January 2026 Edition
Start January Quiz
January 2026 Current Affairs MCQs & Solutions
Top national & international current affairs questions for CSS, PMS, FPSC, PPSC, and NTS screening tests.
#11721
Who was appointed as the Commander of the National Strategic Command (NSC) on July 24, 2026?
(a) General Sahir Shamshad Mirza
(b) General Aamer Raza
(c) General Asim Munir
(d) None of these
Explanation: General Aamer Raza was promoted to the rank of four-star general and appointed as the Commander of the National Strategic Command. General Sahir Shamshad Mirza is the incorrect choice as he was the last officer to serve as the Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee before that office was abolished. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431733/lt-gen-aamer-promoted-appointed-as-commander-nsc, 24 Jul 2026]
#11722
On July 26, 2026, the United States conditioned a civil nuclear deal with Saudi Arabia on the Kingdom's participation in which diplomatic framework?
(a) The Oslo Accords
(b) The Abraham Accords
(c) The Camp David Accords
(d) The Jeddah Security Pact
Explanation: The US administration explicitly linked the civil nuclear agreement to Saudi Arabia joining the Abraham Accords, a series of normalization agreements between Israel and several Arab nations. The other options refer to historical peace processes that are not the focus of the current US diplomatic pressure. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018440/quid-pro-quo, 26 Jul 2026]
#11723
Consider the following statements about the regional geopolitical situation as of July 26, 2026: 1. The current Israeli leadership has explicitly rejected the possibility of a Palestinian state. 2. Saudi Arabia's role as the custodian of Islam's holiest sites makes its potential recognition of Israel highly significant for the Muslim world. 3. The US administration has successfully coerced all OIC members into recognizing Israel through the Abraham Accords. 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 Israeli leadership has publicly opposed a Palestinian state. Statement 2 is correct regarding Saudi Arabia's unique religious status. Statement 3 is incorrect because many OIC members, including Pakistan, have not recognized Israel. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018440/quid-pro-quo, 26 Jul 2026]
#11724
Where did the meeting between General Aamer Raza and Field Marshal Asim Munir take place on July 27, 2026?
(a) Prime Minister House, Islamabad
(b) Joint Staff Headquarters, Chaklala
(c) Aiwan-i-Sadr, Islamabad
(d) General Headquarters (GHQ), Rawalpindi
Explanation: The meeting occurred at the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi, where the CNSC was presented with a guard of honour. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018788/newly-appointed-cnsc-aamer-raza-meets-cdf-asim-munir-in-rawalpindi-ispr, 27 Jul 2026]
#11725
Who was appointed as the first Commander of the National Strategic Command (CNSC) in 2026?
(a) General Syed Aamer Raza
(b) General Asim Munir
(c) General Sahir Shamshad Mirza
(d) None of these
Explanation: General Syed Aamer Raza was promoted to the rank of a four-star general and appointed as the first CNSC. Asim Munir serves as the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF). [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018788/newly-appointed-cnsc-aamer-raza-meets-cdf-asim-munir-in-rawalpindi-ispr, 27 Jul 2026]
#11726
Consider the following statements about the military command overhaul in 2026: 1. Field Marshal Asim Munir serves as the country's first Chief of Defence Forces (CDF). 2. The CNSC appointment process is subject to judicial review under the 27th Amendment. 3. The CNSC position replaces the nuclear management functions previously held by the CJCSC.
(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 27th Amendment explicitly states that the appointment process cannot be called into question before any court. Statements 1 and 3 are factually accurate. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018788/newly-appointed-cnsc-aamer-raza-meets-cdf-asim-munir-in-rawalpindi-ispr, 27 Jul 2026]
#11727
Who is the current Foreign Minister of Iran who met with the Pakistani delegation in Tehran on April 15, 2026?
(a) Abbas Araghchi
(b) Esmaeil Baqaei
(c) Hossein Amir-Abdollahian
(d) Mohammad Javad Zarif
Explanation: Abbas Araghchi is the Iranian Foreign Minister who welcomed Field Marshal Asim Munir in Tehran. Esmaeil Baqaei is the foreign ministry spokesman, not the Foreign Minister. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1991972/cdf-munir-visits-iran-alongside-delegation-as-part-of-mediation-efforts-holds-meeting-with-fm-araghchi, 15 Apr 2026]
#11728
The mediation efforts led by Pakistan in April 2026 are primarily aimed at de-escalating tensions between which two countries?
(a) Pakistan and India
(b) Russia and Ukraine
(c) Saudi Arabia and Iran
(d) Iran and the United States
Explanation: The diplomatic efforts are focused on de-escalation between Iran and the United States, following direct talks held in Islamabad. The other options represent different geopolitical conflicts not addressed by this specific mediation mission. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1991972/cdf-munir-visits-iran-alongside-delegation-as-part-of-mediation-efforts-holds-meeting-with-fm-araghchi, 15 Apr 2026]
#11729
Which US official serves as the Secretary of Defense during the 2026 Iran conflict?
(a) Pete Hegseth
(b) Lloyd Austin
(c) James Mattis
(d) Mark Esper
Explanation: Pete Hegseth is the Secretary of Defense who participated in the classified congressional briefing. The other options are former Secretaries of Defense. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980866/us-lawmakers-warn-of-trumps-incoherent-iran-war-strategy-after-classified-briefing, 11 Mar 2026]
#11730
Which of the following Iranian officials did Field Marshal Asim Munir NOT meet during his visit to Tehran in May 2026?
(a) Masoud Pezeshkian
(b) Ali Khamenei
(c) Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf
(d) Abbas Araghchi
Explanation: Field Marshal Asim Munir met with President Masoud Pezeshkian, Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. There is no mention of a meeting with the Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, in the official reports. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2002541/encouraging-progress-made-during-cdf-munirs-tehran-visit-ispr, 23 May 2026]
#11731
The US proposal sent to Iran in March 2026 consists of how many points?
(a) 15 points
(b) 10 points
(c) 5 points
(d) 20 points
Explanation: The US proposal, which covers demands regarding nuclear and missile programs and trade route control, is a 15-point document. The other options are incorrect numerical distractors. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1985991/rubio-says-war-on-iran-to-last-weeks-not-months-no-us-ground-troops-needed, 27 Mar 2026]
#11732
Consider the following statements about the US-Iran conflict as of March 2026: 1. The US has officially ruled out the use of any ground troops in the region. 2. Iran has publicly rejected the 15-point proposal presented by the US. 3. The US has extended a deadline for Iran to reopen the blockaded Strait of Hormuz. 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 while Rubio stated the US can achieve aims without ground troops, the US is still deploying Marines and airborne soldiers to the region. Statements 2 and 3 are factually accurate based on the reported events. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1985991/rubio-says-war-on-iran-to-last-weeks-not-months-no-us-ground-troops-needed, 27 Mar 2026]
#11733
Who serves as the United States Secretary of State during the 2026 military campaign against Iran?
(a) Antony Blinken
(b) Marco Rubio
(c) Mike Pompeo
(d) None of these
Explanation: Marco Rubio is identified as the Secretary of State who provided the classified briefing to US lawmakers regarding the military campaign. Antony Blinken and Mike Pompeo are former Secretaries of State and serve as distractors. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980866/us-lawmakers-warn-of-trumps-incoherent-iran-war-strategy-after-classified-briefing, 11 Mar 2026]
#11734
According to the statement by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on March 27, 2026, what is the projected duration of the military operation in the Gulf?
(a) Several years
(b) Weeks, not months
(c) Exactly six months
(d) None of these
Explanation: Rubio explicitly stated that the operation is expected to conclude in a matter of weeks rather than months. This reflects the US administration's current assessment of the conflict's timeline. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1985991/rubio-says-war-on-iran-to-last-weeks-not-months-no-us-ground-troops-needed, 27 Mar 2026]
#11735
In the context of the 2026 Gulf conflict, which body did Marco Rubio meet with to discuss the operation?
(a) The United Nations Security Council
(b) G7 counterparts
(c) The Arab League
(d) The North Atlantic Council
Explanation: Rubio met with his G7 counterparts in France to coordinate on the ongoing military operation and diplomatic strategy. The other organizations were not cited as the primary venue for this specific meeting. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1985991/rubio-says-war-on-iran-to-last-weeks-not-months-no-us-ground-troops-needed, 27 Mar 2026]
#11736
Consider the following statements about the 2026 US-Israeli military campaign against Iran: 1. The campaign's primary focus includes targeting Iranian missile and drone factories. 2. The administration explicitly listed the destruction of Iran's nuclear weapons program as a primary war goal. 3. Senator Chris Murphy described the administration's war strategy as incoherent and incomplete. 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 focus is on missiles and drones. Statement 2 is incorrect because the briefing indicated that destroying the nuclear program was not among the listed war goals. Statement 3 is correct as Senator Murphy explicitly criticized the strategy as incoherent. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980866/us-lawmakers-warn-of-trumps-incoherent-iran-war-strategy-after-classified-briefing, 11 Mar 2026]
#11737
What is the total estimated cost of the military conflict against Iran as reported by the US Pentagon in July 2026?
(a) 37.5 billion dollars
(b) 27.5 billion dollars
(c) 17.5 billion dollars
(d) 47.5 billion dollars
Explanation: Pentagon Chief Pete Hegseth confirmed that the financial expenditure for the military operations against Iran has reached 37.5 billion dollars. This figure is a central point of political debate regarding the sustainability of the conflict. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017476/us-continues-strikes-on-iran-for-11th-consecutive-night-triggering-air-defences-in-tehran, 22 Jul 2026]
#11738
Which of the following statements regarding the US-Iran escalation as of July 22, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) President Trump threatened to strike any new sites where Iran attempts to resume nuclear activity.
(b) The United States has expressed a strong interest in immediate, unconditional diplomatic engagement with Tehran.
(c) The Strait of Hormuz has remained blocked as part of the ongoing regional tensions.
(d) US forces conducted bombing raids in the south and west of Iran.
Explanation: The report states that Washington has no interest in engaging with Tehran unless they are ready to meet in a 'meaningful way,' contradicting the claim that the US is seeking immediate, unconditional engagement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017405/trump-threatens-to-obliterate-any-active-nuclear-site-in-iran, 22 Jul 2026]
#11739
Consider the following statements about the 2026 mediation efforts: 1. The negotiations include discussions on the Strait of Hormuz and Iran's nuclear programme. 2. Pakistan's Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also participated in diplomatic efforts in Tehran. 3. The ceasefire that preceded these talks was established on 8th April, 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: All three statements are factually accurate based on the provided report. The negotiations cover the specified technical frameworks, Interior Minister Naqvi was actively involved in multiple visits, and the ceasefire date is correctly cited as 8th April, 2026. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2002541/encouraging-progress-made-during-cdf-munirs-tehran-visit-ispr, 23 May 2026]
#11740
Consider the following statements about the regional security situation as of July 2026: 1. The Houthis have enforced a maritime blockade in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait to disrupt Saudi oil supplies. 2. The UKMTO reported that a tanker in the Strait of Hormuz was struck by a projectile. 3. Iran has successfully maintained a continuous ceasefire with the United States since the beginning of the year. 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 based on the report. Statement 3 is incorrect because the report explicitly mentions the breakdown of a fragile ceasefire almost two weeks prior to the July 22, 2026, publication. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017405/trump-threatens-to-obliterate-any-active-nuclear-site-in-iran, 22 Jul 2026]