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.
#19041
Consider the following statements about the events of March 2026: 1. Benjamin Netanyahu used his X account to address rumors of his death. 2. The Israeli Prime Minister's office confirmed that he had been injured in a strike. 3. The rumors were linked to an ongoing conflict involving US and Israeli strikes on Iran. 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 he posted a video on X. Statement 3 is correct as the context was the ongoing regional conflict. Statement 2 is false because his office explicitly stated he was fine and dismissed the rumors as fake news. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1982385/i-am-dead-for-coffee-israeli-pm-netanyahu-posts-his-video-amid-speculation-about-his-death, 15 Mar 2026]
#19042
Consider the following statements about the diplomatic situation regarding Pakistani workers in the UAE as of May 2026: 1. The Ministry of Interior confirmed that the UAE has initiated a large-scale expulsion of Pakistani workers due to regional conflicts. 2. The Pakistani embassy in Abu Dhabi issued 780 emergency travel documents between January and April 2026. 3. The government maintains that issues regarding Pakistani nationals are handled on a case-by-case basis through established foreign office channels. 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 Ministry of Interior explicitly denied that a large-scale, targeted expulsion was occurring. Statements 2 and 3 are factually accurate based on the official briefing provided by the Foreign Office. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1998692/interior-ministry-denies-reports-of-country-or-sect-specific-deportation-of-pakistanis-from-uae, 08 May 2026]
#19043
By what percentage have fuel costs for Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) risen due to the Gulf crisis as of March 12, 2026?
(a) 24 percent
(b) 44 percent
(c) 34 percent
(d) 54 percent
Explanation: The PIA spokesman confirmed that fuel costs surged by 34 percent due to the regional conflict. This increase directly necessitated the adjustment of fuel surcharges on domestic and international flights. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981330/pia-raises-fuel-surcharge-as-gulf-crisis-drives-up-costs, 12 Mar 2026]
#19044
Who is the current Information Minister of Pakistan as of 2026-03-14?
(a) Shaza Fatima
(b) Attaullah Tarar
(c) Mosharraf Zaidi
(d) Ahsan Iqbal
Explanation: Attaullah Tarar serves as the Information Minister and publicly addressed the false claims made by the Afghan Taliban. Shaza Fatima is the IT Minister, and Mosharraf Zaidi is a spokesperson for foreign media. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1982034/info-ministry-rubbishes-afghan-claims-of-military-post-being-captured, 14 Mar 2026]
#19045
Who issued the notification regarding the public holiday for educational institutions in Islamabad on March 13, 2026?
(a) The Prime Minister of Pakistan
(b) The Minister of Federal Education
(c) The Islamabad Deputy Commissioner
(d) The Chief Justice of the Islamabad High Court
Explanation: The notification was shared by the Islamabad Deputy Commissioner, Irfan Nawaz Memon, via his official social media account. The Deputy Commissioner holds the administrative authority to issue such directives within the Islamabad Capital Territory. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981400/educational-institutions-to-remain-closed-in-islamabad-on-friday, 12 Mar 2026]
#19046
Based on the 2026 report findings, where do the majority of reported gender-based violence incidents occur?
(a) Public transport hubs
(b) Educational institutions
(c) Victims' own homes
(d) Workplace environments
Explanation: The report reveals that more than half of the documented incidents occurred within the victims' own homes. This finding challenges the assumption that danger is primarily external. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018677/writing-on-the-wall, 27 Jul 2026]
#19047
According to the ISPR, the conflict of 2026 demonstrated Pakistan's operational competence across which of the following domains?
(a) Land, air, sea, space, and nuclear
(b) Land, air, sea, cyber, and information
(c) Land, air, sea, psychological, and economic
(d) Land, air, sea, diplomatic, and intelligence
Explanation: The ISPR statement explicitly highlights the Armed Forces' superior operational competence across land, air, sea, cyber, and information domains during the conflict. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1998954/marka-i-haq-a-defining-landmark-in-the-nations-journey-ispr, 09 May 2026]
#19048
Following the price adjustment effective from May 9, 2026, what is the new price of petrol per litre in Pakistan?
(a) Rs378.00
(b) Rs414.78
(c) Rs414.58
(d) None of these
Explanation: The government increased the price of petrol by Rs14.92, bringing the total to Rs414.78 per litre. Option C represents the price of high-speed diesel, while option A refers to a previous price point. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1998722/govt-hikes-petrol-by-rs1492-per-litre-diesel-by-rs15, 08 May 2026]
#19049
According to the IMF requirements mentioned in the June 2026 discussions, what is the approximate additional revenue target set for the federal government?
(a) Rs 500 billion
(b) Rs 430 billion
(c) Rs 350 billion
(d) Rs 600 billion
Explanation: The IMF requested the federal government to introduce at least Rs 430 billion in additional budgetary measures. A matching target of Rs 430 billion was also set for the provinces. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2005897/ppp-shares-tax-related-reservations-in-pre-budget-meeting-with-dar-say-sources, 07 Jun 2026]
#19050
The budget for the fiscal year 2026-27 was scheduled to be announced on which date?
(a) June 7, 2026
(b) June 8, 2026
(c) June 12, 2026
(d) June 10, 2026
Explanation: The federal budget for FY2026-27 was officially scheduled for announcement on Wednesday, June 10, 2026. This date followed the final rounds of pre-budget negotiations between the coalition partners. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2005897/ppp-shares-tax-related-reservations-in-pre-budget-meeting-with-dar-say-sources, 07 Jun 2026]
#19051
Who announced the extension of the US-Iran ceasefire on April 21, 2026?
(a) Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif
(b) US President Donald Trump
(c) Chief of Defence Forces Asim Munir
(d) Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson
Explanation: US President Donald Trump announced the extension of the ceasefire with Iran on his Truth Social platform. While Pakistani leadership requested the extension, Trump was the one who made the official announcement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1993810/at-the-request-of-cdf-munir-pm-shehbaz-trump-announces-extension-in-ceasefire-until-iran-submits-proposal, 21 Apr 2026]
#19052
Consider the following statements about the US-China summit in May 2026: 1. This visit marks the first time a US president has visited China in nearly ten years. 2. President Trump initially delayed the visit from March due to the war in the Middle East. 3. The US delegation includes the Secretary of State and the Secretary of Defence. 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 report. The visit is the first in nearly a decade, the delay was caused by the Middle East conflict, and both the Secretary of State (Marco Rubio) and Secretary of Defence (Pete Hegseth) were confirmed to be on the flight. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1999895/trump-arrives-in-beijing-for-high-stakes-meeting-with-chinese-president-xi, 13 May 2026]
#19053
Which entity vowed to target Benjamin Netanyahu following the events of February 2026?
(a) Hezbollah
(b) The Palestinian Authority
(c) The Syrian Arab Army
(d) The Iranian Revolutionary Guards
Explanation: Iran's Revolutionary Guards issued a statement via their website, Sepah News, vowing to pursue and target Netanyahu. This followed the escalation of hostilities in the region. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1982385/i-am-dead-for-coffee-israeli-pm-netanyahu-posts-his-video-amid-speculation-about-his-death, 15 Mar 2026]
#19054
Who is the current Foreign Office spokesperson that addressed the reports of Pakistani deportations from the UAE in May 2026?
(a) Tahir Andrabi
(b) Mumtaz Zahra Baloch
(c) Asim Iftikhar
(d) None of these
Explanation: Tahir Andrabi served as the spokesperson during the weekly briefing where the issue of emergency travel documents and deportations was discussed. The other names are prominent diplomats but were not the primary spokespersons for this specific event. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1998692/interior-ministry-denies-reports-of-country-or-sect-specific-deportation-of-pakistanis-from-uae, 08 May 2026]
#19055
On 2026-03-14, which Pakistani ministry officially refuted the Afghan Taliban's claims regarding the capture of a military post?
(a) Ministry of Information and Broadcasting
(b) Ministry of Interior
(c) Ministry of Defence
(d) Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Explanation: The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting issued the official rebuttal on 2026-03-14, utilizing its fact-checking platform to expose the fabrication. While the Ministry of Defence manages military operations, the Information Ministry is responsible for countering strategic communication and propaganda. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1982034/info-ministry-rubbishes-afghan-claims-of-military-post-being-captured, 14 Mar 2026]
#19056
The notification for the public holiday in Islamabad was issued on which date in 2026?
(a) March 10, 2026
(b) March 11, 2026
(c) March 13, 2026
(d) March 12, 2026
Explanation: The news desk reported the issuance of the notification on March 12, 2026, one day prior to the declared holiday of March 13, 2026. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981400/educational-institutions-to-remain-closed-in-islamabad-on-friday, 12 Mar 2026]
#19057
Consider the following statements about the Breathe Pakistan International Climate Change Conference: 1. The conference was a two-day event held in May 2026. 2. Senate Chairman Yousuf Raza Gilani emphasized that internal stability and regional calm are necessary for the climate agenda. 3. The conference was exclusively attended by government officials and had no representation from the private sector. 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 factually correct based on the event details. Statement 3 is incorrect because the conference explicitly included corporate leaders and representatives from the banking and energy sectors. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1998144/breathe-pakistan-international-climate-change-conference-concludes-with-calls-for-climate-resilience-coordinated-action, 07 May 2026]
#19058
Which of the following statements regarding the 2026-03-14 incident is INCORRECT?
(a) The Afghan Taliban claimed that 14 Pakistani soldiers were martyred.
(b) Pakistan provided pictorial and video evidence to support its counter-terrorism operations.
(c) The Afghan Taliban successfully captured a major Pakistani military outpost.
(d) The Pakistani government labeled the Afghan claims as fabricated propaganda.
Explanation: The claim that the Afghan Taliban captured a Pakistani military outpost is false and was explicitly rejected by the Pakistani Ministry of Information. The other three statements accurately reflect the events and the government's official stance. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1982034/info-ministry-rubbishes-afghan-claims-of-military-post-being-captured, 14 Mar 2026]
#19059
Consider the following statements about the administrative decision regarding the March 13, 2026 holiday in Islamabad: 1. The holiday applies to all educational institutions within the Islamabad Capital Territory. 2. The notification was released by the office of the Deputy Commissioner. 3. The notification provided a detailed justification for the holiday based on religious observance. 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 holiday covers all institutions in the ICT and was issued by the Deputy Commissioner. Statement 3 is incorrect because the notification did not specify a reason for the holiday. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981400/educational-institutions-to-remain-closed-in-islamabad-on-friday, 12 Mar 2026]
#19060
The global fuel supply crunch mentioned in the context of 2026 is linked to the closure of which strategic maritime chokepoint?
(a) Suez Canal
(b) Strait of Hormuz
(c) Strait of Malacca
(d) Bab-el-Mandeb Strait
Explanation: The Strait of Hormuz is identified as the critical passage through which one-fifth of the world's oil and gas supply passes. Its closure due to regional conflict has significantly impacted global fuel prices. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1998722/govt-hikes-petrol-by-rs1492-per-litre-diesel-by-rs15, 08 May 2026]