January 2026 Edition
Start January Quiz
January 2026 Current Affairs MCQs & Solutions
Top national & international current affairs questions for CSS, PMS, FPSC, PPSC, and NTS screening tests.
#5121
In the context of the 2026 Gulf conflict, which body did Marco Rubio meet with to discuss the operation?
(a) The United Nations Security Council
(b) G7 counterparts
(c) The Arab League
(d) The North Atlantic Council
Explanation: Rubio met with his G7 counterparts in France to coordinate on the ongoing military operation and diplomatic strategy. The other organizations were not cited as the primary venue for this specific meeting. [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]
#5122
On which date in 2026 did the UAE defence ministry initially report the death of a person due to falling debris in Abu Dhabi?
(a) March 01
(b) February 28
(c) March 05
(d) March 08
Explanation: The conflict and the initial interception incidents in Abu Dhabi began on February 28, 2026. March 8 is the date of the report regarding the second fatality in Dubai. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979732/second-pakistani-killed-in-uae-due-to-falling-debris-from-aerial-interception-amid-ongoing-iran-us-israel-war, 08 Mar 2026]
#5123
Who was appointed as the new Supreme Leader of Iran on March 12, 2026?
(a) Ali Khamenei
(b) Mojtaba Khamenei
(c) Ebrahim Raisi
(d) None of these
Explanation: Mojtaba Khamenei succeeded his father as the Supreme Leader of Iran. Ali Khamenei is the predecessor, and Ebrahim Raisi is not the current successor. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981360/in-first-remarks-irans-new-supreme-leader-vows-to-avenge-martyrs-keep-strait-of-hormuz-closed, 12 Mar 2026]
#5124
Where were two tankers reported to be ablaze following attacks by suspected explosive-laden boats on March 12, 2026?
(a) Port of Bandar Abbas
(b) Port of Jebel Ali
(c) Port of Basra
(d) Port of Chabahar
Explanation: Reports confirmed that two tankers were hit and set ablaze in an Iraqi port, specifically identified as the Port of Basra. The other ports are located in Iran or the UAE. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981360/in-first-remarks-irans-new-supreme-leader-vows-to-avenge-martyrs-keep-strait-of-hormuz-closed, 12 Mar 2026]
#5125
Consider the following statements about the 2026 US-Israeli military campaign against Iran: 1. The campaign's primary focus includes targeting Iranian missile and drone factories. 2. The administration explicitly listed the destruction of Iran's nuclear weapons program as a primary war goal. 3. Senator Chris Murphy described the administration's war strategy as incoherent and incomplete. 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 focus is on missiles and drones. Statement 2 is incorrect because the briefing indicated that destroying the nuclear program was not among the listed war goals. Statement 3 is correct as Senator Murphy explicitly criticized the strategy as incoherent. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980866/us-lawmakers-warn-of-trumps-incoherent-iran-war-strategy-after-classified-briefing, 11 Mar 2026]
#5126
What is the total estimated cost of the military conflict against Iran as reported by the US Pentagon in July 2026?
(a) 37.5 billion dollars
(b) 27.5 billion dollars
(c) 17.5 billion dollars
(d) 47.5 billion dollars
Explanation: Pentagon Chief Pete Hegseth confirmed that the financial expenditure for the military operations against Iran has reached 37.5 billion dollars. This figure is a central point of political debate regarding the sustainability of the conflict. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017476/us-continues-strikes-on-iran-for-11th-consecutive-night-triggering-air-defences-in-tehran, 22 Jul 2026]
#5127
Which of the following sequences represents the correct thematic order of events reported on 08 August 2026, based on the regional and institutional scope of the developments?
(a) 1. Typhoon Dolphin impacts East Asia; 2. Hamas reaffirms peace plan; 3. Pakistan-New Zealand bilateral consultations; 4. KP Assembly amends privilege law
(b) 1. KP Assembly amends privilege law; 2. Pakistan-New Zealand bilateral consultations; 3. Hamas reaffirms peace plan; 4. Typhoon Dolphin impacts East Asia
(c) 1. Typhoon Dolphin impacts East Asia; 2. KP Assembly amends privilege law; 3. Pakistan-New Zealand bilateral consultations; 4. Hamas reaffirms peace plan
(d) 1. Hamas reaffirms peace plan; 2. Typhoon Dolphin impacts East Asia; 3. KP Assembly amends privilege law; 4. Pakistan-New Zealand bilateral consultations
Explanation: The events are ordered by their geopolitical scope: starting from regional climate events in East Asia, moving to international conflict mediation (Gaza), then bilateral state-level diplomacy (Pakistan-New Zealand), and finally concluding with sub-national provincial legislative reforms (KP Assembly). [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2021508/typhoon-dolphin-hits-japans-okinawa-china-shuts-ports-ahead-of-landfall]
#5128
Which of the following statements regarding the US-Iran escalation as of July 22, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) President Trump threatened to strike any new sites where Iran attempts to resume nuclear activity.
(b) The United States has expressed a strong interest in immediate, unconditional diplomatic engagement with Tehran.
(c) The Strait of Hormuz has remained blocked as part of the ongoing regional tensions.
(d) US forces conducted bombing raids in the south and west of Iran.
Explanation: The report states that Washington has no interest in engaging with Tehran unless they are ready to meet in a 'meaningful way,' contradicting the claim that the US is seeking immediate, unconditional engagement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017405/trump-threatens-to-obliterate-any-active-nuclear-site-in-iran, 22 Jul 2026]
#5129
Consider the following statements about the regional security situation as of July 2026: 1. The Houthis have enforced a maritime blockade in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait to disrupt Saudi oil supplies. 2. The UKMTO reported that a tanker in the Strait of Hormuz was struck by a projectile. 3. Iran has successfully maintained a continuous ceasefire with the United States since the beginning of the year. 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 report. Statement 3 is incorrect because the report explicitly mentions the breakdown of a fragile ceasefire almost two weeks prior to the July 22, 2026, publication. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017405/trump-threatens-to-obliterate-any-active-nuclear-site-in-iran, 22 Jul 2026]
#5130
Which of the following individuals is reported to be among the activists detained by Israeli forces during the May 2026 flotilla interception?
(a) Saad Edhi
(b) Abdul Sattar Edhi
(c) Faisal Edhi
(d) None of these
Explanation: Saad Edhi, the son of Faisal Edhi and grandson of Abdul Sattar Edhi, was reported to be among the detained activists. The other two names are his father and grandfather, respectively. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2001815/monstrous-disgraceful-and-inhumane-israeli-minister-sparks-outcry-over-video-of-bound-flotilla-activists, 20 May 2026]
#5131
Consider the following statements about the current situation in the Strait of Hormuz: 1. The conflict involving the United States and Israel began in February 2026. 2. A ceasefire has been in effect in the region since April 2026. 3. The PGSA is the only body authorized to manage the strait, with no involvement from the Revolutionary Guards. 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 timeline of the conflict and the ceasefire. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Revolutionary Guards' navy actively shared and supported the announcement of the PGSA, indicating their involvement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2001272/iran-officially-announces-new-body-to-manage-strait-of-hormuz-top-security-council, 18 May 2026]
#5132
Consider the following statements about the May 2026 flotilla incident: 1. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu publicly supported the actions taken by Itamar Ben Gvir. 2. The activists were attempting to breach the Israeli blockade of Gaza. 3. Foreign Minister Gideon Saar criticized the video release, stating it caused harm to the state. 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 Netanyahu criticized Ben Gvir and ordered the deportation of the activists. Statements 2 and 3 are factually accurate based on the events described. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2001815/monstrous-disgraceful-and-inhumane-israeli-minister-sparks-outcry-over-video-of-bound-flotilla-activists, 20 May 2026]
#5133
Which of the following statements regarding the status of the Strait of Hormuz as of May 18, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) Shipping traffic has returned to pre-war status following the April ceasefire.
(b) Iran has implemented a system to charge ships for traversing the strait.
(c) The PGSA provides real-time updates on operations within the strait.
(d) Iran has sent formal regulations to ships passing through the waterway.
Explanation: Iran has explicitly stated that maritime traffic would not return to its pre-war status, making the incorrect statement. The other options accurately reflect the current operational changes implemented by Iran. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2001272/iran-officially-announces-new-body-to-manage-strait-of-hormuz-top-security-council, 18 May 2026]
#5134
According to the official stance reiterated by Pakistan in May 2026, what is the primary condition for any change in Islamabad's policy toward Israel?
(a) The signing of the Abraham Accords
(b) The establishment of an independent Palestinian state
(c) The conclusion of the war with Iran
(d) The withdrawal of US forces from the Middle East
Explanation: Pakistan maintains that normalization with Israel is contingent upon the establishment of an independent Palestinian state. The Abraham Accords are the specific agreements Pakistan has declined to join under current conditions. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2003632/pakistan-firmly-committed-to-stance-on-palestine-israel-dar-answers-question-on-abraham-accords, 29 May 2026]
#5135
What is the name of the new body established by Iran to manage the Strait of Hormuz as of May 18, 2026?
(a) Persian Gulf Strait Authority
(b) Hormuz Maritime Command
(c) Strait Sovereignty Council
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Persian Gulf Strait Authority (PGSA) was announced by Iran's Supreme National Security Council to provide real-time updates and manage traffic. The other options are plausible-sounding distractors but do not represent the official entity. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2001272/iran-officially-announces-new-body-to-manage-strait-of-hormuz-top-security-council, 18 May 2026]
#5136
Consider the following statements about the geopolitical situation in the Strait of Hormuz as of May 2026: 1. The Strait of Hormuz handled approximately one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas traffic prior to the war. 2. President Trump confirmed that the US is currently discussing the easing of sanctions on Iran as part of a peace deal. 3. Ebrahim Azizi stated that Iranian demands include the right to enrich uranium and maintain authority over the strait. 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 2 is incorrect because President Trump explicitly stated that the US was not discussing easing sanctions on Iran. Statements 1 and 3 are factually accurate based on the reported geopolitical context. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2003525/us-strikes-iran-drawing-retaliatory-attack-on-american-base-after-trump-dismisses-report-of-hormuz-deal, 28 May 2026]
#5137
Who is the Israeli National Security Minister responsible for releasing the controversial video of detained flotilla activists on May 20, 2026?
(a) Benjamin Netanyahu
(b) Gideon Saar
(c) Itamar Ben Gvir
(d) None of these
Explanation: Itamar Ben Gvir is the National Security Minister who posted the footage on his social media account. Benjamin Netanyahu is the Prime Minister, and Gideon Saar is the Foreign Minister, both of whom criticized Ben Gvir's actions. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2001815/monstrous-disgraceful-and-inhumane-israeli-minister-sparks-outcry-over-video-of-bound-flotilla-activists, 20 May 2026]
#5138
Who is the current Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Pakistan who met with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on May 29, 2026?
(a) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari
(b) Mohammad Ishaq Dar
(c) Shah Mehmood Qureshi
(d) None of these
Explanation: Mohammad Ishaq Dar serves as the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Pakistan and conducted the official visit to Washington in May 2026. The other individuals listed are former foreign ministers of Pakistan. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2003632/pakistan-firmly-committed-to-stance-on-palestine-israel-dar-answers-question-on-abraham-accords, 29 May 2026]
#5139
Which Iranian entity claimed responsibility for targeting a US airbase in retaliation for the May 28, 2026, strikes?
(a) Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps
(b) Artesh (Regular Army of Iran)
(c) Basij Resistance Force
(d) Quds Force
Explanation: The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) officially announced that they targeted a US base in response to the US attack near Bandar Abbas. While the Quds Force is a branch of the IRGC, the official statement was issued by the IRGC leadership. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2003525/us-strikes-iran-drawing-retaliatory-attack-on-american-base-after-trump-dismisses-report-of-hormuz-deal, 28 May 2026]
#5140
Which of the following statements regarding the May 2026 escalation is INCORRECT?
(a) The US military shot down four Iranian attack drones during the operation.
(b) The ceasefire between the US and Iran had been in effect since the beginning of 2026.
(c) Oil prices rebounded following reports of the renewed hostilities.
(d) The US official stated that the military actions were intended to be defensive.
Explanation: The ceasefire between the US and Iran took effect in early April 2026, not at the beginning of the year. The other statements accurately reflect the events of May 28, 2026. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2003525/us-strikes-iran-drawing-retaliatory-attack-on-american-base-after-trump-dismisses-report-of-hormuz-deal, 28 May 2026]