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.
#9201
Consider the following statements about the energy sector reforms discussed on 28 July 2026: 1. The government aims to increase strategic petroleum reserves to mitigate supply shocks. 2. The Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (Ogra) is slated for performance-related reforms. 3. The federal budget for FY24-25 provided full, uninterrupted support for the 2023 refining policy. 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 correct as they reflect the PM's directives. Statement 3 is incorrect because the federal budget for FY24-25 actually nullified many incentives in the 2023 policy, causing refineries to pause their projects. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018968/pm-orders-increase-in-countrys-strategic-petroleum-reserves-changes-to-oil-refining-policy-approved, 28 Jul 2026]
#9202
Consider the following statements regarding policy and governance developments in Pakistan as of August 5, 2026:
(a) Only 1 and 2 are correct
(b) Only 2 and 3 are correct
(c) Only 1 and 3 are correct
(d) 1, 2, and 3 are correct
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect because the planned restructuring involves unbundling the two existing gas utilities into five entities, not five companies into two. Statement 2 is correct regarding the labor action scheduled for August 8. Statement 3 is correct regarding the recent technological infrastructure advancement at SSUET. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40433353/goods-transporters-say-will-observe-strike-from-8th]
#9203
Which of the following statements regarding the 2026 LHC ruling on dower is INCORRECT?
(a) The court ruled that dower is a proprietary right arising from the marriage contract.
(b) The court clarified that family courts cannot routinely convert cruelty-based suits into Khula without informed consent.
(c) The court stated that a wife's credible testimony regarding cruelty requires corroboration by medical certificates.
(d) The court maintained that dissolution of marriage and the right to dower are separate legal rights.
Explanation: The court explicitly ruled that a wife's credible testimony does not require medical certificates or police reports to be acted upon by a family court, making the incorrect statement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017050/wifes-right-to-dower-remains-protected-if-marriage-dissolved-due-to-husbands-misconduct-lhc, 20 Jul 2026]
#9204
Consider the following statements about the 2026 LHC ruling on dower rights: 1. The ruling was issued in response to a petition challenging a family court decision in Toba Tek Singh. 2. The court held that dower can be reduced or apportioned at the discretion of the family court in all dissolution cases. 3. The ruling highlights the legal confusion caused by the Federal Shariat Court striking down sub-sections (5) and (6) of Section 10 of the Family Courts Act, 1964. 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 2 is incorrect because the court ruled that dower cannot be reduced or apportioned without a specific legal finding, rejecting the idea that it is at the court's discretion. Statements 1 and 3 accurately reflect the case background and the legal context provided in the ruling. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017050/wifes-right-to-dower-remains-protected-if-marriage-dissolved-due-to-husbands-misconduct-lhc, 20 Jul 2026]
#9205
Which specific agency in Bahrain was responsible for the arrest of the six individuals on March 10, 2026?
(a) National Intelligence Agency
(b) Border Control Authority
(c) Public Security Force
(d) Anti-Cyber Crime Directorate
Explanation: The Bahraini interior ministry confirmed that the Anti-Cyber Crime Directorate conducted the arrests. This agency is tasked with monitoring digital platforms for content that threatens national security. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980603/bahrain-authorities-arrest-6-asians-including-5-pakistanis-for-allegedly-filming-sharing-videos-of-irans-attacks, 10 Mar 2026]
#9206
Consider the following statements about the security situation in Bahrain as of March 10, 2026: 1. The Bahraini interior ministry has warned that photographing vital facilities is considered an act of complicity in aggression. 2. The arrests were limited exclusively to Pakistani nationals. 3. The government has urged the public to rely solely on official sources for information during the ongoing regional conflict. 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 ministry explicitly warned against photographing vital sites. Statement 2 is incorrect because the group included a Bangladeshi national in addition to five Pakistanis. Statement 3 is correct as the ministry urged citizens to use official sources to avoid legal accountability. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980603/bahrain-authorities-arrest-6-asians-including-5-pakistanis-for-allegedly-filming-sharing-videos-of-irans-attacks, 10 Mar 2026]
#9207
On May 14, 2026, where did the PPP Chairman chair a parliamentary party meeting?
(a) Aiwan-i-Sadr
(b) Parliament House
(c) Prime Minister House
(d) None of these
Explanation: Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari held the parliamentary party meeting at the Parliament House in Islamabad on May 14, 2026. Aiwan-i-Sadr is the official residence of the President and was not the venue for this specific party meeting. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2000262/govt-has-not-contacted-ppp-over-any-constitutional-amendment-bilawal, 14 May 2026]
#9208
The Passports (Amendment) Bill, 2026, discussed in the committee meeting, proposed extending blue passport eligibility to children of senators up to what age?
(a) 28 years
(b) 25 years
(c) 21 years
(d) 30 years
Explanation: The proposed amendment seeks to extend the eligibility for blue passports to the children of senators up to the age of 28. This proposal has faced criticism from the government due to concerns over potential misuse. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1999979/pti-defends-mna-iqbal-afridis-son-over-asylum-move-assails-govts-oppression, 13 May 2026]
#9209
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]
#9210
Analyze the following statements regarding contemporary governance and economic challenges reported on 08 August 2026:
(a) Only 1 and 2 are correct
(b) Only 2 and 3 are correct
(c) Only 1 and 3 are correct
(d) 1, 2, and 3 are correct
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect because the Bank of Punjab President advocates for 'Welfare GDP' to address microeconomic prosperity, not to replace the Sensitive Price Index for inflation tracking. Statement 2 correctly reflects the KP Assembly's legislative activity regarding the amendment of laws on lawmakers' privileges. Statement 3 accurately reflects the bilateral nature of diplomatic engagements seeking to improve agriculture and education sectors between Pakistan and New Zealand. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2021413/kp-amends-controversial-law-on-lawmakers-privileges]
#9211
Which of the following sequences correctly arranges the reported dates for the highlighted events occurring during the first week of August 2026?
(a) 1. Monsoon Rains (Aug 5); 2. Goods Transporters Strike (Aug 8); 3. Broad Peak Avalanche (Aug 5); 4. Pakistan-US Dialogue (Aug 5)
(b) 1. Goods Transporters Strike (Aug 8); 2. Monsoon Rains (Aug 5); 3. Pakistan-US Dialogue (Aug 5); 4. Broad Peak Avalanche (Aug 5)
(c) 1. Monsoon Rains (Aug 5); 2. Broad Peak Avalanche (Aug 5); 3. Pakistan-US Dialogue (Aug 5); 4. Goods Transporters Strike (Aug 8)
(d) 1. Pakistan-US Dialogue (Aug 5); 2. Goods Transporters Strike (Aug 8); 3. Monsoon Rains (Aug 5); 4. Broad Peak Avalanche (Aug 5)
Explanation: Events are chronologically evaluated based on their scheduled or reported dates: monsoon rains, the Broad Peak avalanche, and the US-Pakistan counter-terrorism dialogue all occurred or were reported on August 5, 2026, while the goods transporters' strike is scheduled for August 8, 2026. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40433365/sindh-and-punjab-5-killed-16-hurt-in-rain-related-incidents]
#9212
Who is the current Law Minister of Pakistan as of May 2026?
(a) Rana Sanaullah
(b) Azam Nazeer Tarar
(c) Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari
(d) None of these
Explanation: Azam Nazeer Tarar serves as the Law Minister and has been the primary spokesperson regarding the government's stance on potential constitutional amendments. Rana Sanaullah is an adviser to the Prime Minister, not the Law Minister. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2000722/law-minister-tarar-sees-no-indication-of-28th-amendment-for-now, 16 May 2026]
#9213
Consider the following statements about the legislative process in Pakistan: 1. Constitutional amendments require a consensus among coalition partners to be successfully introduced. 2. The 18th Amendment is cited as a historical example of successful consensus-based legislation. 3. The PPP has expressed that it was fully consulted by the government regarding the 28th Amendment prior to May 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: Statements 1 and 2 are correct as they reflect the government's stated policy and historical context. Statement 3 is incorrect because the PPP leadership explicitly stated they had not been contacted by the government regarding any constitutional amendment. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2000722/law-minister-tarar-sees-no-indication-of-28th-amendment-for-now, 16 May 2026]
#9214
Which of the following statements regarding the Defence Minister's remarks on May 18, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) He claimed that the Indus Waters Treaty cannot be suspended unilaterally.
(b) He stated that Pakistan's armed forces gave a devastating response to India last year.
(c) He confirmed that the 28th constitutional amendment had been tabled before the cabinet.
(d) He criticized the remarks made by the Indian Army Chief.
Explanation: The Defence Minister explicitly rejected the impression that the 28th constitutional amendment had been tabled, making option C the incorrect statement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2001298/india-will-be-relegated-to-history-if-it-attempts-misadventure-against-pakistan, 18 May 2026]
#9215
The Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) between Pakistan and India has been in place for how many years as of 2026?
(a) 66 years
(b) 60 years
(c) 50 years
(d) 70 years
Explanation: The Indus Waters Treaty has been in effect for 66 years. It remains a foundational document for water-sharing between the two nations. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2001298/india-will-be-relegated-to-history-if-it-attempts-misadventure-against-pakistan, 18 May 2026]
#9216
Who is the current Defence Minister of Pakistan as of May 18, 2026?
(a) Azam Nazir Tarar
(b) Khawaja Muhammad Asif
(c) Upendra Dwivedi
(d) None of these
Explanation: Khawaja Muhammad Asif is the serving Defence Minister of Pakistan. Azam Nazir Tarar is the Law Minister, and Upendra Dwivedi is the Indian Army Chief. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2001298/india-will-be-relegated-to-history-if-it-attempts-misadventure-against-pakistan, 18 May 2026]
#9217
Consider the following statements about the political discourse in Gilgit-Baltistan as of June 2026: 1. The PPP claims that the establishment of the GB assembly and the office of the Chief Minister was facilitated by President Asif Ali Zardari. 2. Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari expressed concern that competing parties might reverse legislation regarding land ownership if they secure a majority. 3. The PPP manifesto for the region focuses exclusively on urban infrastructure development in Gilgit city. 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 report attributes the regional assembly and identity to Asif Ali Zardari. Statement 2 is correct as Bilawal warned that other parties might tear up land legislation. Statement 3 is incorrect because the party's focus is broader, including land ownership and employment across the entire region, not just urban infrastructure in Gilgit. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2005196/at-ghizer-rally-bilawal-urges-voters-to-give-ppp-heavy-mandate-to-safeguard-regions-rights, 04 Jun 2026]
#9218
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]
#9219
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]
#9220
Consider the following statements regarding the governance and security developments reported on August 10, 2026: 1. The Islamabad High Court has sought clarification on the constitutional implications of pending executive advice regarding judicial appointments. 2. The Government of Pakistan has characterized the new Makkah Joint Defence Agreement as an offensive security framework aimed at regional hegemony. 3. Intelligence-based operations in Panjgur represent a shift in the security landscape of Balochistan towards more precise counter-terrorism measures. Which of the above statements are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, and 3
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct as the IHC is examining the constitutional implications of pending PM advice on judicial appointments. Statement 2 is incorrect because Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif explicitly stated the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement is defensive in nature, not for aggression. Statement 3 is correct as intelligence-based operations in Balochistan reflect the evolving security strategy described in the report. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2021893/delay-in-judicial-appointments-ihc-tells-govt-to-explain-consequences-of-keeping-pms-advice-pending]