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.
#17661
Who was appointed as the first Commander of the National Strategic Command (CNSC) in 2026?
(a) General Syed Aamer Raza
(b) General Asim Munir
(c) General Sahir Shamshad Mirza
(d) None of these
Explanation: General Syed Aamer Raza was promoted to the rank of a four-star general and appointed as the first CNSC. Asim Munir serves as the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF). [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018788/newly-appointed-cnsc-aamer-raza-meets-cdf-asim-munir-in-rawalpindi-ispr, 27 Jul 2026]
#17662
Which of the following US Congressmen was part of the delegation that visited Pakistan in July 2026?
(a) Ryan Keith Zinke
(b) Michael McCaul
(c) Brad Sherman
(d) None of these
Explanation: Ryan Keith Zinke, representing Montana, was one of the two US congressmen who visited Pakistan. Michael James was the other member of the delegation, making 'None of these' incorrect as Zinke is explicitly listed. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018779/in-meeting-with-cdf-munir-us-congressmen-acknowledge-pakistans-critical-role-in-regional-stability-ispr, 27 Jul 2026]
#17663
Who is the current Chief Justice of the Islamabad High Court as of March 11, 2026?
(a) Justice Sardar Muhammad Sarfraz Dogar
(b) Justice Muhammad Asif
(c) Justice Aamer Farooq
(d) Justice Athar Minallah
Explanation: Chief Justice Sardar Muhammad Sarfraz Dogar presided over the division bench that issued the fine against the NAB. Justice Muhammad Asif was the other member of the bench. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980875/ihc-fines-nab-rs100000-for-employing-delaying-tactics-in-ps190m-graft-case-against-imran-bushra, 11 Mar 2026]
#17664
Which train was specifically mentioned as being rerouted via Wazirabad and Lala Musa due to the 2026-07-28 flood disruptions?
(a) Shalimar Express
(b) Karakoram Express
(c) Mianwali Express
(d) Millat Express
Explanation: The Mianwali Express, which typically operates between Lahore and Sargodha, was rerouted via Wazirabad and Lala Musa. Other trains like the Karakoram and Shalimar were diverted via Sahiwal. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018903/floodwaters-sever-rail-link-between-lahore-faisalabad, 28 Jul 2026]
#17665
What was the total combined imprisonment sentence handed down to Imaan Mazari and Hadi Ali Chattha by the sessions court in 2026?
(a) 10 years
(b) 17 years
(c) 15 years
(d) 20 years
Explanation: The sessions court sentenced the couple to a combined total of 17 years of imprisonment. This figure represents the cumulative duration of the sentences imposed under the various charges of the PECA. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018916/imaan-hadi-seek-early-hearing-of-their-petition-in-peca-case, 28 Jul 2026]
#17666
Which judicial body issued the order to restrain the deportation of the petitioner named Quaid-i-Azam on July 27, 2026?
(a) Peshawar High Court
(b) Supreme Court of Pakistan
(c) Lahore High Court
(d) Islamabad High Court
Explanation: The Peshawar High Court (PHC) bench, comprising Justice Waqar Ahmed and Justice Inamullah Khan, issued the stay order. The other courts listed are distinct judicial entities that were not involved in this specific case. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018808/phc-stops-deportation-of-man-named-quaid-e-azam-directs-him-to-appear-before-nadra-board, 27 Jul 2026]
#17667
Which of the following statements regarding the railway disruption on 2026-07-28 is INCORRECT?
(a) The suspension was implemented as a precautionary measure for passenger safety.
(b) The Badr Express and Ghori Express services were cancelled.
(c) Passengers were advised to obtain refunds from railway reservation offices.
(d) Engineering teams have already completed the restoration of the damaged bridges.
Explanation: Engineering teams are currently waiting for floodwaters to recede before they can begin rehabilitation work; therefore, the claim that repairs are completed is false. The other options accurately reflect the operational status and safety protocols mentioned. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018903/floodwaters-sever-rail-link-between-lahore-faisalabad, 28 Jul 2026]
#17668
Which specific constitutional amendments have been the primary focus of the nationwide lawyers' movement in 2026?
(a) 24th and 25th Amendments
(b) 26th and 27th Amendments
(c) 28th and 29th Amendments
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Lawyers Action Committee has organized protests against the 26th and 27th Constitutional Amendments, arguing that these measures compromise judicial independence. Other options are incorrect as they do not correspond to the specific legislation cited in the current political discourse. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018681/why-coercion-doesnt-work, 27 Jul 2026]
#17669
Consider the following statements about the fuel pricing policy in Pakistan: 1. The government transitioned to a daily fuel pricing mechanism due to global market volatility. 2. Monthly sales of kerosene are significantly higher than those of petrol and high-speed diesel. 3. The government has been implementing fuel conservation measures since early 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: Statement 1 is correct as the government adopted daily pricing to manage volatility. Statement 3 is correct regarding conservation measures. Statement 2 is incorrect because kerosene demand is only 10,000 tonnes monthly, far lower than the 700,000 to 800,000 tonnes for petrol and HSD. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018803/govt-decreases-petrol-price-by-re1-increases-hsd-price-by-rs337, 27 Jul 2026]
#17670
Consider the following statements about the military command overhaul in 2026: 1. Field Marshal Asim Munir serves as the country's first Chief of Defence Forces (CDF). 2. The CNSC appointment process is subject to judicial review under the 27th Amendment. 3. The CNSC position replaces the nuclear management functions previously held by the CJCSC.
(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 27th Amendment explicitly states that the appointment process cannot be called into question before any court. Statements 1 and 3 are factually accurate. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018788/newly-appointed-cnsc-aamer-raza-meets-cdf-asim-munir-in-rawalpindi-ispr, 27 Jul 2026]
#17671
Consider the following statements about the visit of the US delegation in July 2026: 1. The delegation met with the Governor of Punjab in Lahore. 2. The US congressmen expressed that the bilateral relationship has never been better. 3. The delegation visited the mausoleum of Allama Iqbal during their stay in Islamabad. 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 delegation met the Punjab Governor and Zinke remarked on the strength of the relationship. Statement 3 is incorrect because the mausoleum of Allama Iqbal is located in Lahore, not Islamabad. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018779/in-meeting-with-cdf-munir-us-congressmen-acknowledge-pakistans-critical-role-in-regional-stability-ispr, 27 Jul 2026]
#17672
In the 2026 AJK elections, the second phase of polling was scheduled for which division?
(a) Muzaffarabad division
(b) Poonch division
(c) Mirpur division
(d) None of these
Explanation: The second phase of the AJK elections was scheduled for August 2, 2026, covering nine constituencies in the Muzaffarabad division. The Mirpur division polls were held in the first phase. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018960/ajk-elections-pml-n-grabs-9-out-of-13-seats-across-mirpur-division-unofficial-results-show, 28 Jul 2026]
#17673
Who is the current Inspector General of Prisons for Punjab as of 2026?
(a) Mian Salik Jalal
(b) Salman Akram Raja
(c) Aaliya Hamza
(d) None of these
Explanation: Mian Salik Jalal serves as the Inspector General of Prisons in Punjab and is the official responsible for addressing allegations regarding jail administration. The other names listed are political figures, not prison officials. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018804/pti-claims-jailed-leader-aaliya-hamza-attacked-in-kot-lakhpat-jail, 27 Jul 2026]
#17674
Consider the following statements about the security situation in Lakki Marwat: 1. The March 10, 2026, attack was the first time a quadcopter was used in the district. 2. Local police identified the perpetrators as suspected terrorists. 3. Previous quadcopter strikes in the region have targeted public spaces like football grounds. 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 report mentions a previous quadcopter strike in the same district approximately one month prior. Statements 2 and 3 are factually accurate based on the provided information. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980622/5-children-injured-in-quadcopter-attack-in-kps-lakki-marwat-officials, 10 Mar 2026]
#17675
Which of the following statements regarding the IHC hearing on March 11, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The court imposed a fine of Rs100,000 on the NAB.
(b) The defense counsel argued that access to the incarcerated former premier had been curtailed for four months.
(c) The NAB prosecutor stated that the special prosecutor was absent due to urgent official duties at the Supreme Court.
(d) The defense counsel drew a parallel between the current case and the military tribunal conviction of Faiz Hameed.
Explanation: The NAB prosecutor claimed the special prosecutor was absent due to 'religious rituals,' not official duties at the Supreme Court. The other statements accurately reflect the proceedings described. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980875/ihc-fines-nab-rs100000-for-employing-delaying-tactics-in-ps190m-graft-case-against-imran-bushra, 11 Mar 2026]
#17676
Who emerged as the winner in the LA-1 (Mirpur-I) constituency during the 2026 AJK elections?
(a) Chaudhry Rukhsar Ahmed
(b) Qasim Majeed
(c) Yasir Sultan
(d) Azhar Sadiq
Explanation: Azhar Sadiq of the PML-N won the LA-1 (Mirpur-I) seat with 15,427 votes. The other candidates listed won or contested in different constituencies within the Mirpur division. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018960/ajk-elections-pml-n-grabs-9-out-of-13-seats-across-mirpur-division-unofficial-results-show, 28 Jul 2026]
#17677
What is the target inflation range set by the State Bank of Pakistan as mentioned in the July 2026 report?
(a) 3-5 percent
(b) 9-11 percent
(c) 7-9 percent
(d) 5-7 percent
Explanation: The SBP maintains a target inflation range of 5-7 percent. Current inflation levels of 11.1 percent are well above this threshold, necessitating a restrictive monetary policy. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018929/policy-rate-pause-splits-stakeholders, 28 Jul 2026]
#17678
Consider the following statements about the AJK elections held on July 27, 2026: 1. The elections were held in 13 constituencies of the Mirpur division. 2. The PPP and PML-N were the primary political parties involved in the reported scuffles. 3. The polling process concluded at 5:00 PM without any extensions. 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. Statement 3 is incorrect because the polling time was extended by one hour, concluding at 6:00 PM rather than 5:00 PM. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018691/polling-concludes-in-mirpur-division-as-scuffles-rigging-allegations-mar-first-phase-of-ajk-elections, 27 Jul 2026]
#17679
According to the June 2026 data, what was the recorded inflation rate in Pakistan?
(a) 11.1 percent
(b) 12.5 percent
(c) 9.8 percent
(d) None of these
Explanation: The inflation rate for June 2026 was reported at 11.1 percent, which remains significantly higher than the SBP's target range of 5-7 percent. This elevated inflation is a primary reason for the cautious monetary policy stance. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018929/policy-rate-pause-splits-stakeholders, 28 Jul 2026]
#17680
Consider the following statements about the 2026 AJK elections: 1. The elections were conducted in three phases due to security concerns. 2. The PML-N secured a majority of the seats in the Mirpur division. 3. The Chief Election Commissioner described the polls as the most difficult in the history of AJK. 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 election reports. The polls were phased for security, the PML-N won nine out of 13 seats in Mirpur, and the Chief Election Commissioner publicly noted the difficulty of the process. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018960/ajk-elections-pml-n-grabs-9-out-of-13-seats-across-mirpur-division-unofficial-results-show, 28 Jul 2026]