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.
#8021
According to the Chief Minister of KP, what is the approximate trade deficit of the country as of 2026?
(a) $16 billion
(b) $26 billion
(c) $46 billion
(d) $36 billion
Explanation: The Chief Minister cited a trade deficit of approximately $36 billion while criticizing national economic performance. The other figures are incorrect estimates of the trade deficit. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2010593/cm-afridi-vows-peace-in-fy27-as-kp-assembly-passes-rs217tr-budget, 24 Jun 2026]
#8022
What is the total budget amount approved by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly for the fiscal year 2026-27?
(a) Rs2.17 trillion
(b) Rs1.17 trillion
(c) Rs3.17 trillion
(d) Rs4.17 trillion
Explanation: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly passed a budget of Rs2.17 trillion for the fiscal year 2026-27. Other figures provided are incorrect distractors representing different potential fiscal scales. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2010593/cm-afridi-vows-peace-in-fy27-as-kp-assembly-passes-rs217tr-budget, 24 Jun 2026]
#8023
Consider the following statements about the first phase of the 2026 AJK elections: 1. The polling was held across three districts: Kotli, Bhimber, and Mirpur. 2. The total number of registered voters across these constituencies exceeded 1.4 million. 3. The polling process concluded at 5:00pm after the original timing was extended. 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. Statement 3 is incorrect because the polling concluded at 6:00pm, not 5:00pm, following the one-hour extension. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431988/polling-underway-in-first-phase-of-ajk-elections-across-mirpur-division, 27 Jul 2026]
#8024
During his visit on June 23, 2026, the Iranian President identified which region as requiring a new security structure through intra-regional cooperation?
(a) Central Asia and the Caspian Sea
(b) East Asia and the South China Sea
(c) South Asia and the Indian Ocean
(d) West Asia and the Persian Gulf
Explanation: President Pezeshkian specifically highlighted West Asia and the Persian Gulf as the strategic regions where sustainable security must be ensured through regional cooperation. Other regions listed are geographically distinct from the focus of his diplomatic proposal. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2010220/hands-of-friendship-iran-president-calls-for-new-regional-security-structure-among-muslim-nations, 23 Jun 2026]
#8025
Who led the Iranian delegation during the first round of direct US-Iran talks held in Islamabad in April 2026?
(a) Mohammed Bagher Ghalibaf
(b) Abbas Araghchi
(c) Mojtaba Khamenei
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Iranian delegation to the Islamabad talks was led by Parliament Speaker Mohammed Bagher Ghalibaf, accompanied by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. Option D is incorrect because the leader is explicitly identified in the report. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1993250/in-45-minute-phone-call-with-pezeshkian-pm-shehbaz-reaffirms-pakistans-commitment-to-advancing-regional-peace, 19 Apr 2026]
#8026
Consider the following statements about the visit of Prince Rahim al-Hussaini Aga Khan V to Pakistan in May 2026: 1. The Prince held delegation-level talks at the Presidency with President Asif Ali Zardari. 2. The Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) is involved in climate resilience and heritage conservation in Pakistan. 3. The visit included a formal guard of honour at the Prime Minister's House. 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 accurate regarding the diplomatic proceedings and the scope of AKDN's work. Statement 3 is incorrect because the guard of honour was presented at Aiwan-i-Sadr (President House), not the Prime Minister's House. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2001810/aga-khan-affirms-commitment-to-supporting-development-during-meeting-with-president-zardari, 20 May 2026]
#8027
What is the total amount the government spent on fuel subsidies over the month preceding the April 11, 2026, announcement?
(a) Rs129 billion
(b) Rs107 billion
(c) Rs81 billion
(d) Rs385 billion
Explanation: The Prime Minister noted that the government had spent Rs129 billion on fuel subsidies over the past month. The other figures refer to tax components or the final price of fuel. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1990666/diesel-price-cut-by-rs135-petrol-sees-drop-of-rs12, 11 Apr 2026]
#8028
Consider the following statements about the diplomatic visit of the Iranian Interior Minister to Pakistan in July 2026: 1. The Prime Minister of Pakistan reiterated the country's willingness to mediate in the conflict between the United States and Iran. 2. The Iranian delegation expressed appreciation for Pakistan's role in the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding. 3. The visit included a guard of honour presented by the Pakistan Army at the PM House. 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 regarding the mediation efforts and the MoU. Statement 3 is incorrect because the guard of honour at the Pakistan Monument was presented by the Federal Constabulary, not the Pakistan Army. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017273/iranian-interior-minister-meets-pm-shehbaz-cdf-munir-in-islamabad, 21 Jul 2026]
#8029
Which political organization was identified as the primary driver behind the student-led protests in New Delhi in July 2026?
(a) Aam Aadmi Party
(b) Cockroach Janta Party
(c) Samajwadi Party
(d) Trinamool Congress
Explanation: The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) is the movement that gained millions of followers on social media and organized the protests against examination irregularities. While the Samajwadi Party chief was present at the protest, the CJP is the entity credited with launching the movement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017219/indian-opposition-leader-gandhi-arrested-outside-pm-modis-delhi-residence-amid-mass-protest, 21 Jul 2026]
#8030
Who among the following officials attended the banquet held in honour of Prince Rahim al-Hussaini Aga Khan V on May 20, 2026?
(a) Ishaq Dar
(b) Raja Pervaiz Ashraf
(c) Sadiq Sanjrani
(d) Sherry Rehman
Explanation: Ishaq Dar, serving as the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, was among the high-level officials present at the banquet. The other individuals listed were not mentioned as attendees of this specific event. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2001810/aga-khan-affirms-commitment-to-supporting-development-during-meeting-with-president-zardari, 20 May 2026]
#8031
Prince Rahim al-Hussaini Aga Khan V arrived in Pakistan on May 20, 2026, at which specific location?
(a) Jinnah International Airport
(b) Allama Iqbal International Airport
(c) Nur Khan Air Base
(d) Bacha Khan International Airport
Explanation: Prince Rahim was officially received by President Asif Ali Zardari upon his arrival at the Nur Khan Air Base in Islamabad. The other options represent major international airports in Pakistan that were not the site of this specific diplomatic arrival. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2001810/aga-khan-affirms-commitment-to-supporting-development-during-meeting-with-president-zardari, 20 May 2026]
#8032
Which Iranian leader visited Islamabad on June 23, 2026, to advocate for a new regional security structure?
(a) Masoud Pezeshkian
(b) Ebrahim Raisi
(c) Hassan Rouhani
(d) Mohammad Mokhber
Explanation: Masoud Pezeshkian is the current President of Iran who visited Pakistan on the specified date. Ebrahim Raisi is a former president, making him an incorrect choice. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2010220/hands-of-friendship-iran-president-calls-for-new-regional-security-structure-among-muslim-nations, 23 Jun 2026]
#8033
Consider the following statements about the KP budget session held on June 25, 2026: 1. The opposition leader criticized the government for bulldozing cut motions. 2. The provincial government announced it would provide additional funds to the federal government. 3. The Chief Minister stated that the province would invest in merged districts from its own resources. 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 opposition leader complained about the process. Statement 2 is incorrect because the CM explicitly stated the government would not provide additional funds to the Centre. Statement 3 is correct as the CM confirmed self-reliance for the merged districts. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2010593/cm-afridi-vows-peace-in-fy27-as-kp-assembly-passes-rs217tr-budget, 24 Jun 2026]
#8034
Which military official held discussions regarding peace initiatives with the Iranian President during the June 23, 2026 visit?
(a) Field Marshal Asim Munir
(b) General Sahir Shamshad Mirza
(c) General Qamar Javed Bajwa
(d) General Raheel Sharif
Explanation: Field Marshal Asim Munir, as the Chief of Army Staff, met with the Iranian President to discuss regional peace initiatives. The other names represent former or different military leadership roles. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2010220/hands-of-friendship-iran-president-calls-for-new-regional-security-structure-among-muslim-nations, 23 Jun 2026]
#8035
Which Iranian official stated on April 20, 2026, that Tehran had yet to decide on its participation in the next round of talks?
(a) Esmaeil Baqaei
(b) Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf
(c) Ali Khamenei
(d) None of these
Explanation: Foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei explicitly stated that no decision had been made regarding the next round of negotiations. Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf is the parliament speaker who also commented on the lack of trust. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1993458/us-delegation-expected-in-islamabad-but-uncertainty-prevails-over-talks-amid-mixed-signals-from-iran, 20 Apr 2026]
#8036
Which Pakistani official received the Iranian Interior Minister upon his arrival in Islamabad on the night of July 20, 2026?
(a) Mohsin Naqvi
(b) Ishaq Dar
(c) Attaullah Tarar
(d) Talal Chaudhry
Explanation: Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi officially received the Iranian delegation upon their arrival in Islamabad. While other ministers like Ishaq Dar and Talal Chaudhry were present during later meetings, they were not the primary officials responsible for the initial reception. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017273/iranian-interior-minister-meets-pm-shehbaz-cdf-munir-in-islamabad, 21 Jul 2026]
#8037
The mass protests in New Delhi during July 2026 were primarily organized to demand the resignation of which Indian government official?
(a) Dharmendra Pradhan
(b) Amit Shah
(c) Nitin Gadkari
(d) S. Jaishankar
Explanation: The protests were triggered by alleged irregularities in the NEET examination, leading demonstrators to demand the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. The other listed ministers hold different portfolios and were not the primary targets of this specific protest movement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017219/indian-opposition-leader-gandhi-arrested-outside-pm-modis-delhi-residence-amid-mass-protest, 21 Jul 2026]
#8038
Who scored the winning goal for Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final?
(a) Lamine Yamal
(b) Ferran Torres
(c) Pedro Sanchez
(d) None of these
Explanation: Ferran Torres scored the only goal of the match during extra time to secure the victory for Spain. Lamine Yamal is a teammate, while Pedro Sanchez is the Prime Minister of Spain. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016966/viva-espana-spain-unites-in-joy-at-second-fifa-world-cup-crown, 20 Jul 2026]
#8039
Who presided over the Senate Standing Committee meeting on Economic Affairs held on July 22, 2026?
(a) Senator Rubina Khalid
(b) Senator Waqar Mehdi
(c) Senator Hidayatullah
(d) Senator Saifullah Abro
Explanation: Senator Saifullah Abro presided over the committee meeting that reviewed the utilization of foreign-funded projects. The other senators listed were members who participated in the questioning but did not chair the session. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017399/senate-panel-concerned-over-diversion-of-flood-rehabilitation-funds-in-kp, 22 Jul 2026]
#8040
Which of the following statements regarding the July 2026 protests in New Delhi is INCORRECT?
(a) The protests were primarily focused on alleged irregularities in the NEET examination.
(b) Delhi Police reported that over 100 police personnel were injured during the clashes.
(c) The protests were organized by the ruling party to support the Education Minister.
(d) Rahul Gandhi was detained while marching toward the Prime Minister's residence.
Explanation: The protests were organized by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) to demand the resignation of the Education Minister, not to support him. The other statements accurately reflect the reported facts regarding the cause, the police casualty figures, and the detention of the opposition leader. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017219/indian-opposition-leader-gandhi-arrested-outside-pm-modis-delhi-residence-amid-mass-protest, 21 Jul 2026]