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.
#6621
Who chaired the Punjab Assembly's Standing Committee meeting that approved the Child Marriage Restraint Bill 2026 on April 13, 2026?
(a) Amjad Mahmood
(b) Zulfiqar Shah
(c) Saleem Haider
(d) Pir Ashraf Rasool
Explanation: PML-N MPA Pir Ashraf Rasool chaired the committee meeting. While Zulfiqar Shah was a member who expressed opposition, Saleem Haider is the Governor who promulgated the initial ordinance. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1991404/punjab-assembly-panel-approves-bill-setting-minimum-marriage-age-at-18-for-both-males-and-females, 13 Apr 2026]
#6622
What is the name of the military operation launched by Pakistan in 2026 to target terrorist support infrastructure?
(a) Operation Zarb-e-Azb
(b) Operation Ghazab lil-Haq
(c) Operation Radd-ul-Fasaad
(d) Operation Khyber-IV
Explanation: Operation Ghazab lil-Haq was launched in February 2026 to address cross-border terrorism and military support infrastructure. The other options refer to historical military operations conducted by Pakistan in previous years. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1982625/pakistani-forces-strike-afghan-talibans-military-installations-in-kabul-nangarhar-security-sources, 16 Mar 2026]
#6623
Which of the following statements regarding the provisions of the Child Marriage Restraint Bill 2026 is INCORRECT?
(a) It proposes a fine of Rs100,000 for nikah khawans who register child marriages.
(b) It allows for exceptions to the age limit based on the socio-economic status of the parents.
(c) It classifies cohabitation resulting from a child marriage as child abuse.
(d) It holds guardians accountable for failing to prevent underage marriages.
Explanation: The bill does not include exceptions for socio-economic status; committee members explicitly rejected such suggestions, fearing they would lead to the misuse of the law. The other options accurately reflect the punitive measures outlined in the bill. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1991404/punjab-assembly-panel-approves-bill-setting-minimum-marriage-age-at-18-for-both-males-and-females, 13 Apr 2026]
#6624
According to Pakistani security sources, which countries' manufactured parts were allegedly used in the drone assembly workshops destroyed in the 2026 strikes?
(a) United States and Germany
(b) China and Russia
(c) Iran and Turkey
(d) India and Israel
Explanation: Security sources reported that the drone workshops destroyed in Kabul and Nangarhar utilized components manufactured in India and Israel. This detail was highlighted to emphasize the technical nature of the targeted infrastructure. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1982625/pakistani-forces-strike-afghan-talibans-military-installations-in-kabul-nangarhar-security-sources, 16 Mar 2026]
#6625
Under the Child Marriage Restraint Bill 2026, what is the maximum term of imprisonment proposed for adults contracting a marriage with a child?
(a) One year
(b) Five years
(c) Three years
(d) Seven years
Explanation: The bill stipulates that adults contracting marriage with a child face rigorous imprisonment of up to three years, but not less than two years. Other penalties, such as five to seven years, apply specifically to cohabitation classified as child abuse. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1991404/punjab-assembly-panel-approves-bill-setting-minimum-marriage-age-at-18-for-both-males-and-females, 13 Apr 2026]
#6626
In which two Afghan locations did Pakistani forces conduct precision airstrikes on March 16, 2026?
(a) Kandahar and Herat
(b) Kabul and Nangarhar
(c) Helmand and Ghazni
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Pakistani government confirmed that military installations in Kabul and Nangarhar were the specific targets of the airstrikes. Kandahar and Herat were not mentioned as locations for this specific operation. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1982625/pakistani-forces-strike-afghan-talibans-military-installations-in-kabul-nangarhar-security-sources, 16 Mar 2026]
#6627
What is the minimum legal age for marriage for both males and females as proposed in the Child Marriage Restraint Bill 2026 in Punjab?
(a) 16 years
(b) 18 years
(c) 21 years
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Child Marriage Restraint Bill 2026 standardizes the minimum age of marriage at 18 years for both genders. This replaces the previous legal framework that permitted marriage for women at 16 years of age. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1991404/punjab-assembly-panel-approves-bill-setting-minimum-marriage-age-at-18-for-both-males-and-females, 13 Apr 2026]
#6628
Consider the following statements about the security operations conducted on March 16, 2026: 1. The strikes were a response to unprovoked firing from across the border. 2. The operation targeted logistics and technical infrastructure used by terror proxies. 3. The Pakistani government admitted to significant collateral damage in residential areas of Kabul. 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 official government account of the operation's purpose and targets. Statement 3 is incorrect because the government explicitly stated that the operation was precise and carefully undertaken to ensure no collateral damage occurred. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1982625/pakistani-forces-strike-afghan-talibans-military-installations-in-kabul-nangarhar-security-sources, 16 Mar 2026]
#6629
Consider the following statements about the Child Marriage Restraint Bill 2026: 1. The bill aims to remove gender-based discrimination by setting a uniform marriage age. 2. The Punjab local government secretary has been directed to prepare the final draft of the rules within 60 days. 3. The bill was passed by the Standing Committee on Local Government and Community Development without any opposition from its members. 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 bill seeks to eliminate gender disparity and mandates the preparation of rules within 60 days. Statement 3 is incorrect because committee members Pir Ashraf Rasool and Zulfiqar Shah explicitly opposed the bill. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1991404/punjab-assembly-panel-approves-bill-setting-minimum-marriage-age-at-18-for-both-males-and-females, 13 Apr 2026]
#6630
What was the record voter turnout recorded during the 2026 Hungarian parliamentary elections?
(a) 77.8 percent
(b) 72.5 percent
(c) 67.0 percent
(d) 82.1 percent
Explanation: The election saw a record turnout of 77.8 percent at 6:30 pm local time. This high participation reflects the intense public interest in the contest between Orban and Magyar. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1991135/viktor-orban-concedes-painful-defeat-to-conservative-peter-magyar-in-hungary-polls, 12 Apr 2026]
#6631
Who is the political newcomer that defeated Viktor Orban in the 2026 Hungarian elections?
(a) Gergley Gulyas
(b) Peter Magyar
(c) JD Vance
(d) None of these
Explanation: Peter Magyar, a former government insider, emerged as the primary challenger and victor in the 2026 parliamentary elections. Gergley Gulyas is Orban's chief of staff. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1991135/viktor-orban-concedes-painful-defeat-to-conservative-peter-magyar-in-hungary-polls, 12 Apr 2026]
#6632
Consider the following statements about the 2026 Hungarian elections: 1. Peter Magyar's party secured more than two-thirds of the parliamentary seats. 2. Viktor Orban was seeking his fifth consecutive term in office. 3. The election results were finalized and confirmed by the European Union before Orban conceded. 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 Magyar won 137 seats (over two-thirds) and Orban was indeed seeking a fifth term. Statement 3 is incorrect because Orban conceded while results were still being counted and not yet final. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1991135/viktor-orban-concedes-painful-defeat-to-conservative-peter-magyar-in-hungary-polls, 12 Apr 2026]
#6633
Who is the Israeli National Security Minister responsible for the April 2026 incursion into the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound?
(a) Benjamin Netanyahu
(b) Itamar Ben-Gvir
(c) Yoav Gallant
(d) None of these
Explanation: Itamar Ben-Gvir is the National Security Minister who led the incursion into the Al-Aqsa compound in April 2026. Benjamin Netanyahu is the Prime Minister, and Yoav Gallant is a separate cabinet official, making them incorrect choices. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1991141/israeli-minister-storms-al-aqsa-mosque-again-amid-restrictions-on-worshippers, 12 Apr 2026]
#6634
Approximately what percentage of retail integration had Pakistan State Oil (PSO) achieved at the time of the April 6, 2026 meeting?
(a) 40 percent
(b) 60 percent
(c) 80 percent
(d) 90 percent
Explanation: Reports indicated that PSO's retail integration was approximately 60 percent, a figure deemed insufficient by the cabinet committee given its status as a public sector entity. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1989171/ogra-pso-come-under-fire-for-poor-monitoring-of-oil-stocks, 06 Apr 2026]
#6635
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]
#6636
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]
#6637
Which of the following individuals was NOT reported as being present at the meeting between the Prime Minister and the President on April 14, 2026?
(a) Rana Sanaullah
(b) Bilal Yaseen
(c) Sherry Rehman
(d) Nayyar Bukhari
Explanation: Bilal Yaseen is the Punjab Housing Minister and was not present at the meeting at Aiwan-i-Sadr. The other individuals listed were explicitly mentioned as attendees in the official statement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1991689/pm-takes-president-into-confidence-on-us-iran-talks-briefs-him-on-upcoming-visits-to-saudi-arabia-turkiye, 14 Apr 2026]
#6638
All of the following are objectives or focus areas of the Finance Minister's visit to Washington in July 2026 EXCEPT:
(a) Discussing market access for Pakistani exports
(b) Exploring funding for infrastructure and energy projects
(c) Negotiating a broader economic partnership framework
(d) Finalizing a complete debt write-off for Pakistan
Explanation: The visit focused on trade, investment, and economic cooperation, including discussions on tariffs and project financing. There is no mention of a debt write-off, making it the incorrect statement among the options provided. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017217/us-technology-firm-proposes-refinery-modernisation-plan-for-pakistan-in-meeting-with-finance-minister, 21 Jul 2026]
#6639
Which of the following statements regarding the Iran-US talks in April 2026 is INCORRECT?
(a) The talks in Islamabad lasted for nearly 21 hours.
(b) Iran maintains that its right to enrich uranium is indisputable.
(c) The negotiations in Islamabad resulted in a comprehensive peace agreement.
(d) Messages between Iran and the US have continued to be exchanged through Pakistan.
Explanation: The talks in Islamabad did not yield a breakthrough or a formal agreement, making statement B incorrect. The other statements accurately reflect the reported status of the negotiations and Iran's official stance. [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]
#6640
Consider the following statements about the diplomatic developments in April 2026: 1. The US President indicated a preference for returning to Pakistan for further negotiations. 2. Iran has stated that the level of uranium enrichment is a negotiable issue. 3. The direct Iran-US talks in Islamabad were the first such engagement between the two nations since 1979. 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 3 is incorrect because the talks were the highest engagement since 1979, not the first. Statements 1 and 2 are factually accurate based on the reported comments from the US President and the Iranian foreign ministry spokesman. [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]