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.
#5161
Consider the following statements about the 2026 global economic outlook: 1. The World Bank projects that inflation in developing economies will be higher than previously expected before the conflict. 2. Urea prices are expected to jump by 60% in 2026. 3. Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz is expected to return to pre-war levels by early 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: Statement 1 is correct as inflation was revised upward by one percentage point. Statement 2 is correct regarding the 60% jump in urea. Statement 3 is incorrect because the baseline assumption is a return to pre-war levels by late 2026, not early 2026. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1995842/energy-prices-expected-to-surge-24pc-reaching-highest-level-since-2022-russia-ukraine-war-world-bank-assessment, 28 Apr 2026]
#5162
Who served as the primary mediator for the direct negotiations between Lebanon and Israel held in Washington on April 14, 2026?
(a) Michael Needham
(b) Gideon Saar
(c) Marco Rubio
(d) Yechiel Leiter
Explanation: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio mediated the high-level talks between the Lebanese and Israeli ambassadors. While Michael Needham was present as a State Department Counselor, Rubio led the diplomatic effort. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1991749/lebanon-israel-agree-to-direct-negotiations-after-washington-talks, 14 Apr 2026]
#5163
Which of the following statements regarding the April 14, 2026, Washington talks is INCORRECT?
(a) The talks were mediated by the United States.
(b) Hezbollah supported the diplomatic process as a path to peace.
(c) The meeting involved the ambassadors of Lebanon and Israel to the United States.
(d) All sides agreed to launch further direct negotiations at a future time.
Explanation: Hezbollah vehemently opposed the talks and even launched rocket attacks during the meeting, making the claim that they supported the process false. The other statements accurately reflect the events of the day. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1991749/lebanon-israel-agree-to-direct-negotiations-after-washington-talks, 14 Apr 2026]
#5164
Which organization issued a statement on April 12, 2026, declaring that military vessels approaching the Strait of Hormuz would be considered a breach of the ceasefire?
(a) Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps
(b) United States Central Command
(c) International Maritime Organization
(d) None of these
Explanation: The IRGC issued the warning following the US announcement of a blockade. The other options are either international bodies or US military commands not responsible for this specific Iranian policy statement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1991096/after-trumps-blockade-announcement-irgc-says-will-view-military-vessels-approaching-hormuz-as-ceasefire-breach, 12 Apr 2026]
#5165
Which of the following statements regarding the April 2026 Al-Aqsa incursion is INCORRECT?
(a) The incursion was carried out under heavy police protection.
(b) The event occurred without prior public announcement.
(c) The site is considered the third-holiest for Muslims.
(d) The minister received explicit international support for the visit.
Explanation: The incursion faced widespread international, Arab, and Islamic condemnation rather than support. The other statements accurately reflect the circumstances of the event. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1991141/israeli-minister-storms-al-aqsa-mosque-again-amid-restrictions-on-worshippers, 12 Apr 2026]
#5166
Which religious site in East Jerusalem was subjected to closure for 40 days prior to the events of April 2026?
(a) The Western Wall
(b) The Church of the Holy Sepulchre
(c) The Dome of the Rock
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Church of the Holy Sepulchre was closed for 40 days due to security concerns cited by Israeli officials. The Dome of the Rock is located within the Al-Aqsa compound, not a separate site closed for that duration. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1991141/israeli-minister-storms-al-aqsa-mosque-again-amid-restrictions-on-worshippers, 12 Apr 2026]
#5167
According to the Lebanese health ministry, approximately how many people were killed in the Israeli bombardment on April 9, 2026?
(a) At least 300
(b) At least 200
(c) At least 100
(d) At least 400
Explanation: The Lebanese health ministry reported that at least 300 people were killed during the bombardment on that date. This figure highlights the severity of the military action that drew global condemnation. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1990283/israel-seeks-peace-talks-with-lebanon-as-soon-as-possible-as-world-condemns-tel-avivs-bombardment-amid-us-iran-truce, 09 Apr 2026]
#5168
Which of the following statements regarding the US-Iran truce as of April 9, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The truce was intended to last for a duration of two weeks
(b) The US President requested Israel to reduce the intensity of its strikes
(c) Israel maintains that its military operations in Lebanon are covered by the truce
(d) International powers have demanded the truce be extended to include Lebanon
Explanation: Israel and the United States have explicitly insisted that the fighting in Lebanon is not covered by the US-Iran ceasefire. Therefore, the statement that Israel maintains the operations are covered by the truce is false. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1990283/israel-seeks-peace-talks-with-lebanon-as-soon-as-possible-as-world-condemns-tel-avivs-bombardment-amid-us-iran-truce, 09 Apr 2026]
#5169
Who is the Israeli National Security Minister responsible for the April 2026 incursion into the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound?
(a) Benjamin Netanyahu
(b) Itamar Ben-Gvir
(c) Yoav Gallant
(d) None of these
Explanation: Itamar Ben-Gvir is the National Security Minister who led the incursion into the Al-Aqsa compound in April 2026. Benjamin Netanyahu is the Prime Minister, and Yoav Gallant is a separate cabinet official, making them incorrect choices. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1991141/israeli-minister-storms-al-aqsa-mosque-again-amid-restrictions-on-worshippers, 12 Apr 2026]
#5170
Which of the following statements regarding the 2026 visa fraud conspiracy is INCORRECT?
(a) The scheme involved staging armed robberies at convenience stores.
(b) Participants paid the organizer to be included in the scheme.
(c) Store owners were paid to allow their premises to be used for the staged crimes.
(d) The defendants are immune from deportation after serving their sentences.
Explanation: The statement that defendants are immune from deportation is incorrect, as the report explicitly states that all defendants are subject to deportation upon completion of any sentence imposed. The other options accurately describe the mechanics of the fraud. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1990558/us-jury-indicts-10-indians-for-visa-fraud-conspiracy-involving-staged-robberies-at-convenience-stores, 10 Apr 2026]
#5171
Consider the following statements about the diplomatic situation in Lebanon as of April 9, 2026: 1. The Lebanese government has demanded a ceasefire as a precondition for negotiations. 2. Hezbollah has expressed willingness to engage in direct negotiations with Israel. 3. The United Nations has described the Israeli assault on Lebanon as 'carnage'. 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 Lebanese government requested a ceasefire first. Statement 2 is incorrect because Hezbollah lawmaker Ali Fayyad explicitly rejected direct negotiations with Israel. Statement 3 is correct as the UN used the term 'carnage' to describe the assault. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1990283/israel-seeks-peace-talks-with-lebanon-as-soon-as-possible-as-world-condemns-tel-avivs-bombardment-amid-us-iran-truce, 09 Apr 2026]
#5172
What is the maximum prison sentence for the charge of conspiracy to commit visa fraud as stated in the 2026 indictment?
(a) Three years
(b) Seven years
(c) Five years
(d) Ten years
Explanation: The charge of conspiracy to commit visa fraud carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison. This is a standard federal penalty for this specific category of immigration-related fraud. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1990558/us-jury-indicts-10-indians-for-visa-fraud-conspiracy-involving-staged-robberies-at-convenience-stores, 10 Apr 2026]
#5173
Who is the current President of Iran that confirmed participation in the peace talks held in the context of the 2026 ceasefire?
(a) Ebrahim Raisi
(b) Hassan Rouhani
(c) Masoud Pezeshkian
(d) Mohammad Mokhber
Explanation: Masoud Pezeshkian is the President of Iran who confirmed Tehran's participation in the peace talks during a phone call with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The other individuals listed are either former presidents or officials not currently holding the presidency in 2026. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1989584/pm-shehbaz-asks-trump-to-extend-deadline-for-two-weeks-requests-iran-to-open-hormuz-for-corresponding-period, 07 Apr 2026]
#5174
Which of the following statements regarding the 2026 ceasefire agreement is INCORRECT?
(a) The White House confirmed that the in-person talks in Islamabad were finalized and officially announced by President Trump.
(b) Israel supported the ceasefire deal but maintained it did not include Lebanon.
(c) The United States and Iran agreed to an immediate ceasefire.
(d) Saudi Arabia expressed hope that the truce would lead to a comprehensive de-escalation.
Explanation: The White House Press Secretary stated that while discussions about in-person talks were occurring, nothing was final until officially announced by the President or the White House. Therefore, stating that the talks were already finalized and announced is incorrect. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1989584/pm-shehbaz-asks-trump-to-extend-deadline-for-two-weeks-requests-iran-to-open-hormuz-for-corresponding-period, 07 Apr 2026]
#5175
Consider the following statements about the 2026 visa fraud case: 1. The defendants were initially charged by criminal complaint in March 2026. 2. The U-visa requires the applicant to have been helpful to law enforcement in the investigation of criminal activity. 3. The staged robberies were designed to be captured on store surveillance video to provide evidence for the fraudulent claims. 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 details of the 2026 indictment. The defendants were charged in March 2026, the U-visa requires cooperation with law enforcement, and the staged robberies were indeed recorded to bolster the false claims. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1990558/us-jury-indicts-10-indians-for-visa-fraud-conspiracy-involving-staged-robberies-at-convenience-stores, 10 Apr 2026]
#5176
Which strategic maritime chokepoint was highlighted by the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) as needing to be opened following the 2026 ceasefire?
(a) Strait of Malacca
(b) Strait of Hormuz
(c) Suez Canal
(d) Bab-el-Mandeb Strait
Explanation: The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) emphasized that the Strait of Hormuz should be opened to address traffic buildup and regional security. The other straits listed are not the primary focus of the current Iran-US diplomatic de-escalation. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1989584/pm-shehbaz-asks-trump-to-extend-deadline-for-two-weeks-requests-iran-to-open-hormuz-for-corresponding-period, 07 Apr 2026]
#5177
Consider the following statements about the diplomatic developments in April 2026: 1. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif mediated the ceasefire between the United States and Iran. 2. The ceasefire agreement was initially rejected by all members of the Gulf Cooperation Council. 3. The Iranian President confirmed his country's participation in the proposed Islamabad negotiations. 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 Prime Minister helped mediate the deal. Statement 3 is correct as President Pezeshkian confirmed participation. Statement 2 is incorrect because the GCC members actually welcomed the ceasefire. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1989584/pm-shehbaz-asks-trump-to-extend-deadline-for-two-weeks-requests-iran-to-open-hormuz-for-corresponding-period, 07 Apr 2026]
#5178
Consider the following statements about the joint statement issued on April 23, 2026: 1. The ministers condemned the raising of the Israeli flag within the courtyards of Al-Aqsa Mosque. 2. The statement cited the 2024 advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice regarding illegal settlements. 3. The ministers declared that the Al-Aqsa compound is a place of worship exclusively for Muslims. 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 joint statement. The ministers condemned the flag-raising, referenced the 2024 ICJ advisory opinion, and reiterated the exclusive status of the site for Muslim worship. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1994444/pakistan-7-other-muslim-nations-reject-attempts-to-alter-historic-legal-status-quo-in-jerusalem-at-its-holy-sites, 23 Apr 2026]
#5179
In which international forum did the Pakistani representative address the issue of terrorism emanating from Afghan soil on March 10, 2026?
(a) UN General Assembly
(b) International Court of Justice
(c) Human Rights Council
(d) UN Security Council
Explanation: The statement was delivered during a meeting of the UN Security Council specifically focused on the situation in Afghanistan. The other bodies listed were not the venue for this specific diplomatic address. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40410948/pakistans-ct-operations-focused-on-neutralising-cross-border-threats-from-afghan-soil, 10 Mar 2026]
#5180
Consider the following statements about the joint statement issued on April 23, 2026: 1. The ministers condemned the raising of the Israeli flag within the courtyards of Al-Aqsa Mosque. 2. The statement cited the 2024 advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice regarding illegal settlements. 3. The ministers called for the immediate annexation of the West Bank to ensure regional stability. 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 condemned the raising of the Israeli flag. Statement 2 is correct as the statement referenced the 2024 ICJ advisory opinion. Statement 3 is incorrect because the ministers categorically rejected any attempts to annex occupied Palestinian territory. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1994444/pakistan-7-other-muslim-nations-reject-attempts-to-alter-historic-legal-status-quo-in-jerusalem-at-its-holy-sites, 23 Apr 2026]