January 2026 Current Affairs MCQs & Solutions

Explanation: The federal budget for the fiscal year 2026-27 was announced at Rs 18.8 trillion. This figure represents the government's primary fiscal planning document for the upcoming year. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2007374/finmin-aurangzeb-says-govt-committed-to-reducing-tax-burden-by-widening-tax-net, 12 Jun 2026]

Explanation: Statement 1 is correct as the cabinet has 12 members. Statement 2 is incorrect because the PML-N decided to sit in the opposition. Statement 3 is correct as the Governor administers the oath. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017537/newly-sworn-in-gb-cm-picks-8-ppp-4-ipp-assembly-members-to-join-his-cabinet-as-ministers, 22 Jul 2026]

Explanation: The order prohibits the use of unregistered motorcycles, not registered ones. The other three options are explicitly listed as prohibited activities in the government notification. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2000944/section-144-imposed-throughout-balochistan-for-one-month, 17 May 2026]

Explanation: The Defence Minister explicitly rejected the impression that the 28th constitutional amendment had been tabled, making option C the incorrect statement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2001298/india-will-be-relegated-to-history-if-it-attempts-misadventure-against-pakistan, 18 May 2026]

Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect because the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement is described as an evolution toward collective deterrence rather than a bilateral pact. Statement 2 is correct as Egyptian participation is contingent upon resolving technical issues. Statement 3 is correct as the constitutional framework of AJK is designed to mirror the parliamentary system of Pakistan. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2021671/egypt-could-join-pak-saudi-turkiye-defence-pact-once-technical-issues-resolved-says-turkish-foreign-minister]

Explanation: All events occurred on August 9, 2026. The logical sequence for reporting the impact of internal disruption (strike) leads to the clarification of defense policy (DPM Dar), followed by international economic indicators (China CPI), and finally, external geopolitical expansion (Egypt's interest). [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2021626/goods-oil-transporters-strike-threatens-industry-exports]

Explanation: Masoud Pezeshkian is the Iranian President who engaged with Pakistani officials, including Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, regarding the peace process. The other individuals listed are not the current president as of May 2026. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2000962/pm-shehbaz-credits-political-military-partnership-for-pakistans-recognition-as-us-iran-mediator-changed-image, 17 May 2026]

Explanation: Abu Bilal al-Minuki was confirmed as the global director of operations for IS and was killed during the joint military operation. The other individuals listed were also senior ISWAP figures killed in the same operation, but they held different roles. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2001567/nigeria-says-joint-strikes-with-us-kill-175-is-fighters, 19 May 2026]

Explanation: During the Apex Committee meeting in Quetta, the Prime Minister specifically directed the deployment of the Frontier Corps in the Rakhshan division to enhance security measures. The other options are existing divisions in Balochistan but were not the focus of this specific directive. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2001538/pakistan-a-net-regional-stabiliser-contributing-to-peace-in-the-region-and-beyond-pm-shehbaz, 19 May 2026]

Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect because the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement is described as a move toward indigenous collective security, not as a mechanism under the auspices of NATO. Statement 2 accurately reflects the industrial supply chain challenges posed by the nationwide strike in Pakistan. Statement 3 correctly identifies the administrative challenges within the Pakistani criminal justice system involving police, judiciary, and prison coordination. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2021619/makkah-agreement]

Explanation: While all events occur on 09 August 2026, the thematic progression reflects the shift from constitutional governance in AJK, to regional trilateral defense pacts, to industrial strike disruptions, and finally to international economic indicators like China's factory-gate inflation data. This sequence follows the logical reporting flow from constitutional-political to security, domestic economic, and finally macroeconomic data. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2021618/conflicting-priorities]

Explanation: Najmul Hossain Shanto served as the captain of the Bangladesh team during the series. Litton Das performed wicket-keeping duties, and Mahmudul Hasan Joy was a fielder. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2001532/taijul-puts-bangladesh-on-brink-of-test-series-win-over-pakistan, 19 May 2026]

Explanation: The notification issued by the Balochistan government specifically bans pillion riding, along with other measures like tinted glasses and the display of weapons. Public transport and trade were not subject to a blanket ban under this specific order. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2000944/section-144-imposed-throughout-balochistan-for-one-month, 17 May 2026]

Explanation: The ceasefire agreement between the US and Iran was brokered by Pakistan and took effect on April 8, 2026. April 12 marks the conclusion of the first round of talks, not the date of the ceasefire. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2000962/pm-shehbaz-credits-political-military-partnership-for-pakistans-recognition-as-us-iran-mediator-changed-image, 17 May 2026]

Explanation: The Barakah nuclear plant was the target of drone strikes in the UAE, an event that preceded the attack on Saudi Arabia. The other options are major UAE infrastructure sites but were not the specific targets mentioned in this context. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2001312/pakistan-condemns-drone-strike-on-saudi-arabia-expresses-solidarity-with-riyadh, 18 May 2026]

Explanation: The Prime Minister visited the Command and Staff College in Quetta to address student officers and faculty. This institution is a premier military training facility where he discussed national security and regional stability. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2001538/pakistan-a-net-regional-stabiliser-contributing-to-peace-in-the-region-and-beyond-pm-shehbaz, 19 May 2026]

Explanation: The Indus Waters Treaty has been in effect for 66 years. It remains a foundational document for water-sharing between the two nations. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2001298/india-will-be-relegated-to-history-if-it-attempts-misadventure-against-pakistan, 18 May 2026]

Explanation: The military operations were concentrated in the northeast, a region that has been the epicenter of the extremist insurgency since 2009. While the northwest has experienced violence from criminal gangs, the specific joint strikes against IS leadership occurred in the northeast. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2001567/nigeria-says-joint-strikes-with-us-kill-175-is-fighters, 19 May 2026]

Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect because Netanyahu criticized Ben Gvir and ordered the deportation of the activists. Statements 2 and 3 are factually accurate based on the events described. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2001815/monstrous-disgraceful-and-inhumane-israeli-minister-sparks-outcry-over-video-of-bound-flotilla-activists, 20 May 2026]

Explanation: The statement is incorrect because the Prime Minister made a stop in Hangzhou before reaching Beijing. The other options accurately reflect the details provided in the diplomatic report. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2002979/chinas-xi-hails-unbreakable-ties-praises-pakistans-role-in-iran-peace-efforts-as-he-meets-pm-shehbaz, 25 May 2026]