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.
#8701
What is the total value of financial irregularities identified by the Auditor General of Pakistan in the Ministry of National Health Services as of June 2026?
(a) Rs1.48 billion
(b) Rs2.84 billion
(c) Rs3.41 billion
(d) Rs4.12 billion
Explanation: The audit report explicitly identifies irregularities amounting to Rs3.41 billion within the health sector. Other figures, such as Rs1.48 billion, refer to specific sub-categories like bank account management irregularities. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2010834/audit-report-identifies-rs341bn-worth-of-irregularities-in-health-sector, 25 Jun 2026]
#8702
What was the total financial penalty imposed by PEMRA on Geo News in the 2026 regulatory order?
(a) Rs 5 million
(b) Rs 10 million
(c) Rs 15 million
(d) None of these
Explanation: The authority mandated a fine of Rs 10 million as part of the disciplinary action for the regulatory violation. This fine was a prerequisite for the resumption of transmission. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2014653/geo-news-resumes-transmission-after-15-day-suspension-warned-of-licence-cancellation-over-future-violations, 11 Jul 2026]
#8703
All of the following statements regarding the FCC ruling on July 13, 2026, are TRUE EXCEPT:
(a) The FCC set aside the Supreme Court judgment from August 2024.
(b) The FCC directed that ownership disputes be decided by trial courts.
(c) The FCC ordered the immediate and permanent demolition of all restaurant infrastructure.
(d) The FCC bench was headed by Justice Syed Hasan Azhar Rizvi.
Explanation: The FCC ruling actually set aside the previous order that had paved the way for demolition, meaning the demolition is no longer mandated by that specific judgment. Options A, B, and D are factually accurate descriptions of the court's recent actions and composition. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2015144/fcc-sets-aside-sc-judgment-that-allowed-demolition-of-restaurants-in-margalla-hills-national-park, 13 Jul 2026]
#8704
Which of the following is NOT a requirement imposed by PEMRA on Geo News in its 2026 final order?
(a) Completion of disciplinary proceedings against responsible staff
(b) Establishment of an in-house monitoring committee
(c) Payment of a financial penalty
(d) Permanent surrender of the broadcasting license
Explanation: The authority warned of potential license cancellation for future violations but did not order the permanent surrender of the license in the 2026 order. The other three options were explicit directives issued by the regulator. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2014653/geo-news-resumes-transmission-after-15-day-suspension-warned-of-licence-cancellation-over-future-violations, 11 Jul 2026]
#8705
Consider the following statements regarding the events of March 22, 2026: 1. The PTI founder accused the judiciary of selling their integrity. 2. The government claimed that the sons of the PTI founder were welcome to visit Pakistan using their NICOPs. 3. Jemima Goldsmith alleged that the government's travel recommendations for the sons would ensure full British protection. 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 Jemima Goldsmith specifically alleged that traveling on NICOPs would result in 'no British protection,' which was the basis of her concern. Statements 1 and 2 are factually accurate based on the report. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1984369/imran-rails-against-judiciary-as-son-kasim-shares-statement-from-jailed-pti-founder, 22 Mar 2026]
#8706
In the context of the 2026 regional security situation, which of the following has been targeted by retaliatory strikes in the Middle East?
(a) Public healthcare hospitals
(b) Agricultural research centers
(c) Educational universities
(d) Energy installations
Explanation: The regional conflict has involved strikes against critical infrastructure, specifically including energy installations, airports, and military bases. Agricultural and educational facilities are not cited as primary targets in this security context. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1983459/saudi-arabia-to-celebrate-eidul-fitr-on-friday, 18 Mar 2026]
#8707
In which facility is the PTI founder currently imprisoned as of March 22, 2026?
(a) Kot Lakhpat Jail
(b) Adiala Jail
(c) Central Jail Karachi
(d) None of these
Explanation: The PTI founder is incarcerated at Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi. Kot Lakhpat and Central Jail Karachi are other major correctional facilities in Pakistan but are not the site of his current detention. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1984369/imran-rails-against-judiciary-as-son-kasim-shares-statement-from-jailed-pti-founder, 22 Mar 2026]
#8708
Who shared the statement from the incarcerated PTI founder on the social media platform X on March 22, 2026?
(a) Sulaiman Khan
(b) Aleema Khan
(c) Kasim Khan
(d) Jemima Goldsmith
Explanation: Kasim Khan, the son of the PTI founder, shared the message on X after speaking with his father. While Sulaiman is his brother, Kasim was the specific individual who relayed this particular statement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1984369/imran-rails-against-judiciary-as-son-kasim-shares-statement-from-jailed-pti-founder, 22 Mar 2026]
#8709
Which of the following is NOT a type of infrastructure mentioned as being targeted during the 2026 regional retaliatory strikes?
(a) Airports
(b) Telecommunication satellites
(c) Residential areas
(d) Military bases
Explanation: The reports specify that airports, residential areas, energy installations, and military bases were targeted. Telecommunication satellites are not mentioned in the context of these specific regional strikes. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1983459/saudi-arabia-to-celebrate-eidul-fitr-on-friday, 18 Mar 2026]
#8710
Which of the following statements regarding the detention conditions mentioned on March 22, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) Bushra Bibi is reportedly kept in isolation for 24 hours.
(b) The government has provided full diplomatic immunity to the family members visiting from London.
(c) The PTI founder is allowed 30-minute meetings with his wife per week.
(d) The PTI founder criticized the judiciary for their handling of his wife's detention.
Explanation: There is no evidence that the government provided diplomatic immunity to the family members; in fact, the controversy centered on the lack of British protection for those traveling on NICOPs. The other statements accurately reflect the claims made in the report. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1984369/imran-rails-against-judiciary-as-son-kasim-shares-statement-from-jailed-pti-founder, 22 Mar 2026]
#8711
Consider the following statements about the 2026 PEMRA regulatory action: 1. The violation involved the depiction of religious figures during Muharram. 2. PEMRA directed that individuals dismissed for the lapse cannot work for any other licensed media service. 3. The channel was allowed to resume transmission immediately upon the issuance of the initial suspension order.
(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 based on the regulatory order. Statement 3 is incorrect because the channel remained suspended for the full 15-day duration before resuming transmission. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2014653/geo-news-resumes-transmission-after-15-day-suspension-warned-of-licence-cancellation-over-future-violations, 11 Jul 2026]
#8712
The review petitions that led to the FCC ruling on July 13, 2026, were filed by which of the following entities?
(a) Capital Development Authority
(b) Ministry of Climate Change
(c) Environmental Protection Agency
(d) National Highway Authority
Explanation: The review petitions were filed by the Capital Development Authority (CDA) and the Metropolitan Corporation Islamabad (MCI). These bodies challenged the Supreme Court's directions regarding the possession and demolition of the restaurant infrastructure. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2015144/fcc-sets-aside-sc-judgment-that-allowed-demolition-of-restaurants-in-margalla-hills-national-park, 13 Jul 2026]
#8713
Consider the following statements about the legal proceedings concerning Margalla Hills National Park: 1. The Supreme Court's 2024 judgment declared the operator of Monal restaurant to be a trespasser. 2. The FCC ruling on July 13, 2026, maintained that administrative matters should be decided by relevant regulatory bodies. 3. The Supreme Court's 2024 judgment was based on the premise that the restaurants were beneficial for the park's biodiversity. 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 Supreme Court's 2024 judgment argued the exact opposite: that the restaurants were damaging the park's biodiversity and environment. Statements 1 and 2 are accurate reflections of the legal history and the recent FCC findings. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2015144/fcc-sets-aside-sc-judgment-that-allowed-demolition-of-restaurants-in-margalla-hills-national-park, 13 Jul 2026]
#8714
Consider the following statements about the geopolitical situation reported on July 17, 2026: 1. The US Central Command reported a sixth consecutive night of strikes against Iranian military capabilities. 2. Qatar's defence ministry reported thwarting an Iranian missile attack. 3. Both Brent and WTI crude benchmarks have seen a decline of nearly 12 percent over the week. 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 based on the report. Statement 3 is incorrect because the benchmarks climbed nearly 12 percent, rather than declining. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016168/oil-rises-on-intensifying-us-iran-hostilities-threat-of-red-sea-closure, 17 Jul 2026]
#8715
Based on the 2026 report findings, where do the majority of reported gender-based violence incidents occur?
(a) Public transport hubs
(b) Educational institutions
(c) Victims' own homes
(d) Workplace environments
Explanation: The report reveals that more than half of the documented incidents occurred within the victims' own homes. This finding challenges the assumption that danger is primarily external. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018677/writing-on-the-wall, 27 Jul 2026]
#8716
Nehal Hashmi was appointed as the Governor of Sindh in 2026 as a representative of which political party?
(a) Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP)
(b) Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P)
(c) Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N)
(d) Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)
Explanation: Nehal Hashmi is a member of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N). His appointment was recommended by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who leads the PML-N. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981259/president-zardari-approves-appointment-of-pml-ns-nehal-hashmi-as-sindh-governor, 12 Mar 2026]
#8717
Which of the following statements regarding the appointment of the Sindh Governor in 2026 is INCORRECT?
(a) The appointment was made on the advice of the Prime Minister.
(b) The President of Pakistan granted the final approval for the appointment.
(c) The appointment process involved the signing of a formal Commission of Appointment.
(d) The MQM-P was consulted and provided prior consent for the removal of the incumbent governor.
Explanation: The MQM-P leadership, including Farooq Sattar, explicitly stated that they were not consulted and had no prior information regarding the removal of Kamran Tessori, making statement C incorrect. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981259/president-zardari-approves-appointment-of-pml-ns-nehal-hashmi-as-sindh-governor, 12 Mar 2026]
#8718
Consider the following statements about the IHC ruling on 2026-03-12: 1. The court held that prison authorities are obligated to inform relatives when a prisoner develops a serious medical condition. 2. The court ruled that its inherent powers under the Code of Criminal Procedure allow it to override executive decisions regarding prison transfers. 3. The court noted that the Adiala jail superintendent had already taken steps to ensure the prisoner's medical treatment. 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 per Rule 795 of the Pakistan Prison Rules. Statement 3 is correct as the court acknowledged the jail superintendent's report. Statement 2 is incorrect because the court explicitly stated it cannot invoke its inherent power to interfere with or substitute the power vested in the executive. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981293/ihc-orders-formation-of-medical-board-on-plea-seeking-imrans-transfer-to-shifa-international-hospital, 12 Mar 2026]
#8719
Which of the following statements regarding the IHC order dated 2026-03-12 is INCORRECT?
(a) The court ordered the inclusion of Dr. Muhammad Arif in the medical board.
(b) The court ruled that the power to remove a prisoner for special treatment vests in the government.
(c) The court directed authorities to ensure the prisoner's meetings with lawyers and family.
(d) The court ordered the immediate transfer of the prisoner to Shifa International Hospital.
Explanation: The court did not order an immediate transfer; instead, it ordered the formation of a medical board to provide recommendations, which the executive would then use to decide on a transfer. Options A, B, and D are accurate reflections of the court's order. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981293/ihc-orders-formation-of-medical-board-on-plea-seeking-imrans-transfer-to-shifa-international-hospital, 12 Mar 2026]
#8720
Which individual held the office of the Governor of Sindh immediately prior to the appointment of Nehal Hashmi in 2026?
(a) Farooq Sattar
(b) Kamran Tessori
(c) Khalid Maqbool Siddique
(d) None of these
Explanation: Kamran Tessori, an affiliate of the MQM-P, was the incumbent Governor of Sindh before his removal and replacement by Nehal Hashmi in 2026. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981259/president-zardari-approves-appointment-of-pml-ns-nehal-hashmi-as-sindh-governor, 12 Mar 2026]