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.
#5101
On March 8, 2026, Israeli forces conducted a rare airborne operation in which region of Lebanon?
(a) Bekaa Valley
(b) Tyre District
(c) Sidon Governorate
(d) None of these
Explanation: Israeli helicopters dropped troops near the town of Nabi Chit, which is located in the eastern Bekaa Valley. This operation was specifically aimed at searching for the remains of a missing Israeli airforce navigator. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979644/israel-pounds-beirut-warns-lebanon-of-heavy-price, 08 Mar 2026]
#5102
Approximately how many barrels of crude oil per day did Kuwait produce in February 2026?
(a) 4.1 million
(b) 3.2 million
(c) 2.6 million
(d) 1.8 million
Explanation: Kuwait's production level in February 2026 was reported at approximately 2.6 million barrels per day. This figure serves as the baseline before the precautionary cuts were implemented. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979510/kuwaits-national-oil-company-cuts-production-as-precaution-amid-iran-tensions, 07 Mar 2026]
#5103
According to the SBP statement released on March 9, 2026, what was the inflation rate recorded in February 2026?
(a) 5.8 percent
(b) 7.0 percent
(c) 8.2 percent
(d) None of these
Explanation: The SBP reported that inflation rose to 5.8 percent in January and 7 percent in February 2026. Option D is incorrect because 7 percent is explicitly mentioned as the February figure. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980133/sbp-maintains-policy-rate-at-105pc, 09 Mar 2026]
#5104
The Israeli military operation in the Bekaa Valley on March 8, 2026, was officially stated to be a search for the remains of which individual?
(a) Jonathan Pollard
(b) Eli Cohen
(c) Gilad Shalit
(d) Ron Arad
Explanation: The Israeli military stated the operation was intended to recover the remains of Ron Arad, an airforce navigator who has been missing in Lebanon since 1986. The other individuals listed are historical figures not involved in this specific search operation. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979644/israel-pounds-beirut-warns-lebanon-of-heavy-price, 08 Mar 2026]
#5105
Which of the following statements regarding the regional aviation situation on March 8, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) Saudia initiated a partial resumption of flights connecting Riyadh and Jeddah with Dubai.
(b) Oman Air suspended flights to destinations including Amman, Doha, and Baghdad.
(c) Qatar Airways resumed all scheduled commercial flights to and from Doha.
(d) Bahrain International Airport confirmed that its airspace remained temporarily closed.
Explanation: Statement D is incorrect because Qatar Airways specifically excluded scheduled commercial flights from its partial resumption of air navigation. The other three statements accurately reflect the operational status of those respective airlines and airports. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979639/mideast-airlines-begin-cautious-flight-resumption-amid-regional-tensions, 08 Mar 2026]
#5106
Which airline resumed a limited commercial flight schedule from March 6, 2026, following safety assessments?
(a) Oman Air
(b) SalamAir
(c) Gulf Air
(d) Etihad Airways
Explanation: Etihad Airways, based in Abu Dhabi, officially announced the resumption of limited commercial operations on March 6, 2026. Other carriers like Oman Air and SalamAir have instead focused on extending flight cancellations during this period. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979639/mideast-airlines-begin-cautious-flight-resumption-amid-regional-tensions, 08 Mar 2026]
#5107
Which organization announced a precautionary reduction in crude oil production on March 7, 2026?
(a) Saudi Aramco
(b) Kuwait Petroleum Corporation
(c) QatarEnergy
(d) None of these
Explanation: Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC) officially announced the production cut as a risk management strategy amid regional tensions. Saudi Aramco and QatarEnergy are distinct national entities not involved in this specific announcement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979510/kuwaits-national-oil-company-cuts-production-as-precaution-amid-iran-tensions, 07 Mar 2026]
#5108
On March 25, 2026, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a telephonic conversation with which Saudi leader to discuss regional de-escalation?
(a) King Salman bin Abdulaziz
(b) Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman
(c) Prince Faisal bin Farhan
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Prime Minister's Office confirmed that the conversation took place with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to discuss the ongoing regional crisis. While King Salman is the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, the direct diplomatic coordination regarding the current hostilities was conducted with the Crown Prince. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1985161/pm-shehbaz-hails-saudi-arabias-restraint-stresses-urgent-need-for-de-escalation-of-ongoing-iran-war, 25 Mar 2026]
#5109
Which US official serves as the Secretary of Defense during the 2026 Iran conflict?
(a) Pete Hegseth
(b) Lloyd Austin
(c) James Mattis
(d) Mark Esper
Explanation: Pete Hegseth is the Secretary of Defense who participated in the classified congressional briefing. The other options are former Secretaries of Defense. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980866/us-lawmakers-warn-of-trumps-incoherent-iran-war-strategy-after-classified-briefing, 11 Mar 2026]
#5110
The US proposal sent to Iran in March 2026 consists of how many points?
(a) 15 points
(b) 10 points
(c) 5 points
(d) 20 points
Explanation: The US proposal, which covers demands regarding nuclear and missile programs and trade route control, is a 15-point document. The other options are incorrect numerical distractors. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1985991/rubio-says-war-on-iran-to-last-weeks-not-months-no-us-ground-troops-needed, 27 Mar 2026]
#5111
Consider the following statements about the US-Iran conflict as of March 2026: 1. The US has officially ruled out the use of any ground troops in the region. 2. Iran has publicly rejected the 15-point proposal presented by the US. 3. The US has extended a deadline for Iran to reopen the blockaded 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 incorrect because while Rubio stated the US can achieve aims without ground troops, the US is still deploying Marines and airborne soldiers to the region. Statements 2 and 3 are factually accurate based on the reported events. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1985991/rubio-says-war-on-iran-to-last-weeks-not-months-no-us-ground-troops-needed, 27 Mar 2026]
#5112
Consider the following statements about the energy situation in the Middle East as of March 2026: 1. Kuwait Petroleum Corporation has permanently ceased all oil exports due to the conflict. 2. The Strait of Hormuz is identified as a critical point of concern for the safe passage of ships. 3. Qatar has declared force majeure on its gas exports.
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) All three
Explanation: Statement 1 is false because the reduction is described as a 'precautionary' measure subject to review, not a permanent cessation. Statements 2 and 3 are factually accurate based on the reported events. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979510/kuwaits-national-oil-company-cuts-production-as-precaution-amid-iran-tensions, 07 Mar 2026]
#5113
What was the official codename of the US military operation against Iran that concluded in 2026?
(a) Operation Desert Storm
(b) Operation Iraqi Freedom
(c) Operation Enduring Freedom
(d) Operation Epic Fury
Explanation: The US Secretary of State confirmed that the military campaign against Iran was codenamed 'Operation Epic Fury'. Other options refer to historical US military operations in different contexts. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2004963/rubio-declares-us-operation-against-iran-over-claims-washington-achieved-military-objectives, 03 Jun 2026]
#5114
Who serves as the United States Secretary of State during the 2026 military campaign against Iran?
(a) Antony Blinken
(b) Marco Rubio
(c) Mike Pompeo
(d) None of these
Explanation: Marco Rubio is identified as the Secretary of State who provided the classified briefing to US lawmakers regarding the military campaign. Antony Blinken and Mike Pompeo are former Secretaries of State and serve as distractors. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980866/us-lawmakers-warn-of-trumps-incoherent-iran-war-strategy-after-classified-briefing, 11 Mar 2026]
#5115
Consider the following statements about the aviation disruptions in March 2026: 1. The disruptions were primarily caused by technical failures in regional air traffic control systems. 2. Dubai International Airport and Al Maktoum International Airport were among the facilities that reopened. 3. Pakistan's flight schedules to the Middle East experienced a mix of cancellations and operational flights. 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 false because the disruptions were linked to regional geopolitical tensions and airspace closures, not technical failures. Statements 2 and 3 are factually accurate based on the reported status of UAE airports and the impact on Pakistani flight connectivity. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979639/mideast-airlines-begin-cautious-flight-resumption-amid-regional-tensions, 08 Mar 2026]
#5116
Consider the following statements about the 2026 US military operation in Iran: 1. The US Secretary of State declared that all future military actions would be defensive in nature. 2. Representative Sara Jacobs argued that the conflict remains ongoing despite the change in operational status. 3. The administration claimed that Iran has been completely stripped of all drone and maritime combat capabilities. 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 and 2 are correct as they reflect the Secretary's testimony and the lawmaker's critique. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Secretary admitted that Iran still retained some drone and maritime combat capabilities. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2004963/rubio-declares-us-operation-against-iran-over-claims-washington-achieved-military-objectives, 03 Jun 2026]
#5117
Which vital maritime route remains closed according to the testimony provided during the 2026 House Foreign Affairs Committee hearing?
(a) Strait of Hormuz
(b) Strait of Malacca
(c) Suez Canal
(d) Bab-el-Mandeb Strait
Explanation: The Strait of Hormuz is identified as the critical maritime route that remains closed, impacting global oil exports. The other straits listed are not the focus of the current conflict described. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2004963/rubio-declares-us-operation-against-iran-over-claims-washington-achieved-military-objectives, 03 Jun 2026]
#5118
According to the statement by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on March 27, 2026, what is the projected duration of the military operation in the Gulf?
(a) Several years
(b) Weeks, not months
(c) Exactly six months
(d) None of these
Explanation: Rubio explicitly stated that the operation is expected to conclude in a matter of weeks rather than months. This reflects the US administration's current assessment of the conflict's timeline. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1985991/rubio-says-war-on-iran-to-last-weeks-not-months-no-us-ground-troops-needed, 27 Mar 2026]
#5119
According to the US administration, which of the following was a primary objective achieved during the 2026 military operation?
(a) Establishment of a new democratic government in Tehran
(b) Complete annexation of the Persian Gulf coastline
(c) Destruction of Iran's conventional navy
(d) Total disarmament of all regional non-state actors
Explanation: The Secretary of State explicitly stated that the destruction of Iran's conventional navy and defense industrial base were key objectives of the operation. The other options were not cited as strategic goals of the campaign. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2004963/rubio-declares-us-operation-against-iran-over-claims-washington-achieved-military-objectives, 03 Jun 2026]
#5120
Which of the following is NOT a stated objective or outcome claimed by the US administration regarding the 2026 operation?
(a) Significant reduction of missile launchers
(b) Immediate reopening of the Strait of Hormuz
(c) Destruction of the defense industrial base
(d) Reduction of drone stockpiles
Explanation: The administration claimed victory based on military degradation, but acknowledged that the Strait of Hormuz remained closed. Therefore, the reopening of the strait was not an achieved outcome. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2004963/rubio-declares-us-operation-against-iran-over-claims-washington-achieved-military-objectives, 03 Jun 2026]