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.
#7641
Who is the Israeli National Security Minister responsible for releasing the controversial video of detained flotilla activists on May 20, 2026?
(a) Benjamin Netanyahu
(b) Gideon Saar
(c) Itamar Ben Gvir
(d) None of these
Explanation: Itamar Ben Gvir is the National Security Minister who posted the footage on his social media account. Benjamin Netanyahu is the Prime Minister, and Gideon Saar is the Foreign Minister, both of whom criticized Ben Gvir's actions. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2001815/monstrous-disgraceful-and-inhumane-israeli-minister-sparks-outcry-over-video-of-bound-flotilla-activists, 20 May 2026]
#7642
Consider the following statements about the regional security developments in May 2026: 1. The drone attacks on Saudi Arabia involved three drones that were successfully intercepted. 2. The UAE Industry Minister characterized the strike on the Barakah nuclear plant as a terrorist attack. 3. Pakistan's official response emphasized that military escalation is the only viable path to regional stability. 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 three drones were intercepted. Statement 2 is correct as Dr. Sultan Al-Jaber labeled the strike a terrorist attack. Statement 3 is incorrect because Pakistan advocated for dialogue and diplomacy, not military escalation, as the path to stability. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2001312/pakistan-condemns-drone-strike-on-saudi-arabia-expresses-solidarity-with-riyadh, 18 May 2026]
#7643
Who is the current Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Pakistan who met with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on May 29, 2026?
(a) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari
(b) Mohammad Ishaq Dar
(c) Shah Mehmood Qureshi
(d) None of these
Explanation: Mohammad Ishaq Dar serves as the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Pakistan and conducted the official visit to Washington in May 2026. The other individuals listed are former foreign ministers of Pakistan. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2003632/pakistan-firmly-committed-to-stance-on-palestine-israel-dar-answers-question-on-abraham-accords, 29 May 2026]
#7644
Consider the following statements regarding the diplomatic engagements of May 27, 2026: 1. The Prime Minister discussed the potential for a US-Iran peace deal to unlock economic potential. 2. The Malaysian Prime Minister described Pakistan's role in the Gulf ceasefire as remarkable. 3. The Kuwaiti leadership expressed reservations regarding Pakistan's mediation efforts. 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 diplomatic exchanges. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Kuwaiti leadership was reported to be fully supportive of Pakistan's mediation efforts, not reserved. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2003497/us-iran-peace-deal-could-benefit-entire-region-pm-tells-pezeshkian-in-eid-call, 27 May 2026]
#7645
Which Iranian entity claimed responsibility for targeting a US airbase in retaliation for the May 28, 2026, strikes?
(a) Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps
(b) Artesh (Regular Army of Iran)
(c) Basij Resistance Force
(d) Quds Force
Explanation: The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) officially announced that they targeted a US base in response to the US attack near Bandar Abbas. While the Quds Force is a branch of the IRGC, the official statement was issued by the IRGC leadership. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2003525/us-strikes-iran-drawing-retaliatory-attack-on-american-base-after-trump-dismisses-report-of-hormuz-deal, 28 May 2026]
#7646
Consider the following statements regarding the diplomatic developments mentioned on May 25, 2026: 1. The US is seeking to link the Iran peace deal to the expansion of the Abraham Accords. 2. Many nations targeted by the US demand have historically prioritized a two-state solution before normalizing relations with Israel. 3. Senator Lindsey Graham suggested that refusing to join the Abraham Accords would have no impact on future relationships with the US. 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 diplomatic context provided. Statement 3 is incorrect because Senator Graham explicitly warned that refusal to join would lead to 'severe repercussions' and make the peace proposal 'unacceptable'. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2003043/trump-demands-widespread-sign-up-to-abraham-accords-as-part-of-iran-peace-deal, 25 May 2026]
#7647
Which of the following statements regarding the May 2026 escalation is INCORRECT?
(a) The US military shot down four Iranian attack drones during the operation.
(b) The ceasefire between the US and Iran had been in effect since the beginning of 2026.
(c) Oil prices rebounded following reports of the renewed hostilities.
(d) The US official stated that the military actions were intended to be defensive.
Explanation: The ceasefire between the US and Iran took effect in early April 2026, not at the beginning of the year. The other statements accurately reflect the events of May 28, 2026. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2003525/us-strikes-iran-drawing-retaliatory-attack-on-american-base-after-trump-dismisses-report-of-hormuz-deal, 28 May 2026]
#7648
Consider the following statements regarding the diplomatic engagements of May 2026: 1. The US State Department acknowledged Pakistan's constructive role in mediating tensions between Iran and the United States. 2. The meeting between Ishaq Dar and Marco Rubio focused exclusively on the Abraham Accords. 3. The US Secretary of State expressed condolences for a terrorist attack that occurred in Quetta.
(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 US acknowledged Pakistan's mediation efforts. Statement 3 is correct as Rubio expressed condolences for the Quetta attack. Statement 2 is incorrect because the meeting covered a broader range of bilateral cooperation and regional security issues, not just the Abraham Accords. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2003632/pakistan-firmly-committed-to-stance-on-palestine-israel-dar-answers-question-on-abraham-accords, 29 May 2026]
#7649
In which districts of Balochistan were the intelligence-based operations (IBOs) conducted by security forces on June 2, 2026?
(a) Mastung, Nushki, Khuzdar, and Kech
(b) Gwadar, Turbat, Panjgur, and Lasbela
(c) Quetta, Pishin, Chaman, and Zhob
(d) None of these
Explanation: The ISPR statement confirmed that the IBOs were specifically carried out in the districts of Mastung, Nushki, Khuzdar, and Kech following the Quetta train attack. Other districts listed in the distractors, while located in Balochistan, were not the primary sites of these specific operations. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2004690/security-forces-kill-17-terrorists-in-various-districts-of-balochistan-following-quetta-train-bombing-ispr, 02 Jun 2026]
#7650
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]
#7651
Consider the following statements about the China-Pakistan diplomatic engagement on May 25, 2026: 1. The two leaders discussed building a community with a shared future in the new era. 2. Pakistan's mediation efforts were focused on the conflict between Washington and Tehran. 3. The visit was part of a short one-day trip to China. 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 as they align with the official discourse on regional peace and the specific mediation role mentioned. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Prime Minister's visit was a four-day official trip, not a one-day trip. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2002979/chinas-xi-hails-unbreakable-ties-praises-pakistans-role-in-iran-peace-efforts-as-he-meets-pm-shehbaz, 25 May 2026]
#7652
The year 2026 marks how many years of diplomatic relations between China and Pakistan?
(a) 50 years
(b) 60 years
(c) 80 years
(d) 75 years
Explanation: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif highlighted the 75-year glorious partnership in diplomatic relations during his address. The leadership plans to hold year-long celebrations to commemorate this milestone. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2002979/chinas-xi-hails-unbreakable-ties-praises-pakistans-role-in-iran-peace-efforts-as-he-meets-pm-shehbaz, 25 May 2026]
#7653
Consider the following statements about the security situation in AJK as of June 2026: 1. The AJK government has requested federal paramilitary forces to secure the region for a two-week period in June. 2. The JAAC strike call is scheduled to coincide with the start of the nomination paper filing process for the general elections. 3. The AJK government has officially banned the JAAC under the Anti-Terrorism Act, 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 accurate based on the report: the request for 14,000 personnel covers the period from June 7 to June 21, the strike is set for June 9 (the start of nominations), and the proscription was enacted under the 2014 Act. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2005462/ajk-govt-bans-joint-awami-action-committee-under-anti-terrorism-act, 05 Jun 2026]
#7654
All of the following statements regarding the June 10, 2026, helicopter crash are TRUE EXCEPT:
(a) The crash occurred during take-off.
(b) A board of inquiry has been ordered to investigate the cause.
(c) There were survivors among the personnel on board.
(d) The incident took place near Muzaffarabad.
Explanation: The ISPR confirmed that there were no survivors in the crash, making the false statement. All other options accurately reflect the details provided by the military's media wing. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2006621/no-survivors-as-pakistan-army-mi-17-helicopter-crashes-near-muzaffarabad-ispr, 10 Jun 2026]
#7655
Which Malaysian leader appreciated Pakistan's role in the ceasefire in the Gulf during a conversation on May 27, 2026?
(a) Mahathir Mohamad
(b) Anwar Ibrahim
(c) Ismail Sabri Yaakob
(d) Muhyiddin Yassin
Explanation: Malaysian Prime Minister Dr. Anwar Ibrahim held a telephonic conversation with PM Shehbaz Sharif to appreciate Pakistan's role in the Gulf ceasefire. The other options represent former Malaysian leaders who were not involved in this specific diplomatic exchange. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2003497/us-iran-peace-deal-could-benefit-entire-region-pm-tells-pezeshkian-in-eid-call, 27 May 2026]
#7656
Who was elected as the President of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in 2026?
(a) Andreas S. Kakouris
(b) Khalilur Rahman
(c) Ishaq Dar
(d) None of these
Explanation: Khalilur Rahman, the Foreign Minister of Bangladesh, was elected to the UNGA presidency for the 2026-2027 session. Andreas S. Kakouris was the opposing candidate from Cyprus. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2004697/bangladesh-elected-president-of-un-general-assembly-in-closely-contested-vote, 02 Jun 2026]
#7657
Consider the following statements about the diplomatic situation with Iran as of June 2, 2026: 1. Iran has agreed to negotiate aspects of its nuclear programme that it previously refused to discuss. 2. The US administration has confirmed that sanctions relief is guaranteed if Iran opens the Strait of Hormuz. 3. The Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing was the first appearance by the Secretary of State since the Iran war began. 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 Iran has shown a shift in posture. Statement 2 is incorrect because the US administration explicitly stated that sanctions relief is not being offered in exchange for opening the Strait of Hormuz. Statement 3 is correct as the hearing was the first such appearance since the conflict's outbreak. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2004681/iran-willing-to-negotiate-aspects-of-nuclear-programme-rubio-says-amid-escalating-scrutiny-over-war, 02 Jun 2026]
#7658
According to the ISPR, what was the primary reason cited for the Mi-17 helicopter crash on June 10, 2026?
(a) Adverse weather conditions
(b) Pilot error
(c) Hostile fire
(d) Technical fault
Explanation: The ISPR statement explicitly identified a technical fault during take-off as the cause of the accident. While weather has been a factor in other historical crashes, it was not the cause cited for this specific incident. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2006621/no-survivors-as-pakistan-army-mi-17-helicopter-crashes-near-muzaffarabad-ispr, 10 Jun 2026]
#7659
What is the primary purpose of Standing Order No 02/2026 introduced by the FIA?
(a) To increase visa fees for students
(b) To ban all travel to high-risk countries
(c) To establish an appeal and review mechanism for offloaded passengers
(d) To authorize the use of blue passports for all citizens
Explanation: Standing Order No 02/2026 was introduced to provide a formal appeal and review process for passengers who are offloaded, ensuring that supervisory scrutiny and documented reasons are mandatory. This serves as an accountability mechanism for the agency's enforcement actions. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2006395/fia-disciplines-over-100-officials-over-human-smuggling-links-since-greece-boat-tragedy, 09 Jun 2026]
#7660
On June 4, 2026, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif attended a ceremony in Islamabad to commemorate which milestone of the United States?
(a) 200th anniversary
(b) 225th anniversary
(c) 275th anniversary
(d) 250th anniversary
Explanation: The event held in Islamabad on June 4, 2026, was specifically organized to mark the 250th anniversary of the United States. This milestone reflects the long-standing diplomatic history between the two nations. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2005211/pm-shehbaz-hails-islamabads-true-and-special-relationship-with-washington-at-event-marking-us-250th-anniversary, 04 Jun 2026]