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.
#12221
Consider the following statements regarding the diplomatic status of the conflict as of March 25, 2026: 1. Iran has officially accepted the 15-point US peace plan. 2. The White House claims that negotiations with Iran are currently productive. 3. Iran maintains that no negotiations will occur until its five conditions are met. 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 Iran rejected the US proposal. Statements 2 and 3 are correct as they reflect the conflicting official positions of the White House and the Iranian government respectively. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1985253/iran-rejects-us-proposal-lays-out-5-conditions-for-ending-war, 25 Mar 2026]
#12222
Which of the following is NOT a component of the reported 15-point peace proposal discussed on March 25, 2026?
(a) A one-month ceasefire between the involved parties
(b) The lifting of economic sanctions against Iran
(c) The surrender of Iran's enriched uranium stockpiles
(d) The immediate and unconditional annexation of disputed maritime territories
Explanation: The peace proposal focuses on nuclear non-proliferation, a ceasefire, and the lifting of sanctions. Annexation of territory is not part of the reported diplomatic framework. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1985150/us-reportedly-sends-peace-plan-as-iran-opens-strait-of-hormuz-to-non-hostile-oil-vessels, 25 Mar 2026]
#12223
Consider the following statements regarding the diplomatic developments reported on March 25, 2026: 1. The United States has proposed a one-month ceasefire to facilitate negotiations. 2. Iran has agreed to allow safe passage for all vessels, including those from hostile nations, through the Strait of Hormuz. 3. The proposed deal includes provisions for Iran to receive assistance in developing civil nuclear energy. 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 a one-month ceasefire is part of the proposal. Statement 2 is incorrect because Iran specifically limited safe passage to 'non-hostile' vessels. Statement 3 is correct as the proposal includes assistance for the Bushehr civil nuclear site. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1985150/us-reportedly-sends-peace-plan-as-iran-opens-strait-of-hormuz-to-non-hostile-oil-vessels, 25 Mar 2026]
#12224
On March 25, 2026, Iran announced that it would allow 'non-hostile' vessels to pass through which strategic maritime chokepoint?
(a) Strait of Malacca
(b) Strait of Hormuz
(c) Suez Canal
(d) Bab-el-Mandeb Strait
Explanation: The Strait of Hormuz is the gateway for approximately one-fifth of the world's oil. Iran's decision to allow safe passage for non-hostile vessels is a significant de-escalation measure. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1985150/us-reportedly-sends-peace-plan-as-iran-opens-strait-of-hormuz-to-non-hostile-oil-vessels, 25 Mar 2026]
#12225
Which of the following statements regarding the diplomatic efforts in March 2026 is INCORRECT?
(a) Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a phone call with the Iranian President to discuss peace talks.
(b) Islamabad hosted foreign ministers from Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, and Egypt for regional discussions.
(c) The mediation process is being conducted exclusively by Pakistan without any external regional support.
(d) The United States President shared Deputy Prime Minister Dar's statement on the Truth Social platform.
Explanation: The statement is incorrect because Pakistan is explicitly working in collaboration with Ankara and Cairo to mediate the conflict. The other three options accurately reflect the diplomatic events described. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1986336/dpm-dar-says-iran-has-allowed-20-more-ships-under-pakistan-flag-to-cross-strait-of-hormuz, 28 Mar 2026]
#12226
What was the depth of the earthquake that struck the Hindu Kush region on June 27, 2026?
(a) 10 kilometres
(b) 42 kilometres
(c) 19 kilometres
(d) 178 kilometres
Explanation: The PMD reported the depth of the Hindu Kush earthquake as 178 kilometres. The other depths listed (10km, 42km, 19km) correspond to the shallower earthquakes that occurred in Balochistan on the same date. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2011136/tremors-felt-in-punjab-kp-hours-after-quakes-in-balochistan, 27 Jun 2026]
#12227
Consider the following statements about the Strait of Hormuz transit developments in 2026: 1. The transit agreement allows for two Pakistani-flagged ships to cross the Strait daily. 2. The fuel crisis is attributed to the disruption of traffic in the Strait of Hormuz. 3. The mediation efforts involve high-level communication between Pakistani leadership and the Iranian President. 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 diplomatic and logistical developments reported in March 2026. The agreement facilitates daily transits, the global fuel crunch is linked to the Strait's disruption, and the mediation involves direct engagement with the Iranian presidency. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1986336/dpm-dar-says-iran-has-allowed-20-more-ships-under-pakistan-flag-to-cross-strait-of-hormuz, 28 Mar 2026]
#12228
The central Ashura procession in Karachi departed from which location on June 26, 2026?
(a) Nishtar Park
(b) Qadam Gah Maula Ali
(c) Imambargah Ashiq Hussain
(d) None of these
Explanation: The main procession in Karachi commenced from Nishtar Park at approximately 9:30 am. Qadam Gah Maula Ali is the starting point for the Hyderabad procession, while Imambargah Ashiq Hussain is in Rawalpindi. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2011005/ashura-processions-conclude-peacefully-countrywide-amid-strict-security, 26 Jun 2026]
#12229
Consider the following statements about the 276th Corps Commanders' Conference held on July 6, 2026: 1. The forum expressed concern over the use of Afghan territory by Indian-sponsored terrorist groups. 2. The military leadership emphasized that regional stability depends on the Kashmiri people's right to self-determination. 3. The conference was presided over by the Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of the Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir. 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 correct based on the official ISPR statement regarding the conference. The forum addressed Afghan-based threats, the Kashmir cause, and was led by the specified military leadership. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2013406/army-top-brass-affirms-commitment-to-take-all-measures-necessary-to-ensure-availability-of-pakistans-water-share, 06 Jul 2026]
#12230
Consider the following statements about the political developments involving MQM-P in March 2026: 1. The MQM-P leadership views constitutional reform as a national security necessity. 2. Kamran Tessori was removed as the Governor of Sindh without prior consultation with the MQM-P. 3. The proposed 28th Amendment is primarily aimed at increasing the number of federal ministries. 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 party's public stance and the circumstances of the governor's removal. Statement 3 is incorrect because the amendment is focused on local government empowerment and participatory democracy, not the expansion of federal ministries. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1985186/mqm-p-calls-for-revisiting-proposed-28th-amendment-transforming-feudal-democracy-into-participatory-democracy, 25 Mar 2026]
#12231
Which of the following statements regarding the June 28, 2026, Karachi attack is INCORRECT?
(a) Three terrorists were killed during the retaliatory action by security forces.
(b) The apprehended terrorist claimed he was trained in Iran.
(c) The attack was carried out by the proscribed group Jamaatul Ahrar.
(d) Three security personnel were martyred during the exchange of fire.
Explanation: The apprehended terrorist explicitly stated he was trained in Afghanistan, not Iran. The other three statements are factually accurate according to the ISPR and security reports regarding the incident. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2011436/terrorist-involved-in-rangers-camp-attack-in-karachi-reveals-he-was-trained-in-afghanistan, 28 Jun 2026]
#12232
Which of the following statements regarding the security situation in Balochistan in July 2026 is INCORRECT?
(a) The military spokesperson identified India as a source of support for the terrorists.
(b) The security operations in Balochistan are conducted solely by the Balochistan Police.
(c) The Provincial Apex Committee meeting was attended by the Chief of the Army Staff.
(d) A terrorist attack in the Zedi area of Khuzdar district was foiled on July 10, 2026.
Explanation: The statement that operations are conducted solely by the Balochistan Police is incorrect because the operations are joint efforts involving the Pakistan Army, Frontier Corps, and the Balochistan Police. The other statements are factually accurate based on the reports. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2014419/75-terrorists-killed-in-balochistan-since-july-5-says-cm-bugti, 10 Jul 2026]
#12233
Who led the PPP Sindh chapter rally in Hyderabad on July 12, 2026?
(a) Tariq Shah Jamot
(b) Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari
(c) Nisar Ahmed Khuhro
(d) Ajiz Dhamra
Explanation: Nisar Ahmed Khuhro, the PPP Sindh chapter president, led the rally from Shahbaz Building Chowk to the local press club in Hyderabad on July 12, 2026. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2014901/we-will-not-give-up-indus-ppp-holds-sindh-wide-rallies-condemning-indias-threats-to-pakistans-water-share, 12 Jul 2026]
#12234
Consider the following statements about the security operations in Balochistan in July 2026: 1. The military spokesperson stated that security forces would exercise proportionality in their response to the attacks. 2. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif emphasized a mutual and singular decision by civil and military leadership to end terrorism. 3. The attacks in Balochistan since July 5 included an ambush of an army convoy in Bela. 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 ISPR spokesperson explicitly warned that terrorists should expect no 'rationality and proportionality' in the security response. Statements 2 and 3 are factually correct as per the official government and military briefings. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2014419/75-terrorists-killed-in-balochistan-since-july-5-says-cm-bugti, 10 Jul 2026]
#12235
Which of the following statements regarding the June 27, 2026, attack is INCORRECT?
(a) Three Rangers personnel were martyred in the line of duty.
(b) The captured militant was identified as an Afghan national.
(c) Four soldiers were reported injured during the exchange of fire.
(d) The attack was successfully carried out by the militants without any casualties to their own ranks.
Explanation: The statement that the militants suffered no casualties is incorrect, as the ISPR confirmed that three attackers were eliminated and one was captured. The other options accurately reflect the details provided in the official report. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2011178/3-sindh-rangers-personnel-martyred-during-attack-on-local-headquarters-in-karachis-gulistan-i-jauhar-sindh-ig, 27 Jun 2026]
#12236
Consider the following statements about the security operation in Karachi on June 27, 2026: 1. The attack occurred in the evening hours near Mosamiyat Chowrangi. 2. The Sindh Inspector General of Police confirmed that a fierce exchange of gunfire followed the initial blast. 3. The funeral prayers for the martyred personnel were attended by the Chief of Army Staff. 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 align with the reported timeline and official confirmation by the Sindh IGP. Statement 3 is incorrect because the report mentions the attendance of the Interior Minister, Sindh Governor, and Sindh Chief Minister, but does not list the COAS as a participant in the funeral prayers. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2011178/3-sindh-rangers-personnel-martyred-during-attack-on-local-headquarters-in-karachis-gulistan-i-jauhar-sindh-ig, 27 Jun 2026]
#12237
According to the ISPR, which militant group was responsible for the attack on the Rangers facility in June 2026?
(a) Jamaatul Ahrar
(b) Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan
(c) Balochistan Liberation Army
(d) Lashkar-e-Jhangvi
Explanation: The ISPR explicitly identified the attackers as belonging to Jamaatul Ahrar, which it described as an Indian proxy. Other groups listed are active in Pakistan but were not cited in the official report regarding this specific incident. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2011178/3-sindh-rangers-personnel-martyred-during-attack-on-local-headquarters-in-karachis-gulistan-i-jauhar-sindh-ig, 27 Jun 2026]
#12238
The ongoing counterterrorism campaign mentioned by the ISPR in the context of the June 2026 attack is known as:
(a) Zarb-e-Azb
(b) Radd-ul-Fasaad
(c) Azm-i-Istehkam
(d) None of these
Explanation: The ISPR stated that the counterterrorism campaign under the vision 'Azm-i-Istehkam' would continue to wipe out foreign-supported terrorism. Zarb-e-Azb and Radd-ul-Fasaad were previous military operations. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2011178/3-sindh-rangers-personnel-martyred-during-attack-on-local-headquarters-in-karachis-gulistan-i-jauhar-sindh-ig, 27 Jun 2026]
#12239
Which of the following positions is NOT held by the PML-N under the 2026 power-sharing agreement in Gilgit-Baltistan?
(a) Deputy Speaker
(b) Governor
(c) Chief Minister
(d) Leader of the Opposition
Explanation: The Chief Minister position is held by the PPP, which emerged as the largest party. The other three positions listed are specifically allocated to the PML-N under the coalition deal. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2009532/ppp-to-lead-gb-govt-under-power-sharing-deal-with-pml-n, 20 Jun 2026]
#12240
The central procession in Islamabad on Muharram 9, 2026, originated from which location?
(a) Markazi Isna Ashari Imambargah
(b) Imambargah Hussainia Hall
(c) Imambargah Chahardah Masoomeen
(d) None of these
Explanation: The central procession in Islamabad was taken out from the Markazi Isna Ashari Imambargah in G-6/2. The other options refer to locations in different cities like Peshawar and Hyderabad. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2010752/countrywide-muharram-9-processions-conclude-peacefully-amid-strict-security, 25 Jun 2026]