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.
#16701
Which specific area in Islamabad was subjected to restricted entry and work-from-home arrangements on April 20, 2026?
(a) Red Zone
(b) Diplomatic Enclave
(c) Blue Area
(d) F-6 Sector
Explanation: The Red Zone was the specific area where the district magistrate and Cabinet Division mandated work-from-home arrangements and restricted traffic access. Other areas like the Blue Area or F-6 were not the primary focus of these specific administrative directives. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1993252/islamabad-dc-dismisses-notification-falsely-announcing-closure-of-all-offices-in-twin-cities-from-april-20, 19 Apr 2026]
#16702
According to the Chief Minister of KP, what is the approximate trade deficit of the country as of 2026?
(a) $16 billion
(b) $26 billion
(c) $46 billion
(d) $36 billion
Explanation: The Chief Minister cited a trade deficit of approximately $36 billion while criticizing national economic performance. The other figures are incorrect estimates of the trade deficit. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2010593/cm-afridi-vows-peace-in-fy27-as-kp-assembly-passes-rs217tr-budget, 24 Jun 2026]
#16703
Who is the current Chairman of the Pakistan Vanaspati Manufacturers Association (PVMA) as of March 2026?
(a) Sheikh Umer Rehan
(b) Muhammad Zubair Motiwala
(c) Atif Ikram Sheikh
(d) None of these
Explanation: Sheikh Umer Rehan serves as the Chairman of the PVMA and issued the official statement regarding the stability of edible oil supplies. The other names listed are prominent business figures but do not hold this specific position. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980381/no-shortage-of-edible-oil-pvma, 10 Mar 2026]
#16704
Consider the following statements about the security situation addressed on March 10, 2026: 1. Pakistan claims that terrorist groups are using Afghanistan as a sanctuary. 2. India has been accused of stoking terrorism inside Pakistan from Afghan soil. 3. The Pakistani representative stated that the spillover effects of terrorism will remain confined to the border regions. 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 reflect the official Pakistani position. Statement 3 is incorrect because the representative explicitly warned that the spillover effects would not remain confined to Pakistan, but would impact the broader region. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40410948/pakistans-ct-operations-focused-on-neutralising-cross-border-threats-from-afghan-soil, 10 Mar 2026]
#16705
What is the total budget amount approved by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly for the fiscal year 2026-27?
(a) Rs2.17 trillion
(b) Rs1.17 trillion
(c) Rs3.17 trillion
(d) Rs4.17 trillion
Explanation: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly passed a budget of Rs2.17 trillion for the fiscal year 2026-27. Other figures provided are incorrect distractors representing different potential fiscal scales. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2010593/cm-afridi-vows-peace-in-fy27-as-kp-assembly-passes-rs217tr-budget, 24 Jun 2026]
#16706
Consider the following statements about the 2026-07-21 flooding event: 1. The floods occurred in a region that shares a border with Pakistan. 2. The disaster agency warned residents to stay away from riverbanks due to the risk of further storms. 3. Search and rescue operations were fully equipped with advanced heavy machinery provided by international donors. 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: Nuristan does border Pakistan, and ANDMA did issue warnings regarding further rain. However, reports explicitly stated that residents were searching the area without equipment, contradicting the claim that they were fully equipped with advanced machinery. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017161/20-afghans-killed100-missing-after-floods, 21 Jul 2026]
#16707
Consider the following statements about the first phase of the 2026 AJK elections: 1. The polling was held across three districts: Kotli, Bhimber, and Mirpur. 2. The total number of registered voters across these constituencies exceeded 1.4 million. 3. The polling process concluded at 5:00pm after the original timing was extended. 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. Statement 3 is incorrect because the polling concluded at 6:00pm, not 5:00pm, following the one-hour extension. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431988/polling-underway-in-first-phase-of-ajk-elections-across-mirpur-division, 27 Jul 2026]
#16708
During his visit on June 23, 2026, the Iranian President identified which region as requiring a new security structure through intra-regional cooperation?
(a) Central Asia and the Caspian Sea
(b) East Asia and the South China Sea
(c) South Asia and the Indian Ocean
(d) West Asia and the Persian Gulf
Explanation: President Pezeshkian specifically highlighted West Asia and the Persian Gulf as the strategic regions where sustainable security must be ensured through regional cooperation. Other regions listed are geographically distinct from the focus of his diplomatic proposal. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2010220/hands-of-friendship-iran-president-calls-for-new-regional-security-structure-among-muslim-nations, 23 Jun 2026]
#16709
According to the announcement made on April 19, 2026, which individual was reported to lead the American delegation for the negotiations in Islamabad?
(a) Jared Kushner
(b) Steve Kushner
(c) JD Vance
(d) None of these
Explanation: US media outlets reported that Vice President JD Vance was designated to lead the American delegation. While Jared and Steve Kushner were mentioned as part of the team, Vance was the lead official cited. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1993224/trump-says-us-representatives-heading-to-islamabad-will-be-there-tomorrow-evening-for-negotiations-with-iran, 19 Apr 2026]
#16710
Who led the Iranian delegation during the first round of direct US-Iran talks held in Islamabad in April 2026?
(a) Mohammed Bagher Ghalibaf
(b) Abbas Araghchi
(c) Mojtaba Khamenei
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Iranian delegation to the Islamabad talks was led by Parliament Speaker Mohammed Bagher Ghalibaf, accompanied by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. Option D is incorrect because the leader is explicitly identified in the report. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1993250/in-45-minute-phone-call-with-pezeshkian-pm-shehbaz-reaffirms-pakistans-commitment-to-advancing-regional-peace, 19 Apr 2026]
#16711
Consider the following statements about the visit of Prince Rahim al-Hussaini Aga Khan V to Pakistan in May 2026: 1. The Prince held delegation-level talks at the Presidency with President Asif Ali Zardari. 2. The Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) is involved in climate resilience and heritage conservation in Pakistan. 3. The visit included a formal guard of honour at the Prime Minister's House. 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 regarding the diplomatic proceedings and the scope of AKDN's work. Statement 3 is incorrect because the guard of honour was presented at Aiwan-i-Sadr (President House), not the Prime Minister's House. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2001810/aga-khan-affirms-commitment-to-supporting-development-during-meeting-with-president-zardari, 20 May 2026]
#16712
Which geopolitical conflict was cited as a potential cause for supply chain disruptions affecting edible oil imports in March 2026?
(a) Russia-Ukraine conflict
(b) Israel-Palestine conflict
(c) US-Iran conflict
(d) China-Taiwan tensions
Explanation: The PVMA identified the US-Iran conflict as the primary source of regional geopolitical tension impacting maritime supply routes. While other conflicts exist, this specific event was the focus of the industry's supply chain assessment. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980381/no-shortage-of-edible-oil-pvma, 10 Mar 2026]
#16713
Which of the following statements regarding the Lahore High Court judgment issued on July 21, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The court accepted the Punjab government's appeal to enhance the life imprisonment sentences.
(b) The court confirmed the death sentences awarded to the convicts.
(c) The court ruled that the prosecution established charges beyond reasonable doubt.
(d) The court rejected the criminal appeals filed by the convicts.
Explanation: The court rejected the Punjab government's appeal seeking the enhancement of the life imprisonment sentences, making statement B the incorrect one. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017293/lhc-confirms-death-sentences-of-convicts-in-motorway-gang-rape-case, 21 Jul 2026]
#16714
On July 21, 2026, the Lahore High Court issued a detailed judgment confirming the death sentences for convicts in which high-profile case?
(a) Sahiwal encounter case
(b) Lahore-Sialkot Motorway gang-rape case
(c) Model Town incident case
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Lahore High Court confirmed the death sentences for Abid Ali and Shafqat Ali regarding the 2020 Lahore-Sialkot Motorway gang-rape incident. The other options refer to different high-profile legal cases in Pakistan. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017293/lhc-confirms-death-sentences-of-convicts-in-motorway-gang-rape-case, 21 Jul 2026]
#16715
What is the total amount the government spent on fuel subsidies over the month preceding the April 11, 2026, announcement?
(a) Rs129 billion
(b) Rs107 billion
(c) Rs81 billion
(d) Rs385 billion
Explanation: The Prime Minister noted that the government had spent Rs129 billion on fuel subsidies over the past month. The other figures refer to tax components or the final price of fuel. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1990666/diesel-price-cut-by-rs135-petrol-sees-drop-of-rs12, 11 Apr 2026]
#16716
Which of the following statements regarding the diplomatic situation as of April 19, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The first round of US-Iran talks in Islamabad ended without a formal agreement.
(b) The United States has officially confirmed that Iran has accepted the new deal proposed by President Trump.
(c) Iran has demanded the lifting of the US blockade on its ports as a precondition for talks.
(d) The Strait of Hormuz has been a focal point of the maritime standoff between the two nations.
Explanation: The United States has not confirmed Iran's acceptance; in fact, reports indicate that Iran's participation remains uncertain and that Tehran has expressed skepticism. Options A, B, and D are all factually supported by the provided text. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1993224/trump-says-us-representatives-heading-to-islamabad-will-be-there-tomorrow-evening-for-negotiations-with-iran, 19 Apr 2026]
#16717
Consider the following statements about the diplomatic visit of the Iranian Interior Minister to Pakistan in July 2026: 1. The Prime Minister of Pakistan reiterated the country's willingness to mediate in the conflict between the United States and Iran. 2. The Iranian delegation expressed appreciation for Pakistan's role in the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding. 3. The visit included a guard of honour presented by the Pakistan Army at the PM House. 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 the mediation efforts and the MoU. Statement 3 is incorrect because the guard of honour at the Pakistan Monument was presented by the Federal Constabulary, not the Pakistan Army. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017273/iranian-interior-minister-meets-pm-shehbaz-cdf-munir-in-islamabad, 21 Jul 2026]
#16718
Who among the following officials attended the banquet held in honour of Prince Rahim al-Hussaini Aga Khan V on May 20, 2026?
(a) Ishaq Dar
(b) Raja Pervaiz Ashraf
(c) Sadiq Sanjrani
(d) Sherry Rehman
Explanation: Ishaq Dar, serving as the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, was among the high-level officials present at the banquet. The other individuals listed were not mentioned as attendees of this specific event. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2001810/aga-khan-affirms-commitment-to-supporting-development-during-meeting-with-president-zardari, 20 May 2026]
#16719
The ex-depot price of petrol was fixed at which of the following rates on April 11, 2026?
(a) Rs450.15 per litre
(b) Rs385.54 per litre
(c) Rs366.58 per litre
(d) Rs369.72 per litre
Explanation: Following the Rs12 reduction, the new price for petrol was fixed at Rs366.58 per litre. The other values correspond to the new prices for HSD, kerosene, and light diesel oil. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1990666/diesel-price-cut-by-rs135-petrol-sees-drop-of-rs12, 11 Apr 2026]
#16720
Consider the following statements about the 2026 petroleum pricing negotiations: 1. The government proposed a daily pricing mechanism based on a seven-day rolling average. 2. The APPPOA and the PPDA are the same organization representing petrol pump owners. 3. OGRA sought seven days to convey dealer concerns to the government. 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 the government proposed a seven-day rolling average for daily pricing. Statement 2 is incorrect because the APPPOA and PPDA are distinct associations. Statement 3 is correct as OGRA requested time to relay the dealers' input to the government. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017314/petrol-pump-owners-announce-nationwide-strike-after-talks-over-daily-pricing-fail, 21 Jul 2026]