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.
#20721
Who is the communications chief of the United States Secret Service who issued the statement regarding the investigation on 2026-07-24?
(a) Kimberly Cheatle
(b) James Murray
(c) Anthony Guglielmi
(d) Randolph Alles
Explanation: Anthony Guglielmi serves as the chief of communications for the Secret Service and provided the official confirmation of the investigation. The other individuals listed are former directors or officials not associated with this specific 2026 statement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017994/vances-agent-faces-probe-after-leak-about-chopper-trip-for-son, 24 Jul 2026]
#20722
Consider the following statements about the regional security situation in March 2026: 1. The Strait of Hormuz mission is designed to secure the flow of oil and gas. 2. France deployed air defense units to Cyprus following drone attacks. 3. The conflict in the Middle East began in early 2026 following a direct invasion of France. 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 report. Statement 3 is incorrect because the conflict was triggered by US-Israeli strikes on Iran, not an invasion of France. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980406/france-allies-preparing-defensive-mission-to-reopen-strait-of-hormuz-says-macron, 10 Mar 2026]
#20723
Where was the rescheduled 2026 White House Correspondents' Association Dinner held?
(a) Washington Hilton
(b) Waldorf Astoria
(c) The White House
(d) None of these
Explanation: The event was moved to the Waldorf Astoria in Washington, DC, following the security incident at the Washington Hilton in April. The Washington Hilton is the traditional venue, but it was not the site of the rescheduled dinner. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018299/trump-bashes-fake-news-stokes-2028-furore-in-press-gala-rerun, 25 Jul 2026]
#20724
Consider the following statements about the 2026 White House Correspondents' Association Dinner: 1. President Trump attended the dinner despite his history of strained relations with the press. 2. The event included a tribute to a Secret Service agent who assisted during the April security incident. 3. The incoming WHCA president announced that the dinner will be held at the Waldorf Astoria again next year. 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 Trump attended the event and a tribute was held for the agent. Statement 3 is incorrect because the incoming president stated the event would return to the Washington Hilton next year, not the Waldorf Astoria. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018299/trump-bashes-fake-news-stokes-2028-furore-in-press-gala-rerun, 25 Jul 2026]
#20725
Which of the following statements regarding the 2026 White House Correspondents' Association Dinner is INCORRECT?
(a) The dinner was held in the same venue as the April event.
(b) President Trump joked about serving a third and fourth term.
(c) The event was held at the Waldorf Astoria.
(d) The Secret Service implemented a security cordon around the venue.
Explanation: The statement that the dinner was held in the same venue is incorrect because the venue was changed from the Washington Hilton to the Waldorf Astoria. The other statements accurately reflect the events of the dinner. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018299/trump-bashes-fake-news-stokes-2028-furore-in-press-gala-rerun, 25 Jul 2026]
#20726
What is the name of the individual charged with attempting to kill the president during the April 2026 incident?
(a) Sean Curran
(b) Oz Pearlman
(c) Cole Allen
(d) None of these
Explanation: Cole Allen is the individual who has pleaded not guilty to charges related to the assassination attempt. Sean Curran is the Secret Service Director, and Oz Pearlman was a performer at the dinner. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018299/trump-bashes-fake-news-stokes-2028-furore-in-press-gala-rerun, 25 Jul 2026]
#20727
The decline in global crude oil prices on March 11, 2026, was primarily attributed to:
(a) Diplomatic signals regarding the potential end of the conflict with Iran
(b) Increased production from OPEC nations
(c) A sudden drop in global industrial demand
(d) New sanctions imposed on major oil exporters
Explanation: Crude prices plunged following remarks by US President Donald Trump suggesting that the conflict with Iran could end soon, which eased supply disruption concerns. Other options do not reflect the specific geopolitical catalyst mentioned in the market report. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980849/kse-100-ends-lower-after-early-rally-loses-steam, 11 Mar 2026]
#20728
Consider the following statements about the transition of power in Iran in 2026: 1. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) pledged allegiance to the new Supreme Leader. 2. Analysts expect the new leader to delegate significant government and war-related responsibilities to other officials. 3. The United States government officially recognized the legitimacy of the new Supreme Leader immediately upon his appointment.
(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 IRGC pledged support and analysts expect delegation of duties. Statement 3 is incorrect because the US President explicitly warned that the new leader would be 'unacceptable' without US approval. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980913/irans-new-supreme-leader-injured-but-safe-says-presidents-son, 11 Mar 2026]
#20729
Consider the following statements about the legal proceedings involving Senator Pauline Hanson: 1. The Federal Court of Australia dismissed Hanson's appeal on July 27, 2026. 2. Hanson argued that the racial discrimination law was constitutionally invalid. 3. The court ruled that Hanson's comments were protected under absolute free speech provisions. 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 appeal was dismissed on the specified date and Hanson did challenge the constitutionality of the law. Statement 3 is incorrect because the court ruled that her comments were not protected and actually breached anti-discrimination laws. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018722/australian-politician-fails-to-overturn-racial-vilification-ruling-over-telling-muslim-senator-to-go-back-to-pakistan, 27 Jul 2026]
#20730
According to the French President, the 2026 wildfire situation is the most severe recorded since which historical period?
(a) The First World War
(b) The Second World War
(c) The Cold War
(d) The Great Depression
Explanation: President Emmanuel Macron characterized the 2026 wildfire crisis as the most severe since the Second World War. This highlights the unprecedented nature of the current climate-driven disaster. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018994/firefighters-in-france-spain-scramble-to-contain-blazes-as-new-heatwave-looms, 28 Jul 2026]
#20731
On July 28, 2026, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu traveled to Washington to meet with which US President?
(a) Joe Biden
(b) Donald Trump
(c) Barack Obama
(d) None of these
Explanation: Benjamin Netanyahu traveled to Washington in July 2026 for his eighth meeting with Donald Trump since Trump returned to office. The meeting was scheduled to address regional security concerns, particularly regarding Iran. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018884/iran-tops-agenda-as-netanyahu-due-to-meet-trump, 28 Jul 2026]
#20732
Which of the following statements regarding the oil market situation on March 10, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) Brent futures experienced a decline of approximately 6.8 percent.
(b) Goldman Sachs immediately adjusted its fourth-quarter 2026 price forecast for Brent to $90 per barrel.
(c) US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude prices fell by approximately 6.8 percent.
(d) Volumes in Brent dropped to the lowest amount since February 27.
Explanation: Goldman Sachs explicitly stated it was not changing its oil price forecast for Brent at $66 per barrel for the fourth quarter of 2026, making the incorrect statement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980481/oil-sinks-7pc-as-trump-predicts-middle-east-de-escalation, 10 Mar 2026]
#20733
Who is the current Foreign Minister of Iran who met with the Pakistani delegation in Tehran on April 15, 2026?
(a) Abbas Araghchi
(b) Esmaeil Baqaei
(c) Hossein Amir-Abdollahian
(d) Mohammad Javad Zarif
Explanation: Abbas Araghchi is the Iranian Foreign Minister who welcomed Field Marshal Asim Munir in Tehran. Esmaeil Baqaei is the foreign ministry spokesman, not the Foreign Minister. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1991972/cdf-munir-visits-iran-alongside-delegation-as-part-of-mediation-efforts-holds-meeting-with-fm-araghchi, 15 Apr 2026]
#20734
The mediation efforts led by Pakistan in April 2026 are primarily aimed at de-escalating tensions between which two countries?
(a) Pakistan and India
(b) Russia and Ukraine
(c) Saudi Arabia and Iran
(d) Iran and the United States
Explanation: The diplomatic efforts are focused on de-escalation between Iran and the United States, following direct talks held in Islamabad. The other options represent different geopolitical conflicts not addressed by this specific mediation mission. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1991972/cdf-munir-visits-iran-alongside-delegation-as-part-of-mediation-efforts-holds-meeting-with-fm-araghchi, 15 Apr 2026]
#20735
Consider the following statements about the regional conflict as of March 10, 2026: 1. Iranian strikes targeted energy installations in the Gulf region. 2. The US President characterized the appointment of the new supreme leader as a positive development for regional peace. 3. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that Iran's actions are defensive in nature. 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 Iran launched strikes on energy installations. Statement 3 is correct as the Foreign Minister described actions as defensive. Statement 2 is incorrect because President Trump called the appointment a 'big mistake'. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980416/oil-prices-go-haywire-as-iran-welcomes-new-supreme-leader, 10 Mar 2026]
#20736
On March 10, 2026, by what approximate percentage did global oil prices fall following comments regarding Middle East de-escalation?
(a) 5 percent
(b) 9 percent
(c) 7 percent
(d) 11 percent
Explanation: Oil prices plummeted by approximately 7 percent on March 10, 2026, after reaching highs above $119 per barrel. This correction was driven by market optimism following US President Donald Trump's predictions regarding the conflict. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980481/oil-sinks-7pc-as-trump-predicts-middle-east-de-escalation, 10 Mar 2026]
#20737
Consider the following statements about the oil market developments on March 10, 2026: 1. US President Donald Trump suggested that the war in the Middle East could conclude in the near future. 2. The Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps threatened to block oil exports from the region if attacks continued. 3. The Kremlin reported that Vladimir Putin shared proposals aimed at a quick settlement to the war. 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 report: Trump predicted a short-lived war, the IRGC issued threats regarding oil exports, and the Kremlin confirmed Putin's diplomatic proposals. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980481/oil-sinks-7pc-as-trump-predicts-middle-east-de-escalation, 10 Mar 2026]
#20738
Who among the following associates of Asiya Andrabi was also sentenced by the Delhi court in March 2026?
(a) Fehmeeda Sofi
(b) Yasin Malik
(c) Mirwaiz Umar Farooq
(d) Syed Ali Geelani
Explanation: Fehmeeda Sofi and Nahida Nasreen were the two associates sentenced alongside Asiya Andrabi. The other individuals listed are prominent Kashmiri figures but were not the subjects of this specific court verdict. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1985165/fo-condemns-harsh-sentences-awarded-to-kashmiri-leader-asiya-andrabi-associates-by-delhi-court, 25 Mar 2026]
#20739
Which of the following statements regarding the FO statement on the 2026 sentencing is INCORRECT?
(a) It described the verdict as a grave miscarriage of justice.
(b) It called for the international community to take notice of the development.
(c) It explicitly endorsed the legal validity of the UAPA in the occupied territory.
(d) It reaffirmed support for the Kashmiri struggle for self-determination.
Explanation: The Foreign Office statement condemned the sentencing and questioned the judicial process, meaning it did not endorse the UAPA. Options A, B, and D are accurate reflections of the FO's official stance. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1985165/fo-condemns-harsh-sentences-awarded-to-kashmiri-leader-asiya-andrabi-associates-by-delhi-court, 25 Mar 2026]
#20740
The Foreign Office of Pakistan issued a formal statement regarding the sentencing of Kashmiri leaders on which date in 2026?
(a) March 20, 2026
(b) March 25, 2026
(c) March 30, 2026
(d) April 05, 2026
Explanation: The Foreign Office issued its condemnation on March 25, 2026, the same day the sentencing news was reported. The other dates are incorrect as they do not align with the event timeline. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1985165/fo-condemns-harsh-sentences-awarded-to-kashmiri-leader-asiya-andrabi-associates-by-delhi-court, 25 Mar 2026]