December 2024 Edition
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December 2024 Current Affairs MCQs & Solutions
Top national & international current affairs questions for CSS, PMS, FPSC, PPSC, and NTS screening tests.
#1521
Consider the following statements about the joint statement issued on April 23, 2026: 1. The ministers condemned the raising of the Israeli flag within the courtyards of Al-Aqsa Mosque. 2. The statement cited the 2024 advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice regarding illegal settlements. 3. The ministers declared that the Al-Aqsa compound is a place of worship exclusively for Muslims. 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 joint statement. The ministers condemned the flag-raising, referenced the 2024 ICJ advisory opinion, and reiterated the exclusive status of the site for Muslim worship. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1994444/pakistan-7-other-muslim-nations-reject-attempts-to-alter-historic-legal-status-quo-in-jerusalem-at-its-holy-sites, 23 Apr 2026]
#1522
Consider the following statements about the recent Pakistan-Iran diplomatic engagements: 1. The two countries agreed to improve coordination to curb terrorism originating from the Afghan border. 2. The Main Line-3 (ML-3) project is expected to be completed by December 2029. 3. The 1959 bilateral railway agreement serves as a foundational framework for current rail cooperation. 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 official reports of the meetings held in July 2026. The ministers confirmed the border security concerns, the ML-3 timeline, and the reliance on the 1959 agreement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017481/pakistan-ready-to-extend-cooperation-with-iran-in-all-fields-naqvi-tells-iranian-counterpart, 22 Jul 2026]
#1523
Consider the following statements about the joint statement issued on April 23, 2026: 1. The ministers condemned the raising of the Israeli flag within the courtyards of Al-Aqsa Mosque. 2. The statement cited the 2024 advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice regarding illegal settlements. 3. The ministers called for the immediate annexation of the West Bank to ensure regional stability. 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 ministers condemned the raising of the Israeli flag. Statement 2 is correct as the statement referenced the 2024 ICJ advisory opinion. Statement 3 is incorrect because the ministers categorically rejected any attempts to annex occupied Palestinian territory. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1994444/pakistan-7-other-muslim-nations-reject-attempts-to-alter-historic-legal-status-quo-in-jerusalem-at-its-holy-sites, 23 Apr 2026]
#1524
In which legislative body was the Civil Servants (Amendment) Bill, 2024, discussed regarding the restriction of dual nationals?
(a) Punjab Assembly
(b) Senate of Pakistan
(c) National Assembly Standing Committee on Cabinet Secretariat
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Civil Servants (Amendment) Bill, 2024, was taken up by the National Assembly Standing Committee on Cabinet Secretariat. The Punjab Assembly resolution is a separate legislative action. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017045/pml-n-mpa-seeks-ban-on-appointment-of-dual-nationals-to-government-service, 20 Jul 2026]
#1525
Consider the following statements about Pakistan's engagement with the SCO: 1. Pakistan hosted the Meeting of the Council of Heads of Government in October 2024. 2. Pakistan leads an SCO working group specifically focused on poverty alleviation. 3. The SCO was originally formed in 2001 as a security cooperation group. 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. Pakistan hosted the 2024 government-level meeting, chairs the poverty alleviation working group, and the SCO was indeed founded in 2001 with a primary focus on security. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2008079/pakistan-to-assume-chairmanship-of-sco-council-of-heads-of-states-in-september, 15 Jun 2026]
#1526
According to the 2026 DHS data, how many student visa admissions were recorded in the United States during 2024?
(a) More than 1.8 million
(b) More than 1.2 million
(c) More than 2.5 million
(d) More than 3.0 million
Explanation: The DHS reported over 1.8 million student visa admissions in 2024, representing an 11 percent increase over the previous year. This volume was cited as a primary reason for the new oversight measures. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2015982/us-to-tighten-visa-regulations-for-foreign-students-journalists, 16 Jul 2026]
#1527
Which prestigious civilian award was conferred upon Prince Rahim al-Hussaini Aga Khan V in 2024?
(a) Tamgha-i-Pakistan
(b) Hilal-i-Pakistan
(c) Sitara-i-Pakistan
(d) Nishan-i-Pakistan
Explanation: The Nishan-i-Pakistan is the nation's highest civilian award, which was granted to the Prince in 2024 for his family's contributions to the country. The other options are lower-tier civil awards. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2001810/aga-khan-affirms-commitment-to-supporting-development-during-meeting-with-president-zardari, 20 May 2026]
#1528
Consider the following statements about the joint statement issued on April 23, 2026: 1. The ministers condemned the raising of the Israeli flag within the courtyards of Al-Aqsa Mosque. 2. The statement cited the 2024 advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice regarding illegal settlements. 3. The ministers declared that the Al-Aqsa compound is a place of worship exclusively for Muslims. 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 joint statement. The ministers condemned the flag-raising, referenced the 2024 ICJ advisory opinion, and reiterated the exclusive status of the site for Muslim worship. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1994444/pakistan-7-other-muslim-nations-reject-attempts-to-alter-historic-legal-status-quo-in-jerusalem-at-its-holy-sites, 23 Apr 2026]
#1529
Consider the following statements regarding the legal and political discourse surrounding the ICC warrant in New York: 1. The Mayor of New York City asserted that his office possesses the independent legal authority to execute the ICC warrant. 2. The US federal government holds the authority to execute international arrest warrants within the country. 3. The ICC warrant for Benjamin Netanyahu was initially announced in 2024. 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 Mayor explicitly stated he does NOT have the authority. Statements 2 and 3 are factually correct based on the provided information. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017473/he-is-a-war-criminal-mamdani-says-ny-cannot-arrest-netanyahu-on-icc-warrant-urges-us-federal-officials-to-step-in, 22 Jul 2026]
#1530
Consider the following statements about development loans in Pakistan: 1. The markup rate for 2025-26 is lower than the rate charged in 2024-25. 2. The federal government charges markup on loans to provincial governments as a source of revenue. 3. Foreign re-lent loans are advanced by the federal government out of its own domestic resources. 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 rate dropped from 17.74 percent to 11.89 percent. Statement 2 is correct as markup on these loans is a key revenue stream. Statement 3 is incorrect because cash development loans are funded from domestic resources, while foreign re-lent loans are sourced from international lenders. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018194/centre-cuts-markup-on-uplift-loans-to-1189pc, 24 Jul 2026]
#1531
Consider the following statements about the joint statement issued on April 23, 2026: 1. The ministers condemned the raising of the Israeli flag within the courtyards of Al-Aqsa Mosque. 2. The statement cited the 2024 advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice regarding illegal settlements. 3. The ministers called for the immediate annexation of the West Bank to ensure regional stability. 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 ministers condemned the raising of the Israeli flag. Statement 2 is correct as the statement referenced the 2024 ICJ advisory opinion. Statement 3 is incorrect because the ministers categorically rejected any attempts to annex occupied Palestinian territory. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1994444/pakistan-7-other-muslim-nations-reject-attempts-to-alter-historic-legal-status-quo-in-jerusalem-at-its-holy-sites, 23 Apr 2026]
#1532
Consider the following statements about the political transition in the UK in 2026: 1. Andy Burnham was elected as the new Labour leader after a competitive vote against multiple candidates. 2. The Labour Party maintains its parliamentary majority based on the results of the 2024 general elections. 3. Andy Burnham previously served in the cabinet under former Prime Minister Gordon Brown. 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 Burnham was confirmed as leader due to there being no other eligibly nominated candidate, not through a competitive vote. Statements 2 and 3 are factually accurate. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016211/andy-burnham-elected-new-labour-leader-now-set-to-be-uk-pm, 17 Jul 2026]
#1533
Consider the following statements about the political transition in Bangladesh: 1. Tarique Rahman was sworn in as the Prime Minister of Bangladesh in February 2026. 2. The Awami League party remains a legally active and permitted political entity in Bangladesh. 3. The resignation of the president occurred amidst a period of significant political restructuring following the 2024 uprising. 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 Tarique Rahman took office in February 2026. Statement 3 is correct as the resignation is part of the post-2024 political shift. Statement 2 is incorrect because the Awami League party has been banned following the uprising. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018063/bangladesh-president-shahabuddin-76-resigns-citing-health-concerns, 24 Jul 2026]
#1534
In which legislative body was the Civil Servants (Amendment) Bill, 2024, discussed regarding the restriction of dual nationals?
(a) Punjab Assembly
(b) Senate of Pakistan
(c) National Assembly Standing Committee on Cabinet Secretariat
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Civil Servants (Amendment) Bill, 2024, was taken up by the National Assembly Standing Committee on Cabinet Secretariat. The Punjab Assembly resolution is a separate legislative action. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017045/pml-n-mpa-seeks-ban-on-appointment-of-dual-nationals-to-government-service, 20 Jul 2026]
#1535
Consider the following statements about the Senate vehicle procurement controversy: 1. The vehicle was purchased during the 2024-2025 financial year. 2. The Senate Secretariat claimed the purchase was part of a transparent procurement process. 3. The vehicle was delivered to the Senate Chairperson in May 2025. 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 purchase occurred in the 2024-2025 financial year. Statement 2 is correct as the Secretariat cited a transparent procurement process. Statement 3 is incorrect because the vehicle was delivered in March 2026, not May 2025 (which was when the payment was made). [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1982703/rebuttal-on-purchase-of-luxury-vehicle-for-yousaf-raza-gilani-from-senate-budget-leaves-questions-unanswered, 16 Mar 2026]
#1536
According to the IMF review of May 2026, what was the level of Pakistan's foreign exchange reserves at the end of December 2025?
(a) 16.0 billion dollars
(b) 14.5 billion dollars
(c) 18.2 billion dollars
(d) 20.5 billion dollars
Explanation: The IMF report confirmed that foreign exchange reserves reached $16 billion by the end of December 2025, an increase from the $14.5 billion recorded in June 2025. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1998725/imfs-executive-board-approves-12-billion-financing-for-pakistans-reform-programme, 08 May 2026]
#1537
Consider the following statements about the legal developments involving Bushra Bibi: 1. She was sentenced to 17 years in the Toshakhana 2 case in December 2025. 2. The £190 million corruption case involves the retrieval of laundered money from the United Kingdom. 3. The jail authorities reported that she was diagnosed with retinal detachment in her right eye. 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 details provided in the case records. The Toshakhana 2 conviction occurred in December 2025, the nature of the £190 million case is correctly described, and the medical diagnosis of retinal detachment was confirmed by jail authorities. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1992994/bushra-bibi-moves-ihc-seeking-to-suspend-sentence-in-ps190m-corruption-case-on-medical-grounds, 18 Apr 2026]
#1538
Consider the following statements regarding the legal and political discourse surrounding the ICC warrant in New York: 1. The Mayor of New York City asserted that his office possesses the independent legal authority to execute the ICC warrant. 2. The US federal government holds the authority to execute international arrest warrants within the country. 3. The ICC warrant for Benjamin Netanyahu was initially announced in 2024. 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 Mayor explicitly stated he does NOT have the authority. Statements 2 and 3 are factually correct based on the provided information. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017473/he-is-a-war-criminal-mamdani-says-ny-cannot-arrest-netanyahu-on-icc-warrant-urges-us-federal-officials-to-step-in, 22 Jul 2026]
#1539
Consider the following statements about the legal proceedings concerning Margalla Hills National Park: 1. The Supreme Court's 2024 judgment declared the operator of Monal restaurant to be a trespasser. 2. The FCC ruling on July 13, 2026, maintained that administrative matters should be decided by relevant regulatory bodies. 3. The Supreme Court's 2024 judgment was based on the premise that the restaurants were beneficial for the park's biodiversity. 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 3 is incorrect because the Supreme Court's 2024 judgment argued the exact opposite: that the restaurants were damaging the park's biodiversity and environment. Statements 1 and 2 are accurate reflections of the legal history and the recent FCC findings. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2015144/fcc-sets-aside-sc-judgment-that-allowed-demolition-of-restaurants-in-margalla-hills-national-park, 13 Jul 2026]
#1540
Approximately how many Afghan resettlement approvals did the German interior ministry attempt to reverse in December 2025?
(a) More than 200
(b) More than 600
(c) More than 400
(d) More than 800
Explanation: The interior ministry reversed the approvals of more than 600 Afghans, labeling them as invalid. This figure represents the scale of the administrative action challenged in the court case. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018224/court-rules-against-berlin-in-afghan-resettlement-case, 25 Jul 2026]