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.
#16201
What meteorological phenomenon was identified as the primary cause of the extreme heat across Europe on May 25, 2026?
(a) Polar vortex
(b) Cyclonic depression
(c) Atmospheric river
(d) Heat dome
Explanation: A heat dome occurs when a high-pressure system traps warm air over a specific region, preventing it from escaping. This phenomenon was responsible for the record-breaking temperatures observed across Western Europe in May 2026. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2003065/mini-version-of-hell-heat-dome-over-europe-scorches-uk-france-spain, 25 May 2026]
#16202
Consider the following statements regarding the diplomatic developments mentioned on May 25, 2026: 1. The US is seeking to link the Iran peace deal to the expansion of the Abraham Accords. 2. Many nations targeted by the US demand have historically prioritized a two-state solution before normalizing relations with Israel. 3. Senator Lindsey Graham suggested that refusing to join the Abraham Accords would have no impact on future relationships with the US. 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 diplomatic context provided. Statement 3 is incorrect because Senator Graham explicitly warned that refusal to join would lead to 'severe repercussions' and make the peace proposal 'unacceptable'. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2003043/trump-demands-widespread-sign-up-to-abraham-accords-as-part-of-iran-peace-deal, 25 May 2026]
#16203
Which of the following statements regarding the 2026 ODI series between Pakistan and Australia is INCORRECT?
(a) Pakistan won the first ODI match held in Rawalpindi.
(b) Australia won the second ODI match by 41 runs.
(c) The final ODI match was decided by a four-wicket victory for Pakistan.
(d) Pakistan won the series with a final score of 3-0.
Explanation: Pakistan won the series 2-1, not 3-0. The other statements accurately reflect the series progression and results. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2005169/pakistan-upstage-australia-for-2-1-odi-series-win, 04 Jun 2026]
#16204
Which of the following statements regarding the May 2026 escalation is INCORRECT?
(a) The US military shot down four Iranian attack drones during the operation.
(b) The ceasefire between the US and Iran had been in effect since the beginning of 2026.
(c) Oil prices rebounded following reports of the renewed hostilities.
(d) The US official stated that the military actions were intended to be defensive.
Explanation: The ceasefire between the US and Iran took effect in early April 2026, not at the beginning of the year. The other statements accurately reflect the events of May 28, 2026. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2003525/us-strikes-iran-drawing-retaliatory-attack-on-american-base-after-trump-dismisses-report-of-hormuz-deal, 28 May 2026]
#16205
Consider the following statements regarding the diplomatic engagements of May 2026: 1. The US State Department acknowledged Pakistan's constructive role in mediating tensions between Iran and the United States. 2. The meeting between Ishaq Dar and Marco Rubio focused exclusively on the Abraham Accords. 3. The US Secretary of State expressed condolences for a terrorist attack that occurred in Quetta.
(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 US acknowledged Pakistan's mediation efforts. Statement 3 is correct as Rubio expressed condolences for the Quetta attack. Statement 2 is incorrect because the meeting covered a broader range of bilateral cooperation and regional security issues, not just the Abraham Accords. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2003632/pakistan-firmly-committed-to-stance-on-palestine-israel-dar-answers-question-on-abraham-accords, 29 May 2026]
#16206
Which stadium hosted the third and final ODI match between Pakistan and Australia on June 4, 2026?
(a) Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium
(b) National Bank Stadium
(c) Gaddafi Stadium
(d) Multan Cricket Stadium
Explanation: The third ODI match, which decided the series in favor of Pakistan, was played at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. Rawalpindi hosted the first match of the series. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2005169/pakistan-upstage-australia-for-2-1-odi-series-win, 04 Jun 2026]
#16207
Which of the following is NOT a stated concern or position of the PPP regarding the upcoming 2026-27 budget?
(a) Support for immediate reduction in development spending
(b) Preference for a broader tax base over taxing the existing base
(c) Dissatisfaction with the budget in its current form
(d) Opposition to the imposition of new taxes
Explanation: The PPP emphasized the need for development spending and inclusive growth, rather than supporting a reduction in such expenditures. The other three options accurately reflect the party's stated positions during the consultations. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2004970/another-meeting-expected-as-pml-n-ppp-continue-budget-discussions-ahead-of-june-10-presentation, 03 Jun 2026]
#16208
In which districts of Balochistan were the intelligence-based operations (IBOs) conducted by security forces on June 2, 2026?
(a) Mastung, Nushki, Khuzdar, and Kech
(b) Gwadar, Turbat, Panjgur, and Lasbela
(c) Quetta, Pishin, Chaman, and Zhob
(d) None of these
Explanation: The ISPR statement confirmed that the IBOs were specifically carried out in the districts of Mastung, Nushki, Khuzdar, and Kech following the Quetta train attack. Other districts listed in the distractors, while located in Balochistan, were not the primary sites of these specific operations. [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]
#16209
The warm air mass that contributed to the heat dome over Europe in May 2026 originated from which region?
(a) Northern Africa
(b) Central Asia
(c) Eastern Europe
(d) Western Siberia
Explanation: Meteorological reports confirmed that the heat dome was fueled by warm air moving northward from northern Africa. This air mass became trapped under a high-pressure system over Western Europe. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2003065/mini-version-of-hell-heat-dome-over-europe-scorches-uk-france-spain, 25 May 2026]
#16210
Which of the following statements regarding the earthquake in Jhelum on May 26, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The epicentre was located 58 kilometres northeast of Jhelum.
(b) Rescue 1122 reached the site within eight minutes of receiving the emergency call.
(c) The earthquake resulted in at least one fatality.
(d) Approximately 10 houses were seriously damaged in the incident.
Explanation: The epicentre was located 58 kilometres southwest of Jhelum, not northeast. The other statements accurately reflect the reported facts of the incident. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2003299/at-least-one-killed-11-injured-as-earthquake-damages-houses-in-punjabs-jhelum-district, 26 May 2026]
#16211
Consider the following statements about the final ODI match of the 2026 series: 1. Australia won the toss and elected to bat first. 2. Pakistan successfully chased the target in 41.5 overs. 3. Shadab Khan and Abdul Samad shared an unbroken seventh-wicket partnership to secure the win. 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 match report. Australia batted first after winning the toss, Pakistan reached the target in 41.5 overs, and the partnership between Shadab and Samad was indeed the decisive factor for the seventh wicket. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2005169/pakistan-upstage-australia-for-2-1-odi-series-win, 04 Jun 2026]
#16212
Consider the following statements about the 2026-27 budget consultations: 1. The consultations were influenced by new fiscal demands from the IMF. 2. The FBR Chairman participated in the discussions regarding tax measures. 3. The budget presentation date was finalized as June 10, 2026, by the Prime Minister alone without coalition input. 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 the IMF demands were a central topic and the FBR Chairman was present. Statement 3 is incorrect because the date was decided through a unanimous recommendation by the coalition partners to the Prime Minister. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2004970/another-meeting-expected-as-pml-n-ppp-continue-budget-discussions-ahead-of-june-10-presentation, 03 Jun 2026]
#16213
Who currently serves as the United States Secretary of State as of May 27, 2026?
(a) Mike Pompeo
(b) Marco Rubio
(c) Antony Blinken
(d) None of these
Explanation: Marco Rubio is identified as the US Secretary of State in the report regarding the cabinet meeting. Other options are either former secretaries or not currently serving in that capacity. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2003490/trump-cabinet-looks-forward-to-progress-on-iran-deal-in-coming-hours-days, 27 May 2026]
#16214
Consider the following statements about the China-Pakistan diplomatic engagement on May 25, 2026: 1. The two leaders discussed building a community with a shared future in the new era. 2. Pakistan's mediation efforts were focused on the conflict between Washington and Tehran. 3. The visit was part of a short one-day trip to China. 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 as they align with the official discourse on regional peace and the specific mediation role mentioned. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Prime Minister's visit was a four-day official trip, not a one-day trip. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2002979/chinas-xi-hails-unbreakable-ties-praises-pakistans-role-in-iran-peace-efforts-as-he-meets-pm-shehbaz, 25 May 2026]
#16215
Consider the following statements about the seismic profile of Pakistan: 1. Pakistan is situated at the intersection of the Arabian, Euro-Asian, and Indian tectonic plates. 2. The country is divided into five distinct seismic zones based on tectonic activity. 3. The earthquake on May 26, 2026, was caused by the movement of the Hindu Kush fault line. 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 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]
#16216
The year 2026 marks how many years of diplomatic relations between China and Pakistan?
(a) 50 years
(b) 60 years
(c) 80 years
(d) 75 years
Explanation: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif highlighted the 75-year glorious partnership in diplomatic relations during his address. The leadership plans to hold year-long celebrations to commemorate this milestone. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2002979/chinas-xi-hails-unbreakable-ties-praises-pakistans-role-in-iran-peace-efforts-as-he-meets-pm-shehbaz, 25 May 2026]
#16217
Which of the following statements regarding the fuel price adjustments on June 5, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The price of high-speed diesel was kept unchanged.
(b) The price of kerosene was increased by Rs10 per litre.
(c) The government charges a climate support levy on fuel.
(d) The price of petrol was reduced by Rs4 per litre.
Explanation: There is no mention of a Rs10 increase for kerosene in the policy update. The other three statements accurately reflect the fiscal measures taken by the government. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2005447/govt-reduces-petrol-price-by-rs4-keeps-diesel-price-unchanged, 05 Jun 2026]
#16218
Consider the following statements about the security situation in AJK as of June 2026: 1. The AJK government has requested federal paramilitary forces to secure the region for a two-week period in June. 2. The JAAC strike call is scheduled to coincide with the start of the nomination paper filing process for the general elections. 3. The AJK government has officially banned the JAAC under the Anti-Terrorism Act, 2014. 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 request for 14,000 personnel covers the period from June 7 to June 21, the strike is set for June 9 (the start of nominations), and the proscription was enacted under the 2014 Act. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2005462/ajk-govt-bans-joint-awami-action-committee-under-anti-terrorism-act, 05 Jun 2026]
#16219
All of the following statements regarding the June 10, 2026, helicopter crash are TRUE EXCEPT:
(a) The crash occurred during take-off.
(b) A board of inquiry has been ordered to investigate the cause.
(c) There were survivors among the personnel on board.
(d) The incident took place near Muzaffarabad.
Explanation: The ISPR confirmed that there were no survivors in the crash, making the false statement. All other options accurately reflect the details provided by the military's media wing. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2006621/no-survivors-as-pakistan-army-mi-17-helicopter-crashes-near-muzaffarabad-ispr, 10 Jun 2026]
#16220
Which of the following statements regarding the economic performance in FY2026 is INCORRECT?
(a) The fiscal deficit narrowed to 0.7pc of GDP during July-March FY26.
(b) The primary surplus strengthened to 3.2pc of GDP.
(c) The GDP growth rate exceeded the government target of 4.2pc.
(d) The industrial sector expanded by 3.51pc.
Explanation: The GDP growth rate of 3.7 percent fell short of the 4.2 percent target, making statement D incorrect. The other three statements accurately reflect the fiscal and sectoral data provided in the survey. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2006877/economy-grows-37pc-in-fy26-fastest-in-four-years-but-short-of-target, 11 Jun 2026]