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.
#4201
Who is the newly appointed Ambassador of Pakistan to the Islamic Republic of Iran as of July 2026?
(a) Mohsin Naqvi
(b) Imran Ahmed Siddiqui
(c) Syed Asim Munir
(d) None of these
Explanation: Imran Ahmed Siddiqui presented his credentials to Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Tehran on July 21, 2026. Mohsin Naqvi is the Interior Minister of Pakistan, not the ambassador to Iran. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017147/araghchi-identifies-peace-security-as-key-goals-in-relations-with-islamabad, 21 Jul 2026]
#4202
Consider the following statements about the forum held on 2026-07-21: 1. The event marked the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China. 2. The forum also commemorated the 105th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China. 3. The event was held in Islamabad to discuss regional connectivity. 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 regarding the anniversaries celebrated. Statement 3 is incorrect because the event took place in Lahore, not Islamabad. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017164/better-ties-vital-for-pak-india-china-prosperity-ex-fm-khurshid-mahmud-kasuri, 21 Jul 2026]
#4203
Which region of the United States was primarily affected by the air quality alerts resulting from the Canadian wildfires in July 2026?
(a) The Northeast
(b) The American Southwest
(c) The Pacific Northwest
(d) The Gulf Coast
Explanation: The smoke from the Canadian wildfires drifted into the northeastern United States, triggering unhealthy air quality alerts in that specific region. The other regions listed were not the primary focus of the reported environmental impact. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017162/trump-seeks-damages-from-canada-over-wildfires, 21 Jul 2026]
#4204
Consider the following statements about the 2026 USCIRF findings regarding India: 1. The commission alleges that India has engaged in transnational repression targeting religious minorities abroad. 2. The report claims that violence against religious minorities in India has become increasingly episodic rather than normalized. 3. Proposed amendments to the FCRA could allow the Indian government to take over assets of NGOs that lose their foreign funding licenses. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) All three
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct regarding transnational repression. Statement 2 is incorrect because the report states that violence is becoming 'less episodic' and 'more normalized.' Statement 3 is correct regarding the potential impact of FCRA amendments. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1998729/us-religious-freedom-commission-calls-for-india-to-be-listed-as-country-of-particular-concern, 08 May 2026]
#4205
Which of the following statements regarding the diplomatic meeting on April 18, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The Indian foreign secretary conveyed deep concern regarding the firing on merchant ships.
(b) The Iranian envoy agreed to convey India's views to the authorities in Iran.
(c) India recalled that Iran had previously facilitated the safe passage of ships bound for India.
(d) The meeting resulted in an immediate and permanent reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.
Explanation: The report does not state that the meeting resulted in a permanent reopening of the strait; rather, it notes that the Iranian envoy undertook to convey India's views to his government. Options A, B, and D are factually accurate descriptions of the diplomatic exchange. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1992990/new-delhi-summons-iranian-envoy-after-indian-flagged-tankers-shot-at-near-strait-of-hormuz, 18 Apr 2026]
#4206
Pakistan played a mediation role in facilitating a ceasefire between which two nations in 2026?
(a) Saudi Arabia and Yemen
(b) Russia and Ukraine
(c) United States and Iran
(d) None of these
Explanation: Pakistan has been actively engaged in mediation efforts between the United States and Iran, resulting in a ceasefire that commenced on April 8, 2026. This initiative has been acknowledged by international partners for its contribution to regional stability. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1999715/pm-shehbaz-azerbaijans-president-aliyev-discuss-peace-efforts-in-mideast-pmo, 12 May 2026]
#4207
In the context of the July 2026 wildfire dispute, the United States accused Canada of which of the following?
(a) Environmental sabotage
(b) Trade protectionism
(c) Wilful negligence
(d) Diplomatic isolation
Explanation: President Trump specifically characterized the Canadian handling of the wildfires as 'wilful negligence' during his public statements on July 21, 2026. This term was used to justify the demand for financial damages. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017162/trump-seeks-damages-from-canada-over-wildfires, 21 Jul 2026]
#4208
What was the primary reason cited by Iran for closing the Strait of Hormuz to commercial shipping on April 18, 2026?
(a) United States blockade of Iranian ports
(b) Severe weather conditions in the Persian Gulf
(c) Routine naval military exercises
(d) Diplomatic dispute with the United Arab Emirates
Explanation: Iran declared the waterway closed for commercial ships due to the United States' continued blockade of its ports. This action directly impacted the transit of merchant vessels in the region. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1992990/new-delhi-summons-iranian-envoy-after-indian-flagged-tankers-shot-at-near-strait-of-hormuz, 18 Apr 2026]
#4209
Which vessel was identified as being involved in the shooting incident near the Strait of Hormuz on April 18, 2026?
(a) Sanmar Herald
(b) Larak Star
(c) Persian Pearl
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Sanmar Herald was identified by Indian government sources as the crude oil tanker that came under fire while attempting to transit the Strait of Hormuz. Other options are fabricated names that do not appear in the report. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1992990/new-delhi-summons-iranian-envoy-after-indian-flagged-tankers-shot-at-near-strait-of-hormuz, 18 Apr 2026]
#4210
Who was identified by the US leadership as the head of the American delegation expected to travel to Pakistan on April 20, 2026?
(a) Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf
(b) Esmaeil Baqaei
(c) JD Vance
(d) Donald Trump
Explanation: US leadership confirmed that Vice President JD Vance was expected to lead the delegation to Pakistan. The other individuals listed are Iranian officials. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1993458/us-delegation-expected-in-islamabad-but-uncertainty-prevails-over-talks-amid-mixed-signals-from-iran, 20 Apr 2026]
#4211
Which maritime trade route was reported as closed by Iran on April 18, 2026, amid escalating tensions with the United States?
(a) Strait of Hormuz
(b) Suez Canal
(c) Bab-el-Mandeb Strait
(d) Panama Canal
Explanation: Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz, stating it would remain shut until the US ended its blockade of Iranian ports. The other straits are not involved in this specific diplomatic dispute. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1993458/us-delegation-expected-in-islamabad-but-uncertainty-prevails-over-talks-amid-mixed-signals-from-iran, 20 Apr 2026]
#4212
Consider the following statements regarding the diplomatic situation on April 20, 2026: 1. The US leadership confirmed that a delegation was en route to Islamabad. 2. Iranian officials expressed full confidence in the US commitment to the diplomatic process. 3. Security measures in Islamabad included the sealing of the Red Zone. 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 US leadership confirmed the delegation's travel. Statement 3 is correct as security was tightened in Islamabad. Statement 2 is incorrect because Iranian officials explicitly expressed a lack of trust in Washington's seriousness. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1993458/us-delegation-expected-in-islamabad-but-uncertainty-prevails-over-talks-amid-mixed-signals-from-iran, 20 Apr 2026]
#4213
What was the specific percentage of the duty that Washington rolled back on Indian exports in February 2026?
(a) 10 percent
(b) 25 percent
(c) 15 percent
(d) 30 percent
Explanation: The United States reduced a 25 percent duty on Indian exports as part of an interim trade deal. This adjustment followed New Delhi's stated commitment regarding its energy procurement policies. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979646/new-delhi-continues-importing-russian-oil, 08 Mar 2026]
#4214
During his visit on June 23, 2026, the Iranian President identified which region as requiring a new security structure through intra-regional cooperation?
(a) Central Asia and the Caspian Sea
(b) East Asia and the South China Sea
(c) South Asia and the Indian Ocean
(d) West Asia and the Persian Gulf
Explanation: President Pezeshkian specifically highlighted West Asia and the Persian Gulf as the strategic regions where sustainable security must be ensured through regional cooperation. Other regions listed are geographically distinct from the focus of his diplomatic proposal. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2010220/hands-of-friendship-iran-president-calls-for-new-regional-security-structure-among-muslim-nations, 23 Jun 2026]
#4215
According to the announcement made on April 19, 2026, which individual was reported to lead the American delegation for the negotiations in Islamabad?
(a) Jared Kushner
(b) Steve Kushner
(c) JD Vance
(d) None of these
Explanation: US media outlets reported that Vice President JD Vance was designated to lead the American delegation. While Jared and Steve Kushner were mentioned as part of the team, Vance was the lead official cited. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1993224/trump-says-us-representatives-heading-to-islamabad-will-be-there-tomorrow-evening-for-negotiations-with-iran, 19 Apr 2026]
#4216
Which of the following statements regarding the diplomatic situation as of April 19, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The first round of US-Iran talks in Islamabad ended without a formal agreement.
(b) The United States has officially confirmed that Iran has accepted the new deal proposed by President Trump.
(c) Iran has demanded the lifting of the US blockade on its ports as a precondition for talks.
(d) The Strait of Hormuz has been a focal point of the maritime standoff between the two nations.
Explanation: The United States has not confirmed Iran's acceptance; in fact, reports indicate that Iran's participation remains uncertain and that Tehran has expressed skepticism. Options A, B, and D are all factually supported by the provided text. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1993224/trump-says-us-representatives-heading-to-islamabad-will-be-there-tomorrow-evening-for-negotiations-with-iran, 19 Apr 2026]
#4217
Which Iranian leader visited Islamabad on June 23, 2026, to advocate for a new regional security structure?
(a) Masoud Pezeshkian
(b) Ebrahim Raisi
(c) Hassan Rouhani
(d) Mohammad Mokhber
Explanation: Masoud Pezeshkian is the current President of Iran who visited Pakistan on the specified date. Ebrahim Raisi is a former president, making him an incorrect choice. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2010220/hands-of-friendship-iran-president-calls-for-new-regional-security-structure-among-muslim-nations, 23 Jun 2026]
#4218
Which military official held discussions regarding peace initiatives with the Iranian President during the June 23, 2026 visit?
(a) Field Marshal Asim Munir
(b) General Sahir Shamshad Mirza
(c) General Qamar Javed Bajwa
(d) General Raheel Sharif
Explanation: Field Marshal Asim Munir, as the Chief of Army Staff, met with the Iranian President to discuss regional peace initiatives. The other names represent former or different military leadership roles. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2010220/hands-of-friendship-iran-president-calls-for-new-regional-security-structure-among-muslim-nations, 23 Jun 2026]
#4219
Which Iranian official stated on April 20, 2026, that Tehran had yet to decide on its participation in the next round of talks?
(a) Esmaeil Baqaei
(b) Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf
(c) Ali Khamenei
(d) None of these
Explanation: Foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei explicitly stated that no decision had been made regarding the next round of negotiations. Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf is the parliament speaker who also commented on the lack of trust. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1993458/us-delegation-expected-in-islamabad-but-uncertainty-prevails-over-talks-amid-mixed-signals-from-iran, 20 Apr 2026]
#4220
Consider the following statements about the US-Iran conflict as of April 19, 2026: 1. The US-Israeli strikes on Iran commenced on February 28, 2026. 2. President Trump threatened to target Iranian power plants and bridges if the proposed deal is rejected. 3. The Strait of Hormuz was closed by Iran in response to the US blockade of Iranian ports. 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: the strikes began on February 28, the threat to infrastructure was explicitly made by President Trump, and Iran cited the US blockade as the reason for closing the Strait of Hormuz. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1993224/trump-says-us-representatives-heading-to-islamabad-will-be-there-tomorrow-evening-for-negotiations-with-iran, 19 Apr 2026]