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.
#16961
Who is the current Finance Minister of Pakistan leading the trade and tariff negotiations in Washington as of July 2026?
(a) Muhammad Aurangzeb
(b) Ishaq Dar
(c) Shaukat Tarin
(d) None of these
Explanation: Muhammad Aurangzeb is the serving Finance Minister who traveled to Washington in July 2026 to engage with US officials regarding trade agreements and tariff structures. The other individuals listed are former finance ministers. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016143/finance-minister-to-visit-washington-for-trade-tariff-talks-with-us, 17 Jul 2026]
#16962
Which of the following is NOT a provision included in the Islamabad MoU signed on June 18, 2026?
(a) Immediate cessation of all Iranian military activities in the region
(b) Lifting of the US blockade on Iranian ports
(c) Reopening of the Strait of Hormuz
(d) Waiver of oil sanctions crippling the Iranian economy
Explanation: The agreement focuses on ending the war, reopening the Strait of Hormuz, and lifting economic sanctions. There is no provision in the text regarding a total cessation of all Iranian military activities, making the incorrect statement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2008902/landmark-islamabad-mou-to-go-a-long-way-in-rebuilding-iran-pm-shehbaz-tells-pezeshkian, 18 Jun 2026]
#16963
Which political leader met with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on June 13, 2026, following parliamentary debates?
(a) Asad Qaiser
(b) Amir Dogar
(c) Ahsan Iqbal
(d) Mehmood Khan Achakzai
Explanation: Mehmood Khan Achakzai, the Opposition Leader, held a meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on the Saturday preceding the June 14, 2026, report. The other individuals mentioned are active participants in the National Assembly debates but were not the primary interlocutors in this specific meeting. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2007773/info-minister-invites-opposition-to-sign-charter-of-economy-defends-proposed-fy27-budget, 14 Jun 2026]
#16964
Which of the following statements regarding the Senate debate on June 17, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) Senator Rana Mahmoodul Hassan demanded a separate South Punjab province.
(b) Senator Agha Shahzeb Durrani praised the PTI government's handling of the FBR.
(c) Senator Abid Sher Ali defended the current government's economic management.
(d) Senator Abdul Qadir criticized the influence of Independent Power Producers.
Explanation: Senator Agha Shahzeb Durrani actually alleged that the PTI had posted corrupt officers to the FBR, which the current government subsequently removed. Therefore, the statement that he praised the PTI's handling of the FBR is incorrect. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2008601/ppp-lawmaker-calls-for-separate-south-punjab-province-in-senate, 17 Jun 2026]
#16965
Consider the following statements about the financial situation reported on April 4, 2026: 1. The total amount of debt to be returned to the UAE is $3.5 billion. 2. The repayment of these deposits is expected to reduce Pakistan's central bank reserves by approximately 18 percent. 3. The UAE deposits were rolled over multiple times since 2019. Which of the statements given above 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 amount is $3.5 billion, the impact on reserves is estimated at an 18 percent reduction, and the deposits have been subject to multiple rollovers since 2019. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1988580/fo-rejects-misleading-unfounded-commentary-regarding-financial-deposits-from-uae, 04 Apr 2026]
#16966
What is the total amount of debt Pakistan has decided to return to the United Arab Emirates by the end of April 2026?
(a) $2.0 billion
(b) $12.5 billion
(c) $5.0 billion
(d) $3.5 billion
Explanation: The government announced the return of $3.5 billion in deposits to the UAE. This amount was part of the financial support provided in 2019 to stabilize the balance of payments. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1988321/pakistan-to-return-35bn-uae-debt-before-month-end-official, 03 Apr 2026]
#16967
Who represented Pakistan during the diplomatic discussions in Beijing regarding the Middle East peace initiative on March 31, 2026?
(a) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari
(b) Ishaq Dar
(c) Shah Mahmood Qureshi
(d) None of these
Explanation: Ishaq Dar, serving as the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, visited Beijing to meet with his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi. The other individuals listed are former foreign ministers and were not involved in this specific 2026 diplomatic mission. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1987106/pakistan-china-issue-5-point-initiative-for-restoring-peace-in-middle-east, 31 Mar 2026]
#16968
According to security sources on March 30, 2026, what is the primary objective behind India's alleged plan to use Pakistani prisoners in a false flag operation?
(a) To facilitate a prisoner exchange program
(b) To divert attention from diplomatic humiliation
(c) To conduct a joint border security exercise
(d) None of these
Explanation: Security sources indicate that the operation is intended to cover up India's diplomatic failures and divert public attention away from Pakistan. Option A is incorrect as there is no mention of a prisoner exchange, and option C is factually inconsistent with the nature of a false flag operation. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1986909/india-planning-false-flag-operation-using-pakistani-prisoners-security-sources, 30 Mar 2026]
#16969
On July 18, 2026, which New York City official stated he was consulting the Law Department regarding the potential arrest of Benjamin Netanyahu?
(a) Eric Adams
(b) Zohran Mamdani
(c) Bill de Blasio
(d) None of these
Explanation: Zohran Mamdani is the current Mayor of New York City who publicly discussed the legal feasibility of arresting the Israeli Prime Minister. Eric Adams and Bill de Blasio are former mayors and are not involved in this specific 2026 legal review. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016505/netanyahu-belongs-in-the-hague-nyc-mayor-mamdani-mulls-whether-he-can-order-israeli-pms-arrest, 18 Jul 2026]
#16970
The recent exchange of attacks between Israel and Iran in June 2026 followed an Israeli airstrike on which specific location?
(a) Tehran city center
(b) Strait of Hormuz
(c) Beaufort Castle
(d) Southern suburbs of Beirut
Explanation: The hostilities were triggered by an Israeli airstrike on the southern suburbs of Beirut. Beaufort Castle is a historic site mentioned in the context of Israeli operations in Lebanon, but it was not the target of the specific airstrike that prompted the Iranian retaliation. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2006144/give-peace-a-little-more-chance-pm-shehbaz-calls-for-restraint-after-israel-iran-exchange-attacks, 08 Jun 2026]
#16971
Consider the following statements about the US-Iran peace process: 1. The peace deal is expected to be signed through an electronic process. 2. A previous round of talks held in Islamabad in April 2026 failed to produce a signed deal after 21 hours of negotiations. 3. The conflict between the two nations has been entirely limited to cyber warfare. 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 Prime Minister mentioned preparations for an electronic signing. Statement 2 is correct regarding the April 2026 talks in Islamabad. Statement 3 is incorrect because the conflict involved physical military strikes, including the downing of an Apache helicopter. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2007576/us-iran-peace-deal-inches-closer-as-pm-shehbaz-says-finalisation-expected-within-a-day, 13 Jun 2026]
#16972
Which global geopolitical event was primarily responsible for the energy crunch and subsequent fuel price hikes in Pakistan during early 2026?
(a) The Suez Canal blockage
(b) The Panama Canal drought
(c) The Strait of Hormuz blockade
(d) The Black Sea grain initiative collapse
Explanation: The energy crunch was driven by the US-Iran war and the resulting blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, which disrupted global oil shipping. The other options refer to different global logistical or geopolitical issues not cited as the cause of the 2026 fuel crisis. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2009236/pm-shehbaz-announces-reduction-in-prices-of-petrol-by-rs74-diesel-by-rs67, 19 Jun 2026]
#16973
Consider the following statements about the political situation involving Benjamin Netanyahu and NYC: 1. Benjamin Netanyahu faces an election scheduled for October 2026. 2. Danny Danon serves as Israel’s ambassador to the United Nations. 3. Mayor Mamdani has previously condemned Hamas as a terrorist organization. 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 provided information. Netanyahu faces an election in October 2026, Danny Danon is the Israeli UN ambassador, and Mayor Mamdani has publicly labeled Hamas a terrorist organization despite his criticism of Israeli policy. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016505/netanyahu-belongs-in-the-hague-nyc-mayor-mamdani-mulls-whether-he-can-order-israeli-pms-arrest, 18 Jul 2026]
#16974
Which specific framework for economic and strategic cooperation was emphasized during the 2026 bilateral meetings in Beijing?
(a) Global Security Framework
(b) Belt and Road Initiative 3.0
(c) Regional Connectivity Pact
(d) CPEC 2.0
Explanation: The discussions between the two foreign ministers specifically highlighted the advancement of CPEC 2.0 as a core component of their deepening economic and strategic cooperation. While the other options relate to broader Chinese initiatives, CPEC 2.0 is the specific bilateral mechanism mentioned. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1987106/pakistan-china-issue-5-point-initiative-for-restoring-peace-in-middle-east, 31 Mar 2026]
#16975
Consider the following statements about the 2026 fuel price developments: 1. The global fuel crisis is partially attributed to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. 2. The government has decided to cut public sector development programs to protect the primary balance target. 3. The All Pakistan Petrol Pump Owners Association supported the strike calls for May 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 correct as the Strait of Hormuz closure is a factor in the global fuel crisis. Statement 2 is correct as the government indicated that further cuts to development programs might be required to meet the primary balance. Statement 3 is incorrect because the association explicitly refuted the strike rumors. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1996451/govt-hikes-petrol-price-by-rs6-diesel-by-rs19, 30 Apr 2026]
#16976
In 2026, Pakistan and China are commemorating which milestone in their bilateral diplomatic relations?
(a) 75th anniversary
(b) 60th anniversary
(c) 50th anniversary
(d) 100th anniversary
Explanation: The year 2026 marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China. This milestone was highlighted during the high-level meetings in Beijing to reaffirm their strategic partnership. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1987106/pakistan-china-issue-5-point-initiative-for-restoring-peace-in-middle-east, 31 Mar 2026]
#16977
Which of the following statements regarding the Torkham border situation in March 2026 is INCORRECT?
(a) The repatriation process was suspended for several weeks due to a security official being injured in a firing incident.
(b) The border was closed for all trading activities since October of the previous year.
(c) Security officials from both sides held flag meetings to devise a mechanism for smooth repatriation.
(d) Transporters in Landi Kotal demanded the safe return of vehicles and drivers stranded in Afghanistan.
Explanation: The statement is incorrect because the suspension following the firing incident lasted only 12 hours, not several weeks. The other statements accurately reflect the security and logistical situation described in the report. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1987201/repatriation-of-afghans-resumes-at-torkham-as-border-reopens, 31 Mar 2026]
#16978
Which of the following statements regarding the 2026 Youth Hockey5s Asian Championship is INCORRECT?
(a) India remained unbeaten against Pakistan throughout the tournament.
(b) Pakistan qualified for the final after finishing second in the group standings.
(c) Pakistan defeated Oman in their opening match of the tournament.
(d) India lost the final match to Pakistan by a margin of two goals.
Explanation: India won the final match 3-1, making the statement that they lost the final incorrect. The other three statements are factually accurate regarding the tournament's progression. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018608/india-beat-pakistan-to-retain-youth-hockey5s-asian-title, 27 Jul 2026]
#16979
The Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Plan (IFRP) process at Torkham was officially resumed on which date in 2026?
(a) March 28
(b) March 30
(c) March 31
(d) None of these
Explanation: The repatriation process under the IFRP was officially resumed on March 31, 2026, following successful flag meetings between security officials. The other dates provided do not correspond to the official resumption date mentioned in the event records. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1987201/repatriation-of-afghans-resumes-at-torkham-as-border-reopens, 31 Mar 2026]
#16980
What is the theme of the World Hepatitis Day observed on July 28, 2026?
(a) Hepatitis: Find the missing millions
(b) Hepatitis: Let’s break it down
(c) Hepatitis: Invest in elimination
(d) Hepatitis: Zero tolerance
Explanation: The theme for the 2026 observance is 'Hepatitis: Let’s break it down', which focuses on removing barriers to prevention, testing, and treatment. The other options are variations of past or hypothetical themes. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018920/ending-hepatitis, 28 Jul 2026]