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.
#6881
Consider the following statements about the security operations conducted on June 28, 2026: 1. The ground operation resulted in the death of a high-value commander named Khan Farosh. 2. The Karachi Rangers camp attack was attributed to terrorists belonging to Jamaatul Ahrar. 3. The air strikes destroyed large quantities of weapons and ammunition stored at terrorist hideouts. 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. The ground operation neutralized Khan Farosh, the Karachi attack was linked to Jamaatul Ahrar, and the air strikes successfully destroyed significant caches of weapons and ammunition. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2011438/security-forces-kill-29-terrorists-in-ground-ops-air-strikes-along-pak-afghan-border-info-minister, 28 Jun 2026]
#6882
Which Pakistani minister accompanied Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif during his official visit to Turkiye in July 2026?
(a) Minister of Finance Muhammad Aurangzeb
(b) Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar
(c) Minister of Defence Khawaja Muhammad Asif
(d) Minister of Planning Ahsan Iqbal
Explanation: Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar, along with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar, accompanied the Prime Minister on his visit. The other ministers listed were not mentioned as part of the official delegation for this specific trip. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2012743/pm-shehbaz-arrives-in-turkiye-on-official-visit, 03 Jul 2026]
#6883
Consider the following statements about the repatriation of Afghan nationals: 1. The government reported that over 1.1 million Afghan nationals were deported in 2025. 2. The current repatriation drive was first launched in 2023. 3. The directive requires daily reporting to the Ministry of Interior starting from July 10, 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 1,155,221 individuals were deported in 2025. Statement 2 is correct as the drive began in 2023. Statement 3 is incorrect because the daily reporting requirement commences on July 11, 2026, not July 10. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2011435/interior-ministry-issues-directive-to-arrest-afghan-nationals-without-valid-visas-from-july-10, 28 Jun 2026]
#6884
Which of the following areas was NOT explicitly mentioned as a focus for enhanced cooperation between Pakistan and Iran during the July 2026 meetings?
(a) Nuclear energy technology transfer
(b) Prevention of illegal immigration
(c) Counter-terrorism
(d) Counter-narcotics
Explanation: The discussions focused on security, trade, and infrastructure, specifically counter-terrorism, immigration, and narcotics. Nuclear energy technology transfer was not part of the official agenda. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017481/pakistan-ready-to-extend-cooperation-with-iran-in-all-fields-naqvi-tells-iranian-counterpart, 22 Jul 2026]
#6885
Consider the following statements about the US-Iran diplomatic situation as of April 2026: 1. Iran has formally accepted the initial US ceasefire proposal without modifications. 2. The US has demanded that Iran forswear the development of nuclear weapons. 3. Iran has submitted a 10-point counter-proposal to the United States. 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 rejected the US proposal. Statements 2 and 3 are correct as they reflect the core US demand regarding nuclear weapons and the specific counter-proposal submitted by Tehran. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1989227/trump-says-vance-witkoff-kushner-talking-with-intermediaries-in-pakistan-iran-could-be-taken-out-on-tuesday, 06 Apr 2026]
#6886
Consider the following statements about the events of July 3, 2026: 1. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif traveled to Istanbul immediately after attending the funeral ceremony in Tehran. 2. The funeral of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was held at the Imam Khomeini Grand Mosalla. 3. The assassination of the Iranian Supreme Leader occurred in a joint strike involving the United States and Israel. 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 provided information. The Prime Minister departed for Istanbul after the ceremony, the venue was the Grand Mosalla, and the strike was attributed to US-Israeli involvement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2012668/pm-shehbaz-cdf-munir-pay-respects-to-irans-assassinated-supreme-leader-khamenei, 03 Jul 2026]
#6887
Who is the Foreign Minister of Kuwait who visited Pakistan in July 2026?
(a) Sheikh Sabah Al-Khalid Al-Sabah
(b) Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah
(c) Sheikh Ahmad Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Sabah
(d) Sheikh Salem Abdullah Al-Jaber Al-Sabah
Explanation: Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah is the Kuwaiti Foreign Minister who undertook the official visit to Pakistan in July 2026. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40432027/kuwaiti-foreign-minister-to-visit-pakistan-on-tuesday-fo, 27 Jul 2026]
#6888
The Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding, which was highlighted during the July 4, 2026, visit, was signed to address which of the following?
(a) The US-Iran war
(b) Regional climate change
(c) Bilateral education exchange
(d) Maritime border disputes
Explanation: The Prime Minister expressed appreciation for Turkiye's support regarding the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding, which was signed on June 18, 2026, to end the US-Iran war. This reflects the diplomatic role both nations play in regional security. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2012929/two-hearts-with-one-soul-pm-shehbaz-says-pak-turkiye-economic-partnership-entering-a-new-phase, 04 Jul 2026]
#6889
Consider the following statements about the Pak-Turkiye relationship as discussed on July 4, 2026: 1. Pakistan maintains a firm stance in support of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. 2. Turkiye provides consistent support for the people of Jammu and Kashmir. 3. The two leaders agreed that military intervention is the only path to preserving international peace. 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 they reflect the mutual support on core national issues. Statement 3 is incorrect because the leaders explicitly reaffirmed that dialogue, diplomacy, and mutual respect are the only sustainable paths to resolving disputes. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2012929/two-hearts-with-one-soul-pm-shehbaz-says-pak-turkiye-economic-partnership-entering-a-new-phase, 04 Jul 2026]
#6890
The 2026 FIFA World Cup final match was scheduled to be held in which US state?
(a) New Jersey
(b) New York
(c) Pennsylvania
(d) Maryland
Explanation: The final was hosted in an open stadium in New Jersey, located across the river from New York City. New York is a common distractor due to its proximity to the venue. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016513/wildfire-haze-hangs-over-eastern-us-world-cup-final-venue, 18 Jul 2026]
#6891
Who served as Pakistan's Permanent Representative to the United Nations during the UNSC debate on July 23, 2026?
(a) Munir Akram
(b) Maleeha Lodhi
(c) Asim Iftikhar Ahmad
(d) Abdullah Hussain Haroon
Explanation: Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad represented Pakistan at the UNSC debate and expressed appreciation for the Secretary-General's proposals. The other individuals are former representatives. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017861/un-chief-praises-pakistans-peace-initiatives-to-reduce-tensions-and-create-space-for-dialogue, 23 Jul 2026]
#6892
Consider the following statements about the 2026 diplomatic initiative: 1. The proposal for Islamabad to host talks was initially requested by Washington. 2. President Donald Trump shared the Prime Minister's message on his social media platform. 3. The Iranian Foreign Minister has confirmed that no messages from the US have been received. 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 request originated from Washington and was shared by Trump. Statement 3 is incorrect because Iran implied the existence of a backchannel and confirmed that messages from the US were received and responded to. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1985071/islamabad-offers-to-host-us-iran-climbdown-effort, 25 Mar 2026]
#6893
What was the approximate percentage increase in the price of kerosene announced in March 2026?
(a) 50 percent
(b) 60 percent
(c) 80 percent
(d) 70 percent
Explanation: The government increased the price of kerosene by Rs130.08 from a base of Rs188.73, which represents an increase of almost 70 percent. This was a significant adjustment compared to the previous monthly rates. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979534/govt-hikes-kerosene-price-by-rs130-to-rs31881-per-litre, 07 Mar 2026]
#6894
Who is the current United Nations Secretary-General who commended Pakistan's diplomatic initiatives on July 23, 2026?
(a) Kofi Annan
(b) Ban Ki-moon
(c) Antonio Guterres
(d) None of these
Explanation: Antonio Guterres is the incumbent UN Secretary-General who addressed the UNSC open debate regarding Pakistan's peace initiatives. The other options are former Secretaries-General. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017861/un-chief-praises-pakistans-peace-initiatives-to-reduce-tensions-and-create-space-for-dialogue, 23 Jul 2026]
#6895
Until what date in 2026 is the current airspace restriction on Indian-registered aircraft effective?
(a) August 23, 2026
(b) August 12, 2026
(c) July 24, 2026
(d) September 23, 2026
Explanation: The Notam explicitly states that the restriction remains in force until 11:59pm on August 23, 2026. July 24 was the expiration date of the previous restriction period. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016474/paa-extends-airspace-ban-on-indian-aircraft-until-aug-23, 18 Jul 2026]
#6896
Consider the following statements about the diplomatic developments on April 25, 2026: 1. The Iranian Foreign Minister described his visit to Pakistan as very fruitful. 2. President Donald Trump stated that the US would resume the war immediately following the cancellation of the envoys' visit. 3. Part of the Iranian delegation returned to Tehran to obtain instructions regarding the war.
(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 minister publicly termed the visit fruitful. Statement 3 is correct as part of the delegation returned to Tehran for instructions. Statement 2 is incorrect because President Trump explicitly stated that the cancellation did not mean he would resume the war. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1994958/iranian-delegation-led-by-araghchi-leaves-after-meeting-pm-cdf-munir-trump-cancels-us-envoys-visit, 25 Apr 2026]
#6897
Fadi Hamdallah al-Nassan, who died on July 18, 2026, was a member of which sports organization?
(a) Palestine National Youth Team
(b) Ramallah Athletic Club
(c) Al-Mughayyir Football Club
(d) None of these
Explanation: Fadi Hamdallah al-Nassan was a 17-year-old footballer who played for the Al-Mughayyir Club and was a member of the Palestinian national youth team. He succumbed to injuries sustained during a settler attack in his village. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016519/palestinian-teen-footballer-dies-after-being-shot-during-settler-attack-in-occupied-west-bank, 18 Jul 2026]
#6898
Consider the following statements about the flood situation as of July 2026: 1. The Jhelum River is currently flowing in low to medium flood at Mangla and Rasul. 2. Flash flooding is anticipated in the hill torrents of Dera Ghazi Khan. 3. The Indus River is currently experiencing high flood levels at the Tarbela and Chashma stations. 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 per the FFD observations. Statement 2 is correct regarding the hill torrents. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Indus is reported at low and below-low levels at Tarbela and Chashma, not high flood levels. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017067/chenab-water-level-likely-to-surge-following-ongoing-rains-in-indian-occupied-kashmir-punjab, 20 Jul 2026]
#6899
Consider the following statements about the security situation in Islamabad and Rawalpindi in April 2026: 1. The Red Zone was sealed to facilitate expected diplomatic talks between the United States and Iran. 2. Electric buses were prohibited from operating during the entire period of the security lockdown. 3. The district administration reported that remaining closed areas were expected to reopen by the following Monday. 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 Red Zone was sealed for the talks. Statement 2 is incorrect because electric buses were reported to be plying their routes on Sunday. Statement 3 is correct as the administration indicated a Monday reopening for remaining areas. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1995277/traffic-restrictions-around-islamabads-red-zone-serena-hotel-lifted-ishaq-dar, 26 Apr 2026]
#6900
On April 27, 2026, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting refuted claims that Pakistan targeted which university in Afghanistan's Kunar province?
(a) Kabul University
(b) Sayed Jamaluddin Afghani University
(c) Balkh University
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting explicitly denied reports alleging strikes on the Sayed Jamaluddin Afghani University. Other universities listed are prominent Afghan institutions but were not the subject of the specific false claims addressed by the Ministry. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1995552/info-ministry-rubbishes-reports-of-pakistan-targeting-varsity-residential-areas-in-afghanistans-kunar, 27 Apr 2026]