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.
#2681
According to the official stance reiterated by Pakistan in May 2026, what is the primary condition for any change in Islamabad's policy toward Israel?
(a) The signing of the Abraham Accords
(b) The establishment of an independent Palestinian state
(c) The conclusion of the war with Iran
(d) The withdrawal of US forces from the Middle East
Explanation: Pakistan maintains that normalization with Israel is contingent upon the establishment of an independent Palestinian state. The Abraham Accords are the specific agreements Pakistan has declined to join under current conditions. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2003632/pakistan-firmly-committed-to-stance-on-palestine-israel-dar-answers-question-on-abraham-accords, 29 May 2026]
#2682
What is the name of the new body established by Iran to manage the Strait of Hormuz as of May 18, 2026?
(a) Persian Gulf Strait Authority
(b) Hormuz Maritime Command
(c) Strait Sovereignty Council
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Persian Gulf Strait Authority (PGSA) was announced by Iran's Supreme National Security Council to provide real-time updates and manage traffic. The other options are plausible-sounding distractors but do not represent the official entity. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2001272/iran-officially-announces-new-body-to-manage-strait-of-hormuz-top-security-council, 18 May 2026]
#2683
Consider the following statements about the geopolitical situation in the Strait of Hormuz as of May 2026: 1. The Strait of Hormuz handled approximately one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas traffic prior to the war. 2. President Trump confirmed that the US is currently discussing the easing of sanctions on Iran as part of a peace deal. 3. Ebrahim Azizi stated that Iranian demands include the right to enrich uranium and maintain authority over the strait. 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 2 is incorrect because President Trump explicitly stated that the US was not discussing easing sanctions on Iran. Statements 1 and 3 are factually accurate based on the reported geopolitical context. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2003525/us-strikes-iran-drawing-retaliatory-attack-on-american-base-after-trump-dismisses-report-of-hormuz-deal, 28 May 2026]
#2684
Who is the current Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Pakistan who met with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on May 29, 2026?
(a) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari
(b) Mohammad Ishaq Dar
(c) Shah Mehmood Qureshi
(d) None of these
Explanation: Mohammad Ishaq Dar serves as the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Pakistan and conducted the official visit to Washington in May 2026. The other individuals listed are former foreign ministers of Pakistan. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2003632/pakistan-firmly-committed-to-stance-on-palestine-israel-dar-answers-question-on-abraham-accords, 29 May 2026]
#2685
Consider the following statements regarding the diplomatic engagements of May 27, 2026: 1. The Prime Minister discussed the potential for a US-Iran peace deal to unlock economic potential. 2. The Malaysian Prime Minister described Pakistan's role in the Gulf ceasefire as remarkable. 3. The Kuwaiti leadership expressed reservations regarding Pakistan's mediation efforts. 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 based on the diplomatic exchanges. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Kuwaiti leadership was reported to be fully supportive of Pakistan's mediation efforts, not reserved. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2003497/us-iran-peace-deal-could-benefit-entire-region-pm-tells-pezeshkian-in-eid-call, 27 May 2026]
#2686
Which Iranian entity claimed responsibility for targeting a US airbase in retaliation for the May 28, 2026, strikes?
(a) Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps
(b) Artesh (Regular Army of Iran)
(c) Basij Resistance Force
(d) Quds Force
Explanation: The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) officially announced that they targeted a US base in response to the US attack near Bandar Abbas. While the Quds Force is a branch of the IRGC, the official statement was issued by the IRGC leadership. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2003525/us-strikes-iran-drawing-retaliatory-attack-on-american-base-after-trump-dismisses-report-of-hormuz-deal, 28 May 2026]
#2687
Consider the following statements regarding the diplomatic developments mentioned on May 25, 2026: 1. The US is seeking to link the Iran peace deal to the expansion of the Abraham Accords. 2. Many nations targeted by the US demand have historically prioritized a two-state solution before normalizing relations with Israel. 3. Senator Lindsey Graham suggested that refusing to join the Abraham Accords would have no impact on future relationships with the US. 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 context provided. Statement 3 is incorrect because Senator Graham explicitly warned that refusal to join would lead to 'severe repercussions' and make the peace proposal 'unacceptable'. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2003043/trump-demands-widespread-sign-up-to-abraham-accords-as-part-of-iran-peace-deal, 25 May 2026]
#2688
Which of the following statements regarding the May 2026 escalation is INCORRECT?
(a) The US military shot down four Iranian attack drones during the operation.
(b) The ceasefire between the US and Iran had been in effect since the beginning of 2026.
(c) Oil prices rebounded following reports of the renewed hostilities.
(d) The US official stated that the military actions were intended to be defensive.
Explanation: The ceasefire between the US and Iran took effect in early April 2026, not at the beginning of the year. The other statements accurately reflect the events of May 28, 2026. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2003525/us-strikes-iran-drawing-retaliatory-attack-on-american-base-after-trump-dismisses-report-of-hormuz-deal, 28 May 2026]
#2689
Consider the following statements regarding the diplomatic engagements of May 2026: 1. The US State Department acknowledged Pakistan's constructive role in mediating tensions between Iran and the United States. 2. The meeting between Ishaq Dar and Marco Rubio focused exclusively on the Abraham Accords. 3. The US Secretary of State expressed condolences for a terrorist attack that occurred in Quetta.
(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 US acknowledged Pakistan's mediation efforts. Statement 3 is correct as Rubio expressed condolences for the Quetta attack. Statement 2 is incorrect because the meeting covered a broader range of bilateral cooperation and regional security issues, not just the Abraham Accords. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2003632/pakistan-firmly-committed-to-stance-on-palestine-israel-dar-answers-question-on-abraham-accords, 29 May 2026]
#2690
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]
#2691
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]
#2692
Which of the following statements regarding the US military posture in the Strait of Hormuz as of May 5, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The US is actively escorting every individual commercial ship through the Strait.
(b) The US has established a defensive umbrella referred to as a 'red, white and blue dome'.
(c) US destroyers are on station providing overwatch for commercial shipping.
(d) The US is utilizing electronic warfare capabilities to respond to potential threats.
Explanation: Admiral Brad Cooper clarified that the United States is not directly escorting ships, but rather has cleared a safe path and implemented multi-layered defenses. Therefore, the claim that they are escorting every ship is incorrect. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1997773/us-threatens-devastating-response-to-any-iran-attack-on-shipping, 05 May 2026]
#2693
What is the name of the US-led operation initiated to facilitate commercial shipping transit through the Strait of Hormuz as of May 5, 2026?
(a) Operation Prosperity Guardian
(b) Project Freedom
(c) Operation Sentinel
(d) None of these
Explanation: Project Freedom is the specific initiative launched by the United States to secure the Strait of Hormuz. Other options like Operation Prosperity Guardian are historical or unrelated maritime security operations. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1997773/us-threatens-devastating-response-to-any-iran-attack-on-shipping, 05 May 2026]
#2694
Consider the following statements about the situation in the Strait of Hormuz as of May 5, 2026: 1. The US-Iran ceasefire has been officially terminated by the Pentagon. 2. Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz in response to the US-Israeli war. 3. US forces have intercepted missiles and drones fired by Iran during the current conflict. 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 Pentagon chief explicitly stated that the ceasefire still holds. Statements 2 and 3 are factually accurate based on the reported events. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1997773/us-threatens-devastating-response-to-any-iran-attack-on-shipping, 05 May 2026]
#2695
According to the Pentagon, approximately how many commercial vessels were reported as trapped in the Arabian Gulf as of May 5, 2026?
(a) Over 550
(b) Over 1,550
(c) Over 1,050
(d) Over 2,050
Explanation: General Dan Caine stated that there were more than 1,550 commercial vessels trapped in the region. This figure highlights the significant economic impact of the Strait's closure. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1997773/us-threatens-devastating-response-to-any-iran-attack-on-shipping, 05 May 2026]
#2696
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]
#2697
Consider the following statements about the Marka-i-Haq conflict: 1. The conflict escalation period lasted from April 2025 to May 2025. 2. The DG ISPR criticized the Indian military leadership for becoming politicized. 3. The conflict began with the Pahalgam incident. 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 text. The conflict spanned from the April 2025 Pahalgam incident to the May 2025 ceasefire, and the DG ISPR specifically highlighted the politicization of the Indian military as a strategic consequence. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1998318/we-are-prepared-dg-ispr-highlights-indigenous-military-capabilities-on-marka-i-haq-anniversary, 07 May 2026]
#2698
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]
#2699
Consider the following statements about the regional security situation as of May 4, 2026: 1. Iran's Revolutionary Guards Navy has claimed an expansion of areas under its control near the Strait of Hormuz. 2. The UAE has successfully maintained a total absence of drone and missile threats since the April 2026 ceasefire. 3. The Port of Khorfakkan was identified by Iranian authorities as being within their expanded area of control. 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 3 are correct as they reflect the claims made by the Iranian Revolutionary Guards Navy regarding the expansion of their control. Statement 2 is incorrect because the ceasefire was shattered by the May 4, 2026, drone attack, and the UAE had faced significant threats throughout the conflict period. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1997510/fujairah-oil-zone-hit-by-drone-attack-as-uae-says-it-intercepted-iranian-missiles, 04 May 2026]
#2700
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]