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.
#3721
In 2024, which Indian regulatory body investigated Amazon for alleged breaches of competition laws related to deep discounting?
(a) Securities and Exchange Board of India
(b) Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority
(c) Reserve Bank of India
(d) Competition Commission of India
Explanation: The Competition Commission of India (the antitrust watchdog) conducted the investigation into Amazon's business practices. The other bodies listed regulate financial markets, banking, and insurance, respectively. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431461/india-relaxes-e-commerce-investment-rules-for-exports-in-win-for-amazon, 23 Jul 2026]
#3722
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]
#3723
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]
#3724
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]
#3725
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]
#3726
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]
#3727
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]
#3728
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]
#3729
Following the price adjustment announced on May 22, 2026, what is the new price of petrol per litre?
(a) Rs378.00
(b) Rs402.78
(c) Rs403.78
(d) None of these
Explanation: After the reduction of Rs6 per litre, the price of petrol was set at Rs403.78 per litre. High-speed diesel was set at Rs402.78 per litre. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2002321/govt-reduces-petrol-by-rs6-per-litre-high-speed-diesel-by-rs68, 22 May 2026]
#3730
Which of the following is NOT a category of business exempted from the 9pm closing time in Sindh as per the May 2026 notification?
(a) Wedding halls
(b) Shopping malls
(c) Food outlets
(d) Public sector offices
Explanation: The notification specifically exempted commercial entities like wedding halls, shopping malls, and food outlets from the 9pm closing time. Public sector offices were not included in this commercial market timing exemption. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2000676/sindh-lifts-curbs-on-market-timings-minister-says-step-taken-to-facilitate-businesses-citizens, 16 May 2026]
#3731
Who announced the decision to lift market timing restrictions in Sindh on May 16, 2026?
(a) Murad Ali Shah
(b) Sharjeel Memon
(c) Saeed Ghani
(d) None of these
Explanation: Sharjeel Memon, serving as the Sindh Senior Minister, officially announced the exemption of markets and businesses from fixed closing times. Murad Ali Shah is the Chief Minister, but the specific announcement regarding this policy shift was attributed to the Senior Minister. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2000676/sindh-lifts-curbs-on-market-timings-minister-says-step-taken-to-facilitate-businesses-citizens, 16 May 2026]
#3732
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]
#3733
The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) movement gained significant national traction following the cancellation of which type of examination in May 2026?
(a) Civil Services Examination
(b) Engineering entrance exam
(c) Medical school entrance test
(d) University graduation finals
Explanation: The movement expanded to millions of followers after a national medical school entrance test was cancelled due to a question paper leak. This event served as the primary catalyst for the widespread youth mobilization. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018062/indian-government-seeks-time-on-youth-protesters-minister-resignation-demand, 24 Jul 2026]
#3734
Consider the following statements about the market timing policies in May 2026: 1. The federal government announced a nationwide 8pm market closure policy on April 6, 2026. 2. The Sindh government's decision to lift curbs was intended to facilitate businesses and citizens. 3. The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government requested citizens to continue observing electricity conservation measures despite lifting timing restrictions. 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. The federal government did announce the 8pm policy in April, Sindh cited facilitation as the reason for the change, and KP explicitly requested continued electricity conservation. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2000676/sindh-lifts-curbs-on-market-timings-minister-says-step-taken-to-facilitate-businesses-citizens, 16 May 2026]
#3735
Consider the following statements about the political transition in Bangladesh: 1. Tarique Rahman was sworn in as the Prime Minister of Bangladesh in February 2026. 2. The Awami League party remains a legally active and permitted political entity in Bangladesh. 3. The resignation of the president occurred amidst a period of significant political restructuring following the 2024 uprising. 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 Tarique Rahman took office in February 2026. Statement 3 is correct as the resignation is part of the post-2024 political shift. Statement 2 is incorrect because the Awami League party has been banned following the uprising. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018063/bangladesh-president-shahabuddin-76-resigns-citing-health-concerns, 24 Jul 2026]
#3736
According to the claims made by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister on May 20, 2026, what percentage of vision has the former prime minister allegedly lost in one eye?
(a) 85 per cent
(b) 75 per cent
(c) 50 per cent
(d) 95 per cent
Explanation: The Chief Minister stated during the press conference that the former prime minister has lost 85 per cent of his vision in one eye. This figure was cited as a primary reason for the demand for specialized medical care. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2001835/afridi-aleema-claim-shots-were-fired-at-adiala-sit-in-participants, 20 May 2026]
#3737
Which of the following claims was NOT made by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister or Aleema Khan during the press conference on May 20, 2026?
(a) Shots were fired at the sit-in participants on Tuesday night.
(b) Wheat supplies to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have been blocked by the federal government.
(c) The former prime minister secured a deal for petroleum products at 30 per cent lower rates from Russia.
(d) The judiciary is currently operating with complete independence in all cases.
Explanation: Aleema Khan explicitly claimed that the judiciary had been 'managed' and that no judge was willing to independently hear the cases, making the false statement. The other options reflect claims made by the speakers during the event. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2001835/afridi-aleema-claim-shots-were-fired-at-adiala-sit-in-participants, 20 May 2026]
#3738
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]
#3739
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]
#3740
Consider the following statements regarding the events of May 20, 2026: 1. The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister claimed that the province is a major supplier of gas to the country. 2. The sit-in participants were attempting to reach Adiala Jail to meet the former prime minister. 3. The government has officially confirmed that it fired shots to disperse the protesters at Chungi No. 26. 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 Chief Minister's claims. Statement 3 is incorrect because the government did not confirm firing shots; rather, the protesters alleged that shots were fired at them. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2001835/afridi-aleema-claim-shots-were-fired-at-adiala-sit-in-participants, 20 May 2026]