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.
#7941
Where did the Prime Minister of Pakistan meet the President to discuss the US-Iran dialogue on April 14, 2026?
(a) Prime Minister House
(b) Aiwan-i-Sadr
(c) Foreign Office
(d) None of these
Explanation: The meeting between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Asif Ali Zardari took place at the Aiwan-i-Sadr in Islamabad. Aiwan-i-Sadr is the official residence and workplace of the President of Pakistan. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1991689/pm-takes-president-into-confidence-on-us-iran-talks-briefs-him-on-upcoming-visits-to-saudi-arabia-turkiye, 14 Apr 2026]
#7942
Consider the following statements regarding the energy sector meeting held on May 2, 2026: 1. The Prime Minister directed authorities to prioritize relief for both industrial and domestic consumers. 2. The government is exploring the use of advanced technology to enhance digital facilities for bill payments. 3. The meeting concluded with a decision to immediately abolish all fixed charges on electricity bills. 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 Prime Minister's directives on consumer relief and digital modernization. Statement 3 is incorrect because the government did not announce the abolition of fixed charges, despite public suggestions. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1996962/pm-shehbaz-orders-formulation-of-strategy-to-stabilise-electricity-tariffs, 02 May 2026]
#7943
Consider the following statements about the diplomatic developments in April 2026: 1. The US-Iran talks in Islamabad concluded with a formal peace agreement signed by both delegations. 2. President Asif Ali Zardari praised the coordination between the civilian government and state institutions during the mediation process. 3. Negotiating teams from the US and Iran may return to Islamabad for further rounds of 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 incorrect because the talks concluded without a formal agreement, although they did not result in a breakdown. Statements 2 and 3 are factually accurate based on the official reports regarding the mediation success and the potential for future rounds. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1991689/pm-takes-president-into-confidence-on-us-iran-talks-briefs-him-on-upcoming-visits-to-saudi-arabia-turkiye, 14 Apr 2026]
#7944
Who is the current President of Lebanon involved in the 2026 ceasefire negotiations?
(a) Joseph Aoun
(b) Michel Aoun
(c) Najib Mikati
(d) None of these
Explanation: Joseph Aoun is the Lebanese President who engaged in direct diplomatic discussions with US President Donald Trump to secure the ceasefire. Michel Aoun is a former president, and Najib Mikati is a former prime minister, making them incorrect in the context of the 2026 event. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1992354/10-day-ceasefire-between-israel-lebanon-takes-effect, 16 Apr 2026]
#7945
Consider the following statements about the 2026 diplomatic engagement between Pakistan and Kuwait: 1. The visit was initiated at the invitation of the Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister. 2. The discussions were limited exclusively to trade and energy sectors. 3. The visit included a call on the Pakistani leadership in Islamabad. 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 Ishaq Dar extended the invitation. Statement 3 is correct as the minister was expected to call on the leadership. Statement 2 is incorrect because the talks covered the full spectrum of bilateral relations, not just trade and energy. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40432027/kuwaiti-foreign-minister-to-visit-pakistan-on-tuesday-fo, 27 Jul 2026]
#7946
Which Pakistani official received the Iranian Interior Minister upon his arrival in Islamabad on 2026-07-20?
(a) Talal Chaudhry
(b) Ishaq Dar
(c) Attaullah Tarar
(d) Mohsin Naqvi
Explanation: Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi officially received the Iranian delegation upon their arrival in Islamabad. Talal Chaudhry and Ishaq Dar were present during subsequent meetings but did not lead the initial reception. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017273/iranian-interior-minister-meets-pm-shehbaz-in-islamabad, 21 Jul 2026]
#7947
Who currently serves as the Minister for Power in the federal cabinet as of May 2, 2026?
(a) Ahad Khan Cheema
(b) Sardar Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari
(c) Ali Pervaiz Malik
(d) Attaullah Tarar
Explanation: Sardar Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari is the Minister for Power. The other individuals listed hold different portfolios, such as Economic Affairs, Petroleum, and Information and Broadcasting. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1996962/pm-shehbaz-orders-formulation-of-strategy-to-stabilise-electricity-tariffs, 02 May 2026]
#7948
Who is the current Interior Minister of Iran who visited Islamabad on 2026-07-21?
(a) Eskandar Momeni
(b) Masoud Pezeshkian
(c) Mohsin Naqvi
(d) None of these
Explanation: Eskandar Momeni is the Iranian Interior Minister who led the delegation to Pakistan. Mohsin Naqvi is the Pakistani Interior Minister, and Masoud Pezeshkian is the President of Iran. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017273/iranian-interior-minister-meets-pm-shehbaz-in-islamabad, 21 Jul 2026]
#7949
On 2026-03-12, who was appointed as the Governor of Sindh?
(a) Nehal Hashmi
(b) Kamran Tessori
(c) Farooq Sattar
(d) Khalid Maqbool Siddique
Explanation: Nehal Hashmi was appointed as the Governor of Sindh following the recommendation of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the approval of President Asif Ali Zardari. Kamran Tessori was the predecessor in this position. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981259/pm-shehbaz-recommends-pml-ns-nehal-hashmi-as-sindh-governor, 12 Mar 2026]
#7950
Consider the following statements about the political and administrative developments in Gilgit-Baltistan as of July 2026: 1. The PPP formed the government in Gilgit-Baltistan with the support of the PML-N. 2. The Chief Minister of Gilgit-Baltistan was elected by the regional assembly on June 22, 2026. 3. The federal government has committed to establishing knowledge schools in the region. 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. The PPP-PML-N coalition in GB mirrors the federal arrangement, the election occurred on the specified date, and the establishment of knowledge schools is a confirmed federal priority. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017241/centre-committed-to-working-closely-with-gb-government-pm-tells-cm-amjad-hussain, 21 Jul 2026]
#7951
In the context of the 2026 US-Iran negotiations, what specific term did President Trump use to refer to Iran's enriched uranium stockpile?
(a) Heavy water
(b) Yellow cake
(c) Nuclear dust
(d) Fissile material
Explanation: President Trump referred to the enriched uranium stockpile as 'nuclear dust' during his remarks to reporters. The other terms are technical descriptors for nuclear materials but were not the specific terminology used by the President. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1992383/trump-says-if-iran-deal-is-reached-and-signed-in-islamabad-i-might-go-there, 16 Apr 2026]
#7952
Which of the following individuals was NOT reported as being detained by the Delhi Police on July 21, 2026?
(a) Rahul Gandhi
(b) Priyanka Gandhi
(c) Dharmendra Pradhan
(d) Akhilesh Yadav
Explanation: Dharmendra Pradhan is the Education Minister whose resignation is being demanded; he was not among those detained by the police. Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi, and Akhilesh Yadav were all reported as being detained during the protests. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017219/we-wont-stop-indias-cockroach-movement-vows-to-protest-until-education-minister-resigns, 21 Jul 2026]
#7953
All of the following statements regarding the Prime Minister's 2026 visit to Qatar are TRUE EXCEPT:
(a) He signed a formal military alliance treaty during the visit.
(b) He discussed the importance of de-escalation in the Gulf region.
(c) He arrived in Doha after visiting Saudi Arabia.
(d) He met with Emir Tamim bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani.
Explanation: While the Prime Minister did meet the Emir and discuss regional stability, there is no mention of signing a formal military alliance treaty. The visit focused on strengthening existing cooperation in security, defense, and energy. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1992240/pm-shehbaz-arrives-in-turkiye-on-third-leg-of-tri-nation-tour-holds-meeting-with-fm-fidan, 16 Apr 2026]
#7954
Which of the following statements regarding the diplomatic efforts in April 2026 is INCORRECT?
(a) The US and Iran were engaged in talks brokered by Pakistan.
(b) Pakistan's leadership has been actively seeking to bring the parties to the table.
(c) The ceasefire was implemented following US-Israeli strikes.
(d) President Trump confirmed he would personally participate in the negotiation sessions.
Explanation: President Trump explicitly stated that he would not participate in the actual negotiation sessions, even though he expressed a willingness to travel to Islamabad for the final signing of a deal. The other statements accurately reflect the diplomatic situation described. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1992383/trump-says-if-iran-deal-is-reached-and-signed-in-islamabad-i-might-go-there, 16 Apr 2026]
#7955
Which of the following statements regarding the 2026-07-21 visit of the Iranian Interior Minister is INCORRECT?
(a) The minister met with the Chief of Army Staff at the Prime Minister's House.
(b) The minister visited the Pakistan Monument in Islamabad.
(c) The minister held a meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif at the PM House.
(d) The minister was accompanied by a high-level delegation of senior government officials.
Explanation: The meeting with the Chief of Army Staff took place at the General Headquarters in Rawalpindi, not the Prime Minister's House in Islamabad. The other statements accurately reflect the events of the visit. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017273/iranian-interior-minister-meets-pm-shehbaz-in-islamabad, 21 Jul 2026]
#7956
Who led the Iranian delegation during the 2026 peace talks in Islamabad?
(a) Ali Larijani
(b) Abbas Araqchi
(c) Esmail Khatib
(d) Gholamreza Soleimani
Explanation: The Iranian delegation was led by Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf. The other individuals listed are either deceased or held different roles. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1992620/pakistan-escorted-iranian-negotiators-home-from-peace-talks-amid-concerns-of-israeli-attack-sources-say, 17 Apr 2026]
#7957
Who was the Iranian Ambassador to India summoned by the Ministry of External Affairs on April 18, 2026?
(a) Hossein Amir-Abdollahian
(b) Ali Bagheri Kani
(c) Dr. Mohammad Fathali
(d) Mohammad Javad Zarif
Explanation: Dr. Mohammad Fathali is the Iranian Ambassador to India who was summoned by the Indian foreign secretary to discuss the safety of merchant shipping. The other individuals listed are prominent Iranian political figures but do not hold the position of Ambassador to India. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1992990/new-delhi-summons-iranian-envoy-after-indian-flagged-tankers-shot-at-near-strait-of-hormuz, 18 Apr 2026]
#7958
Who among the following accompanied Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif during his meeting with the Turkish Foreign Minister in 2026?
(a) Ishaq Dar
(b) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari
(c) Khawaja Asif
(d) None of these
Explanation: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar was present during the meeting between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan. The other options are incorrect as they were not mentioned as part of this specific delegation. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1992240/pm-shehbaz-arrives-in-turkiye-on-third-leg-of-tri-nation-tour-holds-meeting-with-fm-fidan, 16 Apr 2026]
#7959
Consider the following statements about the diplomatic visit on 2026-07-21: 1. The Iranian Interior Minister expressed appreciation for Pakistan's role in regional mediation. 2. The discussions focused exclusively on trade and economic cooperation. 3. Pakistan reiterated its commitment to regional peace and stability in the Gulf region. 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 the discussions were primarily focused on regional security, border management, and diplomatic mediation, rather than exclusively on trade. Statements 1 and 3 are factually accurate based on the official reports of the visit. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017273/iranian-interior-minister-meets-pm-shehbaz-in-islamabad, 21 Jul 2026]
#7960
Which organization is responsible for recommending that the US State Department designate India as a 'country of particular concern' in 2026?
(a) Human Rights Watch Executive Board
(b) United Nations Human Rights Council
(c) Amnesty International Global Secretariat
(d) United States Commission on International Religious Freedom
Explanation: The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) is the federal government entity tasked with monitoring religious freedom abroad and providing policy recommendations. Other organizations listed are international NGOs or UN bodies, not US federal commissions. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1998729/us-religious-freedom-commission-calls-for-india-to-be-listed-as-country-of-particular-concern, 08 May 2026]