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.
#2021
On July 10, 2026, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a telephone conversation regarding regional stability with which Iranian leader?
(a) Ayatollah Ali Khamenei
(b) Masoud Pezeshkian
(c) Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei
(d) None of these
Explanation: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif spoke with President Masoud Pezeshkian to express concern over the escalation of hostilities. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is the late supreme leader, while Mojtaba Khamenei is the current supreme leader, making them incorrect in the context of the presidential call. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2014422/pm-shehbaz-calls-on-iran-other-parties-not-to-jeopardise-hard-earned-peace-gains, 10 Jul 2026]
#2022
Which of the following statements regarding the security situation in Balochistan in July 2026 is INCORRECT?
(a) The military spokesperson identified India as a source of support for the terrorists.
(b) The security operations in Balochistan are conducted solely by the Balochistan Police.
(c) The Provincial Apex Committee meeting was attended by the Chief of the Army Staff.
(d) A terrorist attack in the Zedi area of Khuzdar district was foiled on July 10, 2026.
Explanation: The statement that operations are conducted solely by the Balochistan Police is incorrect because the operations are joint efforts involving the Pakistan Army, Frontier Corps, and the Balochistan Police. The other statements are factually accurate based on the reports. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2014419/75-terrorists-killed-in-balochistan-since-july-5-says-cm-bugti, 10 Jul 2026]
#2023
How much financial aid did the United States pledge to Venezuela following the June 2026 earthquake disaster?
(a) 50 million dollars
(b) 100 million dollars
(c) 200 million dollars
(d) 150 million dollars
Explanation: The United States government mobilized $150 million in aid to support relief efforts. This was accompanied by a temporary easing of sanctions to ensure the aid could reach the affected population. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2010996/death-toll-from-venezuela-earthquake-rises-to-920-as-foreign-rescue-teams-start-arriving, 26 Jun 2026]
#2024
Who led the PPP Sindh chapter rally in Hyderabad on July 12, 2026?
(a) Tariq Shah Jamot
(b) Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari
(c) Nisar Ahmed Khuhro
(d) Ajiz Dhamra
Explanation: Nisar Ahmed Khuhro, the PPP Sindh chapter president, led the rally from Shahbaz Building Chowk to the local press club in Hyderabad on July 12, 2026. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2014901/we-will-not-give-up-indus-ppp-holds-sindh-wide-rallies-condemning-indias-threats-to-pakistans-water-share, 12 Jul 2026]
#2025
Which coastal city near Caracas was identified as one of the worst-affected areas by the 2026 earthquakes?
(a) Valencia
(b) La Guaira
(c) Caraballeda
(d) Maracaibo
Explanation: La Guaira is explicitly identified as the worst-affected coastal city where at least 100 buildings collapsed. While Caraballeda is in the same state, La Guaira is the primary city cited for the scale of destruction. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2010996/death-toll-from-venezuela-earthquake-rises-to-920-as-foreign-rescue-teams-start-arriving, 26 Jun 2026]
#2026
What is the name of the peace agreement signed between the United States and Iran in 2026?
(a) Geneva Accord
(b) Burgenstock Treaty
(c) Islamabad Peace Deal
(d) Hormuz Security Pact
Explanation: The agreement that ended the hostilities between the United States and Iran in 2026 is officially referred to as the Islamabad Peace Deal. While Geneva was mentioned as a potential site for subsequent talks, it is not the name of the primary agreement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2009269/pm-shehbaz-saudi-crown-prince-discuss-iran-us-talks-stress-peace-process-must-not-be-undermined, 19 Jun 2026]
#2027
Which of the following statements regarding the 2026 US-Iran peace process is INCORRECT?
(a) The peace deal includes a framework to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
(b) The peace deal was signed in person by the leaders in Switzerland.
(c) The peace deal requires negotiations on key issues to be completed within 60 days.
(d) Pakistan acted as a mediator throughout the conflict.
Explanation: The memorandum of understanding was electronically signed by the parties, not in person in Switzerland. The other statements accurately reflect the terms and context of the agreement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2009269/pm-shehbaz-saudi-crown-prince-discuss-iran-us-talks-stress-peace-process-must-not-be-undermined, 19 Jun 2026]
#2028
The conflict between the United States and Iran in 2026 officially began on which date?
(a) February 28, 2026
(b) March 15, 2026
(c) April 8, 2026
(d) June 19, 2026
Explanation: The military conflict, characterized by air attacks, commenced on February 28, 2026. This date marks the beginning of the hostilities that Pakistan later mediated. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2009269/pm-shehbaz-saudi-crown-prince-discuss-iran-us-talks-stress-peace-process-must-not-be-undermined, 19 Jun 2026]
#2029
Consider the following statements about the earthquake disaster in Venezuela: 1. The earthquakes struck on June 25, 2026, during a public holiday. 2. The US Geological Survey reported that the two major tremors occurred within one minute of each other. 3. More than 24,000 people were listed as unaccounted for on a tracking website by the morning of June 25, 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 reports regarding the timing of the quakes, the USGS data on the tremors, and the figures provided by the opposition-led tracking website. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2010737/thousands-feared-dead-in-venezuela-after-two-major-earthquakes-world-sends-aid-rescue-teams, 25 Jun 2026]
#2030
Which of the following is NOT a topic discussed during the meeting between the Prime Minister and the Interior Minister on June 6, 2026?
(a) The upcoming visit to Tehran
(b) The recent SCO conference in Bishkek
(c) The overall law and order situation in Pakistan
(d) The formal declaration of war against regional adversaries
Explanation: The meeting focused on diplomatic visits, regional security, and domestic law and order. There was no discussion regarding a formal declaration of war, making option D the incorrect statement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2005678/pm-shehbaz-meets-interior-minister-ahead-of-naqvis-iran-visit, 06 Jun 2026]
#2031
Which Pakistani official led the delegation to the United States in July 2026 to discuss economic cooperation?
(a) Muhammad Aurangzeb
(b) Ishaq Dar
(c) Shamshad Akhtar
(d) Miftah Ismail
Explanation: Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb led the delegation and held meetings with the US Treasury Secretary. The other individuals listed are former finance ministers or officials not involved in this specific 2026 visit. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017582/us-treasury-secretary-welcomes-pakistans-economic-reforms-return-to-capital-markets, 22 Jul 2026]
#2032
Which of the following is NOT a primary focus of the backchannel discussions between the involved parties as of March 2026?
(a) De-escalation of military hostilities
(b) Reopening of the Strait of Hormuz
(c) Parameters for a broader end to the war
(d) Immediate integration of Iran into the G20
Explanation: The backchannel discussions focused on de-escalation, the Strait of Hormuz, and ending the war. Integration into the G20 is not a subject of these specific diplomatic negotiations. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1984912/pakistan-stands-ready-honoured-to-host-us-iran-talks-says-pm-shehbaz, 24 Mar 2026]
#2033
Consider the following statements about the diplomatic situation in March 2026: 1. The conflict resulted in strained relations between Iran and various Gulf nations. 2. Iran has accepted responsibility for all retaliatory attacks targeting US bases in the region. 3. Pakistan has committed to playing a constructive role in facilitating regional peace. 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 2 is incorrect because Iran denies having a role in some of the attacks, despite accepting responsibility for others. Statements 1 and 3 are factually accurate based on the diplomatic context provided. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1984609/in-phone-call-with-pezeshkian-pm-stresses-urgent-need-for-collective-efforts-for-de-escalation-in-mideast, 23 Mar 2026]
#2034
Which of the following statements regarding the 2026 US-Iran diplomatic situation is INCORRECT?
(a) Iran has officially denied holding direct talks with the US in the past 24 days.
(b) The Iranian Foreign Ministry admitted receiving messages from friendly countries regarding US requests for talks.
(c) The ongoing conflict in the Middle East has entered its fourth week.
(d) Iran has confirmed that it has already responded positively to all messages received from the US.
Explanation: The Iranian Foreign Ministry explicitly stated that it had not responded to the messages received from friendly countries. Therefore, the claim that they responded positively is false. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1984640/pakistan-egypt-turkiye-engaged-in-back-channel-diplomacy-for-us-iran-de-escalation-sources, 23 Mar 2026]
#2035
Consider the following statements about the diplomatic developments in March 2026: 1. Pakistan officially offered to host talks between the US and Iran. 2. The US President publicly acknowledged productive conversations with Tehran. 3. Direct contact between Washington and Tehran has been confirmed by the Iranian Foreign Ministry. 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 correct as PM Shehbaz offered to host talks and President Trump confirmed productive conversations. Statement 3 is incorrect because the report explicitly states that no direct contact occurred between Washington and Tehran. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1984912/pakistan-stands-ready-honoured-to-host-us-iran-talks-says-pm-shehbaz, 24 Mar 2026]
#2036
Who served as the Information Minister of Pakistan during the announcement of the temporary pause in March 2026?
(a) Shibli Faraz
(b) Marriyum Aurangzeb
(c) Fawad Chaudhry
(d) Attaullah Tarar
Explanation: Attaullah Tarar, as the Information Minister, officially announced the temporary pause in Operation Ghazab lil-Haq on March 18, 2026. The other individuals listed are former information ministers. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1984967/clerics-from-pakistan-afghanistan-appeal-to-authorities-to-extend-pause-in-fighting-till-eidul-azha, 24 Mar 2026]
#2037
On March 20, 2026, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a telephone conversation regarding regional de-escalation with the President of which country?
(a) Kazakhstan
(b) Azerbaijan
(c) Turkmenistan
(d) None of these
Explanation: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif spoke with President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan to discuss the hostilities in the Gulf region and exchange Eidul Fitr greetings. Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan were not mentioned as participants in these specific diplomatic calls. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1984038/calls-for-de-escalation-in-middle-east-as-pm-shehbaz-speaks-to-several-world-leaders, 20 Mar 2026]
#2038
Which three countries are actively engaged in back-channel diplomacy to mediate between the United States and Iran as of March 2026?
(a) Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar
(b) Pakistan, Egypt, and Turkiye
(c) Pakistan, Jordan, and Oman
(d) None of these
Explanation: Pakistan, Egypt, and Turkiye are identified as the primary mediators working to bridge the gap between the US and Iran. Other regional players like Saudi Arabia or Qatar are not mentioned as part of this specific tripartite diplomatic conduit. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1984640/pakistan-egypt-turkiye-engaged-in-back-channel-diplomacy-for-us-iran-de-escalation-sources, 23 Mar 2026]
#2039
In the context of the 2026 regional conflict, what specific action did US President Donald Trump order to facilitate potential talks with Iran?
(a) A permanent ceasefire in the Persian Gulf
(b) The withdrawal of naval assets from the Strait of Hormuz
(c) A five-day postponement of military strikes against Iranian power plants
(d) None of these
Explanation: President Trump ordered a five-day delay in planned military strikes against Iranian power infrastructure to allow space for constructive dialogue. This tactical pause is a central element of the current de-escalation efforts. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1984640/pakistan-egypt-turkiye-engaged-in-back-channel-diplomacy-for-us-iran-de-escalation-sources, 23 Mar 2026]
#2040
Which of the following statements regarding the 2026 ceasefire initiative is INCORRECT?
(a) The ceasefire was initially announced to last for a period of approximately one month.
(b) The initiative involves diplomatic and social efforts by tribal leaders and scholars.
(c) The pause was intended to facilitate a peaceful atmosphere for the Hajj pilgrimage.
(d) Mutasim Agha Jan expressed support for the extension to allow time for negotiations.
Explanation: The ceasefire was announced from midnight March 18-19 to midnight March 23-24, which is a duration of less than one week, not one month. The other statements accurately reflect the diplomatic context. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1984967/clerics-from-pakistan-afghanistan-appeal-to-authorities-to-extend-pause-in-fighting-till-eidul-azha, 24 Mar 2026]