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.
#8841
On March 7, 2026, the Prime Minister directed which two federal ministers to visit provinces to coordinate petroleum conservation strategies?
(a) Finance and Petroleum
(b) Energy and Commerce
(c) Planning and Interior
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Prime Minister specifically tasked the finance and petroleum ministers to engage with provincial governments to ensure supply stability and austerity. Other combinations of ministries are incorrect as they do not hold primary jurisdiction over fuel pricing and supply chain management. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979462/pm-tells-ministers-to-prepare-strategy-for-conserving-petroleum-products-ensuring-uninterrupted-supply, 07 Mar 2026]
#8842
Who among the following associates of Asiya Andrabi was also sentenced by the Delhi court in March 2026?
(a) Fehmeeda Sofi
(b) Yasin Malik
(c) Mirwaiz Umar Farooq
(d) Syed Ali Geelani
Explanation: Fehmeeda Sofi and Nahida Nasreen were the two associates sentenced alongside Asiya Andrabi. The other individuals listed are prominent Kashmiri figures but were not the subjects of this specific court verdict. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1985165/fo-condemns-harsh-sentences-awarded-to-kashmiri-leader-asiya-andrabi-associates-by-delhi-court, 25 Mar 2026]
#8843
Which of the following statements regarding the FO statement on the 2026 sentencing is INCORRECT?
(a) It described the verdict as a grave miscarriage of justice.
(b) It called for the international community to take notice of the development.
(c) It explicitly endorsed the legal validity of the UAPA in the occupied territory.
(d) It reaffirmed support for the Kashmiri struggle for self-determination.
Explanation: The Foreign Office statement condemned the sentencing and questioned the judicial process, meaning it did not endorse the UAPA. Options A, B, and D are accurate reflections of the FO's official stance. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1985165/fo-condemns-harsh-sentences-awarded-to-kashmiri-leader-asiya-andrabi-associates-by-delhi-court, 25 Mar 2026]
#8844
The Foreign Office of Pakistan issued a formal statement regarding the sentencing of Kashmiri leaders on which date in 2026?
(a) March 20, 2026
(b) March 25, 2026
(c) March 30, 2026
(d) April 05, 2026
Explanation: The Foreign Office issued its condemnation on March 25, 2026, the same day the sentencing news was reported. The other dates are incorrect as they do not align with the event timeline. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1985165/fo-condemns-harsh-sentences-awarded-to-kashmiri-leader-asiya-andrabi-associates-by-delhi-court, 25 Mar 2026]
#8845
On July 22, 2026, which official stated that New York City lacks the legal authority to execute an ICC arrest warrant for Benjamin Netanyahu?
(a) Eric Adams
(b) Zohran Mamdani
(c) Bill de Blasio
(d) None of these
Explanation: Zohran Mamdani, as the Mayor of New York City, clarified that his administration lacks the independent legal authority to enforce international warrants. Eric Adams and Bill de Blasio are former mayors and were not the officials involved in this specific 2026 statement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017473/he-is-a-war-criminal-mamdani-says-nyc-cannot-arrest-netanyahu-on-icc-warrant-urges-us-federal-officials-to-step-in, 22 Jul 2026]
#8846
Consider the following statements about the protests surrounding Sonam Wangchuk: 1. The protests demand the resignation of the Indian Education Minister. 2. The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) announced an indefinite hunger strike in solidarity with Wangchuk. 3. The Indian parliament session was scheduled to commence on the Monday following the July 19, 2026, report. 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 events described. The protest specifically targets the Education Minister, the CJP joined the hunger strike, and the parliamentary session timing aligns with the protest escalation. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016713/over-100-cops-at-hospital-wife-alleges-indian-activist-sonam-wangchuk-illegally-detained-under-guise-of-medical-care, 19 Jul 2026]
#8847
Which of the following statements regarding the 2026 youth protests in India is INCORRECT?
(a) The protests were exclusively supported by the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party.
(b) The Health Minister held talks with the leaders of the Cockroach Janta Party.
(c) The protests were initially launched as an online satire.
(d) Opposition leaders were detained by police during the demonstrations.
Explanation: The protests were a challenge to the ruling BJP, not supported by them. The other statements accurately reflect the events described in the report. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017492/under-soaring-pressure-after-cockroach-movement-protests-indias-education-minister-promises-reforms-debate, 22 Jul 2026]
#8848
Consider the following statements regarding Pakistan's governance and foreign policy developments as reported in August 2026: 1. The Economic Coordination Committee approved financial assistance for the Pakistan Television Corporation. 2. The Islamabad High Court upheld an order requiring the disclosure of cricketers' salaries and perks. 3. The government has proposed the unbundling of two major gas utilities into five distinct entities.
(a) Only 1 and 2 are correct
(b) Only 1 and 3 are correct
(c) Only 2 and 3 are correct
(d) All statements are correct
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct (ECC approved 13bn for PTV). Statement 2 is incorrect, as the Islamabad High Court actually suspended the order regarding the disclosure of cricketers' salaries. Statement 3 is correct regarding the restructuring of SNGPL and SSGCL into five entities. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2020697/economic-coordination-committee-approves-rs13bn-lifeline-for-struggling-ptv]
#8849
Select the correct chronological sequence of official government or judicial actions taken as reported on August 5, 2026:
(a) 1. ECC lifeline to PTV; 2. LHC disposal of rally petition; 3. CJP announcement of women centers; 4. PM strategy on DISCOs
(b) 1. LHC disposal of rally petition; 2. CJP announcement of women centers; 3. ECC lifeline to PTV; 4. PM strategy on DISCOs
(c) 1. CJP announcement of women centers; 2. ECC lifeline to PTV; 3. PM strategy on DISCOs; 4. LHC disposal of rally petition
(d) 1. PM strategy on DISCOs; 2. ECC lifeline to PTV; 3. LHC disposal of rally petition; 4. CJP announcement of women centers
Explanation: These administrative and judicial actions were reported on the same day; however, internal reporting sequences for public interest notifications often follow institutional hierarchy and time-stamping of orders provided by respective departments. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2020762/lhc-disposes-of-pti-petition-for-rally-at-minar-i-pakistan-after-dc-refuses-permission]
#8850
The youth-led protest movement that gained prominence in New Delhi in July 2026 is known as the:
(a) Cockroach movement
(b) Student Solidarity Front
(c) Youth Accountability League
(d) None of these
Explanation: The movement is officially referred to as the 'cockroach' movement, organized by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP). It began as an online satire before evolving into large-scale street protests. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017492/under-soaring-pressure-after-cockroach-movement-protests-indias-education-minister-promises-reforms-debate, 22 Jul 2026]
#8851
Who is the current Education Minister of India facing calls for resignation due to the 2026 examination paper leaks?
(a) Narendra Modi
(b) Dharmendra Pradhan
(c) JP Nadda
(d) Rahul Gandhi
Explanation: Dharmendra Pradhan is the Education Minister who issued statements regarding the government's commitment to exam reforms following the protests. Narendra Modi is the Prime Minister, and JP Nadda is the Health Minister. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017492/under-soaring-pressure-after-cockroach-movement-protests-indias-education-minister-promises-reforms-debate, 22 Jul 2026]
#8852
Consider the following statements about the 2026 youth-led protests in India: 1. The protests were triggered by the leakage of medical school entrance examination papers. 2. Activist Sonam Wangchuk was involved in the movement through a hunger strike. 3. The government has refused to discuss the examination issues on the floor of the house. 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 Education Minister explicitly stated that the government remains committed to discussing the NEET issue on the floor of the house. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017492/under-soaring-pressure-after-cockroach-movement-protests-indias-education-minister-promises-reforms-debate, 22 Jul 2026]
#8853
Which of the following statements regarding the Senate debate on May 15, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The government claimed that parliamentary rules allow committees to interfere in prison administration.
(b) Opposition members demanded an independent committee to visit jails.
(c) PTI senators alleged that the founder has lost sight in one eye.
(d) The government cited a five-member medical board that endorsed the current treatment.
Explanation: The government explicitly stated that parliamentary rules of business do not provide room for a committee to interfere in executive matters related to prison administration. Therefore, is the incorrect statement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2000491/barbs-fly-in-senate-over-pti-founders-health-access-to-political-prisoners, 15 May 2026]
#8854
Consider the following statements about the events in AJK in June 2026: 1. The AJK government proscribed the Joint Awami Action Committee for engaging in terrorism. 2. Federal paramilitary forces were dispatched to reinforce the local police in AJK. 3. Mobile data services remained fully operational throughout the region during the protests. 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 as the JAAC was proscribed and federal forces were deployed. Statement 3 is incorrect because mobile data services were curtailed due to security concerns. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2006132/pakistan-rejects-unwarranted-remarks-on-ajk-by-individuals-in-uk, 08 Jun 2026]
#8855
Consider the following statements about the security situation in AJK as of June 2026: 1. The AJK government has requested federal paramilitary forces to secure the region for a two-week period in June. 2. The JAAC strike call is scheduled to coincide with the start of the nomination paper filing process for the general elections. 3. The AJK government has officially banned the JAAC under the Anti-Terrorism Act, 2014. 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 report: the request for 14,000 personnel covers the period from June 7 to June 21, the strike is set for June 9 (the start of nominations), and the proscription was enacted under the 2014 Act. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2005462/ajk-govt-bans-joint-awami-action-committee-under-anti-terrorism-act, 05 Jun 2026]
#8856
What is the primary purpose of Standing Order No 02/2026 introduced by the FIA?
(a) To increase visa fees for students
(b) To ban all travel to high-risk countries
(c) To establish an appeal and review mechanism for offloaded passengers
(d) To authorize the use of blue passports for all citizens
Explanation: Standing Order No 02/2026 was introduced to provide a formal appeal and review process for passengers who are offloaded, ensuring that supervisory scrutiny and documented reasons are mandatory. This serves as an accountability mechanism for the agency's enforcement actions. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2006395/fia-disciplines-over-100-officials-over-human-smuggling-links-since-greece-boat-tragedy, 09 Jun 2026]
#8857
Consider the following statements about the US equity market performance in June 2026: 1. The S&P 500 ended a nine-week winning streak on June 5, 2026. 2. S&P Global has confirmed that it will change eligibility requirements to allow SpaceX to enter the S&P 500 index immediately. 3. Chipmaker Marvell Technology is considered a contender for addition to the S&P 500 benchmark index. 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 the S&P 500 ended its nine-week run. Statement 3 is correct as Marvell Technology is a contender for index inclusion. Statement 2 is incorrect because S&P Global explicitly stated it would not change eligibility requirements for its major indices. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2005508/wall-street-ends-sharply-lower-as-chips-slide-jobs-data-fuels-rate-hike-fears, 05 Jun 2026]
#8858
Who is the current Director General of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) as of 2026?
(a) Dr. Usman Anwar
(b) Dr. Moeed Yusuf
(c) Dr. Faisal Sultan
(d) None of these
Explanation: Dr. Usman Anwar is the Director General of the FIA who briefed the National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Interior and Narcotics Control regarding anti-smuggling measures. The other names are not associated with this specific leadership role in the provided context. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2006395/fia-disciplines-over-100-officials-over-human-smuggling-links-since-greece-boat-tragedy, 09 Jun 2026]
#8859
In the 2026 Supreme Court judgment, which Justice authored the 14-page ruling on acid violence?
(a) Justice Salahuddin Panhwar
(b) Justice Muhammad Hashim Khan Kakar
(c) Justice Ishtiaq Ibrahim
(d) None of these
Explanation: Justice Muhammad Hashim Khan Kakar authored the strongly worded judgment that classified acid attacks as more heinous than homicide. The other two judges mentioned were part of the three-judge bench but did not author the specific text. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2006139/acid-attack-more-heinous-than-homicide-tool-of-patriarchal-violence-sc, 08 Jun 2026]
#8860
Which of the following is NOT a recommendation made by the Supreme Court in its 2026 judgment regarding acid attack survivors?
(a) Establishment of a National Acid Survivors’ Rehabilitation Fund
(b) Immediate capital punishment for all individuals convicted of acid violence
(c) Formulation of national rehabilitation guidelines for standardized medical treatment
(d) Provision of a mandatory monthly stipend for survivors unable to support themselves
Explanation: The court focused on rehabilitation, medical coverage, and pre-emptive regulation rather than mandating capital punishment. The other three options are explicit recommendations found within the court's judgment. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2006139/acid-attack-more-heinous-than-homicide-tool-of-patriarchal-violence-sc, 08 Jun 2026]