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.
#18801
Who is the current Petroleum Minister of Pakistan who announced the fuel price hike on April 2, 2026?
(a) Muhammad Aurangzeb
(b) Asif Ali Zardari
(c) Shehbaz Sharif
(d) Ali Pervaiz Malik
Explanation: Ali Pervaiz Malik serves as the Petroleum Minister and led the press conference regarding the fuel price adjustments. Muhammad Aurangzeb is the Finance Minister, while Shehbaz Sharif is the Prime Minister. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1987901/govt-hikes-petrol-price-to-rs458-per-litre-hsd-price-to-rs520-per-litre, 02 Apr 2026]
#18802
Which of the following statements regarding the April 2, 2026, statement by the Pakistani Defence Minister is INCORRECT?
(a) It explicitly endorsed the ongoing military operations in the Middle East.
(b) It warned that future responses would be forceful and decisive.
(c) It emphasized that the space for war between nuclear states is inconceivable.
(d) It criticized the reliance on manufactured crises for political interests.
Explanation: The statement did not endorse Middle Eastern military operations; rather, it warned against India using the shadow of that conflict to attempt misadventures against Pakistan. The other three statements accurately reflect the content of the minister's message. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1987848/space-for-war-between-two-nuclear-states-inconceivable-asif-reminds-indian-counterpart, 02 Apr 2026]
#18803
Consider the following statements about the Strait of Hormuz and the 2026 geopolitical developments: 1. The Strait of Hormuz connects the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman. 2. The US President claimed that the United States would refrain from military action while waiting for international support. 3. The Iranian leadership indicated that blocking the strait is a strategic tool to exert pressure on Washington. 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 geographically correct. Statement 2 is false because the US President explicitly stated the US would be 'bombing the hell out of the shoreline' and shooting Iranian boats. Statement 3 is correct as it reflects the stated intent of the Iranian leadership. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1982096/trump-claims-many-countries-will-send-warships-to-keep-strait-of-hormuz-open, 14 Mar 2026]
#18804
Following the announcement on April 2, 2026, what is the new price of high-speed diesel (HSD) per litre?
(a) Rs458.40
(b) Rs520.35
(c) Rs457.80
(d) None of these
Explanation: The government officially raised the price of high-speed diesel to Rs520.35 per litre. Rs458.40 refers to the new price of petrol, while Rs457.80 is the price of kerosene. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1987901/govt-hikes-petrol-price-to-rs458-per-litre-hsd-price-to-rs520-per-litre, 02 Apr 2026]
#18805
Which of the following statements regarding the US-Pakistan diplomatic relationship as of May 30, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The US Secretary of Defense described the developing relationship as a true friendship.
(b) The US Secretary of State indicated that strengthening ties with Pakistan comes at the expense of the relationship with New Delhi.
(c) The US administration claims to have brokered a ceasefire between Pakistan and India in May 2025.
(d) President Donald Trump has publicly praised the Pakistani military leadership.
Explanation: The US Secretary of State explicitly stated that the strengthening of ties with Pakistan does not come at the expense of Washington's relationship with New Delhi, making the incorrect statement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2003936/us-pakistan-developing-true-friendship-hegseth-hails-islamabads-role-in-us-iran-negotiations, 30 May 2026]
#18806
Consider the following statements about the military conflict in the Gulf as of July 17, 2026: 1. The U.S. military utilized fighter jets, aerial drones, and warships in its strikes. 2. Iran has proposed charging passage fees for ships using the Strait of Hormuz. 3. The U.S. has officially declared a permanent occupation of Qeshm Island. 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 U.S. utilized a multi-domain force. Statement 2 is correct as Iran intends to charge fees following a 60-day negotiation period. Statement 3 is incorrect because there is no mention of a permanent U.S. occupation of Qeshm Island. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016140/iran-launches-fresh-attacks-on-american-facilities-in-gulf-after-sixth-consecutive-day-of-us-strikes, 17 Jul 2026]
#18807
Which of the following statements regarding the fuel supply situation in July 2026 is INCORRECT?
(a) Diesel stocks were maintained at a 21-day cover.
(b) Petrol consumption increased by 18-20 per cent in the first half of July.
(c) Local refineries are capable of supplying the entire daily national demand for petrol.
(d) The NCMC is a civil-military body focused on energy supplies.
Explanation: Local refineries can only supply about 9,000 tonnes of petrol per day, while daily consumption is approximately 25,000 tonnes, making the statement about them meeting the entire demand false. The other statements accurately reflect the data provided in the report. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2015959/oil-industry-prompts-government-to-discourage-hoarding-as-petrol-stocks-decline-to-14-day-cover, 16 Jul 2026]
#18808
On April 2, 2026, which Pakistani official issued a statement regarding the dangers of war between two nuclear-armed states?
(a) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari
(b) Khawaja Asif
(c) Ishaq Dar
(d) None of these
Explanation: Khawaja Asif, the Defence Minister of Pakistan, issued the statement on April 2, 2026, addressing his Indian counterpart, Rajnath Singh. The other individuals listed hold different portfolios or positions. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1987848/space-for-war-between-two-nuclear-states-inconceivable-asif-reminds-indian-counterpart, 02 Apr 2026]
#18809
Which Iranian official serves as the secretary of the Supreme National Security Council and attended the Quds Day rally in Tehran on March 13, 2026?
(a) Masoud Pezeshkian
(b) Abbas Araghchi
(c) Ali Larijani
(d) Esmaeil Baqaei
Explanation: Ali Larijani is the secretary of the Supreme National Security Council who addressed the rally. Masoud Pezeshkian is the President, and Abbas Araghchi is the Foreign Minister, making them incorrect choices. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981719/deadly-blast-rocks-iran-as-leaders-rally-in-show-of-defiance, 13 Mar 2026]
#18810
Which international organization issued a formal condemnation regarding the assault on the CNN crew in the occupied West Bank on 2026-03-28?
(a) Reporters Without Borders
(b) Foreign Press Association
(c) Committee to Protect Journalists
(d) International Federation of Journalists
Explanation: The Foreign Press Association (FPA) issued the statement condemning the violent assault on the CNN crew. While other organizations like Reporters Without Borders also monitor press freedom, the FPA is the specific body cited in the report as representing journalists in the region. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1986328/foreign-media-association-slams-israeli-forces-assault-on-cnn-crew-in-occupied-west-bank, 28 Mar 2026]
#18811
Consider the following statements about the strategic discourse between Pakistan and India as of April 2, 2026: 1. Pakistan maintains that its defensive preparedness is absolute and calibrated. 2. The Pahalgam incident was characterized by Pakistan as a staged false flag operation. 3. India has provided conclusive evidence linking Pakistan to the Pahalgam incident. 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 it reflects the official stance on defensive resolve. Statement 2 is correct as Pakistan explicitly labeled the incident a staged false flag. Statement 3 is incorrect because Pakistan has consistently maintained that India failed to provide any evidence for its allegations. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1987848/space-for-war-between-two-nuclear-states-inconceivable-asif-reminds-indian-counterpart, 02 Apr 2026]
#18812
Which regulatory body conducted the public hearing regarding the unavailability of LNG supplies on March 31, 2026?
(a) National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA)
(b) Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA)
(c) Private Power and Infrastructure Board (PPIB)
(d) None of these
Explanation: The hearing regarding the fuel supply situation and power generation constraints was held by the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA). [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1987262/lng-supplies-under-force-majeure-not-available-for-power-generation-say-officials, 31 Mar 2026]
#18813
Which of the following statements regarding the Quetta train bombing on May 24, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The incident resulted in zero civilian casualties.
(b) The shuttle train was traveling from Quetta Cantonment to the railway station.
(c) The attack involved a vehicle-borne suicide bomber.
(d) An emergency was declared in all major government hospitals in Quetta.
Explanation: The statement that there were zero civilian casualties is false, as the majority of the 14 victims were civilians, including pedestrians and passengers. The other statements accurately reflect the details of the event. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2002744/at-least-14-killed-20-injured-in-suicide-bombing-targeting-shuttle-train-in-quetta-balochistan-govt, 24 May 2026]
#18814
Which of the following statements regarding the 2026 Tezgam Express incident is INCORRECT?
(a) The incident occurred near Lodhran in Punjab.
(b) The Minister attributed the cause to mechanical and human error.
(c) The train was completely destroyed and abandoned at the site.
(d) An official inquiry into the derailment has been ordered.
Explanation: Option C is incorrect because the train was not abandoned; it was later dispatched to Karachi in a five-coach configuration. The other statements accurately reflect the details provided in the report. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1985160/railways-minister-says-tezgam-express-derailment-likely-due-to-mechanical-and-human-error, 25 Mar 2026]
#18815
In the context of the 2026 health reports, where is the spouse of the PTI founder currently incarcerated?
(a) Kot Lakhpat Jail
(b) Adiala Jail
(c) Central Jail Karachi
(d) Haripur Jail
Explanation: The reports regarding the health of Bushra Bibi explicitly mention that the document concerning her condition originated from the medical officer at Adiala jail. Adiala jail is the primary facility where the PTI leadership is currently detained. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1986585/pti-concerned-over-reports-about-bushra-bibis-health-demands-she-be-taken-to-hospital-for-diagnosis-treatment, 29 Mar 2026]
#18816
Who is the current US Secretary of Defense as of May 30, 2026?
(a) Marco Rubio
(b) Tulsi Gabbard
(c) Pete Hegseth
(d) None of these
Explanation: Pete Hegseth is the serving US Secretary of Defense. Marco Rubio serves as the US Secretary of State, and Tulsi Gabbard is the former director of national intelligence. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2003936/us-pakistan-developing-true-friendship-hegseth-hails-islamabads-role-in-us-iran-negotiations, 30 May 2026]
#18817
Consider the following statements about the 2026 Tezgam Express derailment: 1. The incident resulted in zero fatalities among the passengers. 2. The train was traveling toward Lahore at the time of the derailment. 3. The Divisional Superintendent of Multan announced strict action against negligent officials. 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 there were no casualties. Statement 3 is correct regarding the DS Multan's announcement. Statement 2 is incorrect because the train was Karachi-bound, not Lahore-bound. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1985160/railways-minister-says-tezgam-express-derailment-likely-due-to-mechanical-and-human-error, 25 Mar 2026]
#18818
Who is the current Federal Minister for Railways as of 2026?
(a) Hanif Abbasi
(b) Muhammad Hanif Gul
(c) Tariq Khan
(d) None of these
Explanation: Hanif Abbasi is the Federal Minister for Railways who addressed the press regarding the Tezgam Express incident. Muhammad Hanif Gul is the Divisional Superintendent of Multan, and Tariq Khan is the train driver. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1985160/railways-minister-says-tezgam-express-derailment-likely-due-to-mechanical-and-human-error, 25 Mar 2026]
#18819
Which of the following statements regarding the conflict events on March 13, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) Explosions occurred in Tehran near a pro-government rally.
(b) Iran launched a fresh salvo of missiles at Israel.
(c) The head of the judiciary was interviewed during a blast.
(d) The US military confirmed the capture of Tehran's central square.
Explanation: There is no report of the US military capturing Tehran's central square. The other three options are explicitly mentioned as occurring on that day. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981719/deadly-blast-rocks-iran-as-leaders-rally-in-show-of-defiance, 13 Mar 2026]
#18820
Consider the following statements about the conflict developments as of March 13, 2026: 1. The US Defence Secretary stated that over 15,000 targets have been struck since the war began. 2. Sirens were reported at Turkey's Incirlik airbase, a facility housing US troops. 3. Iran's Revolutionary Guards have promised to welcome all anti-government protests to foster national unity. 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 3 is incorrect because the Revolutionary Guards warned that protests would be met with a stronger response, not welcomed. Statements 1 and 2 are factually accurate based on the report. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981719/deadly-blast-rocks-iran-as-leaders-rally-in-show-of-defiance, 13 Mar 2026]