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.
#6941
Consider the following statements about the Strait of Hormuz and the 2026 geopolitical developments: 1. The Strait of Hormuz connects the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman. 2. The US President claimed that the United States would refrain from military action while waiting for international support. 3. The Iranian leadership indicated that blocking the strait is a strategic tool to exert pressure on Washington. 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 geographically correct. Statement 2 is false because the US President explicitly stated the US would be 'bombing the hell out of the shoreline' and shooting Iranian boats. Statement 3 is correct as it reflects the stated intent of the Iranian leadership. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1982096/trump-claims-many-countries-will-send-warships-to-keep-strait-of-hormuz-open, 14 Mar 2026]
#6942
Which of the following statements regarding the US-Pakistan diplomatic relationship as of May 30, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The US Secretary of Defense described the developing relationship as a true friendship.
(b) The US Secretary of State indicated that strengthening ties with Pakistan comes at the expense of the relationship with New Delhi.
(c) The US administration claims to have brokered a ceasefire between Pakistan and India in May 2025.
(d) President Donald Trump has publicly praised the Pakistani military leadership.
Explanation: The US Secretary of State explicitly stated that the strengthening of ties with Pakistan does not come at the expense of Washington's relationship with New Delhi, making the incorrect statement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2003936/us-pakistan-developing-true-friendship-hegseth-hails-islamabads-role-in-us-iran-negotiations, 30 May 2026]
#6943
Consider the following statements about the military conflict in the Gulf as of July 17, 2026: 1. The U.S. military utilized fighter jets, aerial drones, and warships in its strikes. 2. Iran has proposed charging passage fees for ships using the Strait of Hormuz. 3. The U.S. has officially declared a permanent occupation of Qeshm Island. 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 U.S. utilized a multi-domain force. Statement 2 is correct as Iran intends to charge fees following a 60-day negotiation period. Statement 3 is incorrect because there is no mention of a permanent U.S. occupation of Qeshm Island. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016140/iran-launches-fresh-attacks-on-american-facilities-in-gulf-after-sixth-consecutive-day-of-us-strikes, 17 Jul 2026]
#6944
Which of the following statements regarding the fuel supply situation in July 2026 is INCORRECT?
(a) Diesel stocks were maintained at a 21-day cover.
(b) Petrol consumption increased by 18-20 per cent in the first half of July.
(c) Local refineries are capable of supplying the entire daily national demand for petrol.
(d) The NCMC is a civil-military body focused on energy supplies.
Explanation: Local refineries can only supply about 9,000 tonnes of petrol per day, while daily consumption is approximately 25,000 tonnes, making the statement about them meeting the entire demand false. The other statements accurately reflect the data provided in the report. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2015959/oil-industry-prompts-government-to-discourage-hoarding-as-petrol-stocks-decline-to-14-day-cover, 16 Jul 2026]
#6945
On April 2, 2026, which Pakistani official issued a statement regarding the dangers of war between two nuclear-armed states?
(a) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari
(b) Khawaja Asif
(c) Ishaq Dar
(d) None of these
Explanation: Khawaja Asif, the Defence Minister of Pakistan, issued the statement on April 2, 2026, addressing his Indian counterpart, Rajnath Singh. The other individuals listed hold different portfolios or positions. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1987848/space-for-war-between-two-nuclear-states-inconceivable-asif-reminds-indian-counterpart, 02 Apr 2026]
#6946
Which Iranian official serves as the secretary of the Supreme National Security Council and attended the Quds Day rally in Tehran on March 13, 2026?
(a) Masoud Pezeshkian
(b) Abbas Araghchi
(c) Ali Larijani
(d) Esmaeil Baqaei
Explanation: Ali Larijani is the secretary of the Supreme National Security Council who addressed the rally. Masoud Pezeshkian is the President, and Abbas Araghchi is the Foreign Minister, making them incorrect choices. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981719/deadly-blast-rocks-iran-as-leaders-rally-in-show-of-defiance, 13 Mar 2026]
#6947
Which international organization issued a formal condemnation regarding the assault on the CNN crew in the occupied West Bank on 2026-03-28?
(a) Reporters Without Borders
(b) Foreign Press Association
(c) Committee to Protect Journalists
(d) International Federation of Journalists
Explanation: The Foreign Press Association (FPA) issued the statement condemning the violent assault on the CNN crew. While other organizations like Reporters Without Borders also monitor press freedom, the FPA is the specific body cited in the report as representing journalists in the region. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1986328/foreign-media-association-slams-israeli-forces-assault-on-cnn-crew-in-occupied-west-bank, 28 Mar 2026]
#6948
Consider the following statements about the 2026 US visa regulations: 1. The new rules replace the 'duration of status' model with fixed admission periods. 2. Chinese nationals are granted a 240-day visa period for media work. 3. Visa holders may apply for extensions if they wish to stay beyond their fixed period of admission. 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 Chinese nationals are limited to 90 days, not 240. Statements 1 and 3 accurately reflect the procedural changes introduced by the DHS. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2015982/us-to-tighten-visa-regulations-for-foreign-students-journalists, 16 Jul 2026]
#6949
Consider the following statements about the strategic discourse between Pakistan and India as of April 2, 2026: 1. Pakistan maintains that its defensive preparedness is absolute and calibrated. 2. The Pahalgam incident was characterized by Pakistan as a staged false flag operation. 3. India has provided conclusive evidence linking Pakistan to the Pahalgam incident. 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 it reflects the official stance on defensive resolve. Statement 2 is correct as Pakistan explicitly labeled the incident a staged false flag. Statement 3 is incorrect because Pakistan has consistently maintained that India failed to provide any evidence for its allegations. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1987848/space-for-war-between-two-nuclear-states-inconceivable-asif-reminds-indian-counterpart, 02 Apr 2026]
#6950
Which of the following statements regarding the Quetta train bombing on May 24, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The incident resulted in zero civilian casualties.
(b) The shuttle train was traveling from Quetta Cantonment to the railway station.
(c) The attack involved a vehicle-borne suicide bomber.
(d) An emergency was declared in all major government hospitals in Quetta.
Explanation: The statement that there were zero civilian casualties is false, as the majority of the 14 victims were civilians, including pedestrians and passengers. The other statements accurately reflect the details of the event. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2002744/at-least-14-killed-20-injured-in-suicide-bombing-targeting-shuttle-train-in-quetta-balochistan-govt, 24 May 2026]
#6951
Which of the following statements regarding the diplomatic efforts in Islamabad on March 29, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The foreign ministers discussed ways to bring an early end to the regional war.
(b) The participants agreed to form a committee of senior officials to work out modalities for cooperation.
(c) The US and Iran have expressed confidence in Pakistan to facilitate potential talks.
(d) The meeting resulted in an immediate ceasefire agreement between all regional belligerents.
Explanation: While the ministers advocated for dialogue and diplomacy to end the conflict, no immediate ceasefire agreement was signed or announced during the meeting. The other statements accurately reflect the outcomes of the discussions. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1986541/iran-us-have-expressed-confidence-in-pakistan-to-facilitate-talks-will-be-honoured-to-host-dialogue-in-coming-days-fm-dar, 29 Mar 2026]
#6952
Who is the current US Secretary of Defense as of May 30, 2026?
(a) Marco Rubio
(b) Tulsi Gabbard
(c) Pete Hegseth
(d) None of these
Explanation: Pete Hegseth is the serving US Secretary of Defense. Marco Rubio serves as the US Secretary of State, and Tulsi Gabbard is the former director of national intelligence. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2003936/us-pakistan-developing-true-friendship-hegseth-hails-islamabads-role-in-us-iran-negotiations, 30 May 2026]
#6953
Which of the following statements regarding the conflict events on March 13, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) Explosions occurred in Tehran near a pro-government rally.
(b) Iran launched a fresh salvo of missiles at Israel.
(c) The head of the judiciary was interviewed during a blast.
(d) The US military confirmed the capture of Tehran's central square.
Explanation: There is no report of the US military capturing Tehran's central square. The other three options are explicitly mentioned as occurring on that day. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981719/deadly-blast-rocks-iran-as-leaders-rally-in-show-of-defiance, 13 Mar 2026]
#6954
Consider the following statements about the conflict developments as of March 13, 2026: 1. The US Defence Secretary stated that over 15,000 targets have been struck since the war began. 2. Sirens were reported at Turkey's Incirlik airbase, a facility housing US troops. 3. Iran's Revolutionary Guards have promised to welcome all anti-government protests to foster national unity. 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 3 is incorrect because the Revolutionary Guards warned that protests would be met with a stronger response, not welcomed. Statements 1 and 2 are factually accurate based on the report. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981719/deadly-blast-rocks-iran-as-leaders-rally-in-show-of-defiance, 13 Mar 2026]
#6955
Consider the following statements about the security incidents in Bannu: 1. A suicide car bomb attack occurred at the Domel Police Station in April 2026. 2. Terrorists have utilized quadcopters to drop explosives on police stations in the district. 3. The July 15, 2026, attack resulted in zero injuries to police personnel. 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 Domel attack occurred in April 2026. Statement 2 is correct as quadcopter attacks have been reported in Bannu. Statement 3 is incorrect because the report confirms that a police official was among the injured. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2015690/at-least-5-injured-including-police-official-in-attack-on-bannu-police-station, 15 Jul 2026]
#6956
Consider the following statements about the security and operational status of the Saindak mine: 1. The government of Pakistan received security concerns from the mine operator in early July 2026. 2. China's foreign ministry stated it was fully aware of the specific security disruptions at the mine site. 3. Operation Shaban is a high-intensity counterterrorism campaign launched in response to attacks in Balochistan. 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 government received concerns in early July. Statement 3 is correct regarding the nature of Operation Shaban. Statement 2 is incorrect because China's foreign ministry stated it was unaware of the specific situation at the mine. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2015683/authorities-increasing-security-around-saindak-copper-and-gold-mine-in-balochistan-minister, 15 Jul 2026]
#6957
Which of the following statements regarding the 2026 election security claims made by Donald Trump is INCORRECT?
(a) He stated that the 2020 election results were verified as accurate by his own Justice Department.
(b) He alleged that China carried out the largest compromise of election data in history.
(c) He claimed that over 250,000 non-US citizens were registered to vote in four states.
(d) He suggested that media organizations involved in the alleged plot should face license revocation.
Explanation: Trump has consistently maintained that the 2020 election was rigged, whereas his own Justice Department and numerous audits found no evidence of fraud. Therefore, stating that he acknowledged the Justice Department's verification of the 2020 results is factually false. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016135/trump-revives-sweeping-election-fraud-claims-ahead-of-us-midterms-accuses-china-of-meddling, 17 Jul 2026]
#6958
Consider the following statements about the diplomatic developments mentioned on May 30, 2026: 1. Pakistan served as the official interlocutor between Washington and Tehran. 2. The US Secretary of Defense expressed concerns that Pakistan's missile capabilities are currently a direct threat to the US. 3. The US President has referred to the Pakistani Army Chief as his 'favourite field marshal'. 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 Pakistan acted as the interlocutor. Statement 3 is correct as the US President used that specific phrasing. Statement 2 is incorrect because the Secretary of Defense explicitly stated that the US is not calling either country a threat to them at this time. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2003936/us-pakistan-developing-true-friendship-hegseth-hails-islamabads-role-in-us-iran-negotiations, 30 May 2026]
#6959
Who issued the official statement on behalf of the Pakistani Foreign Office rejecting India's comments on March 28, 2026?
(a) Asim Munir
(b) Tahir Andrabi
(c) Randhir Jaiswal
(d) S. Jaishankar
Explanation: Tahir Andrabi is the Foreign Office spokesperson who issued the rebuttal to the Indian Ministry of External Affairs. Randhir Jaiswal is the spokesperson for the Indian Ministry of External Affairs, while S. Jaishankar is the Indian External Affairs Minister. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1986308/exercise-in-deflection-masquerading-as-concern-fo-rejects-indias-comments-on-pakistans-shia-community, 28 Mar 2026]
#6960
Consider the following statements about the diplomatic developments in Islamabad on March 29, 2026: 1. The meeting focused on the ongoing Middle East conflict and its regional impact. 2. The foreign ministers reaffirmed their commitment to the principles of the United Nations Charter. 3. Pakistan announced it would unilaterally mediate the conflict without the support of other regional partners. 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 meeting addressed the regional crisis and emphasized the UN Charter. Statement 3 is incorrect because Pakistan sought and received the full support of the visiting foreign ministers for its mediation initiative. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1986541/iran-us-have-expressed-confidence-in-pakistan-to-facilitate-talks-will-be-honoured-to-host-dialogue-in-coming-days-fm-dar, 29 Mar 2026]