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.
#7681
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]
#7682
Who is the current Chairman of the National Assembly’s Parliamentary Committee on Kashmir as of June 2026?
(a) Khawaja Asif
(b) Rana Muhammad Qasim Noon
(c) Mahmood Khan Achakzai
(d) None of these
Explanation: Rana Muhammad Qasim Noon serves as the Chairman of the National Assembly’s Parliamentary Committee on Kashmir. Khawaja Asif is the Defence Minister, and Mahmood Khan Achakzai is the Leader of the Opposition. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2010065/kashmir-parliamentary-committee-chairman-requests-meeting-with-achakzai-to-discuss-ajk-situation, 22 Jun 2026]
#7683
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]
#7684
Consider the following statements about the R-4 meeting held on June 21, 2026: 1. The ministers reaffirmed the Palestinian cause as a central pillar for regional stability. 2. The meeting took place in Switzerland to facilitate direct US-Iran negotiations. 3. The ministers emphasized the need for a swift conclusion to the subsequent phase of US-Iran talks. 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 ministers reaffirmed the Palestinian cause. Statement 3 is correct as the ministers stressed the need for a swift conclusion to the next phase of negotiations. Statement 2 is incorrect because the R-4 meeting was held in Cairo, while the technical talks involving the US and Iran were held in Switzerland. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2009729/pakistan-saudi-arabia-turkiye-egypt-stress-importance-of-swift-conclusion-to-current-phase-of-us-iran-talks, 21 Jun 2026]
#7685
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]
#7686
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]
#7687
Which of the following is NOT a stated objective or outcome of the diplomatic efforts mentioned in the 2026 peace process?
(a) Reopening the Strait of Hormuz
(b) Establishing a de-confliction cell
(c) Setting up communication lines to end fighting
(d) Permanent annexation of disputed territories
Explanation: The peace process focuses on de-escalation, reopening shipping lanes, and establishing communication mechanisms. Permanent annexation of territory is not a component of the Islamabad MoU or the current mediation framework. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2011670/pm-shehbaz-to-visit-iran-turkiye-as-part-of-mediation-efforts-to-end-middle-east-war-sources, 29 Jun 2026]
#7688
Consider the following statements about the maritime rescue operations conducted by Pakistan in 2026: 1. The Pakistan Navy and PMSA rescued 20 crew members from a cargo dhow in July 2026. 2. In April 2026, the Navy rescued 18 crew members from a merchant vessel in the Arabian Sea. 3. All rescue operations in 2026 involved only foreign nationals. 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 reported events of 2026. Statement 3 is incorrect because the 20 crew members rescued in July 2026 were all Pakistani nationals. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2014176/20-crew-members-rescued-from-sinking-cargo-dhow-east-of-ormara-ispr, 09 Jul 2026]
#7689
Which of the following statements regarding the rescue operation on July 9, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The distressed vessel was a passenger ferry traveling from Muscat.
(b) The rescued crew members were provided with necessary medical attention.
(c) The operation was conducted by the Pakistan Navy and the Pakistan Maritime Security Agency.
(d) The operation was coordinated through the Joint Maritime Information Coordination Centre.
Explanation: The distressed vessel was a cargo dhow, not a passenger ferry. The other statements accurately reflect the details of the rescue operation as reported by the ISPR. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2014176/20-crew-members-rescued-from-sinking-cargo-dhow-east-of-ormara-ispr, 09 Jul 2026]
#7690
Which official granted assent to the KP Provincial Assembly (Powers, Immunities and Privileges) Act, 2026, on May 6, 2026?
(a) Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
(b) Speaker of the KP Assembly
(c) Governor of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
(d) None of these
Explanation: The KP Provincial Assembly (Powers, Immunities and Privileges) Act, 2026, received formal assent from the Governor of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Faisal Karim Kundi, on May 6, 2026. The Chief Minister and Speaker are involved in the legislative process, but the final constitutional assent rests with the Governor. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2013628/kp-govt-enacts-law-granting-lawmakers-lifetime-official-passports-expanding-privileges, 07 Jul 2026]
#7691
Consider the following statements about the 2026 diplomatic developments: 1. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif scheduled visits to Iran and Turkiye to promote the peace process. 2. The war in the Middle East, which began in February 2026, significantly impacted global energy markets. 3. Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian proposed a regional security structure that includes external powers. 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 PM scheduled these visits for early July 2026. Statement 2 is correct as the conflict disrupted shipping and energy markets. Statement 3 is incorrect because President Pezeshkian specifically called for a structure without the interference of countries from outside the region. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2011670/pm-shehbaz-to-visit-iran-turkiye-as-part-of-mediation-efforts-to-end-middle-east-war-sources, 29 Jun 2026]
#7692
Who accompanied the Prime Minister of Pakistan on his diplomatic visit to Iran and Turkiye in July 2026?
(a) The Minister of Defence
(b) The Minister of Finance
(c) The Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Foreign Office spokesperson confirmed that Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, along with cabinet members and senior officials, accompanied the Prime Minister. The other options are incorrect as they do not reflect the specific delegation composition mentioned. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2012436/fo-says-pm-to-visit-iran-turkiye-from-july-3-5-to-attend-funeral-of-assassinated-iranian-supreme-leader, 02 Jul 2026]
#7693
Which naval vessel was specifically mentioned as being diverted for the rescue operation on July 9, 2026?
(a) PNS Alamgir
(b) PNS Tippu Sultan
(c) PNS Taimur
(d) PNS Hunain
Explanation: PNS Hunain was one of the primary assets diverted to the site of the distressed vessel. Other assets included aerial units coordinated through the Joint Maritime Information Coordination Centre. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2014176/20-crew-members-rescued-from-sinking-cargo-dhow-east-of-ormara-ispr, 09 Jul 2026]
#7694
Which vessel was specifically identified as being struck during the maritime incident in the Strait of Hormuz on July 7, 2026?
(a) Al-Rekayyat
(b) Al-Zubarah
(c) Al-Ghashamiyah
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Qatari LNG vessel 'Al-Rekayyat' was explicitly named by the Qatari foreign ministry as the target of the attack. Other options are common names for Qatari-flagged vessels but were not involved in this specific incident. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2013627/three-ships-struck-in-hormuz-flare-up-qatar-slams-iranian-attack, 07 Jul 2026]
#7695
Which of the following individuals was NOT mentioned as being present at the Provincial Apex Committee meeting in Quetta on July 9, 2026?
(a) Field Marshal Asim Munir
(b) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari
(c) Jaffar Khan Mandokhail
(d) Sarfraz Bugti
Explanation: The meeting was attended by the Chief of Army Staff, the Chief Minister of Balochistan (Sarfraz Bugti), and the Governor of Balochistan (Jaffar Khan Mandokhail). Bilawal Bhutto Zardari was not reported as an attendee. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2014127/mutual-and-singular-decision-by-leadership-to-end-terrorism-pm-shehbaz-says-after-balochistan-attacks, 09 Jul 2026]
#7696
On July 8, 2026, Pakistan's Foreign Office urged restraint following military strikes between which two nations?
(a) Saudi Arabia and Yemen
(b) United States and Iran
(c) Israel and Lebanon
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Foreign Office statement specifically addressed the escalating hostilities and mutual strikes between the United States and Iran. The other options represent different regional conflicts not central to this specific diplomatic appeal. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2013927/pakistan-urges-us-iran-to-exercise-restraint-after-overnight-strikes, 08 Jul 2026]
#7697
Consider the following statements about the diplomatic developments in July 2026: 1. The Prime Minister visited Iran to attend the funeral of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. 2. The Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding includes a 14-point accord to address the US-Iran conflict. 3. Pakistan has accepted India's proposal to review the Indus Waters Treaty due to terrorism concerns. 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 and 2 are factually correct based on the report. Statement 3 is incorrect because Pakistan explicitly rejected India's attempt to use terrorism as a pretext to place the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2012436/fo-says-pm-to-visit-iran-turkiye-from-july-3-5-to-attend-funeral-of-assassinated-iranian-supreme-leader, 02 Jul 2026]
#7698
Which international organization or agency reported the initial strikes on the tankers in the Strait of Hormuz on July 7, 2026?
(a) International Maritime Organization (IMO)
(b) International Energy Agency (IEA)
(c) United Nations Security Council (UNSC)
(d) United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO)
Explanation: The UKMTO is the primary maritime security agency that reported the strikes, including the use of drones and unknown projectiles. The IMO and IEA are regulatory or analytical bodies that do not typically provide real-time tactical reporting on maritime security incidents. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2013627/three-ships-struck-in-hormuz-flare-up-qatar-slams-iranian-attack, 07 Jul 2026]
#7699
Which of the following is NOT a provision included in the KP Provincial Assembly (Powers, Immunities and Privileges) Act, 2026?
(a) Issuance of lifetime official passports to members and their spouses
(b) Requirement for the Speaker's prior permission before arresting a member on a criminal charge
(c) Mandatory life imprisonment for officers who fail to attend member-summoned meetings
(d) Blanket immunity from preventive detention for all members
Explanation: While the Act mandates that officers attend meetings and classifies failure to do so as a breach of privilege, it does not prescribe life imprisonment for such an act. The other three options are accurate descriptions of the privileges granted under the new legislation. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2013628/kp-govt-enacts-law-granting-lawmakers-lifetime-official-passports-expanding-privileges, 07 Jul 2026]
#7700
Which of the following statements regarding the July 7, 2026, maritime incident is INCORRECT?
(a) Qatar acted as a mediator in the broader US-Iran conflict.
(b) The attacks occurred despite a fragile ceasefire agreement.
(c) All three struck vessels were confirmed to be carrying crude oil exclusively.
(d) Iran has expressed opposition to the Omani-proposed transit corridor.
Explanation: The report specifies that one of the struck vessels was a Qatari LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) tanker, not a crude oil tanker. The other statements are factually accurate regarding the mediation role of Qatar, the existence of a ceasefire, and Iran's opposition to the Omani corridor. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2013627/three-ships-struck-in-hormuz-flare-up-qatar-slams-iranian-attack, 07 Jul 2026]