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.
#3841
Consider the following statements regarding the heatwave conditions in Sindh as of May 2, 2026: 1. The PMD predicted dust thunderstorms in districts including Shikarpur and Ghotki. 2. The Chief Minister directed that special arrangements be made in hospitals for heatstroke patients. 3. The heatwave alert was issued for the entire province of Sindh, including coastal areas. 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 PMD predicted dust storms in districts like Shikarpur and Ghotki. Statement 2 is correct as the CM ordered hospital preparations. Statement 3 is incorrect because the alert was specifically focused on the central and upper regions of the province, not the entire province including coastal areas. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1996972/cm-murad-urges-public-to-take-precautionary-measures-amid-heatwave-alert-for-sindhs-central-upper-regions, 02 May 2026]
#3842
Consider the following statements about the Senate vehicle procurement controversy: 1. The vehicle was purchased during the 2024-2025 financial year. 2. The Senate Secretariat claimed the purchase was part of a transparent procurement process. 3. The vehicle was delivered to the Senate Chairperson in May 2025. 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 purchase occurred in the 2024-2025 financial year. Statement 2 is correct as the Secretariat cited a transparent procurement process. Statement 3 is incorrect because the vehicle was delivered in March 2026, not May 2025 (which was when the payment was made). [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1982703/rebuttal-on-purchase-of-luxury-vehicle-for-yousaf-raza-gilani-from-senate-budget-leaves-questions-unanswered, 16 Mar 2026]
#3843
The IMF executive board meeting scheduled for May 8, 2026, is intended to approve a disbursement of approximately how much total funding to Pakistan?
(a) $4.5 billion
(b) $1.2 billion
(c) $7.0 billion
(d) $1.47 trillion
Explanation: The IMF board is meeting to approve a disbursement of over $1.2 billion, comprising $1 billion from the EFF and $210 million from the RSF. While $4.5 billion represents the total cumulative disbursement under these arrangements, the specific upcoming tranche is $1.2 billion. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1995256/imf-executive-board-to-meet-on-may-8-to-approve-disbursement-of-over-12bn-to-pakistan, 26 Apr 2026]
#3844
Who is the British Special Representative for Afghanistan whose social media remarks were criticized by the Pakistan Foreign Office on May 2, 2026?
(a) Richard Lindsay
(b) Thomas Drew
(c) Christian Turner
(d) None of these
Explanation: Richard Lindsay is the British Special Representative for Afghanistan who issued the remarks regarding the Pak-Afghan border. The other names listed are former British High Commissioners to Pakistan, not the current Special Representative. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1996946/pakistan-slams-one-sided-remarks-by-british-diplomat-on-pak-afghan-border-situation, 02 May 2026]
#3845
According to the analysis by Ryan Burge, what percentage of Catholic voters supported Donald Trump in the 2024 election?
(a) 42 per cent
(b) 56 per cent
(c) 65 per cent
(d) 50 per cent
Explanation: The analysis by Professor Ryan Burge indicates that Catholic voters backed Trump by a 56 per cent to 42 per cent margin in the 2024 election. This represented a significant shift compared to previous election cycles. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1991418/i-thought-it-was-me-as-a-doctor-trump-on-ai-image-of-himself-as-jesus-like-figure, 13 Apr 2026]
#3846
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]
#3847
Consider the following statements about the diplomatic developments in April 2026: 1. The US-Iran talks in Islamabad concluded with a formal peace agreement signed by both delegations. 2. President Asif Ali Zardari praised the coordination between the civilian government and state institutions during the mediation process. 3. Negotiating teams from the US and Iran may return to Islamabad for further rounds of 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 incorrect because the talks concluded without a formal agreement, although they did not result in a breakdown. Statements 2 and 3 are factually accurate based on the official reports regarding the mediation success and the potential for future rounds. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1991689/pm-takes-president-into-confidence-on-us-iran-talks-briefs-him-on-upcoming-visits-to-saudi-arabia-turkiye, 14 Apr 2026]
#3848
At which venue was the 11th HBL Pakistan Super League final held on May 3, 2026?
(a) Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
(b) National Bank Stadium, Karachi
(c) Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi
(d) Multan Cricket Stadium, Multan
Explanation: The final match of the 11th edition of the PSL took place at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. Other venues listed are major cricket stadiums in Pakistan but did not host this specific final. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1997223/peshawar-zalmi-beat-hyderabad-kingsmen-by-5-wickets-lift-psl-trophy-a-second-time, 03 May 2026]
#3849
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]
#3850
Consider the following statements regarding the economic outlook as of June 2026: 1. The primary balance surplus for FY26 was estimated at 2.5 percent of GDP. 2. The MPC is targeting a primary balance surplus of 2 percent of GDP for FY27. 3. Headline inflation remained in single digits throughout April and 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: Statements 1 and 2 are correct as they reflect the fiscal consolidation targets and estimates provided by the MPC. Statement 3 is incorrect because headline inflation rose to double digits in April and May 2026, not single digits. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2008043/central-bank-keeps-policy-rate-unchanged-at-115pc, 15 Jun 2026]
#3851
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]
#3852
Match List I (Economic Indicator/Metric) with List II (Status/Value as of May 2026 report): 1. Total disbursements under two arrangements — a. 16 billion dollars 2. Foreign exchange reserves (Dec 2025) — b. 1.32 billion dollars 3. Latest IMF financing approval — c. 4.8 billion dollars 4. Foreign exchange reserves (June 2025) — d. 14.5 billion dollars
(a) 1-c, 2-a, 3-b, 4-d
(b) 1-b, 2-a, 3-c, 4-d
(c) 1-c, 2-d, 3-b, 4-a
(d) 1-a, 2-c, 3-b, 4-d
Explanation: The total disbursements under the EFF and RSF reached $4.8 billion, while the latest approval was $1.32 billion. Reserves grew from $14.5 billion in June 2025 to $16 billion in December 2025. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1998725/imfs-executive-board-approves-12-billion-financing-for-pakistans-reform-programme, 08 May 2026]
#3853
Which of the following statements regarding the May 10, 2026, attack in Bannu is INCORRECT?
(a) The attack involved a vehicle laden with explosives.
(b) The rescue operation was concluded by Rescue 1122 on Sunday morning.
(c) The police post remained largely intact despite the intensity of the blast.
(d) Terrorists opened heavy fire following the initial explosion.
Explanation: The statement that the police post remained intact is false; reports confirm the post was completely destroyed by the powerful blast. The other statements accurately reflect the events of the attack. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1999132/15-police-personnel-martyred-in-bannu-suicide-attack, 10 May 2026]
#3854
On May 8, 2026, the IMF Executive Board approved a financing package for Pakistan totaling:
(a) 1.10 billion dollars
(b) 1.32 billion dollars
(c) 4.80 billion dollars
(d) 16.0 billion dollars
Explanation: The IMF approved $1.32 billion in financing during the May 2026 review. While $4.8 billion represents the total cumulative disbursements under the current arrangements, $1.32 billion is the specific amount approved in this tranche. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1998725/imfs-executive-board-approves-12-billion-financing-for-pakistans-reform-programme, 08 May 2026]
#3855
Who served as the Acting Chair during the IMF Executive Board meeting on May 8, 2026?
(a) Kristalina Georgieva
(b) Gita Gopinath
(c) Nigel Clarke
(d) David Malpass
Explanation: Nigel Clarke, the IMF Deputy Managing Director, presided over the meeting as the Acting Chair. The other individuals listed hold or have held different leadership roles within the IMF or World Bank. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1998725/imfs-executive-board-approves-12-billion-financing-for-pakistans-reform-programme, 08 May 2026]
#3856
According to the IMF review of May 2026, what was the level of Pakistan's foreign exchange reserves at the end of December 2025?
(a) 16.0 billion dollars
(b) 14.5 billion dollars
(c) 18.2 billion dollars
(d) 20.5 billion dollars
Explanation: The IMF report confirmed that foreign exchange reserves reached $16 billion by the end of December 2025, an increase from the $14.5 billion recorded in June 2025. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1998725/imfs-executive-board-approves-12-billion-financing-for-pakistans-reform-programme, 08 May 2026]
#3857
Which facility, alongside the Extended Fund Facility (EFF), provided funding to Pakistan in the May 2026 IMF review?
(a) Precautionary and Liquidity Line
(b) Poverty Reduction and Growth Trust
(c) Flexible Credit Line
(d) Resilience and Sustainability Facility
Explanation: The financing package consists of funds from the EFF and the Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF). The other options are alternative IMF lending instruments not utilized in this specific disbursement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1998725/imfs-executive-board-approves-12-billion-financing-for-pakistans-reform-programme, 08 May 2026]
#3858
Who led the police operation following the suicide attack in Bannu on May 9, 2026?
(a) Regional Police Officer Sajjad Khan
(b) District Police Officer Qudratullah Khan
(c) The Inspector General of Police KP
(d) The Commandant of the Frontier Constabulary
Explanation: Regional Police Officer Sajjad Khan personally led the police operation at the site of the attack. Qudratullah Khan is the spokesman for the DPO in Lakki Marwat, serving as a plausible distractor. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1998957/police-foil-suicide-attack-on-bannu-post-at-least-2-personnel-martyred, 09 May 2026]
#3859
Consider the following statements regarding the IMF's assessment of Pakistan's economy in May 2026: 1. The IMF flagged the Middle East war as a source of heightened geopolitical risk. 2. Pakistan met structural benchmarks related to tax policy and energy pricing. 3. The IMF recommended an immediate expansionary fiscal policy to stimulate growth. 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 IMF's stated concerns and the conditions met by Pakistan. Statement 3 is incorrect because the IMF explicitly recommended gradual fiscal consolidation, not expansionary policy. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1998725/imfs-executive-board-approves-12-billion-financing-for-pakistans-reform-programme, 08 May 2026]
#3860
Which of the following statements regarding the May 13, 2026, operation in Barkhan is INCORRECT?
(a) The operation was conducted in the Nosham area.
(b) A major-ranked officer was among those martyred.
(c) The operation was carried out solely by the local police force.
(d) Seven terrorists were killed during the exchange of fire.
Explanation: The operation was a joint effort by the Pakistan Army and the Frontier Corps, not the local police. The other statements accurately reflect the details provided by the ISPR. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1999982/major-among-five-soldiers-martyred-during-operation-in-balochistans-barkhan-ispr, 13 May 2026]