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.
#11781
Who led the government team during the negotiations with the All Pakistan Petrol Pumps Owners Association (APPPOA) in 2026?
(a) Humayun Khan
(b) Malik Khuda Bukhsh
(c) Ali Pervaiz Malik
(d) Nauman Ali Butt
Explanation: Ali Pervaiz Malik is the Petroleum Minister who led the government's delegation during the talks. The other individuals mentioned are representatives of the dealer associations. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017314/petrol-pump-owners-announce-nationwide-strike-after-talks-over-daily-pricing-fail, 21 Jul 2026]
#11782
Who is the current Interior Minister of Iran who visited Islamabad on July 21, 2026?
(a) Eskandar Momeni
(b) Masoud Pezeshkian
(c) Sayyid Mojtaba Hosseini Khamenei
(d) None of these
Explanation: Eskandar Momeni is the Iranian Interior Minister who led the delegation to Pakistan. Masoud Pezeshkian is the President of Iran, and Sayyid Mojtaba Hosseini Khamenei is the Supreme Leader, making them incorrect choices. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017273/iranian-interior-minister-meets-pm-shehbaz-cdf-munir-in-islamabad, 21 Jul 2026]
#11783
What was the total monetary value of the fine imposed by the EU on AliExpress on July 21, 2026?
(a) $630 million
(b) $200 million
(c) $120 million
(d) $550 million
Explanation: The EU imposed a fine of 550 million euros, which is equivalent to $630 million. The other figures represent fines previously issued to other companies like Temu and X. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017112/eu-imposes-630m-fine-on-aliexpress-over-illegal-products, 21 Jul 2026]
#11784
Which of the following statements regarding the 2026 petroleum pricing dispute is INCORRECT?
(a) The APPPOA claimed the daily pricing mechanism favours Oil Marketing Companies.
(b) The PPDA immediately joined the APPPOA strike without further consultation.
(c) The government's new pricing mechanism is based on a seven-day rolling average of international prices.
(d) The Petroleum Division claimed that talks with the PPDA were successful.
Explanation: The PPDA did not immediately join the strike; instead, they stated that their executive committee would meet to decide on the matter after consulting with OGRA. The other three statements accurately reflect the positions and claims made by the respective parties. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017314/petrol-pump-owners-announce-nationwide-strike-after-talks-over-daily-pricing-fail, 21 Jul 2026]
#11785
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]
#11786
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]
#11787
Consider the following statements about the 2026 petroleum pricing negotiations: 1. The government proposed a daily pricing mechanism based on a seven-day rolling average. 2. The APPPOA and the PPDA are the same organization representing petrol pump owners. 3. OGRA sought seven days to convey dealer concerns to the government. 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 government proposed a seven-day rolling average for daily pricing. Statement 2 is incorrect because the APPPOA and PPDA are distinct associations. Statement 3 is correct as OGRA requested time to relay the dealers' input to the government. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017314/petrol-pump-owners-announce-nationwide-strike-after-talks-over-daily-pricing-fail, 21 Jul 2026]
#11788
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]
#11789
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]
#11790
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]
#11791
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]
#11792
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]
#11793
Consider the following statements about the security situation in Balochistan as of May 2026: 1. The operation in Barkhan targeted members of the group designated as Fitna al Hindustan. 2. The Federal Apex Committee on the National Action Plan approved the vision 'Azm-i-Istehkam'. 3. Security forces recovered weapons and explosives from the terrorists killed in the Barkhan operation. 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 ISPR report regarding the May 13, 2026, operation. The operation targeted the specified group, followed the approved national vision, and resulted in the recovery of militant equipment. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1999982/major-among-five-soldiers-martyred-during-operation-in-balochistans-barkhan-ispr, 13 May 2026]
#11794
At which specific location in Islamabad did the Iranian President hold official meetings with the Prime Minister of Pakistan on June 23, 2026?
(a) Aiwan-e-Sadr
(b) Foreign Office
(c) Prime Minister House
(d) Parliament House
Explanation: The official meetings between the Iranian President and the Prime Minister took place at the Prime Minister House. Aiwan-e-Sadr is the President's official residence, which is a common distractor. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2010220/hands-of-friendship-iran-president-calls-for-new-regional-security-structure-among-muslim-nations, 23 Jun 2026]
#11795
On May 10, 2026, which Pakistani official was specifically commended by the Prime Minister for his dedication to the mediation efforts between the US and Iran?
(a) Ishaq Dar
(b) Tahir Andrabi
(c) Asim Munir
(d) None of these
Explanation: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif explicitly congratulated Field Marshal Asim Munir for his dedication to the mediation cause. While Ishaq Dar was also commended, the Prime Minister's specific mention of the Field Marshal's dedication highlights his central role in the military-diplomatic coordination. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1999181/tehran-sends-response-to-us-peace-proposal-via-pakistan, 10 May 2026]
#11796
Which Pakistani official received the Iranian Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, in Islamabad on June 23, 2026?
(a) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari
(b) Ishaq Dar
(c) Khawaja Asif
(d) Ahsan Iqbal
Explanation: Ishaq Dar, serving as the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, received his Iranian counterpart. The other individuals listed do not currently hold the Foreign Minister portfolio. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2010220/hands-of-friendship-iran-president-calls-for-new-regional-security-structure-among-muslim-nations, 23 Jun 2026]
#11797
Consider the following statements regarding the diplomatic visit on June 23, 2026: 1. The Iranian President called for a united front of Muslim nations to address regional security. 2. The Prime Minister of Pakistan mentioned Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, and Egypt as key players in regional peace discussions. 3. The visit resulted in the immediate signing of a formal military alliance treaty between Pakistan and Iran. 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 accurate based on the diplomatic discourse reported. Statement 3 is incorrect because no such formal military alliance treaty was signed during this visit. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2010220/hands-of-friendship-iran-president-calls-for-new-regional-security-structure-among-muslim-nations, 23 Jun 2026]
#11798
Which location served as the venue for the US-Iran peace talks held in April 2026?
(a) Prime Minister House
(b) Parliament House
(c) Foreign Office
(d) Serena Hotel
Explanation: The Iranian delegation was reported to be conferring at the Serena Hotel in Islamabad during the talks. The other locations are common government buildings but were not the site of the negotiations. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1990743/stepping-stone-toward-durable-peace-pm-shehbaz-meets-us-vp-vance-as-islamabad-talks-commence, 11 Apr 2026]
#11799
Who is the current Chinese Defence Ministry Spokesman who commented on the bilateral military cooperation in May 2026?
(a) Colonel Zhang Ming
(b) Colonel Wang Wei
(c) Colonel Jiang Bin
(d) Colonel Li Feng
Explanation: Colonel Jiang Bin is the official spokesperson for the Chinese Defence Ministry who addressed the press regarding the deepening of military ties. Other names provided are plausible but incorrect distractors. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2003567/pakistan-china-agree-to-deepen-military-cooperation-chinese-defense-ministry, 28 May 2026]
#11800
The Pakistan Navy launched Operation Muhafizul Bahr on which date in 2026?
(a) March 7, 2026
(b) March 11, 2026
(c) March 9, 2026
(d) March 13, 2026
Explanation: The operation was officially announced by the ISPR on March 9, 2026. The other dates are incorrect as they do not align with the official publication date of the announcement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980190/pakistan-navy-launches-operation-muhafizul-bahr-to-counter-threats-to-shipping-maritime-trade-ispr, 09 Mar 2026]