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.
#3521
Which of the following statements regarding the visit of the Bahraini National Guard Commander to Pakistan on June 9, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The commander visited the Pakistan Army's training facility in Quetta.
(b) The discussions included the regional security environment in the Middle East.
(c) The commander met with the Chief of the Air Staff at Air Headquarters.
(d) The commander met with the Chief of the Naval Staff at Naval Headquarters.
Explanation: The ISPR report confirms meetings at GHQ, Naval Headquarters, and Air Headquarters in Rawalpindi/Islamabad, but it does not mention a visit to a training facility in Quetta. Therefore, is the incorrect statement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2006391/bahrain-commander-meets-cdf-munir-discusses-strengthening-military-collaboration-ispr, 09 Jun 2026]
#3522
Consider the following statements about India's recent infrastructure developments in the Himalayas: 1. The Zojila tunnel breakthrough occurred on June 9, 2026. 2. The Chenab Rail Bridge is currently the highest of its kind in the world. 3. The Sonamarg tunnel is a 13.14-kilometre project expected to be completed by 2028. 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 breakthrough occurred on the specified date. Statement 2 is correct regarding the status of the Chenab Rail Bridge. Statement 3 is incorrect because the 13.14-kilometre length refers to the Zojila tunnel, not the Sonamarg tunnel. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2006369/india-nears-completion-of-strategic-himalayan-tunnel-near-china-border, 09 Jun 2026]
#3523
Consider the following statements about the defence engagements on June 9, 2026: 1. The Bahraini commander commended the Pakistan Navy for its role as a regional maritime security stabilizer. 2. The Air Chief discussed infrastructure development and indigenization with the Bahraini delegation. 3. The meetings were held in the context of a stable and peaceful Middle East with no ongoing conflicts. 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 ISPR report. Statement 3 is incorrect because the report explicitly mentions tensions in the Middle East and an unresolved war between the United States and Iran. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2006391/bahrain-commander-meets-cdf-munir-discusses-strengthening-military-collaboration-ispr, 09 Jun 2026]
#3524
Manuel Neuer achieved a milestone in the 2026 World Cup by becoming the oldest German player to appear in a World Cup, participating in his:
(a) Third tournament
(b) Fourth tournament
(c) Fifth tournament
(d) Sixth tournament
Explanation: Manuel Neuer, at age 40, reached the milestone of playing in his fifth global tournament. This distinguishes him as the oldest German player to ever appear in the competition. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2007821/germany-hammer-world-cup-debutants-curacao-after-early-scare, 14 Jun 2026]
#3525
Who is the oldest coach to ever appear at the FIFA World Cup finals, as noted during the 2026 tournament?
(a) Julian Nagelsmann
(b) Dick Advocaat
(c) Louis van Gaal
(d) None of these
Explanation: Dick Advocaat, aged 78, holds the record as the oldest coach to appear at the World Cup finals. Julian Nagelsmann is the current coach of the German national team. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2007821/germany-hammer-world-cup-debutants-curacao-after-early-scare, 14 Jun 2026]
#3526
Which official residence is used by the British Prime Minister for countryside retreats and was the site of Starmer's weekend talks in June 2026?
(a) 10 Downing Street
(b) Buckingham Palace
(c) Chequers
(d) Windsor Castle
Explanation: Chequers is the official country house retreat for the British Prime Minister. 10 Downing Street is the primary office and residence in London. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2009758/uk-pm-starmer-mulling-political-realities-senior-minister, 21 Jun 2026]
#3527
Who represented Pakistan at the R-4 foreign ministers' meeting held on June 21, 2026?
(a) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari
(b) Shah Mahmood Qureshi
(c) Jalil Abbas Jilani
(d) Ishaq Dar
Explanation: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar attended the meeting in Cairo on behalf of Pakistan. The other individuals listed are former foreign ministers who were not in office during this 2026 event. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2009729/pakistan-saudi-arabia-turkiye-egypt-stress-importance-of-swift-conclusion-to-current-phase-of-us-iran-talks, 21 Jun 2026]
#3528
Which of the following statements regarding the Iran vs. Belgium match on June 21, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The match ended in a scoreless draw.
(b) Mehdi Taremi had a goal overturned by VAR for offside.
(c) Iran utilized a back-five defensive formation.
(d) Belgium played with 11 men for the entire duration of the match.
Explanation: Belgium was reduced to 10 men after Nathan Ngoy was sent off, making the statement that they played with 11 men incorrect. All other options accurately describe the events of the match. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2009791/iran-frustrate-star-studded-belgium-to-steal-another-world-cup-point, 21 Jun 2026]
#3529
Who is the head coach of the Belgium national football team as referenced in the 2026 World Cup coverage?
(a) Rudi Garcia
(b) Hans Vanaken
(c) Maxim De Cuyper
(d) Dodi Lukebakio
Explanation: Rudi Garcia is identified as the coach who made a triple substitution during the match against Iran. The other individuals listed are players. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2009791/iran-frustrate-star-studded-belgium-to-steal-another-world-cup-point, 21 Jun 2026]
#3530
The Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding, which provided the framework for the US-Iran talks, was signed on which date in 2026?
(a) June 15, 2026
(b) June 22, 2026
(c) June 18, 2026
(d) June 25, 2026
Explanation: The Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding was signed on June 18, 2026. This 14-point accord set the stage for the subsequent negotiations held in Switzerland. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2010038/iran-president-masoud-pezeshkian-to-visit-pakistan-on-tuesday-fo, 22 Jun 2026]
#3531
Which countries served as mediators for the US-Iran talks held at the Lake Lucerne Summit in 2026?
(a) Pakistan and Qatar
(b) Pakistan and Turkiye
(c) Saudi Arabia and Qatar
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Lake Lucerne Summit in Switzerland was mediated by Pakistan and Qatar. These nations facilitated the direct negotiations between the United States and Iran to address regional security concerns. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2010038/iran-president-masoud-pezeshkian-to-visit-pakistan-on-tuesday-fo, 22 Jun 2026]
#3532
Who won the by-election in the Makerfield constituency on June 21, 2026?
(a) Peter Kyle
(b) Andy Burnham
(c) Nigel Farage
(d) None of these
Explanation: Andy Burnham, the Mayor of Greater Manchester, won the by-election in Makerfield, which significantly increased pressure on Keir Starmer to resign. Peter Kyle is the Business Secretary who confirmed Starmer was reflecting on political realities. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2009758/uk-pm-starmer-mulling-political-realities-senior-minister, 21 Jun 2026]
#3533
Who extended the official invitation to Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian for his visit to Pakistan on June 23, 2026?
(a) Shehbaz Sharif
(b) Asif Ali Zardari
(c) Ishaq Dar
(d) Yousuf Raza Gilani
Explanation: The Foreign Office confirmed that the visit of President Pezeshkian was conducted at the invitation of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. While President Zardari is scheduled to meet the visiting dignitary, the invitation originated from the Prime Minister's office. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2010038/iran-president-masoud-pezeshkian-to-visit-pakistan-on-tuesday-fo, 22 Jun 2026]
#3534
Consider the following statements about the R-4 meeting held on June 21, 2026: 1. The ministers reaffirmed the Palestinian cause as a central pillar for regional stability. 2. The meeting took place in Switzerland to facilitate direct US-Iran negotiations. 3. The ministers emphasized the need for a swift conclusion to the subsequent phase of US-Iran talks. 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 ministers reaffirmed the Palestinian cause. Statement 3 is correct as the ministers stressed the need for a swift conclusion to the next phase of negotiations. Statement 2 is incorrect because the R-4 meeting was held in Cairo, while the technical talks involving the US and Iran were held in Switzerland. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2009729/pakistan-saudi-arabia-turkiye-egypt-stress-importance-of-swift-conclusion-to-current-phase-of-us-iran-talks, 21 Jun 2026]
#3535
Consider the following statements about the diplomatic developments in June 2026: 1. The Lake Lucerne Summit was held in Switzerland to facilitate US-Iran negotiations. 2. The Islamabad MoU includes a 14-point framework for regional stability. 3. President Masoud Pezeshkian visited Pakistan for the first time in his capacity as President during this June 2026 trip. 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 regarding the summit location and the MoU framework. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Foreign Office explicitly noted that this visit was Dr. Pezeshkian's second visit to Pakistan in his capacity as President. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2010038/iran-president-masoud-pezeshkian-to-visit-pakistan-on-tuesday-fo, 22 Jun 2026]
#3536
Consider the following statements about the current status of the Indus Waters Treaty: 1. India has unilaterally placed its treaty obligations in abeyance. 2. Pakistan has ceased providing hydrological data to India since 2026. 3. The Pakistan Commissioner for Indus Waters considers the lack of data-sharing a strategic hazard. 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 India has placed the treaty in abeyance. Statement 2 is incorrect because Pakistan has continued to provide the required data despite the current tensions. Statement 3 is correct as the Commissioner explicitly identified the lack of data as a strategic hazard. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2011838/indus-commissioner-says-he-wrote-to-indian-counterpart-4-times-over-chenab-fluctuations-but-no-reply-so-far, 30 Jun 2026]
#3537
Consider the following statements about the JCP interview committees: 1. The committees were formed to vet candidates for additional judge positions in four high courts. 2. The proposal to form a seven-member committee was originally suggested by Senator Farooq Hamid Naek. 3. The committees are tasked with interviewing candidates nominated until July 4, 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 JCP notification and the internal deliberations of the Rule-Making Committee. The committees cover four high courts, follow the proposal of Senator Naek, and have a deadline of July 4, 2026. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2012237/no-supreme-court-judge-in-jcp-panels-for-vetting-high-court-judges, 01 Jul 2026]
#3538
Which vessel was specifically identified as being struck during the maritime incident in the Strait of Hormuz on July 7, 2026?
(a) Al-Rekayyat
(b) Al-Zubarah
(c) Al-Ghashamiyah
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Qatari LNG vessel 'Al-Rekayyat' was explicitly named by the Qatari foreign ministry as the target of the attack. Other options are common names for Qatari-flagged vessels but were not involved in this specific incident. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2013627/three-ships-struck-in-hormuz-flare-up-qatar-slams-iranian-attack, 07 Jul 2026]
#3539
On July 8, 2026, Pakistan's Foreign Office urged restraint following military strikes between which two nations?
(a) Saudi Arabia and Yemen
(b) United States and Iran
(c) Israel and Lebanon
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Foreign Office statement specifically addressed the escalating hostilities and mutual strikes between the United States and Iran. The other options represent different regional conflicts not central to this specific diplomatic appeal. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2013927/pakistan-urges-us-iran-to-exercise-restraint-after-overnight-strikes, 08 Jul 2026]
#3540
Which international organization or agency reported the initial strikes on the tankers in the Strait of Hormuz on July 7, 2026?
(a) International Maritime Organization (IMO)
(b) International Energy Agency (IEA)
(c) United Nations Security Council (UNSC)
(d) United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO)
Explanation: The UKMTO is the primary maritime security agency that reported the strikes, including the use of drones and unknown projectiles. The IMO and IEA are regulatory or analytical bodies that do not typically provide real-time tactical reporting on maritime security incidents. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2013627/three-ships-struck-in-hormuz-flare-up-qatar-slams-iranian-attack, 07 Jul 2026]