December 2026 Edition
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December 2026 Current Affairs MCQs & Solutions
Top national & international current affairs questions for CSS, PMS, FPSC, PPSC, and NTS screening tests.
#12401
Arrange the following reported developments in the chronological order of their respective policy impacts or underlying event timelines as mentioned in the reports for August 4, 2026: 1. Re-emergence of security threats in Swat. 2. Cumulative child mortality due to preventable diseases since the beginning of the calendar year. 3. Implementation of US visa bond rules regarding non-exempt nations. 4. Diplomatic outreach involving Iranian officials in Pakistan.
(a) 2, 1, 3, 4
(b) 2, 3, 1, 4
(c) 1, 2, 4, 3
(d) 4, 1, 2, 3
Explanation: The report on child mortality (2) tracks events 'since January'. The Swat bombing (1) represents a specific recent security incident. The US visa bond policy (3) and the hosting of Iranian officials (4) are contemporary diplomatic/administrative developments reflecting current geopolitical and policy shifts. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2020448/144-children-lost-to-diphtheria-measles-since-january-in-karachi]
#12402
On July 26, 2026, the Information Minister of Pakistan identified a nexus between India and which banned organization in Azad Kashmir?
(a) Joint Action Committee
(b) Kashmir Liberation Front
(c) All Parties Hurriyat Conference
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Information Minister confirmed that investigations linked the banned Joint Action Committee (JAC) to Indian-funded digital disinformation campaigns. The other organizations listed are not the subject of this specific investigation. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431876/investigations-expose-banned-jacs-nexus-with-india-information-minister, 26 Jul 2026]
#12403
The reduction in the markup rate for development loans in 2026 is primarily attributed to the decline in which of the following?
(a) The federal budget deficit
(b) The central bank's policy rate
(c) The inflation rate of food commodities
(d) None of these
Explanation: The markup rate adjustment is directly linked to the decline in the State Bank of Pakistan's policy rate, which fell from a peak of 22 percent to 11.5 percent. This reduction lowers the government's cost of borrowing and subsequently the rates charged on development advances. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018194/centre-cuts-markup-on-uplift-loans-to-1189pc, 24 Jul 2026]
#12404
Which of the following statements regarding the March 10, 2026, incident is INCORRECT?
(a) All injured victims were treated at the same hospital in Bannu.
(b) The incident occurred in the Takhtikhel area.
(c) The attack involved the use of a quadcopter to drop explosives.
(d) Police launched a search operation to locate the perpetrators.
Explanation: The statement that all victims were treated at the same hospital is incorrect; the report specifies that three girls were taken to the tehsil headquarters hospital in Serai Naurang, while two boys were taken to Bannu. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980622/5-children-injured-in-quadcopter-attack-in-kps-lakki-marwat-officials, 10 Mar 2026]
#12405
Which of the following statements regarding the diplomatic response to the incident on May 23, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The United Kingdom summoned Israel’s most senior diplomat in Britain.
(b) New Zealand announced it would summon the Israeli ambassador to express concerns.
(c) Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong stated that Australia had already sanctioned Ben-Gvir.
(d) The United States officially joined France in imposing a travel ban on Ben-Gvir.
Explanation: While the US Ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, condemned the actions, there is no report that the United States joined France in imposing a formal travel ban. The other statements accurately reflect the diplomatic actions taken by the respective nations. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2002539/france-bans-israeli-security-minister-ben-gvir-from-country, 23 May 2026]
#12406
Consider the following statements regarding the geopolitical and economic developments reported on August 3, 2026: 1. The United States government has reached a confirmed diplomatic resolution with Iran to ensure the security of the Strait of Hormuz. 2. The Pakistani government has implemented a reduction in the prices of both petrol and high-speed diesel. 3. Iran has officially acknowledged and accepted President Trump’s invitation for direct negotiations. Which of the following is correct?
(a) Only 1 and 2 are correct
(b) Only 2 is correct
(c) Only 2 and 3 are correct
(d) All statements are correct
Explanation: While the US cancelled an attack to pursue diplomacy, Iran has explicitly denied that negotiations are underway, rendering statements 1 and 3 incorrect. The government's reduction of petroleum product prices is accurate as per recent reports. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2020327/oil-tumbles-as-trump-cancels-attack-on-iran-to-reach-deal-aimed-at-reopening-hormuz]
#12407
Consider the following statements about the front-running case involving Axis Mutual Fund: 1. The scheme involved leaking confidential information about the fund house's impending trades. 2. Prijesh Kurani, a Dubai-based trader, was identified as a collaborator in the scheme. 3. The SEBI order was finalized and passed on July 24, 2026. 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 SEBI order. The scheme involved the misuse of confidential trade information, collaboration with a Dubai-based trader, and the final order was issued on the specified date of July 24, 2026. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431649/india-regulator-bars-former-axis-mf-dealer-for-seven-years-in-front-running-case, 24 Jul 2026]
#12408
Consider the following statements about the 2026 diplomatic engagement between Pakistan and Iran: 1. The Iranian Ambassador highlighted Pakistan's constructive role in facilitating regional peace negotiations. 2. The event was held at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI). 3. The discussion addressed the geopolitical implications of recent developments in West Asia. 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 3 are correct. Statement 2 is incorrect because the event was organized by the Centre for International Strategic Studies (CISS), not the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI), although the director general of the latter was a participant. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431693/regional-challenges-irans-envoy-for-greater-bilateral-cooperation, 24 Jul 2026]
#12409
On July 19, 2026, protests against data center expansion were coordinated by which grassroots organization?
(a) HumansFirst
(b) Data Centre Coalition
(c) Tech Accountability Watch
(d) None of these
Explanation: The protests were organized by HumansFirst, a grassroots group co-founded by Amy Kremer. The Data Centre Coalition is an industry lobbying group, not the protest organizer. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016593/data-centre-protests-held-across-us-as-backlash-grows, 19 Jul 2026]
#12410
Which organization hosted the roundtable discussion titled 'Pakistan-Iran Relations and Strategic Stability in West Asia' in 2026?
(a) Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad
(b) National Defence University
(c) Pakistan Institute of International Affairs
(d) Centre for International Strategic Studies
Explanation: The Centre for International Strategic Studies (CISS) organized the event. The Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) is a separate entity whose director general participated in the discussion. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431693/regional-challenges-irans-envoy-for-greater-bilateral-cooperation, 24 Jul 2026]
#12411
Who is the current Ambassador of Iran to Pakistan as of 2026?
(a) Reza Amiri Moghadam
(b) Ali Sarwar Naqvi
(c) Moinul Haque
(d) None of these
Explanation: Reza Amiri Moghadam serves as the Iranian Ambassador to Pakistan. The other names listed are prominent Pakistani diplomats associated with strategic research institutes. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431693/regional-challenges-irans-envoy-for-greater-bilateral-cooperation, 24 Jul 2026]
#12412
Consider the following statements about the Sky47 project: 1. It serves as a landmark achievement for Pakistan's technological capabilities. 2. The project was inaugurated by the Prime Minister on July 24, 2026. 3. The government intends to limit AI infrastructure development exclusively to 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 factually correct. Statement 3 is incorrect because the government explicitly announced plans to expand similar infrastructure to other major cities like Karachi and Lahore. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431665/pm-shehbaz-inaugurates-pakistans-largest-data-centre-ai-cloud-sky47-in-islamabad, 24 Jul 2026]
#12413
Consider the following statements about the migrant smuggling incident: 1. The smuggling operation spanned from April 2023 through May 2026. 2. The migrants were discovered in a shipping container at a rail yard in San Antonio. 3. The outside temperatures during the transit exceeded 31 degrees Celsius. 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 3 are correct. Statement 2 is incorrect because the migrants were discovered in Laredo, not San Antonio, which was the intended destination of the train. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018220/11-indicted-in-us-over-migrants-deaths-on-train, 24 Jul 2026]
#12414
Which of the following statements regarding the US-EU trade tensions in July 2026 is INCORRECT?
(a) The US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer supported the EU's enforcement action as a boost to transatlantic trade.
(b) The European Commission's fine against Google was the first penalty under the Digital Markets Act.
(c) The US administration announced new tariffs of 10 to 12.5 percent on 60 trading partners.
(d) President Trump threatened to initiate a Section 301 investigation into the EU's antitrust practices.
Explanation: US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer actually criticized the EU's decision, stating that it undermined constructive dialogue and posed a risk to trade stability, making the incorrect statement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018219/trump-says-eu-to-pay-very-big-price-for-google-fine, 25 Jul 2026]
#12415
Which of the following is NOT a stated concern regarding the intensification of regional tensions mentioned in the 2026 roundtable?
(a) Maritime security
(b) Global energy markets
(c) Internal border demarcation
(d) Regional peace and stability
Explanation: The roundtable discussion focused on strategic stability, maritime security, and energy markets. Internal border demarcation was not listed as a primary concern in the context of this specific diplomatic event. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431693/regional-challenges-irans-envoy-for-greater-bilateral-cooperation, 24 Jul 2026]
#12416
The Saudi vessel targeted by Houthi rebels in the Red Sea on July 25, 2026, was identified as:
(a) NCC NOOR
(b) NCC FAJR
(c) NCC MASA
(d) NCC BADR
Explanation: Saudi state media confirmed that the vessel NCC MASA sustained minor hull damage while sailing in the Red Sea. The other options are plausible but incorrect names for the specific vessel involved in the incident. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018264/houthis-claim-strike-on-saudi-arabia-as-middle-east-conflict-deepens, 25 Jul 2026]
#12417
In which country was the SCO Council of Foreign Ministers meeting held in 2026?
(a) Kazakhstan
(b) Kyrgyz Republic
(c) Tajikistan
(d) Uzbekistan
Explanation: The meeting took place in Cholpon-Ata, which is located in the Kyrgyz Republic. Other Central Asian states are often confused as hosts, but the Kyrgyz Republic was the specific venue for this event. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431689/dar-chinese-fm-discuss-bilateral-ties, 24 Jul 2026]
#12418
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]
#12419
The town of Navas del Rey, threatened by wildfires in July 2026, is located approximately how many kilometers from Madrid?
(a) 50 kilometers
(b) 80 kilometers
(c) 120 kilometers
(d) None of these
Explanation: Navas del Rey is situated about 50 kilometers from the Spanish capital. The 80-kilometer figure refers to the location of Cebreros, another site mentioned in the context of the Madrid region fires. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018225/over-100000-flee-forest-fires-in-france-spain, 24 Jul 2026]
#12420
Consider the following statements about the monsoon forecast issued in July 2026: 1. The monsoon currents are being driven by a low-pressure area located over southwest Rajasthan. 2. Karachi is expected to experience heavy, continuous rainfall throughout the entire duration of the spell. 3. The forecast for Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa includes districts such as Dir, Chitral, and Swat. 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 low-pressure area is the primary driver. Statement 3 is correct as these districts are listed in the KP forecast. Statement 2 is incorrect because Karachi is only expected to have mostly cloudy weather with chances of rain on Saturday and Sunday, not continuous heavy rainfall. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431698/monsoon-rains-thunderstorms-likely-from-monday, 24 Jul 2026]