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.
#19201
The counterterrorism campaign mentioned in the context of the July 2026 operations is known as:
(a) Zarb-e-Azb
(b) Radd-ul-Fasaad
(c) Operation Khyber
(d) Azm-e-Istehkam
Explanation: The ISPR stated that the ongoing counterterrorism efforts are being conducted under the Azm-e-Istehkam vision. Zarb-e-Azb and Radd-ul-Fasaad were previous military operations. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431351/balochistan-ibos-10-terrorists-killed-two-female-suicide-bombers-held, 23 Jul 2026]
#19202
Consider the following statements about the conflict as of March 11, 2026: 1. The US administration has expressed consistent and unified messaging regarding potential talks with Tehran. 2. Iranian parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has decreed a policy of 'an eye for an eye' in response to strikes. 3. The US has requested that Israel avoid targeting Iranian energy infrastructure to prevent regional economic instability. 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 US has been sending 'mixed signals,' with the President suggesting talks while the Pentagon chief vows to ramp up strikes. Statements 2 and 3 are factually accurate based on the reported events. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980759/iran-vows-to-keep-hormuz-strait-blocked-as-long-as-war-continues, 11 Mar 2026]
#19203
Which body approved the vision under which the July 2026 counterterrorism operations are being conducted?
(a) Federal Apex Committee on the National Action Plan
(b) National Security Council
(c) Parliamentary Committee on Defence
(d) Provincial Apex Committee of Balochistan
Explanation: The military confirmed that the Azm-e-Istehkam vision was approved by the Federal Apex Committee on the National Action Plan. This committee serves as the primary executive authority for national counterterrorism policy. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431351/balochistan-ibos-10-terrorists-killed-two-female-suicide-bombers-held, 23 Jul 2026]
#19204
According to the statement issued on July 23, 2026, what is considered essential for achieving lasting peace in Balochistan?
(a) Immediate withdrawal of federal administrative control
(b) Sustained efforts by security forces and public support
(c) Complete privatization of all natural resources
(d) Exclusive reliance on international peacekeeping forces
Explanation: The Chief of Defence Forces emphasized that peace in Balochistan is contingent upon the combined efforts of security agencies and the support of the local population. Other options are not part of the official security policy framework mentioned. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431473/field-marshal-munir-vows-to-continue-operations-against-terrorists-in-balochistan, 23 Jul 2026]
#19205
Which of the following is NOT an investment avenue proposed by SEBI for portfolio managers in the July 2026 consultation paper?
(a) Direct real estate development
(b) Overseas listed debt
(c) Unlisted debt
(d) Overseas listed equity
Explanation: SEBI proposed allowing investments in overseas listed equity, overseas listed debt, and unlisted debt. Direct real estate development is not included in the proposed expansion of investment avenues for portfolio managers. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431463/indias-sebi-proposes-allowing-portfolio-managers-to-invest-overseas-in-to-be-listed-securities, 23 Jul 2026]
#19206
Which financial institution in the United Arab Emirates reported a net profit of 5.72 billion dirhams for the second quarter of 2026?
(a) Emirates NBD
(b) First Abu Dhabi Bank
(c) Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank
(d) None of these
Explanation: First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) reported a net profit of 5.72 billion dirhams for the quarter ending June 30, 2026. Emirates NBD and Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank are also major lenders in the region but did not report this specific profit figure. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431470/most-gulf-markets-gain-on-quarterly-earnings-but-geopolitical-risks-limit-upside, 23 Jul 2026]
#19207
Which of the following statements regarding India's e-commerce policy as of July 23, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) Foreign e-commerce companies are permitted to operate as marketplaces to connect buyers and sellers
(b) Foreign e-commerce companies are now fully permitted to sell goods directly to domestic consumers
(c) The government aims to facilitate greater exports through increased access to global markets
(d) Policy restrictions on foreign e-commerce have been a point of contention between New Delhi and Washington
Explanation: The government continues to prohibit foreign e-commerce companies from selling goods directly to domestic consumers to protect local brick-and-mortar retailers. Therefore, statement C is false. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431461/india-relaxes-e-commerce-investment-rules-for-exports-in-win-for-amazon, 23 Jul 2026]
#19208
Consider the following statements about the security operations in Balochistan on July 23, 2026: 1. Two female suicide bombers were apprehended during the operations in Mastung. 2. The operations were limited to the arrest of facilitators only. 3. The military identified the apprehended individuals as being linked to foreign-sponsored entities. 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 two female suicide bombers were captured in Mastung. Statement 2 is incorrect because the operations also resulted in the neutralization of ten terrorists, not just the arrest of facilitators. Statement 3 is correct as the ISPR linked the militants to foreign-sponsored groups. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431351/balochistan-ibos-10-terrorists-killed-two-female-suicide-bombers-held, 23 Jul 2026]
#19209
The Regional Agricultural Forum meeting held on March 11, 2026, was chaired by the Vice Chancellor of which institution?
(a) University of Agriculture Faisalabad
(b) Ayub Agricultural Research Institute
(c) National Agricultural Research Centre
(d) None of these
Explanation: The meeting was chaired by Prof. Dr. Zulfiqar Ali, who serves as the Vice Chancellor of the University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF). The Ayub Agricultural Research Institute (AARI) was represented by its chief scientists but did not chair the forum. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40411256/comprehensive-plan-to-devise-crop-wise-agricultural-policy, 11 Mar 2026]
#19210
Which official met with the Chinese delegation to discuss investment opportunities in Balochistan on March 11, 2026?
(a) Senate Deputy Chairman Syedal Khan
(b) Finance Minister of Balochistan
(c) Chairman of the Board of Investment
(d) None of these
Explanation: Senate Deputy Chairman Syedal Khan held the meeting with the Chinese delegation to discuss the $2.6 billion investment plan. The other options are incorrect as they do not accurately identify the official who hosted the delegation. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980763/chinese-firms-plan-to-invest-26bn-in-balochistan, 11 Mar 2026]
#19211
Which of the following is NOT a policy goal mentioned by the PPP Chairman for the people of AJK in 2026?
(a) Securing rights of governance
(b) Privatization of all public utilities
(c) Ensuring rights of ownership
(d) Securing rights of employment
Explanation: The PPP Chairman's manifesto focuses on governance, ownership, and employment rights. Privatization of public utilities was not mentioned as a policy goal in his address. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431352/bilawal-says-ajk-election-crucial-for-kashmirs-future, 23 Jul 2026]
#19212
Consider the following statements about the diplomatic efforts mentioned in the 2026 ASEAN Regional Forum address: 1. Pakistan facilitated talks between the United States and Iran after 47 years. 2. The ASEAN region has a combined GDP of approximately $3.8 trillion. 3. The Deputy Prime Minister advocated for a Palestinian state based on post-1967 borders. 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 2 are factually correct based on the report. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Deputy Prime Minister advocated for a state based on pre-1967 borders, not post-1967 borders. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017794/kashmir-iwt-among-key-global-challenges-threatening-peaceful-coexistence-dar-tells-asean-moot, 23 Jul 2026]
#19213
The Regional Agricultural Forum meeting held on March 11, 2026, reviewed development activities for which of the following crops?
(a) Wheat, maize, and rice
(b) Tea, coffee, and cocoa
(c) Rubber, palm oil, and jute
(d) None of these
Explanation: The meeting reviewed ongoing development activities for several crops, including wheat, maize, rice, sugarcane, cotton, pulses, citrus, and fodder. Tea and rubber are not among the crops listed in the forum's review. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40411256/comprehensive-plan-to-devise-crop-wise-agricultural-policy, 11 Mar 2026]
#19214
In which specific location near the White House did the security breach occur on March 11, 2026?
(a) Lafayette Square
(b) National Mall
(c) Capitol Hill
(d) None of these
Explanation: The security breach involving the van occurred at Lafayette Square, which is situated directly north of the White House. The other locations listed are prominent landmarks in Washington, D.C., but were not the site of this specific incident. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980968/white-house-area-shut-down-after-van-breaches-security-barricade, 11 Mar 2026]
#19215
According to the CME Group’s FedWatch tool, investors expect the Federal Reserve to keep interest rates steady at their meeting on which date in 2026?
(a) April 12
(b) March 25
(c) April 05
(d) March 18
Explanation: Market participants anticipate the Federal Reserve will maintain current interest rates during their two-day meeting concluding on March 18, 2026. This expectation is based on data from the CME Group’s FedWatch tool. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980850/gold-edges-higher-on-safe-haven-demand-ahead-of-us-cpi-data, 11 Mar 2026]
#19216
Which political leader emphasized the inclusion of Kashmiri representatives in the National Finance Commission (NFC) during an election rally in 2026?
(a) Nawaz Sharif
(b) Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari
(c) Imran Khan
(d) None of these
Explanation: Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, as the Chairman of the PPP, advocated for the inclusion of Kashmiri representatives in national policy forums like the NFC and the Council of Common Interests. Nawaz Sharif and Imran Khan were not the speakers at this specific AJK election rally. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431352/bilawal-says-ajk-election-crucial-for-kashmirs-future, 23 Jul 2026]
#19217
Consider the following statements about the impact of Middle East tensions on global energy markets as of July 23, 2026: 1. Brent crude futures approached $99 a barrel in Asian trade. 2. The conflict has raised concerns regarding the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. 3. Brent crude prices have rallied 12% over the week ending July 23, 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 report. Brent crude reached nearly $99, the Strait of Hormuz is a focal point for supply disruption fears, and the 12% weekly rally is confirmed. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431465/indian-bonds-fall-for-third-session-as-oil-prices-near-100-a-barrel, 23 Jul 2026]
#19218
Which of the following is NOT a stated objective of the security strategy for Balochistan as per the July 23, 2026, address?
(a) Immediate cessation of all development initiatives
(b) Dismantling terrorist infrastructure
(c) Eliminating terrorist facilitators
(d) Achieving lasting peace through sustained efforts
Explanation: The government is actively pursuing development initiatives to improve socio-economic conditions, making the cessation of such projects an incorrect statement. The other options are core components of the stated security policy. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431473/field-marshal-munir-vows-to-continue-operations-against-terrorists-in-balochistan, 23 Jul 2026]
#19219
What was the total amount of remittances received by Pakistan in February 2026?
(a) 2.5 billion dollars
(b) 3.3 billion dollars
(c) 4.0 billion dollars
(d) None of these
Explanation: The State Bank of Pakistan reported that remittances remained steady in February 2026, totaling 3.3 billion dollars. This figure highlights the resilience of inflows despite the onset of regional conflict. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980726/remittances-steady-but-war-risks-loom, 11 Mar 2026]
#19220
Consider the following statements about the political discourse in AJK as of July 2026: 1. The PPP Chairman advocated for a constitutional amendment to protect the rights of AJK people if a two-thirds majority is achieved. 2. Restrictions on internet services in AJK were criticized as being harmful to the local population. 3. The PPP Chairman suggested that decisions regarding the future of Kashmir should be made by authorities in Sindh or Punjab. 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 2 are correct as they reflect the Chairman's stated goals and criticisms. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Chairman explicitly stated that decisions should be made by Kashmiris, not by people from Sindh or Punjab. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431352/bilawal-says-ajk-election-crucial-for-kashmirs-future, 23 Jul 2026]