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.
#17081
Who served as the co-chairs for the symposium held on Capitol Hill on March 24, 2026?
(a) Tom Suozzi and Jack Bergman
(b) Paul Kapur and Natalie Baker
(c) Rizwan Saeed Sheikh and Donald Trump
(d) None of these
Explanation: Congressmen Tom Suozzi and Jack Bergman chaired the four-hour session. Paul Kapur and Natalie Baker were speakers or contributors, not the chairs of the event. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1985157/pakistans-mediation-offer-reflects-growing-diplomatic-confidence-capitol-hill-symposium-told, 25 Mar 2026]
#17082
Consider the following statements about the security operation in Karachi on June 27, 2026: 1. The attack occurred in the evening hours near Mosamiyat Chowrangi. 2. The Sindh Inspector General of Police confirmed that a fierce exchange of gunfire followed the initial blast. 3. The funeral prayers for the martyred personnel were attended by the Chief of Army Staff. 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 align with the reported timeline and official confirmation by the Sindh IGP. Statement 3 is incorrect because the report mentions the attendance of the Interior Minister, Sindh Governor, and Sindh Chief Minister, but does not list the COAS as a participant in the funeral prayers. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2011178/3-sindh-rangers-personnel-martyred-during-attack-on-local-headquarters-in-karachis-gulistan-i-jauhar-sindh-ig, 27 Jun 2026]
#17083
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]
#17084
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]
#17085
The framework for the June 2026 peace talks was based on which previously signed agreement?
(a) The Geneva Accord
(b) The Lucerne Protocol
(c) The Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding
(d) None of these
Explanation: The talks were conducted under the framework of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This document provided the foundational structure for the subsequent negotiations in Switzerland. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2009504/pm-shehbaz-cdf-asim-munir-depart-for-switzerland-to-attend-iran-us-talks, 20 Jun 2026]
#17086
According to the ISPR, which militant group was responsible for the attack on the Rangers facility in June 2026?
(a) Jamaatul Ahrar
(b) Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan
(c) Balochistan Liberation Army
(d) Lashkar-e-Jhangvi
Explanation: The ISPR explicitly identified the attackers as belonging to Jamaatul Ahrar, which it described as an Indian proxy. Other groups listed are active in Pakistan but were not cited in the official report regarding this specific incident. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2011178/3-sindh-rangers-personnel-martyred-during-attack-on-local-headquarters-in-karachis-gulistan-i-jauhar-sindh-ig, 27 Jun 2026]
#17087
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]
#17088
Which of the following is NOT a topic discussed during the meeting between the Prime Minister and the Interior Minister on June 6, 2026?
(a) The upcoming visit to Tehran
(b) The recent SCO conference in Bishkek
(c) The overall law and order situation in Pakistan
(d) The formal declaration of war against regional adversaries
Explanation: The meeting focused on diplomatic visits, regional security, and domestic law and order. There was no discussion regarding a formal declaration of war, making option D the incorrect statement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2005678/pm-shehbaz-meets-interior-minister-ahead-of-naqvis-iran-visit, 06 Jun 2026]
#17089
All of the following statements regarding the FCC ruling on July 13, 2026, are TRUE EXCEPT:
(a) The FCC set aside the Supreme Court judgment from August 2024.
(b) The FCC directed that ownership disputes be decided by trial courts.
(c) The FCC ordered the immediate and permanent demolition of all restaurant infrastructure.
(d) The FCC bench was headed by Justice Syed Hasan Azhar Rizvi.
Explanation: The FCC ruling actually set aside the previous order that had paved the way for demolition, meaning the demolition is no longer mandated by that specific judgment. Options A, B, and D are factually accurate descriptions of the court's recent actions and composition. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2015144/fcc-sets-aside-sc-judgment-that-allowed-demolition-of-restaurants-in-margalla-hills-national-park, 13 Jul 2026]
#17090
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]
#17091
The ongoing counterterrorism campaign mentioned by the ISPR in the context of the June 2026 attack is known as:
(a) Zarb-e-Azb
(b) Radd-ul-Fasaad
(c) Azm-i-Istehkam
(d) None of these
Explanation: The ISPR stated that the counterterrorism campaign under the vision 'Azm-i-Istehkam' would continue to wipe out foreign-supported terrorism. Zarb-e-Azb and Radd-ul-Fasaad were previous military operations. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2011178/3-sindh-rangers-personnel-martyred-during-attack-on-local-headquarters-in-karachis-gulistan-i-jauhar-sindh-ig, 27 Jun 2026]
#17092
Which of the following positions is NOT held by the PML-N under the 2026 power-sharing agreement in Gilgit-Baltistan?
(a) Deputy Speaker
(b) Governor
(c) Chief Minister
(d) Leader of the Opposition
Explanation: The Chief Minister position is held by the PPP, which emerged as the largest party. The other three positions listed are specifically allocated to the PML-N under the coalition deal. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2009532/ppp-to-lead-gb-govt-under-power-sharing-deal-with-pml-n, 20 Jun 2026]
#17093
The central procession in Islamabad on Muharram 9, 2026, originated from which location?
(a) Markazi Isna Ashari Imambargah
(b) Imambargah Hussainia Hall
(c) Imambargah Chahardah Masoomeen
(d) None of these
Explanation: The central procession in Islamabad was taken out from the Markazi Isna Ashari Imambargah in G-6/2. The other options refer to locations in different cities like Peshawar and Hyderabad. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2010752/countrywide-muharram-9-processions-conclude-peacefully-amid-strict-security, 25 Jun 2026]
#17094
According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department, the heatwave conditions are expected to persist across large parts of the country during which period in 2026?
(a) June 1 to June 6
(b) June 7 to June 12
(c) June 15 to June 20
(d) June 20 to June 25
Explanation: The PMD issued an official advisory stating that heatwave conditions would affect the country from June 7 to June 12, 2026. Other options represent incorrect timeframes outside the specific window identified by the meteorological office. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2005663/large-parts-of-country-set-to-experience-heatwave-conditions-from-june-7-to-12-pmd, 06 Jun 2026]
#17095
Which two nations served as the primary mediators for the US-Iran peace talks held in June 2026?
(a) Pakistan and Qatar
(b) Switzerland and Turkey
(c) Oman and Saudi Arabia
(d) China and Russia
Explanation: Pakistan and Qatar acted as the joint mediators for the talks, issuing the joint statement regarding the progress made. These nations have been instrumental in facilitating the framework established by the Islamabad MoU. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2009504/pm-shehbaz-cdf-asim-munir-depart-for-switzerland-to-attend-iran-us-talks, 20 Jun 2026]
#17096
Which of the following is NOT a primary focus of the backchannel discussions between the involved parties as of March 2026?
(a) De-escalation of military hostilities
(b) Reopening of the Strait of Hormuz
(c) Parameters for a broader end to the war
(d) Immediate integration of Iran into the G20
Explanation: The backchannel discussions focused on de-escalation, the Strait of Hormuz, and ending the war. Integration into the G20 is not a subject of these specific diplomatic negotiations. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1984912/pakistan-stands-ready-honoured-to-host-us-iran-talks-says-pm-shehbaz, 24 Mar 2026]
#17097
Consider the following statements about the diplomatic situation in March 2026: 1. The conflict resulted in strained relations between Iran and various Gulf nations. 2. Iran has accepted responsibility for all retaliatory attacks targeting US bases in the region. 3. Pakistan has committed to playing a constructive role in facilitating regional peace. 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 2 is incorrect because Iran denies having a role in some of the attacks, despite accepting responsibility for others. Statements 1 and 3 are factually accurate based on the diplomatic context provided. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1984609/in-phone-call-with-pezeshkian-pm-stresses-urgent-need-for-collective-efforts-for-de-escalation-in-mideast, 23 Mar 2026]
#17098
Under the 2026 power-sharing agreement in Gilgit-Baltistan, which party holds the position of the Governor?
(a) Pakistan Peoples Party
(b) Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz
(c) Istehkam-i-Pakistan Party
(d) None of these
Explanation: The agreement stipulates that while the PPP holds the Chief Ministership, the PML-N is allocated the positions of Governor, Leader of the Opposition, and Deputy Speaker. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2009532/ppp-to-lead-gb-govt-under-power-sharing-deal-with-pml-n, 20 Jun 2026]
#17099
Consider the following statements about the diplomatic developments in June 2026: 1. The talks were held to address the conflict that began in late February. 2. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif participated as a mediator in the process. 3. The technical-level talks were scheduled to conclude immediately upon the departure of the delegations from Switzerland. 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 conflict began in late February and the Prime Minister acted as a mediator. Statement 3 is incorrect because the technical-level talks were scheduled to continue for the rest of the week following the summit. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2009504/pm-shehbaz-cdf-asim-munir-depart-for-switzerland-to-attend-iran-us-talks, 20 Jun 2026]
#17100
Which of the following is NOT a requirement imposed by PEMRA on Geo News in its 2026 final order?
(a) Completion of disciplinary proceedings against responsible staff
(b) Establishment of an in-house monitoring committee
(c) Payment of a financial penalty
(d) Permanent surrender of the broadcasting license
Explanation: The authority warned of potential license cancellation for future violations but did not order the permanent surrender of the license in the 2026 order. The other three options were explicit directives issued by the regulator. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2014653/geo-news-resumes-transmission-after-15-day-suspension-warned-of-licence-cancellation-over-future-violations, 11 Jul 2026]