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.
#2541
Which of the following statements regarding the government's fuel price policy on April 10, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The government decided to discontinue all targeted subsidy initiatives immediately.
(b) The Prime Minister rejected the recommendation to only partially pass on the relief to the public.
(c) The price of kerosene was reduced by Rs17.33 per litre.
(d) The price of light diesel oil was reduced to Rs369.72 per litre.
Explanation: The government explicitly stated that targeted subsidy initiatives would not be discontinued. Options A, B, and D are factually correct statements regarding the policy announcement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1990554/govt-reduces-petrol-price-by-rs12-per-litre-hsd-by-rs135, 10 Apr 2026]
#2542
The 2026 US-Iran negotiations in Islamabad were held during a two-week pause in hostilities that originally commenced on:
(a) February 28, 2026
(b) January 28, 2026
(c) March 28, 2026
(d) April 10, 2026
Explanation: The conflict between the US and Iran, which prompted the mediation efforts, began on February 28, 2026. The talks in April were facilitated during a temporary pause in this specific conflict. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1990461/vance-en-route-iranian-delegation-touches-down-for-islamabad-talks, 10 Apr 2026]
#2543
Consider the following statements about the 2026 Islamabad Talks: 1. The talks were facilitated by the Pakistani government to address the US-Iran conflict. 2. The visa-free entry policy applied to all international journalists regardless of their country of origin. 3. The Iranian delegation included the governor of Iran's central bank. 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 Pakistan acted as a mediator. Statement 2 is incorrect because the visa-free policy was restricted to delegates and journalists from the participating nations (US and Iran) only. Statement 3 is correct as the Iranian delegation included the governor of the central bank. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1990461/vance-en-route-iranian-delegation-touches-down-for-islamabad-talks, 10 Apr 2026]
#2544
Consider the following statements about the economic and diplomatic context of the April 10, 2026, announcement: 1. The government aimed to recover Rs129 billion spent on cushioning price shocks by withholding some relief from the public. 2. The Prime Minister rejected the advice to withhold full relief from the public. 3. The reduction in fuel prices was partially attributed to fiscal discipline and the utilization of government resources. 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 the Prime Minister rejected the advice to withhold relief to recover the Rs129 billion. Statements 2 and 3 are correct as the Prime Minister prioritized passing on the relief and cited fiscal discipline as a contributing factor. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1990554/govt-reduces-petrol-price-by-rs12-per-litre-hsd-by-rs135, 10 Apr 2026]
#2545
Which Pakistani official announced the visa-free boarding policy for delegates attending the 2026 Islamabad Talks?
(a) Mohsin Naqvi
(b) Asim Munir
(c) Sardar Ayaz Sadiq
(d) Ishaq Dar
Explanation: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar issued the directive to airlines to permit visa-free boarding for delegates and journalists from the participating nations. Mohsin Naqvi was responsible for security arrangements. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1990461/vance-en-route-iranian-delegation-touches-down-for-islamabad-talks, 10 Apr 2026]
#2546
Who represented the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) in the interview regarding the US-Iran peace talks on April 10, 2026?
(a) Asif Ali Zardari
(b) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari
(c) Yousuf Raza Gilani
(d) None of these
Explanation: Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, the Chairman of the PPP and a former foreign minister, provided the interview to Sky News. He articulated the necessity of a peaceful resolution to the conflict. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1990535/world-doesnt-have-a-plan-b-bilawal-stresses-need-for-us-iran-talks-to-lead-to-peaceful-resolution-of-conflict, 10 Apr 2026]
#2547
Which of the following statements regarding the 2026 Islamabad peace talks is INCORRECT?
(a) The Iranian President confirmed Tehran's participation in the negotiations.
(b) The peace talks were initiated by the United Nations Security Council.
(c) The United States delegation includes special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.
(d) The talks are intended to achieve a lasting peace in the Middle East.
Explanation: The peace talks were initiated through the diplomatic efforts and invitation of the Pakistani Prime Minister, not the United Nations Security Council. The other three statements are factually accurate based on the event details. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1989847/us-iranian-delegations-expected-in-pakistan-on-friday-white-house-says-first-round-of-talks-to-be-held-on-saturday, 08 Apr 2026]
#2548
Consider the following statements about the visit of the Pakistani delegation to China on 2026-07-16: 1. Ishaq Dar held a bilateral meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. 2. Pakistan joined WAICO as a founding member. 3. The visit included participation in the World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) 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 correct. Ishaq Dar met with Wang Yi, Pakistan became a founding member of WAICO, and the delegation participated in the WAIC 2026. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2015858/pakistan-becomes-founding-member-of-world-artificial-intelligence-cooperation-organisation, 16 Jul 2026]
#2549
The peace talks hosted by Pakistan in April 2026 are aimed at resolving disputes between which two nations?
(a) Saudi Arabia and Iran
(b) Lebanon and Israel
(c) United States and Iran
(d) United States and Lebanon
Explanation: The diplomatic efforts led by Pakistan are specifically focused on mediating a settlement between the United States and Iran. The talks follow a ceasefire agreement between these two primary parties. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1989847/us-iranian-delegations-expected-in-pakistan-on-friday-white-house-says-first-round-of-talks-to-be-held-on-saturday, 08 Apr 2026]
#2550
According to the statements made on April 10, 2026, what is the primary challenge identified in the US-Iran diplomatic negotiations?
(a) Lack of international funding
(b) Wide trust deficit
(c) Disagreement on venue
(d) Absence of a mediator
Explanation: Bilawal Bhutto Zardari highlighted the 'wide trust deficit' between the two warring parties as a significant hurdle. While other factors like economic costs are mentioned, the trust deficit is the core diplomatic challenge cited. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1990535/world-doesnt-have-a-plan-b-bilawal-stresses-need-for-us-iran-talks-to-lead-to-peaceful-resolution-of-conflict, 10 Apr 2026]
#2551
What is the name of the military operation launched by Pakistan in February 2026 to target terrorist hideouts?
(a) Operation Zarb-e-Azb
(b) Operation Radd-ul-Fasaad
(c) Operation Ghazab lil-Haq
(d) None of these
Explanation: Operation Ghazab lil-Haq was initiated by Pakistan in late February 2026 following cross-border security incidents. The other options refer to historical military operations conducted by Pakistan in previous years. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1989918/afghanistan-pakistan-agree-to-avoid-escalation-during-china-hosted-talks-beijing, 08 Apr 2026]
#2552
Consider the following statements about the diplomatic efforts surrounding the Strait of Hormuz crisis: 1. Pakistan coordinated with China on a five-point initiative to restore maritime security. 2. The resolution demanded that Iran cease attacks on commercial ships and civilian infrastructure. 3. Pakistan hosted foreign ministers from Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Turkiye in late March 2026 to discuss the crisis. 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 diplomatic activities reported in the context of the crisis. Pakistan has actively engaged in regional diplomacy to contain the conflict and protect critical infrastructure. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1989533/china-russia-veto-un-resolution-to-reopen-strait-of-hormuz, 07 Apr 2026]
#2553
The Strait of Hormuz is a critical maritime corridor through which what percentage of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas flowed prior to the 2026 conflict?
(a) 20 percent
(b) 15 percent
(c) 10 percent
(d) 25 percent
Explanation: The Strait of Hormuz is identified as a vital global energy chokepoint, accounting for 20 percent of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas transit. Threats to this corridor have been a central point of tension in the US-Iran conflict. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1990234/pm-shehbaz-cdf-munir-discuss-pakistans-efforts-to-mediate-between-us-and-iran, 09 Apr 2026]
#2554
Consider the following statements about the diplomatic developments in 2026: 1. Pakistan initiated its mediation efforts immediately following the attacks on Iran on February 28, 2026. 2. The US peace proposal conveyed through Pakistan consisted of 10 clauses. 3. Iran has consistently demanded a permanent end to the war rather than a temporary ceasefire. 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 Pakistan began diplomatic outreach on the day the conflict started. Statement 2 is incorrect because the US proposal contained 15 points, not 10 (the 10 clauses were part of the Iranian response). Statement 3 is correct as Iran emphasized the necessity of a permanent end to the conflict in its communications. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1990234/pm-shehbaz-cdf-munir-discuss-pakistans-efforts-to-mediate-between-us-and-iran, 09 Apr 2026]
#2555
Consider the following statements regarding the diplomatic situation as of April 10, 2026: 1. The international community has a well-defined 'Plan B' in case the current peace talks fail. 2. Pakistan has successfully brokered a temporary ceasefire between the US and Iran. 3. The ongoing conflict is expected to have significant economic consequences globally. 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 Bilawal Bhutto Zardari explicitly stated that the world does not have a 'Plan B'. Statements 2 and 3 are factually accurate based on the provided text. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1990535/world-doesnt-have-a-plan-b-bilawal-stresses-need-for-us-iran-talks-to-lead-to-peaceful-resolution-of-conflict, 10 Apr 2026]
#2556
The trilateral meetings hosted by China in April 2026 spanned a duration of how many days?
(a) Three days
(b) Five days
(c) Seven days
(d) Ten days
Explanation: The Chinese foreign ministry stated that the meetings were held from April 1 to April 7, 2026, which constitutes a period of seven days. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1989918/afghanistan-pakistan-agree-to-avoid-escalation-during-china-hosted-talks-beijing, 08 Apr 2026]
#2557
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]
#2558
In the context of the 2026 diplomatic efforts, how many clauses were included in the Iranian response to the US peace proposal?
(a) 5 clauses
(b) 10 clauses
(c) 15 clauses
(d) 20 clauses
Explanation: Iranian media reported that Tehran conveyed a 10-clause response to the US proposal, which included demands for the lifting of sanctions and a permanent end to the war. The 5-clause figure refers to an earlier set of conditions proposed by Iran, while the 15-point proposal originated from the US. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1990234/pm-shehbaz-cdf-munir-discuss-pakistans-efforts-to-mediate-between-us-and-iran, 09 Apr 2026]
#2559
Consider the following statements regarding Pakistan's diplomatic stance at the SCO meeting on July 24, 2026: 1. Pakistan emphasized that a stable Afghanistan is in the interest of all SCO member states. 2. The DPM highlighted that Afghan nationals have been involved in terrorist attacks within Pakistan. 3. Pakistan advocated for military intervention by the SCO to resolve the Afghan security crisis. 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 accurate reflections of the DPM's address. Statement 3 is incorrect because Pakistan explicitly stated that dialogue and diplomacy remain the only sustainable paths to resolving conflicts, rather than advocating for military intervention. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431639/dpm-ishaq-dar-urges-sco-to-hold-afghan-taliban-accountable-over-terrorism, 24 Jul 2026]
#2560
According to the statement made by Ishaq Dar on July 24, 2026, approximately how many terrorist incidents occurred in Pakistan during the current year?
(a) Over 1,000
(b) Over 1,500
(c) Over 2,000
(d) Over 2,500
Explanation: Ishaq Dar reported that over 2,000 terrorist incidents had occurred in Pakistan during the year 2026, resulting in the deaths of more than 560 citizens. This statistic underscores the urgency of his call for regional accountability. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431639/dpm-ishaq-dar-urges-sco-to-hold-afghan-taliban-accountable-over-terrorism, 24 Jul 2026]