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.
#19001
Who is the current Interior Minister of Iran mentioned in the context of the June 2026 diplomatic meetings?
(a) Abbas Araghchi
(b) Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf
(c) Eskandar Momeni
(d) Masoud Pezeshkian
Explanation: Eskandar Momeni is the Iranian Interior Minister who held bilateral talks with his Pakistani counterpart. Abbas Araghchi serves as the Foreign Minister, while Masoud Pezeshkian is the President of Iran. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2005678/pm-shehbaz-meets-interior-minister-ahead-of-naqvis-iran-visit, 06 Jun 2026]
#19002
What is the range of salary cuts mandated for employees of State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) and autonomous institutions under the 2026 austerity measures?
(a) 5-15 percent
(b) 5-30 percent
(c) 10-40 percent
(d) None of these
Explanation: The government announced a salary reduction ranging from 5% to 30% for employees of SOEs and autonomous bodies to manage fiscal pressure. This measure is part of a broader austerity package aimed at generating savings for public relief. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1982016/employees-of-soes-other-govt-supervised-bodies-to-face-5-30pc-salary-cut-as-part-of-austerity-measures-pmo, 14 Mar 2026]
#19003
Consider the following statements about the legal proceedings concerning Margalla Hills National Park: 1. The Supreme Court's 2024 judgment declared the operator of Monal restaurant to be a trespasser. 2. The FCC ruling on July 13, 2026, maintained that administrative matters should be decided by relevant regulatory bodies. 3. The Supreme Court's 2024 judgment was based on the premise that the restaurants were beneficial for the park's biodiversity. 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 Supreme Court's 2024 judgment argued the exact opposite: that the restaurants were damaging the park's biodiversity and environment. Statements 1 and 2 are accurate reflections of the legal history and the recent FCC findings. [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]
#19004
With which leader did Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif hold a 'restricted meeting' during his visit to Saudi Arabia in 2026?
(a) King Salman bin Abdulaziz
(b) Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman
(c) President Masoud Pezeshkian
(d) None of these
Explanation: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met with Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman to discuss regional stability and express solidarity with the Gulf country. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1983074/dar-stresses-dialogue-diplomacy-for-achieving-regional-peace-in-meeting-with-iranian-ambassador, 17 Mar 2026]
#19005
What is the name of the military operation launched by Pakistan in 2026 to target terrorist infrastructure in Afghanistan?
(a) Operation Ghazab lil-Haq
(b) Operation Radd-ul-Fasaad
(c) Operation Zarb-e-Azb
(d) Operation Khyber-4
Explanation: Operation Ghazab lil-Haq was launched in early 2026 following increased cross-border tensions and terrorist attacks. The other operations listed are historical military campaigns conducted by Pakistan in previous years. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981638/info-minister-says-pakistan-targeted-terrorists-support-infrastructure-in-afghanistan-overnight, 13 Mar 2026]
#19006
In which of the following regions are maximum temperatures expected to reach the highest range of 48°C to 51°C during the June 2026 heatwave?
(a) Sukkur, Jacobabad, and Larkana
(b) Islamabad, Rawalpindi, and Attock
(c) Chitral, Dir, and Swat
(d) Lahore, Faisalabad, and Multan
Explanation: The PMD advisory identifies districts in Sindh and Balochistan, including Sukkur, Jacobabad, and Larkana, as the areas expected to experience the most extreme temperatures between 48°C and 51°C. Other regions listed have lower projected temperature ranges. [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]
#19007
Consider the following statements about Pakistan's diplomatic engagements in 2026: 1. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held discussions with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian regarding a potential ceasefire. 2. The Foreign Office of Pakistan has officially condemned the Iranian government for the ongoing regional instability. 3. Pakistan has emphasized that dialogue is the only viable path to resolving the current Middle Eastern conflict. 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 correct as they reflect the government's active diplomatic efforts. Statement 2 is incorrect because Pakistan has expressed solidarity with Iran rather than condemning its government. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1983074/dar-stresses-dialogue-diplomacy-for-achieving-regional-peace-in-meeting-with-iranian-ambassador, 17 Mar 2026]
#19008
Which of the following is NOT a component of the austerity measures announced by the government in March 2026?
(a) A complete ban on the purchase of new government vehicles
(b) A ban on foreign visits for ministers and special assistants
(c) The redirection of board participation fees to government savings
(d) An immediate increase in the salaries of civil servants to combat inflation
Explanation: The government is implementing salary cuts, not increases, to manage fiscal deficits. The other options are all verified components of the austerity package. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1982016/employees-of-soes-other-govt-supervised-bodies-to-face-5-30pc-salary-cut-as-part-of-austerity-measures-pmo, 14 Mar 2026]
#19009
Consider the following statements about the diplomatic engagements of the Interior Minister in 2026: 1. The Interior Minister held meetings with the Iranian President and the Parliament Speaker during his visit to Tehran. 2. The Prime Minister emphasized the need for a unified strategy among institutions to enhance national security. 3. The US-Iran conflict is currently governed by a stable and permanent peace treaty signed in early 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: Statements 1 and 2 are factually correct based on the report. Statement 3 is incorrect because the conflict is described as being in a 'shaky ceasefire' rather than a stable or permanent peace treaty. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2005678/pm-shehbaz-meets-interior-minister-ahead-of-naqvis-iran-visit, 06 Jun 2026]
#19010
Consider the following statements regarding the austerity measures reviewed on March 14, 2026: 1. The government has imposed a complete ban on foreign visits for ministers and special assistants. 2. Savings generated from austerity measures are designated exclusively for public relief. 3. The government decided to increase the fuel allotment for official vehicles to ensure mobility during the crisis. 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 2 are correct as they reflect the official policy of banning foreign travel and using savings for public welfare. Statement 3 is incorrect because the government actually mandated a 50% cut in fuel allotment for official vehicles, not an increase. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1982016/employees-of-soes-other-govt-supervised-bodies-to-face-5-30pc-salary-cut-as-part-of-austerity-measures-pmo, 14 Mar 2026]
#19011
Which of the following statements regarding the security situation in Bajaur as of March 13, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The abducted policeman was taken from the premises of the Badan police station.
(b) Four police officers were martyred in a patrol party attack in February 2026.
(c) A police officer was martyred in a fire attack on a police post in War Mamund in the week preceding the incident.
(d) Law enforcement personnel have faced an increasing number of attacks in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa recently.
Explanation: The police spokesperson explicitly dismissed reports that the officer was abducted from the Badan police station. The other statements accurately reflect the security context described in the reports. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981729/abducted-policeman-found-dead-in-kps-bajaur, 13 Mar 2026]
#19012
Consider the following statements about RLNG pricing and distribution in Pakistan: 1. The final sale price of RLNG includes profit margins for importers like Pakistan State Oil. 2. Unaccounted For Gas (UFG) refers to system losses that contribute to higher distribution costs. 3. The basket price for March 2026 was calculated based on a higher volume of cargoes compared to February 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 and 2 are correct as they describe the cost components and the impact of UFG. Statement 3 is incorrect because the number of cargoes decreased from eight in February to only two in March. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981311/ogra-notifies-massive-increase-in-rlng-price-for-march, 12 Mar 2026]
#19013
In the context of the 2026 Gilgit-Baltistan elections, what is a Form-45?
(a) A record of the vote count prepared by a presiding officer at a polling station
(b) A document used to register new voters in the region
(c) A formal petition filed to challenge the results of an election
(d) A certificate issued to candidates confirming their eligibility to contest
Explanation: Form-45 is the official document containing the result of the vote count prepared by the presiding officer at each polling station. The PPP alleged delays in the provision of this form during the 2026 elections. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2005670/unofficial-results-show-ppp-leading-the-gb-race-with-victory-on-10-seats, 07 Jun 2026]
#19014
Which of the following is NOT a primary concern raised by the PPP during the pre-budget meetings in June 2026?
(a) The total exclusion of the Public Sector Development Programme from the budget
(b) The impact of fiscal measures on inflation-hit masses
(c) The need to expand the tax base rather than taxing the same classes
(d) The feasibility of provincial revenue targets set by the IMF
Explanation: The PPP discussed the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) as a priority for development spending, rather than calling for its exclusion. The other options accurately reflect the party's stated reservations regarding tax policy and IMF conditions. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2005897/ppp-shares-tax-related-reservations-in-pre-budget-meeting-with-dar-say-sources, 07 Jun 2026]
#19015
Consider the following statements about the diplomatic developments in April 2026: 1. Pakistan is acting as a mediator to facilitate talks between Tehran and Washington. 2. The Iranian Foreign Minister visited Pakistan twice within a span of two days. 3. The conflict involving Iran began with US-Israeli strikes on February 28, 2026. 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 provided report. Pakistan is actively mediating, the minister made two visits in two days, and the conflict timeline is correctly identified. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1995258/irans-araghchi-visits-pakistan-for-2nd-time-in-two-days-envoy-says-trip-undertaken-to-discuss-regional-developments, 26 Apr 2026]
#19016
At which location in Pakistan did the Iranian Foreign Minister arrive during his April 2026 visit?
(a) Allama Iqbal International Airport
(b) Jinnah International Airport
(c) Nur Khan Air Base
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Iranian Foreign Minister arrived at the Nur Khan air base in Rawalpindi. The other options are major civilian airports in Pakistan, which were not the site of this specific diplomatic arrival. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1995258/irans-araghchi-visits-pakistan-for-2nd-time-in-two-days-envoy-says-trip-undertaken-to-discuss-regional-developments, 26 Apr 2026]
#19017
Which cities were part of Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi's regional tour starting April 24, 2026?
(a) Islamabad, Tehran, and Riyadh
(b) Islamabad, Kabul, and Ankara
(c) Islamabad, Muscat, and Moscow
(d) Islamabad, Dubai, and Doha
Explanation: According to Iran's state media and Araghchi's own statement, his regional tour included Islamabad, Muscat, and Moscow. The other options list cities not mentioned as part of this specific tour. [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]
#19018
Which of the following statements regarding the joint statement of April 23, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The ministers recognized the special role of the historic Hashemite custodianship.
(b) The ministers condemned the accelerating illegal settlement activity.
(c) The ministers declared that Israel has full sovereignty over the Occupied Palestinian Territory.
(d) The ministers called for a political solution based on the two-state solution.
Explanation: The statement explicitly emphasizes that Israel has no sovereignty over the Occupied Palestinian Territory, making the false statement. The other options accurately reflect the positions taken by the foreign ministers. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1994444/pakistan-7-other-muslim-nations-reject-attempts-to-alter-historic-legal-status-quo-in-jerusalem-at-its-holy-sites, 23 Apr 2026]
#19019
Consider the following statements about the SCO meeting held on July 17, 2026: 1. The meeting was attended by representatives from the SCO Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS). 2. The participants discussed and approved the plan for the 'Solidarity-2026' joint border operation. 3. The SCO currently comprises exactly eight member states. 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 RATS representatives attended. Statement 2 is correct as the plan for 'Solidarity-2026' was approved. Statement 3 is incorrect because the SCO currently comprises ten member states, not eight. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016226/pakistan-chairs-12th-sco-meeting-of-heads-of-border-services-fo, 17 Jul 2026]
#19020
Which of the following statements regarding the July 17, 2026, AJK campaign address is INCORRECT?
(a) The PPP Chairman announced that the government had already accepted his proposal for a truth and reconciliation commission.
(b) The PPP Chairman claimed that the government's current response is punishing all Kashmiris rather than specific individuals.
(c) The PPP Chairman urged protesters to halt demonstrations that disrupt the supply of essential goods.
(d) The PPP Chairman emphasized that the upcoming election is the most important in the history of AJK.
Explanation: The PPP Chairman explicitly stated that neither the government nor the protesters had responded to his proposal for a truth and reconciliation commission. Therefore, the claim that it was accepted is false. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016221/bilawal-kicks-off-ajk-election-campaign-pledges-to-be-voice-of-people-in-centre, 17 Jul 2026]