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.
#13501
Consider the following statements regarding the meeting held on July 16, 2026: 1. The Prime Minister stated that Pakistan's economy is currently stable. 2. The meeting was informed that sufficient petroleum reserves are available. 3. The government announced a complete cessation of fuel subsidies to ensure fiscal austerity. 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 meeting's outcomes. Statement 3 is incorrect because the government emphasized the use of subsidies to protect citizens, rather than announcing their cessation. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2015941/pm-shehbaz-warns-renewed-us-iran-conflict-could-hit-economy-again, 16 Jul 2026]
#13502
Who is the current Petroleum Minister of Pakistan as of April 2026?
(a) Muhammad Aurangzeb
(b) Ali Pervaiz Malik
(c) Bilal Yaseen
(d) None of these
Explanation: Ali Pervaiz Malik serves as the Petroleum Minister, while Muhammad Aurangzeb serves as the Finance Minister. The distinction is critical for identifying the officials responsible for economic and energy policy announcements. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1992656/govt-slashes-diesel-price-by-rs32, 17 Apr 2026]
#13503
Which of the following statements regarding the PSX market performance on July 21, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The KSE-100 index closed in positive territory.
(b) The index opened the session with a gain of over 1,000 points.
(c) The market experienced a wide intraday range of 2,493 points.
(d) Banking and refinery stocks helped erase sharp intraday losses.
Explanation: The market actually opened on a depressed note, with the benchmark index opening nearly 2,000 points lower, not higher. Therefore, statement C is factually false. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017152/stocks-eke-out-gains-amid-extreme-volatility, 21 Jul 2026]
#13504
Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb arrived in Washington on July 19, 2026, for a visit lasting how many days?
(a) Three days
(b) Two days
(c) Four days
(d) Five days
Explanation: The Finance Minister arrived on July 19, 2026, for a scheduled three-day diplomatic visit to engage with US officials on trade and investment. This duration is explicitly stated in the official reporting of his itinerary. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016679/finance-minister-aurangzeb-arrives-in-us-on-3-day-visit-expected-to-hold-talks-on-trade-finance-investment, 19 Jul 2026]
#13505
According to the Prime Minister's address on March 27, 2026, what is the total financial burden the federal government has borne over a three-week period to subsidize fuel prices?
(a) Rs 56 billion
(b) Rs 100 billion
(c) Rs 150 billion
(d) Rs 125 billion
Explanation: The government reported a cumulative fiscal burden of Rs 125 billion over three weeks to maintain current fuel prices. Rs 56 billion refers specifically to the burden borne during the week of the announcement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1985954/pm-shehbaz-again-rejects-increase-in-petrol-diesel-prices, 27 Mar 2026]
#13506
Which of the following individuals did NOT attend the meeting chaired by the Prime Minister on July 16, 2026?
(a) Ahsan Iqbal
(b) Muhammad Aurangzeb
(c) Bilal Azhar Kayani
(d) None of these
Explanation: All three individuals listed (Ahsan Iqbal, Muhammad Aurangzeb, and Bilal Azhar Kayani) were explicitly mentioned as attendees of the meeting. Therefore, 'None of these' is the correct answer as there is no false option provided. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2015941/pm-shehbaz-warns-renewed-us-iran-conflict-could-hit-economy-again, 16 Jul 2026]
#13507
What is the maturity period of the inaugural Panda bond issued by Pakistan on May 14, 2026?
(a) One year
(b) Three years
(c) Five years
(d) Ten years
Explanation: The inaugural Panda bond is a fixed-rate instrument with a three-year maturity. This duration is a standard feature for initial sovereign entries into the Chinese onshore market. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2000249/pakistan-raises-250m-equivalent-in-inaugural-panda-bond-issuance, 14 May 2026]
#13508
Consider the following statements regarding the government's fiscal policy announced on March 27, 2026: 1. The government reduced the development budget by Rs 100 billion to accommodate fuel subsidies. 2. The current market price of petrol in Pakistan is higher than the international market rate. 3. The Prime Minister urged citizens to adopt austerity measures in their daily travel habits.
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) All three
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct regarding the budget cut. Statement 2 is incorrect because the government is subsidizing the price, meaning the domestic price is significantly lower than the international market rate. Statement 3 is correct as the Prime Minister explicitly requested citizens to reconsider travel necessity. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1985954/pm-shehbaz-again-rejects-increase-in-petrol-diesel-prices, 27 Mar 2026]
#13509
What is the total allocation for the health sector in the Sindh budget for 2026-27?
(a) Rs402 billion
(b) Rs302 billion
(c) Rs502 billion
(d) Rs602 billion
Explanation: The health sector received an allocation of Rs402 billion to improve medical services. The other options are incorrect numerical values that do not match the official budgetary data. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2008557/sindh-cm-murad-ali-shah-presents-rs356tr-budget-with-no-new-taxes-7pc-pay-raise, 17 Jun 2026]
#13510
How much has been allocated for law and order in the Punjab budget for the fiscal year 2026-27?
(a) Rs152 billion
(b) Rs202 billion
(c) Rs252 billion
(d) Rs302 billion
Explanation: The government allocated Rs252 billion for law and order, which includes funding for police stations in riverine areas and crime scene units. Other options represent incorrect budgetary allocations. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2008300/punjab-finance-minister-presents-people-friendly-budget-in-assembly, 16 Jun 2026]
#13511
What is the total volume of the Punjab provincial budget for the fiscal year 2026-27?
(a) Rs5.9 trillion
(b) Rs4.9 trillion
(c) Rs6.9 trillion
(d) Rs7.9 trillion
Explanation: The provincial government officially proposed a budget of Rs5.9 trillion for the upcoming fiscal year. Other figures are incorrect distractors representing different potential fiscal scales. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2008300/punjab-finance-minister-presents-people-friendly-budget-in-assembly, 16 Jun 2026]
#13512
Consider the following statements about the consultative meeting held on March 27, 2026: 1. The meeting aimed to transition from untargeted subsidies to a digital, app-based quota system. 2. Provincial governments were requested to share the additional costs of higher international petroleum prices. 3. The Petroleum Division reported that the current fuel supply situation in the country is unstable. 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 policy shift toward targeted subsidies and the federal request for provincial cost-sharing. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Petroleum Division reported that the supply situation remained stable and adequate. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1985900/centre-provinces-agree-on-rolling-out-app-based-fuel-quota-system-for-motorcycles-rickshaws, 27 Mar 2026]
#13513
What is the newly announced minimum wage for workers in Sindh as per the 2026-27 budget?
(a) Rs35,000
(b) Rs43,000
(c) Rs38,000
(d) Rs48,000
Explanation: The provincial government increased the minimum wage to Rs43,000 to provide relief to the workforce. The other figures are incorrect as they do not align with the specific policy decision announced in the budget speech. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2008557/sindh-cm-murad-ali-shah-presents-rs356tr-budget-with-no-new-taxes-7pc-pay-raise, 17 Jun 2026]
#13514
What is the proposed percentage increase in the salaries of government employees in the 2026-27 Punjab budget?
(a) 7 percent
(b) 5 percent
(c) 3.5 percent
(d) 10 percent
Explanation: The budget proposes a 7 percent increase in salaries for government employees. The 3.5 percent figure refers to the increase in pensions for retired employees. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2008300/punjab-finance-minister-presents-people-friendly-budget-in-assembly, 16 Jun 2026]
#13515
Which specific initiative in the 2026-27 Punjab budget includes the establishment of Neuro Cath Labs?
(a) Nawaz Sharif Medical District
(b) Cardiac Care Program
(c) Emergency Health Response
(d) Stroke Initiative
Explanation: The government set aside Rs1.75 billion for Neuro Cath Labs under the Stroke Initiative. The Nawaz Sharif Medical District is a separate health infrastructure project. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2008300/punjab-finance-minister-presents-people-friendly-budget-in-assembly, 16 Jun 2026]
#13516
Consider the following statements about the PSX session on July 21, 2026: 1. The KSE-100 index gained 0.07 percent by the end of the session. 2. International oil prices increased by approximately 3 percent at the market open. 3. United Bank and Hub Power were among the top contributors to the benchmark index. 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 market report for July 21, 2026. The index gained 0.07 percent, oil prices rose by 3 percent, and the mentioned companies were key contributors to the recovery. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017152/stocks-eke-out-gains-amid-extreme-volatility, 21 Jul 2026]
#13517
Who led the government team during the negotiations with the All Pakistan Petrol Pumps Owners Association (APPPOA) in 2026?
(a) Humayun Khan
(b) Malik Khuda Bukhsh
(c) Ali Pervaiz Malik
(d) Nauman Ali Butt
Explanation: Ali Pervaiz Malik is the Petroleum Minister who led the government's delegation during the talks. The other individuals mentioned are representatives of the dealer associations. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017314/petrol-pump-owners-announce-nationwide-strike-after-talks-over-daily-pricing-fail, 21 Jul 2026]
#13518
Which of the following roads in Rawalpindi experienced the closure of petrol filling stations due to security measures in 2026?
(a) Adiala Road
(b) Jhelum Road
(c) Chaklala Road
(d) Murree Road
Explanation: Murree Road, along with Airport Road and Peshawar Road, was specifically identified as a route where commercial outlets and fuel stations were closed. The other options are major roads in the city but were not the primary focus of the specific security clampdown mentioned. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1990590/public-holiday-extended-in-pindi-markets-fuel-stations-along-key-roads-closed, 11 Apr 2026]
#13519
Which outgoing Prime Minister did Andy Burnham succeed on July 20, 2026?
(a) Rishi Sunak
(b) Boris Johnson
(c) Nigel Farage
(d) Keir Starmer
Explanation: Keir Starmer resigned from his position, leading to the appointment of Andy Burnham. Rishi Sunak and Boris Johnson are former Prime Ministers, while Nigel Farage is the leader of the Reform UK party. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017007/andy-burnham-becomes-uk-pm-says-britain-needs-to-regain-stability, 20 Jul 2026]
#13520
Consider the following statements about the Punjab budget for the fiscal year 2026-27: 1. The budget includes the imposition of new taxes to cover the fiscal deficit. 2. The proposed allocation for education is 15 percent higher than the previous fiscal year. 3. The government has allocated funds for the construction of police stations in riverine areas. 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 Chief Minister explicitly stated that the budget was prepared without imposing any new taxes. Statements 2 and 3 are factually accurate according to the budget speech. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2008300/punjab-finance-minister-presents-people-friendly-budget-in-assembly, 16 Jun 2026]