peace deal was signed in person by the leaders in Switzerland.
(c) The peace deal requires negotiations on key issues to be completed within 60 days.
(d) Pakistan acted as a mediator throughout the conflict.
Explanation: The memorandum of understanding was electronically signed by the parties, not in person in Switzerland. The other statements accurately reflect the terms and context of the agreement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2009269/pm-shehbaz-saudi-crown-prince-discuss-iran-us-talks-stress-peace-process-must-not-be-undermined, 19 Jun 2026]
#18897
The framework for the June 2026 peace talks was based on which previously signed agreement?
(a) The Geneva Accord
(b) The Lucerne Protocol
(c) The Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding
(d) None of these
Explanation: The talks were conducted under the framework of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This document provided the foundational structure for the subsequent negotiations in Switzerland. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2009504/pm-shehbaz-cdf-asim-munir-depart-for-switzerland-to-attend-iran-us-talks, 20 Jun 2026]
#18898
According to the ISPR, which militant group was responsible for the attack on the Rangers facility in June 2026?
(a) Jamaatul Ahrar
(b) Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan
(c) Balochistan Liberation Army
(d) Lashkar-e-Jhangvi
Explanation: The ISPR explicitly identified the attackers as belonging to Jamaatul Ahrar, which it described as an Indian proxy. Other groups listed are active in Pakistan but were not cited in the official report regarding this specific incident. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2011178/3-sindh-rangers-personnel-martyred-during-attack-on-local-headquarters-in-karachis-gulistan-i-jauhar-sindh-ig, 27 Jun 2026]
#18899
The conflict between the United States and Iran in 2026 officially began on which date?
(a) February 28, 2026
(b) March 15, 2026
(c) April 8, 2026
(d) June 19, 2026
Explanation: The military conflict, characterized by air attacks, commenced on February 28, 2026. This date marks the beginning of the hostilities that Pakistan later mediated. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2009269/pm-shehbaz-saudi-crown-prince-discuss-iran-us-talks-stress-peace-process-must-not-be-undermined, 19 Jun 2026]
#18900
Consider the following statements about the earthquake disaster in Venezuela: 1. The earthquakes struck on June 25, 2026, during a public holiday. 2. The US Geological Survey reported that the two major tremors occurred within one minute of each other. 3. More than 24,000 people were listed as unaccounted for on a tracking website by the morning of June 25, 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: All three statements are factually accurate based on the reports regarding the timing of the quakes, the USGS data on the tremors, and the figures provided by the opposition-led tracking website. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2010737/thousands-feared-dead-in-venezuela-after-two-major-earthquakes-world-sends-aid-rescue-teams, 25 Jun 2026]