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.
#9221
Consider the following statements about the Supreme Court's 2026 ruling on acid violence: 1. The court observed that acid violence is a tool of patriarchal dominance used to inflict social death. 2. The ruling suggests that penal sanctions alone are sufficient to eradicate the problem of acid attacks. 3. The court recommended that the sale of acid be prohibited to individuals under the age of 18. 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 explicitly stated that penal sanctions alone are insufficient to address the root of the problem. Statements 1 and 3 accurately reflect the court's observations on patriarchal violence and the regulatory measures cited from the Punjab Acid Control Act 2025. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2006139/acid-attack-more-heinous-than-homicide-tool-of-patriarchal-violence-sc, 08 Jun 2026]
#9222
Who is the current IT Minister responsible for tabling the Pakistan Telecommunication (Re-organisation) (Amendment) Bill 2026?
(a) Syed Amin Ul Haque
(b) Anusha Rahman
(c) Shaza Fatima Khawaja
(d) Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui
Explanation: Shaza Fatima Khawaja is the IT Minister who tabled the bill in the National Assembly. The other individuals listed are former ministers or political figures associated with the sector but not the current minister responsible for this specific bill. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2009478/it-ministry-clarifies-proposed-telecom-law-amendments-do-not-mandate-acquisition-of-private-land, 20 Jun 2026]
#9223
Under which legal framework was the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) proscribed by the AJK government in June 2026?
(a) National Security Act
(b) Public Order Ordinance
(c) Political Parties Order
(d) Anti-Terrorism Act
Explanation: The AJK government declared the JAAC a proscribed organization and placed it under the First Schedule of the region's anti-terrorism act. This action preceded the crackdown on the committee's leadership. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2010065/kashmir-parliamentary-committee-chairman-requests-meeting-with-achakzai-to-discuss-ajk-situation, 22 Jun 2026]
#9224
The Pakistan Telecommunication (Re-organisation) (Amendment) Bill 2026 was approved by the National Assembly on which date?
(a) June 11, 2026
(b) June 15, 2026
(c) June 20, 2026
(d) None of these
Explanation: The National Assembly approved the bill on June 11, 2026. It was subsequently referred to the Senate Standing Committee on June 15, 2026. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2009478/it-ministry-clarifies-proposed-telecom-law-amendments-do-not-mandate-acquisition-of-private-land, 20 Jun 2026]
#9225
Consider the following statements about the Pakistan Telecommunication (Re-organisation) (Amendment) Bill 2026: 1. The bill authorizes telecom operators to enter private property without owner permission. 2. The bill mandates that infrastructure must be returned to its original shape after installation. 3. The bill is currently pending before the Senate Standing Committee on IT and Telecommunication. 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 false because the ministry explicitly clarified that the bill does not permit entry without permission or due legal process. Statements 2 and 3 are factually correct as per the ministry's statement and the legislative status of the bill. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2009478/it-ministry-clarifies-proposed-telecom-law-amendments-do-not-mandate-acquisition-of-private-land, 20 Jun 2026]
#9226
Who is the current Chairman of the National Assembly’s Parliamentary Committee on Kashmir as of June 2026?
(a) Khawaja Asif
(b) Rana Muhammad Qasim Noon
(c) Mahmood Khan Achakzai
(d) None of these
Explanation: Rana Muhammad Qasim Noon serves as the Chairman of the National Assembly’s Parliamentary Committee on Kashmir. Khawaja Asif is the Defence Minister, and Mahmood Khan Achakzai is the Leader of the Opposition. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2010065/kashmir-parliamentary-committee-chairman-requests-meeting-with-achakzai-to-discuss-ajk-situation, 22 Jun 2026]
#9227
Which official granted assent to the KP Provincial Assembly (Powers, Immunities and Privileges) Act, 2026, on May 6, 2026?
(a) Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
(b) Speaker of the KP Assembly
(c) Governor of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
(d) None of these
Explanation: The KP Provincial Assembly (Powers, Immunities and Privileges) Act, 2026, received formal assent from the Governor of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Faisal Karim Kundi, on May 6, 2026. The Chief Minister and Speaker are involved in the legislative process, but the final constitutional assent rests with the Governor. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2013628/kp-govt-enacts-law-granting-lawmakers-lifetime-official-passports-expanding-privileges, 07 Jul 2026]
#9228
Consider the following statements about the JCP interview committees: 1. The committees were formed to vet candidates for additional judge positions in four high courts. 2. The proposal to form a seven-member committee was originally suggested by Senator Farooq Hamid Naek. 3. The committees are tasked with interviewing candidates nominated until July 4, 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 JCP notification and the internal deliberations of the Rule-Making Committee. The committees cover four high courts, follow the proposal of Senator Naek, and have a deadline of July 4, 2026. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2012237/no-supreme-court-judge-in-jcp-panels-for-vetting-high-court-judges, 01 Jul 2026]
#9229
Which of the following is NOT a provision included in the KP Provincial Assembly (Powers, Immunities and Privileges) Act, 2026?
(a) Issuance of lifetime official passports to members and their spouses
(b) Requirement for the Speaker's prior permission before arresting a member on a criminal charge
(c) Mandatory life imprisonment for officers who fail to attend member-summoned meetings
(d) Blanket immunity from preventive detention for all members
Explanation: While the Act mandates that officers attend meetings and classifies failure to do so as a breach of privilege, it does not prescribe life imprisonment for such an act. The other three options are accurate descriptions of the privileges granted under the new legislation. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2013628/kp-govt-enacts-law-granting-lawmakers-lifetime-official-passports-expanding-privileges, 07 Jul 2026]
#9230
Under the KP Provincial Assembly (Powers, Immunities and Privileges) Act, 2026, what is the consequence for a government officer who fails to attend a meeting summoned by an MPA without sufficient cause?
(a) Immediate termination from service
(b) Deemed to have committed a breach of privilege
(c) Mandatory fine of one million rupees
(d) Suspension of salary for six months
Explanation: Section 8(3) of the Act explicitly states that any government officer who fails to attend a meeting summoned by a member without sufficient cause shall be deemed to have committed a breach of privilege. This provision is designed to ensure the attendance of officials at constituency-level meetings. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2013628/kp-govt-enacts-law-granting-lawmakers-lifetime-official-passports-expanding-privileges, 07 Jul 2026]
#9231
Consider the following statements about the KP Provincial Assembly (Powers, Immunities and Privileges) Act, 2026: 1. It grants members immunity from preventive detention only during assembly sessions. 2. It requires authorities to seek the Speaker's permission before arresting a member on a criminal charge. 3. It allows the Speaker to order an inquiry before a police challan is submitted to the court. 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 Act provides blanket immunity from preventive detention, not just during sessions. Statements 2 and 3 are correct as they reflect the procedural requirements for arrests and the Speaker's oversight role as defined in Sections 11(1) and 11(2) of the Act. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2013628/kp-govt-enacts-law-granting-lawmakers-lifetime-official-passports-expanding-privileges, 07 Jul 2026]
#9232
Which legislative proposal has President Donald Trump advocated for to tighten voter registration requirements ahead of the 2026 midterms?
(a) The Electoral Integrity Act
(b) The Voter Security Reform Bill
(c) The SAVE America Act
(d) The National Ballot Protection Act
Explanation: The SAVE America Act is the specific legislation promoted by Trump to mandate proof of citizenship for voter registration. Other options are plausible-sounding distractors that do not correspond to the specific bill mentioned in the context of his 2026 address. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016135/trump-revives-sweeping-election-fraud-claims-ahead-of-us-midterms-accuses-china-of-meddling, 17 Jul 2026]
#9233
The Virtual Assets Act 2026 mandates that the licensing and supervision of virtual asset activities in Pakistan are the responsibility of which body?
(a) Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan
(b) Federal Board of Revenue
(c) State Bank of Pakistan
(d) Pakistan Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority
Explanation: The Virtual Assets Act 2026 explicitly designates the PVARA as the statutory authority for the regulation and oversight of virtual assets. While the State Bank of Pakistan is involved in policy changes, the specific regulatory mandate belongs to the PVARA. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1996695/pm-shehbaz-says-regulatory-system-for-virtual-assets-should-be-operationalised-at-the-earliest, 01 May 2026]
#9234
Consider the following statements about the regulatory developments for virtual assets in Pakistan: 1. The Virtual Assets Act 2026 provides the legal basis for the PVARA to act as a statutory regulator. 2. The PVARA has introduced a regulatory sandbox to facilitate innovation in virtual asset services. 3. All pilot projects involving virtual assets are exempt from prior authorization requirements. 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 legal framework and the operational tools (regulatory sandbox) mentioned in the policy. Statement 3 is incorrect because the authority explicitly stated that any pilot involving virtual assets requires prior authorization. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1996695/pm-shehbaz-says-regulatory-system-for-virtual-assets-should-be-operationalised-at-the-earliest, 01 May 2026]
#9235
Who served as the Speaker of the Punjab Assembly during the session where the Child Marriage Restraint Bill 2026 was passed?
(a) Saleem Haider
(b) Mujtaba Shujaur Rehman
(c) Zulfiqar Ali Shah
(d) Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan
Explanation: Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan presided over the session as Speaker and directed the distribution of the bill copies to the members. Saleem Haider is the Governor of Punjab, not the Speaker. [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]
#9236
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]
#9237
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]
#9238
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]
#9239
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]
#9240
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]