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.
#9121
Who presented the Child Marriage Restraint Bill 2026 in the Punjab Assembly?
(a) Mujtaba Shujaur Rehman
(b) Azma Bokhari
(c) Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan
(d) Ejaz Augustine
Explanation: Mujtaba Shujaur Rehman, serving as the Punjab Parliamentary Affairs Minister, formally presented the bill to the assembly. While Azma Bokhari participated in the debate and Ejaz Augustine moved an amendment, Rehman was the minister responsible for the bill's introduction. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1995556/punjab-assembly-passes-bill-setting-minimum-marriage-age-at-18-for-both-males-and-females, 27 Apr 2026]
#9122
Consider the following statements about the Child Marriage Restraint Bill 2026: 1. The bill was passed by the Punjab Assembly on April 27, 2026. 2. The legislation includes a provision that no child should be treated as an offender merely for being a contracting party to a child marriage. 3. The Federal Shariat Court has previously endorsed similar legislation passed by the Sindh Assembly. 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 legislative proceedings and the context provided. The bill was passed on the date mentioned, the amendment regarding the child's status as a non-offender was included, and the Federal Shariat Court's stance on the Sindh legislation was cited during the debate. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1995556/punjab-assembly-passes-bill-setting-minimum-marriage-age-at-18-for-both-males-and-females, 27 Apr 2026]
#9123
Which of the following statements regarding the Child Marriage Restraint Bill 2026 is INCORRECT?
(a) It sets the minimum marriage age at 18 for both males and females.
(b) It declares underage marriage a non-bailable offence.
(c) It allows individuals under 18 to marry with court permission.
(d) It mandates that the best interests of the child be a primary consideration.
Explanation: The bill does not contain a provision allowing marriage under 18 with court permission; in fact, the proposal for such an exception was explicitly opposed by ministers during the debate. The other statements accurately reflect the provisions of the passed legislation. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1995556/punjab-assembly-passes-bill-setting-minimum-marriage-age-at-18-for-both-males-and-females, 27 Apr 2026]
#9124
Who chaired the Punjab Assembly's Standing Committee meeting that approved the Child Marriage Restraint Bill 2026 on April 13, 2026?
(a) Amjad Mahmood
(b) Zulfiqar Shah
(c) Saleem Haider
(d) Pir Ashraf Rasool
Explanation: PML-N MPA Pir Ashraf Rasool chaired the committee meeting. While Zulfiqar Shah was a member who expressed opposition, Saleem Haider is the Governor who promulgated the initial ordinance. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1991404/punjab-assembly-panel-approves-bill-setting-minimum-marriage-age-at-18-for-both-males-and-females, 13 Apr 2026]
#9125
Which of the following statements regarding the provisions of the Child Marriage Restraint Bill 2026 is INCORRECT?
(a) It proposes a fine of Rs100,000 for nikah khawans who register child marriages.
(b) It allows for exceptions to the age limit based on the socio-economic status of the parents.
(c) It classifies cohabitation resulting from a child marriage as child abuse.
(d) It holds guardians accountable for failing to prevent underage marriages.
Explanation: The bill does not include exceptions for socio-economic status; committee members explicitly rejected such suggestions, fearing they would lead to the misuse of the law. The other options accurately reflect the punitive measures outlined in the bill. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1991404/punjab-assembly-panel-approves-bill-setting-minimum-marriage-age-at-18-for-both-males-and-females, 13 Apr 2026]
#9126
Under the Child Marriage Restraint Bill 2026, what is the maximum term of imprisonment proposed for adults contracting a marriage with a child?
(a) One year
(b) Five years
(c) Three years
(d) Seven years
Explanation: The bill stipulates that adults contracting marriage with a child face rigorous imprisonment of up to three years, but not less than two years. Other penalties, such as five to seven years, apply specifically to cohabitation classified as child abuse. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1991404/punjab-assembly-panel-approves-bill-setting-minimum-marriage-age-at-18-for-both-males-and-females, 13 Apr 2026]
#9127
What is the minimum legal age for marriage for both males and females as proposed in the Child Marriage Restraint Bill 2026 in Punjab?
(a) 16 years
(b) 18 years
(c) 21 years
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Child Marriage Restraint Bill 2026 standardizes the minimum age of marriage at 18 years for both genders. This replaces the previous legal framework that permitted marriage for women at 16 years of age. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1991404/punjab-assembly-panel-approves-bill-setting-minimum-marriage-age-at-18-for-both-males-and-females, 13 Apr 2026]
#9128
Consider the following statements about the Child Marriage Restraint Bill 2026: 1. The bill aims to remove gender-based discrimination by setting a uniform marriage age. 2. The Punjab local government secretary has been directed to prepare the final draft of the rules within 60 days. 3. The bill was passed by the Standing Committee on Local Government and Community Development without any opposition from its members. 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 the bill seeks to eliminate gender disparity and mandates the preparation of rules within 60 days. Statement 3 is incorrect because committee members Pir Ashraf Rasool and Zulfiqar Shah explicitly opposed the bill. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1991404/punjab-assembly-panel-approves-bill-setting-minimum-marriage-age-at-18-for-both-males-and-females, 13 Apr 2026]
#9129
Consider the following statements about the energy conservation measures announced in April 2026: 1. The federal government decided that markets in provinces other than Sindh should close by 8:00 PM. 2. The Sindh government notification applies to both weekdays and weekends. 3. The austerity measures were triggered by the global fuel crisis resulting from the US-Israel war on Iran. 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 factually accurate based on the government's policy announcements. The federal directive specifically excluded Sindh initially, the Sindh notification covers the entire week, and the geopolitical cause of the fuel crisis is correctly identified. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1990483/sindh-implements-austerity-measures-notifies-early-market-closure-among-other-steps, 10 Apr 2026]
#9130
What is the permitted operating window for restaurants and food outlets in Sindh under the 2026 austerity notification?
(a) 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM
(b) 7:00 PM to 11:30 PM
(c) 8:00 PM to 12:00 AM
(d) None of these
Explanation: The notification allows restaurants and food outlets to operate for dinner services between 7:00 PM and 11:30 PM. Takeaway and home delivery services are permitted to continue without these specific time restrictions. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1990483/sindh-implements-austerity-measures-notifies-early-market-closure-among-other-steps, 10 Apr 2026]
#9131
Consider the following statements about the 2026 energy conservation policy: 1. The policy mandates that marriage halls and marquees must close by 10:00 PM. 2. The federal government has introduced a digital wallet subsidy initiative to assist with fuel costs. 3. The policy was implemented without any consultation with provincial chief 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: Statements 1 and 2 are correct as they align with the government's announced measures. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Prime Minister explicitly expressed gratitude to the chief ministers of the provinces for reaching a consensus on the matter. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1989178/markets-malls-to-close-at-8pm-across-country-except-sindh-to-conserve-energy, 06 Apr 2026]
#9132
Consider the following statements about the 2026 USCIRF findings regarding India: 1. The commission alleges that India has engaged in transnational repression targeting religious minorities abroad. 2. The report claims that violence against religious minorities in India has become increasingly episodic rather than normalized. 3. Proposed amendments to the FCRA could allow the Indian government to take over assets of NGOs that lose their foreign funding licenses. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) All three
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct regarding transnational repression. Statement 2 is incorrect because the report states that violence is becoming 'less episodic' and 'more normalized.' Statement 3 is correct regarding the potential impact of FCRA amendments. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1998729/us-religious-freedom-commission-calls-for-india-to-be-listed-as-country-of-particular-concern, 08 May 2026]
#9133
To which High Court was Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani transferred in the notification issued on April 29, 2026?
(a) Lahore High Court
(b) Peshawar High Court
(c) Sindh High Court
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Ministry of Law and Justice notified the transfer of Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani to the Lahore High Court. The other options represent different High Courts to which other judges were transferred. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1996098/law-ministry-notifies-transfer-of-3-ihc-judges-to-other-high-courts, 29 Apr 2026]
#9134
Consider the following statements about the recent judicial transfers in April 2026: 1. The Islamabad Bar Council expressed concerns regarding the lack of transparency and uniform criteria in the transfer process. 2. The transferred judges were among those who previously reported alleged intelligence interference in judicial affairs. 3. Refusal to accept a transfer under the current constitutional framework may lead to proceedings under Article 209. 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 of April 2026. The IBC criticized the process, the judges had a history of reporting interference, and the law now stipulates potential Article 209 proceedings for non-compliance. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1996098/law-ministry-notifies-transfer-of-3-ihc-judges-to-other-high-courts, 29 Apr 2026]
#9135
Which of the following statements regarding the FTO ruling on July 21, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The FTO held that the FBR is duty-bound to provide a functional interface for taxpayers.
(b) The complainant was a salaried individual serving as a director in a private limited company.
(c) The FBR successfully argued that software limitations are a valid legal defense against tax credit claims.
(d) The FTO found that the department's silence on the matter constituted maladministration.
Explanation: The FTO explicitly rejected the FBR's attempt to use software limitations as a shield. Therefore, the statement that the FBR successfully used this as a legal defense is false. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017155/fbr-cannot-hide-behind-software-limitations-federal-tax-ombudsman, 21 Jul 2026]
#9136
Under which specific Indian legislation were Asiya Andrabi and her associates sentenced in 2026?
(a) Public Safety Act
(b) National Security Act
(c) Armed Forces Special Powers Act
(d) Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act
Explanation: The court utilized the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) to prosecute and sentence the individuals. The other acts listed are different legal frameworks used in India for security and detention purposes. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1985165/fo-condemns-harsh-sentences-awarded-to-kashmiri-leader-asiya-andrabi-associates-by-delhi-court, 25 Mar 2026]
#9137
In the 2026 ruling regarding dower rights, which High Court clarified that a wife's right to dower is protected if the marriage is dissolved due to the husband's misconduct?
(a) Islamabad High Court
(b) Lahore High Court
(c) Sindh High Court
(d) Peshawar High Court
Explanation: The Lahore High Court (LHC) issued this ruling on July 20, 2026, through Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani. The ruling specifically addresses the protection of dower as a proprietary right in cases of marital dissolution. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017050/wifes-right-to-dower-remains-protected-if-marriage-dissolved-due-to-husbands-misconduct-lhc, 20 Jul 2026]
#9138
Consider the following statements about the legislative and diplomatic context of the 2026 US push against transnational repression: 1. The legislation aims to make transnational repression a specific federal crime for the first time. 2. The bill grants the FBI expanded authority to investigate foreign efforts to suppress dissent on American soil. 3. The legislation is exclusively focused on activities conducted by non-state actors and private intelligence firms. 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 the bill targets foreign government-led repression and expands federal investigative powers. Statement 3 is incorrect because the legislation specifically targets efforts by foreign governments, not just non-state actors. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017401/india-scrutiny-fuels-us-push-to-criminalise-foreign-repression, 22 Jul 2026]
#9139
Which US government entity is tasked with a strengthened role in pursuing cases of transnational repression under the proposed 2026 legislation?
(a) Department of Homeland Security
(b) Central Intelligence Agency
(c) National Security Division of the Justice Department
(d) None of these
Explanation: The bill specifically empowers the US Justice Department’s National Security Division and the Assistant Attorney General for National Security to lead the prosecution of these cases. The CIA is an intelligence agency, not a prosecutorial body. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017401/india-scrutiny-fuels-us-push-to-criminalise-foreign-repression, 22 Jul 2026]
#9140
The 'Stop Transnational Repression Act of 2026' was introduced in the United States by which of the following pairs of senators?
(a) Adam Schiff and John Curtis
(b) Chuck Schumer and Mitch McConnell
(c) Bernie Sanders and Ted Cruz
(d) None of these
Explanation: The legislation was sponsored by Democratic Senator Adam Schiff and Republican Senator John Curtis to address foreign government intimidation on US soil. Other pairs listed are prominent political figures but were not the sponsors of this specific bill. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017401/india-scrutiny-fuels-us-push-to-criminalise-foreign-repression, 22 Jul 2026]