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.
#12781
At which international forum did US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth praise Pakistan's role in US-Iran negotiations on May 30, 2026?
(a) Raisina Dialogue
(b) Munich Security Conference
(c) Shangri-La Dialogue
(d) World Economic Forum
Explanation: The US Secretary of Defense made these remarks during the 23rd Shangri-La Dialogue summit held in Singapore. The Raisina Dialogue is a separate geopolitical conference hosted in India. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2003936/us-pakistan-developing-true-friendship-hegseth-hails-islamabads-role-in-us-iran-negotiations, 30 May 2026]
#12782
Who led the PPP delegation during the pre-budget meeting with the Deputy Prime Minister on June 7, 2026?
(a) Asif Ali Zardari
(b) Murad Ali Shah
(c) Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari
(d) Sherry Rehman
Explanation: Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari led the PPP delegation in the meeting held at Zardari House. While other party members like Murad Ali Shah and Sherry Rehman were present, Bilawal served as the head of the delegation. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2005897/ppp-shares-tax-related-reservations-in-pre-budget-meeting-with-dar-say-sources, 07 Jun 2026]
#12783
Consider the following statements about the US-China summit in May 2026: 1. This visit marks the first time a US president has visited China in nearly ten years. 2. President Trump initially delayed the visit from March due to the war in the Middle East. 3. The US delegation includes the Secretary of State and the Secretary of Defence. 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 report. The visit is the first in nearly a decade, the delay was caused by the Middle East conflict, and both the Secretary of State (Marco Rubio) and Secretary of Defence (Pete Hegseth) were confirmed to be on the flight. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1999895/trump-arrives-in-beijing-for-high-stakes-meeting-with-chinese-president-xi, 13 May 2026]
#12784
Who presided over the Senate Standing Committee meeting held on 2026-07-24?
(a) Senator Pervaiz Rashid
(b) Senator Irfan Siddiqui
(c) Senator Nuzhat Nazar
(d) Senator Sarmad Ali
Explanation: Senator Sarmad Ali served as the acting chairman during the committee meeting held at the Pakistan Television headquarters. Senator Pervaiz Rashid was present as a member but did not chair the session. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431519/newspaper-columnist-senate-panel-orders-nccia-to-refer-complaint-to-pcp, 24 Jul 2026]
#12785
Which of the following teams was scheduled to play against Pakistan in the opening match of the 2026 CAVA championship?
(a) Sri Lanka
(b) Kazakhstan
(c) Uzbekistan
(d) Bangladesh
Explanation: Pakistan was scheduled to face Sri Lanka in the opening fixture of the tournament. The other countries listed are participating teams but were scheduled for different matches. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017387/hosts-pakistan-to-face-sri-lanka-in-central-asian-volleyball-opener, 22 Jul 2026]
#12786
The 2026 CAVA Men’s Volleyball Championship is scheduled to conclude on which date?
(a) July 22, 2026
(b) July 25, 2026
(c) August 01, 2026
(d) July 29, 2026
Explanation: The tournament is a week-long event that officially concludes on July 29, 2026. The other dates represent either the start of the event or arbitrary dates within the same month. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017387/hosts-pakistan-to-face-sri-lanka-in-central-asian-volleyball-opener, 22 Jul 2026]
#12787
Which player scored the equalizer for Canada in the 2026 World Cup match against Bosnia-Herzegovina?
(a) Jonathan David
(b) Jovo Lukic
(c) Ismael Kone
(d) Cyle Larin
Explanation: Cyle Larin scored the equalizer in the 78th minute of the match. Jovo Lukic scored the opening goal for Bosnia-Herzegovina, while Jonathan David and Ismael Kone were other Canadian players involved in key attacking plays. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2007443/canada-draw-with-bosnia-herzegovina-to-earn-first-ever-world-cup-point, 12 Jun 2026]
#12788
Which of the following statements regarding the 2026 CAVA Men’s Volleyball Championship is INCORRECT?
(a) The tournament is being hosted at the Liaqat Gymnasium.
(b) The Pakistan Volleyball Federation made security arrangements for all participating teams.
(c) India participated in the tournament after securing no-objection certificates.
(d) The championship aims to promote regional friendship through sports.
Explanation: The Indian team withdrew from the tournament at the eleventh hour despite the PVF securing the necessary documentation and security arrangements. Therefore, the statement that India participated is false. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017387/hosts-pakistan-to-face-sri-lanka-in-central-asian-volleyball-opener, 22 Jul 2026]
#12789
Consider the following statements about the 2026 CAVA Men’s Volleyball Championship: 1. The tournament is hosted by Pakistan at the Pakistan Sports Complex. 2. India withdrew from the competition shortly before the start of the event. 3. Afghanistan's participation was confirmed and the team arrived in Islamabad on time. 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. Statement 3 is incorrect because Afghanistan's participation remained uncertain due to documentation issues, and the team had not arrived in Islamabad as expected. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017387/hosts-pakistan-to-face-sri-lanka-in-central-asian-volleyball-opener, 22 Jul 2026]
#12790
Consider the following statements about the 2026 diplomatic engagement between Pakistan and Iran: 1. The Iranian Ambassador highlighted Pakistan's constructive role in facilitating regional peace negotiations. 2. The event was held at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI). 3. The discussion addressed the geopolitical implications of recent developments in West Asia. 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 and 3 are correct. Statement 2 is incorrect because the event was organized by the Centre for International Strategic Studies (CISS), not the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI), although the director general of the latter was a participant. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431693/regional-challenges-irans-envoy-for-greater-bilateral-cooperation, 24 Jul 2026]
#12791
Consider the following statements about the 2026 White House Correspondents' Association Dinner: 1. President Trump attended the dinner despite his history of strained relations with the press. 2. The event included a tribute to a Secret Service agent who assisted during the April security incident. 3. The incoming WHCA president announced that the dinner will be held at the Waldorf Astoria again next 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 correct as Trump attended the event and a tribute was held for the agent. Statement 3 is incorrect because the incoming president stated the event would return to the Washington Hilton next year, not the Waldorf Astoria. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018299/trump-bashes-fake-news-stokes-2028-furore-in-press-gala-rerun, 25 Jul 2026]
#12792
Which of the following statements regarding the meeting on July 27, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The meeting was held at the General Headquarters in Rawalpindi.
(b) The delegation included representatives from the US House of Representatives.
(c) Field Marshal Asim Munir highlighted the importance of structural reforms.
(d) The discussions excluded any mention of bilateral economic cooperation.
Explanation: The statement that discussions excluded economic cooperation is incorrect, as economic engagement and trade partnerships were primary agenda items during the meeting. The other three options accurately reflect the events of the day. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40432023/us-lawmakers-meet-field-marshal-munir-discuss-security-economic-cooperation, 27 Jul 2026]
#12793
According to the official statement regarding the July 27, 2026 meeting, what did Field Marshal Asim Munir identify as being closely linked to sustainable regional stability?
(a) Military expansion
(b) Economic growth and trade expansion
(c) Border fencing projects
(d) None of these
Explanation: Field Marshal Munir highlighted that sustainable regional stability is closely linked to economic growth, trade expansion, and regional connectivity. This reflects the current focus on economic diplomacy. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40432023/us-lawmakers-meet-field-marshal-munir-discuss-security-economic-cooperation, 27 Jul 2026]
#12794
Which US Congressman from Montana was part of the delegation that met with the Pakistani military leadership on July 27, 2026?
(a) Ryan Keith Zinke
(b) Michael James
(c) Mike Johnson
(d) None of these
Explanation: Congressman Ryan Keith Zinke of Montana was one of the two US representatives who visited the GHQ. Michael James of Washington was the other member of the delegation. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40432023/us-lawmakers-meet-field-marshal-munir-discuss-security-economic-cooperation, 27 Jul 2026]
#12795
The meeting between the US lawmakers and the Pakistani military leadership on July 27, 2026, primarily focused on which of the following areas?
(a) Climate change mitigation
(b) Educational exchange programs
(c) Regional security and economic cooperation
(d) Space exploration technology
Explanation: The discussions centered on regional security, bilateral defence cooperation, and avenues for expanding economic engagement. These topics are central to the strategic alignment between the two nations. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40432023/us-lawmakers-meet-field-marshal-munir-discuss-security-economic-cooperation, 27 Jul 2026]
#12796
Which of the following statements regarding the Senate debate on May 15, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The government claimed that parliamentary rules allow committees to interfere in prison administration.
(b) Opposition members demanded an independent committee to visit jails.
(c) PTI senators alleged that the founder has lost sight in one eye.
(d) The government cited a five-member medical board that endorsed the current treatment.
Explanation: The government explicitly stated that parliamentary rules of business do not provide room for a committee to interfere in executive matters related to prison administration. Therefore, is the incorrect statement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2000491/barbs-fly-in-senate-over-pti-founders-health-access-to-political-prisoners, 15 May 2026]
#12797
Who was the goalkeeper for Bosnia-Herzegovina during the match against Canada on June 12, 2026?
(a) Sead Kolasinac
(b) Jovo Lukic
(c) Nikola Vasilj
(d) Cyle Larin
Explanation: Nikola Vasilj served as the goalkeeper for Bosnia-Herzegovina and successfully handled a shot from Jonathan David in the 17th minute. Sead Kolasinac is a defender, and Jovo Lukic is a forward. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2007443/canada-draw-with-bosnia-herzegovina-to-earn-first-ever-world-cup-point, 12 Jun 2026]
#12798
Consider the following statements about the 2026 World Cup match between Canada and Bosnia-Herzegovina: 1. The match was part of Group B. 2. The attendance at the Toronto Stadium was approximately 43,000. 3. Canadian film star Ryan Reynolds attended the match. 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 match details. The game was a Group B fixture, the crowd size was reported as 43,000, and Ryan Reynolds was among the notable attendees. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2007443/canada-draw-with-bosnia-herzegovina-to-earn-first-ever-world-cup-point, 12 Jun 2026]
#12799
Consider the following statements about the 2026 FIFA World Cup opening match: 1. The match was held at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. 2. Mexico defeated South Africa by a score of 2-0. 3. The tournament is being co-hosted by Mexico, the United States, and Canada. 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. The match took place at the Estadio Azteca, the score was 2-0 in favor of Mexico, and the tournament is a joint effort between Mexico, the United States, and Canada. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2007165/mexico-beat-south-africa-2-0-to-kick-off-2026-fifa-world-cup, 11 Jun 2026]
#12800
Which bowler took a career-best four-wicket haul during the second ODI of the 2026 series?
(a) Matthew Kuhnemann
(b) Nathan Ellis
(c) Adam Zampa
(d) Cameron Green
Explanation: Nathan Ellis recorded a career-best four-wicket haul in the second ODI, which helped Australia level the series at 1-1. Matthew Kuhnemann also performed well in the series but his career-best was 3-38. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2005169/pakistan-upstage-australia-for-2-1-odi-series-win, 04 Jun 2026]