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.
#12721
According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department, the westerly wave was expected to persist in the upper parts of the country until which date in April 2026?
(a) April 17
(b) April 18
(c) April 19
(d) April 20
Explanation: The PMD press release stated that the westerly wave would approach northwestern parts on April 16 and persist in the upper regions until April 19. April 19 is the final day of the forecasted weather system. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1991385/pmd-predicts-rainfall-in-upper-parts-of-country-from-april-16-to-19, 13 Apr 2026]
#12722
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]
#12723
In which two Afghan locations did Pakistani forces conduct precision airstrikes on March 16, 2026?
(a) Kandahar and Herat
(b) Kabul and Nangarhar
(c) Helmand and Ghazni
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Pakistani government confirmed that military installations in Kabul and Nangarhar were the specific targets of the airstrikes. Kandahar and Herat were not mentioned as locations for this specific operation. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1982625/pakistani-forces-strike-afghan-talibans-military-installations-in-kabul-nangarhar-security-sources, 16 Mar 2026]
#12724
What is the primary stated objective of the Pakistani military deployment to Saudi Arabia in 2026?
(a) To enhance joint military coordination and operational readiness
(b) To establish a permanent naval blockade in the Persian Gulf
(c) To conduct offensive operations against regional adversaries
(d) To oversee the extraction of Saudi oil reserves
Explanation: The deployment is intended to strengthen the joint defence cooperation agreement and improve operational readiness between the two armed forces. It is explicitly not intended for offensive combat operations. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1990849/pakistan-sends-military-force-fighter-jets-to-saudi-arabia, 11 Apr 2026]
#12725
In the context of the April 2026 weather advisory, what specific weather phenomenon was expected in the upper parts of Sindh from April 16 to 18?
(a) Heavy snowfall
(b) Dust-raising winds
(c) Cyclonic rainfall
(d) Persistent fog
Explanation: The PMD forecast for upper Sindh specifically mentioned windstorms or dust-raising winds for the period of April 16 to 18. Snowfall was restricted to the mountainous regions of the north. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1991385/pmd-predicts-rainfall-in-upper-parts-of-country-from-april-16-to-19, 13 Apr 2026]
#12726
Consider the following statements about the weather advisory issued in April 2026: 1. The westerly wave was expected to bring snowfall over the mountains in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan. 2. The PMD advised farmers to manage their crops due to the risk of damage from hailstorms and windstorms. 3. Tourists were encouraged to visit the northern areas to witness the weather system's impact. 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 PMD's specific warnings regarding snowfall and crop management. Statement 3 is incorrect because the PMD explicitly urged tourists to remain cautious and avoid unnecessary traveling during the forecast period. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1991385/pmd-predicts-rainfall-in-upper-parts-of-country-from-april-16-to-19, 13 Apr 2026]
#12727
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]
#12728
Consider the following statements about the security operations conducted on March 16, 2026: 1. The strikes were a response to unprovoked firing from across the border. 2. The operation targeted logistics and technical infrastructure used by terror proxies. 3. The Pakistani government admitted to significant collateral damage in residential areas of Kabul. 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 official government account of the operation's purpose and targets. Statement 3 is incorrect because the government explicitly stated that the operation was precise and carefully undertaken to ensure no collateral damage occurred. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1982625/pakistani-forces-strike-afghan-talibans-military-installations-in-kabul-nangarhar-security-sources, 16 Mar 2026]
#12729
At which Saudi Arabian facility did the Pakistani military force and fighter jets arrive in April 2026?
(a) King Khalid Military City
(b) King Abdulaziz Air Base
(c) Prince Sultan Air Base
(d) King Fahd Air Base
Explanation: The Saudi defence ministry confirmed the arrival of Pakistani assets at the King Abdulaziz Air Base in the eastern province. Other options represent major Saudi military installations but were not the site of this specific deployment. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1990849/pakistan-sends-military-force-fighter-jets-to-saudi-arabia, 11 Apr 2026]
#12730
Consider the following statements about the diplomatic developments in April 2026: 1. The ceasefire between the US and Iran is scheduled to expire on April 22, 2026. 2. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif briefed President Asif Ali Zardari on his upcoming visits to Saudi Arabia and Turkiye. 3. The US and Iran have not engaged in any direct dialogue since 1979 prior to the 2026 Islamabad talks. 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 based on the report. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Islamabad talks marked the highest engagement since 1979, but it does not imply that no other form of dialogue occurred in the intervening decades. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1991712/trump-says-us-iran-talks-could-resume-over-the-next-two-days-were-more-inclined-to-go-to-pakistan, 14 Apr 2026]
#12731
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]
#12732
What was the record voter turnout recorded during the 2026 Hungarian parliamentary elections?
(a) 77.8 percent
(b) 72.5 percent
(c) 67.0 percent
(d) 82.1 percent
Explanation: The election saw a record turnout of 77.8 percent at 6:30 pm local time. This high participation reflects the intense public interest in the contest between Orban and Magyar. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1991135/viktor-orban-concedes-painful-defeat-to-conservative-peter-magyar-in-hungary-polls, 12 Apr 2026]
#12733
Which organization issued a statement on April 12, 2026, declaring that military vessels approaching the Strait of Hormuz would be considered a breach of the ceasefire?
(a) Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps
(b) United States Central Command
(c) International Maritime Organization
(d) None of these
Explanation: The IRGC issued the warning following the US announcement of a blockade. The other options are either international bodies or US military commands not responsible for this specific Iranian policy statement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1991096/after-trumps-blockade-announcement-irgc-says-will-view-military-vessels-approaching-hormuz-as-ceasefire-breach, 12 Apr 2026]
#12734
Which of the following statements regarding the April 2026 Al-Aqsa incursion is INCORRECT?
(a) The incursion was carried out under heavy police protection.
(b) The event occurred without prior public announcement.
(c) The site is considered the third-holiest for Muslims.
(d) The minister received explicit international support for the visit.
Explanation: The incursion faced widespread international, Arab, and Islamic condemnation rather than support. The other statements accurately reflect the circumstances of the event. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1991141/israeli-minister-storms-al-aqsa-mosque-again-amid-restrictions-on-worshippers, 12 Apr 2026]
#12735
Which religious site in East Jerusalem was subjected to closure for 40 days prior to the events of April 2026?
(a) The Western Wall
(b) The Church of the Holy Sepulchre
(c) The Dome of the Rock
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Church of the Holy Sepulchre was closed for 40 days due to security concerns cited by Israeli officials. The Dome of the Rock is located within the Al-Aqsa compound, not a separate site closed for that duration. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1991141/israeli-minister-storms-al-aqsa-mosque-again-amid-restrictions-on-worshippers, 12 Apr 2026]
#12736
Which of the following statements regarding the 2026 military operations in Kandahar is INCORRECT?
(a) The strikes were conducted with the primary objective of targeting civilian population centers.
(b) The operation was launched following unprovoked firing from across the border.
(c) The strikes targeted military infrastructure and equipment storage facilities.
(d) The operation involved the use of both air strikes and ground-based weapons.
Explanation: The Pakistani government explicitly stated that no civilian population or infrastructure was targeted, refuting claims of civilian harm. Therefore, the statement that the primary objective was to target civilians is false. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1982323/overnight-strikes-in-afghanistans-kandahar-target-terrorist-hideouts-and-military-infrastructure-says-state-media, 15 Mar 2026]
#12737
Consider the following statements about the military actions reported on March 15, 2026: 1. The strikes targeted technical support infrastructure used by the Afghan Taliban. 2. Information Minister Attaullah Tarar confirmed the military action and shared footage of the strikes. 3. The operation was limited exclusively to air strikes with no ground-based involvement. 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. Statement 3 is incorrect because the operation also involved ground-based forces, such as the destruction of the Badini Post using light and heavy weapons. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1982323/overnight-strikes-in-afghanistans-kandahar-target-terrorist-hideouts-and-military-infrastructure-says-state-media, 15 Mar 2026]
#12738
Where did US President Donald Trump speak to reporters regarding the upcoming Iran talks on April 10, 2026?
(a) The White House
(b) Joint Base Andrews
(c) Camp David
(d) The Pentagon
Explanation: President Trump spoke to reporters at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, before boarding Air Force One. The White House and Pentagon are common locations for presidential briefings but were not the site of this specific event. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1990730/us-president-trump-projects-cautious-optimism-ahead-of-iran-talks, 11 Apr 2026]
#12739
In which ocean did the Artemis II capsule splash down upon its return to Earth on April 11, 2026?
(a) Atlantic Ocean
(b) Pacific Ocean
(c) Indian Ocean
(d) Arctic Ocean
Explanation: The Orion capsule successfully splashed down in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Southern California. The other oceans listed were not the site of this recovery operation. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1990741/artemis-ii-astronauts-safely-back-on-earth-after-historic-trip-around-moon, 11 Apr 2026]
#12740
Who led the Iranian delegation that arrived in Islamabad for the 2026 talks?
(a) Abbas Araghchi
(b) Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf
(c) Ali Khamenei
(d) None of these
Explanation: Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, the Speaker of the Iranian Parliament, led the delegation to Islamabad. Abbas Araghchi was part of the delegation as the Foreign Minister, but he was not the head of the delegation. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1990461/vance-en-route-iranian-delegation-touches-down-for-islamabad-talks, 10 Apr 2026]