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.
#9061
Consider the following statements about the events in Islamabad in March 2026: 1. The district administration had issued a formal No-Objection Certificate (NoC) for the Aurat March rally. 2. Relatives of the detained activists were also taken into custody when they arrived at the police station. 3. The activists claimed that the right to protest is a fundamental right that supersedes the imposition of Section 144. 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 district administration did not issue an NoC, which was one of the reasons cited for the arrests. Statements 2 and 3 are accurate reflections of the claims made by the activists and the HRCP. [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]
#9062
Who is the current Chief Minister of Sindh as mentioned in the context of the 2026 security arrangements?
(a) Syed Murad Ali Shah
(b) Qaim Ali Shah
(c) Arbab Ghulam Rahim
(d) None of these
Explanation: Syed Murad Ali Shah is the Chief Minister of Sindh who sought cooperation from scholars for security arrangements. The other names are former officeholders. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980177/public-private-schools-in-sindh-to-remain-closed-on-march-11-on-account-of-youm-i-ali, 09 Mar 2026]
#9063
Which of the following sectors was NOT explicitly mentioned by the Finance Minister as receiving relief in the 2026-27 budget?
(a) IT sector
(b) Construction sector
(c) Agricultural sector
(d) Salaried class
Explanation: The Finance Minister specifically listed exporters, manufacturers, the IT sector, construction, and the salaried class as beneficiaries of relief measures. The agricultural sector was not included in this specific list of relief recipients. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2007374/finmin-aurangzeb-says-govt-committed-to-reducing-tax-burden-by-widening-tax-net, 12 Jun 2026]
#9064
Which of the following barrages in Sindh reported a 42 percent water shortage as of May 2026?
(a) Sukkur Barrage
(b) Guddu Barrage
(c) Taunsa Barrage
(d) Jinnah Barrage
Explanation: Guddu Barrage is specifically cited as experiencing a 42 percent water shortage, reflecting the severe impact of reduced water releases on Sindh's irrigation infrastructure. Taunsa and Jinnah barrages are located in Punjab. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2004154/sharjeel-memon-criticises-irsas-unjust-reduction-of-sindhs-water-share-urges-centre-to-take-notice, 31 May 2026]
#9065
On which date in 2026 did the Sindh government announce the closure of schools for Youm-i-Ali?
(a) March 12, 2026
(b) March 10, 2026
(c) March 11, 2026
(d) March 9, 2026
Explanation: The official announcement regarding the holiday was published on March 9, 2026. This date marks the issuance of the directive by the provincial government. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980177/public-private-schools-in-sindh-to-remain-closed-on-march-11-on-account-of-youm-i-ali, 09 Mar 2026]
#9066
Consider the following statements regarding the government's response to the March 2026 economic situation: 1. The Prime Minister directed that actionable proposals for austerity be presented within 48 hours. 2. The government announced a Rs55 per litre increase in petrol and high-speed diesel prices. 3. The Information Minister confirmed that the government would rely on private sector estimates for fuel pricing updates. 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 government's directives and the price hike announcement. Statement 3 is incorrect because the government emphasized that it would release accurate and verified information from official ministries, not private sector estimates. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979462/pm-tells-ministers-to-prepare-strategy-for-conserving-petroleum-products-ensuring-uninterrupted-supply, 07 Mar 2026]
#9067
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]
#9068
Consider the following statements about the water dispute in May 2026: 1. Sindh reported a 22 percent overall water shortage across the province. 2. IRSA justified the cuts as an effort to equalise shortages between Punjab and Sindh. 3. The Sindh government requested the immediate halting of the Taunsa-Panjnad link canal operations. 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 reported events of May 2026. The province faced a 22 percent shortage, IRSA cited 'shortage equalisation' as the policy, and the Sindh Irrigation Department formally requested the suspension of link canal extractions. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2004154/sharjeel-memon-criticises-irsas-unjust-reduction-of-sindhs-water-share-urges-centre-to-take-notice, 31 May 2026]
#9069
Consider the following statements about the school closure directive in Sindh: 1. The closure applies to both public and private educational institutions. 2. The directive was issued by the Sindh School Education and Literacy Department. 3. The holiday was declared for March 11, 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 official notification. The closure encompasses both sectors, was issued by the relevant department, and is scheduled for the specified date in 2026. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980177/public-private-schools-in-sindh-to-remain-closed-on-march-11-on-account-of-youm-i-ali, 09 Mar 2026]
#9070
Which provincial department issued the notification regarding the closure of schools on March 11, 2026?
(a) Sindh Higher Education Commission
(b) Sindh School Education and Literacy Department
(c) Sindh Board of Technical Education
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Sindh School Education and Literacy Department is the specific administrative body responsible for issuing directives regarding the closure of public and private schools in the province. Other bodies like the Higher Education Commission handle university-level affairs, not primary or secondary school closures. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980177/public-private-schools-in-sindh-to-remain-closed-on-march-11-on-account-of-youm-i-ali, 09 Mar 2026]
#9071
Consider the following statements about the administrative notification issued by the Sindh government on March 12, 2026: 1. The holiday was applicable to all government offices in the province. 2. The notification was issued to facilitate the closure of all private sector businesses. 3. Essential services were permitted to remain operational during the holiday. 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 holiday applied to government offices and excluded essential services. Statement 2 is incorrect because the notification did not mandate the closure of private sector businesses. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981337/sindh-announces-public-holiday-on-march-13, 12 Mar 2026]
#9072
Which of the following statements regarding the Sindh government's notification of March 12, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The holiday was declared for March 13, 2026.
(b) The notification explicitly stated the holiday was for Jummatul Wida.
(c) The notification applied to local councils under provincial control.
(d) Essential services were excluded from the holiday mandate.
Explanation: The official notification issued by the government did not state the reason for the holiday; the reason was provided separately by a minister. Therefore, stating the notification itself contained the reason is incorrect. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981337/sindh-announces-public-holiday-on-march-13, 12 Mar 2026]
#9073
Which of the following is NOT a proposal or promise made by the PPP Chairman regarding AJK in his July 19, 2026, address?
(a) Ensuring the right to self-government
(b) Immediate annexation of AJK into the federal cabinet
(c) Creating employment opportunities for the youth
(d) Formation of a truth and reconciliation commission
Explanation: The PPP Chairman advocated for provisional representation in federal bodies and self-governance, but he did not propose the immediate annexation of AJK into the federal cabinet. The other options are accurate reflections of his stated policy goals. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016735/bilawal-seeks-better-results-in-upcoming-ajk-elections-as-ppp-hopes-to-form-govt, 19 Jul 2026]
#9074
Which political figure moved the resolution in the Punjab Assembly on 2026-07-20 seeking a ban on dual nationals in government service?
(a) Noor Alam Khan
(b) Amjad Ali Javed
(c) Ishaq Dar
(d) None of these
Explanation: Amjad Ali Javed, a PML-N MPA, moved the resolution in the Punjab Assembly. Noor Alam Khan is a separate MNA who has advocated for similar restrictions at the federal level. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017045/pml-n-mpa-seeks-ban-on-appointment-of-dual-nationals-to-government-service, 20 Jul 2026]
#9075
The upcoming AJK regional elections mentioned in the July 19, 2026, address were scheduled for which date?
(a) July 27, 2026
(b) August 12, 2026
(c) July 30, 2026
(d) None of these
Explanation: The regional elections in AJK were scheduled for July 27, 2026, as stated during the rally held on July 19, 2026. None of the other dates provided correspond to the election schedule mentioned. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016735/bilawal-seeks-better-results-in-upcoming-ajk-elections-as-ppp-hopes-to-form-govt, 19 Jul 2026]
#9076
The public holiday announced by the Sindh government on March 12, 2026, applied to which of the following entities?
(a) Private sector retail businesses
(b) Autonomous and semi-autonomous bodies
(c) International non-governmental organizations
(d) None of these
Explanation: The notification explicitly included autonomous and semi-autonomous bodies under the administrative control of the Sindh government. Private sector entities were not covered by this specific administrative order. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981337/sindh-announces-public-holiday-on-march-13, 12 Mar 2026]
#9077
Consider the following statements about the PPP's political stance in AJK as of July 19, 2026: 1. The PPP has been part of the government in AJK for the past six months. 2. The PPP Chairman proposed that AJK should have representation in the National Finance Commission. 3. The PPP is currently in a coalition government at the federal level led by the PML-N. 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 address: the PPP has been in the AJK government for six months, the Chairman proposed representation in the National Finance Commission, and the party is part of the federal coalition led by Shehbaz Sharif. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016735/bilawal-seeks-better-results-in-upcoming-ajk-elections-as-ppp-hopes-to-form-govt, 19 Jul 2026]
#9078
Consider the following statements about the digital economy initiatives in Pakistan: 1. The 3rd LCCI IT Freelancing Awards 2026 served as a platform to discuss digital skills training. 2. Punjab is the first province to launch large-scale artificial intelligence initiatives. 3. Freelancers are described as digital ambassadors who contribute to the national economy through foreign exchange. 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 event details. The LCCI awards provided the venue for the announcement, Punjab is leading in AI initiatives, and freelancers are officially recognized as digital ambassadors contributing to foreign exchange reserves. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016952/china-to-train-03m-pakistani-youths-in-digital-skills-annually-says-ahsan-iqbal, 20 Jul 2026]
#9079
Consider the following statements about the AJK election process in 2026: 1. The election process was scheduled to be conducted in three phases. 2. The PPP Chairman advocated for the suspension of internet services to ensure electoral security. 3. The party proposed that AJK should have representation in Pakistan's decision-making bodies on an observer basis. 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 elections were held in three phases. Statement 3 is correct as the PPP proposed observer-based representation. Statement 2 is incorrect because the PPP Chairman actually criticized the suspension of internet services as 'oppressive'. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017539/ppp-chairman-calls-upcoming-ajk-elections-most-significant-in-history, 22 Jul 2026]
#9080
Arrange the following events in chronological order based on their reported status or impact as of August 8, 2026:
(a) 1-2-3-4
(b) 4-3-2-1
(c) 2-1-4-3
(d) 3-4-1-2
Explanation: Chronological order is determined by the sequencing of the actions/impacts described: The postponement of AJK elections (3) was reported, followed by the approval of civil awards (4), the emergence of Typhoon Dolphin's impact (1), and the finalization of the leadership pledge between the Senate and NA (2) on the same date. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40433957/poonch-palandri-elections-postponed-in-7-constituencies]