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.
#13701
Which of the following is NOT a key area of cooperation mentioned in the 2026 EU-Pakistan Strategic Dialogue?
(a) Climate change
(b) Connectivity
(c) Sustainable development
(d) Space exploration
Explanation: The dialogue focused on trade, investment, climate change, security, migration, sustainable development, and connectivity. Space exploration was not identified as a primary pillar of the strategic engagement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2004340/pm-reaffirms-eu-ties-thanks-kallas-for-support-for-gulf-peace-efforts, 01 Jun 2026]
#13702
Which body is responsible for the final approval of the macroeconomic framework for FY2026-27?
(a) Annual Plan Coordination Committee
(b) National Economic Council
(c) Planning Commission
(d) None of these
Explanation: The National Economic Council (NEC) is the country's highest economic policy-making body and is responsible for the final approval of the framework. The APCC is the committee that prepares and clears the framework before it reaches the NEC. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2004391/4pc-growth-target-set-for-fy2026-27-as-macroeconomic-framework-sent-to-economic-council-for-approval, 01 Jun 2026]
#13703
Consider the following statements about the fuel supply challenges in July 2026: 1. The NCMC was established as a civil-military body to monitor energy supplies. 2. Rising import premiums for petrol were influenced by renewed US-Iran hostilities. 3. The government has successfully eliminated all pending price differential claims for oil marketing companies. 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 based on the report. Statement 3 is incorrect because the report explicitly mentions that over Rs 66 billion in price differential claims remain pending, which continues to hinder the operations of smaller oil marketing companies. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2015959/oil-industry-prompts-government-to-discourage-hoarding-as-petrol-stocks-decline-to-14-day-cover, 16 Jul 2026]
#13704
Consider the following statements about the macroeconomic framework for FY2026-27: 1. The framework projects that private investment will rise to 10.3% of GDP. 2. The services sector is targeted to grow at a rate of 4.2%. 3. Public investment is expected to increase significantly to 5% of GDP. 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 2 are correct as per the framework. Statement 3 is incorrect because public investment is targeted to remain at 3% of GDP, not 5%. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2004391/4pc-growth-target-set-for-fy2026-27-as-macroeconomic-framework-sent-to-economic-council-for-approval, 01 Jun 2026]
#13705
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]
#13706
The temporary US waiver issued in March 2026 was intended to facilitate the sale of which specific commodity to India?
(a) Natural gas
(b) Refined petroleum products
(c) Russian oil stranded at sea
(d) None of these
Explanation: The US waiver was specifically designed to allow Russian oil that was stranded at sea to be sold to India. This was a temporary measure in response to the broader energy market disruptions. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979646/new-delhi-continues-importing-russian-oil, 08 Mar 2026]
#13707
What is the name of the peace agreement signed between the United States and Iran in 2026?
(a) Geneva Accord
(b) Burgenstock Treaty
(c) Islamabad Peace Deal
(d) Hormuz Security Pact
Explanation: The agreement that ended the hostilities between the United States and Iran in 2026 is officially referred to as the Islamabad Peace Deal. While Geneva was mentioned as a potential site for subsequent talks, it is not the name of the primary agreement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2009269/pm-shehbaz-saudi-crown-prince-discuss-iran-us-talks-stress-peace-process-must-not-be-undermined, 19 Jun 2026]
#13708
Which of the following statements regarding the 2026 US-Iran peace process is INCORRECT?
(a) The peace deal includes a framework to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
(b) The peace deal was signed in person by the leaders in Switzerland.
(c) The peace deal requires negotiations on key issues to be completed within 60 days.
(d) Pakistan acted as a mediator throughout the conflict.
Explanation: The memorandum of understanding was electronically signed by the parties, not in person in Switzerland. The other statements accurately reflect the terms and context of the agreement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2009269/pm-shehbaz-saudi-crown-prince-discuss-iran-us-talks-stress-peace-process-must-not-be-undermined, 19 Jun 2026]
#13709
The conflict between the United States and Iran in 2026 officially began on which date?
(a) February 28, 2026
(b) March 15, 2026
(c) April 8, 2026
(d) June 19, 2026
Explanation: The military conflict, characterized by air attacks, commenced on February 28, 2026. This date marks the beginning of the hostilities that Pakistan later mediated. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2009269/pm-shehbaz-saudi-crown-prince-discuss-iran-us-talks-stress-peace-process-must-not-be-undermined, 19 Jun 2026]
#13710
Which Pakistani official led the delegation to the United States in July 2026 to discuss economic cooperation?
(a) Muhammad Aurangzeb
(b) Ishaq Dar
(c) Shamshad Akhtar
(d) Miftah Ismail
Explanation: Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb led the delegation and held meetings with the US Treasury Secretary. The other individuals listed are former finance ministers or officials not involved in this specific 2026 visit. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017582/us-treasury-secretary-welcomes-pakistans-economic-reforms-return-to-capital-markets, 22 Jul 2026]
#13711
The decision to hold fuel prices in March 2026 was made following a consultative session that included which high-ranking official?
(a) Minister of Finance
(b) Governor of the State Bank
(c) Field Marshal Asim Munir
(d) Chairman of the FBR
Explanation: The consultative session involved federal and provincial representatives and was attended by the Chief of Defence Forces, Field Marshal Asim Munir. This reflects the high-level coordination regarding national economic security. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981713/pm-shehbaz-says-prices-of-petroleum-products-not-being-increased-despite-uptick-in-global-market, 13 Mar 2026]
#13712
The price of diesel, based on Platts, increased to more than how many dollars per barrel during the 2026 energy crisis?
(a) 100 dollars
(b) 150 dollars
(c) 250 dollars
(d) 200 dollars
Explanation: The Petroleum Minister noted that diesel prices, which are indexed to Platts, surged from $80 per barrel to over $200 per barrel. This reflects the unprecedented global oil price hike mentioned in the 2026 briefing. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1984252/scarcity-of-energy-pm-shehbaz-urges-nation-govt-to-display-responsible-attitude, 21 Mar 2026]
#13713
According to the government's 2026 energy briefing, how much in savings was generated through recent austerity measures?
(a) Rs 17 billion
(b) Rs 27 billion
(c) Rs 22 billion
(d) Rs 32 billion
Explanation: The Petroleum Minister confirmed that government-led austerity measures successfully accumulated Rs 27 billion in a special fund. These funds are designated to mitigate the impact of rising global oil prices on the general public. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1984252/scarcity-of-energy-pm-shehbaz-urges-nation-govt-to-display-responsible-attitude, 21 Mar 2026]
#13714
What is the official slogan announced by the Iranian leadership for the year 2026?
(a) Global solidarity against the Zionist enemy
(b) Resistance economy in light of national unity and national security
(c) Strengthening the Resistance Front through regional integration
(d) Economic prosperity through international cooperation
Explanation: The Supreme Leader declared 'resistance economy in light of national unity and national security' as the guiding slogan for the year to counter economic warfare. Other options represent general policy themes but are not the official slogan. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1984126/supreme-leader-mojtaba-denies-irans-role-in-attacks-in-oman-turkiye-dubs-them-false-flag-tactic, 20 Mar 2026]
#13715
Who is the current Supreme Leader of Iran as of March 20, 2026?
(a) Ali Khamenei
(b) Mojtaba Khamenei
(c) Ebrahim Raisi
(d) None of these
Explanation: Mojtaba Khamenei assumed the position of Supreme Leader following the assassination of his father, Ali Khamenei, on February 28, 2026. Ali Khamenei is the deceased predecessor, not the current leader. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1984126/supreme-leader-mojtaba-denies-irans-role-in-attacks-in-oman-turkiye-dubs-them-false-flag-tactic, 20 Mar 2026]
#13716
Who is the new Supreme Leader of Iran as of March 2026?
(a) Ali Khamenei
(b) Mojtaba Khamenei
(c) Hassan Rouhani
(d) Ebrahim Raisi
Explanation: Mojtaba Khamenei was named the new Supreme Leader of Iran following the death of his father, Ali Khamenei. Ali Khamenei is the former leader, while the other names are not current holders of this position. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1984191/trump-says-considering-winding-down-iran-war-but-rules-out-ceasefire, 21 Mar 2026]
#13717
Which two countries were specifically mentioned as providing uninterrupted crude oil supplies to Pakistan during the 2026 energy crisis?
(a) Kuwait and Oman
(b) Iran and Qatar
(c) Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates
(d) Iraq and Azerbaijan
Explanation: The government secured crude oil supplies from Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates through diplomatic channels to bypass regional maritime disruptions. These nations remain the primary partners in ensuring fuel supply continuity. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1984252/scarcity-of-energy-pm-shehbaz-urges-nation-govt-to-display-responsible-attitude, 21 Mar 2026]
#13718
Who currently serves as the Federal Minister for Petroleum in Pakistan as of March 21, 2026?
(a) Ishaq Dar
(b) Ali Pervaiz Malik
(c) Attaullah Tarar
(d) None of these
Explanation: Ali Pervaiz Malik is the Petroleum Minister who addressed the press conference regarding energy scarcity on March 21, 2026. Ishaq Dar serves as the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, while Attaullah Tarar is the Information Minister. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1984252/scarcity-of-energy-pm-shehbaz-urges-nation-govt-to-display-responsible-attitude, 21 Mar 2026]
#13719
Which maritime chokepoint is the primary focus of the US request for naval escort operations in 2026?
(a) Strait of Malacca
(b) Strait of Hormuz
(c) Bab-el-Mandeb Strait
(d) Suez Canal
Explanation: The Strait of Hormuz is the critical waterway mentioned in the context of US efforts to secure shipping lanes during the conflict with Iran. Other options are major global chokepoints but are not the subject of this specific diplomatic dispute. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1983125/trump-blasts-foolish-nato-on-iran-says-us-needs-no-help-after-allies-rebuff-call-for-help-on-hormuz, 17 Mar 2026]
#13720
Consider the following statements about the current geopolitical stance of Iran in 2026: 1. The Iranian leadership views the current regional conflict as an imposed war. 2. The Supreme Leader has accused Israel of using false flag tactics to create discord with neighbors. 3. Iran has officially accepted responsibility for all attacks occurring in Turkiye and Oman. 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 accurate reflections of the Supreme Leader's recent public statements. Statement 3 is false because Iran has explicitly denied responsibility for the attacks in Turkiye and Oman. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1984126/supreme-leader-mojtaba-denies-irans-role-in-attacks-in-oman-turkiye-dubs-them-false-flag-tactic, 20 Mar 2026]