May 2025 Edition
Start May Quiz
May 2025 Current Affairs MCQs & Solutions
Top national & international current affairs questions for CSS, PMS, FPSC, PPSC, and NTS screening tests.
#2801
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]
#2802
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]
#2803
Consider the following statements about the US-Pakistan trade negotiations as of July 2026: 1. Pakistan successfully negotiated a reduction in the initial IEEPA-based tariff from 29 per cent to 19 per cent in 2025. 2. The temporary global tariff of 10 per cent imposed under Section 122 is scheduled to expire on July 24, 2026. 3. India is currently facing a lower proposed tariff under Section 301 than Pakistan. 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 regarding the 2025 tariff reduction. Statement 2 is correct as the Section 122 tariff has a 150-day statutory limit expiring on July 24, 2026. Statement 3 is incorrect because India faces a 12.5% tariff, which is higher than Pakistan's 10%. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016679/finance-minister-aurangzeb-arrives-in-us-on-3-day-visit-expected-to-hold-talks-on-trade-finance-investment, 19 Jul 2026]
#2804
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]
#2805
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]
#2806
Which JUI-F Senator raised the issue of the security situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa during the Senate session on May 12, 2026?
(a) Attaur Rehman
(b) Rana Sanaullah
(c) Tariq Fazal Chaudhry
(d) None of these
Explanation: Senator Attaur Rehman specifically questioned the government regarding the security crisis in KP, citing attacks in Lakki Marwat and Bannu. Rana Sanaullah and Tariq Fazal Chaudhry were government ministers responding to his concerns. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1999725/treasury-opposition-clash-in-senate-as-jui-f-senator-questions-terrorism-in-kp, 12 May 2026]
#2807
How many pilgrims performed Umrah in 2025 according to the Saudi General Authority for Statistics?
(a) 23 million
(b) 33 million
(c) 53 million
(d) 43 million
Explanation: Official statistics from the Saudi General Authority for Statistics recorded nearly 43 million pilgrims for the year 2025. This figure highlights the significant scale of religious tourism in the Kingdom. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017249/saudi-govt-launches-multiple-entry-umrah-visa-with-one-year-validity, 21 Jul 2026]
#2808
Consider the following statements about the security situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa as reported in July 2026: 1. Security forces foiled an attempted suicide attack in the Kari Kot area earlier in the week. 2. A suicide attack near Azam Warsak Bazaar in May 2026 resulted in civilian casualties. 3. The rest of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa witnessed a 23 percent increase in attacks in June 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 report mentions the Kari Kot incident. Statement 2 is correct regarding the May incident near Azam Warsak. Statement 3 is incorrect because the 23 percent figure refers to the decrease in tribal districts, while the rest of the province saw a 16 percent increase. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016455/terrorist-killed-as-security-forces-destroy-explosive-laden-vehicle-intended-for-suicide-attack-in-wana-state-media, 18 Jul 2026]
#2809
Which of the following statements regarding the Senate session on May 12, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The government rejected the impression that any specific province was being targeted by terrorists.
(b) The opposition and treasury reached a consensus on the immediate withdrawal of all security forces from KP.
(c) The Parliamentary Affairs Minister claimed that intelligence-based operations are currently underway.
(d) The government emphasized that there would be no compromise on the resolve to eliminate terrorism.
Explanation: There was no consensus on withdrawing security forces; rather, the government defended its ongoing intelligence-based operations. The other three statements accurately reflect the government's stance during the debate. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1999725/treasury-opposition-clash-in-senate-as-jui-f-senator-questions-terrorism-in-kp, 12 May 2026]
#2810
On May 10, 2026, which Pakistani official was specifically commended by the Prime Minister for his dedication to the mediation efforts between the US and Iran?
(a) Ishaq Dar
(b) Tahir Andrabi
(c) Asim Munir
(d) None of these
Explanation: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif explicitly congratulated Field Marshal Asim Munir for his dedication to the mediation cause. While Ishaq Dar was also commended, the Prime Minister's specific mention of the Field Marshal's dedication highlights his central role in the military-diplomatic coordination. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1999181/tehran-sends-response-to-us-peace-proposal-via-pakistan, 10 May 2026]
#2811
Consider the following statements about the diplomatic mediation efforts on May 10, 2026: 1. Pakistan acted as a mediator to convey Iran's response to the US. 2. The US proposal includes a 30-day window for negotiating Iran's nuclear program. 3. The US has completely lifted its naval blockade of Iranian ports. 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 developments. Statement 3 is incorrect because the US maintained the broader naval blockade of Iranian ports despite suspending the specific 'Project Freedom' escort plan. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1999181/tehran-sends-response-to-us-peace-proposal-via-pakistan, 10 May 2026]
#2812
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]
#2813
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]
#2814
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]
#2815
Which bowler dismissed both Babar Azam and Ghazi Ghori during the match on May 30, 2026?
(a) Nathan Ellis
(b) Josh Hazlewood
(c) Cameron Green
(d) Marnus Labuschagne
Explanation: Nathan Ellis was the bowler who claimed the wickets of both Babar Azam and Ghazi Ghori late in the innings. While other Australian players were involved in the match, Ellis was the primary pacer responsible for these specific dismissals. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2003971/pakistan-outspins-australia-in-milestone-odi-as-minhas-makes-history, 30 May 2026]
#2816
Consider the following statements about the ODI match held on May 30, 2026: 1. Pakistan successfully chased the target in 42.3 overs. 2. Australia was bowled out for 200 runs in 44.1 overs. 3. The match was played at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. 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 match duration and the target chase. Statement 3 is incorrect because the match was held at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, not the Gaddafi Stadium. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2003971/pakistan-outspins-australia-in-milestone-odi-as-minhas-makes-history, 30 May 2026]
#2817
Which Pakistani batsman scored 65 runs off 92 balls during the match on May 30, 2026?
(a) Babar Azam
(b) Ghazi Ghori
(c) Sahibzada Farhan
(d) Maaz Sadaqat
Explanation: Ghazi Ghori contributed significantly to the chase with an innings of 65 runs. Babar Azam also scored a half-century, but his score was 69 runs. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2003971/pakistan-outspins-australia-in-milestone-odi-as-minhas-makes-history, 30 May 2026]
#2818
Arafat Minhas achieved a historic milestone during the ODI match against Australia on May 30, 2026, by becoming the first Pakistani bowler to:
(a) Take five wickets on his ODI debut
(b) Take a hat-trick on his ODI debut
(c) Score a century on his ODI debut
(d) Take ten wickets in a single match
Explanation: Arafat Minhas finished with figures of 5-32, making him the first home bowler to claim five wickets in an ODI debut. While other bowlers have taken wickets, this specific five-wicket feat on debut is a unique record for a Pakistani player in this format. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2003971/pakistan-outspins-australia-in-milestone-odi-as-minhas-makes-history, 30 May 2026]
#2819
The match held on May 30, 2026, at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium represented which milestone for the Pakistan national cricket team?
(a) Their 500th ODI match
(b) Their 750th ODI match
(c) Their 1,000th ODI match
(d) Their 1,200th ODI match
Explanation: The match against Australia was officially recognized as Pakistan's 1,000th One-Day International. This milestone highlights the longevity and participation of the team in the international cricket circuit. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2003971/pakistan-outspins-australia-in-milestone-odi-as-minhas-makes-history, 30 May 2026]
#2820
Who served as the stand-in captain for the Australian cricket team during the ODI match on May 30, 2026?
(a) Pat Cummins
(b) Matthew Renshaw
(c) Mitchell Starc
(d) Josh Inglis
Explanation: With regular captain Pat Cummins absent, Josh Inglis took on the leadership role for the Australian side. Other players like Renshaw and Starc were present or mentioned, but Inglis held the captaincy. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2003971/pakistan-outspins-australia-in-milestone-odi-as-minhas-makes-history, 30 May 2026]