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.
#5601
Who served as the co-chairs for the symposium held on Capitol Hill on March 24, 2026?
(a) Tom Suozzi and Jack Bergman
(b) Paul Kapur and Natalie Baker
(c) Rizwan Saeed Sheikh and Donald Trump
(d) None of these
Explanation: Congressmen Tom Suozzi and Jack Bergman chaired the four-hour session. Paul Kapur and Natalie Baker were speakers or contributors, not the chairs of the event. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1985157/pakistans-mediation-offer-reflects-growing-diplomatic-confidence-capitol-hill-symposium-told, 25 Mar 2026]
#5602
What is the name of the peace agreement signed between the United States and Iran in 2026?
(a) Geneva Accord
(b) Burgenstock Treaty
(c) Islamabad Peace Deal
(d) Hormuz Security Pact
Explanation: The agreement that ended the hostilities between the United States and Iran in 2026 is officially referred to as the Islamabad Peace Deal. While Geneva was mentioned as a potential site for subsequent talks, it is not the name of the primary agreement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2009269/pm-shehbaz-saudi-crown-prince-discuss-iran-us-talks-stress-peace-process-must-not-be-undermined, 19 Jun 2026]
#5603
Which of the following statements regarding the 2026 US-Iran peace process is INCORRECT?
(a) The peace deal includes a framework to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
(b) The peace deal was signed in person by the leaders in Switzerland.
(c) The peace deal requires negotiations on key issues to be completed within 60 days.
(d) Pakistan acted as a mediator throughout the conflict.
Explanation: The memorandum of understanding was electronically signed by the parties, not in person in Switzerland. The other statements accurately reflect the terms and context of the agreement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2009269/pm-shehbaz-saudi-crown-prince-discuss-iran-us-talks-stress-peace-process-must-not-be-undermined, 19 Jun 2026]
#5604
The conflict between the United States and Iran in 2026 officially began on which date?
(a) February 28, 2026
(b) March 15, 2026
(c) April 8, 2026
(d) June 19, 2026
Explanation: The military conflict, characterized by air attacks, commenced on February 28, 2026. This date marks the beginning of the hostilities that Pakistan later mediated. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2009269/pm-shehbaz-saudi-crown-prince-discuss-iran-us-talks-stress-peace-process-must-not-be-undermined, 19 Jun 2026]
#5605
Which Pakistani official led the delegation to the United States in July 2026 to discuss economic cooperation?
(a) Muhammad Aurangzeb
(b) Ishaq Dar
(c) Shamshad Akhtar
(d) Miftah Ismail
Explanation: Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb led the delegation and held meetings with the US Treasury Secretary. The other individuals listed are former finance ministers or officials not involved in this specific 2026 visit. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017582/us-treasury-secretary-welcomes-pakistans-economic-reforms-return-to-capital-markets, 22 Jul 2026]
#5606
Which of the following statements regarding the 2026 US-Iran diplomatic situation is INCORRECT?
(a) Iran has officially denied holding direct talks with the US in the past 24 days.
(b) The Iranian Foreign Ministry admitted receiving messages from friendly countries regarding US requests for talks.
(c) The ongoing conflict in the Middle East has entered its fourth week.
(d) Iran has confirmed that it has already responded positively to all messages received from the US.
Explanation: The Iranian Foreign Ministry explicitly stated that it had not responded to the messages received from friendly countries. Therefore, the claim that they responded positively is false. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1984640/pakistan-egypt-turkiye-engaged-in-back-channel-diplomacy-for-us-iran-de-escalation-sources, 23 Mar 2026]
#5607
The decision to hold fuel prices in March 2026 was made following a consultative session that included which high-ranking official?
(a) Minister of Finance
(b) Governor of the State Bank
(c) Field Marshal Asim Munir
(d) Chairman of the FBR
Explanation: The consultative session involved federal and provincial representatives and was attended by the Chief of Defence Forces, Field Marshal Asim Munir. This reflects the high-level coordination regarding national economic security. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981713/pm-shehbaz-says-prices-of-petroleum-products-not-being-increased-despite-uptick-in-global-market, 13 Mar 2026]
#5608
Which three countries are actively engaged in back-channel diplomacy to mediate between the United States and Iran as of March 2026?
(a) Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar
(b) Pakistan, Egypt, and Turkiye
(c) Pakistan, Jordan, and Oman
(d) None of these
Explanation: Pakistan, Egypt, and Turkiye are identified as the primary mediators working to bridge the gap between the US and Iran. Other regional players like Saudi Arabia or Qatar are not mentioned as part of this specific tripartite diplomatic conduit. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1984640/pakistan-egypt-turkiye-engaged-in-back-channel-diplomacy-for-us-iran-de-escalation-sources, 23 Mar 2026]
#5609
In the context of the 2026 regional conflict, what specific action did US President Donald Trump order to facilitate potential talks with Iran?
(a) A permanent ceasefire in the Persian Gulf
(b) The withdrawal of naval assets from the Strait of Hormuz
(c) A five-day postponement of military strikes against Iranian power plants
(d) None of these
Explanation: President Trump ordered a five-day delay in planned military strikes against Iranian power infrastructure to allow space for constructive dialogue. This tactical pause is a central element of the current de-escalation efforts. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1984640/pakistan-egypt-turkiye-engaged-in-back-channel-diplomacy-for-us-iran-de-escalation-sources, 23 Mar 2026]
#5610
On March 20, 2026, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced that the federal government would bear a financial burden of how much to prevent a fuel price hike?
(a) Rs 24 billion
(b) Rs 45 billion
(c) Rs 69 billion
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Prime Minister stated that the government spent Rs 24 billion in an earlier instance and Rs 45 billion in the most recent instance, totaling Rs 69 billion in subsidies to prevent price increases. Option A and B represent partial components of this total expenditure. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1984122/pm-shehbaz-rejects-recommendations-for-further-hike-in-petrol-diesel-prices, 20 Mar 2026]
#5611
What is the official slogan announced by the Iranian leadership for the year 2026?
(a) Global solidarity against the Zionist enemy
(b) Resistance economy in light of national unity and national security
(c) Strengthening the Resistance Front through regional integration
(d) Economic prosperity through international cooperation
Explanation: The Supreme Leader declared 'resistance economy in light of national unity and national security' as the guiding slogan for the year to counter economic warfare. Other options represent general policy themes but are not the official slogan. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1984126/supreme-leader-mojtaba-denies-irans-role-in-attacks-in-oman-turkiye-dubs-them-false-flag-tactic, 20 Mar 2026]
#5612
Who is the current Supreme Leader of Iran as of March 20, 2026?
(a) Ali Khamenei
(b) Mojtaba Khamenei
(c) Ebrahim Raisi
(d) None of these
Explanation: Mojtaba Khamenei assumed the position of Supreme Leader following the assassination of his father, Ali Khamenei, on February 28, 2026. Ali Khamenei is the deceased predecessor, not the current leader. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1984126/supreme-leader-mojtaba-denies-irans-role-in-attacks-in-oman-turkiye-dubs-them-false-flag-tactic, 20 Mar 2026]
#5613
In the context of the 2026 austerity measures, what percentage of public sector staff was mandated to work from home?
(a) 25 percent
(b) 40 percent
(c) 50 percent
(d) 75 percent
Explanation: As part of the broader austerity measures announced to cope with the fuel crisis, the government decided that 50 percent of staff in the public sector would work from home, with exemptions for those providing essential services. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1984358/govt-increases-levy-on-high-octane-fuel-used-in-luxury-vehicles-by-rs200-per-litre, 22 Mar 2026]
#5614
Consider the following statements about the fuel price situation as of March 20, 2026: 1. The government has already implemented a price hike of Rs 55 per litre earlier in the month. 2. The most recent recommendation rejected by the PM included a Rs 177 per litre increase for high-speed diesel. 3. The government is funding the subsidies through new international loans. 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 Prime Minister's address. Statement 3 is incorrect because the government explicitly stated it is funding the subsidies through savings and cuts in development expenditure, not through new loans. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1984122/pm-shehbaz-rejects-recommendations-for-further-hike-in-petrol-diesel-prices, 20 Mar 2026]
#5615
Consider the following statements about the diplomatic engagements of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in March 2026: 1. The Prime Minister held discussions with the President of Uzbekistan regarding the Gulf region. 2. The diplomatic calls were conducted exclusively to discuss bilateral trade tariffs. 3. The Prime Minister reiterated the need for dialogue and diplomacy to resolve regional disputes. 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 PM spoke with President Mirziyoyev. Statement 3 is correct as the PM consistently emphasized diplomacy. Statement 2 is incorrect because the primary focus was regional de-escalation, not trade tariffs. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1984038/calls-for-de-escalation-in-middle-east-as-pm-shehbaz-speaks-to-several-world-leaders, 20 Mar 2026]
#5616
Which of the following statements regarding the March 2026 fuel policy is INCORRECT?
(a) The price of fuel for ordinary vehicles used by the middle class was increased.
(b) The government expects to generate Rs9 billion in monthly savings.
(c) The levy increase applies to high-octane fuel used in luxury vehicles.
(d) The Prime Minister chaired the meeting virtually.
Explanation: The government explicitly stated that the prices of fuel used in ordinary vehicles by the lower and middle classes have not been increased. Therefore, is the incorrect statement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1984358/govt-increases-levy-on-high-octane-fuel-used-in-luxury-vehicles-by-rs200-per-litre, 22 Mar 2026]
#5617
Consider the following statements about the current geopolitical stance of Iran in 2026: 1. The Iranian leadership views the current regional conflict as an imposed war. 2. The Supreme Leader has accused Israel of using false flag tactics to create discord with neighbors. 3. Iran has officially accepted responsibility for all attacks occurring in Turkiye and Oman. 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 accurate reflections of the Supreme Leader's recent public statements. Statement 3 is false because Iran has explicitly denied responsibility for the attacks in Turkiye and Oman. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1984126/supreme-leader-mojtaba-denies-irans-role-in-attacks-in-oman-turkiye-dubs-them-false-flag-tactic, 20 Mar 2026]
#5618
Consider the following statements about the government's economic policy in March 2026: 1. The government decided to increase petroleum prices to offset the fiscal deficit. 2. The Prime Minister emphasized that austerity measures are being implemented at both federal and provincial levels. 3. The government is utilizing block allocations to absorb the impact of global price volatility. 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 the government explicitly decided NOT to increase prices. Statements 2 and 3 are correct as they reflect the government's stated strategy of austerity and the use of emergency block allocations. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981713/pm-shehbaz-says-prices-of-petroleum-products-not-being-increased-despite-uptick-in-global-market, 13 Mar 2026]
#5619
Consider the following statements about the conflict in the Strait of Hormuz as of March 16, 2026: 1. Iran has effectively closed the waterway using drones and naval mines. 2. The US-Israeli war on Iran is currently in its third week. 3. Dubai airport operations were temporarily suspended due to Iranian drone attacks. 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 report: the Strait is closed by mines and drones, the conflict is in its third week, and Dubai airport faced temporary closures due to Iranian drone activity. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1982742/trump-upset-as-key-us-partners-shun-call-for-hormuz-warship-escorts, 16 Mar 2026]
#5620
Consider the following statements regarding the governance and political discourse in Pakistan as of August 2026: 1. The creation of new administrative provinces is advocated by federal officials as a means to enhance democratic service delivery. 2. Legal discourse suggests that the PML-N and PPP are likely to maintain an oppositional stance toward the restructuring of provincial boundaries. 3. Current provincial governance critiques argue that development discourse is overly focused on human development indicators rather than physical infrastructure projects.
(a) Only 1 & 2 are correct
(b) Only 2 & 3 are correct
(c) Only 1 & 3 are correct
(d) All statements are correct
Explanation: Statements 1 and 2 accurately reflect the political debate surrounding administrative reform, as articulated by Federal Minister Abdul Aleem Khan and Barrister Gohar, respectively. Statement 3 is incorrect because the provided discourse explicitly critiques governance for focusing on infrastructure-heavy projects at the expense of substantive human development indicators. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40432813/new-provinces-to-strengthen-democracy-aleem]