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.
#4401
Which of the following statements regarding the Australian government's response to the 2026 US tariffs is INCORRECT?
(a) The government has described the tariffs as unjustified.
(b) The government has accepted the US allegations regarding forced labor as accurate.
(c) The government intends to seek the removal of the tariffs.
(d) The government plans to raise the issue at every level of the Australia-US relationship.
Explanation: The Australian government has explicitly contested the US allegations, arguing that its own provisions against modern slavery are already very strong. Therefore, it has not accepted the US claims as accurate. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431855/australia-to-raise-concerns-over-new-tariffs-with-trump-pm-albanese-says, 26 Jul 2026]
#4402
Who is the current Prime Minister of Australia leading the diplomatic response to the 2026 US tariff imposition?
(a) Scott Morrison
(b) Malcolm Turnbull
(c) Kevin Rudd
(d) Anthony Albanese
Explanation: Anthony Albanese is the Prime Minister of Australia who publicly stated his intention to raise the tariff issue with President Donald Trump. The other individuals listed are former Australian Prime Ministers. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431855/australia-to-raise-concerns-over-new-tariffs-with-trump-pm-albanese-says, 26 Jul 2026]
#4403
Consider the following statements about the regional geopolitical situation as of July 26, 2026: 1. The current Israeli leadership has explicitly rejected the possibility of a Palestinian state. 2. Saudi Arabia's role as the custodian of Islam's holiest sites makes its potential recognition of Israel highly significant for the Muslim world. 3. The US administration has successfully coerced all OIC members into recognizing Israel through the Abraham Accords. 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 Israeli leadership has publicly opposed a Palestinian state. Statement 2 is correct regarding Saudi Arabia's unique religious status. Statement 3 is incorrect because many OIC members, including Pakistan, have not recognized Israel. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018440/quid-pro-quo, 26 Jul 2026]
#4404
What is the primary reason cited by the United States for imposing new tariffs on Australia in 2026?
(a) Failure to curb the trade of goods made by forced labor
(b) Violation of intellectual property rights in the technology sector
(c) Excessive subsidies provided to the domestic agricultural industry
(d) None of these
Explanation: The United States imposed the tariffs alleging that trading partners, including Australia, failed to adequately address forced labor within their supply chains. Australia has rejected this characterization, citing its own strong anti-slavery provisions. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431855/australia-to-raise-concerns-over-new-tariffs-with-trump-pm-albanese-says, 26 Jul 2026]
#4405
Consider the following statements about the UNSC resolution adopted on March 11, 2026: 1. The resolution was adopted with 13 votes in favor. 2. Pakistan voted against the resolution due to its diplomatic ties with Tehran. 3. The resolution highlights the impact of attacks on maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz. 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 13 members voted in favor. Statement 2 is incorrect because Pakistan was a co-sponsor and voted in favor of the resolution. Statement 3 is correct as the resolution specifically highlights the adverse impact on maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981123/unsc-adopts-resolution-against-irans-attacks-on-gulf-nations-tehran-decries-blatant-misuse-of-security-council, 11 Mar 2026]
#4406
Who is the current chairman of the Federal Reserve as of July 27, 2026?
(a) Donald Trump
(b) Mike Waltz
(c) Mohammad Akraminia
(d) Kevin Warsh
Explanation: Kevin Warsh is identified as the new chairman of the Federal Reserve responsible for the upcoming interest rate decision. Mike Waltz is the US ambassador to the United Nations, and Mohammad Akraminia is an Iranian army spokesman. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40432022/dow-sampp-500-rise-as-oil-prices-tumble, 27 Jul 2026]
#4407
Consider the following statements about the Pentagon's policy on AI as of March 2026: 1. Anthropic was designated as a 'Supply-Chain Risk to National Security' by the Pentagon. 2. The Pentagon allowed an immediate, total cessation of all Anthropic technology usage without any transition period. 3. Claude remains the only frontier AI model currently operating on the Defence Department’s classified systems. 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 Anthropic was designated a security risk. Statement 2 is incorrect because the Pentagon allowed a six-month transition period for its own internal use. Statement 3 is correct as Claude is identified as the most widely deployed frontier model on classified systems. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980925/china-warns-us-ai-military-use-can-create-terminator-world, 11 Mar 2026]
#4408
Which of the following US Congressmen was part of the delegation that visited Pakistan in July 2026?
(a) Ryan Keith Zinke
(b) Michael McCaul
(c) Brad Sherman
(d) None of these
Explanation: Ryan Keith Zinke, representing Montana, was one of the two US congressmen who visited Pakistan. Michael James was the other member of the delegation, making 'None of these' incorrect as Zinke is explicitly listed. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018779/in-meeting-with-cdf-munir-us-congressmen-acknowledge-pakistans-critical-role-in-regional-stability-ispr, 27 Jul 2026]
#4409
Consider the following statements about the visit of the US delegation in July 2026: 1. The delegation met with the Governor of Punjab in Lahore. 2. The US congressmen expressed that the bilateral relationship has never been better. 3. The delegation visited the mausoleum of Allama Iqbal during their stay in Islamabad. 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 delegation met the Punjab Governor and Zinke remarked on the strength of the relationship. Statement 3 is incorrect because the mausoleum of Allama Iqbal is located in Lahore, not Islamabad. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018779/in-meeting-with-cdf-munir-us-congressmen-acknowledge-pakistans-critical-role-in-regional-stability-ispr, 27 Jul 2026]
#4410
In July 2026, Israel announced the redeployment of forces in which region as part of US-backed agreements?
(a) The Golan Heights
(b) The West Bank
(c) Southern Lebanon
(d) Sinai Peninsula
Explanation: On July 21, 2026, Israel announced the redeployment of some of its forces in southern Lebanon. This action was taken in accordance with agreements reached with Lebanese authorities. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018884/iran-tops-agenda-as-netanyahu-due-to-meet-trump, 28 Jul 2026]
#4411
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]
#4412
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]
#4413
Who is the current Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs visiting Pakistan in July 2026?
(a) Melanie Joly
(b) Anita Anand
(c) Chrystia Freeland
(d) None of these
Explanation: Anita Anand is the Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs who scheduled a visit to Pakistan in July 2026. The other names listed are former or alternative Canadian cabinet members, making them incorrect. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016734/canadian-foreign-minister-anita-anand-to-visit-pakistan-on-monday, 19 Jul 2026]
#4414
Consider the following statements about the Pakistan-Canada diplomatic engagement in 2026: 1. The sixth round of Bilateral Political Consultations was held in Islamabad in February 2026. 2. Canada hosted the second round of negotiations for a Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement in June 2026. 3. The Canadian Foreign Minister is expected to meet with the President of Pakistan during her visit. 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 2026 diplomatic timeline. Statement 3 is incorrect because the report specifies that the Canadian Foreign Minister is expected to meet with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, not the President. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016734/canadian-foreign-minister-anita-anand-to-visit-pakistan-on-monday, 19 Jul 2026]
#4415
The visit of the Canadian Foreign Minister to Pakistan in July 2026 marks the first such visit in how many years?
(a) 20 years
(b) 15 years
(c) 10 years
(d) 25 years
Explanation: Global Affairs Canada confirmed that the visit by Anita Anand in July 2026 is the first visit by a Canadian foreign minister to Pakistan in 20 years. This highlights the significance of the current diplomatic engagement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016734/canadian-foreign-minister-anita-anand-to-visit-pakistan-on-monday, 19 Jul 2026]
#4416
Which of the following is NOT a concern raised by Pakistan regarding the current international system in the May 2026 UNSC debate?
(a) The expansion of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization
(b) Weaponization of water treaties
(c) The need for comprehensive UNSC reform
(d) Selective application of international law
Explanation: Pakistan's address focused on the selective application of law, the sanctity of water treaties (specifically the Indus Waters Treaty), and the necessity of UNSC reform. NATO expansion was not a topic addressed by the Foreign Minister in this specific speech. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2003210/pakistan-stresses-need-for-restraint-de-escalation-in-iran-us-conflict, 26 May 2026]
#4417
Which specific agency in Bahrain was responsible for the arrest of the six individuals on March 10, 2026?
(a) National Intelligence Agency
(b) Border Control Authority
(c) Public Security Force
(d) Anti-Cyber Crime Directorate
Explanation: The Bahraini interior ministry confirmed that the Anti-Cyber Crime Directorate conducted the arrests. This agency is tasked with monitoring digital platforms for content that threatens national security. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980603/bahrain-authorities-arrest-6-asians-including-5-pakistanis-for-allegedly-filming-sharing-videos-of-irans-attacks, 10 Mar 2026]
#4418
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]
#4419
Consider the following statements about Pakistan's diplomatic position presented at the UNSC on May 26, 2026: 1. Pakistan advocates for the weaponization of water resources to exert diplomatic pressure. 2. The Foreign Minister emphasized that the crisis of the international system stems from the selective application of principles. 3. Pakistan maintains that there can be no durable peace in the Middle East while occupation and forced displacement continue. 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 Pakistan explicitly stated that water must never be weaponized. Statements 2 and 3 accurately reflect the Foreign Minister's critique of the international order and his stance on the Middle East conflict. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2003210/pakistan-stresses-need-for-restraint-de-escalation-in-iran-us-conflict, 26 May 2026]
#4420
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]