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.
#19121
Which of the following statements regarding the security operations in Balochistan on July 22, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) Security forces recovered weapons and improvised explosive devices.
(b) Two female suicide bombers were apprehended.
(c) The operations were limited to a single district in Balochistan.
(d) The operations involved intelligence-based area sanitization.
Explanation: The statement is incorrect because the operations were conducted in two districts, Surab and Mastung, not a single district. The other options accurately reflect the details provided by the ISPR. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431262/10-terrorists-killed-two-female-suicide-bombers-arrested-in-balochistan-ispr, 22 Jul 2026]
#19122
What is the primary objective of the national innovation ecosystem proposed by the Prime Minister on July 22, 2026?
(a) To increase foreign direct investment in the telecommunications sector
(b) To develop indigenous knowledge and technological capabilities
(c) To privatize all public sector research and development centers
(d) To exclusively focus on importing advanced robotics from the Global North
Explanation: The core objective is to foster indigenous knowledge and technological capabilities, ensuring that the technology is owned and continuously advanced within Pakistan rather than relying solely on imports. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431277/pm-shehbaz-calls-for-national-innovation-ecosystem-to-advance-indigenous-robotics-technology, 22 Jul 2026]
#19123
Consider the following statements about the national innovation ecosystem proposed on July 22, 2026: 1. It aims to ensure that the knowledge behind robotics technology is indigenous and owned by Pakistan. 2. The initiative is intended to be confined to major cities to ensure high-tech efficiency. 3. It emphasizes the need for regulatory frameworks to govern the ethics of autonomous systems. 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 and 3 are correct as they reflect the Prime Minister's focus on indigenous ownership and ethical regulation. Statement 2 is incorrect because the Prime Minister explicitly stated that the revolution should not remain confined to major cities but should reach underserved communities. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431277/pm-shehbaz-calls-for-national-innovation-ecosystem-to-advance-indigenous-robotics-technology, 22 Jul 2026]
#19124
In which districts of Balochistan did security forces conduct the intelligence-based operations reported on July 22, 2026?
(a) Surab and Mastung
(b) Kech and Panjgur
(c) Gwadar and Turbat
(d) None of these
Explanation: The ISPR confirmed that the operations were specifically targeted in District Surab and District Mastung. Seven terrorists were killed in Surab, while three were killed and two female suicide bombers were apprehended in Mastung. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431262/10-terrorists-killed-two-female-suicide-bombers-arrested-in-balochistan-ispr, 22 Jul 2026]
#19125
On 2026-07-23, the Foreign Office of Pakistan issued a formal condemnation regarding threats posed by which group against Saudi Arabia and Red Sea shipping?
(a) Al-Shabaab
(b) Houthi militia
(c) Hezbollah
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Foreign Office issued a statement on 2026-07-23 specifically condemning the Houthi militia for their threats against Saudi Arabia and commercial shipping. Other groups like Al-Shabaab or Hezbollah were not the subject of this specific diplomatic communication. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431372/fo-slams-houthi-threats-against-ksa-shipping, 23 Jul 2026]
#19126
Consider the following statements about the security situation in Balochistan as of July 2026: 1. Security forces engaged in joint operations to target remnants of terrorist groups. 2. The military identified a nexus between specific groups and foreign-sponsored entities. 3. The operations resulted in the recovery of ammunition and improvised explosive devices. 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 correct based on the ISPR report. The military confirmed joint operations, identified a nexus between 'Fitna al Hindustan' and 'Fitna al Khwarij', and reported the recovery of weapons, ammunition, and IEDs. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431262/10-terrorists-killed-two-female-suicide-bombers-arrested-in-balochistan-ispr, 22 Jul 2026]
#19127
Who signed the civilian nuclear cooperation agreement on behalf of the United States on July 23, 2026?
(a) The Secretary of Energy
(b) The Secretary of Defense
(c) The Secretary of State
(d) The National Security Advisor
Explanation: The US Energy Secretary, Chris Wright, signed the agreements on peaceful nuclear cooperation and bilateral safeguards with his Saudi counterpart. The other officials listed were not the primary signatories for this specific energy-sector agreement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017738/us-announces-civilian-nuclear-deal-with-saudi-arabia-says-it-includes-non-proliferation-safeguards, 23 Jul 2026]
#19128
In the context of urban resilience during the 2026-07-23 rain spell, which specific infrastructure was prioritized for immediate drainage?
(a) Underpasses
(b) Industrial zones
(c) Agricultural canals
(d) Power grids
Explanation: The Chief Minister specifically ordered the drainage of rainwater from streets, markets, roads, and underpasses to ensure public safety and traffic flow. Underpasses are particularly vulnerable to flooding during heavy monsoon spells. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431317/cm-voices-her-grief-over-rain-related-deaths, 23 Jul 2026]
#19129
Who is the current Secretary General of the Pakistan People's Party Parliamentarians (PPP-P) as of 2026?
(a) Nadeem Afzal Chan
(b) Syed Nayyer Hussain Bukhari
(c) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari
(d) None of these
Explanation: Syed Nayyer Hussain Bukhari serves as the Secretary General of the PPP-P. Nadeem Afzal Chan is the Central Secretary Information, making him a plausible but incorrect distractor. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431326/ajk-polls-ppp-leader-says-optimistic-about-electoral-prospects, 23 Jul 2026]
#19130
Who is the current Prime Minister of Lebanon as of July 2026?
(a) Nawaf Salam
(b) Joseph Aoun
(c) Abbas Yaghi
(d) Saad Hariri
Explanation: Nawaf Salam is identified as the Prime Minister of Lebanon who visited the town of Zawtar al-Gharbiya following the Israeli withdrawal. Joseph Aoun is mentioned as the President of Lebanon in the same context. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017639/lebanon-israel-to-hold-next-round-of-talks-in-italy-on-aug-4, 23 Jul 2026]
#19131
The Foreign Office of Pakistan issued its statement regarding Houthi threats on which date in 2026?
(a) July 21, 2026
(b) July 23, 2026
(c) July 25, 2026
(d) July 27, 2026
Explanation: The official Foreign Office statement was published on July 23, 2026, as documented in the official records of the event. The other dates are incorrect distractors. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431372/fo-slams-houthi-threats-against-ksa-shipping, 23 Jul 2026]
#19132
Who is the current President of Iran who received the credentials of the new Pakistani ambassador on July 23, 2026?
(a) Ebrahim Raisi
(b) Hassan Rouhani
(c) Masoud Pezeshkian
(d) Mohammad Mokhber
Explanation: Masoud Pezeshkian is the current President of Iran who met with the Pakistani ambassador in July 2026. Ebrahim Raisi was his predecessor, making him an incorrect distractor. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017654/iranian-president-pezeshkian-calls-for-strengthening-pak-iran-relations, 23 Jul 2026]
#19133
Consider the following statements about the maritime security situation on July 23, 2026: 1. The Houthis claimed that the targeted tankers had violated a naval blockade. 2. The United States Central Command reported the redirection of nine commercial vessels to prevent Iranian port access. 3. The Saudi Arabian government confirmed that the crew of the Encelia suffered multiple casualties during the attack. 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 from the Houthis and US Central Command. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Saudi authorities explicitly stated that all crew members were safe and no casualties were reported. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017740/houthis-attack-saudi-tankers-in-red-sea-as-us-strikes-iran-for-12th-consecutive-day, 23 Jul 2026]
#19134
Who is the current Chief Minister of Punjab as of 2026-07-23?
(a) Hamza Shahbaz
(b) Maryam Nawaz Sharif
(c) Parvez Elahi
(d) None of these
Explanation: Maryam Nawaz Sharif is the incumbent Chief Minister of Punjab. The other options represent former officeholders. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431317/cm-voices-her-grief-over-rain-related-deaths, 23 Jul 2026]
#19135
Consider the following statements about the 2026 UN Arria-Formula meeting on Syria: 1. Pakistan argued that transitional justice is vital for promoting reconciliation and restoring trust. 2. The meeting focused exclusively on military strategies for ending the Syrian conflict. 3. Pakistan emphasized that international mechanisms should respect Syria's national 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: Statement 1 and 3 are correct as they reflect Pakistan's focus on reconciliation and sovereignty. Statement 2 is incorrect because the meeting focused on transitional justice and missing persons, not military strategy. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017641/pakistan-opposes-externally-imposed-solutions-for-syria, 23 Jul 2026]
#19136
Which of the following statements regarding the Ukrainian drone strikes on July 23, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The strikes targeted logistics hubs of a major Russian online retailer
(b) The attacks were limited exclusively to sites located within the Moscow city limits
(c) Ukraine claimed the targeted sites were supplying components for the Russian military
(d) The strikes resulted in the evacuation of company logistics centers
Explanation: The strikes occurred in southern Russian cities such as Krasnodar and Nevinnomyssk, not exclusively in Moscow. The other statements accurately reflect the events of July 23, 2026. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017672/ukraines-drones-hit-stores-of-russian-retail-giant, 23 Jul 2026]
#19137
Which of the following is NOT a directive issued by the Chief Minister regarding the 2026-07-23 rain-related emergency?
(a) Continuous monitoring of rivers and flood channels
(b) Immediate suspension of all provincial public transport
(c) Prevention of children from bathing in floodwaters
(d) Supervision of relief operations by field officers
Explanation: The Chief Minister directed authorities to maintain smooth traffic flow, which contradicts the suspension of public transport. The other options are verified directives issued to ensure public safety. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431317/cm-voices-her-grief-over-rain-related-deaths, 23 Jul 2026]
#19138
Consider the following statements about the Lebanon-Israel diplomatic process as of July 2026: 1. The talks are aimed at ending hostilities triggered by the wider US-Iran conflict. 2. Israel has completely withdrawn from all areas within the 10-kilometre buffer zone. 3. The Lebanese army has advised residents to delay returning to Zawtar al-Gharbiya due to unexploded ordnance. 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 conflict is linked to US-Iran tensions. Statement 3 is correct regarding the safety concerns for returning residents. Statement 2 is incorrect because Israel continues to occupy a 10-kilometre buffer zone along the border. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017639/lebanon-israel-to-hold-next-round-of-talks-in-italy-on-aug-4, 23 Jul 2026]
#19139
Consider the following statements about the 2026 World Cup final aftermath: 1. FIFA initiated an investigation into the Argentine team due to banners displayed after the semi-final match. 2. The Argentine squad received a hostile reception from fans upon their arrival in Buenos Aires. 3. Emiliano Martinez expressed uncertainty regarding his future in international football following the final loss. 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 FIFA investigated the Falklands banner incident. Statement 3 is correct as Martinez publicly stated he would reflect on his international future. Statement 2 is incorrect because the fans provided a 'rapturous welcome' despite the loss. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017381/thousands-welcome-home-argentina-squad-without-messi-despite-world-cup-loss, 22 Jul 2026]
#19140
Which of the following statements regarding the attack in Mastung on July 23, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The attack resulted in the death of a security guard.
(b) The incident occurred in the Wali Khan area.
(c) The Additional Sessions Judge was killed in the ambush.
(d) The Prime Minister condemned the attack as a cowardly act.
Explanation: The Additional Sessions Judge, Tariq Lashari, was critically injured but did not die in the attack. The other statements accurately reflect the details of the incident. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431455/sessions-judge-guard-killed-in-mastung-attack, 23 Jul 2026]