May 2024 Edition

May 2024 Current Affairs MCQs & Solutions

Top national & international current affairs questions for CSS, PMS, FPSC, PPSC, and NTS screening tests.

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#4081

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]
#4082

Which of the following statements regarding the Quetta train bombing on May 24, 2026, is INCORRECT?

(a) The incident resulted in zero civilian casualties.
(b) The shuttle train was traveling from Quetta Cantonment to the railway station.
(c) The attack involved a vehicle-borne suicide bomber.
(d) An emergency was declared in all major government hospitals in Quetta.
Explanation: The statement that there were zero civilian casualties is false, as the majority of the 14 victims were civilians, including pedestrians and passengers. The other statements accurately reflect the details of the event. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2002744/at-least-14-killed-20-injured-in-suicide-bombing-targeting-shuttle-train-in-quetta-balochistan-govt, 24 May 2026]
#4083

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]
#4084

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]
#4085

Which regulatory body issued the notification regarding the reduction in the price of kerosene on May 29, 2026?

(a) State Bank of Pakistan
(b) Federal Board of Revenue
(c) Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) is the designated body responsible for issuing notifications regarding petroleum product price changes in Pakistan. The State Bank and FBR do not manage retail fuel price notifications. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2003697/govt-cuts-petrol-diesel-prices-by-rs22, 29 May 2026]
#4086

Which of the following statements regarding the May 2026 fuel price reduction is INCORRECT?

(a) The price of petrol was reduced by Rs22 per litre.
(b) The price of kerosene remained unchanged at its previous level.
(c) The price of high-speed diesel was reduced by Rs22 per litre.
(d) The Prime Minister's Office announced the relief measures.
Explanation: The statement that kerosene prices remained unchanged is incorrect, as the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority explicitly reduced the price of kerosene from Rs313.44 to Rs272. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2003697/govt-cuts-petrol-diesel-prices-by-rs22, 29 May 2026]
#4087

Who is the current Power Minister of Pakistan as of May 2026?

(a) Awais Leghari
(b) Musadik Malik
(c) Khurram Dastgir
(d) None of these
Explanation: Awais Leghari is the serving Power Minister who addressed the press conference regarding the status of negotiations with Chinese power producers. The other names listed are former ministers who have held the portfolio in previous administrations. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2004161/no-sufficient-outcome-yet-of-talks-to-secure-discounts-from-chinese-power-producers-leghari, 31 May 2026]
#4088

According to the Power Minister's statement on May 31, 2026, what is the estimated prevalence of corruption within the DISCOs?

(a) 10-15 percent
(b) 25-30 percent
(c) 40-50 percent
(d) 80-90 percent
Explanation: The Power Minister acknowledged that corruption exists within DISCOs but stated that the prevalence is likely between 10 and 15 percent. This contrasts with public perception, which often views the issue as more systemic. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2004146/strict-action-taken-says-power-minister-after-khawaja-asifs-claim-of-lesco-employees-corruption, 31 May 2026]
#4089

Who is the current Federal Minister for Power who addressed the corruption allegations against LESCO employees on May 31, 2026?

(a) Khawaja Asif
(b) Awais Leghari
(c) Khaleeq Kiani
(d) None of these
Explanation: Awais Leghari is the Federal Minister for Power who held the press conference to address the corruption claims. Khawaja Asif is the Defence Minister who raised the initial complaint. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2004146/strict-action-taken-says-power-minister-after-khawaja-asifs-claim-of-lesco-employees-corruption, 31 May 2026]
#4090

Consider the following statements about the current status of Pakistan's power sector negotiations: 1. Negotiations with CPEC-related power producers have resulted in significant tariff reductions as of May 2026. 2. The government is constrained by government-to-government frameworks when renegotiating CPEC energy contracts. 3. The government has successfully reduced the budgeted power sector subsidy from Rs1.287 trillion to Rs890 billion for the current year. 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 minister stated there has been 'no sufficient outcome' regarding CPEC-related negotiations. Statements 2 and 3 are factually accurate based on the minister's briefing regarding the framework constraints and the reduction in subsidy figures. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2004161/no-sufficient-outcome-yet-of-talks-to-secure-discounts-from-chinese-power-producers-leghari, 31 May 2026]
#4091

Consider the following statements about the Punjab government's official jet controversy: 1. The aircraft's registration number was initially reported as N144S. 2. The government has threatened legal action against those spreading fake news under the Defamation Law 2024. 3. The aircraft was purchased primarily for the personal use of the Senior Minister. 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 registration N144S was reported. Statement 2 is correct as the government invoked the Defamation Law 2024. Statement 3 is incorrect because the aircraft was acquired for the Chief Minister's use, not the Senior Minister's. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1982339/punjab-govt-to-take-legal-action-against-those-involved-in-malicious-campaign-over-use-of-official-jet, 15 Mar 2026]
#4092

Consider the following statements about the legal proceedings concerning Margalla Hills National Park: 1. The Supreme Court's 2024 judgment declared the operator of Monal restaurant to be a trespasser. 2. The FCC ruling on July 13, 2026, maintained that administrative matters should be decided by relevant regulatory bodies. 3. The Supreme Court's 2024 judgment was based on the premise that the restaurants were beneficial for the park's biodiversity. 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 3 is incorrect because the Supreme Court's 2024 judgment argued the exact opposite: that the restaurants were damaging the park's biodiversity and environment. Statements 1 and 2 are accurate reflections of the legal history and the recent FCC findings. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2015144/fcc-sets-aside-sc-judgment-that-allowed-demolition-of-restaurants-in-margalla-hills-national-park, 13 Jul 2026]
#4093

Consider the following statements about the joint statement issued on April 23, 2026: 1. The ministers condemned the raising of the Israeli flag within the courtyards of Al-Aqsa Mosque. 2. The statement cited the 2024 advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice regarding illegal settlements. 3. The ministers called for the immediate annexation of the West Bank to ensure regional stability. 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 ministers condemned the raising of the Israeli flag. Statement 2 is correct as the statement referenced the 2024 ICJ advisory opinion. Statement 3 is incorrect because the ministers categorically rejected any attempts to annex occupied Palestinian territory. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1994444/pakistan-7-other-muslim-nations-reject-attempts-to-alter-historic-legal-status-quo-in-jerusalem-at-its-holy-sites, 23 Apr 2026]
#4094

Who was the ring leader neutralized by security forces during the operations reported on May 21, 2026?

(a) Noor Wali Mehsud
(b) Hafiz Gul Bahadur
(c) Jan Meer alias Toor Saqib
(d) Fazlullah
Explanation: The ISPR identified the ring leader killed during the operation as Jan Meer, also known as Toor Saqib. He was a high-value target wanted for his involvement in attacks against security personnel and civilians. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2002065/security-forces-kill-23-terrorists-in-multiple-khyber-pakhtunkhwa-ibos-ispr, 21 May 2026]
#4095

Consider the following statements about the political transition in the UK in 2026: 1. Andy Burnham was elected as the new Labour leader after a competitive vote against multiple candidates. 2. The Labour Party maintains its parliamentary majority based on the results of the 2024 general elections. 3. Andy Burnham previously served in the cabinet under former Prime Minister Gordon Brown. 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 Burnham was confirmed as leader due to there being no other eligibly nominated candidate, not through a competitive vote. Statements 2 and 3 are factually accurate. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016211/andy-burnham-elected-new-labour-leader-now-set-to-be-uk-pm, 17 Jul 2026]
#4096

Consider the following statements about the 2026 Zilhaj moon sighting: 1. The first day of Zilhaj 1447 AH was determined to be May 18, 2026. 2. Eidul Azha is scheduled to be celebrated on May 27, 2026. 3. The Ruet-i-Hilal Committee meeting was held in Islamabad for the central announcement. 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 2 are correct as per the official announcement. Statement 3 is incorrect because the central meeting was held in Karachi, not Islamabad, which hosted only a zonal committee. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2000923/zilhaj-moon-sighted-eidul-azha-to-fall-on-may-27, 17 May 2026]
#4097

Who is the current Chairperson of the Central Ruet-i-Hilal Committee as of May 2026?

(a) Mufti Muneeb-ur-Rehman
(b) Maulana Abdul Khabeer Azad
(c) Mufti Shahabuddin Popalzai
(d) None of these
Explanation: Maulana Abdul Khabeer Azad serves as the Chairperson of the Central Ruet-i-Hilal Committee and presided over the meeting held in Karachi on May 17, 2026. Mufti Muneeb-ur-Rehman is a former chairperson, making him an incorrect choice. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2000923/zilhaj-moon-sighted-eidul-azha-to-fall-on-may-27, 17 May 2026]
#4098

Consider the following statements about the diplomatic situation regarding Pakistani workers in the UAE as of May 2026: 1. The Ministry of Interior confirmed that the UAE has initiated a large-scale expulsion of Pakistani workers due to regional conflicts. 2. The Pakistani embassy in Abu Dhabi issued 780 emergency travel documents between January and April 2026. 3. The government maintains that issues regarding Pakistani nationals are handled on a case-by-case basis through established foreign office channels. 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 Ministry of Interior explicitly denied that a large-scale, targeted expulsion was occurring. Statements 2 and 3 are factually accurate based on the official briefing provided by the Foreign Office. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1998692/interior-ministry-denies-reports-of-country-or-sect-specific-deportation-of-pakistanis-from-uae, 08 May 2026]
#4099

Following the price adjustment effective from May 9, 2026, what is the new price of petrol per litre in Pakistan?

(a) Rs378.00
(b) Rs414.78
(c) Rs414.58
(d) None of these
Explanation: The government increased the price of petrol by Rs14.92, bringing the total to Rs414.78 per litre. Option C represents the price of high-speed diesel, while option A refers to a previous price point. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1998722/govt-hikes-petrol-by-rs1492-per-litre-diesel-by-rs15, 08 May 2026]
#4100

Consider the following statements about the US-China summit in May 2026: 1. This visit marks the first time a US president has visited China in nearly ten years. 2. President Trump initially delayed the visit from March due to the war in the Middle East. 3. The US delegation includes the Secretary of State and the Secretary of Defence. 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 report. The visit is the first in nearly a decade, the delay was caused by the Middle East conflict, and both the Secretary of State (Marco Rubio) and Secretary of Defence (Pete Hegseth) were confirmed to be on the flight. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1999895/trump-arrives-in-beijing-for-high-stakes-meeting-with-chinese-president-xi, 13 May 2026]