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.
#8921
Consider the following statements about the abduction case reported on July 5, 2026: 1. The police rescued the victims after a car crash occurred near Bhatta Chowk. 2. The suspect, Muhammad Raza Dar, was apprehended after he voluntarily surrendered at the police station. 3. The police established contact with the victims through a conference call involving the Defence ASP. 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 3 are correct as the victims escaped after a crash and coordinated with the Defence ASP via a conference call. Statement 2 is incorrect because the police traced the suspect's location using technology and directed him to surrender, rather than him voluntarily walking into the station. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2013143/foreign-women-abduction-case-police-ordered-to-treat-minister-linked-suspect-like-any-other-criminal, 05 Jul 2026]
#8922
Consider the following statements about the legal challenges mentioned: 1. The KP Chief Minister was summoned for alleged defamation of state institutions. 2. The Lahore High Court dismissed the plea to suspend the sentence citing Article 199 as a substitute for Section 426 of the CrPC. 3. The next hearing for the KP Chief Minister's case is scheduled for September 3, 2026. 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 provided text. The Chief Minister faces defamation charges, the LHC ruled that Article 199 cannot replace statutory appellate power, and the next hearing is set for September 3. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017406/arrest-warrants-out-for-kp-cm-afridi-over-failure-to-appear-in-court, 22 Jul 2026]
#8923
Which police official held the press conference on July 5, 2026, to detail the recovery of the foreign women?
(a) DIG Operations Faisal Kamran
(b) Capital City Police Officer (CCPO) Bilal Siddique
(c) Inspector General of Police (IGP) Usman Anwar
(d) None of these
Explanation: DIG Operations Faisal Kamran addressed the media on July 5, 2026, to clarify the police's role in the rescue and the status of the investigation. The other names are prominent police officials but were not the primary spokespersons for this specific event. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2013143/foreign-women-abduction-case-police-ordered-to-treat-minister-linked-suspect-like-any-other-criminal, 05 Jul 2026]
#8924
For how many hours were flight operations at Islamabad International Airport scheduled to be suspended on March 16, 2026?
(a) Five hours
(b) Three hours
(c) Four hours
(d) Two hours
Explanation: The PAA announced that flight operations would be temporarily suspended for a duration of two hours, specifically from 08:30am to 10:30am PKT on March 16, 2026. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1982043/flight-operations-at-islamabad-airport-to-remain-suspended-for-2-hours-on-march-16-paa, 14 Mar 2026]
#8925
Consider the following statements about the Sindh government's relief measures announced on April 5, 2026: 1. The government decided to make all public bus travel entirely free across the province. 2. The total contribution by the Sindh government towards the overall subsidy framework is approximately Rs 14 billion. 3. The fare freeze agreement applies to both inter-city and intra-city routes. 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 government opted for a fare freeze rather than making buses free, which was a policy adopted by Punjab and Islamabad. Statements 2 and 3 are factually accurate regarding the financial contribution and the scope of the transport routes covered. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1988836/sindh-cm-secures-fare-freeze-after-talks-with-transporters-amid-fuel-price-hike, 05 Apr 2026]
#8926
Consider the following statements about the repatriation of Afghan nationals: 1. The government reported that over 1.1 million Afghan nationals were deported in 2025. 2. The current repatriation drive was first launched in 2023. 3. The directive requires daily reporting to the Ministry of Interior starting from July 10, 2026. 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 1,155,221 individuals were deported in 2025. Statement 2 is correct as the drive began in 2023. Statement 3 is incorrect because the daily reporting requirement commences on July 11, 2026, not July 10. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2011435/interior-ministry-issues-directive-to-arrest-afghan-nationals-without-valid-visas-from-july-10, 28 Jun 2026]
#8927
Which of the following is NOT a requirement for vehicle owners under the new Sindh Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act 2026?
(a) Compulsory installation of GPS tracking devices
(b) Mandatory insurance for vehicle transfer
(c) Insurance verification for annual token tax payment
(d) Valid insurance policy for vehicle registration
Explanation: The amendment mandates third-party insurance for registration, transfer, and token tax payments. GPS tracking is not a requirement stipulated under this specific legislative amendment. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979648/sindh-govt-makes-third-party-vehicle-insurance-mandatory, 08 Mar 2026]
#8928
Consider the following statements about the security situation in Islamabad and Rawalpindi in April 2026: 1. The Red Zone was sealed to facilitate expected diplomatic talks between the United States and Iran. 2. Electric buses were prohibited from operating during the entire period of the security lockdown. 3. The district administration reported that remaining closed areas were expected to reopen by the following Monday. 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 Red Zone was sealed for the talks. Statement 2 is incorrect because electric buses were reported to be plying their routes on Sunday. Statement 3 is correct as the administration indicated a Monday reopening for remaining areas. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1995277/traffic-restrictions-around-islamabads-red-zone-serena-hotel-lifted-ishaq-dar, 26 Apr 2026]
#8929
Which of the following statements regarding the Senate debate on June 17, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) Senator Rana Mahmoodul Hassan demanded a separate South Punjab province.
(b) Senator Agha Shahzeb Durrani praised the PTI government's handling of the FBR.
(c) Senator Abid Sher Ali defended the current government's economic management.
(d) Senator Abdul Qadir criticized the influence of Independent Power Producers.
Explanation: Senator Agha Shahzeb Durrani actually alleged that the PTI had posted corrupt officers to the FBR, which the current government subsequently removed. Therefore, the statement that he praised the PTI's handling of the FBR is incorrect. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2008601/ppp-lawmaker-calls-for-separate-south-punjab-province-in-senate, 17 Jun 2026]
#8930
Nawaz Sharif returned to Pakistan on June 16, 2026, after spending three weeks in which two countries?
(a) Switzerland and Saudi Arabia
(b) United Kingdom and United Arab Emirates
(c) Turkey and Qatar
(d) China and Malaysia
Explanation: Nawaz Sharif returned to Lahore after a three-week visit to Switzerland and Saudi Arabia. The other options represent common travel destinations for Pakistani officials but are not the locations mentioned in this context. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2008589/nawaz-urges-ajk-to-end-protests-sit-ins-and-engage-in-meaningful-dialogue-with-govt, 17 Jun 2026]
#8931
Consider the following statements about the political situation in AJK as of June 17, 2026: 1. The PML-N leadership expressed concern over the loss of lives during recent clashes. 2. AJK elections are scheduled to take place at the end of the following month. 3. The government of Pakistan has consistently supported the Kashmiri struggle for self-determination. Which of the statements given above 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 accurate: the leadership expressed sorrow over casualties, elections are slated for the end of July 2026, and the official stance of Pakistan remains supportive of the right to self-determination. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2008589/nawaz-urges-ajk-to-end-protests-sit-ins-and-engage-in-meaningful-dialogue-with-govt, 17 Jun 2026]
#8932
In the context of the Senate debate on June 17, 2026, which sector did Senator Abdul Qadir identify as a 'mafia' that allegedly caused the reversal of the government's solar policy?
(a) National Highway Authority
(b) Federal Board of Revenue
(c) Independent Power Producers
(d) State Bank of Pakistan
Explanation: Senator Abdul Qadir alleged that Independent Power Producers (IPPs) acted as a mafia that pressured the government to reverse its solar policy. He further criticized the burden of capacity charges associated with these power agreements. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2008601/ppp-lawmaker-calls-for-separate-south-punjab-province-in-senate, 17 Jun 2026]
#8933
Which political party's senator demanded the creation of a separate South Punjab province during the Senate budget debate on June 17, 2026?
(a) Pakistan Peoples Party
(b) Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf
(c) Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan
(d) Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz
Explanation: Senator Rana Mahmoodul Hassan, representing the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), formally demanded the creation of a separate South Punjab province during the Senate proceedings on June 17, 2026. He emphasized the need for administrative bifurcation to address regional grievances. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2008601/ppp-lawmaker-calls-for-separate-south-punjab-province-in-senate, 17 Jun 2026]
#8934
Consider the following statements about the security response to the Quetta train bombing on May 24, 2026: 1. Section 144 was already in force in the area prior to the attack. 2. The Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) was involved in the collection of evidence at the site. 3. The provincial government established a central control room at the office of the Quetta deputy commissioner. 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 correct based on the official government response. Section 144 was active, the CTD conducted site investigations, and a control room was established at the deputy commissioner's office. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2002744/at-least-14-killed-20-injured-in-suicide-bombing-targeting-shuttle-train-in-quetta-balochistan-govt, 24 May 2026]
#8935
Which specific area in Quetta was identified as the site of the train bombing on May 24, 2026?
(a) Sariab Road
(b) Chaman Phatak
(c) Airport Road
(d) Jinnah Town
Explanation: The shuttle train was targeted near Chaman Phatak while traveling from Quetta Cantonment to the railway station. The other locations are major areas in Quetta but were not the site of this specific attack. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2002744/at-least-14-killed-20-injured-in-suicide-bombing-targeting-shuttle-train-in-quetta-balochistan-govt, 24 May 2026]
#8936
Which of the following statements regarding the fuel supply situation in July 2026 is INCORRECT?
(a) Diesel stocks were maintained at a 21-day cover.
(b) Petrol consumption increased by 18-20 per cent in the first half of July.
(c) Local refineries are capable of supplying the entire daily national demand for petrol.
(d) The NCMC is a civil-military body focused on energy supplies.
Explanation: Local refineries can only supply about 9,000 tonnes of petrol per day, while daily consumption is approximately 25,000 tonnes, making the statement about them meeting the entire demand false. The other statements accurately reflect the data provided in the report. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2015959/oil-industry-prompts-government-to-discourage-hoarding-as-petrol-stocks-decline-to-14-day-cover, 16 Jul 2026]
#8937
Which of the following statements regarding the Quetta train bombing on May 24, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The incident resulted in zero civilian casualties.
(b) The shuttle train was traveling from Quetta Cantonment to the railway station.
(c) The attack involved a vehicle-borne suicide bomber.
(d) An emergency was declared in all major government hospitals in Quetta.
Explanation: The statement that there were zero civilian casualties is false, as the majority of the 14 victims were civilians, including pedestrians and passengers. The other statements accurately reflect the details of the event. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2002744/at-least-14-killed-20-injured-in-suicide-bombing-targeting-shuttle-train-in-quetta-balochistan-govt, 24 May 2026]
#8938
Consider the following statements about the fuel supply challenges in July 2026: 1. The NCMC was established as a civil-military body to monitor energy supplies. 2. Rising import premiums for petrol were influenced by renewed US-Iran hostilities. 3. The government has successfully eliminated all pending price differential claims for oil marketing companies. 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 based on the report. Statement 3 is incorrect because the report explicitly mentions that over Rs 66 billion in price differential claims remain pending, which continues to hinder the operations of smaller oil marketing companies. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2015959/oil-industry-prompts-government-to-discourage-hoarding-as-petrol-stocks-decline-to-14-day-cover, 16 Jul 2026]
#8939
According to the Power Minister's statement on May 31, 2026, what is the estimated prevalence of corruption within the DISCOs?
(a) 10-15 percent
(b) 25-30 percent
(c) 40-50 percent
(d) 80-90 percent
Explanation: The Power Minister acknowledged that corruption exists within DISCOs but stated that the prevalence is likely between 10 and 15 percent. This contrasts with public perception, which often views the issue as more systemic. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2004146/strict-action-taken-says-power-minister-after-khawaja-asifs-claim-of-lesco-employees-corruption, 31 May 2026]
#8940
Who is the current Federal Minister for Power who addressed the corruption allegations against LESCO employees on May 31, 2026?
(a) Khawaja Asif
(b) Awais Leghari
(c) Khaleeq Kiani
(d) None of these
Explanation: Awais Leghari is the Federal Minister for Power who held the press conference to address the corruption claims. Khawaja Asif is the Defence Minister who raised the initial complaint. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2004146/strict-action-taken-says-power-minister-after-khawaja-asifs-claim-of-lesco-employees-corruption, 31 May 2026]