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.
#20681
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]
#20682
Who scored the winning goal for Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final?
(a) Lamine Yamal
(b) Ferran Torres
(c) Pedro Sanchez
(d) None of these
Explanation: Ferran Torres scored the only goal of the match during extra time to secure the victory for Spain. Lamine Yamal is a teammate, while Pedro Sanchez is the Prime Minister of Spain. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016966/viva-espana-spain-unites-in-joy-at-second-fifa-world-cup-crown, 20 Jul 2026]
#20683
Under which specific Indian legislation were Asiya Andrabi and her associates sentenced in 2026?
(a) Public Safety Act
(b) National Security Act
(c) Armed Forces Special Powers Act
(d) Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act
Explanation: The court utilized the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) to prosecute and sentence the individuals. The other acts listed are different legal frameworks used in India for security and detention purposes. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1985165/fo-condemns-harsh-sentences-awarded-to-kashmiri-leader-asiya-andrabi-associates-by-delhi-court, 25 Mar 2026]
#20684
Asiya Andrabi, who was sentenced by a Delhi court on March 25, 2026, is the founder of which Kashmiri rights group?
(a) Dukhtaran-i-Millat
(b) Hurriyat Conference
(c) Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front
(d) None of these
Explanation: Asiya Andrabi is the founder of the Dukhtaran-i-Millat, also known as the Daughters of the Nation. The other organizations listed are distinct political or militant entities operating within the Kashmir region. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1985165/fo-condemns-harsh-sentences-awarded-to-kashmiri-leader-asiya-andrabi-associates-by-delhi-court, 25 Mar 2026]
#20685
Which military measure did the United States maintain despite the extension of the ceasefire in April 2026?
(a) The deployment of ground troops to the border
(b) A total air exclusion zone over Tehran
(c) A naval blockade of Iranian ports
(d) The imposition of a complete telecommunications blackout
Explanation: While the ceasefire was extended to allow for diplomatic negotiations, the United States explicitly stated that the naval blockade of Iranian ports would remain in place. This distinguishes the ceasefire from a total cessation of all hostile military posturing. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1993810/at-the-request-of-cdf-munir-pm-shehbaz-trump-announces-extension-in-ceasefire-until-iran-submits-proposal, 21 Apr 2026]
#20686
Who requested the extension of the US-Iran ceasefire from President Donald Trump in April 2026?
(a) Shehbaz Sharif and Asim Munir
(b) Ishaq Dar and Natalie Baker
(c) Attaullah Tarar and JD Vance
(d) None of these
Explanation: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir formally requested the extension to facilitate ongoing diplomatic efforts. The request was acknowledged by President Trump on his social media platform. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1993810/at-the-request-of-cdf-munir-pm-shehbaz-trump-announces-extension-in-ceasefire-until-iran-submits-proposal, 21 Apr 2026]
#20687
Which of the following statements regarding the diplomatic developments in April 2026 is INCORRECT?
(a) The original ceasefire agreement was brokered by Pakistan.
(b) President Trump announced the ceasefire extension on his Truth Social platform.
(c) Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif publicly thanked President Trump for the extension.
(d) The United States immediately lifted the naval blockade upon announcing the ceasefire extension.
Explanation: The statement that the naval blockade was lifted is incorrect, as the United States explicitly maintained the blockade despite the ceasefire extension. The other three statements are factually accurate regarding the events of April 2026. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1993810/at-the-request-of-cdf-munir-pm-shehbaz-trump-announces-extension-in-ceasefire-until-iran-submits-proposal, 21 Apr 2026]
#20688
Consider the following statements about the 2026 sentencing of Kashmiri leaders: 1. Asiya Andrabi received a life imprisonment sentence from the Delhi court. 2. The sentencing was criticized by the Prime Minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir. 3. The FO statement claimed that the sentencing was a result of a fair and transparent judicial process. 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 report. Statement 3 is incorrect because the FO explicitly criticized the process, citing concerns regarding due process and judicial independence. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1985165/fo-condemns-harsh-sentences-awarded-to-kashmiri-leader-asiya-andrabi-associates-by-delhi-court, 25 Mar 2026]
#20689
Who led the Iranian delegation that visited Islamabad on April 25, 2026?
(a) Reza Amiri Moghadam
(b) Abbas Araghchi
(c) Ishaq Dar
(d) None of these
Explanation: Abbas Araghchi is the Foreign Minister of Iran who led the delegation to Pakistan. Reza Amiri Moghadam is the Iranian Ambassador to Pakistan, and Ishaq Dar is the Deputy Prime Minister of Pakistan. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1994958/iranian-delegation-led-by-araghchi-leaves-after-meeting-pm-cdf-munir-trump-cancels-us-envoys-visit, 25 Apr 2026]
#20690
Consider the following statements about the 2026 conflict dynamics: 1. The Lebanese government has officially sought full normalization of relations with Israel. 2. The Israeli military reported the death of 17 soldiers in southern Lebanon since the fighting erupted in March 2026. 3. US President Donald Trump expressed optimism regarding a potential peace deal between Israel and Lebanon in 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: Statement 1 is false because the Lebanese Prime Minister explicitly stated that Lebanon is not seeking normalization, but rather a security agreement and withdrawal. Statements 2 and 3 are factually accurate based on the reported developments in the conflict. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1998133/israel-strikes-beirut-for-the-first-time-since-ceasefire, 06 May 2026]
#20691
Which of the following statements regarding the diplomatic events of April 25, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) CDF Asim Munir held a separate meeting with the Iranian Foreign Minister.
(b) The US President confirmed the cancellation of the envoys' visit via Fox News.
(c) The Iranian delegation arrived in Islamabad with the intention of permanently relocating to Pakistan.
(d) Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar was present during the meeting at the Prime Minister's House.
Explanation: The Iranian delegation visited for diplomatic consultations and explicitly planned to return to Tehran or travel to other regional capitals, not to relocate. The other three statements are factually accurate based on the reported events. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1994958/iranian-delegation-led-by-araghchi-leaves-after-meeting-pm-cdf-munir-trump-cancels-us-envoys-visit, 25 Apr 2026]
#20692
Which of the following statements regarding the US-Iran diplomatic process in April 2026 is INCORRECT?
(a) The first round of talks in Islamabad ended without a formal agreement
(b) The US president confirmed that future talks would be held remotely
(c) The US president expressed respect for Pakistan's mediatory role
(d) The ceasefire brokered by Pakistan was immediately abandoned after the first round of talks
Explanation: The ceasefire brokered by Pakistan was not abandoned; rather, it was extended by the US president until a unified proposal is submitted. Therefore, the statement claiming it was abandoned is incorrect. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1995275/great-respect-for-pakistan-and-they-will-stay-involved-but-we-are-going-to-do-it-by-phone-trump-on-iran-talks, 26 Apr 2026]
#20693
Consider the following statements about the 2026 FIFA World Cup final: 1. Spain defeated Argentina by a margin of one goal. 2. The match was decided during regulation time. 3. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez attended the event. 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: Spain won 1-0, but the goal was scored in extra time, making statement 2 incorrect. Both the scoreline and the presence of the Prime Minister are factually accurate. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016966/viva-espana-spain-unites-in-joy-at-second-fifa-world-cup-crown, 20 Jul 2026]
#20694
Consider the following statements about the US-Iran diplomatic situation as of April 2026: 1. Iran has formally accepted the initial US ceasefire proposal without modifications. 2. The US has demanded that Iran forswear the development of nuclear weapons. 3. Iran has submitted a 10-point counter-proposal to the United States. 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 Iran rejected the US proposal. Statements 2 and 3 are correct as they reflect the core US demand regarding nuclear weapons and the specific counter-proposal submitted by Tehran. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1989227/trump-says-vance-witkoff-kushner-talking-with-intermediaries-in-pakistan-iran-could-be-taken-out-on-tuesday, 06 Apr 2026]
#20695
Consider the following statements about the diplomatic developments on April 25, 2026: 1. The Iranian Foreign Minister described his visit to Pakistan as very fruitful. 2. President Donald Trump stated that the US would resume the war immediately following the cancellation of the envoys' visit. 3. Part of the Iranian delegation returned to Tehran to obtain instructions regarding the war.
(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 minister publicly termed the visit fruitful. Statement 3 is correct as part of the delegation returned to Tehran for instructions. Statement 2 is incorrect because President Trump explicitly stated that the cancellation did not mean he would resume the war. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1994958/iranian-delegation-led-by-araghchi-leaves-after-meeting-pm-cdf-munir-trump-cancels-us-envoys-visit, 25 Apr 2026]
#20696
Consider the following statements about the diplomatic developments in April 2026: 1. The first round of direct US-Iran talks occurred in April 2026. 2. The US president insisted that future negotiations would require in-person meetings in Islamabad. 3. Pakistan has been actively involved in mediating between Washington and Tehran. 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 talks occurred in April 2026. Statement 2 is incorrect because the US president explicitly stated that future talks would be held remotely by telephone, not in person. Statement 3 is correct as Pakistan is recognized for its mediatory role. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1995275/great-respect-for-pakistan-and-they-will-stay-involved-but-we-are-going-to-do-it-by-phone-trump-on-iran-talks, 26 Apr 2026]
#20697
Consider the following statements about the environmental and logistical situation on July 18, 2026: 1. The US President threatened to impose tariffs on Canada due to the smoke pollution. 2. The World Cup final was held in an indoor climate-controlled stadium to avoid smoke exposure. 3. Advocates have linked the frequency of these smoke episodes to climate change. 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 President blamed Canada for negligence. Statement 2 is incorrect because the stadium was explicitly described as an 'open stadium.' Statement 3 is correct as advocates highlighted the climate change connection. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016513/wildfire-haze-hangs-over-eastern-us-world-cup-final-venue, 18 Jul 2026]
#20698
Consider the following statements about the situation in the Strait of Hormuz as of April 2026: 1. The GCC has requested a UN mandate to use force to protect maritime routes. 2. The closure of the Strait has led to a sharp rise in global energy prices. 3. French President Emmanuel Macron has fully endorsed the military operation to reopen the Strait. 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 they reflect the GCC's diplomatic request and the resulting economic impact. Statement 3 is incorrect because President Macron explicitly described a military operation to free the Strait as 'unrealistic'. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1987881/gulf-states-seek-un-mandate-for-force-to-protect-strait-of-hormuz, 02 Apr 2026]
#20699
On March 14, 2026, which US President claimed that multiple countries would deploy warships to maintain the openness of the Strait of Hormuz?
(a) Joe Biden
(b) Donald Trump
(c) Barack Obama
(d) None of these
Explanation: Donald Trump made the statement regarding the deployment of international warships to the Strait of Hormuz on March 14, 2026. The other listed individuals were not the serving US President on that date. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1982096/trump-claims-many-countries-will-send-warships-to-keep-strait-of-hormuz-open, 14 Mar 2026]
#20700
Consider the following statements about the Strait of Hormuz and the 2026 geopolitical developments: 1. The Strait of Hormuz connects the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman. 2. The US President claimed that the United States would refrain from military action while waiting for international support. 3. The Iranian leadership indicated that blocking the strait is a strategic tool to exert pressure on Washington. 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 geographically correct. Statement 2 is false because the US President explicitly stated the US would be 'bombing the hell out of the shoreline' and shooting Iranian boats. Statement 3 is correct as it reflects the stated intent of the Iranian leadership. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1982096/trump-claims-many-countries-will-send-warships-to-keep-strait-of-hormuz-open, 14 Mar 2026]