January 2026 Edition
Start January Quiz
January 2026 Current Affairs MCQs & Solutions
Top national & international current affairs questions for CSS, PMS, FPSC, PPSC, and NTS screening tests.
#6601
Consider the following statements about the Pakistan Telecommunication (Re-organisation) (Amendment) Bill 2026: 1. The bill authorizes telecom operators to enter private property without owner permission. 2. The bill mandates that infrastructure must be returned to its original shape after installation. 3. The bill is currently pending before the Senate Standing Committee on IT and Telecommunication. 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 false because the ministry explicitly clarified that the bill does not permit entry without permission or due legal process. Statements 2 and 3 are factually correct as per the ministry's statement and the legislative status of the bill. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2009478/it-ministry-clarifies-proposed-telecom-law-amendments-do-not-mandate-acquisition-of-private-land, 20 Jun 2026]
#6602
Who won the by-election in the Makerfield constituency on June 21, 2026?
(a) Peter Kyle
(b) Andy Burnham
(c) Nigel Farage
(d) None of these
Explanation: Andy Burnham, the Mayor of Greater Manchester, won the by-election in Makerfield, which significantly increased pressure on Keir Starmer to resign. Peter Kyle is the Business Secretary who confirmed Starmer was reflecting on political realities. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2009758/uk-pm-starmer-mulling-political-realities-senior-minister, 21 Jun 2026]
#6603
Who was elected as the Chief Minister of Gilgit-Baltistan on June 22, 2026?
(a) Hafeezur Rehman
(b) Haji Gulbar Khan
(c) Amjad Hussain
(d) Imran Nadeem Shigri
Explanation: Advocate Amjad Hussain was elected unopposed as the Chief Minister of Gilgit-Baltistan following the assembly session. Hafeezur Rehman was designated as the opposition leader, while Imran Nadeem Shigri was elected as the Speaker. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2009973/ppps-amjad-hussain-elected-as-gb-chief-minister-after-members-take-oath, 22 Jun 2026]
#6604
Who is the current Chairman of the National Assembly’s Parliamentary Committee on Kashmir as of June 2026?
(a) Khawaja Asif
(b) Rana Muhammad Qasim Noon
(c) Mahmood Khan Achakzai
(d) None of these
Explanation: Rana Muhammad Qasim Noon serves as the Chairman of the National Assembly’s Parliamentary Committee on Kashmir. Khawaja Asif is the Defence Minister, and Mahmood Khan Achakzai is the Leader of the Opposition. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2010065/kashmir-parliamentary-committee-chairman-requests-meeting-with-achakzai-to-discuss-ajk-situation, 22 Jun 2026]
#6605
Who was declared the opposition leader in the Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly following the June 22, 2026 session?
(a) Malik Kifayatur Rehman
(b) Syed Mehdi Shah
(c) Nazir Ahmed
(d) Hafeezur Rehman
Explanation: The Speaker declared PML-N local president Hafeezur Rehman as the opposition leader after opposition members submitted a formal requisition. Malik Kifayatur Rehman was elected as the Deputy Speaker. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2009973/ppps-amjad-hussain-elected-as-gb-chief-minister-after-members-take-oath, 22 Jun 2026]
#6606
Consider the following statements about the Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly session held on June 22, 2026: 1. The assembly session was presided over by the outgoing Speaker, Advocate Nazir Ahmed. 2. The election for the Chief Minister, Speaker, and Deputy Speaker was conducted on the same day. 3. The PPP and PML-N formed a formal coalition government where both parties share cabinet ministries equally. 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 outgoing speaker administered the oaths and suspended rules to conduct all elections on the same day. Statement 3 is incorrect because, while the PML-N supported the PPP's leadership candidates, the parties agreed that the PML-N would sit in the opposition. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2009973/ppps-amjad-hussain-elected-as-gb-chief-minister-after-members-take-oath, 22 Jun 2026]
#6607
Which of the following statements regarding the Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly elections on June 22, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The PTI-backed independent candidate was elected as the Deputy Speaker.
(b) Imran Nadeem Shigri was elected Speaker of the Assembly.
(c) The PML-N and IPP supported the PPP in the leadership elections.
(d) Amjad Hussain was elected Chief Minister unopposed.
Explanation: The Deputy Speaker elected was Malik Kifayatur Rehman of the PML-N, not a PTI-backed independent candidate. The other statements accurately reflect the political alliances and election outcomes of the session. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2009973/ppps-amjad-hussain-elected-as-gb-chief-minister-after-members-take-oath, 22 Jun 2026]
#6608
Which official granted assent to the KP Provincial Assembly (Powers, Immunities and Privileges) Act, 2026, on May 6, 2026?
(a) Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
(b) Speaker of the KP Assembly
(c) Governor of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
(d) None of these
Explanation: The KP Provincial Assembly (Powers, Immunities and Privileges) Act, 2026, received formal assent from the Governor of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Faisal Karim Kundi, on May 6, 2026. The Chief Minister and Speaker are involved in the legislative process, but the final constitutional assent rests with the Governor. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2013628/kp-govt-enacts-law-granting-lawmakers-lifetime-official-passports-expanding-privileges, 07 Jul 2026]
#6609
Who accompanied the Prime Minister of Pakistan on his diplomatic visit to Iran and Turkiye in July 2026?
(a) The Minister of Defence
(b) The Minister of Finance
(c) The Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Foreign Office spokesperson confirmed that Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, along with cabinet members and senior officials, accompanied the Prime Minister. The other options are incorrect as they do not reflect the specific delegation composition mentioned. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2012436/fo-says-pm-to-visit-iran-turkiye-from-july-3-5-to-attend-funeral-of-assassinated-iranian-supreme-leader, 02 Jul 2026]
#6610
Which of the following is NOT a provision included in the KP Provincial Assembly (Powers, Immunities and Privileges) Act, 2026?
(a) Issuance of lifetime official passports to members and their spouses
(b) Requirement for the Speaker's prior permission before arresting a member on a criminal charge
(c) Mandatory life imprisonment for officers who fail to attend member-summoned meetings
(d) Blanket immunity from preventive detention for all members
Explanation: While the Act mandates that officers attend meetings and classifies failure to do so as a breach of privilege, it does not prescribe life imprisonment for such an act. The other three options are accurate descriptions of the privileges granted under the new legislation. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2013628/kp-govt-enacts-law-granting-lawmakers-lifetime-official-passports-expanding-privileges, 07 Jul 2026]
#6611
Under the KP Provincial Assembly (Powers, Immunities and Privileges) Act, 2026, what is the consequence for a government officer who fails to attend a meeting summoned by an MPA without sufficient cause?
(a) Immediate termination from service
(b) Deemed to have committed a breach of privilege
(c) Mandatory fine of one million rupees
(d) Suspension of salary for six months
Explanation: Section 8(3) of the Act explicitly states that any government officer who fails to attend a meeting summoned by a member without sufficient cause shall be deemed to have committed a breach of privilege. This provision is designed to ensure the attendance of officials at constituency-level meetings. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2013628/kp-govt-enacts-law-granting-lawmakers-lifetime-official-passports-expanding-privileges, 07 Jul 2026]
#6612
Consider the following statements about the KP Provincial Assembly (Powers, Immunities and Privileges) Act, 2026: 1. It grants members immunity from preventive detention only during assembly sessions. 2. It requires authorities to seek the Speaker's permission before arresting a member on a criminal charge. 3. It allows the Speaker to order an inquiry before a police challan is submitted to the court. 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 incorrect because the Act provides blanket immunity from preventive detention, not just during sessions. Statements 2 and 3 are correct as they reflect the procedural requirements for arrests and the Speaker's oversight role as defined in Sections 11(1) and 11(2) of the Act. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2013628/kp-govt-enacts-law-granting-lawmakers-lifetime-official-passports-expanding-privileges, 07 Jul 2026]
#6613
On July 17, 2026, which political leader initiated an election campaign in Azad Jammu and Kashmir with a pledge to represent the region's interests in the federal capital?
(a) Nawaz Sharif
(b) Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari
(c) Imran Khan
(d) None of these
Explanation: Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, as the Chairman of the Pakistan Peoples Party, officially launched the election campaign in AJK on July 17, 2026. He emphasized his role as a bridge between the federal government and the people of the region. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016221/bilawal-kicks-off-ajk-election-campaign-pledges-to-be-voice-of-people-in-centre, 17 Jul 2026]
#6614
Which legislative proposal has President Donald Trump advocated for to tighten voter registration requirements ahead of the 2026 midterms?
(a) The Electoral Integrity Act
(b) The Voter Security Reform Bill
(c) The SAVE America Act
(d) The National Ballot Protection Act
Explanation: The SAVE America Act is the specific legislation promoted by Trump to mandate proof of citizenship for voter registration. Other options are plausible-sounding distractors that do not correspond to the specific bill mentioned in the context of his 2026 address. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016135/trump-revives-sweeping-election-fraud-claims-ahead-of-us-midterms-accuses-china-of-meddling, 17 Jul 2026]
#6615
Who served as the Speaker of the Punjab Assembly during the session where the Child Marriage Restraint Bill 2026 was passed?
(a) Saleem Haider
(b) Mujtaba Shujaur Rehman
(c) Zulfiqar Ali Shah
(d) Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan
Explanation: Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan presided over the session as Speaker and directed the distribution of the bill copies to the members. Saleem Haider is the Governor of Punjab, not the Speaker. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1995556/punjab-assembly-passes-bill-setting-minimum-marriage-age-at-18-for-both-males-and-females, 27 Apr 2026]
#6616
Who presented the Child Marriage Restraint Bill 2026 in the Punjab Assembly?
(a) Mujtaba Shujaur Rehman
(b) Azma Bokhari
(c) Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan
(d) Ejaz Augustine
Explanation: Mujtaba Shujaur Rehman, serving as the Punjab Parliamentary Affairs Minister, formally presented the bill to the assembly. While Azma Bokhari participated in the debate and Ejaz Augustine moved an amendment, Rehman was the minister responsible for the bill's introduction. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1995556/punjab-assembly-passes-bill-setting-minimum-marriage-age-at-18-for-both-males-and-females, 27 Apr 2026]
#6617
For how many years had Viktor Orban ruled Hungary prior to his defeat in 2026?
(a) 10 years
(b) 12 years
(c) 20 years
(d) 16 years
Explanation: Viktor Orban had been in power for 16 years before conceding the 2026 election. He was seeking a fifth consecutive term. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1991135/viktor-orban-concedes-painful-defeat-to-conservative-peter-magyar-in-hungary-polls, 12 Apr 2026]
#6618
Consider the following statements about the Child Marriage Restraint Bill 2026: 1. The bill was passed by the Punjab Assembly on April 27, 2026. 2. The legislation includes a provision that no child should be treated as an offender merely for being a contracting party to a child marriage. 3. The Federal Shariat Court has previously endorsed similar legislation passed by the Sindh Assembly. 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 legislative proceedings and the context provided. The bill was passed on the date mentioned, the amendment regarding the child's status as a non-offender was included, and the Federal Shariat Court's stance on the Sindh legislation was cited during the debate. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1995556/punjab-assembly-passes-bill-setting-minimum-marriage-age-at-18-for-both-males-and-females, 27 Apr 2026]
#6619
Which of the following statements regarding the March 16, 2026, military strikes is INCORRECT?
(a) The Afghan Taliban claimed the strikes hit a military training academy.
(b) The operation was conducted by the Pakistan Air Force.
(c) The strikes targeted ammunition storage facilities in Kabul.
(d) Secondary detonations were observed, indicating the presence of large ammunition depots.
Explanation: The Afghan Taliban spokesperson claimed that a drug rehabilitation hospital was targeted, not a military training academy. The other statements accurately reflect the details provided by the Pakistani government regarding the operation. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1982625/pakistani-forces-strike-afghan-talibans-military-installations-in-kabul-nangarhar-security-sources, 16 Mar 2026]
#6620
Which of the following statements regarding the Child Marriage Restraint Bill 2026 is INCORRECT?
(a) It sets the minimum marriage age at 18 for both males and females.
(b) It declares underage marriage a non-bailable offence.
(c) It allows individuals under 18 to marry with court permission.
(d) It mandates that the best interests of the child be a primary consideration.
Explanation: The bill does not contain a provision allowing marriage under 18 with court permission; in fact, the proposal for such an exception was explicitly opposed by ministers during the debate. The other statements accurately reflect the provisions of the passed legislation. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1995556/punjab-assembly-passes-bill-setting-minimum-marriage-age-at-18-for-both-males-and-females, 27 Apr 2026]