January 2026 Edition

January 2026 Current Affairs MCQs & Solutions

Top national & international current affairs questions for CSS, PMS, FPSC, PPSC, and NTS screening tests.

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#19561

Who met with the Governor of Sindh on July 25, 2026, to discuss bilateral cooperation in the healthcare sector?

(a) Dr. Kemal Aydin
(b) Dr. Ahmet Davutoglu
(c) Dr. Mehmet Oz
(d) None of these
Explanation: Dr. Kemal Aydin, Chairman of the Ibn Sina Foundation, held a meeting with the Governor of Sindh to discuss expanding cooperation in medical research and education. The other names are prominent figures but were not involved in this specific diplomatic engagement. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431850/governor-seeks-stronger-pak-turkiye-partnership-in-healthcare, 25 Jul 2026]
#19562

Consider the following statements about the conflict in Gaza as of July 25, 2026: 1. The October ceasefire has successfully ended all Israeli military strikes in the enclave. 2. Hamas-led fighters initiated the conflict with an attack on southern Israel in 2023. 3. Mediators are currently promoting a plan that includes the disarmament of Hamas. 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 report explicitly states that the ceasefire has not ended near-daily Israeli strikes. Statements 2 and 3 are factually accurate according to the provided information. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018321/israel-kills-senior-police-official-in-gaza-medics-say, 25 Jul 2026]
#19563

Consider the following statements about the German national football team's recent history: 1. Germany has won four World Cup titles in its history. 2. Manuel Neuer participated in the 2026 World Cup at the age of 40. 3. Joshua Kimmich has served as the team captain since 2023. 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: Germany has indeed won four World Cups, and Manuel Neuer played in the 2026 World Cup at age 40. However, statement 3 is incorrect because Joshua Kimmich has worn the captain's armband since autumn 2024, not 2023. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018152/jurgen-klopp-handed-task-of-reviving-germanys-football-fortunes, 25 Jul 2026]
#19564

Who is the Senior Sindh Minister who criticized the federal government's approach toward Karachi on June 6, 2026?

(a) Murad Ali Shah
(b) Sharjeel Inam Memon
(c) Saeed Ghani
(d) None of these
Explanation: Sharjeel Inam Memon is the Senior Sindh Minister who addressed the media regarding the infrastructure and economic challenges facing Karachi. Murad Ali Shah and Saeed Ghani are other prominent provincial figures, but they were not the primary speakers in this specific report. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2005655/sharjeel-laments-low-priority-accorded-to-karachi-by-centre, 06 Jun 2026]
#19565

For how many years was Volker Turk's mandate as the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights extended in 2026?

(a) Two years
(b) Three years
(c) Five years
(d) Four years
Explanation: The UN General Assembly approved a four-year extension for Volker Turk's mandate. This decision was made despite opposition from several member states. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018302/volker-turks-term-as-un-human-rights-chief-extended-despite-us-warnings, 25 Jul 2026]
#19566

Which of the following statements regarding the events of July 25, 2026, is INCORRECT?

(a) A high school student was killed in an airstrike in Khan Younis.
(b) A Palestinian medic was killed in the Nuseirat refugee camp.
(c) The Israeli military confirmed the death of the police official was a mistake.
(d) At least five Palestinians were killed in Israeli strikes on that day.
Explanation: The Israeli military claimed the police official was part of Hamas's military wing, rather than admitting to a mistake. The other statements accurately reflect the casualties reported by medics on that date. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018321/israel-kills-senior-police-official-in-gaza-medics-say, 25 Jul 2026]
#19567

Consider the following statements about the SAFA ESG framework approved in 2026: 1. It is the first version of the framework developed for the region. 2. The framework aims to improve institutional resilience and public-service delivery. 3. The framework was developed solely by the Pakistani member body of SAFA. 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 it is titled 'Version 1'. Statement 2 is correct as the framework aims to strengthen transparency and public-service delivery. Statement 3 is incorrect because the framework was a collaborative effort involving multiple regional member bodies, not just Pakistan. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431777/safa-board-approves-esg-framework-version-1-for-public-sector-entities-in-south-asia, 25 Jul 2026]
#19568

Which of the following items were recovered from the destroyed hideouts during the July 2026 operations?

(a) Communication satellite equipment
(b) Improvised explosive device (IED) materials
(c) Foreign currency reserves
(d) Heavy artillery vehicles
Explanation: Security forces recovered weapons, ammunition, and materials specifically used for the preparation of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) from the militant hideouts. The other options are not cited as recovered items in the official reports. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431769/death-toll-of-terrorists-rises-to-13-in-operation-al-azm-state-media, 25 Jul 2026]
#19569

The security operations in Balochistan during July 2026 were conducted under which designated title?

(a) Operation Al-Azm
(b) Operation Radd-ul-Fasaad
(c) Operation Zarb-e-Azb
(d) Operation Koh-e-Suleman
Explanation: The ongoing intelligence-based operations in Balochistan are officially designated as Operation Al-Azm. The other operations listed are historical or distinct counterterrorism campaigns. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431769/death-toll-of-terrorists-rises-to-13-in-operation-al-azm-state-media, 25 Jul 2026]
#19570

Consider the following statements about the security operations in Balochistan as of July 2026: 1. The operations were intelligence-based and targeted militant hideouts. 2. The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) was identified by state sources as a target of these operations. 3. The operations resulted in the recovery of materials used for IED production. 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 accurate: the operations were intelligence-based, the BLA was specifically named as a target, and IED materials were recovered from the destroyed hideouts. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431769/death-toll-of-terrorists-rises-to-13-in-operation-al-azm-state-media, 25 Jul 2026]
#19571

Which of the following statements regarding the gold market in Pakistan on July 25, 2026, is INCORRECT?

(a) The price of silver per tola increased by Rs12.
(b) The international gold price experienced a gain of $3 per ounce.
(c) The price of 10-gram gold increased by Rs257.
(d) The gold price per tola reached Rs427,736.
Explanation: The price of silver actually decreased by Rs12, not increased. Options A, B, and D are all factually correct statements regarding the market data for that date. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431764/gold-price-per-tola-gains-rs300-in-pakistan, 25 Jul 2026]
#19572

According to the policy directive issued in 2026, what is the primary objective of integrating AI into government administration?

(a) To replace all human decision-makers with automated algorithms
(b) To reduce reliance on paper-based processes and handwritten notes
(c) To privatize all public sector record-keeping departments
(d) None of these
Explanation: The initiative specifically targets the replacement of slow-moving, paper-based workflows with digital systems. Option A is incorrect because the policy emphasizes that AI should support, not replace, human judgment. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018439/ai-in-government, 26 Jul 2026]
#19573

Consider the following statements about the digital propaganda network investigation: 1. The network utilized UK-based bank accounts to receive foreign funds. 2. The campaign specifically targeted narratives related to the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC). 3. The investigation was concluded on July 25, 2026, with no further suspects identified. 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 based on the investigation findings. Statement 3 is incorrect because authorities are actively expanding the investigation to identify and apprehend additional facilitators. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431851/leas-uncover-foreign-funded-digital-propaganda, 25 Jul 2026]
#19574

Consider the following statements about the 2026 narcotics situation in Islamabad: 1. Drug dealers are increasingly utilizing vulnerable individuals, such as beggars, to act as couriers. 2. The police successfully seized thousands of bottles of liquor alongside synthetic and organic drugs. 3. The current policing strategy is considered highly effective because it successfully dismantled all digital trafficking networks. 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 report. Statement 3 is incorrect because the report explicitly states that the current strategy is failing to dismantle 21st-century trafficking networks, necessitating an overhaul. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018247/the-drug-problem, 25 Jul 2026]
#19575

Consider the following statements about the 2026 UN General Assembly vote on the High Commissioner for Human Rights: 1. The renewal of the mandate was approved with 144 votes in favor. 2. Russia proposed an alternative extension of the mandate until December 31, 2026. 3. The United States supported the procedural timeline proposed by the Secretary-General. 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 vote count was 144 in favor. Statement 2 is correct as Russia proposed a shorter extension until the end of 2026. Statement 3 is incorrect because the United States strongly opposed the procedural timeline, accusing the Secretary-General of rushing the process. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018302/volker-turks-term-as-un-human-rights-chief-extended-despite-us-warnings, 25 Jul 2026]
#19576

Consider the following statements about the market conditions in Pakistan on July 25, 2026: 1. The gold price per tola reached Rs427,736. 2. The international gold market saw a price increase of $3 per ounce. 3. The silver price per tola increased by Rs12. 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 price reached Rs427,736. Statement 2 is correct as the international rate rose by $3. Statement 3 is incorrect because the price of silver decreased, not increased. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431764/gold-price-per-tola-gains-rs300-in-pakistan, 25 Jul 2026]
#19577

The Pakistani workforce in Libya has experienced a decline of what percentage according to the 2026 report?

(a) 78 percent
(b) 65 percent
(c) 82 percent
(d) 90 percent
Explanation: The Ambassador-designate explicitly stated that the Pakistani workforce in Libya has declined by 78 percent. This figure serves as the primary metric for the need to revitalize labor and trade relations. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431795/pak-workforce-in-libya-declines-by-78pc-envoy, 25 Jul 2026]
#19578

Consider the following statements about the events of July 25, 2026: 1. The Education Minister submitted his resignation directly to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. 2. The CJP movement demanded the resignation of the Education Minister due to NEET examination paper leaks. 3. The government rejected the 5-point exam reform charter proposed by the CJP movement. 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 as the minister sent his resignation to the Prime Minister and the protests were indeed over NEET leaks. Statement 3 is incorrect because the government agreed to consider the 5-point reform charter. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018286/cockroaches-won-indias-education-minister-resigns-after-days-of-youth-protests, 25 Jul 2026]
#19579

The ESG framework approved by SAFA in 2026 is specifically designed for which category of entities?

(a) Private multinational corporations
(b) Public-sector entities
(c) Non-governmental organizations
(d) Small and medium enterprises
Explanation: The framework is titled 'ESG Framework (Version 1) for Public Sector Entities in the South Asian Region.' It focuses on improving transparency and accountability within government-run or public-sector organizations. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431777/safa-board-approves-esg-framework-version-1-for-public-sector-entities-in-south-asia, 25 Jul 2026]
#19580

On July 26, 2026, which office announced the introduction of an AI-powered digital system to replace paper-based processes?

(a) The Prime Minister's Office
(b) The Ministry of Information Technology
(c) The Cabinet Division
(d) The Establishment Division
Explanation: The Prime Minister's Office issued the directive to transition government ministries toward digital workflows to improve administrative efficiency. The other options represent departments that might implement such policies but were not the primary source of this specific announcement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018439/ai-in-government, 26 Jul 2026]