January 2026 Edition
Start January Quiz
January 2026 Current Affairs MCQs & Solutions
Top national & international current affairs questions for CSS, PMS, FPSC, PPSC, and NTS screening tests.
#19621
Which of the following statements regarding the July 2026 US-Iran conflict is INCORRECT?
(a) The United States paused its strikes after nearly two weeks of consecutive nightly bombardments.
(b) Iran offered to broker talks between the Houthi rebels and Riyadh.
(c) The conflict has remained strictly confined to the Strait of Hormuz and has not expanded to other regional fronts.
(d) US President Donald Trump threatened a much higher level of strikes against Iran.
Explanation: The conflict has expanded beyond the Strait of Hormuz to include attacks on US bases, regional shipping, and Houthi-led operations in Yemen. Therefore, the statement that it remained strictly confined is false. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018487/us-holds-fire-against-iran-as-reports-of-concerns-over-of-dwindling-munitions-emerge, 26 Jul 2026]
#19622
Consider the following statements regarding the monsoon situation as of July 26, 2026: 1. The total countrywide death toll since June 26 has exceeded 100. 2. The PMD expects flood-generating rainfall activity to occur between July 26 and July 28. 3. The Emergency Response Committee is responsible for overseeing coordinated monsoon response measures. 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 death toll crossed 100. Statement 2 is incorrect because the PMD explicitly stated that no flood-generating rainfall activity was expected until July 28. Statement 3 is correct as the ERC was constituted to oversee coordinated response efforts. [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]
#19623
According to the statement by Governor Faisal Karim Kundi on July 26, 2026, how much explosive material was utilized in the attack on the Tank checkpost?
(a) Over 800 kilograms
(b) Over 1,000 kilograms
(c) Over 1,300 kilograms
(d) None of these
Explanation: Governor Kundi explicitly stated that more than 1,300 kilograms of explosives were used in the attack on the Manji Khel checkpoint. This figure highlights the high level of sophistication and the scale of the threat faced by security forces in the region. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018508/kp-governor-kundi-says-over-1300kg-of-explosives-used-in-tank-checkpost-attack, 26 Jul 2026]
#19624
Consider the following statements about the situation in the West Bank as of July 26, 2026: 1. Violence in the West Bank has intensified since the start of the Gaza conflict in October 2023. 2. At least 1,097 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli troops or settlers since the start of the Gaza assault. 3. The Israeli military has officially declared all settler activities in the West Bank as illegal under international law. 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 provided data. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Israeli government does not classify its own settlements as illegal; rather, they are considered illegal under international law by the global community. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018507/israeli-settlers-torch-2-mosques-in-west-bank-palestinian-officials, 26 Jul 2026]
#19625
Which of the following statements regarding the July 2026 attack on the Manji Khel checkpoint is INCORRECT?
(a) The attack involved the use of an explosive-laden vehicle.
(b) Security forces successfully eliminated 12 terrorists during the engagement.
(c) The attack caused significant damage to the perimeter wall and infrastructure.
(d) The checkpoint was defended solely by the Pakistan Army without any police presence.
Explanation: The statement is incorrect because the Manji Khel checkpoint was a joint facility involving police, the Pakistan Army, and the forest department. The other options accurately describe the tactical details of the incident as reported by the military's media wing. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018508/kp-governor-kundi-says-over-1300kg-of-explosives-used-in-tank-checkpost-attack, 26 Jul 2026]
#19626
Which regional group claimed to have downed a Saudi drone over the northwest of Yemen in July 2026?
(a) Houthi rebels
(b) Hezbollah
(c) Al-Qaeda
(d) Islamic State
Explanation: Houthi rebels reported downing a Saudi drone over Yemen and claimed responsibility for attacks on Saudi Aramco facilities in Jizan and Yanbu. The other groups listed are not involved in this specific operational theater. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018487/us-holds-fire-against-iran-as-reports-of-concerns-over-dwindling-munitions-emerge, 26 Jul 2026]
#19627
Who is the current Chairman of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) as of July 26, 2026?
(a) Mustafa Kamal
(b) Dr. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui
(c) Farooq Sattar
(d) Aminul Haque
Explanation: Dr. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui serves as the Chairman of the MQM-P and led the rally in Hyderabad. Mustafa Kamal is a senior leader and Federal Health Minister, but not the party chairman. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018340/mqm-p-steps-up-campaign-for-creation-of-new-provinces, 26 Jul 2026]
#19628
Consider the following statements about the events in New Delhi in July 2026: 1. The protest site at Jantar Mantar was cleared by municipal workers following the government's concessions. 2. The movement was limited exclusively to demands regarding the NEET examination irregularities. 3. Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the task force via a video statement posted to X. 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 factually correct. Statement 2 is incorrect because the movement evolved to include broader concerns such as unemployment, youth opportunities, and criticism of the government's authoritarian style, extending beyond just the NEET exam. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018534/modi-announces-panel-to-reform-indias-exam-system-anti-govt-graffiti-at-protest-site-painted-over, 26 Jul 2026]
#19629
Which official held a security briefing at the Regional Police Office in Dera Ismail Khan on July 26, 2026, regarding the Tank incident?
(a) Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
(b) Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi
(c) Governor Faisal Karim Kundi
(d) None of these
Explanation: Governor Faisal Karim Kundi conducted the briefing at the Regional Police Office in Dera Ismail Khan. While he mentioned he would discuss the matter with the Interior Minister and the Chief Minister, he was the official who provided the briefing. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018508/kp-governor-kundi-says-over-1300kg-of-explosives-used-in-tank-checkpost-attack, 26 Jul 2026]
#19630
Consider the following statements about the conflict as of July 26, 2026: 1. The conflict has lasted for nearly five months. 2. Iran has officially declared that it will permanently dismantle its missile program. 3. The US military had prepared a plan for a 14th night of strikes before opting for a pause. 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 nearing its fifth month. Statement 3 is correct as the Pentagon had presented a plan for a 14th night of strikes. Statement 2 is incorrect because Iran has only halted retaliatory attacks, not dismantled its missile program. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018487/iran-says-middle-east-attacks-halted-after-us-holds-fire-amid-reported-concerns-over-dwindling-munitions, 26 Jul 2026]
#19631
The Emergency Response Committee (ERC) held its fifth meeting on July 26, 2026, to review monsoon preparedness under the chairmanship of:
(a) The Minister for Climate Change
(b) The Chairman of the NDMA
(c) The Minister for Planning
(d) None of these
Explanation: The meeting was chaired by Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal via video link. While the NDMA Chairman and Climate Change Minister were present, the chair was held by the Planning Minister. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018500/nationwide-deaths-this-monsoon-cross-100-more-rain-likely-in-countrys-upper-parts-from-july-29, 26 Jul 2026]
#19632
What is the target valuation for The Boring Company in the funding negotiations reported on 2026-07-26?
(a) $5.7 billion
(b) $10 billion
(c) $25 billion
(d) $20 billion
Explanation: The Boring Company is in talks to raise funding that would bring its valuation to approximately $20 billion. The $5.7 billion figure represents the company's previous valuation from 2022. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018386/elon-musks-firm-eyes-20-billion-valuation, 26 Jul 2026]
#19633
Who is the official spokesperson for the Iranian army who announced the halt of retaliatory operations on July 26, 2026?
(a) Abbas Araghchi
(b) Mohammad Akraminia
(c) Dan Caine
(d) None of these
Explanation: Mohammad Akraminia is the identified army spokesperson who confirmed that Iran ceased its retaliatory operations following the US pause. Abbas Araghchi is the Foreign Minister, and Dan Caine is a US general. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018487/iran-says-middle-east-attacks-halted-after-us-holds-fire-amid-reported-concerns-over-dwindling-munitions, 26 Jul 2026]
#19634
Consider the following statements about the monsoon situation as of July 26, 2026: 1. The total nationwide death toll since June 26 has exceeded 100. 2. The Emergency Response Committee (ERC) is responsible for overseeing the implementation of preparedness measures by PDMAs. 3. The Pakistan Meteorological Department expects flood-generating rainfall activity to occur before July 28. 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 toll reached 107. Statement 2 is correct regarding the ERC's mandate. Statement 3 is incorrect because the PMD explicitly stated that no flood-generating rainfall was expected until July 28. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018500/nationwide-deaths-this-monsoon-cross-100-more-rain-likely-in-countrys-upper-parts-from-july-29, 26 Jul 2026]
#19635
The resignation of the Indian Education Minister in July 2026 was primarily triggered by:
(a) Alleged irregularities in the NEET examination
(b) Internal party leadership disputes
(c) Failure to implement the national budget
(d) None of these
Explanation: The protests and the subsequent resignation of the Education Minister were driven by widespread allegations of irregularities in the NEET examination system. This issue became a catalyst for broader student dissatisfaction with the government. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018534/modi-announces-panel-to-reform-indias-exam-system-anti-govt-graffiti-at-protest-site-painted-over, 26 Jul 2026]
#19636
The primary site of the anti-government protests in New Delhi during July 2026 was:
(a) Jantar Mantar
(b) Red Fort
(c) India Gate
(d) Connaught Place
Explanation: Jantar Mantar served as the central location for the protests where demonstrators gathered to demand education reforms and express grievances against the government. The site became notable for its 'wall of shame' featuring protest graffiti. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018534/modi-announces-panel-to-reform-indias-exam-system-anti-govt-graffiti-at-jantar-mantar-painted-over, 26 Jul 2026]
#19637
Which of the following is NOT a category of emergency covered under the Rescue 1122 Monsoon Contingency Plan 2026?
(a) Drought management
(b) Lightning strikes
(c) Urban flooding
(d) Building collapses
Explanation: The contingency plan focuses on immediate monsoon-related hazards such as urban flooding, lightning strikes, and building collapses. Drought management is a long-term climate adaptation issue and is not listed as a component of this specific monsoon emergency plan. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431896/sindh-on-high-alert-as-heavy-monsoon-rains-loom, 27 Jul 2026]
#19638
Consider the following statements about the economic forecasts provided by the AfDB: 1. The AfDB predicted Africa would see 4.2% economic growth in 2026. 2. The growth projection for 2027 is 4.4%. 3. These growth projections were finalized after accounting for the 'super' El Niño impact. 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: The AfDB predicted 4.2% growth for 2026 and 4.4% for 2027. However, these forecasts were made in May, before the 'super' El Niño projections were integrated, making statement 3 incorrect. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431871/africa-facing-10-20-billion-economic-hit-from-super-el-nino-afdb-climate-chief-warns, 26 Jul 2026]
#19639
As of July 2026, which entity carries the largest burden of overdue liabilities in the gas sector?
(a) Sui Southern Gas Company
(b) Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited
(c) Pakistan State Oil
(d) None of these
Explanation: Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) is explicitly identified as carrying the largest burden of overdue liabilities, totaling Rs536 billion as of July 23, 2026. Sui Southern Gas Company is a separate entity and is not cited as the primary holder of these specific overdue liabilities. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018389/gas-power-sector-dues-strain-energy-supply-chain, 26 Jul 2026]
#19640
Which of the following is NOT a primary challenge identified in the 2026 report regarding the response to gender-based violence?
(a) Underreporting due to fear of speaking out
(b) Insufficient number of reports describing the problem
(c) Lack of access to legal aid and counseling
(d) Inadequate follow-through on police investigations
Explanation: The report explicitly states that Pakistan has no shortage of reports describing the problem; rather, the issue is a lack of determination to learn from them and implement solutions. The other options are correctly identified as systemic failures. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018677/writing-on-the-wall, 27 Jul 2026]