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.
#6301
Who was the captain of the Australian cricket team during the 2026 ODI series against Pakistan?
(a) Josh Inglis
(b) Adam Zampa
(c) Nathan Ellis
(d) None of these
Explanation: Josh Inglis served as the captain for the Australian side throughout the three-match ODI series. Adam Zampa and Nathan Ellis were members of the squad but did not hold the captaincy. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2005169/pakistan-upstage-australia-for-2-1-odi-series-win, 04 Jun 2026]
#6302
Which of the following statements regarding the 2026 ODI series between Pakistan and Australia is INCORRECT?
(a) Pakistan won the first ODI match held in Rawalpindi.
(b) Australia won the second ODI match by 41 runs.
(c) The final ODI match was decided by a four-wicket victory for Pakistan.
(d) Pakistan won the series with a final score of 3-0.
Explanation: Pakistan won the series 2-1, not 3-0. The other statements accurately reflect the series progression and results. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2005169/pakistan-upstage-australia-for-2-1-odi-series-win, 04 Jun 2026]
#6303
Which stadium hosted the third and final ODI match between Pakistan and Australia on June 4, 2026?
(a) Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium
(b) National Bank Stadium
(c) Gaddafi Stadium
(d) Multan Cricket Stadium
Explanation: The third ODI match, which decided the series in favor of Pakistan, was played at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. Rawalpindi hosted the first match of the series. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2005169/pakistan-upstage-australia-for-2-1-odi-series-win, 04 Jun 2026]
#6304
Consider the following statements about the final ODI match of the 2026 series: 1. Australia won the toss and elected to bat first. 2. Pakistan successfully chased the target in 41.5 overs. 3. Shadab Khan and Abdul Samad shared an unbroken seventh-wicket partnership to secure the win. 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 match report. Australia batted first after winning the toss, Pakistan reached the target in 41.5 overs, and the partnership between Shadab and Samad was indeed the decisive factor for the seventh wicket. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2005169/pakistan-upstage-australia-for-2-1-odi-series-win, 04 Jun 2026]
#6305
Who currently serves as the United States Secretary of State as of May 27, 2026?
(a) Mike Pompeo
(b) Marco Rubio
(c) Antony Blinken
(d) None of these
Explanation: Marco Rubio is identified as the US Secretary of State in the report regarding the cabinet meeting. Other options are either former secretaries or not currently serving in that capacity. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2003490/trump-cabinet-looks-forward-to-progress-on-iran-deal-in-coming-hours-days, 27 May 2026]
#6306
Which of the following statements regarding the Germany vs. Curacao match on June 14, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) Curacao was making its debut in the FIFA World Cup.
(b) Germany won the match with a final score of 7-1.
(c) Livano Comenencia scored the only goal for Curacao.
(d) The match was held in the final stage of the knockout rounds.
Explanation: The match was an opening Group E fixture, not a knockout round match. The other three statements accurately describe the debutant status of Curacao, the final score, and the goalscorer for Curacao. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2007821/germany-hammer-world-cup-debutants-curacao-after-early-scare, 14 Jun 2026]
#6307
Consider the following statements about the Germany vs. Curacao match held on June 14, 2026: 1. Kai Havertz scored two goals during the match. 2. The Curacao fans are known as the Blue Wave. 3. Germany had not won an opening match at a World Cup since 2014. 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 correct based on the match report. Kai Havertz scored a double, the Curacao fans are referred to as the Blue Wave, and Germany had indeed not won an opening match since their 2014 title run. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2007821/germany-hammer-world-cup-debutants-curacao-after-early-scare, 14 Jun 2026]
#6308
Which player was sent off during the Belgium versus Iran match on June 21, 2026?
(a) Kevin De Bruyne
(b) Romelu Lukaku
(c) Nathan Ngoy
(d) Thibaut Courtois
Explanation: Nathan Ngoy was dismissed after a red card for hauling down Mehdi Taremi following a mis-hit backpass. The other players listed remained on the pitch for their respective teams. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2009791/iran-frustrate-star-studded-belgium-to-steal-another-world-cup-point, 21 Jun 2026]
#6309
Arrange the following administrative and political developments of August 10, 2026, in the correct chronological order based on the nature of the events as provided in the reports: (I) Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim undergoes elective hernia surgery. (II) The Tarbela Dam achieves its maximum water storage capacity. (III) Voting commences in the Bagh and Haveli districts for AJK elections. (IV) Ten additional individuals are added to the Fourth Schedule in AJK.
(a) I, II, III, IV
(b) IV, III, II, I
(c) II, IV, III, I
(d) III, IV, II, I
Explanation: The order reflects the standard reporting sequence provided in the source digest for the date August 10, 2026, starting with the executive health update, followed by the water security achievement, the progress of AJK electoral phases, and the AJK internal security measures. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2021885/malaysia-pm-anwar-ibrahim-undergoes-elective-surgery-to-treat-hernia]
#6310
Which player scored the opening goal for Germany in their 2026 World Cup match against Curacao?
(a) Kai Havertz
(b) Felix Nmecha
(c) Jamal Musiala
(d) Deniz Undav
Explanation: Felix Nmecha scored the opening goal in the sixth minute of the match. While other players like Havertz and Musiala also scored, Nmecha was the first to find the net. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2007821/germany-hammer-world-cup-debutants-curacao-after-early-scare, 14 Jun 2026]
#6311
Manuel Neuer achieved a milestone in the 2026 World Cup by becoming the oldest German player to appear in a World Cup, participating in his:
(a) Third tournament
(b) Fourth tournament
(c) Fifth tournament
(d) Sixth tournament
Explanation: Manuel Neuer, at age 40, reached the milestone of playing in his fifth global tournament. This distinguishes him as the oldest German player to ever appear in the competition. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2007821/germany-hammer-world-cup-debutants-curacao-after-early-scare, 14 Jun 2026]
#6312
Who is the oldest coach to ever appear at the FIFA World Cup finals, as noted during the 2026 tournament?
(a) Julian Nagelsmann
(b) Dick Advocaat
(c) Louis van Gaal
(d) None of these
Explanation: Dick Advocaat, aged 78, holds the record as the oldest coach to appear at the World Cup finals. Julian Nagelsmann is the current coach of the German national team. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2007821/germany-hammer-world-cup-debutants-curacao-after-early-scare, 14 Jun 2026]
#6313
Which of the following statements regarding the Iran vs. Belgium match on June 21, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The match ended in a scoreless draw.
(b) Mehdi Taremi had a goal overturned by VAR for offside.
(c) Iran utilized a back-five defensive formation.
(d) Belgium played with 11 men for the entire duration of the match.
Explanation: Belgium was reduced to 10 men after Nathan Ngoy was sent off, making the statement that they played with 11 men incorrect. All other options accurately describe the events of the match. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2009791/iran-frustrate-star-studded-belgium-to-steal-another-world-cup-point, 21 Jun 2026]
#6314
Who is the head coach of the Belgium national football team as referenced in the 2026 World Cup coverage?
(a) Rudi Garcia
(b) Hans Vanaken
(c) Maxim De Cuyper
(d) Dodi Lukebakio
Explanation: Rudi Garcia is identified as the coach who made a triple substitution during the match against Iran. The other individuals listed are players. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2009791/iran-frustrate-star-studded-belgium-to-steal-another-world-cup-point, 21 Jun 2026]
#6315
The Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding, which provided the framework for the US-Iran talks, was signed on which date in 2026?
(a) June 15, 2026
(b) June 22, 2026
(c) June 18, 2026
(d) June 25, 2026
Explanation: The Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding was signed on June 18, 2026. This 14-point accord set the stage for the subsequent negotiations held in Switzerland. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2010038/iran-president-masoud-pezeshkian-to-visit-pakistan-on-tuesday-fo, 22 Jun 2026]
#6316
Which countries served as mediators for the US-Iran talks held at the Lake Lucerne Summit in 2026?
(a) Pakistan and Qatar
(b) Pakistan and Turkiye
(c) Saudi Arabia and Qatar
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Lake Lucerne Summit in Switzerland was mediated by Pakistan and Qatar. These nations facilitated the direct negotiations between the United States and Iran to address regional security concerns. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2010038/iran-president-masoud-pezeshkian-to-visit-pakistan-on-tuesday-fo, 22 Jun 2026]
#6317
Consider the following statements about the diplomatic developments in June 2026: 1. The talks were conducted under the framework of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding. 2. The negotiations included representatives from the United States, Iran, Pakistan, and Qatar. 3. The final peace deal was successfully signed and concluded during the Lake Lucerne Summit. 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 talks were held under the Islamabad MoU framework with the four mentioned nations participating. Statement 3 is incorrect because the summit established a roadmap to reach a final deal within 60 days, rather than signing the final deal itself at that time. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2009504/us-iran-genuinely-want-peace-in-the-region-pm-shehbaz, 21 Jun 2026]
#6318
Who extended the official invitation to Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian for his visit to Pakistan on June 23, 2026?
(a) Shehbaz Sharif
(b) Asif Ali Zardari
(c) Ishaq Dar
(d) Yousuf Raza Gilani
Explanation: The Foreign Office confirmed that the visit of President Pezeshkian was conducted at the invitation of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. While President Zardari is scheduled to meet the visiting dignitary, the invitation originated from the Prime Minister's office. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2010038/iran-president-masoud-pezeshkian-to-visit-pakistan-on-tuesday-fo, 22 Jun 2026]
#6319
Consider the following statements about the diplomatic developments between the US and Iran in 2026: 1. Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister confirmed that negotiations for a final deal have already concluded. 2. The US and Iran held direct high-level talks at the Lake Lucerne Summit. 3. Both sides have exchanged fire in the Gulf since the signing of the US-Iran deal on June 18, 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 incorrect because Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister stated that negotiations for a final deal have not yet begun. Statements 2 and 3 are factually accurate regarding the summit history and the ongoing military tensions. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2012207/trump-says-us-getting-along-well-with-iran-as-both-countries-hold-indirect-talks-in-qatar, 01 Jul 2026]
#6320
Consider the following statements about the diplomatic developments in June 2026: 1. The Lake Lucerne Summit was held in Switzerland to facilitate US-Iran negotiations. 2. The Islamabad MoU includes a 14-point framework for regional stability. 3. President Masoud Pezeshkian visited Pakistan for the first time in his capacity as President during this June 2026 trip. 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 regarding the summit location and the MoU framework. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Foreign Office explicitly noted that this visit was Dr. Pezeshkian's second visit to Pakistan in his capacity as President. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2010038/iran-president-masoud-pezeshkian-to-visit-pakistan-on-tuesday-fo, 22 Jun 2026]