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.
#2661
Who currently serves as the United States Secretary of State as of May 27, 2026?
(a) Mike Pompeo
(b) Marco Rubio
(c) Antony Blinken
(d) None of these
Explanation: Marco Rubio is identified as the US Secretary of State in the report regarding the cabinet meeting. Other options are either former secretaries or not currently serving in that capacity. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2003490/trump-cabinet-looks-forward-to-progress-on-iran-deal-in-coming-hours-days, 27 May 2026]
#2662
Consider the following statements about the China-Pakistan diplomatic engagement on May 25, 2026: 1. The two leaders discussed building a community with a shared future in the new era. 2. Pakistan's mediation efforts were focused on the conflict between Washington and Tehran. 3. The visit was part of a short one-day trip to China. 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 as they align with the official discourse on regional peace and the specific mediation role mentioned. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Prime Minister's visit was a four-day official trip, not a one-day trip. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2002979/chinas-xi-hails-unbreakable-ties-praises-pakistans-role-in-iran-peace-efforts-as-he-meets-pm-shehbaz, 25 May 2026]
#2663
Which Malaysian leader appreciated Pakistan's role in the ceasefire in the Gulf during a conversation on May 27, 2026?
(a) Mahathir Mohamad
(b) Anwar Ibrahim
(c) Ismail Sabri Yaakob
(d) Muhyiddin Yassin
Explanation: Malaysian Prime Minister Dr. Anwar Ibrahim held a telephonic conversation with PM Shehbaz Sharif to appreciate Pakistan's role in the Gulf ceasefire. The other options represent former Malaysian leaders who were not involved in this specific diplomatic exchange. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2003497/us-iran-peace-deal-could-benefit-entire-region-pm-tells-pezeshkian-in-eid-call, 27 May 2026]
#2664
According to the 2026 DHS data, how many student visa admissions were recorded in the United States during 2024?
(a) More than 1.8 million
(b) More than 1.2 million
(c) More than 2.5 million
(d) More than 3.0 million
Explanation: The DHS reported over 1.8 million student visa admissions in 2024, representing an 11 percent increase over the previous year. This volume was cited as a primary reason for the new oversight measures. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2015982/us-to-tighten-visa-regulations-for-foreign-students-journalists, 16 Jul 2026]
#2665
Consider the following statements about the diplomatic situation in April 2026: 1. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif visited Riyadh, Doha, and Istanbul as part of Pakistan's diplomatic outreach. 2. President Trump claimed that Iran had agreed to abandon its nuclear weapons program. 3. The US-Iran ceasefire was set to expire in early 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 Prime Minister conducted a tour of these cities. Statement 2 is correct as Trump claimed Iran agreed to give up its nuclear program. Statement 3 is incorrect because the ceasefire was set to expire 'next week' from April 16, 2026, not in May. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1992383/trump-says-if-iran-deal-is-reached-and-signed-in-islamabad-i-might-go-there, 16 Apr 2026]
#2666
Which global event is scheduled to be hosted by Azerbaijan in May 2026?
(a) International Peace Dialogue
(b) Global Energy Summit
(c) Regional Trade Conference
(d) World Urban Forum
Explanation: The Prime Minister expressed his best wishes for the success of the upcoming World Urban Forum, which is being hosted by Azerbaijan. This event serves as a platform for advancing the global urban development agenda. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1999715/pm-shehbaz-azerbaijans-president-aliyev-discuss-peace-efforts-in-mideast-pmo, 12 May 2026]
#2667
On May 6, 2026, Israel conducted an airstrike in Beirut targeting a commander of which specific Hezbollah unit?
(a) Al-Quds Force
(b) Radwan Force
(c) Badr Force
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Israeli military strike in Beirut's southern suburbs specifically targeted a commander associated with the Radwan force. The Al-Quds Force is an external operations unit of the Iranian IRGC, not a Hezbollah unit. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1998133/israel-strikes-beirut-for-the-first-time-since-ceasefire, 06 May 2026]
#2668
Who is the current Prime Minister of Lebanon as of May 2026?
(a) Benjamin Netanyahu
(b) Joseph Aoun
(c) Nawaf Salam
(d) Israel Katz
Explanation: Nawaf Salam serves as the Prime Minister of Lebanon and has been involved in diplomatic discussions regarding the ceasefire. Joseph Aoun is the President of Lebanon. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1998133/israel-strikes-beirut-for-the-first-time-since-ceasefire, 06 May 2026]
#2669
At which international forum did US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth praise Pakistan's role in US-Iran negotiations on May 30, 2026?
(a) Raisina Dialogue
(b) Munich Security Conference
(c) Shangri-La Dialogue
(d) World Economic Forum
Explanation: The US Secretary of Defense made these remarks during the 23rd Shangri-La Dialogue summit held in Singapore. The Raisina Dialogue is a separate geopolitical conference hosted in India. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2003936/us-pakistan-developing-true-friendship-hegseth-hails-islamabads-role-in-us-iran-negotiations, 30 May 2026]
#2670
Which of the following statements regarding the US-Pakistan diplomatic relationship as of May 30, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The US Secretary of Defense described the developing relationship as a true friendship.
(b) The US Secretary of State indicated that strengthening ties with Pakistan comes at the expense of the relationship with New Delhi.
(c) The US administration claims to have brokered a ceasefire between Pakistan and India in May 2025.
(d) President Donald Trump has publicly praised the Pakistani military leadership.
Explanation: The US Secretary of State explicitly stated that the strengthening of ties with Pakistan does not come at the expense of Washington's relationship with New Delhi, making the incorrect statement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2003936/us-pakistan-developing-true-friendship-hegseth-hails-islamabads-role-in-us-iran-negotiations, 30 May 2026]
#2671
Who is the current US Secretary of Defense as of May 30, 2026?
(a) Marco Rubio
(b) Tulsi Gabbard
(c) Pete Hegseth
(d) None of these
Explanation: Pete Hegseth is the serving US Secretary of Defense. Marco Rubio serves as the US Secretary of State, and Tulsi Gabbard is the former director of national intelligence. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2003936/us-pakistan-developing-true-friendship-hegseth-hails-islamabads-role-in-us-iran-negotiations, 30 May 2026]
#2672
Consider the following statements about the diplomatic developments mentioned on May 30, 2026: 1. Pakistan served as the official interlocutor between Washington and Tehran. 2. The US Secretary of Defense expressed concerns that Pakistan's missile capabilities are currently a direct threat to the US. 3. The US President has referred to the Pakistani Army Chief as his 'favourite field marshal'. 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 Pakistan acted as the interlocutor. Statement 3 is correct as the US President used that specific phrasing. Statement 2 is incorrect because the Secretary of Defense explicitly stated that the US is not calling either country a threat to them at this time. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2003936/us-pakistan-developing-true-friendship-hegseth-hails-islamabads-role-in-us-iran-negotiations, 30 May 2026]
#2673
According to the Prime Minister's statement on May 9, 2026, which issue remains an 'unfinished agenda of Partition'?
(a) The Iran-US conflict
(b) The Kashmir issue
(c) The Afghanistan border dispute
(d) The Gwadar port development
Explanation: The Prime Minister reiterated that the Kashmir issue is an unfinished agenda of Partition and is critical for strategic stability in South Asia. The other options are unrelated to the historical context of the Partition of the subcontinent. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1998951/etched-in-history-pm-shehbaz-says-pakistan-cannot-be-intimidated-or-subdued-as-nation-marks-marka-i-haq-anniversary, 09 May 2026]
#2674
Who is the current Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces of Pakistan who visited Tehran in May 2026?
(a) General Qamar Javed Bajwa
(b) Field Marshal Asim Munir
(c) General Raheel Sharif
(d) None of these
Explanation: Field Marshal Asim Munir is the current Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces who led the mediation delegation to Tehran. The other names listed are former army chiefs. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2002541/encouraging-progress-made-during-cdf-munirs-tehran-visit-ispr, 23 May 2026]
#2675
Consider the following statements about the diplomatic events of May 2026: 1. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi visited Tehran twice in less than a week to facilitate negotiations. 2. The first round of US-Iran talks in Islamabad resulted in a signed comprehensive peace agreement. 3. Field Marshal Asim Munir held meetings with Iranian officials to discuss regional peace and US-Iran talks. 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 Interior Minister made multiple trips to Tehran. Statement 2 is incorrect because the first round of talks ended without an agreement. Statement 3 is correct as the CDF's visit was explicitly for mediation and discussion of regional peace. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2002286/cdf-asim-munir-arrives-in-iran-as-part-of-ongoing-mediation-efforts-ispr, 22 May 2026]
#2676
Who received Field Marshal Asim Munir upon his arrival in Tehran on May 22, 2026?
(a) Abbas Araghchi
(b) Eskandar Momeni
(c) Steve Witkoff
(d) None of these
Explanation: Eskandar Momeni, the Iranian Minister for Interior, officially received the Pakistani delegation at the airport. Abbas Araghchi is the Iranian Foreign Minister, and Steve Witkoff is a US Special Envoy. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2002286/cdf-asim-munir-arrives-in-iran-as-part-of-ongoing-mediation-efforts-ispr, 22 May 2026]
#2677
Which of the following is NOT a primary issue impeding progress in the US-Iran negotiations as of May 2026?
(a) Iran's nuclear programme
(b) Strait of Hormuz security
(c) Sanctions relief
(d) Global climate change accords
Explanation: The primary impediments to the negotiations are nuclear programs, sanctions relief, and regional security concerns like the Strait of Hormuz. Global climate change accords are not cited as a factor in the current diplomatic deadlock. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2002286/cdf-asim-munir-arrives-in-iran-as-part-of-ongoing-mediation-efforts-ispr, 22 May 2026]
#2678
Which of the following Iranian officials did Field Marshal Asim Munir NOT meet during his visit to Tehran in May 2026?
(a) Masoud Pezeshkian
(b) Ali Khamenei
(c) Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf
(d) Abbas Araghchi
Explanation: Field Marshal Asim Munir met with President Masoud Pezeshkian, Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. There is no mention of a meeting with the Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, in the official reports. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2002541/encouraging-progress-made-during-cdf-munirs-tehran-visit-ispr, 23 May 2026]
#2679
Which Pakistani official visited Iran in May 2026 to discuss the revival of the stalled US-Iran peace process?
(a) Ishaq Dar
(b) Mohsin Naqvi
(c) Asim Munir
(d) None of these
Explanation: Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi conducted the visit to Iran to hold meetings with Iranian leadership to revive the peace process. While Ishaq Dar is involved in foreign policy, the specific visit mentioned in the context of the May 2026 developments was led by the Interior Minister. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2000962/pm-shehbaz-credits-political-military-partnership-for-pakistans-recognition-as-us-iran-mediator-changed-image, 17 May 2026]
#2680
Which of the following statements regarding the status of the Strait of Hormuz as of May 18, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) Shipping traffic has returned to pre-war status following the April ceasefire.
(b) Iran has implemented a system to charge ships for traversing the strait.
(c) The PGSA provides real-time updates on operations within the strait.
(d) Iran has sent formal regulations to ships passing through the waterway.
Explanation: Iran has explicitly stated that maritime traffic would not return to its pre-war status, making the incorrect statement. The other options accurately reflect the current operational changes implemented by Iran. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2001272/iran-officially-announces-new-body-to-manage-strait-of-hormuz-top-security-council, 18 May 2026]