January 2026 Edition
Start January Quiz
January 2026 Current Affairs MCQs & Solutions
Top national & international current affairs questions for CSS, PMS, FPSC, PPSC, and NTS screening tests.
#16741
Consider the following statements about the diplomatic developments in April 2026: 1. The first round of direct US-Iran talks in Islamabad concluded with a formal peace agreement. 2. Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar held discussions with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi regarding regional stability. 3. The hostilities between the US and Iran were initially triggered by strikes occurring on February 28, 2026. 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 incorrect because the first round of talks in Islamabad ended without a formal agreement, though it also avoided a breakdown. Statements 2 and 3 are factually accurate based on the reported diplomatic timeline. [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]
#16742
Which of the following statements regarding Pakistan's external debt management in April 2026 is INCORRECT?
(a) Pakistan repaid a $1.3 billion Eurobond on April 8, 2026.
(b) Pakistan returned $2 billion to the United Arab Emirates.
(c) Saudi Arabia reduced its support facility for Pakistan to $2 billion.
(d) The government is utilizing the Global Medium-Term Note (GMTN) programme.
Explanation: Saudi Arabia actually increased its support facility for Pakistan to $8 billion from $5 billion, rather than reducing it. The other statements accurately reflect the debt repayment and financing activities reported in April 2026. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1993495/pakistan-increases-eurobond-from-500m-to-750m, 20 Apr 2026]
#16743
Consider the following statements about the Eurobond issuance in April 2026: 1. It marked Pakistan's first return to international capital markets in four years. 2. The issuance was exclusively funded by domestic commercial banks. 3. The government intends to use the momentum to support future issuances under the GMTN programme. 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 issuance ended a four-year hiatus. Statement 2 is incorrect because the bonds were placed with global institutional investors, not domestic banks. Statement 3 is correct as the government explicitly stated the issuance builds momentum for future GMTN activity. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1993495/pakistan-increases-eurobond-from-500m-to-750m, 20 Apr 2026]
#16744
Which of the following is NOT identified as a potential economic impact of the Middle East conflict on Pakistan in the March 2026 report?
(a) Increased energy costs
(b) Immediate collapse of the banking sector
(c) Strain on remittance inflows
(d) Pressure on the exchange rate
Explanation: The report warns of inflation, import costs, and remittance strain, but it does not predict an immediate collapse of the banking sector. The other options are explicitly mentioned as risks to the external sector. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979649/external-sector-faces-instability-amid-middle-east-crisis, 08 Mar 2026]
#16745
Consider the following statements regarding the economic outlook for Pakistan in 2026: 1. The Strait of Hormuz is a critical chokepoint through which approximately 20 percent of global oil passes. 2. The Planning Commission report suggests that Pakistan's development trajectory for FY26 remains positive despite external risks. 3. The government has advised citizens to increase fuel consumption to stimulate domestic industrial growth.
(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 Planning Minister specifically urged citizens to adopt responsible consumption practices and avoid unnecessary travel, rather than increasing fuel consumption. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979649/external-sector-faces-instability-amid-middle-east-crisis, 08 Mar 2026]
#16746
According to the Planning Commission's March 2026 report, what percentage of Pakistan's total imports are accounted for by petroleum products?
(a) Nearly 10 percent
(b) Nearly 25 percent
(c) Nearly 40 percent
(d) None of these
Explanation: The report specifies that petroleum products constitute nearly one-quarter, or 25 percent, of Pakistan's total import bill. This high dependency makes the country particularly susceptible to global oil price volatility. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979649/external-sector-faces-instability-amid-middle-east-crisis, 08 Mar 2026]
#16747
Which of the following statements regarding the Senate session on May 12, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The government rejected the impression that any specific province was being targeted by terrorists.
(b) The opposition and treasury reached a consensus on the immediate withdrawal of all security forces from KP.
(c) The Parliamentary Affairs Minister claimed that intelligence-based operations are currently underway.
(d) The government emphasized that there would be no compromise on the resolve to eliminate terrorism.
Explanation: There was no consensus on withdrawing security forces; rather, the government defended its ongoing intelligence-based operations. The other three statements accurately reflect the government's stance during the debate. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1999725/treasury-opposition-clash-in-senate-as-jui-f-senator-questions-terrorism-in-kp, 12 May 2026]
#16748
Consider the following statements about the security situation in Balochistan as of May 2026: 1. The operation in Barkhan targeted members of the group designated as Fitna al Hindustan. 2. The Federal Apex Committee on the National Action Plan approved the vision 'Azm-i-Istehkam'. 3. Security forces recovered weapons and explosives from the terrorists killed in the Barkhan operation. 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 ISPR report regarding the May 13, 2026, operation. The operation targeted the specified group, followed the approved national vision, and resulted in the recovery of militant equipment. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1999982/major-among-five-soldiers-martyred-during-operation-in-balochistans-barkhan-ispr, 13 May 2026]
#16749
How many wickets did Nahid Rana take in the ODI match against Pakistan on March 11, 2026?
(a) 5 wickets
(b) 4 wickets
(c) 3 wickets
(d) 6 wickets
Explanation: Nahid Rana returned figures of 5-24, marking his first five-wicket haul in one-day internationals. This performance was instrumental in restricting Pakistan to 114 runs. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980951/nahid-rana-takes-5-wickets-as-bangladesh-crush-pakistan-in-odi-opener, 11 Mar 2026]
#16750
Which of the following statements regarding the administrative actions in Islamabad on April 20, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The Rawalpindi district administration suspended public and goods transport.
(b) The Cabinet Division advised federal government establishments in the Red Zone to adopt work-from-home arrangements.
(c) The Islamabad district magistrate suspended entry into the Red Zone.
(d) The Deputy Commissioner confirmed that all public and private offices in the twin cities were ordered to close indefinitely.
Explanation: The statement in is incorrect because the Deputy Commissioner explicitly dismissed the notification claiming a total closure of all offices as fake. The other three statements accurately reflect the official administrative directives issued for that date. [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]
#16751
At which specific location in Islamabad did the Iranian President hold official meetings with the Prime Minister of Pakistan on June 23, 2026?
(a) Aiwan-e-Sadr
(b) Foreign Office
(c) Prime Minister House
(d) Parliament House
Explanation: The official meetings between the Iranian President and the Prime Minister took place at the Prime Minister House. Aiwan-e-Sadr is the President's official residence, which is a common distractor. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2010220/hands-of-friendship-iran-president-calls-for-new-regional-security-structure-among-muslim-nations, 23 Jun 2026]
#16752
The administrative measures taken in Islamabad on April 20, 2026, were primarily in anticipation of the arrival of:
(a) International sports teams
(b) Foreign delegations
(c) National assembly members
(d) None of these
Explanation: The security measures and traffic plans were implemented to facilitate the arrival of foreign delegations for diplomatic talks. The other options do not align with the stated purpose of the administrative security protocols. [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]
#16753
Consider the following statements about the security incident in Lakki Marwat on March 8, 2026: 1. The attack involved a gun battle between the police and the assailants. 2. The incident resulted in the death of a police constable and injury to a civilian. 3. The attack occurred in the Serai Naurang town of the district. 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 a gun battle erupted following the initial firing. Statement 3 is correct regarding the location. Statement 2 is incorrect because the report specifies that a civilian was killed and a police constable was injured, reversing the roles stated in the option. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979866/civilian-killed-cop-injured-as-armed-men-open-fire-on-police-in-kps-lakki-marwat, 08 Mar 2026]
#16754
Which of the following is NOT a stated objective or component of the government's response to the 2026 fuel crisis?
(a) Providing relief to the masses once the situation stabilizes
(b) Ensuring the elite class sets an example of austerity
(c) Maintaining adequate reserves of petrol and diesel
(d) Immediate cessation of all international oil imports
Explanation: The government confirmed that the country has adequate reserves and is managing the crisis through conservation and price adjustments, not by ceasing all imports. The other options are explicitly mentioned as government policy goals. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979860/pm-shehbaz-to-announce-austerity-plan-tomorrow-amid-global-fuel-crisis, 08 Mar 2026]
#16755
Under which specific Indian legislation were Asiya Andrabi and her associates sentenced in 2026?
(a) Public Safety Act
(b) National Security Act
(c) Armed Forces Special Powers Act
(d) Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act
Explanation: The court utilized the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) to prosecute and sentence the individuals. The other acts listed are different legal frameworks used in India for security and detention purposes. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1985165/fo-condemns-harsh-sentences-awarded-to-kashmiri-leader-asiya-andrabi-associates-by-delhi-court, 25 Mar 2026]
#16756
Consider the following statements about the administrative directives issued for April 20, 2026: 1. The Cabinet Division mandated that all federal government establishments in the Red Zone must remain fully operational with physical attendance. 2. The Islamabad district magistrate issued a notification allowing offices in the Red Zone to adopt work-from-home arrangements. 3. Public and heavy transport in Islamabad were suspended until further orders. 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 incorrect because the Cabinet Division actually directed a work-from-home arrangement, not full physical attendance. Statements 2 and 3 are factually correct based on the administrative notifications issued to manage security. [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]
#16757
In which judicial forum did Bushra Bibi file a petition on April 18, 2026, seeking the suspension of her sentence in the £190 million corruption case?
(a) Supreme Court of Pakistan
(b) Accountability Court of Rawalpindi
(c) Lahore High Court
(d) Islamabad High Court
Explanation: Bushra Bibi approached the Islamabad High Court (IHC) to seek relief regarding her incarceration. While accountability courts handle the initial trial, the IHC serves as the appellate authority for cases originating in the Islamabad jurisdiction. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1992994/bushra-bibi-moves-ihc-seeking-to-suspend-sentence-in-ps190m-corruption-case-on-medical-grounds, 18 Apr 2026]
#16758
Consider the following statements about the diplomatic developments in Islamabad in April 2026: 1. The Iranian delegation arrived in Islamabad on April 24, 2026. 2. The US delegation was sent to Pakistan to engage in direct talks with Iranian representatives. 3. Pakistan's Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar welcomed the Iranian delegation to Islamabad. 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 factually correct. Statement 2 is incorrect because the talks were described as indirect, with Pakistan serving as the mediator, rather than direct talks between the two parties. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1994680/iranian-delegation-led-by-fm-araghchi-lands-in-islamabad-us-officials-to-also-arrive-in-pakistan, 24 Apr 2026]
#16759
Which of the following statements regarding the ODI match on March 11, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) Nahid Rana dismissed the top five Pakistani batters.
(b) Tanzid Hasan scored an unbeaten 67 runs.
(c) The match was held in Mirpur.
(d) Pakistan won the match by eight wickets.
Explanation: It was Bangladesh, not Pakistan, that won the match by eight wickets. The other three statements are factually accurate regarding the match proceedings. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980951/nahid-rana-takes-5-wickets-as-bangladesh-crush-pakistan-in-odi-opener, 11 Mar 2026]
#16760
Which of the following statements regarding the border security situation in 2026 is INCORRECT?
(a) Pakistan has repeatedly urged the Kabul administration to dismantle terrorist sanctuaries.
(b) Security forces utilized artillery and heavy weapons in response to the July 19 provocation.
(c) Operation Ghazab lil-Haq was launched following an incident on February 26.
(d) The Afghan Taliban successfully maintained their border posts after the Pakistani retaliatory response.
Explanation: The statement that the Afghan Taliban maintained their posts is false; security sources confirmed that the Taliban were forced to abandon multiple posts and flee following the Pakistani response. The other statements are factually accurate. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016755/security-forces-counter-unprovoked-firing-by-afghan-taliban-targeting-kurram-border-posts, 19 Jul 2026]