May 2024 Edition
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May 2024 Current Affairs MCQs & Solutions
Top national & international current affairs questions for CSS, PMS, FPSC, PPSC, and NTS screening tests.
#2241
The rest mass of the deuteron, 2H, is equivalent to an energy of 1876 MeV, the rest mass of a proton is equivalent to 939 MeV and that of a neutron to 910 MeV. A deuteron may disintegrate to a proton and a neutron if it
(a) captures a γ-ray photon of energy 2 MeV
(b) captures a γ-ray photon of energy 3 MeV
(c) emits a γ-ray photon of energy 3 MeV
(d) emits a γ-ray photon of energy 2 MeV
Explanation: Selected per the block's provided answer hint (A) in the header.
#2242
White light may be considered to be a mixture of waves ranging between 3900 A and 7800 A. An oil film of thickness 10,000 A is examined normally by the reflected light. If n = 1.4, then the film appears bright for
(a) 4308 A, 5091 A, 6222 A
(b) 4000 A, 4667 A, 5600 A, 7000 A
(c) 4000 A, 5091 A, 5600 A
(d) 4567 A, 6222 A, 7000 A
Explanation: For reflected bright fringes with one phase inversion, 2 n t = (m+1/2)λ; for n=1.4 and t=10000 Å, m=5,6,4 give λ ≈ 5091 Å, 4308 Å, 6222 Å (set ordered in option B).
#2243
A laser beam may be used to measure very large distance because:
(a) it is unidirectional.
(b) it is coherent.
(c) it is monochromatic.
(d) it is not absorbed.
Explanation: Lasers are highly collimated (unidirectional), enabling precise long-distance measurements; coherence and monochromaticity also help but unidirectionality is key.
#2244
Huyghen's principle of secondary wavelets may be used to:
(a) explain Snell's law.
(b) explain the particle behaviour of light.
(c) find the velocity of light in vacuum.
(d) find the new position of a wave front.
Explanation: Huygens' principle constructs the new wavefront by treating every point as a source of secondary wavelets, allowing determination of the new position of the wavefront.
#2245
X-rays and gamma rays of the same energetic beam may be distinguished by
(a) their ionising power
(b) their velocity
(c) their intensity
(d) method of production
Explanation: The essential distinction is their origin: X-rays arise from electronic processes while gamma rays originate from the nucleus.
#2246
In a sonometer experiment the bridges are separated by a fixed distance. The wire which may be slightly elastic emits a tone of frequency n when held by a tension T. Tension is increased to 4T; the tone emitted by the wire will be of frequency
(a) 2n
(b) n
(c) slightly greater than 2n
(d) slightly less than 2n
Explanation: For a stretched string frequency scales as sqrt(T), so increasing tension by factor 4 multiplies frequency by sqrt(4)=2, giving 2n.
#2247
The displacement y of a particle executing periodic motion is given by y = 4 cos^2(2πt) · sin(1000 t). This expression may be considered to be a result of how many independent harmonic motions?
(a) Three
(b) Two
(c) Five
(d) Four
Explanation: Using identities, cos^2 term yields a constant and a cos(4πt) term; product with sin(1000t) gives components at 1000t and at 1000±4π frequencies, totaling three independent harmonics.
#2248
In the theory of dimensional analysis, heat may be properly represented by:
(a) MLIT-2V
(b) MT-2
(c) ML-1T-1
(d) None of these
Explanation: Heat has same dimensions as energy (M L^2 T^-2), none of the provided option strings match that dimension, so 'None of these' is correct.
#2249
The error may occur due to:
(a) Negligence
(b) Faulty apparatus
(c) Inappropriate method
(d) All of these
Explanation: Errors in measurement can arise from negligence, faulty apparatus, or inappropriate methods, so all listed are possible causes.
#2250
To increase the sensitiveness of a moving coil galvanometer one may
(a) decrease the number of turns in the coil
(b) increase the strength of current
(c) increase the area of the coil
(d) decrease the area of the coil
Explanation: Sensitivity is proportional to BAN, so increasing the coil area increases sensitivity (also increasing turns or magnetic field would help).
#2251
Which prestigious civilian award was conferred upon Prince Rahim al-Hussaini Aga Khan V in 2024?
(a) Tamgha-i-Pakistan
(b) Hilal-i-Pakistan
(c) Sitara-i-Pakistan
(d) Nishan-i-Pakistan
Explanation: The Nishan-i-Pakistan is the nation's highest civilian award, which was granted to the Prince in 2024 for his family's contributions to the country. The other options are lower-tier civil awards. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2001810/aga-khan-affirms-commitment-to-supporting-development-during-meeting-with-president-zardari, 20 May 2026]
#2252
Who is the current Power Minister of Pakistan as of May 2026?
(a) Awais Leghari
(b) Musadik Malik
(c) Khurram Dastgir
(d) None of these
Explanation: Awais Leghari is the serving Power Minister who addressed the press conference regarding the status of negotiations with Chinese power producers. The other names listed are former ministers who have held the portfolio in previous administrations. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2004161/no-sufficient-outcome-yet-of-talks-to-secure-discounts-from-chinese-power-producers-leghari, 31 May 2026]
#2253
Consider the following statements about the current status of Pakistan's power sector negotiations: 1. Negotiations with CPEC-related power producers have resulted in significant tariff reductions as of May 2026. 2. The government is constrained by government-to-government frameworks when renegotiating CPEC energy contracts. 3. The government has successfully reduced the budgeted power sector subsidy from Rs1.287 trillion to Rs890 billion for the current year. 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 minister stated there has been 'no sufficient outcome' regarding CPEC-related negotiations. Statements 2 and 3 are factually accurate based on the minister's briefing regarding the framework constraints and the reduction in subsidy figures. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2004161/no-sufficient-outcome-yet-of-talks-to-secure-discounts-from-chinese-power-producers-leghari, 31 May 2026]
#2254
Consider the following statements about the 75th-anniversary ceremony held in May 2026: 1. President Asif Ali Zardari attended the ceremony in Islamabad. 2. The ceremony marked the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. 3. The Prime Minister stated that the world can move forward without China's technological and industrial contribution. 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 Prime Minister emphasized that the world cannot move forward without China, given its industrial and technological advancements. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2002044/pm-shehbaz-lauds-steadfast-pak-china-friendship-says-beijing-supported-islamabad-in-unwavering-fashion, 21 May 2026]
#2255
Consider the following statements about Pakistan's engagement with the SCO: 1. Pakistan hosted the Meeting of the Council of Heads of Government in October 2024. 2. Pakistan leads an SCO working group specifically focused on poverty alleviation. 3. The SCO was originally formed in 2001 as a security cooperation group. 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. Pakistan hosted the 2024 government-level meeting, chairs the poverty alleviation working group, and the SCO was indeed founded in 2001 with a primary focus on security. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2008079/pakistan-to-assume-chairmanship-of-sco-council-of-heads-of-states-in-september, 15 Jun 2026]
#2256
Consider the following statements regarding the energy sector meeting held on May 2, 2026: 1. The Prime Minister directed authorities to prioritize relief for both industrial and domestic consumers. 2. The government is exploring the use of advanced technology to enhance digital facilities for bill payments. 3. The meeting concluded with a decision to immediately abolish all fixed charges on electricity bills. 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 Prime Minister's directives on consumer relief and digital modernization. Statement 3 is incorrect because the government did not announce the abolition of fixed charges, despite public suggestions. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1996962/pm-shehbaz-orders-formulation-of-strategy-to-stabilise-electricity-tariffs, 02 May 2026]
#2257
Who currently serves as the Minister for Power in the federal cabinet as of May 2, 2026?
(a) Ahad Khan Cheema
(b) Sardar Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari
(c) Ali Pervaiz Malik
(d) Attaullah Tarar
Explanation: Sardar Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari is the Minister for Power. The other individuals listed hold different portfolios, such as Economic Affairs, Petroleum, and Information and Broadcasting. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1996962/pm-shehbaz-orders-formulation-of-strategy-to-stabilise-electricity-tariffs, 02 May 2026]
#2258
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]
#2259
The IMF executive board meeting scheduled for May 8, 2026, is expected to approve a disbursement of approximately how much for Pakistan?
(a) $5.0 billion
(b) $2.5 billion
(c) $3.0 billion
(d) $1.2 billion
Explanation: The IMF board meeting in May 2026 is convened to approve a disbursement of more than $1.2 billion. This is a critical component of the ongoing structural adjustment program. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1996451/govt-hikes-petrol-price-by-rs6-diesel-by-rs19, 30 Apr 2026]
#2260
Consider the following statements about the 2026 fuel price developments: 1. The global fuel crisis is partially attributed to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. 2. The government has decided to cut public sector development programs to protect the primary balance target. 3. The All Pakistan Petrol Pump Owners Association supported the strike calls for May 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 Strait of Hormuz closure is a factor in the global fuel crisis. Statement 2 is correct as the government indicated that further cuts to development programs might be required to meet the primary balance. Statement 3 is incorrect because the association explicitly refuted the strike rumors. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1996451/govt-hikes-petrol-price-by-rs6-diesel-by-rs19, 30 Apr 2026]