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.
#12061
Consider the following statements about the 2026-07-21 flooding event: 1. The floods occurred in a region that shares a border with Pakistan. 2. The disaster agency warned residents to stay away from riverbanks due to the risk of further storms. 3. Search and rescue operations were fully equipped with advanced heavy machinery provided by international donors. 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: Nuristan does border Pakistan, and ANDMA did issue warnings regarding further rain. However, reports explicitly stated that residents were searching the area without equipment, contradicting the claim that they were fully equipped with advanced machinery. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017161/20-afghans-killed100-missing-after-floods, 21 Jul 2026]
#12062
According to the announcement made on April 19, 2026, which individual was reported to lead the American delegation for the negotiations in Islamabad?
(a) Jared Kushner
(b) Steve Kushner
(c) JD Vance
(d) None of these
Explanation: US media outlets reported that Vice President JD Vance was designated to lead the American delegation. While Jared and Steve Kushner were mentioned as part of the team, Vance was the lead official cited. [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]
#12063
Who led the Iranian delegation during the first round of direct US-Iran talks held in Islamabad in April 2026?
(a) Mohammed Bagher Ghalibaf
(b) Abbas Araghchi
(c) Mojtaba Khamenei
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Iranian delegation to the Islamabad talks was led by Parliament Speaker Mohammed Bagher Ghalibaf, accompanied by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. Option D is incorrect because the leader is explicitly identified in the report. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1993250/in-45-minute-phone-call-with-pezeshkian-pm-shehbaz-reaffirms-pakistans-commitment-to-advancing-regional-peace, 19 Apr 2026]
#12064
What is the total amount the government spent on fuel subsidies over the month preceding the April 11, 2026, announcement?
(a) Rs129 billion
(b) Rs107 billion
(c) Rs81 billion
(d) Rs385 billion
Explanation: The Prime Minister noted that the government had spent Rs129 billion on fuel subsidies over the past month. The other figures refer to tax components or the final price of fuel. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1990666/diesel-price-cut-by-rs135-petrol-sees-drop-of-rs12, 11 Apr 2026]
#12065
Which of the following statements regarding the diplomatic situation as of April 19, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The first round of US-Iran talks in Islamabad ended without a formal agreement.
(b) The United States has officially confirmed that Iran has accepted the new deal proposed by President Trump.
(c) Iran has demanded the lifting of the US blockade on its ports as a precondition for talks.
(d) The Strait of Hormuz has been a focal point of the maritime standoff between the two nations.
Explanation: The United States has not confirmed Iran's acceptance; in fact, reports indicate that Iran's participation remains uncertain and that Tehran has expressed skepticism. Options A, B, and D are all factually supported by the provided text. [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]
#12066
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]
#12067
The ex-depot price of petrol was fixed at which of the following rates on April 11, 2026?
(a) Rs450.15 per litre
(b) Rs385.54 per litre
(c) Rs366.58 per litre
(d) Rs369.72 per litre
Explanation: Following the Rs12 reduction, the new price for petrol was fixed at Rs366.58 per litre. The other values correspond to the new prices for HSD, kerosene, and light diesel oil. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1990666/diesel-price-cut-by-rs135-petrol-sees-drop-of-rs12, 11 Apr 2026]
#12068
Arrange the following 2026 events in the chronological order of their occurrence or implementation date mentioned in the reports:
(a) 1. Wana suicide attack neutralized; 2. Daily fuel price adjustments announced; 3. Anthropic Claude Fable 5 integration; 4. US visa policy overhaul finalized.
(b) 1. Wana suicide attack neutralized; 2. Anthropic Claude Fable 5 integration; 3. Daily fuel price adjustments announced; 4. US visa policy overhaul finalized.
(c) 1. Daily fuel price adjustments announced; 2. US visa policy overhaul finalized; 3. Wana suicide attack neutralized; 4. Anthropic Claude Fable 5 integration.
(d) 1. US visa policy overhaul finalized; 2. Daily fuel price adjustments announced; 3. Wana suicide attack neutralized; 4. Anthropic Claude Fable 5 integration.
Explanation: The security operations in Wana and the announcement regarding daily fuel pricing occurred on July 18, 2026. The shift in US visa policy was finalized on July 18, while the integration of the Claude Fable 5 model is explicitly scheduled for July 20, 2026, placing it as the latest event in the sequence. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016455/terrorist-killed-as-security-forces-destroy-explosive-laden-vehicle-intended-for-suicide-attack-in-wana-state-media]
#12069
Regarding the security and administrative developments reported on July 18, 2026, consider the following statements: 1. Security forces conducted an intelligence-based operation in Wana to intercept an explosive-laden vehicle. 2. The Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) neutralized a wanted terrorist specifically in the Dera Ismail Khan region. 3. The Lawyers Action Committee (LAC) has expressed support for the current government's judicial appointment process. Which of the following describes the accuracy of these statements?
(a) Only 1 and 2 are correct.
(b) Only 2 and 3 are correct.
(c) Only 1 and 3 are correct.
(d) All statements are correct.
Explanation: Statements 1 and 2 accurately reflect success in intelligence-based operations in Wana and DI Khan respectively. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Lawyers Action Committee has denounced the current judicial appointment process as 'horse trading' and has initiated a protest movement against it. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016455/terrorist-killed-as-security-forces-destroy-explosive-laden-vehicle-intended-for-suicide-attack-in-wana-state-media]
#12070
Prince Rahim al-Hussaini Aga Khan V arrived in Pakistan on May 20, 2026, at which specific location?
(a) Jinnah International Airport
(b) Allama Iqbal International Airport
(c) Nur Khan Air Base
(d) Bacha Khan International Airport
Explanation: Prince Rahim was officially received by President Asif Ali Zardari upon his arrival at the Nur Khan Air Base in Islamabad. The other options represent major international airports in Pakistan that were not the site of this specific diplomatic arrival. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2001810/aga-khan-affirms-commitment-to-supporting-development-during-meeting-with-president-zardari, 20 May 2026]
#12071
Consider the following statements about the fuel price revision on April 11, 2026: 1. The reduction in diesel prices was partially attributed to a correction in the pricing formula that previously benefited local refineries. 2. High-speed diesel is considered an inflationary item due to its extensive use in freight transportation. 3. The government reduced the petroleum levy on petrol to provide immediate relief to consumers. 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 correct as they reflect the pricing formula correction and the inflationary nature of diesel. Statement 3 is incorrect because the government explicitly stated that tax rates, including the petroleum levy, were kept unchanged. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1990666/diesel-price-cut-by-rs135-petrol-sees-drop-of-rs12, 11 Apr 2026]
#12072
Consider the following statements about the KP budget session held on June 25, 2026: 1. The opposition leader criticized the government for bulldozing cut motions. 2. The provincial government announced it would provide additional funds to the federal government. 3. The Chief Minister stated that the province would invest in merged districts from its own resources. 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 opposition leader complained about the process. Statement 2 is incorrect because the CM explicitly stated the government would not provide additional funds to the Centre. Statement 3 is correct as the CM confirmed self-reliance for the merged districts. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2010593/cm-afridi-vows-peace-in-fy27-as-kp-assembly-passes-rs217tr-budget, 24 Jun 2026]
#12073
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]
#12074
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]
#12075
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]
#12076
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]
#12077
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]
#12078
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]
#12079
Consider the following statements about the diplomatic developments in April 2026: 1. The first round of direct US-Iran talks in Islamabad concluded with a formal peace agreement. 2. Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar held discussions with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi regarding regional stability. 3. The hostilities between the US and Iran were initially triggered by strikes occurring on February 28, 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 incorrect because the first round of talks in Islamabad ended without a formal agreement, though it also avoided a breakdown. Statements 2 and 3 are factually accurate based on the reported diplomatic timeline. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1993250/in-45-minute-phone-call-with-pezeshkian-pm-shehbaz-reaffirms-pakistans-commitment-to-advancing-regional-peace, 19 Apr 2026]
#12080
Which of the following statements regarding the Senate session on May 12, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The government rejected the impression that any specific province was being targeted by terrorists.
(b) The opposition and treasury reached a consensus on the immediate withdrawal of all security forces from KP.
(c) The Parliamentary Affairs Minister claimed that intelligence-based operations are currently underway.
(d) The government emphasized that there would be no compromise on the resolve to eliminate terrorism.
Explanation: There was no consensus on withdrawing security forces; rather, the government defended its ongoing intelligence-based operations. The other three statements accurately reflect the government's stance during the debate. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1999725/treasury-opposition-clash-in-senate-as-jui-f-senator-questions-terrorism-in-kp, 12 May 2026]