December 2026 Edition

December 2026 Current Affairs MCQs & Solutions

Top national & international current affairs questions for CSS, PMS, FPSC, PPSC, and NTS screening tests.

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#12521

Which of the following barrages in Sindh reported a 42 percent water shortage as of May 2026?

(a) Sukkur Barrage
(b) Guddu Barrage
(c) Taunsa Barrage
(d) Jinnah Barrage
Explanation: Guddu Barrage is specifically cited as experiencing a 42 percent water shortage, reflecting the severe impact of reduced water releases on Sindh's irrigation infrastructure. Taunsa and Jinnah barrages are located in Punjab. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2004154/sharjeel-memon-criticises-irsas-unjust-reduction-of-sindhs-water-share-urges-centre-to-take-notice, 31 May 2026]
#12522

According to the statement by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on March 27, 2026, what is the projected duration of the military operation in the Gulf?

(a) Several years
(b) Weeks, not months
(c) Exactly six months
(d) None of these
Explanation: Rubio explicitly stated that the operation is expected to conclude in a matter of weeks rather than months. This reflects the US administration's current assessment of the conflict's timeline. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1985991/rubio-says-war-on-iran-to-last-weeks-not-months-no-us-ground-troops-needed, 27 Mar 2026]
#12523

In the context of the 2026 Gulf conflict, which body did Marco Rubio meet with to discuss the operation?

(a) The United Nations Security Council
(b) G7 counterparts
(c) The Arab League
(d) The North Atlantic Council
Explanation: Rubio met with his G7 counterparts in France to coordinate on the ongoing military operation and diplomatic strategy. The other organizations were not cited as the primary venue for this specific meeting. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1985991/rubio-says-war-on-iran-to-last-weeks-not-months-no-us-ground-troops-needed, 27 Mar 2026]
#12524

On which date in 2026 did the UAE defence ministry initially report the death of a person due to falling debris in Abu Dhabi?

(a) March 01
(b) February 28
(c) March 05
(d) March 08
Explanation: The conflict and the initial interception incidents in Abu Dhabi began on February 28, 2026. March 8 is the date of the report regarding the second fatality in Dubai. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979732/second-pakistani-killed-in-uae-due-to-falling-debris-from-aerial-interception-amid-ongoing-iran-us-israel-war, 08 Mar 2026]
#12525

Where were two tankers reported to be ablaze following attacks by suspected explosive-laden boats on March 12, 2026?

(a) Port of Bandar Abbas
(b) Port of Jebel Ali
(c) Port of Basra
(d) Port of Chabahar
Explanation: Reports confirmed that two tankers were hit and set ablaze in an Iraqi port, specifically identified as the Port of Basra. The other ports are located in Iran or the UAE. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981360/in-first-remarks-irans-new-supreme-leader-vows-to-avenge-martyrs-keep-strait-of-hormuz-closed, 12 Mar 2026]
#12526

Consider the following statements about the fuel situation in Pakistan in March 2026: 1. The government recently hiked fuel prices by approximately 20 percent. 2. Naval escorts were provided to vessels transporting fuel to ensure supply continuity. 3. The Petroleum Minister confirmed that fuel prices would see immediate and significant changes. 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 hiked prices by 20 percent. Statement 2 is correct as naval escorts were deployed. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Minister stated there would be 'no immediate significant changes' in fuel costs. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980901/tanker-drivers-claim-they-are-facing-long-waits-at-depots-due-to-fuel-shortage, 11 Mar 2026]
#12527

Who is the current Hurriyat chairman who reported that the gates of the Jama Masjid were locked from all sides on the last Friday of Ramazan in 2026?

(a) Yasin Malik
(b) Syed Ali Geelani
(c) Mirwaiz Umar Farooq
(d) Shabbir Shah
Explanation: Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, the chief cleric and Hurriyat chairman, confirmed the closure via social media. The other individuals listed are prominent Kashmiri figures but do not hold the specific title mentioned in the context of this event. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981738/fo-condemns-continued-closure-of-historic-mosque-in-occupied-kashmir-on-last-friday-of-ramazan, 13 Mar 2026]
#12528

Consider the following statements about the US diplomatic presence in Pakistan as of 2026: 1. The US State Department ordered non-emergency personnel and their families to leave consulates in Karachi and Lahore due to security concerns. 2. The Peshawar consulate was the closest US diplomatic mission to the Afghan border. 3. The closure of the Peshawar consulate was primarily triggered by the joint US-Israeli war against Iran. 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 security situation and the strategic location of the Peshawar facility. Statement 3 is incorrect because the report explicitly clarifies that the closure is not related to the Iran war, but rather to long-term downsizing and cost-saving measures. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981261/us-to-permanently-close-its-peshawar-consulate-report, 12 Mar 2026]
#12529

Which of the following statements regarding the drone incident on March 13, 2026, is INCORRECT?

(a) The incident resulted in significant damage to military infrastructure at Faizabad.
(b) The drones were successfully brought down by security forces.
(c) The airspace was temporarily closed as a precautionary measure.
(d) Electronic countermeasures were employed to neutralize the threat.
Explanation: The Ministry of Information explicitly stated that no military or other infrastructure was hit, dismissing claims of damage or casualties as propaganda. Therefore, the statement claiming significant damage is incorrect. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981736/2-rudimentary-drones-intercepted-brought-down-at-different-locations-adjacent-to-pindi-security-sources, 13 Mar 2026]
#12530

How many police officers and personnel were deployed in Rawalpindi to perform security duties during the 2026 diplomatic event?

(a) More than 2,000
(b) More than 8,000
(c) More than 5,000
(d) More than 10,000
Explanation: The district administration and police command deployed over 5,000 officers and personnel to ensure foolproof security. This figure reflects the scale of the high-alert security clampdown implemented across the garrison city. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1990590/public-holiday-extended-in-pindi-markets-fuel-stations-along-key-roads-closed, 11 Apr 2026]
#12531

What specific austerity measure was announced by the Prime Minister in March 2026 to address fuel concerns?

(a) Increasing the work week to six days
(b) Banning private vehicle usage on weekends
(c) Slashing the government work week to four days
(d) Closing all international borders for trade
Explanation: The Prime Minister announced an austerity plan that included reducing the working week for government employees to four days to conserve fuel. The other options are either incorrect or not mentioned as part of the official austerity plan. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980901/tanker-drivers-claim-they-are-facing-long-waits-at-depots-due-to-fuel-shortage, 11 Mar 2026]
#12532

Which authority issued a clarification regarding the status of flight operations at Islamabad International Airport on March 13, 2026?

(a) Civil Aviation Authority
(b) Pakistan Airports Authority
(c) Ministry of Defence
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) issued statements to clarify that flight operations were continuing without interruption, countering rumors of an airport closure. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981736/2-rudimentary-drones-intercepted-brought-down-at-different-locations-adjacent-to-pindi-security-sources, 13 Mar 2026]
#12533

Which specialized unit of the CTD was responsible for executing the targeted operation on July 18, 2026?

(a) Special Weapons and Tactics team
(b) Elite Force
(c) Rapid Response Force
(d) Counter Assault Team
Explanation: The CTD utilized its Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team to conduct the operation. While the Elite Force and Rapid Response Force are also law enforcement units, they were not the specific team cited in this operation. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016443/wanted-terrorist-killed-in-intelligence-based-operation-in-dera-ismail-khan-ctd, 18 Jul 2026]
#12534

On May 14, 2026, where did the PPP Chairman chair a parliamentary party meeting?

(a) Aiwan-i-Sadr
(b) Parliament House
(c) Prime Minister House
(d) None of these
Explanation: Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari held the parliamentary party meeting at the Parliament House in Islamabad on May 14, 2026. Aiwan-i-Sadr is the official residence of the President and was not the venue for this specific party meeting. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2000262/govt-has-not-contacted-ppp-over-any-constitutional-amendment-bilawal, 14 May 2026]
#12535

Consider the following statements about the administrative notification issued by the Sindh government on March 12, 2026: 1. The holiday was applicable to all government offices in the province. 2. The notification was issued to facilitate the closure of all private sector businesses. 3. Essential services were permitted to remain operational during the holiday. 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 as the holiday applied to government offices and excluded essential services. Statement 2 is incorrect because the notification did not mandate the closure of private sector businesses. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981337/sindh-announces-public-holiday-on-march-13, 12 Mar 2026]
#12536

Which of the following statements regarding the Sindh government's notification of March 12, 2026, is INCORRECT?

(a) The holiday was declared for March 13, 2026.
(b) The notification explicitly stated the holiday was for Jummatul Wida.
(c) The notification applied to local councils under provincial control.
(d) Essential services were excluded from the holiday mandate.
Explanation: The official notification issued by the government did not state the reason for the holiday; the reason was provided separately by a minister. Therefore, stating the notification itself contained the reason is incorrect. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981337/sindh-announces-public-holiday-on-march-13, 12 Mar 2026]
#12537

Consider the following statements about the consular assistance process in this case: 1. The family sought assistance from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to verify the status of their relatives. 2. The information regarding the deaths was initially provided by an unverified neighbor via WhatsApp. 3. The Pakistani embassy in Kuwait had already issued an official death certificate to the family by April 11, 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: Statements 1 and 2 are factually accurate based on the report. Statement 3 is incorrect because the family was still seeking verification from the FO, indicating that no official death certificate or confirmation had been provided by the embassy at that time. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1990838/relatives-seek-fos-help-to-ascertain-fate-of-family-members-believed-to-be-killed-by-missile-debris-in-kuwait, 11 Apr 2026]
#12538

Consider the following statements about the drone interception incident on March 13, 2026: 1. The drones were identified as rudimentary in nature. 2. The Afghan defence ministry claimed that a military center was targeted at Faizabad. 3. The Pakistan Airports Authority confirmed that flight operations were suspended for 24 hours due to the security threat. 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 accurate based on the reports. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Pakistan Airports Authority explicitly denied that flight operations were closed, stating they continued without interruption. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981736/2-rudimentary-drones-intercepted-brought-down-at-different-locations-adjacent-to-pindi-security-sources, 13 Mar 2026]
#12539

Which official held the position of Deputy Commissioner of Rawalpindi during the security arrangements for the US-Iran dialogue in 2026?

(a) Syed Khalid Hamdani
(b) Dr. Hassan Waqar Cheema
(c) Rao Abdul Kareem
(d) None of these
Explanation: Dr. Hassan Waqar Cheema served as the Deputy Commissioner of Rawalpindi and confirmed the government's decision to declare a public holiday. Syed Khalid Hamdani is the City Police Officer (CPO) who supervised the security operations. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1990590/public-holiday-extended-in-pindi-markets-fuel-stations-along-key-roads-closed, 11 Apr 2026]
#12540

Consider the following statements about the security measures in Rawalpindi in 2026: 1. The district administration declared a public holiday for three consecutive days starting April 9. 2. Bus terminals on Peshawar Road were closed for two days. 3. The security clampdown was monitored by the Inspector General of Police Punjab. 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 administrative orders issued during the event. The administration observed April 9 and 10 as holidays and extended them, bus terminals were closed for two days, and the IGP Punjab oversaw the security operations. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1990590/public-holiday-extended-in-pindi-markets-fuel-stations-along-key-roads-closed, 11 Apr 2026]