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.
#6521
Who emerged as the winner in the LA-1 (Mirpur-I) constituency during the 2026 AJK elections?
(a) Chaudhry Rukhsar Ahmed
(b) Qasim Majeed
(c) Yasir Sultan
(d) Azhar Sadiq
Explanation: Azhar Sadiq of the PML-N won the LA-1 (Mirpur-I) seat with 15,427 votes. The other candidates listed won or contested in different constituencies within the Mirpur division. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018960/ajk-elections-pml-n-grabs-9-out-of-13-seats-across-mirpur-division-unofficial-results-show, 28 Jul 2026]
#6522
Consider the following statements about the AJK elections held on July 27, 2026: 1. The elections were held in 13 constituencies of the Mirpur division. 2. The PPP and PML-N were the primary political parties involved in the reported scuffles. 3. The polling process concluded at 5:00 PM without any extensions. 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. Statement 3 is incorrect because the polling time was extended by one hour, concluding at 6:00 PM rather than 5:00 PM. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018691/polling-concludes-in-mirpur-division-as-scuffles-rigging-allegations-mar-first-phase-of-ajk-elections, 27 Jul 2026]
#6523
Consider the following statements about the 2026 AJK elections: 1. The elections were conducted in three phases due to security concerns. 2. The PML-N secured a majority of the seats in the Mirpur division. 3. The Chief Election Commissioner described the polls as the most difficult in the history of AJK. 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 election reports. The polls were phased for security, the PML-N won nine out of 13 seats in Mirpur, and the Chief Election Commissioner publicly noted the difficulty of the process. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018960/ajk-elections-pml-n-grabs-9-out-of-13-seats-across-mirpur-division-unofficial-results-show, 28 Jul 2026]
#6524
In July 2026, Israel announced the redeployment of forces in which region as part of US-backed agreements?
(a) The Golan Heights
(b) The West Bank
(c) Southern Lebanon
(d) Sinai Peninsula
Explanation: On July 21, 2026, Israel announced the redeployment of some of its forces in southern Lebanon. This action was taken in accordance with agreements reached with Lebanese authorities. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018884/iran-tops-agenda-as-netanyahu-due-to-meet-trump, 28 Jul 2026]
#6525
Consider the following statements about the 2026 AJK election discourse: 1. The PML-N claimed that the PPP had been in power in AJK for the past year. 2. The Punjab Chief Minister argued that the PPP failed to present a clear development narrative for AJK. 3. The PPP leadership congratulated the PML-N on their victory in the Mirpur division. 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 arguments made by the Punjab Chief Minister regarding the PPP's governance record and lack of a program. Statement 3 is incorrect because the PPP leadership, specifically Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, alleged rigging rather than offering congratulations. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2019014/coalition-partners-ppp-pml-n-spar-after-first-phase-of-ajk-elections-as-political-temperatures-rise, 28 Jul 2026]
#6526
On 28 July 2026, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif chaired a meeting of which specific body to discuss energy sector reforms?
(a) Cabinet Committee on Energy
(b) National Economic Council
(c) Executive Committee of the National Economic Council
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Prime Minister chaired the Cabinet Committee on Energy (CCoE) to approve amendments to the oil refining policy and discuss strategic petroleum reserves. The other committees listed are distinct bodies with different mandates. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018968/pm-orders-increase-in-countrys-strategic-petroleum-reserves-changes-to-oil-refining-policy-approved, 28 Jul 2026]
#6527
Which of the following statements regarding the 2026 AJK elections is INCORRECT?
(a) The PML-N and PPP are coalition partners in the federal government.
(b) An interim setup takes charge in AJK during the election period.
(c) The PPP alleged that the election process was marred by rigging.
(d) The PML-N leadership urged the PPP to accept the election results.
Explanation: The Punjab Chief Minister explicitly stated that no interim setup takes charge in AJK during the election period, making the incorrect statement. The other options accurately reflect the political dynamics and allegations reported. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2019014/coalition-partners-ppp-pml-n-spar-after-first-phase-of-ajk-elections-as-political-temperatures-rise, 28 Jul 2026]
#6528
On July 28, 2026, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu traveled to Washington to meet with which US President?
(a) Joe Biden
(b) Donald Trump
(c) Barack Obama
(d) None of these
Explanation: Benjamin Netanyahu traveled to Washington in July 2026 for his eighth meeting with Donald Trump since Trump returned to office. The meeting was scheduled to address regional security concerns, particularly regarding Iran. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018884/iran-tops-agenda-as-netanyahu-due-to-meet-trump, 28 Jul 2026]
#6529
Consider the following statements about the energy sector reforms discussed on 28 July 2026: 1. The government aims to increase strategic petroleum reserves to mitigate supply shocks. 2. The Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (Ogra) is slated for performance-related reforms. 3. The federal budget for FY24-25 provided full, uninterrupted support for the 2023 refining policy. 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 correct as they reflect the PM's directives. Statement 3 is incorrect because the federal budget for FY24-25 actually nullified many incentives in the 2023 policy, causing refineries to pause their projects. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018968/pm-orders-increase-in-countrys-strategic-petroleum-reserves-changes-to-oil-refining-policy-approved, 28 Jul 2026]
#6530
In the context of the 2026 AJK unrest, what was the primary political event that the government claimed the protesters attempted to sabotage?
(a) Regional referendum
(b) General elections
(c) Constitutional assembly session
(d) None of these
Explanation: The government stated that the protesters attempted to disrupt the peaceful and transparent elections held in AJK. 'None of these' is the correct choice because the event was a regional election, not a referendum or assembly session. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2019021/significant-number-of-fitna-al-khawarij-terrorists-present-among-ajk-protesters-information-secretary, 28 Jul 2026]
#6531
Who is the current Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs visiting Pakistan in July 2026?
(a) Melanie Joly
(b) Anita Anand
(c) Chrystia Freeland
(d) None of these
Explanation: Anita Anand is the Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs who scheduled a visit to Pakistan in July 2026. The other names listed are former or alternative Canadian cabinet members, making them incorrect. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016734/canadian-foreign-minister-anita-anand-to-visit-pakistan-on-monday, 19 Jul 2026]
#6532
Which of the following statements regarding the situation in the Middle East as of March 10, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that a mass evacuation is currently required.
(b) Saudi Arabia's air and land borders remain open for travel.
(c) Two Pakistani drivers died in incidents related to missile interceptions in the UAE.
(d) Commercial flights are being utilized to repatriate stranded Pakistanis.
Explanation: The MoFA explicitly stated that there is no situation requiring a mass evacuation of Pakistani nationals. Options B, C, and D are all factually accurate details provided during the committee briefing. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980522/na-body-informed-mass-evacuation-from-middle-east-not-required, 10 Mar 2026]
#6533
Which player was named as the 12th man in the ICC's Team of the Tournament for the 2026 T20 World Cup?
(a) Lungi Ngidi
(b) Blessing Muzarabani
(c) Shadley Van Schalkwyk
(d) Adil Rashid
Explanation: Shadley Van Schalkwyk from the USA was selected as the 12th player for the ICC's Team of the Tournament. The other players listed were part of the main 11-member squad. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980203/t20-world-cup-sahibzada-farhan-makes-it-to-iccs-team-of-the-tournament, 09 Mar 2026]
#6534
Which official body presided over the meeting regarding the status of Pakistani nationals in the Middle East on March 10, 2026?
(a) National Assembly Standing Committee on Overseas Pakistanis
(b) Senate Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs
(c) National Security Committee
(d) None of these
Explanation: The meeting was presided over by MNA Syed Agha Rafiullah, who heads the National Assembly Standing Committee on Overseas Pakistanis. This committee is the primary legislative body responsible for overseeing issues related to the Pakistani diaspora. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980522/na-body-informed-mass-evacuation-from-middle-east-not-required, 10 Mar 2026]
#6535
Consider the following statements about the briefing provided to the National Assembly committee on March 10, 2026: 1. The committee members expressed concern over the increase in airline fares for repatriation flights. 2. Officials confirmed that Pakistanis have successfully utilized land routes through Saudi Arabia and Oman to return home. 3. The Pakistani mission in the UAE reported that over 4,000 passengers have already departed via commercial flights. 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 members raised concerns about PIA fares. Statement 3 is correct as 4,400 passengers left the UAE. Statement 2 is incorrect because officials noted that while land routes are available, no Pakistani has yet opted to use them. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980522/na-body-informed-mass-evacuation-from-middle-east-not-required, 10 Mar 2026]
#6536
Who was appointed as the captain of the ICC's Team of the Tournament for the 2026 T20 World Cup?
(a) Hardik Pandya
(b) Will Jacks
(c) Jason Holder
(d) Aidan Markram
Explanation: Aidan Markram of South Africa was named the captain of the ICC's Team of the Tournament. Hardik Pandya was included as a player, but not as the captain. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980203/t20-world-cup-sahibzada-farhan-makes-it-to-iccs-team-of-the-tournament, 09 Mar 2026]
#6537
Which of the following sectors is NOT exempted from the four-day work week policy announced in March 2026?
(a) Banking sector
(b) Essential services
(c) Public sector offices
(d) None of these
Explanation: The four-day work week policy specifically applies to the public sector, while the banking sector and essential services are explicitly exempted. Therefore, public sector offices are the only ones subject to the restriction. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980219/higher-education-goes-online-schools-shut-for-2-weeks-4-day-work-week-announced-as-austerity-measures, 09 Mar 2026]
#6538
Which of the following statements regarding the events of May 29, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The PTI leaders were accused of lacking a required travel permit.
(b) The GB government officially confirmed that arrests were made.
(c) PTI leaders alleged that the government was engaging in pre-poll rigging.
(d) The incident occurred during the electioneering phase for the GB elections.
Explanation: The GB government explicitly stated in an official release that no arrests were made, contradicting the PTI's claim of arrest. Therefore, the statement that the government confirmed arrests is incorrect. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2003687/pti-leaders-expelled-from-gb-during-electioneering-authorities-allege-code-of-conduct-violation, 29 May 2026]
#6539
Which of the following allegations was NOT made by the activists or rights groups regarding the police conduct during the March 2026 detention?
(a) Male personnel conducted body searches of female detainees
(b) Detainees were forced to sign fake affidavits
(c) Baton-charge was used against the activists
(d) Lawyers were granted immediate access to the detainees
Explanation: The activists specifically alleged that lawyers were denied access to the detainees, making the incorrect statement. The other options reflect the specific grievances raised during the press conference. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980248/islamabad-police-release-aurat-march-activists-a-day-after-detention-probe-demanded-into-manhandling-of-detainees, 09 Mar 2026]
#6540
Who was appointed as the new Supreme Leader of Iran by the Assembly of Experts in March 2026?
(a) Ebrahim Raisi
(b) Mojtaba Khamenei
(c) Hassan Rouhani
(d) Ali Khamenei
Explanation: Mojtaba Khamenei was named the new Supreme Leader following the assassination of his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The other options represent former leaders or figures who were not appointed to this specific position in 2026. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980562/in-letter-to-mojtaba-khamenei-pm-shehbaz-reaffirms-commitment-to-continue-to-work-closely-with-iran, 10 Mar 2026]