January 2026 Edition

January 2026 Current Affairs MCQs & Solutions

Top national & international current affairs questions for CSS, PMS, FPSC, PPSC, and NTS screening tests.

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#20181

Which of the following is NOT a recommendation made by the Supreme Court in its 2026 judgment regarding acid attack survivors?

(a) Establishment of a National Acid Survivors’ Rehabilitation Fund
(b) Immediate capital punishment for all individuals convicted of acid violence
(c) Formulation of national rehabilitation guidelines for standardized medical treatment
(d) Provision of a mandatory monthly stipend for survivors unable to support themselves
Explanation: The court focused on rehabilitation, medical coverage, and pre-emptive regulation rather than mandating capital punishment. The other three options are explicit recommendations found within the court's judgment. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2006139/acid-attack-more-heinous-than-homicide-tool-of-patriarchal-violence-sc, 08 Jun 2026]
#20182

The National Assembly session summoned by President Zardari on June 10, 2026, was identified as which session of the 16th National Assembly?

(a) 26th session
(b) 27th session
(c) 28th session
(d) None of these
Explanation: The official notification issued by the presidency confirmed that the session convened on June 10, 2026, was the 28th session of the 16th National Assembly. The other options are incorrect as they do not align with the official parliamentary record for that date. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2006413/president-zardari-summons-na-senate-sessions-on-june-10, 09 Jun 2026]
#20183

Consider the following statements about the Germany vs. Curacao match held on June 14, 2026: 1. Kai Havertz scored two goals during the match. 2. The Curacao fans are known as the Blue Wave. 3. Germany had not won an opening match at a World Cup since 2014. 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 correct based on the match report. Kai Havertz scored a double, the Curacao fans are referred to as the Blue Wave, and Germany had indeed not won an opening match since their 2014 title run. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2007821/germany-hammer-world-cup-debutants-curacao-after-early-scare, 14 Jun 2026]
#20184

Which of the following statements regarding the FIA's 2026 anti-smuggling measures is INCORRECT?

(a) Over 100 officials have faced disciplinary action for collusion with human smugglers.
(b) Deportations due to organized begging fell by 75 percent in 2025.
(c) The FIA utilizes risk-based profiling to offload passengers.
(d) Illegal migration towards Europe increased by 64 percent in early 2026.
Explanation: The report states that illegal migration towards Europe actually declined by 26 percent in 2025, with a 64 percent drop recorded in January–February 2026 compared to the same period in 2025. Therefore, the statement claiming an increase is false. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2006395/fia-disciplines-over-100-officials-over-human-smuggling-links-since-greece-boat-tragedy, 09 Jun 2026]
#20185

What percentage of possession did Spain hold during their match against Cape Verde on June 15, 2026?

(a) 65 per cent
(b) 70 per cent
(c) 74 per cent
(d) 80 per cent
Explanation: Spain maintained 74 per cent possession throughout the match but failed to score. The other figures are incorrect estimates of their dominance in the game. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2008115/spain-held-0-0-by-world-cup-debutants-cape-verde, 15 Jun 2026]
#20186

The FIFA World Cup 2026 tournament was expanded to include how many teams?

(a) 32 teams
(b) 40 teams
(c) 48 teams
(d) None of these
Explanation: FIFA expanded the 2026 World Cup to 48 teams to allow for greater global representation. The previous standard for many years was 32 teams. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2008115/spain-held-0-0-by-world-cup-debutants-cape-verde, 15 Jun 2026]
#20187

Consider the following statements about the FIA's 2026 briefing on migration: 1. Pakistan is the third largest student visa-receiving country for the United Kingdom. 2. The FIA reported that 10,000 Pakistani students in the UK misuse visas through asylum claims. 3. The Prime Minister's Office issued eight directives to curb human smuggling. 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 briefing provided by the FIA Director General. The briefing confirmed Pakistan's status as a major source of UK student visas, the specific number of visa misuses, and the issuance of eight directives by the PMO. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2006395/fia-disciplines-over-100-officials-over-human-smuggling-links-since-greece-boat-tragedy, 09 Jun 2026]
#20188

Who is the current Finance Minister of Pakistan responsible for presenting the federal budget for FY2026-27?

(a) Ishaq Dar
(b) Muhammad Aurangzeb
(c) Shaukat Tarin
(d) None of these
Explanation: Muhammad Aurangzeb is the incumbent Finance Minister tasked with presenting the federal budget. Ishaq Dar and Shaukat Tarin are former finance ministers and serve as incorrect distractors. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2006648/finance-minister-aurangzeb-to-present-budget-for-fy2026-27-on-june-12, 10 Jun 2026]
#20189

Consider the following statements about the shift in AI billing models: 1. Microsoft's move to usage-based billing marks a departure from two decades of fixed subscription fees. 2. GitHub, a Microsoft subsidiary, also transitioned to usage-based billing in early 2026. 3. Anthropic has announced that its cutting-edge models will be billed by usage rather than included in premium subscriptions. 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. Microsoft is shifting its long-standing subscription model, GitHub implemented usage-based billing in June 2026, and Anthropic has confirmed a similar strategy for its flagship models. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2008363/microsoft-launches-ai-agent-with-pay-as-you-go-pricing, 16 Jun 2026]
#20190

In the meeting at Air Headquarters on June 9, 2026, discussions between the Bahraini commander and the Pakistan Air Force leadership focused on which of the following emerging technologies?

(a) Space-based orbital weaponry
(b) Nuclear propulsion systems
(c) Submarine-launched ballistic missiles
(d) Drones and artificial intelligence
Explanation: The discussions at Air Headquarters specifically highlighted emerging defence technologies including drones, artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, and advanced sensors. The other options are not related to the specific technological focus mentioned in the official ISPR statement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2006391/bahrain-commander-meets-cdf-munir-discusses-strengthening-military-collaboration-ispr, 09 Jun 2026]
#20191

Consider the following statements about the parliamentary sessions summoned in June 2026: 1. The President summoned both the National Assembly and the Senate to meet on June 10, 2026. 2. The federal budget for the fiscal year 2026-27 was scheduled to be presented in Parliament on June 10, 2026. 3. The National Economic Council meeting was postponed multiple times prior to the budget session. 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 both houses were summoned for June 10. Statement 2 is incorrect because, while the sessions were summoned on June 10, the budget presentation was expected on June 12. Statement 3 is correct as the NEC meeting faced multiple postponements due to negotiations over provincial shares. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2006413/president-zardari-summons-na-senate-sessions-on-june-10, 09 Jun 2026]
#20192

Consider the following statements about the 2026 Iran agreement: 1. The agreement was signed electronically by President Trump and Vice President Vance on the Sunday preceding June 16, 2026. 2. The full text of the memorandum of understanding has been released to the public to ensure transparency. 3. Senate Majority Leader John Thune has expressed that he currently lacks sufficient information to judge the merits of the deal. 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 deal was signed electronically on Sunday. Statement 2 is false because the administration has not yet released the text of the memorandum, which is the core of the lawmakers' complaints. Statement 3 is correct as Senator Thune explicitly stated he did not know enough about the deal to judge it. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2008356/trump-open-to-congressional-review-of-iran-deal-as-lawmakers-seek-details, 16 Jun 2026]
#20193

Which of the following statements regarding the 2026 Gilgit-Baltistan election results is INCORRECT?

(a) The PPP won 11 seats in the assembly.
(b) The IPP won 16 seats during the initial general elections.
(c) The PML-N decided to sit on the opposition benches.
(d) The PML-N pledged to vote in favor of the PPP for government formation.
Explanation: The IPP did not win any seats during the initial general elections; they fielded 16 candidates but none were successful. The party only gained representation later when four independent winners joined them. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2008336/four-independents-join-aleem-khans-istehkam-i-pakistan-party-in-gilgit-baltistan, 16 Jun 2026]
#20194

Which player was sent off during the Belgium versus Iran match on June 21, 2026?

(a) Kevin De Bruyne
(b) Romelu Lukaku
(c) Nathan Ngoy
(d) Thibaut Courtois
Explanation: Nathan Ngoy was dismissed after a red card for hauling down Mehdi Taremi following a mis-hit backpass. The other players listed remained on the pitch for their respective teams. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2009791/iran-frustrate-star-studded-belgium-to-steal-another-world-cup-point, 21 Jun 2026]
#20195

Which of the following statements regarding the political situation in the UK as of June 2026 is INCORRECT?

(a) The British Prime Minister is required to be a member of the House of Lords to lead the government.
(b) Keir Starmer has faced internal pressure following Labour's performance in local and regional polls.
(c) Andy Burnham serves as the Mayor of Greater Manchester.
(d) Peter Kyle serves as the Business Secretary in the current government.
Explanation: The statement that a Prime Minister must be a member of the House of Lords is incorrect; a Prime Minister must be a member of Parliament (typically the House of Commons). The other statements are factually accurate based on the provided information. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2009758/uk-pm-starmer-mulling-political-realities-senior-minister, 21 Jun 2026]
#20196

Consider the following statements regarding the governance and security developments reported on August 10, 2026: 1. The Islamabad High Court has sought clarification on the constitutional implications of pending executive advice regarding judicial appointments. 2. The Government of Pakistan has characterized the new Makkah Joint Defence Agreement as an offensive security framework aimed at regional hegemony. 3. Intelligence-based operations in Panjgur represent a shift in the security landscape of Balochistan towards more precise counter-terrorism measures. Which of the above statements are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, and 3
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct as the IHC is examining the constitutional implications of pending PM advice on judicial appointments. Statement 2 is incorrect because Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif explicitly stated the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement is defensive in nature, not for aggression. Statement 3 is correct as intelligence-based operations in Balochistan reflect the evolving security strategy described in the report. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2021893/delay-in-judicial-appointments-ihc-tells-govt-to-explain-consequences-of-keeping-pms-advice-pending]
#20197

Arrange the following administrative and political developments of August 10, 2026, in the correct chronological order based on the nature of the events as provided in the reports: (I) Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim undergoes elective hernia surgery. (II) The Tarbela Dam achieves its maximum water storage capacity. (III) Voting commences in the Bagh and Haveli districts for AJK elections. (IV) Ten additional individuals are added to the Fourth Schedule in AJK.

(a) I, II, III, IV
(b) IV, III, II, I
(c) II, IV, III, I
(d) III, IV, II, I
Explanation: The order reflects the standard reporting sequence provided in the source digest for the date August 10, 2026, starting with the executive health update, followed by the water security achievement, the progress of AJK electoral phases, and the AJK internal security measures. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2021885/malaysia-pm-anwar-ibrahim-undergoes-elective-surgery-to-treat-hernia]
#20198

Consider the following statements about the Supreme Court's 2026 ruling on acid violence: 1. The court observed that acid violence is a tool of patriarchal dominance used to inflict social death. 2. The ruling suggests that penal sanctions alone are sufficient to eradicate the problem of acid attacks. 3. The court recommended that the sale of acid be prohibited to individuals under the age of 18. 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 2 is incorrect because the court explicitly stated that penal sanctions alone are insufficient to address the root of the problem. Statements 1 and 3 accurately reflect the court's observations on patriarchal violence and the regulatory measures cited from the Punjab Acid Control Act 2025. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2006139/acid-attack-more-heinous-than-homicide-tool-of-patriarchal-violence-sc, 08 Jun 2026]
#20199

Consider the following statements about the federal budget for FY2026-27: 1. The budget presentation is scheduled for June 12, 2026. 2. Provincial shares from the federal divisible pool are proposed to be increased significantly. 3. The government aims to cover an estimated Rs800 billion revenue shortfall.

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) All three
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct regarding the date. Statement 3 is correct regarding the revenue shortfall. Statement 2 is incorrect because the agreement stipulates that provincial shares will remain frozen at the current fiscal year's position. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2006648/finance-minister-aurangzeb-to-present-budget-for-fy2026-27-on-june-12, 10 Jun 2026]
#20200

Which player scored the opening goal for Germany in their 2026 World Cup match against Curacao?

(a) Kai Havertz
(b) Felix Nmecha
(c) Jamal Musiala
(d) Deniz Undav
Explanation: Felix Nmecha scored the opening goal in the sixth minute of the match. While other players like Havertz and Musiala also scored, Nmecha was the first to find the net. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2007821/germany-hammer-world-cup-debutants-curacao-after-early-scare, 14 Jun 2026]