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.
#19321
Which of the following is NOT a group or entity mentioned by the Chief of Defence Forces in the context of the July 2026 security address?
(a) Fitna al Khawarij
(b) Fitna al Hindustan
(c) International peacekeeping coalitions
(d) Foreign-sponsored proxy groups
Explanation: The CDF identified Fitna al Khawarij, Fitna al Hindustan, and foreign-sponsored proxy groups as threats to stability. International peacekeeping coalitions were not mentioned in the context of the security operations discussed. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431561/cdf-vows-to-dismantle-terrorist-infrastructure, 24 Jul 2026]
#19322
Consider the following statements about the 2026 European wildfire situation: 1. The total area of land burnt in EU countries in 2026 reached the second largest on record. 2. Authorities in Spain allowed residents to return to their homes near Toledo after progress was made against a major wildfire. 3. The fires in the Bordeaux region were primarily caused by a volcanic eruption. 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 reflections of the 2026 wildfire events. Statement 3 is false because the fires were attributed to environmental conditions and human activity, not volcanic activity. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017997/deadly-wildfires-in-europe-force-thousands-to-flee, 24 Jul 2026]
#19323
Which of the following is NOT a category of information that civil servants are required to disclose under the 2026 rules?
(a) Foreign residence permits
(b) Foreign passports
(c) Foreign bank account balances
(d) Foreign travel documents
Explanation: The 2026 rules focus on nationality, passports, residence permits, and travel documents. Financial disclosures like bank account balances are not covered under this specific set of rules. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431565/civil-servants-foreign-nationality-declaration-made-mandatory, 24 Jul 2026]
#19324
How much capital is specifically allocated for the mineral sector of Balochistan in the investment plan announced on March 11, 2026?
(a) $10 million
(b) $12 million
(c) $14 million
(d) $16 million
Explanation: The investment proposal includes $14 million dedicated to the mineral sector of Balochistan. This is distinct from the much larger $2.6 billion allocated for manufacturing. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980763/chinese-firms-plan-to-invest-26bn-in-balochistan, 11 Mar 2026]
#19325
Which of the following statements regarding the 2026-07-24 Mastung attack is INCORRECT?
(a) The attack occurred while the officials were traveling from Mastung to Quetta.
(b) The Sessions Judge and his gunman were killed on the spot.
(c) The attack targeted judicial officers traveling towards the Sessions Court.
(d) Additional Sessions Judge Tariq Lashari sustained injuries in the attack.
Explanation: The judicial officers were traveling from Quetta to the Sessions Court in Mastung, not the other way around. The other statements accurately reflect the details of the incident. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431528/sessions-judge-among-two-killed-in-mastung-nha-attack, 24 Jul 2026]
#19326
Which specific groups were identified by the Chief of Defence Forces as targets for continued operations on July 24, 2026?
(a) Fitna al Khawarij and Fitna al Hindustan
(b) Fitna al Sahaba and Fitna al Mujahideen
(c) Fitna al Fasad and Fitna al Baghi
(d) Fitna al Munafiq and Fitna al Kuffar
Explanation: The CDF explicitly named Fitna al Khawarij and Fitna al Hindustan as the primary threats that the security forces are committed to dismantling. These terms are used by the state to categorize specific militant and proxy elements operating against national stability. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431561/cdf-vows-to-dismantle-terrorist-infrastructure, 24 Jul 2026]
#19327
Which of the following statements regarding the 2026 European wildfires is INCORRECT?
(a) The fires were exacerbated by strong winds and scorching temperatures.
(b) Climate change is identified as a factor increasing the severity of European droughts.
(c) All wildfires in the region were officially attributed to arson by civil protection authorities.
(d) Three firefighters were reported killed during the July 2026 heatwave events.
Explanation: While arson was mentioned as a specific concern in the Calabria region, it is incorrect to state that all wildfires were attributed to arson, as other causes like mechanical sparks and environmental conditions were also cited. The other three statements are factually supported by the reports. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017997/deadly-wildfires-in-europe-force-thousands-to-flee, 24 Jul 2026]
#19328
Consider the following statements about the SCO Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM) meeting held in 2026: 1. The meeting was attended by representatives from all SCO member states including India and Iran. 2. The primary focus of the CFM is limited exclusively to economic trade agreements. 3. The Pakistani delegation was led by the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister.
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) All three
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct as both India and Iran are SCO members. Statement 2 is incorrect because the CFM focuses on international relations and security policies, not just trade. Statement 3 is correct as Ishaq Dar led the delegation. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431529/dar-to-attend-sco-cfms-meeting-today, 24 Jul 2026]
#19329
Which regional leader did Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif consult regarding the security of oil tankers and freedom of navigation on July 24, 2026?
(a) The Emir of Qatar
(b) The Prime Minister of Yemen
(c) The President of Oman
(d) The Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia
Explanation: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a telephone conversation with the Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed Bin Salman to condemn Houthi attacks on Saudi oil tankers. This conversation reinforced the mutual defense alignment between the two nations. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017926/pakistan-warns-houthi-rebels-to-steer-clear-of-its-ships, 24 Jul 2026]
#19330
The targeted attack on 2026-07-24 occurred near which specific landmark in Mastung?
(a) Khojak Pass
(b) Boland Pass
(c) Lak Pass
(d) Wali Khan railway crossing
Explanation: The ambush took place near the Wali Khan railway crossing on the National Highway. The other options are well-known geographical landmarks in Balochistan but were not the site of this attack. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431528/sessions-judge-among-two-killed-in-mastung-nha-attack, 24 Jul 2026]
#19331
Who represented Pakistan at the SCO Council of Foreign Ministers meeting held in July 2026?
(a) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari
(b) Mohammad Ishaq Dar
(c) Shah Mahmood Qureshi
(d) None of these
Explanation: Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, serving as the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, represented Pakistan at the meeting. The other individuals listed are former foreign ministers. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431646/pakistan-iran-fms-reaffirm-commitment-to-regional-peace-at-sco-meeting, 24 Jul 2026]
#19332
Consider the following statements about Pakistan's regional security stance as of July 24, 2026: 1. Pakistan has pledged to support the uninterrupted flow of maritime commerce through the Strait of Hormuz. 2. The government has abandoned all diplomatic efforts to mediate between the Houthis and Saudi Arabia. 3. Pakistan's defense pact with Saudi Arabia stipulates that an attack on one is considered aggression against both. 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 PM reaffirmed support for shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. Statement 2 is incorrect because the Foreign Office explicitly stated that Pakistan has not abandoned hope for diplomatic negotiations. Statement 3 is correct as it references the ratified mutual defense agreement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017926/pakistan-warns-houthi-rebels-to-steer-clear-of-its-ships, 24 Jul 2026]
#19333
Which of the following is NOT a stated objective of the US Central Command (Centcom) strikes against Iran as of July 24, 2026?
(a) Annexing territory in the Strait of Hormuz
(b) Targeting drone storage facilities
(c) Neutralizing coastal surveillance sites
(d) Diminishing threats to civilian mariners
Explanation: Centcom's stated objectives focus on degrading Iranian military capabilities like command centers and maritime infrastructure to protect shipping. Annexation is not a stated objective of these military operations. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018016/us-strikes-iran-again-to-diminish-threat-to-mariners-vessels-after-attacks-on-saudi-oil-tankers-in-red-sea, 24 Jul 2026]
#19334
Which of the following statements regarding the 2026 West Indies vs Pakistan Test series is INCORRECT?
(a) The series consists of two Test matches.
(b) The second Test is scheduled to be played at Queen's Park Oval.
(c) Pakistan enters the series having won their last seven consecutive away Test matches.
(d) The Brian Lara Stadium has previously hosted T20 internationals.
Explanation: Pakistan is actually attempting to end a streak of seven consecutive away Test losses, not wins. The other statements accurately reflect the series structure and venue history. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018018/brian-lara-stadium-hosts-maiden-test-as-west-indies-face-pakistan, 24 Jul 2026]
#19335
Consider the following statements regarding the economic situation in India as of July 2026: 1. The United States is imposing new tariffs on Indian goods due to allegations regarding forced labour bans. 2. Indian benchmarks have experienced a decline of approximately 2% over the week. 3. IndiGo reported a profit for the current quarter despite the rising fuel prices. 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 IndiGo posted a loss, not a profit, driven by soaring fuel prices and regional uncertainty. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431590/indian-shares-to-open-lower-as-crude-tops-100, 24 Jul 2026]
#19336
For how many consecutive months has Japan's core inflation remained below the Bank of Japan's 2% target as of July 2026?
(a) Three months
(b) Five months
(c) Four months
(d) Six months
Explanation: The data indicates that Japan's core inflation has stayed below the central bank's 2% target for five straight months. This duration highlights the persistent challenge in reaching the BOJ's inflation goal. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431592/japan-june-core-inflation-accelerates-stays-below-boj-target, 24 Jul 2026]
#19337
Which of the following statements regarding the security incident on March 11, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The incident resulted in multiple reported injuries.
(b) A van breached a security barricade near the White House.
(c) A police bomb squad cleared the vehicle.
(d) The area was temporarily shut down by authorities.
Explanation: The statement regarding injuries is incorrect because authorities confirmed there were no reported injuries following the incident. The other three statements accurately describe the events that occurred on that date. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980968/white-house-area-shut-down-after-van-breaches-security-barricade, 11 Mar 2026]
#19338
Analyze the following statements regarding Pakistan's governance and economic policy frameworks as of July 31, 2026: 1. The National Tariff Commission is leveraging anti-dumping investigations as a defensive trade instrument to address market imbalances in the crockery sector. 2. The Ministry of Communications is prioritizing the enforcement of axle load limits to curb the physical degradation of national transportation infrastructure. 3. The Election Commission of Pakistan has upheld the Elections Act, 2017, by refusing to recognize political party leadership that failed to comply with intra-party election mandates. Which of the above statements are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, and 3
Explanation: All three statements accurately reflect the governance challenges and regulatory actions occurring on July 31, 2026. The NTC is investigating crockery imports, the Ministry of Communications is enforcing load limits for infrastructure protection, and the ECP is applying the Elections Act, 2017 to regulate political parties. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40432643/crockery-products-imported-from-china-ntc-initiates-anti-dumping-investigation]
#19339
Which of the following sequences represents the correct order of official policy focus or incidence occurrence reported on July 31, 2026?
(a) Mine explosion -> Police martyrdom -> Defense cooperation agreement -> Electric bus expansion
(b) Defense cooperation agreement -> Electric bus expansion -> Mine explosion -> Police martyrdom
(c) Electric bus expansion -> Mine explosion -> Police martyrdom -> Defense cooperation agreement
(d) Police martyrdom -> Electric bus expansion -> Mine explosion -> Defense cooperation agreement
Explanation: While all events occurred on the same calendar day, the logical progression of administrative and security events, as recorded in the news cycle, identifies the mining disaster and security threats followed by external strategic policy and internal environmental initiatives. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2019693/at-least-32-killed-after-coal-mine-explosion-near-quetta-search-under-way-for-2-miners]
#19340
Which of the following is NOT a category of business exempted from the 9pm closing time in Sindh as per the May 2026 notification?
(a) Wedding halls
(b) Shopping malls
(c) Food outlets
(d) Public sector offices
Explanation: The notification specifically exempted commercial entities like wedding halls, shopping malls, and food outlets from the 9pm closing time. Public sector offices were not included in this commercial market timing exemption. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2000676/sindh-lifts-curbs-on-market-timings-minister-says-step-taken-to-facilitate-businesses-citizens, 16 May 2026]