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.
#12961
The petitioner in the 2026-07-28 PHC case was directed to appear before which specific body for identity verification?
(a) Federal Investigation Agency Board
(b) Ministry of Interior Review Committee
(c) NADRA Verification Board
(d) None of these
Explanation: The court explicitly directed the petitioner to appear before the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) verification board to address the suspicious status of his identity card. The other options are incorrect as they do not represent the specific administrative body tasked with this verification. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018808/phc-stops-deportation-of-man-named-quaid-i-azam-directs-him-to-appear-before-nadra-board, 28 Jul 2026]
#12962
Which medical facility received the victims of the police patrol attack in Serai Naurang on March 8, 2026?
(a) Tehsil Headquarters Hospital, Serai Naurang
(b) District Headquarters Hospital, Lakki Marwat
(c) Combined Military Hospital, Bannu
(d) Khyber Teaching Hospital, Peshawar
Explanation: The victims, including the deceased civilian and the injured police constable, were transported to the Tehsil Headquarters Hospital located in Serai Naurang town. This facility serves as the primary medical center for the immediate area where the incident occurred. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979866/civilian-killed-cop-injured-as-armed-men-open-fire-on-police-in-kps-lakki-marwat, 08 Mar 2026]
#12963
The petitioner in the 2026-07-28 PHC case claimed to be engaged in business activities in which location?
(a) Karachi and London
(b) Peshawar and Kabul
(c) Dubai and Pakistan
(d) Islamabad and Doha
Explanation: The petitioner's counsel informed the court that his client was conducting business in both Dubai and Pakistan. The other locations are incorrect as they were not mentioned in the context of the petitioner's business operations. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018808/phc-stops-deportation-of-man-named-quaid-i-azam-directs-him-to-appear-before-nadra-board, 28 Jul 2026]
#12964
Consider the following statements about the Pak-Afghan border security situation as of April 2026: 1. The Ministry of Information utilized its official fact-checking account on X to refute the claims. 2. The Afghan Defence account claimed that operations to remove the barbed wire were progressing rapidly. 3. The Ministry of Information acknowledged that the border fence had been partially removed in specific sectors to facilitate trade. 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 Ministry's report and the cited Afghan Defence account. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Ministry explicitly stated that the fence is fully intact and denied any removal. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1987562/devoid-of-facts-info-ministry-rubbishes-claims-of-barbed-wire-being-removed-along-pak-afghan-border, 01 Apr 2026]
#12965
Consider the following statements regarding the governance and political discourse in Pakistan as of August 2026: 1. The creation of new administrative provinces is advocated by federal officials as a means to enhance democratic service delivery. 2. Legal discourse suggests that the PML-N and PPP are likely to maintain an oppositional stance toward the restructuring of provincial boundaries. 3. Current provincial governance critiques argue that development discourse is overly focused on human development indicators rather than physical infrastructure projects.
(a) Only 1 & 2 are correct
(b) Only 2 & 3 are correct
(c) Only 1 & 3 are correct
(d) All statements are correct
Explanation: Statements 1 and 2 accurately reflect the political debate surrounding administrative reform, as articulated by Federal Minister Abdul Aleem Khan and Barrister Gohar, respectively. Statement 3 is incorrect because the provided discourse explicitly critiques governance for focusing on infrastructure-heavy projects at the expense of substantive human development indicators. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40432813/new-provinces-to-strengthen-democracy-aleem]
#12966
Who issued the notification regarding the public holiday for educational institutions in Islamabad on March 13, 2026?
(a) The Prime Minister of Pakistan
(b) The Minister of Federal Education
(c) The Islamabad Deputy Commissioner
(d) The Chief Justice of the Islamabad High Court
Explanation: The notification was shared by the Islamabad Deputy Commissioner, Irfan Nawaz Memon, via his official social media account. The Deputy Commissioner holds the administrative authority to issue such directives within the Islamabad Capital Territory. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981400/educational-institutions-to-remain-closed-in-islamabad-on-friday, 12 Mar 2026]
#12967
On 2026-03-14, which Pakistani ministry officially refuted the Afghan Taliban's claims regarding the capture of a military post?
(a) Ministry of Information and Broadcasting
(b) Ministry of Interior
(c) Ministry of Defence
(d) Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Explanation: The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting issued the official rebuttal on 2026-03-14, utilizing its fact-checking platform to expose the fabrication. While the Ministry of Defence manages military operations, the Information Ministry is responsible for countering strategic communication and propaganda. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1982034/info-ministry-rubbishes-afghan-claims-of-military-post-being-captured, 14 Mar 2026]
#12968
The notification for the public holiday in Islamabad was issued on which date in 2026?
(a) March 10, 2026
(b) March 11, 2026
(c) March 13, 2026
(d) March 12, 2026
Explanation: The news desk reported the issuance of the notification on March 12, 2026, one day prior to the declared holiday of March 13, 2026. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981400/educational-institutions-to-remain-closed-in-islamabad-on-friday, 12 Mar 2026]
#12969
Consider the following statements about the administrative decision regarding the March 13, 2026 holiday in Islamabad: 1. The holiday applies to all educational institutions within the Islamabad Capital Territory. 2. The notification was released by the office of the Deputy Commissioner. 3. The notification provided a detailed justification for the holiday based on religious observance. 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 holiday covers all institutions in the ICT and was issued by the Deputy Commissioner. Statement 3 is incorrect because the notification did not specify a reason for the holiday. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981400/educational-institutions-to-remain-closed-in-islamabad-on-friday, 12 Mar 2026]
#12970
On March 13, 2026, which Minister of State for Interior moved the bill in the National Assembly to transform the Frontier Constabulary into the Federal Constabulary?
(a) Tallal Chaudhry
(b) Syed Naveed Qamar
(c) Shahid Khattak
(d) Ghulam Mustafa Shah
Explanation: Tallal Chaudhry, as the Minister of State for Interior, presented the bill to the House. Syed Naveed Qamar is an MNA who proposed amendments, while Ghulam Mustafa Shah is the Deputy Speaker. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981390/pointing-out-lack-of-quorum-in-na-opposition-blocks-passage-of-bill-seeking-to-upgrade-fc-to-federal-force, 13 Mar 2026]
#12971
Which of the following statements regarding the legislative status of the Federal Constabulary bill on March 13, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The bill sought to shift all powers and assets of the FC to the Federal Constabulary.
(b) The bill was introduced through a supplementary agenda.
(c) The bill faced criticism for granting the federal government broad authority to use the force nationwide.
(d) The bill was successfully passed by both Houses of Parliament on the same day.
Explanation: The bill was NOT passed; the legislative process was halted due to a lack of quorum. The other statements accurately reflect the content and procedural context of the bill. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981390/pointing-out-lack-of-quorum-in-na-opposition-blocks-passage-of-bill-seeking-to-upgrade-fc-to-federal-force, 13 Mar 2026]
#12972
Which parliamentary official presided over the National Assembly session on March 13, 2026, when the quorum issue was raised?
(a) Speaker of the National Assembly
(b) Chairman of the Senate
(c) Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly
(d) Leader of the Opposition
Explanation: Deputy Speaker Ghulam Mustafa Shah was presiding over the session when the opposition pointed out the lack of quorum. The Speaker and Chairman of the Senate were not the presiding officers for this specific session. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981390/pointing-out-lack-of-quorum-in-na-opposition-blocks-passage-of-bill-seeking-to-upgrade-fc-to-federal-force, 13 Mar 2026]
#12973
What is the primary reason the opposition was able to halt the legislative process for the Federal Constabulary bill on March 13, 2026?
(a) A presidential veto
(b) Lack of quorum
(c) Supreme Court stay order
(d) None of these
Explanation: The opposition pointed out the lack of quorum, which is the minimum number of members required to conduct parliamentary proceedings. Once the lack of quorum was established, the chair was forced to prorogue the session. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981390/pointing-out-lack-of-quorum-in-na-opposition-blocks-passage-of-bill-seeking-to-upgrade-fc-to-federal-force, 13 Mar 2026]
#12974
Which of the following categories of educational institutions in Islamabad were included in the public holiday notification for March 13, 2026?
(a) Public schools only
(b) Private universities only
(c) Both public and private institutions
(d) None of these
Explanation: The notification explicitly stated that the holiday applies to all educational institutions, encompassing both public and private sectors, including schools, colleges, and universities within the revenue limits of the ICT. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981400/educational-institutions-to-remain-closed-in-islamabad-on-friday, 12 Mar 2026]
#12975
Consider the following statements about the legislative developments on March 13, 2026: 1. The ordinance previously empowering the government to transform the FC had lapsed. 2. The opposition lawmakers tore apart copies of the agenda during the protest. 3. The government plans to reintroduce the bill in the upcoming sessions after Eid. 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 events of the session. The ordinance had lapsed, the opposition engaged in protest by tearing the agenda, and the government expressed intent to pursue the bill after the Eid holidays. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981390/pointing-out-lack-of-quorum-in-na-opposition-blocks-passage-of-bill-seeking-to-upgrade-fc-to-federal-force, 13 Mar 2026]
#12976
Regarding the evolving landscape of governance and security in Pakistan as of July 30, 2026, consider the following statements:
(a) Only 1 and 2 are correct.
(b) Only 2 and 3 are correct.
(c) Only 1 and 3 are correct.
(d) All statements are correct.
Explanation: Statement 1 is accurate as federal internal security challenges remain high following the Hangu attack; statement 2 reflects the Punjab Revenue Authority's focus on digital taxation through EIMS; and statement 3 correctly identifies the ongoing parliamentary critique surrounding the 27th Constitutional Amendment. All these events reflect contemporary governance challenges in Pakistan. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2019442/9-cops-martyred-28-injured-as-police-checkpost-comes-under-attack-in-kps-hangu]
#12977
Which government department lost one official during the terrorist attack in Tank on July 24, 2026?
(a) Forest Department
(b) Irrigation Department
(c) Revenue Department
(d) Health Department
Explanation: The casualties included 12 soldiers, two police officials, and one official from the Forest Department. The other departments listed were not involved in the personnel count at the check post. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431653/15-martyred-as-terrorists-target-tank-check-post-security-forces-kill-12-assailants, 24 Jul 2026]
#12978
The counterterrorism operations mentioned in the aftermath of the July 24, 2026, attack are being conducted under which campaign?
(a) Zarb-e-Azb
(b) Radd-ul-Fasaad
(c) Rah-e-Nijat
(d) Azm-e-Istehkam
Explanation: The military and law enforcement agencies are conducting operations under the Azm-e-Istehkam campaign. Zarb-e-Azb and Radd-ul-Fasaad were previous counterterrorism operations. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431653/15-martyred-as-terrorists-target-tank-check-post-security-forces-kill-12-assailants, 24 Jul 2026]
#12979
Which of the following statements regarding the July 24, 2026, attack in Tank is INCORRECT?
(a) The attack involved the use of an explosives-laden vehicle.
(b) The attack was carried out by the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan.
(c) The security forces failed to prevent the terrorists from breaching the facility.
(d) Fifteen security personnel were martyred in the incident.
Explanation: The statement that security forces failed to prevent the breach is incorrect, as the military reported that the swift response prevented the attackers from breaching the facility. The other three statements are factually accurate based on the incident report. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431653/15-martyred-as-terrorists-target-tank-check-post-security-forces-kill-12-assailants, 24 Jul 2026]
#12980
Consider the following statements about the 2026 wildfire crisis: 1. More than 100,000 people were forced to flee their homes across France and Spain. 2. French regional fire chief Marc Vermeulen reported that flames were consuming up to 1,000 hectares of forest per hour. 3. The fires in the Madrid region were described as the worst in the region's history by local officials. 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. The total number of displaced persons exceeded 100,000, the rate of forest destruction was confirmed by the regional fire chief, and the severity of the Madrid fires was officially noted as unprecedented. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018225/over-100000-flee-forest-fires-in-france-spain, 24 Jul 2026]