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.
#11701
Consider the following statements about the diplomatic exchange on March 19, 2026: 1. The Pakistan Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Hussain Andrabi rejected the US intelligence claims. 2. Former Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jil Abbas Jilani supported the US intelligence assessment regarding Pakistan's missile range. 3. The US intelligence report suggested that nations are seeking to understand US missile defense plans to shape their own development.
(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 FO spokesperson rejected the claims. Statement 2 is incorrect because Jalil Abbas Jilani explicitly dismissed the US assertion as not grounded in strategic reality. Statement 3 is correct as the DNI noted that identified nations seek to understand US defense plans to assess US intentions. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1983677/fo-rejects-us-intelligence-chiefs-claims-about-pakistan-missile-threat, 19 Mar 2026]
#11702
Consider the following statements about the conflict in the Strait of Hormuz as of March 16, 2026: 1. Iran has effectively closed the waterway using drones and naval mines. 2. The US-Israeli war on Iran is currently in its third week. 3. Dubai airport operations were temporarily suspended due to Iranian drone attacks. 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 report: the Strait is closed by mines and drones, the conflict is in its third week, and Dubai airport faced temporary closures due to Iranian drone activity. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1982742/trump-upset-as-key-us-partners-shun-call-for-hormuz-warship-escorts, 16 Mar 2026]
#11703
Who is the current Director of National Intelligence (DNI) of the United States as of March 19, 2026?
(a) William Burns
(b) Tulsi Gabbard
(c) Avril Haines
(d) None of these
Explanation: Tulsi Gabbard is the Director of National Intelligence who presented the 2026 Annual Threat Assessment to the US Senate Intelligence Committee. William Burns is the Director of the CIA, making him an incorrect choice. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1983677/fo-rejects-us-intelligence-chiefs-claims-about-pakistan-missile-threat, 19 Mar 2026]
#11704
What is the approximate range of missile capabilities attributed to India by the Pakistani Foreign Office in the March 2026 statement?
(a) Over 5,000 kilometers
(b) Over 8,000 kilometers
(c) Over 15,000 kilometers
(d) Over 12,000 kilometers
Explanation: The FO spokesperson explicitly mentioned that India's development of missile capabilities exceeds 12,000 kilometers. This figure is cited to contrast India's reach with Pakistan's defensive, regional-focused program. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1983677/fo-rejects-us-intelligence-chiefs-claims-about-pakistan-missile-threat, 19 Mar 2026]
#11705
In which committee did the US Director of National Intelligence present the 2026 Annual Threat Assessment?
(a) Senate Foreign Relations Committee
(b) House Armed Services Committee
(c) Senate Intelligence Committee
(d) House Foreign Affairs Committee
Explanation: The report specifies that the assessment was presented before the United States Senate Intelligence Committee. The other committees listed are plausible but incorrect venues for this specific briefing. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1983677/fo-rejects-us-intelligence-chiefs-claims-about-pakistan-missile-threat, 19 Mar 2026]
#11706
Consider the following statements about the energy sector performance in June 2026: 1. The price of Regasified Liquefied Natural Gas (RLNG) nearly doubled compared to the same month in the previous year. 2. Nuclear power generation was identified as a zero-fuel-cost energy source. 3. The fuel cost for imported coal was significantly higher than the fuel cost for local coal.
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) All three
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct as RLNG prices rose sharply. Statement 3 is correct as imported coal cost Rs16.65 per unit versus Rs11.5 per unit for local coal. Statement 2 is incorrect because nuclear power has a reported fuel cost of Rs2.85 per unit, unlike hydropower which is a zero-fuel-cost source. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016204/power-companies-seek-rs120-per-unit-fuel-cost-adjustment-for-august, 17 Jul 2026]
#11707
The total additional financial burden proposed to be recovered from consumers through the August 2026 bills is:
(a) Rs15.7 billion
(b) Rs10.5 billion
(c) Rs18.2 billion
(d) Rs22.4 billion
Explanation: The petition filed by the power companies aims to recover an additional Rs15.7 billion from consumers across all power utilities, including ex-Wapda Discos and K-Electric, to offset the higher fuel costs. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016204/power-companies-seek-rs120-per-unit-fuel-cost-adjustment-for-august, 17 Jul 2026]
#11708
Who signed the civilian nuclear cooperation agreement on behalf of the United States on July 23, 2026?
(a) The Secretary of Energy
(b) The Secretary of Defense
(c) The Secretary of State
(d) The National Security Advisor
Explanation: The US Energy Secretary, Chris Wright, signed the agreements on peaceful nuclear cooperation and bilateral safeguards with his Saudi counterpart. The other officials listed were not the primary signatories for this specific energy-sector agreement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017738/us-announces-civilian-nuclear-deal-with-saudi-arabia-says-it-includes-non-proliferation-safeguards, 23 Jul 2026]
#11709
Which of the following is NOT a stated condition or feature of the US-Saudi nuclear cooperation agreement as of 2026?
(a) It is contingent on Saudi Arabia joining the Abraham Accords.
(b) It is designed for civilian use of nuclear facilities.
(c) It requires submission to the US Congress for review.
(d) It mandates the immediate transfer of nuclear weapon technology to Riyadh.
Explanation: The agreement is strictly for civilian nuclear cooperation and explicitly excludes the transfer of nuclear weapon technology. The other options accurately reflect the conditions and procedural requirements mentioned in the diplomatic framework. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017738/trump-says-us-saudi-nuclear-deal-subject-to-riyadh-joining-abraham-accords, 23 Jul 2026]
#11710
Who signed the nuclear cooperation agreements on behalf of the United States in 2026?
(a) Antony Blinken
(b) Chris Wright
(c) Lloyd Austin
(d) Jake Sullivan
Explanation: US Energy Secretary Chris Wright signed the agreements alongside Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman. The other individuals listed hold different cabinet or advisory positions within the US government. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017738/trump-says-us-saudi-nuclear-deal-subject-to-riyadh-joining-abraham-accords, 23 Jul 2026]
#11711
Which of the following statements regarding the fuel cost situation in June 2026 is INCORRECT?
(a) The reference fuel cost for June 2026 was set at Rs7.714 per unit.
(b) The actual fuel cost for June 2026 was reported at Rs8.90 per unit.
(c) Electricity consumption in June 2026 was higher than in June 2025.
(d) Furnace oil and diesel combined contributed less than 1% to the grid supply.
Explanation: Electricity consumption in June 2026 was 13,066 billion units, which is lower than the 13,310 billion units recorded in June 2025. Therefore, the statement claiming consumption was higher is incorrect. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016204/power-companies-seek-rs120-per-unit-fuel-cost-adjustment-for-august, 17 Jul 2026]
#11712
Who is the current Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces of Pakistan who visited Tehran in May 2026?
(a) General Qamar Javed Bajwa
(b) Field Marshal Asim Munir
(c) General Raheel Sharif
(d) None of these
Explanation: Field Marshal Asim Munir is the current Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces who led the mediation delegation to Tehran. The other names listed are former army chiefs. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2002541/encouraging-progress-made-during-cdf-munirs-tehran-visit-ispr, 23 May 2026]
#11713
According to the data for June 2026, which energy source contributed the largest percentage to the national power supply?
(a) Wind energy
(b) Nuclear power
(c) Imported coal
(d) Hydropower
Explanation: Hydropower provided 39% of the total electricity supply in June 2026, making it the largest contributor. Nuclear power followed at 13.5%, while other sources like wind and solar contributed significantly smaller percentages. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016204/power-companies-seek-rs120-per-unit-fuel-cost-adjustment-for-august, 17 Jul 2026]
#11714
Consider the following statements about the diplomatic events of May 2026: 1. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi visited Tehran twice in less than a week to facilitate negotiations. 2. The first round of US-Iran talks in Islamabad resulted in a signed comprehensive peace agreement. 3. Field Marshal Asim Munir held meetings with Iranian officials to discuss regional peace and 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 Interior Minister made multiple trips to Tehran. Statement 2 is incorrect because the first round of talks ended without an agreement. Statement 3 is correct as the CDF's visit was explicitly for mediation and discussion of regional peace. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2002286/cdf-asim-munir-arrives-in-iran-as-part-of-ongoing-mediation-efforts-ispr, 22 May 2026]
#11715
The Foreign Office spokesperson who addressed the media regarding water security and nuclear developments on June 11, 2026, is:
(a) Mumtaz Zahra Baloch
(b) Tahir Andrabi
(c) Asim Iftikhar Ahmad
(d) None of these
Explanation: Tahir Andrabi served as the spokesperson during the June 11, 2026, press briefing. While Mumtaz Zahra Baloch is a known spokesperson, the specific briefing mentioned in the text was conducted by Andrabi. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2006857/any-attempt-to-block-water-will-have-far-reaching-consequences-warns-fo-after-indian-ministers-remarks, 11 Jun 2026]
#11716
The ceasefire between the United States and Iran was extended indefinitely in 2026 upon the request of which Pakistani leaders?
(a) The President and the Foreign Minister
(b) The Army Chief and the Prime Minister
(c) The Interior Minister and the Speaker of the National Assembly
(d) None of these
Explanation: The ceasefire extension was granted by the US President specifically following the request of Field Marshal Asim Munir and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Other combinations of officials do not reflect the specific diplomatic request mentioned in the report. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2002286/cdf-asim-munir-arrives-in-iran-as-part-of-ongoing-mediation-efforts-ispr, 22 May 2026]
#11717
Who was appointed as the Commander of the National Strategic Command on July 24, 2026?
(a) General Syed Asim Munir
(b) General Aamer Raza
(c) General Asif Ali Zardari
(d) None of these
Explanation: Lieutenant General Aamer Raza was promoted to the rank of four-star General and appointed as the Commander of the National Strategic Command on July 24, 2026. General Syed Asim Munir serves as the Chief of Defence Forces, making him an incorrect choice for this specific command role. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431618/lt-gen-aamer-raza-promoted-to-general-appointed-as-commander-of-national-strategic-command, 24 Jul 2026]
#11718
Who received Field Marshal Asim Munir upon his arrival in Tehran on May 22, 2026?
(a) Abbas Araghchi
(b) Eskandar Momeni
(c) Steve Witkoff
(d) None of these
Explanation: Eskandar Momeni, the Iranian Minister for Interior, officially received the Pakistani delegation at the airport. Abbas Araghchi is the Iranian Foreign Minister, and Steve Witkoff is a US Special Envoy. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2002286/cdf-asim-munir-arrives-in-iran-as-part-of-ongoing-mediation-efforts-ispr, 22 May 2026]
#11719
Which of the following is NOT a primary issue impeding progress in the US-Iran negotiations as of May 2026?
(a) Iran's nuclear programme
(b) Strait of Hormuz security
(c) Sanctions relief
(d) Global climate change accords
Explanation: The primary impediments to the negotiations are nuclear programs, sanctions relief, and regional security concerns like the Strait of Hormuz. Global climate change accords are not cited as a factor in the current diplomatic deadlock. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2002286/cdf-asim-munir-arrives-in-iran-as-part-of-ongoing-mediation-efforts-ispr, 22 May 2026]
#11720
Consider the following statements regarding the geopolitical and security developments occurring on August 3, 2026:
(a) Only 1 and 2 are correct
(b) Only 2 and 3 are correct
(c) Only 1 and 3 are correct
(d) All of the above are correct
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct as Iran officially denied engagement despite US announcements. Statement 2 is incorrect because the Strait of Hormuz is the central concern for US-Iran diplomacy, not the Gaza conflict. Statement 3 is correct as the Wana explosion specifically involved the targeted killing of a religious scholar/cleric. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2020319/iran-denies-negotiations-with-us-after-trump-announces-talks]