January 2026 Current Affairs MCQs & Solutions

Explanation: Statements 1 and 2 are factually correct regarding Pakistan's tectonic setting and seismic zoning. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Jhelum earthquake was not attributed to the Hindu Kush fault line, which is associated with different regional tremors. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2003299/at-least-one-killed-11-injured-as-earthquake-damages-houses-in-punjabs-jhelum-district, 26 May 2026]

Explanation: Malaysian Prime Minister Dr. Anwar Ibrahim held a telephonic conversation with PM Shehbaz Sharif to appreciate Pakistan's role in the Gulf ceasefire. The other options represent former Malaysian leaders who were not involved in this specific diplomatic exchange. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2003497/us-iran-peace-deal-could-benefit-entire-region-pm-tells-pezeshkian-in-eid-call, 27 May 2026]

Explanation: All three statements are factually accurate based on the ISPR report. The operations were a direct response to the Quetta train bombing, weapons were recovered, and the campaign is indeed part of the National Action Plan framework. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2004690/security-forces-kill-17-terrorists-in-various-districts-of-balochistan-following-quetta-train-bombing-ispr, 02 Jun 2026]

Explanation: The statement that operations were limited to Quetta is incorrect because the ISPR report specified that the IBOs were conducted across multiple districts including Mastung, Nushki, Khuzdar, and Kech. The other statements accurately reflect the details provided in the report. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2004690/security-forces-kill-17-terrorists-in-various-districts-of-balochistan-following-quetta-train-bombing-ispr, 02 Jun 2026]

Explanation: Statement 1 is correct as the IHC is examining the constitutional implications of pending PM advice on judicial appointments. Statement 2 is incorrect because Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif explicitly stated the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement is defensive in nature, not for aggression. Statement 3 is correct as intelligence-based operations in Balochistan reflect the evolving security strategy described in the report. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2021893/delay-in-judicial-appointments-ihc-tells-govt-to-explain-consequences-of-keeping-pms-advice-pending]

Explanation: Statement 1 is correct as the breakthrough occurred on the specified date. Statement 2 is correct regarding the status of the Chenab Rail Bridge. Statement 3 is incorrect because the 13.14-kilometre length refers to the Zojila tunnel, not the Sonamarg tunnel. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2006369/india-nears-completion-of-strategic-himalayan-tunnel-near-china-border, 09 Jun 2026]

Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect because the Tarbela Dam reached its maximum storage capacity, not its minimum. Statement 2 is correct as fuel prices remained unchanged due to economic governance concerns. Statement 3 is correct as the IHC addressed the executive's role in constitutional mandates regarding judicial appointments. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2021950/govt-leaves-petrol-diesel-prices-unchanged-for-aug-11]

Explanation: The explosion took place at the Barzan gas supply facility, which is located within the Ras Laffan Industrial City. This site is recognized as the world's largest liquefied natural gas hub. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2009790/pakistani-indian-nationals-among-13-dead-after-technical-malfunction-at-qatar-lng-plant, 22 Jun 2026]

Explanation: Saad Sherida al-Kaabi serves as both the Minister of State for Energy and the CEO of QatarEnergy. He officially confirmed the casualties and the nature of the technical malfunction. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2009790/pakistani-indian-nationals-among-13-dead-after-technical-malfunction-at-qatar-lng-plant, 22 Jun 2026]

Explanation: The Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding was signed on June 18, 2026. This 14-point accord set the stage for the subsequent negotiations held in Switzerland. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2010038/iran-president-masoud-pezeshkian-to-visit-pakistan-on-tuesday-fo, 22 Jun 2026]

Explanation: The Lake Lucerne Summit in Switzerland was mediated by Pakistan and Qatar. These nations facilitated the direct negotiations between the United States and Iran to address regional security concerns. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2010038/iran-president-masoud-pezeshkian-to-visit-pakistan-on-tuesday-fo, 22 Jun 2026]

Explanation: Qatari authorities explicitly stated that the explosion was an accident and NOT sabotage or hostile in nature. Options A, B, and D are factually accurate descriptions of the event. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2009790/pakistani-indian-nationals-among-13-dead-after-technical-malfunction-at-qatar-lng-plant, 22 Jun 2026]

Explanation: The PMD identified that moist currents from the Arabian Sea are penetrating the eastern and central parts of the country, alongside a westerly wave and moisture from the Bay of Bengal. Option D is incorrect because the Arabian Sea influence is a primary factor mentioned. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2011619/pmd-forecasts-nationwide-monsoon-rainfall-from-first-week-of-july, 29 Jun 2026]

Explanation: The Speaker declared PML-N local president Hafeezur Rehman as the opposition leader after opposition members submitted a formal requisition. Malik Kifayatur Rehman was elected as the Deputy Speaker. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2009973/ppps-amjad-hussain-elected-as-gb-chief-minister-after-members-take-oath, 22 Jun 2026]

Explanation: The Foreign Office confirmed that the visit of President Pezeshkian was conducted at the invitation of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. While President Zardari is scheduled to meet the visiting dignitary, the invitation originated from the Prime Minister's office. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2010038/iran-president-masoud-pezeshkian-to-visit-pakistan-on-tuesday-fo, 22 Jun 2026]

Explanation: Statements 1 and 2 are correct regarding the summit location and the MoU framework. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Foreign Office explicitly noted that this visit was Dr. Pezeshkian's second visit to Pakistan in his capacity as President. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2010038/iran-president-masoud-pezeshkian-to-visit-pakistan-on-tuesday-fo, 22 Jun 2026]

Explanation: Statements 1 and 2 are factually correct based on the reported events of 2026. Statement 3 is incorrect because the 20 crew members rescued in July 2026 were all Pakistani nationals. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2014176/20-crew-members-rescued-from-sinking-cargo-dhow-east-of-ormara-ispr, 09 Jul 2026]

Explanation: Statement 1 is correct as India has placed the treaty in abeyance. Statement 2 is incorrect because Pakistan has continued to provide the required data despite the current tensions. Statement 3 is correct as the Commissioner explicitly identified the lack of data as a strategic hazard. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2011838/indus-commissioner-says-he-wrote-to-indian-counterpart-4-times-over-chenab-fluctuations-but-no-reply-so-far, 30 Jun 2026]

Explanation: The PMD advisory explicitly states that a fresh monsoon spell is set to begin in the country from the first week of July. This period is crucial for replenishing water supplies across the region. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2011619/pmd-forecasts-nationwide-monsoon-rainfall-from-first-week-of-july, 29 Jun 2026]

Explanation: The distressed vessel was a cargo dhow, not a passenger ferry. The other statements accurately reflect the details of the rescue operation as reported by the ISPR. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2014176/20-crew-members-rescued-from-sinking-cargo-dhow-east-of-ormara-ispr, 09 Jul 2026]