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.
#18041
During the visit to Shanghai on 2026-07-16, the Pakistani delegation reaffirmed commitment to high-quality development under which framework?
(a) CPEC 2.0
(b) CPEC 1.0
(c) Belt and Road Initiative
(d) Global Development Initiative
Explanation: The Foreign Office confirmed that the leaders underscored the importance of advancing high-quality development specifically under CPEC 2.0. CPEC 1.0 refers to the earlier phase of the project. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2015858/pakistan-becomes-founding-member-of-world-artificial-intelligence-cooperation-organisation, 16 Jul 2026]
#18042
Following the price adjustment on July 17, 2026, what is the new price of petrol per litre?
(a) Rs316.15
(b) Rs266.00
(c) Rs354.35
(d) Rs458.41
Explanation: The price of petrol was set at Rs316.15 per litre following the increase. Rs354.35 is the new price for high-speed diesel. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016247/govt-increases-petrol-price-by-rs544-diesel-by-rs3105-per-litre-for-next-three-days, 17 Jul 2026]
#18043
Consider the following statements about the security incidents in Hassan Khel: 1. The BDU official was killed while defusing an IED inside an active police station. 2. The incident on July 14, 2026, involved two IEDs, one of which had already been detonated by terrorists. 3. Victims of the July 1, 2026, suspected drone strike were transported to Shamshato Hospital. 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 police post was abandoned and vacant, not active. Statements 2 and 3 are factually accurate based on the reports of the events in Hassan Khel. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2015448/bomb-disposal-unit-official-martyred-in-ied-explosion-in-kps-peshawar-district-police, 14 Jul 2026]
#18044
Which specific counterterrorism and counterinsurgency campaign is currently being conducted in Balochistan as of July 2026?
(a) Operation Zarb-e-Azb
(b) Operation Shaban
(c) Operation Radd-ul-Fasaad
(d) Operation Khyber
Explanation: Operation Shaban is the high-intensity counterterrorism campaign currently active in Balochistan. Other options refer to historical military operations conducted in different regions or timeframes. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2015683/authorities-increasing-security-around-saindak-copper-and-gold-mine-in-balochistan-minister, 15 Jul 2026]
#18045
The total savings identified for the quarterly tariff adjustment (QTA) refund in 2026 amount to approximately:
(a) Rs42 billion
(b) Rs54 billion
(c) Rs74 billion
(d) Rs64 billion
Explanation: The total savings accrued for the first quarter of 2026, which are being passed on to consumers, amount to approximately Rs64 billion. This figure is derived from savings in capacity charges, market operator fees, and other operational adjustments. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1998087/power-consumers-to-get-rs175-per-unit-relief-over-next-3-months, 06 May 2026]
#18046
Which of the following statements regarding the 2026 electricity tariff adjustment is INCORRECT?
(a) The relief applies to all 11 Discos and K-Electric.
(b) The negative QTA is permanent and will not be subject to future fuel cost adjustments.
(c) The relief is based on savings from the first quarter of 2026.
(d) The relief period covers June, July, and August 2026.
Explanation: The negative QTA is a temporary adjustment for three months and does not preclude future monthly fuel cost adjustments (FCAs). FCAs remain an automatic mechanism to pass on fuel price variations to consumers. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1998087/power-consumers-to-get-rs175-per-unit-relief-over-next-3-months, 06 May 2026]
#18047
Which distribution company reported the highest savings leading to the QTA refund in 2026?
(a) Lahore Electric Supply Company
(b) Islamabad Electric Supply Company
(c) Faisalabad Electric Supply Company
(d) None of these
Explanation: Faisalabad Electric Supply Company (FESCO) leads the savings list with Rs10.45 billion, followed by Hyderabad Electric Supply Company. None of these is incorrect because FESCO is explicitly identified as the leader. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1998087/power-consumers-to-get-rs175-per-unit-relief-over-next-3-months, 06 May 2026]
#18048
Consider the following statements about the 2026 electricity tariff adjustments: 1. The negative QTA is intended to replace a previous positive QTA of 42 paisa per unit. 2. The savings are primarily driven by lower capacity charges paid to power producers. 3. The relief is applicable to all consumers, including those under the special incremental consumption package. 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 2 are correct as the negative QTA replaces the 42 paisa positive QTA and is driven by capacity charge savings. Statement 3 is incorrect because the QTA does not apply to eligible consumers under the special tariff package for incremental consumption. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1998087/power-consumers-to-get-rs175-per-unit-relief-over-next-3-months, 06 May 2026]
#18049
Who presided over the 275th Corps Commanders' Conference held on May 5, 2026?
(a) General Asim Munir
(b) General Qamar Javed Bajwa
(c) General Sahir Shamshad Mirza
(d) General Nadeem Anjum
Explanation: Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir presided over the 275th Corps Commanders' Conference at the General Headquarters. The other options represent former or different high-ranking military officials. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1997771/regional-peace-stability-linked-to-collective-restraint-respect-for-sovereignty-armys-top-brass, 05 May 2026]
#18050
The Virtual Assets Act 2026 mandates that the licensing and supervision of virtual asset activities in Pakistan are the responsibility of which body?
(a) Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan
(b) Federal Board of Revenue
(c) State Bank of Pakistan
(d) Pakistan Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority
Explanation: The Virtual Assets Act 2026 explicitly designates the PVARA as the statutory authority for the regulation and oversight of virtual assets. While the State Bank of Pakistan is involved in policy changes, the specific regulatory mandate belongs to the PVARA. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1996695/pm-shehbaz-says-regulatory-system-for-virtual-assets-should-be-operationalised-at-the-earliest, 01 May 2026]
#18051
Consider the following statements about the regulatory developments for virtual assets in Pakistan: 1. The Virtual Assets Act 2026 provides the legal basis for the PVARA to act as a statutory regulator. 2. The PVARA has introduced a regulatory sandbox to facilitate innovation in virtual asset services. 3. All pilot projects involving virtual assets are exempt from prior authorization requirements. 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 legal framework and the operational tools (regulatory sandbox) mentioned in the policy. Statement 3 is incorrect because the authority explicitly stated that any pilot involving virtual assets requires prior authorization. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1996695/pm-shehbaz-says-regulatory-system-for-virtual-assets-should-be-operationalised-at-the-earliest, 01 May 2026]
#18052
Which of the following infrastructure elements was specifically mentioned by the PMD as being vulnerable to damage from dust storms during the May 2026 heatwave?
(a) Underground fiber optic cables
(b) Solar panels
(c) Water filtration plants
(d) Railway tracks
Explanation: The PMD warned that wind or dust storms could damage loose structures, specifically citing electric poles, trees, vehicles, and solar panels. Solar panels are particularly vulnerable to high-velocity winds and debris associated with such weather events. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1996972/cm-murad-urges-public-to-take-precautionary-measures-amid-heatwave-alert-for-sindhs-central-upper-regions, 02 May 2026]
#18053
What specific directive did the Chief Minister of Sindh issue to district administrations in response to the May 2026 heatwave alert?
(a) To impose a curfew in urban centers
(b) To suspend all public transport services
(c) To establish heatwave relief camps
(d) None of these
Explanation: Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah explicitly instructed district administrations in the affected areas to establish heatwave relief camps to provide support to the public. This measure is a standard institutional response to mitigate the impact of extreme weather events. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1996972/cm-murad-urges-public-to-take-precautionary-measures-amid-heatwave-alert-for-sindhs-central-upper-regions, 02 May 2026]
#18054
Which of the following statements regarding the border security situation as of April 30, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) Pakistan has accused the Afghan Taliban regime of failing to ensure effective border management.
(b) The ISPR reported that the terrorists involved were foreign-sponsored.
(c) Security forces are conducting sanitization operations to eliminate remaining threats in the area.
(d) The infiltration attempts occurred exclusively within the Balochistan province.
Explanation: The infiltration attempts occurred in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, not Balochistan. The other statements accurately reflect the official position and actions reported by the ISPR. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1996454/13-terrorists-killed-as-bids-to-infiltrate-pak-afghan-border-in-kp-foiled-ispr, 30 Apr 2026]
#18055
Who among the following was present alongside the DG ISPR during the press conference on May 7, 2026?
(a) Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee
(b) Chief of Army Staff
(c) Minister of Defence
(d) Deputy Chief of Naval Staff (Operations), Rear Admiral Shifaat Ali
Explanation: Rear Admiral Shifaat Ali, the Deputy Chief of Naval Staff (Operations), and Air Vice Marshal Tariq Ghazi were the officials present at the press conference. The other options are high-ranking officials who were not mentioned as attendees at this specific event. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1998318/we-are-prepared-dg-ispr-highlights-indigenous-military-capabilities-on-marka-i-haq-anniversary, 07 May 2026]
#18056
Which of the following statements regarding the rescue operation on May 4, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The rescue operation was conducted in the Bay of Bengal.
(b) The crew included an Indonesian national.
(c) The Pakistan Navy deployed the PMSS Kashmir for the operation.
(d) The vessel was en route from Oman to India.
Explanation: The rescue operation took place in the Arabian Sea, not the Bay of Bengal. The other three statements are factually accurate regarding the event. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1997526/six-indian-nationals-among-sailors-rescued-by-navy-maritime-security-agency-in-arabian-sea-security-sources, 04 May 2026]
#18057
Which vessel was rescued by the Pakistan Navy and the Pakistan Maritime Security Agency on May 4, 2026?
(a) MV Gold Autumn
(b) MV Gautam
(c) MV Indus Cloud
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Pakistan Navy and PMSA provided assistance to the MV Gautam, an Indian offshore tug and supply vessel, following a technical fault. MV Gold Autumn was a separate vessel rescued by the Pakistan Navy in the previous month. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1997526/six-indian-nationals-among-sailors-rescued-by-navy-maritime-security-agency-in-arabian-sea-security-sources, 04 May 2026]
#18058
Consider the following statements about the humanitarian operations conducted by the Pakistan Navy in 2026: 1. The Pakistan Navy rescued 18 crew members from the MV Gold Autumn in the month preceding the May 4, 2026, operation. 2. The crew of the MV Gold Autumn included nationals from China, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Vietnam, and Indonesia. 3. The Pakistan Navy provided only medical aid to the crew of the MV Gautam, excluding technical support.
(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 Pakistan Navy provided food, medical aid, and technical support to the crew of the MV Gautam. Statements 1 and 2 accurately reflect the details of the previous rescue operation mentioned in the report. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1997526/six-indian-nationals-among-sailors-rescued-by-navy-maritime-security-agency-in-arabian-sea-security-sources, 04 May 2026]
#18059
Who serves as the current US Special Envoy on Middle East mentioned in the context of the 2026 diplomatic discussions?
(a) Amos Hochstein
(b) Steve Witkoff
(c) Brett McGurk
(d) David Satterfield
Explanation: Steve Witkoff is identified as the US Special Envoy on Middle East who confirmed that the United States was in conversation with Iran regarding the peace negotiations. The other individuals listed are known figures in US diplomacy but are not the subjects of this specific report. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1997230/iran-reviewing-us-response-to-14-point-plan-trump-says-washington-having-very-positive-discussions-with-tehran, 03 May 2026]
#18060
On May 4, 2026, which specific facility in the United Arab Emirates was targeted by a drone attack?
(a) Jebel Ali Port
(b) Fujairah Oil Industry Zone
(c) Khalifa Port
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Fujairah Oil Industry Zone was the site of the drone attack on May 4, 2026, which caused a fire and injuries to three workers. Jebel Ali and Khalifa are other major UAE ports but were not the location of this specific incident. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1997510/fujairah-oil-zone-hit-by-drone-attack-as-uae-says-it-intercepted-iranian-missiles, 04 May 2026]