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.
#3621
Consider the following statements about the 2026 energy conservation policy: 1. The policy mandates that marriage halls and marquees must close by 10:00 PM. 2. The federal government has introduced a digital wallet subsidy initiative to assist with fuel costs. 3. The policy was implemented without any consultation with provincial chief ministers. 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 they align with the government's announced measures. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Prime Minister explicitly expressed gratitude to the chief ministers of the provinces for reaching a consensus on the matter. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1989178/markets-malls-to-close-at-8pm-across-country-except-sindh-to-conserve-energy, 06 Apr 2026]
#3622
The peace talks hosted by Pakistan in April 2026 are aimed at resolving disputes between which two nations?
(a) Saudi Arabia and Iran
(b) Lebanon and Israel
(c) United States and Iran
(d) United States and Lebanon
Explanation: The diplomatic efforts led by Pakistan are specifically focused on mediating a settlement between the United States and Iran. The talks follow a ceasefire agreement between these two primary parties. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1989847/us-iranian-delegations-expected-in-pakistan-on-friday-white-house-says-first-round-of-talks-to-be-held-on-saturday, 08 Apr 2026]
#3623
Who chaired the cabinet committee meeting held on April 6, 2026, to address petroleum monitoring and supply chain issues?
(a) Shehbaz Sharif
(b) Muhammad Aurangzeb
(c) Musadik Malik
(d) None of these
Explanation: Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb chaired the cabinet committee meeting on April 6, 2026. While Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif constituted the committee, he did not chair this specific session. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1989171/ogra-pso-come-under-fire-for-poor-monitoring-of-oil-stocks, 06 Apr 2026]
#3624
Which of the following statements regarding the 2026 energy conservation policy is INCORRECT?
(a) Sindh is currently exempt from the 8:00 PM mandatory closure pending further consultations.
(b) All markets in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are permitted to remain open until 10:00 PM.
(c) The policy was formulated in response to fuel price hikes linked to the conflict in the Middle East.
(d) The federal government is providing free inter-city public transport in Gilgit and Muzaffarabad for one month.
Explanation: Only divisional headquarters in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are permitted to remain open until 9:00 PM, not 10:00 PM. The other statements accurately reflect the policy details regarding Sindh's exemption, transport subsidies, and the rationale behind the energy conservation measures. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1989178/markets-malls-to-close-at-8pm-across-country-except-sindh-to-conserve-energy, 06 Apr 2026]
#3625
Which of the following entities is granted an exemption from the 2026 energy conservation timing restrictions?
(a) Marriage halls
(b) Departmental stores
(c) Medical stores and pharmacies
(d) None of these
Explanation: Medical stores and pharmacies are explicitly exempted from the new timing restrictions to ensure public access to essential healthcare supplies. Marriage halls and departmental stores are subject to the 8:00 PM or 10:00 PM closure rules. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1989178/markets-malls-to-close-at-8pm-across-country-except-sindh-to-conserve-energy, 06 Apr 2026]
#3626
Consider the following statements about the 2026 peace initiative in Islamabad: 1. The ceasefire agreement includes provisions for de-escalation in Lebanon. 2. The first round of talks is scheduled to occur on April 11, 2026. 3. The Iranian leadership expressed appreciation for Pakistan's role in hosting the negotiations. 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 correct. The ceasefire covers Lebanon, the talks are set for the weekend following the April 8, 2026 announcement (specifically April 11), and the Iranian President explicitly thanked the Pakistani leadership for their mediation. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1989847/us-iranian-delegations-expected-in-pakistan-on-friday-white-house-says-first-round-of-talks-to-be-held-on-saturday, 08 Apr 2026]
#3627
Consider the following statements about the cabinet committee meeting held on April 6, 2026: 1. The committee expressed concern over loopholes in the diesel rate build-up. 2. Climate Change Minister Dr. Musadik Malik previously served as the energy and petroleum minister. 3. The government decided to rely solely on private sector data for monitoring retail outlets. 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. Statement 3 is incorrect because the government is actively deploying joint teams to ensure data transparency and is not relying solely on private sector data, which was noted as having even poorer integration than PSO. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1989171/ogra-pso-come-under-fire-for-poor-monitoring-of-oil-stocks, 06 Apr 2026]
#3628
Consider the following statements about the 2026 visit of the Pakistani CDF to Turkiye: 1. The visit included a meeting with the Commander of the Turkish Land Forces. 2. The discussions focused on regional security dynamics and professional matters. 3. The Turkish President received the CDF at the Istanbul airport. 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 CDF met General Metin Tokel and discussed regional security. Statement 3 is incorrect because the President received the CDF at the Ankara airport, not Istanbul. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2015389/cdf-munir-meets-turkish-president-erdogan-armed-forces-chief-in-ankara-ispr, 14 Jul 2026]
#3629
Dr. Asif Mahmood was elected as the chair of which United States federal body in 2026?
(a) United States Commission on International Religious Freedom
(b) United States Commission on Civil Rights
(c) United States Commission on Human Rights
(d) None of these
Explanation: Dr. Asif Mahmood was elected chair of the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) for the 2026-27 term. The other options represent different federal commissions that do not focus specifically on the international religious freedom mandate. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017231/pakistan-origin-physician-asif-mahmood-elected-chair-of-us-commission-on-religious-freedom, 21 Jul 2026]
#3630
Who presided over the three-judge Supreme Court bench that heard the plea on July 21, 2026?
(a) Justice Mansoor Ali Shah
(b) Justice Qazi Faez Isa
(c) Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar
(d) Justice Yahya Afridi
Explanation: The Supreme Court bench that took up the application for the early hearing of the sentence suspension plea was led by Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar. The other listed justices were not the presiding officers for this specific bench. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017251/sc-adjourns-hearing-on-imaan-hadis-plea-against-ihc-decision-on-sentence-suspension, 21 Jul 2026]
#3631
Who was elected as the vice chair of the USCIRF alongside Dr. Asif Mahmood for the 2026-27 term?
(a) CeCe Heil
(b) Hakeem Jeffries
(c) Kamala Harris
(d) None of these
Explanation: The USCIRF announced the unanimous election of Dr. Asif Mahmood as chair and CeCe Heil as vice chair for the 2026-27 term. The other individuals mentioned are political figures not serving in this specific commission role. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017231/pakistan-origin-physician-asif-mahmood-elected-chair-of-us-commission-on-religious-freedom, 21 Jul 2026]
#3632
Who was elected as the Chief Minister of Gilgit-Baltistan in June 2026?
(a) Amjad Hussain
(b) Bilal Yaseen
(c) Ahad Khan Cheema
(d) None of these
Explanation: Advocate Amjad Hussain was elected unopposed as the Chief Minister of Gilgit-Baltistan on June 22, 2026. The other names listed are either federal ministers or provincial officials not holding this specific office. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017241/centre-committed-to-working-closely-with-gb-government-pm-tells-cm-amjad-hussain, 21 Jul 2026]
#3633
Which Indian minister was forced to resign following the weeks-long student agitation in 2026?
(a) Devendra Fadnavis
(b) Dharmendra Pradhan
(c) M.J. Akbar
(d) None of these
Explanation: Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned as a direct result of the student-led protests against the education system. While M.J. Akbar also resigned in the past, he is not the minister associated with the 2026 student agitation. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018933/well-begun-is-half-done, 28 Jul 2026]
#3634
Consider the following statements regarding the energy sector meeting held on May 2, 2026: 1. The Prime Minister directed authorities to prioritize relief for both industrial and domestic consumers. 2. The government is exploring the use of advanced technology to enhance digital facilities for bill payments. 3. The meeting concluded with a decision to immediately abolish all fixed charges on electricity bills. 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 they reflect the Prime Minister's directives on consumer relief and digital modernization. Statement 3 is incorrect because the government did not announce the abolition of fixed charges, despite public suggestions. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1996962/pm-shehbaz-orders-formulation-of-strategy-to-stabilise-electricity-tariffs, 02 May 2026]
#3635
Consider the following statements about Dr. Asif Mahmood: 1. He has served as a member of the Medical Board of California. 2. He was elected chair of the USCIRF for the 2026-27 term. 3. He has lived in California since 1999. 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. Dr. Mahmood is a two-term member of the Medical Board of California, was elected chair of the USCIRF in 2026, and has resided in California since 1999. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017231/pakistan-origin-physician-asif-mahmood-elected-chair-of-us-commission-on-religious-freedom, 21 Jul 2026]
#3636
The joint statement condemning Israel's appointment of an envoy to Somaliland was issued on which date in 2026?
(a) April 15, 2026
(b) April 18, 2026
(c) April 20, 2026
(d) April 22, 2026
Explanation: The joint statement from the twelve countries, including Pakistan, was issued on April 18, 2026, following the announcement of the appointment earlier that week. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1993013/12-countries-including-pakistan-condemn-israels-move-to-appoint-envoy-to-somaliland, 18 Apr 2026]
#3637
Who is the current President of Lebanon involved in the 2026 ceasefire negotiations?
(a) Joseph Aoun
(b) Michel Aoun
(c) Najib Mikati
(d) None of these
Explanation: Joseph Aoun is the Lebanese President who engaged in direct diplomatic discussions with US President Donald Trump to secure the ceasefire. Michel Aoun is a former president, and Najib Mikati is a former prime minister, making them incorrect in the context of the 2026 event. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1992354/10-day-ceasefire-between-israel-lebanon-takes-effect, 16 Apr 2026]
#3638
Who is the current Mayor of New York whose official residence was the site of the protest on March 8, 2026?
(a) Eric Adams
(b) Zohran Mamdani
(c) Bill de Blasio
(d) None of these
Explanation: Zohran Mamdani is the Mayor of New York whose residence, Gracie Mansion, was the location of the protest. Eric Adams and Bill de Blasio are former mayors, making them incorrect. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979791/new-york-police-probe-man-for-throwing-ignited-devices-near-anti-muslim-protest-in-front-of-mayor-mamdanis-house, 08 Mar 2026]
#3639
Who accompanied Field Marshal Asim Munir during his diplomatic visit to Tehran on April 15, 2026?
(a) Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar
(b) Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi
(c) Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb
(d) None of these
Explanation: Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi was part of the formal delegation that accompanied Field Marshal Asim Munir to Tehran. The other listed ministers were not reported as part of this specific security-focused delegation. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1991972/cdf-munir-visits-iran-alongside-delegation-as-part-of-mediation-efforts-holds-meeting-with-fm-araghchi, 15 Apr 2026]
#3640
Who led the protest in Delhi on July 20, 2026, to demand the restoration of statehood for Indian-occupied Kashmir?
(a) Omar Abdullah
(b) Surinder Choudhary
(c) Narendra Modi
(d) Amit Shah
Explanation: Omar Abdullah, the Chief Minister of Indian-occupied Kashmir, led the protest in Delhi. Surinder Choudhary is the Deputy Chief Minister who also participated, but the protest was led by Abdullah. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017041/hundreds-protest-in-delhi-demanding-restoration-of-autonomy-for-occupied-kashmir, 20 Jul 2026]