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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#19581

Consider the following statements about the 2026 AI integration initiative in Pakistan: 1. The initiative aims to replace paper-based workflows with digital systems. 2. AI is intended to replace the need for human oversight in all administrative decisions. 3. The success of the initiative is measured by the quality of service delivery rather than just the adoption of new tools. 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 reflects the core directive. Statement 2 is incorrect because the policy mandates that AI must remain subject to human oversight. Statement 3 is correct as the policy emphasizes measurable improvements in service delivery over mere technological adoption. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018439/ai-in-government, 26 Jul 2026]
#19582

Consider the following statements about Pak-Libya relations as of 2026: 1. Pakistan maintains a strong presence in Libya through defense cooperation. 2. The Ambassador-designate advocates for chamber-to-chamber engagement to boost trade. 3. The Pakistani government has officially announced a total ban on labor migration to Libya. 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 Ambassador's remarks regarding defense ties and trade facilitation. Statement 3 is incorrect as the report focuses on reversing the decline in the workforce, not imposing a ban. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431795/pak-workforce-in-libya-declines-by-78pc-envoy, 25 Jul 2026]
#19583

Who is the current Governor of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa as of July 2026?

(a) Ali Amin Gandapur
(b) Faisal Karim Kundi
(c) Mushtaq Ghani
(d) None of these
Explanation: Faisal Karim Kundi is the incumbent Governor of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Ali Amin Gandapur is the Chief Minister of the province, making him a common distractor in provincial governance questions. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431814/governor-kp-vows-to-help-resolve-issues-facing-traders, 25 Jul 2026]
#19584

Which of the following statements regarding the 2026 AJK election process is INCORRECT?

(a) The election is being conducted in three distinct phases.
(b) The PTI is actively participating in the 2026 electoral contest.
(c) The JAAC has been declared unlawful under anti-terrorism laws.
(d) The election commission is staggering polls to optimize law-enforcement deployment.
Explanation: The PTI has officially boycotted the 2026 AJK elections, citing concerns over the fairness of the process. Therefore, the statement claiming they are participating is false. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018443/ajk-election-and-beyond, 26 Jul 2026]
#19585

Consider the following statements about the monsoon situation reported on 2026-07-26: 1. The cumulative death toll since 2026-06-26 has reached 97. 2. The total number of houses damaged throughout the season is 447. 3. Gilgit-Baltistan reported more injuries than Sindh in the 24-hour reporting period. 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 NDMA report. Statement 3 is incorrect because Sindh reported two injuries, while Gilgit-Baltistan reported zero injuries in the 24-hour period. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431867/11-killed-25-injured-in-rain-related-incidents-across-pakistan, 26 Jul 2026]
#19586

What is the name of the ongoing counter-terrorism operation in Balochistan as of July 26, 2026?

(a) Operation Al-Azm
(b) Operation Zarb-e-Azb
(c) Operation Radd-ul-Fasaad
(d) Operation Shaban
Explanation: Operation Al-Azm was launched in response to escalating security challenges in Balochistan. Operation Shaban is a separate, distinct security initiative mentioned in the context of earlier regional operations. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018497/security-forces-have-killed-16-terrorists-so-far-during-ongoing-operation-al-azm-in-balochistan-state-media, 26 Jul 2026]
#19587

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) issued a GLOF alert for which two regions on July 26, 2026?

(a) Gilgit-Baltistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
(b) Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Punjab
(c) Balochistan and Sindh
(d) None of these
Explanation: The PMD alert specifically identified Gilgit-Baltistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa as the regions at high risk due to accelerated glacier melt. Other regions were not included in this specific meteorological warning. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018510/pmd-issues-glof-alert-for-northern-areas-as-several-gb-areas-cut-off-for-5th-consecutive-day, 26 Jul 2026]
#19588

Who was the judge assassinated in the attack near Mastung on July 25, 2026?

(a) Abdul Hakeem Kakar
(b) Muhammad Zaman
(c) Mir Raza
(d) None of these
Explanation: Judge Abdul Hakeem Kakar was killed while traveling from Quetta to Mastung. Muhammad Zaman was his security guard who also lost his life in the same incident. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018249/rampant-lawlessness, 25 Jul 2026]
#19589

Which organization's delegation met with the Governor of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to discuss trade-related issues in July 2026?

(a) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chamber of Commerce
(b) Peoples Business Forum
(c) Sarhad Chamber of Commerce and Industry
(d) All Pakistan Traders Association
Explanation: The delegation was led by Maulana Abdul Wali Gul Turabi representing the Peoples Business Forum. The other options represent established trade bodies often involved in provincial policy discussions. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431814/governor-kp-vows-to-help-resolve-issues-facing-traders, 25 Jul 2026]
#19590

According to the Exchange Companies Association of Pakistan, what was the primary driver for the decline in dollar sales to banks during the first 10 months of 2026?

(a) Increased investment in domestic manufacturing
(b) Diversion of funds into cryptocurrency trading
(c) Sharp rise in official export-led remittances
(d) Government-imposed limits on foreign currency accounts
Explanation: The chairman of the Exchange Companies Association of Pakistan noted that billions of dollars were diverted from the banking system into illegal cryptocurrency investments. This outflow contributed to the reduction in dollar sales to banks. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018391/war-dries-up-unofficial-dollar-inflows, 26 Jul 2026]
#19591

Which specific defensive weapon system was reported to be in short supply within the United States military inventory during the July 2026 conflict?

(a) Tomahawk missiles
(b) Patriot interceptors
(c) Hellfire missiles
(d) Javelin anti-tank systems
Explanation: Reports indicated that concerns over dwindling stockpiles of Patriot interceptors were a factor in the US decision to pause strikes. Other munitions listed are common US assets but were not the primary focus of the supply shortage reports. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018487/us-holds-fire-against-iran-as-reports-of-concerns-over-of-dwindling-munitions-emerge, 26 Jul 2026]
#19592

What is the primary cause of the majority of monsoon-related deaths reported by the NDMA as of July 26, 2026?

(a) Electrocution
(b) Drowning
(c) House and roof collapses
(d) Landslides
Explanation: The NDMA reported that over half of the total deaths were caused by house or roof collapses. While electrocution and drowning were also cited as causes, they accounted for a smaller proportion of the total. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018500/chenab-flood-level-eases-from-medium-to-low-pmd-forecasts-more-rain-in-upper-parts-of-punjab-from-july-29, 26 Jul 2026]
#19593

The Emergency Response Committee (ERC) held its fifth meeting on July 26, 2026, under the chairmanship of:

(a) Ahsan Iqbal
(b) Dr. Musadik Malik
(c) Rana Tanveer Hussain
(d) None of these
Explanation: Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal chaired the fifth meeting of the ERC via video link. Other ministers, including Dr. Musadik Malik and Rana Tanveer Hussain, attended as participants. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018500/chenab-flood-level-eases-from-medium-to-low-pmd-forecasts-more-rain-in-upper-parts-of-punjab-from-july-29, 26 Jul 2026]
#19594

Consider the following statements about the issues raised by Jamaat-i-Islami in July 2026: 1. The party criticized the civic administration for failing to clear storm-water drains despite a budget of over Rs 530 million. 2. The protest campaign is limited exclusively to the city of Karachi. 3. The party demands the immediate abolition of the petroleum levy.

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) All three
Explanation: Statement 2 is incorrect because the protest is described as a 'nationwide' day of protest, not limited to Karachi. Statements 1 and 3 accurately reflect the party's stated grievances and demands. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431801/ji-to-hold-protest-against-fuel-price-hike-on-aug-7, 25 Jul 2026]
#19595

On July 26, 2026, the United States conditioned a civil nuclear deal with Saudi Arabia on the Kingdom's participation in which diplomatic framework?

(a) The Oslo Accords
(b) The Abraham Accords
(c) The Camp David Accords
(d) The Jeddah Security Pact
Explanation: The US administration explicitly linked the civil nuclear agreement to Saudi Arabia joining the Abraham Accords, a series of normalization agreements between Israel and several Arab nations. The other options refer to historical peace processes that are not the focus of the current US diplomatic pressure. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018440/quid-pro-quo, 26 Jul 2026]
#19596

Which of the following is NOT a topic discussed during the meeting between the Prime Minister and the PML-N leadership on July 25, 2026?

(a) The immediate dissolution of the National Assembly
(b) Contacts with allied political parties
(c) Organizational matters of the party
(d) Recent political developments
Explanation: The meeting focused on party strategy, organizational matters, and managing relations with allies. There was no discussion regarding the dissolution of the National Assembly, making it the incorrect statement. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431807/pm-advises-pml-n-leaders-to-exercise-caution-in-public-statements, 25 Jul 2026]
#19597

Which of the following is NOT a demand raised by the protesters during the 2026 movement?

(a) Academic reforms
(b) Immediate dissolution of the parliament
(c) Compensation for affected families
(d) Resignation of the education minister
Explanation: The protesters demanded the resignation of the education minister, academic reforms, and compensation for families, but there is no mention of a demand for the immediate dissolution of the parliament. The other three options are explicitly stated as core demands. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018243/roaches-rising, 25 Jul 2026]
#19598

Which of the following statements regarding the Australian government's response to the 2026 US tariffs is INCORRECT?

(a) The government has described the tariffs as unjustified.
(b) The government has accepted the US allegations regarding forced labor as accurate.
(c) The government intends to seek the removal of the tariffs.
(d) The government plans to raise the issue at every level of the Australia-US relationship.
Explanation: The Australian government has explicitly contested the US allegations, arguing that its own provisions against modern slavery are already very strong. Therefore, it has not accepted the US claims as accurate. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431855/australia-to-raise-concerns-over-new-tariffs-with-trump-pm-albanese-says, 26 Jul 2026]
#19599

Which of the following statements regarding the NDMA report of 2026-07-26 is INCORRECT?

(a) The cumulative monsoon death toll since 2026-06-26 reached 97.
(b) The NDMA reported zero injuries in Punjab during the 24-hour reporting period.
(c) A total of 22 houses were damaged in the 24-hour reporting period.
(d) The NDMA urged the public to follow official advisories.
Explanation: The statement is incorrect because the NDMA reported 20 injuries in Punjab during the 24-hour period. The other options accurately reflect the data provided in the report. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431867/11-killed-25-injured-in-rain-related-incidents-across-pakistan, 26 Jul 2026]
#19600

Which regional group claimed to have downed a Saudi drone over the northwest of Yemen on July 26, 2026?

(a) Hezbollah
(b) Houthi rebels
(c) Kataib Hezbollah
(d) None of these
Explanation: Houthi rebels claimed responsibility for downing the Saudi drone and attacking oil facilities in the Gulf kingdom. The other groups are regional actors but were not the primary entities involved in this specific incident. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018487/us-holds-fire-against-iran-as-reports-of-concerns-over-of-dwindling-munitions-emerge, 26 Jul 2026]