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.
#13561
Which of the following statements regarding the fuel pricing policy as of July 2026 is INCORRECT?
(a) The government shifted from weekly to daily fuel price revisions.
(b) The government has mandated that fuel prices remain fixed for a period of six months.
(c) The price adjustments were influenced by regional hostilities in the Persian Gulf.
(d) The All Pakistan Dealers Association has expressed opposition to the daily pricing mechanism.
Explanation: The government has moved to a daily pricing mechanism to account for market volatility, making the claim of a six-month fixed price period factually incorrect. The other options accurately describe the current policy and the reaction of stakeholders. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017311/govt-increases-petrol-price-by-rs493-diesel-by-rs715-per-litre, 21 Jul 2026]
#13562
Which of the following statements regarding the FTO ruling on July 21, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The FTO held that the FBR is duty-bound to provide a functional interface for taxpayers.
(b) The complainant was a salaried individual serving as a director in a private limited company.
(c) The FBR successfully argued that software limitations are a valid legal defense against tax credit claims.
(d) The FTO found that the department's silence on the matter constituted maladministration.
Explanation: The FTO explicitly rejected the FBR's attempt to use software limitations as a shield. Therefore, the statement that the FBR successfully used this as a legal defense is false. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017155/fbr-cannot-hide-behind-software-limitations-federal-tax-ombudsman, 21 Jul 2026]
#13563
What is the primary reason cited for the anticipated disruptions in the supply chain of petroleum products in March 2026?
(a) Domestic refinery maintenance
(b) Middle East crisis
(c) Port congestion at Karachi
(d) Pipeline sabotage
Explanation: The notification explicitly links the anticipated disruptions to the Middle East crisis and the resulting logistical challenges in the Strait of Hormuz. Other options like refinery maintenance or port congestion are not the stated causes for this specific policy shift. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979478/kp-finance-dept-orders-adoption-of-fuel-conservation-measures-due-to-anticipated-disruptions, 07 Mar 2026]
#13564
What was the policy interest rate maintained by the State Bank of Pakistan as of March 10, 2026?
(a) 8.5 percent
(b) 9.5 percent
(c) 10.5 percent
(d) 11.5 percent
Explanation: The State Bank of Pakistan's monetary policy committee decided to keep the interest rate at 10.5 percent in March 2026. This rate was maintained despite calls from the business community for a reduction to support industrial growth. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980387/high-interest-rate-to-hit-economy-in-war-times-warn-businesses, 10 Mar 2026]
#13565
Which of the following statements regarding Pakistan's external debt management in April 2026 is INCORRECT?
(a) Pakistan repaid a $1.3 billion Eurobond on April 8, 2026.
(b) Pakistan returned $2 billion to the United Arab Emirates.
(c) Saudi Arabia reduced its support facility for Pakistan to $2 billion.
(d) The government is utilizing the Global Medium-Term Note (GMTN) programme.
Explanation: Saudi Arabia actually increased its support facility for Pakistan to $8 billion from $5 billion, rather than reducing it. The other statements accurately reflect the debt repayment and financing activities reported in April 2026. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1993495/pakistan-increases-eurobond-from-500m-to-750m, 20 Apr 2026]
#13566
Consider the following statements about the Eurobond issuance in April 2026: 1. It marked Pakistan's first return to international capital markets in four years. 2. The issuance was exclusively funded by domestic commercial banks. 3. The government intends to use the momentum to support future issuances under the GMTN programme. 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 issuance ended a four-year hiatus. Statement 2 is incorrect because the bonds were placed with global institutional investors, not domestic banks. Statement 3 is correct as the government explicitly stated the issuance builds momentum for future GMTN activity. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1993495/pakistan-increases-eurobond-from-500m-to-750m, 20 Apr 2026]
#13567
Which of the following is NOT a stated objective or component of the government's response to the 2026 fuel crisis?
(a) Providing relief to the masses once the situation stabilizes
(b) Ensuring the elite class sets an example of austerity
(c) Maintaining adequate reserves of petrol and diesel
(d) Immediate cessation of all international oil imports
Explanation: The government confirmed that the country has adequate reserves and is managing the crisis through conservation and price adjustments, not by ceasing all imports. The other options are explicitly mentioned as government policy goals. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979860/pm-shehbaz-to-announce-austerity-plan-tomorrow-amid-global-fuel-crisis, 08 Mar 2026]
#13568
On May 10, 2026, which Pakistani official was specifically commended by the Prime Minister for his dedication to the mediation efforts between the US and Iran?
(a) Ishaq Dar
(b) Tahir Andrabi
(c) Asim Munir
(d) None of these
Explanation: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif explicitly congratulated Field Marshal Asim Munir for his dedication to the mediation cause. While Ishaq Dar was also commended, the Prime Minister's specific mention of the Field Marshal's dedication highlights his central role in the military-diplomatic coordination. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1999181/tehran-sends-response-to-us-peace-proposal-via-pakistan, 10 May 2026]
#13569
Which provincial government department issued the directive for fuel conservation measures on March 7, 2026?
(a) Planning and Development Department
(b) Finance Department
(c) Local Government Department
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Finance Department issued the notification on March 7, 2026, to ensure the judicious use of petroleum products. Other departments like Planning or Local Government were not the primary issuers of this specific austerity directive. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979478/kp-finance-dept-orders-adoption-of-fuel-conservation-measures-due-to-anticipated-disruptions, 07 Mar 2026]
#13570
Who is the current Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas in India as of May 2026?
(a) Nitin Gadkari
(b) Hardeep Singh Puri
(c) Piyush Goyal
(d) None of these
Explanation: Hardeep Singh Puri is identified as the Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas who commented on the financial losses faced by oil marketing companies. The other names are prominent ministers but do not hold this specific portfolio. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1999209/modi-urges-indians-to-reduce-petrol-diesel-consumption-amid-middle-east-war-disruption, 10 May 2026]
#13571
As of June 26, 2026, what is the fixed price per litre for petrol in Pakistan?
(a) Rs299.50
(b) Rs311.47
(c) Rs321.17
(d) Rs378.00
Explanation: The government maintained the petrol price at Rs299.50 per litre on June 26, 2026. The figure Rs311.47 represents the price of high-speed diesel, while the other options reflect historical price points. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2011069/govt-keeps-petrol-diesel-prices-unchanged-till-further-orders, 26 Jun 2026]
#13572
Consider the following statements regarding fuel price management in Pakistan: 1. The government currently revises petroleum prices on a weekly basis every Friday night. 2. High-speed diesel is used exclusively for private passenger vehicles. 3. The government announced a reduction in fuel prices in the week preceding June 26, 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 a weekly revision schedule. Statement 3 is correct because the Prime Minister announced a significant reduction in prices the week prior to the June 26 announcement. Statement 2 is incorrect because diesel is primarily used for heavy transport and power generation, not private passenger vehicles. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2011069/govt-keeps-petrol-diesel-prices-unchanged-till-further-orders, 26 Jun 2026]
#13573
Consider the following statements regarding the economic concerns raised by business leaders in March 2026: 1. Business leaders argued that high interest rates discourage capital investment and modernization. 2. The SBP acknowledged a decline in exports alongside an increase in imports as a sign of slowing economic activity. 3. The business community unanimously agreed that the 10.5 percent interest rate was the optimal level for economic 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: Statements 1 and 2 are correct as they reflect the concerns regarding investment and the SBP's own assessment of trade data. Statement 3 is incorrect because the business community expressed disappointment and advocated for a rate reduction, showing a lack of consensus on the optimality of the 10.5 percent rate. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980387/high-interest-rate-to-hit-economy-in-war-times-warn-businesses, 10 Mar 2026]
#13574
Consider the following statements regarding the fuel conservation measures issued in March 2026: 1. The directive applies to all offices working under the KP Finance Department. 2. The Prime Minister has directed the finance and petroleum ministers to coordinate with provinces for a conservation strategy. 3. The fuel conservation measures were implemented because the government has no petroleum reserves left. 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 scope of the provincial directive and the federal government's coordination efforts. Statement 3 is incorrect because the government explicitly assured the nation that petroleum reserves were sufficient. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979478/kp-finance-dept-orders-adoption-of-fuel-conservation-measures-due-to-anticipated-disruptions, 07 Mar 2026]
#13575
Which index experienced a decline of almost 19 percent from its all-time highs during July 2026?
(a) Philadelphia SE Semiconductor Index
(b) Nasdaq Composite Index
(c) S&P 500 Technology Index
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Philadelphia SE Semiconductor index faced significant turbulence in July 2026, dropping nearly 19 percent as investors reassessed the sustainability of the AI-driven market rally. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016222/apple-closes-in-on-nvidia-in-race-for-worlds-most-valuable-company, 17 Jul 2026]
#13576
Consider the following statements about the edible oil supply chain in Pakistan as of March 2026: 1. The PVMA has reported a critical shortage of raw materials for ghee production. 2. Maritime supply routes are being monitored due to regional geopolitical tensions. 3. Domestic reserves are projected to cover national demand for the next two months. 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 PVMA explicitly stated there is no shortage of raw materials. Statements 2 and 3 are correct as they align with the association's assessment of regional risks and current stock levels. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980381/no-shortage-of-edible-oil-pvma, 10 Mar 2026]
#13577
Consider the following statements about the diplomatic mediation efforts on May 10, 2026: 1. Pakistan acted as a mediator to convey Iran's response to the US. 2. The US proposal includes a 30-day window for negotiating Iran's nuclear program. 3. The US has completely lifted its naval blockade of Iranian ports. 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 diplomatic developments. Statement 3 is incorrect because the US maintained the broader naval blockade of Iranian ports despite suspending the specific 'Project Freedom' escort plan. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1999181/tehran-sends-response-to-us-peace-proposal-via-pakistan, 10 May 2026]
#13578
In 2026, Pakistan became the 28th permanent member of which international organization?
(a) International Olive Council
(b) International Food Policy Research Institute
(c) World Olive Oil Federation
(d) None of these
Explanation: Pakistan officially joined the International Olive Council in May 2026, becoming the first South Asian country to attain this status. This membership is crucial for aligning domestic production with international quality and trade standards. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018683/harvest-of-hope, 27 Jul 2026]
#13579
Who is the current Petroleum Minister of Pakistan as of March 2026?
(a) Muhammad Aurangzeb
(b) Ali Pervaiz Malik
(c) Murad Ali Shah
(d) None of these
Explanation: Ali Pervaiz Malik is the Petroleum Minister who briefed provincial leadership on fuel reserves. Muhammad Aurangzeb is the Finance Minister, and Murad Ali Shah is the Chief Minister of Sindh. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979807/three-petrol-shipments-expected-on-monday-petroleum-minister, 08 Mar 2026]
#13580
In which sector of Islamabad were the Aurat March activists detained by the police on March 8, 2026?
(a) Sector F-7
(b) Sector G-7
(c) Sector I-8
(d) Sector F-6
Explanation: The activists were detained near the Super Market located in Sector F-6. Other sectors listed are common residential or commercial areas in Islamabad but were not the site of this specific police action. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979796/dozens-of-aurat-march-activists-participants-detained-by-police-in-islamabad-ahead-of-international-womens-day-rally, 08 Mar 2026]