January 2026 Current Affairs MCQs & Solutions

Explanation: Ishaq Dar, serving as the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, received his Iranian counterpart. The other individuals listed do not currently hold the Foreign Minister portfolio. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2010220/hands-of-friendship-iran-president-calls-for-new-regional-security-structure-among-muslim-nations, 23 Jun 2026]

Explanation: Hardeep Singh Puri is identified as the Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas who commented on the financial losses faced by oil marketing companies. The other names are prominent ministers but do not hold this specific portfolio. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1999209/modi-urges-indians-to-reduce-petrol-diesel-consumption-amid-middle-east-war-disruption, 10 May 2026]

Explanation: The government maintained the petrol price at Rs299.50 per litre on June 26, 2026. The figure Rs311.47 represents the price of high-speed diesel, while the other options reflect historical price points. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2011069/govt-keeps-petrol-diesel-prices-unchanged-till-further-orders, 26 Jun 2026]

Explanation: Statement 1 is correct as the government adopted a weekly revision schedule. Statement 3 is correct because the Prime Minister announced a significant reduction in prices the week prior to the June 26 announcement. Statement 2 is incorrect because diesel is primarily used for heavy transport and power generation, not private passenger vehicles. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2011069/govt-keeps-petrol-diesel-prices-unchanged-till-further-orders, 26 Jun 2026]

Explanation: Statements 1 and 2 are correct as they reflect the concerns regarding investment and the SBP's own assessment of trade data. Statement 3 is incorrect because the business community expressed disappointment and advocated for a rate reduction, showing a lack of consensus on the optimality of the 10.5 percent rate. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980387/high-interest-rate-to-hit-economy-in-war-times-warn-businesses, 10 Mar 2026]

Explanation: Statements 1 and 2 are correct as they reflect the scope of the provincial directive and the federal government's coordination efforts. Statement 3 is incorrect because the government explicitly assured the nation that petroleum reserves were sufficient. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979478/kp-finance-dept-orders-adoption-of-fuel-conservation-measures-due-to-anticipated-disruptions, 07 Mar 2026]

Explanation: Statements 1 and 2 are factually accurate based on the diplomatic discourse reported. Statement 3 is incorrect because no such formal military alliance treaty was signed during this visit. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2010220/hands-of-friendship-iran-president-calls-for-new-regional-security-structure-among-muslim-nations, 23 Jun 2026]

Explanation: The Iranian delegation was reported to be conferring at the Serena Hotel in Islamabad during the talks. The other locations are common government buildings but were not the site of the negotiations. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1990743/stepping-stone-toward-durable-peace-pm-shehbaz-meets-us-vp-vance-as-islamabad-talks-commence, 11 Apr 2026]

Explanation: The Philadelphia SE Semiconductor index faced significant turbulence in July 2026, dropping nearly 19 percent as investors reassessed the sustainability of the AI-driven market rally. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016222/apple-closes-in-on-nvidia-in-race-for-worlds-most-valuable-company, 17 Jul 2026]

Explanation: Pakistan was bowled out for 114 runs, which stands as their lowest ODI total against Bangladesh. The figure 161 was their previous lowest total against Bangladesh, recorded during the 1999 World Cup. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980951/nahid-rana-takes-5-wickets-as-bangladesh-crush-pakistan-in-odi-opener, 11 Mar 2026]

Explanation: The Iranian Foreign Minister's regional tour included visits to Islamabad, Muscat, and Moscow to discuss bilateral and regional developments. Other options represent regional capitals not mentioned in the context of this specific diplomatic tour. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1994680/iranian-delegation-led-by-fm-araghchi-lands-in-islamabad-us-officials-to-also-arrive-in-pakistan, 24 Apr 2026]

Explanation: The statement focuses on rejecting attempts to alter the status quo and condemning illegal settlements and violence; it does not mention or recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. In fact, the statement explicitly rejects Israeli sovereignty over the territory. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1994444/pakistan-7-other-muslim-nations-reject-attempts-to-alter-historic-legal-status-quo-in-jerusalem-at-its-holy-sites, 23 Apr 2026]

Explanation: The match took place at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur. The other options are also cricket venues in Bangladesh but were not the site of this specific event. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980951/nahid-rana-takes-5-wickets-as-bangladesh-crush-pakistan-in-odi-opener, 11 Mar 2026]

Explanation: Statement 1 is correct as Nahid Rana achieved this unique feat. Statement 3 is correct because Bangladesh reached the target in 15.1 overs. Statement 2 is incorrect because while Faheem Ashraf offered resistance, the text does not identify him as the highest scorer, and his contribution was 37 runs, which was the highest among the lower order but the match report highlights the overall collapse. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980951/nahid-rana-takes-5-wickets-as-bangladesh-crush-pakistan-in-odi-opener, 11 Mar 2026]

Explanation: Statements 1 and 2 are factually accurate based on the diplomatic developments. Statement 3 is incorrect because the US maintained the broader naval blockade of Iranian ports despite suspending the specific 'Project Freedom' escort plan. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1999181/tehran-sends-response-to-us-peace-proposal-via-pakistan, 10 May 2026]

Explanation: The Ghulam Khan border crossing is currently closed due to the security situation, making the statement that it remains fully operational incorrect. The other statements accurately reflect the reported facts. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979869/child-killed-four-injured-after-mortar-shell-allegedly-fired-from-afghanistan-lands-in-north-waziristan-neighbourhood, 08 Mar 2026]

Explanation: The operation was officially announced by the ISPR on March 9, 2026. The other dates are incorrect as they do not align with the official publication date of the announcement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980190/pakistan-navy-launches-operation-muhafizul-bahr-to-counter-threats-to-shipping-maritime-trade-ispr, 09 Mar 2026]

Explanation: The Prime Minister expressed his best wishes for the success of the upcoming World Urban Forum, which is being hosted by Azerbaijan. This event serves as a platform for advancing the global urban development agenda. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1999715/pm-shehbaz-azerbaijans-president-aliyev-discuss-peace-efforts-in-mideast-pmo, 12 May 2026]

Explanation: Esmaeil Baqaei is the Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson who publicly expressed gratitude for Pakistan's diplomatic initiatives. The other names are prominent Iranian officials but do not hold this specific role in the context of the 2026 events. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1994127/iran-appreciates-pakistans-efforts-to-mediate-between-tehran-and-washington, 22 Apr 2026]

Explanation: Information Minister Attaullah Tarar provided the specific timing for the ceasefire deadline. While Asim Munir and Shehbaz Sharif were involved in the diplomatic requests to the US, they did not provide this specific technical briefing. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1994127/iran-appreciates-pakistans-efforts-to-mediate-between-tehran-and-washington, 22 Apr 2026]