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.
#9521
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]
#9522
What was the performance of energy shares on the Australian market on July 27, 2026?
(a) They rose by 3.3%
(b) They remained unchanged
(c) They slid by 3.3%
(d) None of these
Explanation: Energy shares declined by as much as 3.3% on July 27, 2026, marking their worst session since June 17, 2026, due to falling oil prices. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431982/australian-shares-rise-nearly-1-as-middle-east-de-escalation-boosts-sentiment, 27 Jul 2026]
#9523
Consider the following statements regarding the global oil market situation in March 2026: 1. Crude benchmarks had surged to their highest levels since 2022 prior to the price plunge. 2. The US administration expressed concerns that high energy prices could negatively impact consumer sentiment before midterm elections. 3. Market analysts suggested that the initial price surge was an overreaction to the upside, while the subsequent plunge was an overreaction to the downside. Which of the statements given above 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 market conditions and expert commentary provided in the report. The surge to 2022 levels, the political sensitivity of energy prices, and the assessment of market overreaction are all verified components of the event. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980727/oil-plunges-15pc-amid-hopes-of-de-escalation, 11 Mar 2026]
#9524
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]
#9525
Who was the captain of the Bangladesh cricket team during the ODI match against Pakistan on March 11, 2026?
(a) Najmul Hossain Shanto
(b) Mehidy Hasan Miraz
(c) Litton Das
(d) Taskin Ahmed
Explanation: Mehidy Hasan Miraz served as the captain for Bangladesh in this match and also contributed with the ball, taking 3 wickets for 29 runs. Najmul Hossain Shanto played as a batter in the same match. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980951/nahid-rana-takes-5-wickets-as-bangladesh-crush-pakistan-in-odi-opener, 11 Mar 2026]
#9526
Which of the following areas is expected to experience snowfall over the hills during the weather system forecasted for March 2026?
(a) Coastal Sindh
(b) Southern Punjab
(c) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
(d) Central Balochistan
Explanation: The PMD forecast specifically mentions that snowfall over the hills is expected in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, as well as in Gilgit-Baltistan and Kashmir. Southern Punjab and coastal Sindh are not high-altitude regions prone to snowfall. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1984621/met-office-predicts-rain-thunderstorms-across-country-from-march-24-30, 23 Mar 2026]
#9527
Following the price adjustment announced on July 21, 2026, what is the new price of petrol per litre?
(a) Rs458.41
(b) Rs367.21
(c) Rs320.73
(d) Rs520.35
Explanation: The price of petrol was set at Rs320.73 per litre following the increase. The other figures represent historical peaks or the current price of diesel. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017311/govt-increases-petrol-price-by-rs493-diesel-by-rs715-per-litre, 21 Jul 2026]
#9528
Consider the following statements about the fuel price update of July 2026: 1. The new fuel prices became applicable on July 22, 2026. 2. The price of petrol was increased by a higher margin than the price of high-speed diesel. 3. The government cited renewed regional hostilities in the Persian Gulf as a reason for the price hike. 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 notification specified July 22 as the effective date. Statement 3 is correct as the government cited Persian Gulf hostilities. Statement 2 is incorrect because petrol increased by Rs4.93, which is less than the Rs7.15 increase for diesel. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017311/govt-increases-petrol-price-by-rs493-diesel-by-rs715-per-litre, 21 Jul 2026]
#9529
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) issued a nationwide flood alert for the period of July 21 to July 24, 2026, covering which of the following risks?
(a) Flash floods, urban flooding, and landslides
(b) Drought, heatwaves, and forest fires
(c) Earthquakes, tremors, and building collapses
(d) Cyclones, tsunamis, and coastal erosion
Explanation: The NDMA alert specifically warned of flash floods, urban flooding, and landslides across multiple provinces due to the monsoon system. These are the primary hazards associated with heavy rainfall in the region. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017248/monsoon-rains-kill-12-in-kp-in-past-3-days-nationwide-flood-warning-issued, 21 Jul 2026]
#9530
Consider the following statements about the US-Iran conflict as of April 19, 2026: 1. The US-Israeli strikes on Iran commenced on February 28, 2026. 2. President Trump threatened to target Iranian power plants and bridges if the proposed deal is rejected. 3. The Strait of Hormuz was closed by Iran in response to the US blockade of Iranian ports. Which of the statements given above 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 strikes began on February 28, the threat to infrastructure was explicitly made by President Trump, and Iran cited the US blockade as the reason for closing the Strait of Hormuz. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1993224/trump-says-us-representatives-heading-to-islamabad-will-be-there-tomorrow-evening-for-negotiations-with-iran, 19 Apr 2026]
#9531
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]
#9532
What is the duration of the physical closure of educational institutions in Sindh as announced in March 2026?
(a) March 1 to March 15
(b) March 20 to April 5
(c) March 10 to March 25
(d) March 16 to March 31
Explanation: The Sindh government mandated the closure of educational institutions from March 16 to March 31, 2026. Other options represent incorrect date ranges that do not align with the official provincial directive. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40410966/sindh-shuts-educational-institutions-until-from-march-16-to-31, 10 Mar 2026]
#9533
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]
#9534
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]
#9535
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]
#9536
Who has been appointed to succeed Tim Cook as the Chief Executive Officer of Apple in 2026?
(a) Johny Srouji
(b) John Ternus
(c) Ben Bajarin
(d) None of these
Explanation: John Ternus, a veteran who joined Apple in 2001 and previously led hardware engineering, was named the successor to Tim Cook. Johny Srouji was appointed as the chief hardware officer, not the CEO. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1993605/apple-says-chief-executive-tim-cook-stepping-down-in-september, 20 Apr 2026]
#9537
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]
#9538
Which of the following statements regarding the fuel pricing policy as of July 2026 is INCORRECT?
(a) The government shifted from weekly to daily fuel price revisions.
(b) The government has mandated that fuel prices remain fixed for a period of six months.
(c) The price adjustments were influenced by regional hostilities in the Persian Gulf.
(d) The All Pakistan Dealers Association has expressed opposition to the daily pricing mechanism.
Explanation: The government has moved to a daily pricing mechanism to account for market volatility, making the claim of a six-month fixed price period factually incorrect. The other options accurately describe the current policy and the reaction of stakeholders. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017311/govt-increases-petrol-price-by-rs493-diesel-by-rs715-per-litre, 21 Jul 2026]
#9539
On July 21, 2026, which Indian opposition leader was detained by police while protesting outside the Prime Minister's residence in New Delhi?
(a) Rahul Gandhi
(b) Mallikarjun Kharge
(c) Shashi Tharoor
(d) None of these
Explanation: Rahul Gandhi, the leader of the opposition in the lower house, was detained alongside other political figures during the protest. While other opposition leaders are active in Indian politics, he was the specific individual identified as being detained at the Prime Minister's residence on this date. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017219/indian-opposition-leader-gandhi-arrested-outside-pm-modis-delhi-residence-amid-mass-protest, 21 Jul 2026]
#9540
Which of the following statements regarding the protests in New Delhi on July 21, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The Delhi Police reported that no security personnel were injured during the clashes.
(b) The protests were triggered by alleged irregularities in the NEET examination.
(c) Rahul Gandhi demanded the resignation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
(d) The CJP movement has gained millions of followers on social media since May 2026.
Explanation: The Delhi Police explicitly stated that 118 police personnel were injured during the clashes with protesters. Therefore, the claim that no security personnel were injured is factually incorrect. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017219/indian-opposition-leader-rahul-gandhi-arrested-outside-pm-modis-delhi-residence-amid-mass-protest, 21 Jul 2026]