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.
#8081
On what date did the first non-Iranian tanker since the start of the 2026 conflict transit the Strait of Hormuz?
(a) March 12, 2026
(b) March 16, 2026
(c) March 20, 2026
(d) March 24, 2026
Explanation: A Pakistani oil tanker successfully transited the Strait of Hormuz on March 16, 2026, marking the first such voyage by a non-Iranian vessel since the onset of the conflict. [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]
#8082
Which political party is led by Akhilesh Yadav, who was also detained during the protests on July 21, 2026?
(a) Bahujan Samaj Party
(b) Aam Aadmi Party
(c) Trinamool Congress
(d) Samajwadi Party
Explanation: Akhilesh Yadav is the chief of the Samajwadi Party. He was among the opposition leaders detained by Delhi Police while participating in the protest outside the Prime Minister's residence. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017219/indian-opposition-leader-rahul-gandhi-arrested-outside-pm-modis-delhi-residence-amid-mass-protest, 21 Jul 2026]
#8083
According to the statement made on July 22, 2026, which entity does the New York City Mayor identify as having the legal authority to execute an ICC warrant?
(a) The United States federal government
(b) The New York State Supreme Court
(c) The New York Police Department
(d) The United Nations Security Council
Explanation: The Mayor clarified that municipal authorities lack the power to enforce international warrants, explicitly calling upon the US federal government to intervene. The NYPD and state courts do not possess jurisdiction over international diplomatic arrests. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017473/he-is-a-war-criminal-mamdani-says-ny-cannot-arrest-netanyahu-on-icc-warrant-urges-us-federal-officials-to-step-in, 22 Jul 2026]
#8084
Consider the following statements about the government's austerity measures announced in March 2026: 1. The Prime Minister decided to review the work-from-home and distance learning plan on a weekly basis. 2. The government reported that the country currently lacks adequate reserves of petrol and diesel. 3. The Prime Minister urged federal and provincial ministers to play an effective role in resource provision. 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 decided to review the contingency plan weekly. Statement 2 is incorrect because the government explicitly stated that the country had adequate reserves of petrol and diesel. Statement 3 is correct as the PM called for active participation from all ministers. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979860/pm-shehbaz-to-announce-austerity-plan-tomorrow-amid-global-fuel-crisis, 08 Mar 2026]
#8085
Which area in the twin cities remained closed to the public even after the general lifting of restrictions on April 26, 2026?
(a) The Islamabad International Airport
(b) The Diplomatic Enclave main gate
(c) Areas surrounding Nur Khan Airbase
(d) The Rawalpindi Railway Station
Explanation: Residential and commercial areas around the Nur Khan Airbase remained under closure, causing significant inconvenience to local residents. The other locations were not reported as remaining under restricted access. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1995277/traffic-restrictions-around-islamabads-red-zone-serena-hotel-lifted-ishaq-dar, 26 Apr 2026]
#8086
Who were the two federal ministers responsible for announcing the fuel price adjustments on April 2, 2026?
(a) Ali Pervaiz Malik and Muhammad Aurangzeb
(b) Bilal Yaseen and Shehbaz Sharif
(c) Muhammad Aurangzeb and Bilal Yaseen
(d) Ali Pervaiz Malik and Shehbaz Sharif
Explanation: Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik and Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb jointly announced the fuel price revisions on April 2, 2026. Other combinations include the Prime Minister or other provincial ministers who were not the primary spokespersons for this specific announcement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1994758/govt-hikes-petrol-high-speed-diesel-prices-by-rs26, 24 Apr 2026]
#8087
Who is the designated US Special Envoy expected to lead the engagement with Iran as per the 2026 diplomatic developments?
(a) Steve Witkoff
(b) Henry Kissinger
(c) Abbas Araghchi
(d) None of these
Explanation: Steve Witkoff is identified as the US Special Envoy tasked with leading the engagement. Henry Kissinger is a historical figure associated with past US-China diplomacy, and Abbas Araghchi is the Iranian Foreign Minister. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1985071/islamabad-offers-to-host-us-iran-climbdown-effort, 25 Mar 2026]
#8088
Who led the Iranian delegation that visited Islamabad on April 25, 2026?
(a) Reza Amiri Moghadam
(b) Abbas Araghchi
(c) Ishaq Dar
(d) None of these
Explanation: Abbas Araghchi is the Foreign Minister of Iran who led the delegation to Pakistan. Reza Amiri Moghadam is the Iranian Ambassador to Pakistan, and Ishaq Dar is the Deputy Prime Minister of Pakistan. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1994958/iranian-delegation-led-by-araghchi-leaves-after-meeting-pm-cdf-munir-trump-cancels-us-envoys-visit, 25 Apr 2026]
#8089
Consider the following statements about the 2026 conflict dynamics: 1. The Lebanese government has officially sought full normalization of relations with Israel. 2. The Israeli military reported the death of 17 soldiers in southern Lebanon since the fighting erupted in March 2026. 3. US President Donald Trump expressed optimism regarding a potential peace deal between Israel and Lebanon in 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 false because the Lebanese Prime Minister explicitly stated that Lebanon is not seeking normalization, but rather a security agreement and withdrawal. Statements 2 and 3 are factually accurate based on the reported developments in the conflict. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1998133/israel-strikes-beirut-for-the-first-time-since-ceasefire, 06 May 2026]
#8090
Benjamin Netanyahu delayed the release of his 2026 medical report by how many months?
(a) One month
(b) Three months
(c) Two months
(d) Four months
Explanation: Netanyahu stated he withheld the medical report for two months to prevent the spread of false propaganda by Iran. This delay was intended to maintain stability during the ongoing conflict. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1994721/netanyahu-says-he-was-successfully-treated-for-prostate-cancer, 24 Apr 2026]
#8091
Which of the following statements regarding the diplomatic events of April 25, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) CDF Asim Munir held a separate meeting with the Iranian Foreign Minister.
(b) The US President confirmed the cancellation of the envoys' visit via Fox News.
(c) The Iranian delegation arrived in Islamabad with the intention of permanently relocating to Pakistan.
(d) Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar was present during the meeting at the Prime Minister's House.
Explanation: The Iranian delegation visited for diplomatic consultations and explicitly planned to return to Tehran or travel to other regional capitals, not to relocate. The other three statements are factually accurate based on the reported events. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1994958/iranian-delegation-led-by-araghchi-leaves-after-meeting-pm-cdf-munir-trump-cancels-us-envoys-visit, 25 Apr 2026]
#8092
Which of the following statements regarding the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting's response on April 27, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The Ministry claimed that Pakistan's targeting is intelligence-based and precise.
(b) The Ministry alleged that Afghan media reports were amplified by Indian media.
(c) The Ministry stated that the Afghan Taliban regime relies on misinformation to cover up governance failures.
(d) The Ministry confirmed that a strike was carried out on the Sayed Jamaluddin Afghani University.
Explanation: The Ministry explicitly denied that any strike was carried out on the university, labeling the claims as 'frivolous and fake'. Therefore, is the incorrect statement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1995552/info-ministry-rubbishes-reports-of-pakistan-targeting-varsity-residential-areas-in-afghanistans-kunar, 27 Apr 2026]
#8093
Consider the following statements about the pre-budget consultations held in June 2026: 1. The federal government aims to present the budget for FY2026-27 on June 10. 2. The PPP delegation expressed reservations regarding the proposed tax measures. 3. The President directed that growth rates should be harmonized with public welfare schemes. 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 official reports of the meeting. The government scheduled the budget presentation for June 10, the PPP raised tax concerns, and the President emphasized the need for welfare-oriented growth. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2006163/in-meeting-with-pm-president-stresses-provincial-rights-economic-stability-in-upcoming-budget, 08 Jun 2026]
#8094
Who announced the lifting of traffic restrictions around Islamabad's Red Zone and the Serena Hotel on April 26, 2026?
(a) The Inspector General of Islamabad Police
(b) The Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister
(c) The Commissioner of Rawalpindi Division
(d) None of these
Explanation: Ishaq Dar, serving as the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, officially announced the lifting of the security restrictions. The other officials listed were not the primary spokespersons for this specific policy reversal. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1995277/traffic-restrictions-around-islamabads-red-zone-serena-hotel-lifted-ishaq-dar, 26 Apr 2026]
#8095
Which of the following statements regarding the fuel price adjustments in 2026 is INCORRECT?
(a) The government has been revising petroleum prices on a weekly basis on Friday nights.
(b) The price of petrol and high-speed diesel was increased by Rs26.77 on April 24, 2026.
(c) The government has maintained a consistent fuel price throughout the year without any reductions.
(d) High-speed diesel is used for heavy transport and large generators.
Explanation: The statement that prices remained consistent is false, as the government frequently adjusted prices, including significant reductions in early April 2026. The other options accurately reflect the operational and fiscal realities described. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1994758/govt-hikes-petrol-high-speed-diesel-prices-by-rs26, 24 Apr 2026]
#8096
Consider the following statements about the protests in New Delhi on July 21, 2026: 1. The protests were organized to demand reforms in the national education system. 2. The government engaged in a parliamentary debate regarding the NEET irregularities prior to the protests. 3. Thousands of protesters gathered at the Jantar Mantar site to show support for the CJP movement. 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 3 are correct as the protests focused on education reforms and utilized the Jantar Mantar site. Statement 2 is incorrect because opposition leaders specifically criticized the government for refusing to hold a debate on the issue in parliament. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017219/indian-opposition-leader-rahul-gandhi-arrested-outside-pm-modis-delhi-residence-amid-mass-protest, 21 Jul 2026]
#8097
Which minister briefed the President on his recent diplomatic visit to Iran during the June 2026 meeting?
(a) Foreign Minister
(b) Interior Minister
(c) Finance Minister
(d) Defense Minister
Explanation: Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi provided the briefing regarding his recent visit to Iran and regional diplomatic engagements. While the Foreign Minister was present at the meeting, the specific briefing on the Iran visit was attributed to the Interior Minister. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2006163/in-meeting-with-pm-president-stresses-provincial-rights-economic-stability-in-upcoming-budget, 08 Jun 2026]
#8098
Consider the following statements about the 2026 FIFA World Cup final: 1. Spain defeated Argentina by a margin of one goal. 2. The match was decided during regulation time. 3. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez attended the event. 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: Spain won 1-0, but the goal was scored in extra time, making statement 2 incorrect. Both the scoreline and the presence of the Prime Minister are factually accurate. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016966/viva-espana-spain-unites-in-joy-at-second-fifa-world-cup-crown, 20 Jul 2026]
#8099
Who currently serves as the Finance Minister of Pakistan as of June 2026?
(a) Ishaq Dar
(b) Muhammad Aurangzeb
(c) Azam Nazeer Tarar
(d) None of these
Explanation: Muhammad Aurangzeb is the incumbent Finance Minister of Pakistan. Ishaq Dar serves as the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, while Azam Nazeer Tarar is the Law Minister. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2006163/in-meeting-with-pm-president-stresses-provincial-rights-economic-stability-in-upcoming-budget, 08 Jun 2026]
#8100
Consider the following statements about the US-Iran peace process as of June 2026: 1. The Strait of Hormuz is expected to officially open upon the signing of the peace deal. 2. The peace deal includes the immediate release of cash funds to Iran upon signing. 3. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif cautioned against misinformation campaigns aimed at sabotaging the peace deal. 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 President Trump indicated the strait would open upon signing. Statement 2 is incorrect because Vice President Vance explicitly stated that no cash or funds are being released for simply signing the deal. Statement 3 is correct as the Prime Minister warned against misinformation campaigns. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2007361/peace-has-never-been-this-close-pm-shehbaz-says-text-of-final-us-iran-peace-deal-agreed-upon, 12 Jun 2026]