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.
#20641
Who received the Iranian Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni upon his arrival in Islamabad on July 20, 2026?
(a) Mohsin Naqvi
(b) Syed Asim Munir
(c) Shehbaz Sharif
(d) None of these
Explanation: Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi officially received his Iranian counterpart, Eskandar Momeni, upon his arrival in Islamabad. While the visiting dignitary was scheduled to meet with the Prime Minister and the Army Chief, the reception at the airport was conducted by the Interior Minister. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017051/irans-interior-minister-eskandar-momeni-arrives-in-pakistan, 20 Jul 2026]
#20642
Which of the following statements regarding the diplomatic situation in July 2026 is INCORRECT?
(a) Pakistan has been leading peace efforts since the conflict began in February 2026.
(b) Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei stated that diplomatic exchanges with the US have completely ceased.
(c) The Islamabad MoU was a 14-point interim peace deal.
(d) The conflict has led to a surge in global oil prices.
Explanation: Statement C is incorrect because the Iranian foreign ministry spokesman explicitly stated that diplomatic exchanges with the US via mediators were ongoing, despite the military escalation. The other statements accurately reflect the status of the mediation and the economic impact of the conflict. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017051/irans-interior-minister-eskandar-momeni-arrives-in-pakistan, 20 Jul 2026]
#20643
Consider the following statements about the 2026 mediation efforts: 1. The negotiations include discussions on the Strait of Hormuz and Iran's nuclear programme. 2. Pakistan's Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also participated in diplomatic efforts in Tehran. 3. The ceasefire that preceded these talks was established on 8th April, 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 provided report. The negotiations cover the specified technical frameworks, Interior Minister Naqvi was actively involved in multiple visits, and the ceasefire date is correctly cited as 8th April, 2026. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2002541/encouraging-progress-made-during-cdf-munirs-tehran-visit-ispr, 23 May 2026]
#20644
Which of the following individuals was NOT mentioned as being present at the Provincial Apex Committee meeting in Quetta on July 9, 2026?
(a) Field Marshal Asim Munir
(b) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari
(c) Jaffar Khan Mandokhail
(d) Sarfraz Bugti
Explanation: The meeting was attended by the Chief of Army Staff, the Chief Minister of Balochistan (Sarfraz Bugti), and the Governor of Balochistan (Jaffar Khan Mandokhail). Bilawal Bhutto Zardari was not reported as an attendee. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2014127/mutual-and-singular-decision-by-leadership-to-end-terrorism-pm-shehbaz-says-after-balochistan-attacks, 09 Jul 2026]
#20645
Who accompanied Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif during his visit to Quetta on July 9, 2026?
(a) Minister of Defence
(b) Minister of Interior
(c) Minister of Information
(d) Minister of Finance
Explanation: Information Minister Attaullah Tarar was among the officials who accompanied the Prime Minister to Quetta. Other attendees included the Minister of Economic Affairs and the Adviser on Political Affairs. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2014127/mutual-and-singular-decision-by-leadership-to-end-terrorism-pm-shehbaz-says-after-balochistan-attacks, 09 Jul 2026]
#20646
Consider the following statements about the Provincial Apex Committee meeting held on July 9, 2026: 1. The meeting was chaired by the Prime Minister to discuss the National Action Plan. 2. The leadership identified the eastern neighbour as being involved in supporting terrorist activities. 3. The committee decided to reduce the presence of security forces in Balochistan to de-escalate tensions. 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 the Prime Minister chaired the meeting and explicitly accused the eastern neighbour of involvement. Statement 3 is incorrect because the leadership resolved to continue the war against terrorism until the last terrorist is eliminated, rather than reducing security presence. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2014127/mutual-and-singular-decision-by-leadership-to-end-terrorism-pm-shehbaz-says-after-balochistan-attacks, 09 Jul 2026]
#20647
Who presided over the 275th Corps Commanders' Conference held on May 5, 2026?
(a) General Asim Munir
(b) General Qamar Javed Bajwa
(c) General Sahir Shamshad Mirza
(d) General Nadeem Anjum
Explanation: Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir presided over the 275th Corps Commanders' Conference at the General Headquarters. The other options represent former or different high-ranking military officials. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1997771/regional-peace-stability-linked-to-collective-restraint-respect-for-sovereignty-armys-top-brass, 05 May 2026]
#20648
Who among the following was present alongside the DG ISPR during the press conference on May 7, 2026?
(a) Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee
(b) Chief of Army Staff
(c) Minister of Defence
(d) Deputy Chief of Naval Staff (Operations), Rear Admiral Shifaat Ali
Explanation: Rear Admiral Shifaat Ali, the Deputy Chief of Naval Staff (Operations), and Air Vice Marshal Tariq Ghazi were the officials present at the press conference. The other options are high-ranking officials who were not mentioned as attendees at this specific event. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1998318/we-are-prepared-dg-ispr-highlights-indigenous-military-capabilities-on-marka-i-haq-anniversary, 07 May 2026]
#20649
Who led the Iranian delegation during the peace talks held in Islamabad on April 11, 2026?
(a) Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf
(b) Hossein Amir-Abdollahian
(c) Ali Bagheri Kani
(d) None of these
Explanation: Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, the Speaker of the Iranian Parliament, led the Iranian delegation during the Islamabad talks. The other names listed are prominent Iranian officials but were not the heads of this specific delegation. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1990743/us-iran-search-for-breakthrough-in-islamabad-as-talks-stretch-into-third-round, 11 Apr 2026]
#20650
On April 9, 2026, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met with which official to review Pakistan's mediatory efforts between the US and Iran?
(a) Chief of Defence Forces Asim Munir
(b) Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar
(c) President of Pakistan
(d) None of these
Explanation: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a meeting with Field Marshal Asim Munir, who serves as the Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff, to discuss the progress of regional peace initiatives. Ishaq Dar is the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, making him a separate official involved in the diplomatic process. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1990234/pm-shehbaz-cdf-munir-discuss-pakistans-efforts-to-mediate-between-us-and-iran, 09 Apr 2026]
#20651
Who is the current President of Lebanon involved in the 2026 ceasefire negotiations?
(a) Joseph Aoun
(b) Michel Aoun
(c) Najib Mikati
(d) None of these
Explanation: Joseph Aoun is the Lebanese President who engaged in direct diplomatic discussions with US President Donald Trump to secure the ceasefire. Michel Aoun is a former president, and Najib Mikati is a former prime minister, making them incorrect in the context of the 2026 event. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1992354/10-day-ceasefire-between-israel-lebanon-takes-effect, 16 Apr 2026]
#20652
Which outgoing Prime Minister did Andy Burnham succeed on July 20, 2026?
(a) Rishi Sunak
(b) Boris Johnson
(c) Nigel Farage
(d) Keir Starmer
Explanation: Keir Starmer resigned from his position, leading to the appointment of Andy Burnham. Rishi Sunak and Boris Johnson are former Prime Ministers, while Nigel Farage is the leader of the Reform UK party. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017007/andy-burnham-becomes-uk-pm-says-britain-needs-to-regain-stability, 20 Jul 2026]
#20653
Before his appointment as Prime Minister in 2026, what position did Andy Burnham hold?
(a) Mayor of Birmingham
(b) Mayor of London
(c) Mayor of Greater Manchester
(d) Mayor of Liverpool
Explanation: Andy Burnham served as the Mayor of Greater Manchester prior to his elevation to the premiership. He was widely referred to by the nickname 'King of the North' during his tenure in that role. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017007/andy-burnham-becomes-uk-pm-says-britain-needs-to-regain-stability, 20 Jul 2026]
#20654
Consider the following statements about the political transition in the United Kingdom on July 20, 2026: 1. Andy Burnham was appointed by King Charles III to form a new government. 2. The transition occurred following the resignation of Keir Starmer. 3. Andy Burnham indicated that his first diplomatic calls would include the leaders of the United States and Ukraine. Which of the statements given above 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 events of July 20, 2026. Burnham was appointed by the King, succeeded Starmer, and confirmed his intent to contact the US and Ukrainian presidents. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017007/andy-burnham-becomes-uk-pm-says-britain-needs-to-regain-stability, 20 Jul 2026]
#20655
Who appointed Andy Burnham as the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom on July 20, 2026?
(a) King William V
(b) King Charles III
(c) King George VII
(d) None of these
Explanation: King Charles III formally appointed Andy Burnham as Prime Minister during an audience at Buckingham Palace. The other options are incorrect as they do not represent the current British monarch. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017007/andy-burnham-becomes-uk-pm-says-britain-needs-to-regain-stability, 20 Jul 2026]
#20656
Which Iranian leader visited Islamabad on June 23, 2026, to advocate for a new regional security structure?
(a) Masoud Pezeshkian
(b) Ebrahim Raisi
(c) Hassan Rouhani
(d) Mohammad Mokhber
Explanation: Masoud Pezeshkian is the current President of Iran who visited Pakistan on the specified date. Ebrahim Raisi is a former president, making him an incorrect choice. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2010220/hands-of-friendship-iran-president-calls-for-new-regional-security-structure-among-muslim-nations, 23 Jun 2026]
#20657
Who is the current Prime Minister of Lebanon as of May 2026?
(a) Benjamin Netanyahu
(b) Joseph Aoun
(c) Nawaf Salam
(d) Israel Katz
Explanation: Nawaf Salam serves as the Prime Minister of Lebanon and has been involved in diplomatic discussions regarding the ceasefire. Joseph Aoun is the President of Lebanon. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1998133/israel-strikes-beirut-for-the-first-time-since-ceasefire, 06 May 2026]
#20658
Who is the current President of FIFA mentioned in the context of the 2026 tournament governance?
(a) Sepp Blatter
(b) Michel Platini
(c) Gianni Infantino
(d) None of these
Explanation: Gianni Infantino is the current President of FIFA. The other names listed are former officials who are no longer in this position. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017229/5-questions-that-continue-to-linger-after-the-fifa-world-cup, 21 Jul 2026]
#20659
Who is the current Prime Minister of Lebanon as of July 2026?
(a) Nawaf Salam
(b) Joseph Aoun
(c) Abbas Yaghi
(d) Saad Hariri
Explanation: Nawaf Salam is identified as the Prime Minister of Lebanon who visited the town of Zawtar al-Gharbiya following the Israeli withdrawal. Joseph Aoun is mentioned as the President of Lebanon in the same context. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017639/lebanon-israel-to-hold-next-round-of-talks-in-italy-on-aug-4, 23 Jul 2026]
#20660
Who is the current President of Iran who received the credentials of the new Pakistani ambassador on July 23, 2026?
(a) Ebrahim Raisi
(b) Hassan Rouhani
(c) Masoud Pezeshkian
(d) Mohammad Mokhber
Explanation: Masoud Pezeshkian is the current President of Iran who met with the Pakistani ambassador in July 2026. Ebrahim Raisi was his predecessor, making him an incorrect distractor. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017654/iranian-president-pezeshkian-calls-for-strengthening-pak-iran-relations, 23 Jul 2026]