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.
#9041
In the 2026 AJK elections, the second phase of polling was scheduled for which division?
(a) Muzaffarabad division
(b) Poonch division
(c) Mirpur division
(d) None of these
Explanation: The second phase of the AJK elections was scheduled for August 2, 2026, covering nine constituencies in the Muzaffarabad division. The Mirpur division polls were held in the first phase. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018960/ajk-elections-pml-n-grabs-9-out-of-13-seats-across-mirpur-division-unofficial-results-show, 28 Jul 2026]
#9042
Who emerged as the winner in the LA-1 (Mirpur-I) constituency during the 2026 AJK elections?
(a) Chaudhry Rukhsar Ahmed
(b) Qasim Majeed
(c) Yasir Sultan
(d) Azhar Sadiq
Explanation: Azhar Sadiq of the PML-N won the LA-1 (Mirpur-I) seat with 15,427 votes. The other candidates listed won or contested in different constituencies within the Mirpur division. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018960/ajk-elections-pml-n-grabs-9-out-of-13-seats-across-mirpur-division-unofficial-results-show, 28 Jul 2026]
#9043
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]
#9044
Consider the following statements about the 2026 AJK elections: 1. The elections were conducted in three phases due to security concerns. 2. The PML-N secured a majority of the seats in the Mirpur division. 3. The Chief Election Commissioner described the polls as the most difficult in the history of AJK. 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 election reports. The polls were phased for security, the PML-N won nine out of 13 seats in Mirpur, and the Chief Election Commissioner publicly noted the difficulty of the process. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018960/ajk-elections-pml-n-grabs-9-out-of-13-seats-across-mirpur-division-unofficial-results-show, 28 Jul 2026]
#9045
Consider the following statements about the 2026 AJK election discourse: 1. The PML-N claimed that the PPP had been in power in AJK for the past year. 2. The Punjab Chief Minister argued that the PPP failed to present a clear development narrative for AJK. 3. The PPP leadership congratulated the PML-N on their victory in the Mirpur division. 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 reflect the arguments made by the Punjab Chief Minister regarding the PPP's governance record and lack of a program. Statement 3 is incorrect because the PPP leadership, specifically Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, alleged rigging rather than offering congratulations. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2019014/coalition-partners-ppp-pml-n-spar-after-first-phase-of-ajk-elections-as-political-temperatures-rise, 28 Jul 2026]
#9046
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]
#9047
Which of the following statements regarding the 2026 AJK elections is INCORRECT?
(a) The PML-N and PPP are coalition partners in the federal government.
(b) An interim setup takes charge in AJK during the election period.
(c) The PPP alleged that the election process was marred by rigging.
(d) The PML-N leadership urged the PPP to accept the election results.
Explanation: The Punjab Chief Minister explicitly stated that no interim setup takes charge in AJK during the election period, making the incorrect statement. The other options accurately reflect the political dynamics and allegations reported. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2019014/coalition-partners-ppp-pml-n-spar-after-first-phase-of-ajk-elections-as-political-temperatures-rise, 28 Jul 2026]
#9048
Consider the following statements about the Sindh government's transport policy announced on April 5, 2026: 1. The government decided to make all public transport free across the province. 2. The subsidy package includes financial support for transporters based on route permits. 3. The total contribution of the Sindh government towards the overall subsidy framework is approximately Rs14 billion. 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 explicitly chose a fare freeze over making buses free. Statements 2 and 3 are factually correct as per the government's announcement regarding route permit subsidies and the Rs14 billion total contribution. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1988836/sindh-cm-secures-fare-freeze-after-talks-with-transporters-amid-fuel-price-hike, 05 Apr 2026]
#9049
What is the percentage reduction in fuel allotted for official vehicles as announced by the Sindh government in March 2026?
(a) 20 percent
(b) 30 percent
(c) 50 percent
(d) 60 percent
Explanation: The provincial government mandated a 50 percent reduction in fuel allocations for official vehicles to save approximately Rs960 million. This is distinct from the 20 percent reduction applied to other non-essential expenditures like stationery. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980528/sindh-schools-to-close-from-march-16-31-friday-to-be-wfh-for-govt-offices-as-part-of-austerity-measures, 10 Mar 2026]
#9050
According to the Sindh government's 2026 austerity measures, schools in the province will observe spring vacation during which period?
(a) March 1 to March 15
(b) March 16 to March 31
(c) April 1 to April 15
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Sindh government announced that schools will remain closed for spring vacation from March 16 to March 31, 2026. This is part of a broader set of austerity measures aimed at reducing provincial expenditures. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980528/sindh-schools-to-close-from-march-16-31-friday-to-be-wfh-for-govt-offices-as-part-of-austerity-measures, 10 Mar 2026]
#9051
Which policy was introduced for government offices on Fridays as part of the 2026 austerity measures?
(a) Complete closure of all offices
(b) Mandatory attendance at government buildings
(c) Half-day operations for all departments
(d) Work from home for government officials
Explanation: The government clarified that offices will not stop functioning on Fridays; instead, officials are required to work from home. This measure is intended to maintain administrative continuity while reducing operational costs. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980528/sindh-schools-to-close-from-march-16-31-friday-to-be-wfh-for-govt-offices-as-part-of-austerity-measures, 10 Mar 2026]
#9052
Which of the following is NOT a component of the austerity measures announced by the Sindh government in March 2026?
(a) Immediate privatization of all provincial government departments
(b) Ban on holding Iftar parties on government expenditure
(c) Reduction of fuel for official vehicles by 50 percent
(d) Restriction of official foreign travel to Economy Class
Explanation: The government did not announce the privatization of departments; rather, it focused on cutting operational costs such as travel, fuel, and event expenses. The other three options are verified components of the announced austerity package. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980528/sindh-schools-to-close-from-march-16-31-friday-to-be-wfh-for-govt-offices-as-part-of-austerity-measures, 10 Mar 2026]
#9053
Consider the following statements about the austerity measures announced by the Sindh government in March 2026: 1. Colleges and universities are directed to switch to online classes during the vacation period. 2. The government has imposed a complete ban on the purchase of all new vehicles, including ambulances. 3. Security protocols are being withdrawn from individuals who were utilizing them unnecessarily, such as former caretaker ministers. 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 higher education institutions are moving to online classes. Statement 3 is correct regarding the withdrawal of unnecessary security. Statement 2 is incorrect because the ban on new vehicles includes an exception for necessary items such as ambulances and law and order vehicles. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980528/sindh-schools-to-close-from-march-16-31-friday-to-be-wfh-for-govt-offices-as-part-of-austerity-measures, 10 Mar 2026]
#9054
Which of the following statements regarding the events of May 29, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The PTI leaders were accused of lacking a required travel permit.
(b) The GB government officially confirmed that arrests were made.
(c) PTI leaders alleged that the government was engaging in pre-poll rigging.
(d) The incident occurred during the electioneering phase for the GB elections.
Explanation: The GB government explicitly stated in an official release that no arrests were made, contradicting the PTI's claim of arrest. Therefore, the statement that the government confirmed arrests is incorrect. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2003687/pti-leaders-expelled-from-gb-during-electioneering-authorities-allege-code-of-conduct-violation, 29 May 2026]
#9055
Consider the following statements about the fuel conservation measures announced on March 9, 2026: 1. The KP government implemented a 50 percent work-from-home policy for government departments. 2. The Punjab government has completely banned the use of all security protocol vehicles for ministers. 3. The KP government has decided to ensure the supply of diesel to farmers for wheat harvesting.
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) All three
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct as KP introduced a 50 percent work-from-home policy. Statement 2 is incorrect because Punjab restricted the use of protocol vehicles to one extra vehicle for security, rather than a total ban. Statement 3 is correct as the government explicitly vowed to ensure diesel supply for wheat harvesting. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980154/kp-cuts-fuel-allowance-for-govt-vehicles-punjab-and-balochistan-close-schools-amid-global-oil-crisis, 09 Mar 2026]
#9056
Which of the following allegations was NOT made by the activists or rights groups regarding the police conduct during the March 2026 detention?
(a) Male personnel conducted body searches of female detainees
(b) Detainees were forced to sign fake affidavits
(c) Baton-charge was used against the activists
(d) Lawyers were granted immediate access to the detainees
Explanation: The activists specifically alleged that lawyers were denied access to the detainees, making the incorrect statement. The other options reflect the specific grievances raised during the press conference. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980248/islamabad-police-release-aurat-march-activists-a-day-after-detention-probe-demanded-into-manhandling-of-detainees, 09 Mar 2026]
#9057
What percentage of official vehicles in federal and provincial government establishments are to be grounded for two months starting March 2026?
(a) 40 percent
(b) 50 percent
(c) 70 percent
(d) 60 percent
Explanation: The government ordered that 60 percent of official vehicles be grounded for a period of two months to conserve fuel. This is distinct from the 50 percent cut applied to fuel allowances. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980219/higher-education-goes-online-schools-shut-for-2-weeks-4-day-work-week-announced-as-austerity-measures, 09 Mar 2026]
#9058
Who is the current Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa as of March 9, 2026?
(a) Ali Amin Gandapur
(b) Sohail Afridi
(c) Pervez Khattak
(d) None of these
Explanation: Sohail Afridi is identified as the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in the official government announcements regarding the fuel conservation measures. Ali Amin Gandapur is a former Chief Minister, making him a plausible but incorrect distractor. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980154/kp-cuts-fuel-allowance-for-govt-vehicles-punjab-and-balochistan-close-schools-amid-global-oil-crisis, 09 Mar 2026]
#9059
Under which legal provision did the Islamabad police justify the detention of Aurat March activists in March 2026?
(a) Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code
(b) Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (Peca)
(c) Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) Ordinance
(d) None of these
Explanation: The police cited the imposition of Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code, which prohibits public gatherings, as the primary legal basis for the arrests. While Peca was mentioned by activists as a problematic law, it was not the specific legal instrument cited by the police for this detention. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980248/islamabad-police-release-aurat-march-activists-a-day-after-detention-probe-demanded-into-manhandling-of-detainees, 09 Mar 2026]
#9060
Consider the following statements about the political situation in Gilgit-Baltistan on May 29, 2026: 1. PTI leaders were expelled for failing to produce a valid travel permit. 2. The PTI leadership alleged that PML-N candidates were receiving preferential treatment and government protocol. 3. The KP Chief Minister threatened to personally visit the region to address the treatment of parliamentarians. 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 reports: the administration cited the lack of a permit, the PTI alleged unequal treatment compared to the PML-N, and the KP Chief Minister issued a public warning regarding the treatment of the parliamentarians. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2003687/pti-leaders-expelled-from-gb-during-electioneering-authorities-allege-code-of-conduct-violation, 29 May 2026]