May 2024 Edition
Start May Quiz
May 2024 Current Affairs MCQs & Solutions
Top national & international current affairs questions for CSS, PMS, FPSC, PPSC, and NTS screening tests.
#2301
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]
#2302
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]
#2303
Consider the following statements about the fuel price situation in 2026: 1. The government reduced petrol prices for two consecutive weeks in May 2026. 2. The global fuel crunch was exacerbated by the conflict involving Iran. 3. The Petroleum Minister announced an increase in fuel prices on April 2, 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: All three statements are factually accurate based on the provided information regarding the 2026 fuel price trends and the geopolitical context of the energy crisis. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2002321/govt-reduces-petrol-by-rs6-per-litre-high-speed-diesel-by-rs68, 22 May 2026]
#2304
According to the Ministry of Finance, the current account recorded a surplus of how much during the period of July 2025 to May 2026?
(a) 155 million dollars
(b) 255 million dollars
(c) 355 million dollars
(d) None of these
Explanation: The external sector remained stable, with the current account recording a surplus of 255 million dollars during the Jul-May period of the 2026 fiscal year, supported by remittances and IT exports. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2011978/govt-expects-easing-inflationary-pressure-in-new-fiscal-year-following-reopening-of-strait-of-hormuz, 30 Jun 2026]
#2305
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]
#2306
According to the statement made on July 22, 2026, which entity does the New York City Mayor identify as having the legal authority to execute an ICC warrant?
(a) The United States federal government
(b) The New York State Supreme Court
(c) The New York Police Department
(d) The United Nations Security Council
Explanation: The Mayor clarified that municipal authorities lack the power to enforce international warrants, explicitly calling upon the US federal government to intervene. The NYPD and state courts do not possess jurisdiction over international diplomatic arrests. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017473/he-is-a-war-criminal-mamdani-says-ny-cannot-arrest-netanyahu-on-icc-warrant-urges-us-federal-officials-to-step-in, 22 Jul 2026]
#2307
Consider the following statements regarding the legal and political discourse surrounding the ICC warrant in New York: 1. The Mayor of New York City asserted that his office possesses the independent legal authority to execute the ICC warrant. 2. The US federal government holds the authority to execute international arrest warrants within the country. 3. The ICC warrant for Benjamin Netanyahu was initially announced in 2024. 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 false because the Mayor explicitly stated he does NOT have the authority. Statements 2 and 3 are factually correct based on the provided information. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017473/he-is-a-war-criminal-mamdani-says-ny-cannot-arrest-netanyahu-on-icc-warrant-urges-us-federal-officials-to-step-in, 22 Jul 2026]
#2308
What was the unemployment rate in the United States as of the May 2026 report?
(a) 4.3 percent
(b) 4.1 percent
(c) 3.8 percent
(d) 4.5 percent
Explanation: The unemployment rate remained firm at 4.3 percent according to the May 2026 data. This stability in the labor market contributed to the market's belief that the Federal Reserve would maintain a hawkish stance. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2005508/wall-street-ends-sharply-lower-as-chips-slide-jobs-data-fuels-rate-hike-fears, 05 Jun 2026]
#2309
According to the Ministry of Finance, the current account recorded a surplus of how much during the period of July 2025 to May 2026?
(a) 155 million dollars
(b) 255 million dollars
(c) 355 million dollars
(d) None of these
Explanation: The external sector remained stable, with the current account recording a surplus of 255 million dollars during the Jul-May period of the 2026 fiscal year, supported by remittances and IT exports. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2011978/govt-expects-easing-inflationary-pressure-in-new-fiscal-year-following-reopening-of-strait-of-hormuz, 30 Jun 2026]
#2310
As of May 31, 2026, what was the total value of assets managed by India's portfolio management services industry?
(a) 18.07 trillion rupees
(b) 42.61 trillion rupees
(c) 55.30 trillion rupees
(d) None of these
Explanation: The assets managed by the Indian portfolio management services industry reached 42.61 trillion rupees by May 31, 2026. The figure of 18.07 trillion rupees represents the industry's asset size in April 2019. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431463/indias-sebi-proposes-allowing-portfolio-managers-to-invest-overseas-in-to-be-listed-securities, 23 Jul 2026]
#2311
Consider the following statements about the European Union's regulatory actions against Google in 2026: 1. The fines were issued due to Google favoring its own services in search results like hotels and flights. 2. Google has expressed that it may challenge the Commission's findings in court. 3. The European Commission has ceased all dialogue with Google following the imposition of these fines. 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 accurate as Google favored its own services and has indicated potential legal recourse. Statement 3 is false because the Commission explicitly noted a 'constructive dialogue' is ongoing to ensure compliance. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017814/google-hit-with-1bn-eu-fine-in-constructive-talks-to-avoid-more-penalties, 23 Jul 2026]
#2312
Consider the following statements about the incident involving Itamar Ben-Gvir on May 23, 2026: 1. The minister posted a video showing activists with their hands tied and foreheads to the ground. 2. The video was captioned 'Welcome to Israel' by the minister. 3. The activists were intercepted while attempting to deliver aid to the West Bank. 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 regarding the content and caption of the video. Statement 3 is incorrect because the flotilla was attempting to reach Gaza, not the West Bank. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2002539/france-bans-israeli-security-minister-ben-gvir-from-country, 23 May 2026]
#2313
Which French official announced the entry ban against Itamar Ben-Gvir on May 23, 2026?
(a) Jean-Noel Barrot
(b) Antonio Costa
(c) Kaja Kallas
(d) None of these
Explanation: Jean-Noel Barrot is the French Foreign Minister who officially announced the ban on X. Antonio Costa and Kaja Kallas are European Union officials who condemned the actions but did not issue the French national ban. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2002539/france-bans-israeli-security-minister-ben-gvir-from-country, 23 May 2026]
#2314
The humanitarian aid convoy involved in the incident on May 23, 2026, was known as the:
(a) Mediterranean Aid Mission
(b) Freedom Gaza Convoy
(c) Global Sumud Flotilla
(d) Humanity First Fleet
Explanation: The activists were part of the Global Sumud Flotilla attempting to breach the blockade of Gaza. The other options are plausible-sounding but incorrect names for this specific 2026 event. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2002539/france-bans-israeli-security-minister-ben-gvir-from-country, 23 May 2026]
#2315
Which of the following statements regarding the diplomatic response to the incident on May 23, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The United Kingdom summoned Israel’s most senior diplomat in Britain.
(b) New Zealand announced it would summon the Israeli ambassador to express concerns.
(c) Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong stated that Australia had already sanctioned Ben-Gvir.
(d) The United States officially joined France in imposing a travel ban on Ben-Gvir.
Explanation: While the US Ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, condemned the actions, there is no report that the United States joined France in imposing a formal travel ban. The other statements accurately reflect the diplomatic actions taken by the respective nations. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2002539/france-bans-israeli-security-minister-ben-gvir-from-country, 23 May 2026]
#2316
Who currently serves as the State Minister for Interior in the federal government as of May 2026?
(a) Abdul Qadir
(b) Ayaz Sadiq
(c) Faisal Saleem Rehman
(d) Talal Chaudhry
Explanation: Talal Chaudhry is the State Minister for Interior who presented the government's stance regarding the alleged misuse of official passports during the committee meeting. The other individuals listed hold different legislative or parliamentary roles. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1999979/pti-defends-mna-iqbal-afridis-son-over-asylum-move-assails-govts-oppression, 13 May 2026]
#2317
Which location in the United Kingdom recorded its highest May temperature on record on May 25, 2026?
(a) Kew Gardens
(b) Heathrow Airport
(c) Greenwich Park
(d) None of these
Explanation: Kew Gardens in southwest London recorded a temperature of 34.8°C, which the Met Office confirmed as the hottest May day on record for the UK. Other locations did not reach this specific record-breaking threshold. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2003065/mini-version-of-hell-heat-dome-over-europe-scorches-uk-france-spain, 25 May 2026]
#2318
Consider the following statements about the climate situation in Europe as of May 2026: 1. Climate advisers warned that UK infrastructure is built for a climate that no longer exists. 2. The Met Office described the May heat as exceptional even for mid-summer standards. 3. Human-induced climate change is identified as a factor increasing the frequency of such extreme weather events. 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 provided information. Climate advisers have urged infrastructure adaptation, the Met Office highlighted the exceptional nature of the May heat, and scientists link these events to human-induced climate change. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2003065/mini-version-of-hell-heat-dome-over-europe-scorches-uk-france-spain, 25 May 2026]
#2319
What was the focal depth of the earthquake that occurred in Jhelum on May 26, 2026?
(a) 128 kilometres
(b) 190 kilometres
(c) 58 kilometres
(d) 12 kilometres
Explanation: The earthquake had a shallow focal depth of 12 kilometres. The other options refer to the depths of different seismic events that occurred earlier in the year. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2003299/at-least-one-killed-11-injured-as-earthquake-damages-houses-in-punjabs-jhelum-district, 26 May 2026]
#2320
What meteorological phenomenon was identified as the primary cause of the extreme heat across Europe on May 25, 2026?
(a) Polar vortex
(b) Cyclonic depression
(c) Atmospheric river
(d) Heat dome
Explanation: A heat dome occurs when a high-pressure system traps warm air over a specific region, preventing it from escaping. This phenomenon was responsible for the record-breaking temperatures observed across Western Europe in May 2026. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2003065/mini-version-of-hell-heat-dome-over-europe-scorches-uk-france-spain, 25 May 2026]