Current Affairs
On February 28, 2026, the United States and Israel launched a joint military operation against Iran. What was the primary code name used by the United States for this campaign?
A.
Operation Desert Storm
B.
Operation Epic Fury
C.
Operation Iron Shield
D.
Operation Iranian Freedom
Explanation:
The joint offensive initiated on February 28, 2026, was dubbed Operation Epic Fury by U.S. officials. This operation involved nearly 900 strikes in its first 12 hours, specifically targeting Iranian air defenses, missile infrastructure, and high-ranking leadership to degrade the country’s retaliatory capabilities.
The major joint military exercise named "Gulf Shield 2026," which focused on strengthening regional defense integration among GCC nations, was launched in which country?
A.
Qatar
B.
United Arab Emirates
C.
Saudi Arabia
D.
Kuwait
Explanation:
The "Gulf Shield 2026" exercise began on January 4, 2026, in Saudi Arabia. The drill involved air forces and air defense units from all Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states, aiming to enhance combat readiness and collective deterrence against regional threats.
Which country officially announced its withdrawal from 66 international organizations and treaties on January 7, 2026, citing a conflict with its national interests?
A.
United Kingdom
B.
Russia
C.
Brazil
D.
United States
Explanation:
The Trump administration issued a presidential memorandum on January 7, 2026, directing the U.S. to withdraw from 66 international entities. This included 31 UN-linked bodies—such as the UNFCCC (climate change treaty) and UN Women—as part of an "America First" policy aimed at protecting national sovereignty.
In January 2026, a massive wave of nationwide protests erupted in which country, primarily triggered by record-high inflation and the collapse of the national currency?
A.
Turkey
B.
Iran
C.
Argentina
D.
Lebanon
Explanation:
Starting in late December 2025 and peaking in January 2026, millions of protesters took to the streets across Iran. The unrest was sparked by acute economic deterioration, including an inflation rate surpassing 40% and the national currency (Rial) plunging to a record low of 1.4 million per US dollar.
In January 2026, which country announced the cancellation of all diplomatic and economic agreements with the UAE, citing "sovereignty violations"?
A.
Ethiopia
B.
Sudan
C.
Somalia
D.
Yemen
Explanation:
The government of Somalia officially cancelled all existing agreements with the UAE in January 2026. This drastic diplomatic move followed allegations that the UAE had engaged in actions that violated Somalia's territorial integrity and national sovereignty.
Which world leader was conferred with Bahrain's highest civil award, the "King Hamad Order of the Renaissance," in January 2026?
A.
PM Shehbaz Sharif
B.
President Asif Ali Zardari
C.
PM Narendra Modi
D.
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan
Explanation:
During his official visit to the Kingdom of Bahrain in January 2026, President Asif Ali Zardari was conferred with the country's highest civil award by King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa in recognition of his efforts to strengthen bilateral ties.
In January 2026, which European country officially discontinued its traditional national postal service?
A.
Denmark
B.
Norway
C.
Sweden
D.
Finland
Explanation:
After 401 years of operation, Denmark officially ended its state-run universal postal service on January 1, 2026. The final physical letters under the traditional national model were delivered on December 30, 2025, marking the end of an era due to the shift toward digital communication.
Which edition of the World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting is scheduled for 2026 in Davos?
A.
50th
B.
54th
C.
60th
D.
56th
Explanation:
The 56th Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum, commonly known as Davos 2026, brings together global leaders to discuss economic trends, climate change, and technological advancement.
The Trump administration has renewed plans to acquire or occupy which territory in North America?
A.
Puerto Rico
B.
Greenland
C.
Bermuda
D.
Nova Scotia
Explanation:
The Trump administration has expressed a strategic interest in occupying or acquiring Greenland (an autonomous territory of Denmark). The move is driven by the territory's vast mineral resources and its critical geopolitical location in the Arctic.
A devastating fire broke out on January 17, 2026, at which prominent commercial landmark in Karachi?
A.
Zainab Market
B.
Lucky One Mall
C.
Gul Plaza
D.
Dolmen Mall
Explanation:
A massive fire erupted at Gul Plaza, a major wholesale market in Karachi, on January 17, 2026. The incident caused significant financial losses and raised concerns regarding fire safety standards in high-rise commercial buildings.
The 16th EU-India Summit was hosted on January 27, 2026, in which city?
A.
Brussels
B.
New Delhi
C.
Mumbai
D.
Berlin
Explanation:
The 16th EU-India Summit was held in New Delhi on January 27, 2026. Leaders discussed the Free Trade Agreement (FTA), climate change initiatives, and strategic maritime security in the Indo-Pacific region.
Which country reported a fresh outbreak of the Nipah (NiV) virus in January 2026?
A.
Bangladesh
B.
Malaysia
C.
India
D.
Thailand
Explanation:
A localized outbreak of the Nipah virus was reported in India in January 2026. Health authorities immediately implemented containment measures to prevent the spread of the zoonotic virus, which is known for its high fatality rate.
In January 2026, President Asif Ali Zardari undertook an official visit to which two countries?
A.
Saudi Arabia and Qatar
B.
China and Turkey
C.
Iran and Iraq
D.
Kingdom of Bahrain and UAE
Explanation:
President Zardari visited Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to strengthen bilateral ties. During the visit, he focused on economic cooperation, investment, and the welfare of the Pakistani diaspora in the Gulf region.
In January 2026, which country officially resumed its commercial flight operations to Pakistan after a hiatus of 14 years?
A.
Bangladesh
B.
Russia
C.
Japan
D.
Iraq
Explanation:
Marking a major step in restoring bilateral and economic ties, Bangladesh resumed its direct flight operations to Pakistan in January 2026. This service had remained suspended for 14 years due to diplomatic and technical hurdles.
Which veteran NASA astronaut officially retired in January 2026 after a distinguished career spanning 27 years?
A.
Peggy Whitson
B.
Suni Williams
C.
Butch Wilmore
D.
Victor Glover
Explanation:
After 27 years of service and multiple historic missions to the International Space Station (ISS), Suni Williams retired from NASA in January 2026. She is widely recognized for her leadership and for setting multiple records for female space travelers.
In January 2026, Pakistan's cricket team achieved a historic milestone by defeating which country in a series for the first time in 7 years?
A.
England
B.
South Africa
C.
Australia
D.
New Zealand
Explanation:
Pakistan secured a landmark series victory against Australia in January 2026. This win was particularly significant as it ended a 7-year drought without a series win against the Aussies, marking a major turnaround for Pakistan's international standing.
Following the removal of Nicolás Maduro in early 2026, who assumed the presidency of Venezuela?
A.
Juan Guaidó
B.
Delcy Rodríguez
C.
Maria Corina Machado
D.
Diosdado Cabello
Explanation:
Following the capture of Nicolás Maduro by U.S. forces on January 3, 2026, Vice President Delcy Rodríguez was sworn in as the acting President of Venezuela to maintain government continuity during the political transition.
Amid escalating regional tensions in the South China Sea, which two Asian nations signed a major new Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement (ACSA) on January 15, 2026?
A.
Philippines and Japan
B.
Vietnam and Japan
C.
Philippines and South Korea
D.
India and Philippines
Explanation:
On January 15, 2026, the Philippines and Japan signed a landmark defense pact in Manila known as the Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement (ACSA). This agreement allows their respective military forces to exchange essential supplies such as fuel, food, and ammunition during joint training and exercises. The move is part of a broader strategy to counter regional assertiveness and strengthen trilateral cooperation with the United States.
In January 2026, prominent investigative journalist and TV host Iqrar-ul-Hassan entered the political arena by launching his own political party. What is the name of this new organization?
A.
Sar-e-Aam Movement
B.
Tehreek-e-Insaaf-e-Awam
C.
Youth Power Pakistan
D.
Pakistan Awam Raj Tehreek
Explanation:
During a press conference at the Lahore Press Club on January 15, 2026, Iqrar-ul-Hassan officially launched Pakistan Awam Raj Tehreek. He pledged that the party would be a democratic platform owned by the public rather than a single family and took an oath that he would never personally hold any government office or party position.
Following the disqualification of Omar Ayub, who was officially notified as the Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly of Pakistan on January 16, 2026?
A.
Barrister Gohar Ali Khan
B.
Mahmood Khan Achakzai
C.
Maulana Fazlur Rehman
D.
Asad Qaiser
Explanation:
The Speaker of the National Assembly, Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, issued the official notification on January 16, 2026, declaring Mahmood Khan Achakzai as the Leader of the Opposition. Achakzai, who is the Chairman of the Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP) and head of the opposition alliance Tehreek-e-Tahafuz-e-Ayeen-e-Pakistan (TTAP), was nominated for the post by the PTI and its allies.
After the Bangladesh Cricket Board withdrew from the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, which country was invited by the ICC as a replacement for the February 2026 tournament?
A.
Zimbabwe
B.
United Arab Emirates (UAE)
C.
Scotland
D.
Netherlands
Explanation:
On January 24, 2026, the ICC officially replaced Bangladesh with Scotland in Group C of the T20 World Cup 2026. Bangladesh had refused to play matches in India (co-host with Sri Lanka) due to security concerns.
Zohran Mamdani, a prominent figure in international politics/activism, held his official oath-taking ceremony on which date in 2026?
A.
January 1, 2026
B.
January 5, 2026
C.
January 12, 2026
D.
January 20, 2026
Explanation:
Zohran Mamdani took his oath of office on January 1, 2026. His ceremony gained significant attention in the media as he continues to be a vocal representative in his legislative capacity, often focusing on housing rights and social justice.
With the expansion of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) to include new franchises, the 7th team based in "Hyderabad" was officially sold to which prominent businessman?
A.
Mr. Fawad Sarwar
B.
Mr. Hamza Majeed
C.
Mr. Nadeem Omar
D.
Mr. Ali Khan Tareen
Explanation:
The Hyderabad franchise, which joined as the 7th team of the PSL, is owned by Mr. Fawad Sarwar. This expansion is part of the PCB's strategy to broaden the league's footprint across various regions of Pakistan. (Note: Mr. Hamza Majeed owns the 8th team, the Sialkot Stallionz).
In a move that escalated global maritime tensions in early 2026, United States naval forces seized a Russian-flagged oil tanker. In which ocean did this incident occur?
A.
Indian Ocean
B.
Pacific Ocean
C.
Arctic Ocean
D.
Atlantic Ocean
Explanation:
US forces intercepted and seized a Russian oil tanker in the Atlantic Ocean in January 2026. The seizure was conducted under the justification of enforcing international sanctions and preventing the unauthorized transport of energy resources allegedly linked to sanctioned entities.
On January 4, 2026, the Air Chief Marshal of which neighboring country arrived in Pakistan on an official visit to discuss regional security and bilateral defense cooperation?
A.
Sri Lanka
B.
Bangladesh
C.
Qatar
D.
Turkey
Explanation:
The Chief of Air Staff of the Bangladesh Air Force visited Pakistan on January 4, 2026. During the visit, he met with Pakistan's Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu to discuss matters of professional interest, including joint training exercises and the maintenance of aviation equipment.