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.
#6981
Who is the current Iranian Foreign Minister mentioned in the context of the 2026 diplomatic efforts?
(a) Abbas Araghchi
(b) Esmail Baghaei
(c) Hossein Amir-Abdollahian
(d) Mohammad Javad Zarif
Explanation: Abbas Araghchi is identified as the Iranian Foreign Minister involved in the diplomatic exchanges. Esmail Baghaei is the Foreign Ministry Spokesman, while the others are not the current incumbents in this context. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1984912/pakistan-stands-ready-honoured-to-host-us-iran-talks-says-pm-shehbaz, 24 Mar 2026]
#6982
On March 25, 2026, Iran announced that it would allow 'non-hostile' vessels to pass through which strategic maritime chokepoint?
(a) Strait of Malacca
(b) Strait of Hormuz
(c) Suez Canal
(d) Bab-el-Mandeb Strait
Explanation: The Strait of Hormuz is the gateway for approximately one-fifth of the world's oil. Iran's decision to allow safe passage for non-hostile vessels is a significant de-escalation measure. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1985150/us-reportedly-sends-peace-plan-as-iran-opens-strait-of-hormuz-to-non-hostile-oil-vessels, 25 Mar 2026]
#6983
Which of the following statements regarding the diplomatic efforts in March 2026 is INCORRECT?
(a) Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a phone call with the Iranian President to discuss peace talks.
(b) Islamabad hosted foreign ministers from Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, and Egypt for regional discussions.
(c) The mediation process is being conducted exclusively by Pakistan without any external regional support.
(d) The United States President shared Deputy Prime Minister Dar's statement on the Truth Social platform.
Explanation: The statement is incorrect because Pakistan is explicitly working in collaboration with Ankara and Cairo to mediate the conflict. The other three options accurately reflect the diplomatic events described. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1986336/dpm-dar-says-iran-has-allowed-20-more-ships-under-pakistan-flag-to-cross-strait-of-hormuz, 28 Mar 2026]
#6984
Consider the following statements about the Strait of Hormuz transit developments in 2026: 1. The transit agreement allows for two Pakistani-flagged ships to cross the Strait daily. 2. The fuel crisis is attributed to the disruption of traffic in the Strait of Hormuz. 3. The mediation efforts involve high-level communication between Pakistani leadership and the Iranian President. Which of the statements given above 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 diplomatic and logistical developments reported in March 2026. The agreement facilitates daily transits, the global fuel crunch is linked to the Strait's disruption, and the mediation involves direct engagement with the Iranian presidency. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1986336/dpm-dar-says-iran-has-allowed-20-more-ships-under-pakistan-flag-to-cross-strait-of-hormuz, 28 Mar 2026]
#6985
Who is the current Federal Minister for Power who addressed the corruption allegations against LESCO employees on May 31, 2026?
(a) Khawaja Asif
(b) Awais Leghari
(c) Khaleeq Kiani
(d) None of these
Explanation: Awais Leghari is the Federal Minister for Power who held the press conference to address the corruption claims. Khawaja Asif is the Defence Minister who raised the initial complaint. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2004146/strict-action-taken-says-power-minister-after-khawaja-asifs-claim-of-lesco-employees-corruption, 31 May 2026]
#6986
The central Ashura procession in Karachi departed from which location on June 26, 2026?
(a) Nishtar Park
(b) Qadam Gah Maula Ali
(c) Imambargah Ashiq Hussain
(d) None of these
Explanation: The main procession in Karachi commenced from Nishtar Park at approximately 9:30 am. Qadam Gah Maula Ali is the starting point for the Hyderabad procession, while Imambargah Ashiq Hussain is in Rawalpindi. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2011005/ashura-processions-conclude-peacefully-countrywide-amid-strict-security, 26 Jun 2026]
#6987
Consider the following statements about the 276th Corps Commanders' Conference held on July 6, 2026: 1. The forum expressed concern over the use of Afghan territory by Indian-sponsored terrorist groups. 2. The military leadership emphasized that regional stability depends on the Kashmiri people's right to self-determination. 3. The conference was presided over by the Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of the Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir. 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 official ISPR statement regarding the conference. The forum addressed Afghan-based threats, the Kashmir cause, and was led by the specified military leadership. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2013406/army-top-brass-affirms-commitment-to-take-all-measures-necessary-to-ensure-availability-of-pakistans-water-share, 06 Jul 2026]
#6988
Consider the following statements about the political transition in Gaza as of July 2026: 1. Hamas has officially dissolved its government emergency committee to facilitate the transition to the NCAG. 2. The NCAG has been operating from within Gaza City for the past six months. 3. The issue of Hamas's disarmament remains a primary unresolved obstacle to the peace process. 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 dissolution was announced on July 6, 2026. Statement 2 is incorrect because the NCAG has remained based outside of Gaza for months due to Israeli objections. Statement 3 is correct as disarmament remains the central point of contention stalling the second phase of the ceasefire. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2013378/hamas-announces-dissolution-of-gaza-governing-body, 06 Jul 2026]
#6989
The temporary US waiver issued in March 2026 was intended to facilitate the sale of which specific commodity to India?
(a) Natural gas
(b) Refined petroleum products
(c) Russian oil stranded at sea
(d) None of these
Explanation: The US waiver was specifically designed to allow Russian oil that was stranded at sea to be sold to India. This was a temporary measure in response to the broader energy market disruptions. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979646/new-delhi-continues-importing-russian-oil, 08 Mar 2026]
#6990
Who is the current US Special Envoy to the Middle East involved in the 2026 diplomatic mediation efforts?
(a) Steve Witkoff
(b) Amos Hochstein
(c) Brett McGurk
(d) None of these
Explanation: Steve Witkoff is the US Special Envoy to the Middle East mentioned in the context of the 2026 back-channel communications. The other names are common distractors associated with previous US diplomatic roles in the region. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1984640/pakistan-egypt-turkiye-engaged-in-back-channel-diplomacy-for-us-iran-de-escalation-sources, 23 Mar 2026]
#6991
Consider the following statements about the 2026 diplomatic mediation efforts: 1. The mediation is described as a 'strategic synergy' between Ankara, Cairo, and Islamabad. 2. The conflict in the Middle East was triggered by attacks that resulted in the assassination of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. 3. Pakistan is leveraging its position to act as a 'net regional stabilizer'. 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 mediation is a tripartite effort, the conflict involved the assassination of the supreme leader, and Pakistan is positioning itself as a regional stabilizer. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1984640/pakistan-egypt-turkiye-engaged-in-back-channel-diplomacy-for-us-iran-de-escalation-sources, 23 Mar 2026]
#6992
Consider the following statements about the political developments involving MQM-P in March 2026: 1. The MQM-P leadership views constitutional reform as a national security necessity. 2. Kamran Tessori was removed as the Governor of Sindh without prior consultation with the MQM-P. 3. The proposed 28th Amendment is primarily aimed at increasing the number of federal ministries. 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 accurate based on the party's public stance and the circumstances of the governor's removal. Statement 3 is incorrect because the amendment is focused on local government empowerment and participatory democracy, not the expansion of federal ministries. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1985186/mqm-p-calls-for-revisiting-proposed-28th-amendment-transforming-feudal-democracy-into-participatory-democracy, 25 Mar 2026]
#6993
Which of the following statements regarding the June 28, 2026, Karachi attack is INCORRECT?
(a) Three terrorists were killed during the retaliatory action by security forces.
(b) The apprehended terrorist claimed he was trained in Iran.
(c) The attack was carried out by the proscribed group Jamaatul Ahrar.
(d) Three security personnel were martyred during the exchange of fire.
Explanation: The apprehended terrorist explicitly stated he was trained in Afghanistan, not Iran. The other three statements are factually accurate according to the ISPR and security reports regarding the incident. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2011436/terrorist-involved-in-rangers-camp-attack-in-karachi-reveals-he-was-trained-in-afghanistan, 28 Jun 2026]
#6994
Which of the following is NOT a stated objective or outcome of the June 2026 Burgenstock talks?
(a) Establishment of a high-level committee for political oversight
(b) Immediate and permanent lifting of all global sanctions on Iran
(c) Creation of a communication line to avoid incidents in the Strait of Hormuz
(d) Formation of working groups focused on nuclear and sanctions issues
Explanation: While the talks addressed sanctions and nuclear issues through working groups, there was no agreement for the immediate and permanent lifting of all global sanctions. The other options are explicitly mentioned as outcomes of the summit. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2009504/pm-shehbaz-cdf-asim-munir-depart-for-switzerland-to-attend-iran-us-talks, 20 Jun 2026]
#6995
Consider the following statements about the security arrangements for Ashura 2026: 1. In Sindh, approximately 60,000 police and Rangers personnel were deployed for security. 2. Section 144 was imposed in the Rawalpindi district to maintain public order. 3. The Karachi police chief stated that mobile and internet services would remain fully operational throughout the city. 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 Sindh Chief Minister confirmed the deployment of 60,000 personnel. Statement 2 is correct as Section 144 was imposed in Rawalpindi. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Karachi police chief explicitly stated that mobile and internet services would likely be suspended along the procession route. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2011005/ashura-processions-conclude-peacefully-countrywide-amid-strict-security, 26 Jun 2026]
#6996
On July 10, 2026, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a telephone conversation regarding regional stability with which Iranian leader?
(a) Ayatollah Ali Khamenei
(b) Masoud Pezeshkian
(c) Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei
(d) None of these
Explanation: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif spoke with President Masoud Pezeshkian to express concern over the escalation of hostilities. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is the late supreme leader, while Mojtaba Khamenei is the current supreme leader, making them incorrect in the context of the presidential call. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2014422/pm-shehbaz-calls-on-iran-other-parties-not-to-jeopardise-hard-earned-peace-gains, 10 Jul 2026]
#6997
Which of the following statements regarding the security situation in Balochistan in July 2026 is INCORRECT?
(a) The military spokesperson identified India as a source of support for the terrorists.
(b) The security operations in Balochistan are conducted solely by the Balochistan Police.
(c) The Provincial Apex Committee meeting was attended by the Chief of the Army Staff.
(d) A terrorist attack in the Zedi area of Khuzdar district was foiled on July 10, 2026.
Explanation: The statement that operations are conducted solely by the Balochistan Police is incorrect because the operations are joint efforts involving the Pakistan Army, Frontier Corps, and the Balochistan Police. The other statements are factually accurate based on the reports. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2014419/75-terrorists-killed-in-balochistan-since-july-5-says-cm-bugti, 10 Jul 2026]
#6998
Who led the PPP Sindh chapter rally in Hyderabad on July 12, 2026?
(a) Tariq Shah Jamot
(b) Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari
(c) Nisar Ahmed Khuhro
(d) Ajiz Dhamra
Explanation: Nisar Ahmed Khuhro, the PPP Sindh chapter president, led the rally from Shahbaz Building Chowk to the local press club in Hyderabad on July 12, 2026. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2014901/we-will-not-give-up-indus-ppp-holds-sindh-wide-rallies-condemning-indias-threats-to-pakistans-water-share, 12 Jul 2026]
#6999
Consider the following statements about the security operations in Balochistan in July 2026: 1. The military spokesperson stated that security forces would exercise proportionality in their response to the attacks. 2. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif emphasized a mutual and singular decision by civil and military leadership to end terrorism. 3. The attacks in Balochistan since July 5 included an ambush of an army convoy in Bela. 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 ISPR spokesperson explicitly warned that terrorists should expect no 'rationality and proportionality' in the security response. Statements 2 and 3 are factually correct as per the official government and military briefings. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2014419/75-terrorists-killed-in-balochistan-since-july-5-says-cm-bugti, 10 Jul 2026]
#7000
Who is the head of the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG) as of July 2026?
(a) Ismail al-Thawabta
(b) Ali Shaath
(c) Mohammed al-Farra
(d) Hazem Qassem
Explanation: Ali Shaath is the designated head of the NCAG, the technocratic body tasked with assuming administrative control in Gaza. Ismail al-Thawabta serves as the head of Hamas's government media office, while Mohammed al-Farra was the head of the committee that was dissolved. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2013378/hamas-announces-dissolution-of-gaza-governing-body, 06 Jul 2026]