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.
#8401
The resignation of the Indian Education Minister in July 2026 was primarily triggered by:
(a) Alleged irregularities in the NEET examination
(b) Internal party leadership disputes
(c) Failure to implement the national budget
(d) None of these
Explanation: The protests and the subsequent resignation of the Education Minister were driven by widespread allegations of irregularities in the NEET examination system. This issue became a catalyst for broader student dissatisfaction with the government. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018534/modi-announces-panel-to-reform-indias-exam-system-anti-govt-graffiti-at-protest-site-painted-over, 26 Jul 2026]
#8402
The primary site of the anti-government protests in New Delhi during July 2026 was:
(a) Jantar Mantar
(b) Red Fort
(c) India Gate
(d) Connaught Place
Explanation: Jantar Mantar served as the central location for the protests where demonstrators gathered to demand education reforms and express grievances against the government. The site became notable for its 'wall of shame' featuring protest graffiti. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018534/modi-announces-panel-to-reform-indias-exam-system-anti-govt-graffiti-at-jantar-mantar-painted-over, 26 Jul 2026]
#8403
The resignation of the Indian Education Minister in July 2026 was primarily linked to:
(a) Alleged NEET exam irregularities
(b) Failure of the national census
(c) Budgetary mismanagement in the ministry
(d) None of these
Explanation: The resignation followed weeks of protests specifically triggered by alleged irregularities in the NEET examination system. While other issues like unemployment were part of the broader movement, the specific catalyst for the minister's departure was the exam controversy. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018534/modi-announces-panel-to-reform-indias-exam-system-anti-govt-graffiti-at-jantar-mantar-painted-over, 26 Jul 2026]
#8404
Consider the following statements about the events in New Delhi in July 2026: 1. The protest movement was exclusively focused on the resignation of the Education Minister. 2. Municipal workers cleared the protest site at Jantar Mantar shortly after the demonstrators left. 3. The Prime Minister announced the reform task force via a video statement posted to X. 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 movement evolved to include broader concerns such as unemployment and authoritarian governance, not just the minister's resignation. Statements 2 and 3 are factually accurate based on the events of July 26, 2026. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018534/modi-announces-panel-to-reform-indias-exam-system-anti-govt-graffiti-at-jantar-mantar-painted-over, 26 Jul 2026]
#8405
The opposition party, led by Imran Khan, scheduled protests for August 5, 2026, to mark the anniversary of what event?
(a) The dissolution of the National Assembly
(b) The incarceration of its leader
(c) The passage of the 26th Amendment
(d) The start of the lawyers' movement
Explanation: The protests were planned to mark three years since the imprisonment of the PTI leader. This date serves as a focal point for the opposition's mobilization against the current government. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018681/why-coercion-doesnt-work, 27 Jul 2026]
#8406
Who serves as the Prime Minister's Spokesperson for Foreign Media who commented on the bilateral support for Saudi Arabia on March 11, 2026?
(a) Ishaq Dar
(b) Asim Munir
(c) Mosharraf Zaidi
(d) None of these
Explanation: Mosharraf Zaidi, acting as the Prime Minister's Spokesperson for Foreign Media, provided the interview to Bloomberg TV regarding Pakistan's stance on regional security. Ishaq Dar is the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980894/no-matter-what-no-matter-when-pms-spokesperson-reiterates-support-for-saudi-arabia-before-it-is-needed, 11 Mar 2026]
#8407
Who is the current Chief Justice of the Islamabad High Court as of March 11, 2026?
(a) Justice Sardar Muhammad Sarfraz Dogar
(b) Justice Muhammad Asif
(c) Justice Aamer Farooq
(d) Justice Athar Minallah
Explanation: Chief Justice Sardar Muhammad Sarfraz Dogar presided over the division bench that issued the fine against the NAB. Justice Muhammad Asif was the other member of the bench. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980875/ihc-fines-nab-rs100000-for-employing-delaying-tactics-in-ps190m-graft-case-against-imran-bushra, 11 Mar 2026]
#8408
Which specific constitutional amendments have been the primary focus of the nationwide lawyers' movement in 2026?
(a) 24th and 25th Amendments
(b) 26th and 27th Amendments
(c) 28th and 29th Amendments
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Lawyers Action Committee has organized protests against the 26th and 27th Constitutional Amendments, arguing that these measures compromise judicial independence. Other options are incorrect as they do not correspond to the specific legislation cited in the current political discourse. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018681/why-coercion-doesnt-work, 27 Jul 2026]
#8409
Which of the following statements regarding the IHC hearing on March 11, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The court imposed a fine of Rs100,000 on the NAB.
(b) The defense counsel argued that access to the incarcerated former premier had been curtailed for four months.
(c) The NAB prosecutor stated that the special prosecutor was absent due to urgent official duties at the Supreme Court.
(d) The defense counsel drew a parallel between the current case and the military tribunal conviction of Faiz Hameed.
Explanation: The NAB prosecutor claimed the special prosecutor was absent due to 'religious rituals,' not official duties at the Supreme Court. The other statements accurately reflect the proceedings described. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980875/ihc-fines-nab-rs100000-for-employing-delaying-tactics-in-ps190m-graft-case-against-imran-bushra, 11 Mar 2026]
#8410
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]
#8411
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]
#8412
Who is the current Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa who filed the rejoinder before the Federal Constitutional Court on July 28, 2026?
(a) Ali Amin Gandapur
(b) Sohail Afridi
(c) Pervez Khattak
(d) None of these
Explanation: Sohail Afridi is the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa who submitted the formal response to the Federal Constitutional Court. Ali Amin Gandapur is a former Chief Minister, making him an incorrect choice. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018901/no-release-imran-force-exists-kp-cm-tells-federal-constitutional-court, 28 Jul 2026]
#8413
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]
#8414
Who is the current Prime Minister of Japan who addressed the media regarding the earthquake recovery efforts on July 28, 2026?
(a) Yoshihide Suga
(b) Fumio Kishida
(c) Shigeru Ishiba
(d) Sanae Takaichi
Explanation: Sanae Takaichi is the Prime Minister who provided official updates and coordinated the deployment of 3,600 soldiers for disaster recovery. The other individuals listed are prominent Japanese politicians but were not the acting Prime Minister during this event. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018983/major-earthquake-hits-japans-kyushu-region-pm-says-injuries-reported-buildings-collapsed, 28 Jul 2026]
#8415
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]
#8416
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]
#8417
Select the correct chronological sequence of the following policy-related occurrences reported on August 5, 2026:
(a) A > B > C > D
(b) C > B > D > A
(c) B > A > D > C
(d) D > C > B > A
Explanation: The events involve: A) The appointment of a cricket coach; B) The launch of a book on hybrid warfare; C) Bilawal Bhutto's statement on Youm-e-Istehsal-e-Kashmir; D) The Ministerial meeting in Jordan regarding Jerusalem. All events were reported on the same calendar day, and their sequence follows their presentation in the daily news cycle order. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40433345/smith-appointed-batting-coach-of-mens-team]
#8418
What is the notified value of Diyat (blood money) for the fiscal year 2026-27?
(a) Rs6,757,902
(b) Rs9,828,670
(c) Rs19,352,390
(d) None of these
Explanation: The federal government set the Diyat value at Rs19,352,390 for FY2026-27. The other figures represent values from previous fiscal years. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2019000/govt-almost-doubles-blood-money-payment-to-heirs-of-victim-on-account-of-rising-silver-prices, 28 Jul 2026]
#8419
The Diyat value for FY2026-27 represents an approximate percentage increase over the FY2025-26 value?
(a) 56 percent
(b) 75 percent
(c) 97 percent
(d) None of these
Explanation: The government announced a 97 percent increase in the Diyat value for the current fiscal year compared to the previous year. This sharp rise is attributed to the appreciation of silver prices. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2019000/govt-almost-doubles-blood-money-payment-to-heirs-of-victim-on-account-of-rising-silver-prices, 28 Jul 2026]
#8420
Consider the following statements about the Pakistan-Canada diplomatic engagement in 2026: 1. The sixth round of Bilateral Political Consultations was held in Islamabad in February 2026. 2. Canada hosted the second round of negotiations for a Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement in June 2026. 3. The Canadian Foreign Minister is expected to meet with the President of Pakistan during her visit. 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 regarding the 2026 diplomatic timeline. Statement 3 is incorrect because the report specifies that the Canadian Foreign Minister is expected to meet with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, not the President. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016734/canadian-foreign-minister-anita-anand-to-visit-pakistan-on-monday, 19 Jul 2026]