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.
#3081
Who was the captain of the Bangladesh cricket team during the second Test match in May 2026?
(a) Litton Das
(b) Mahmudul Hasan Joy
(c) Taijul Islam
(d) Najmul Hossain Shanto
Explanation: Najmul Hossain Shanto served as the captain of the Bangladesh team during the series. Litton Das performed wicket-keeping duties, and Mahmudul Hasan Joy was a fielder. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2001532/taijul-puts-bangladesh-on-brink-of-test-series-win-over-pakistan, 19 May 2026]
#3082
The joint military strikes conducted by Nigeria and the United States in May 2026 primarily targeted militants in which region of Nigeria?
(a) Northeast
(b) Northwest
(c) South-South
(d) None of these
Explanation: The military operations were concentrated in the northeast, a region that has been the epicenter of the extremist insurgency since 2009. While the northwest has experienced violence from criminal gangs, the specific joint strikes against IS leadership occurred in the northeast. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2001567/nigeria-says-joint-strikes-with-us-kill-175-is-fighters, 19 May 2026]
#3083
Who serves as the Prime Minister of Pakistan and issued a statement urging all parties to exercise maximum restraint following regional drone attacks in May 2026?
(a) Nawaz Sharif
(b) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari
(c) Imran Khan
(d) Shehbaz Sharif
Explanation: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif issued a public statement on X condemning the attacks and calling for diplomatic solutions. The other individuals listed are prominent political figures but do not hold the office of Prime Minister as of May 2026. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2001312/pakistan-condemns-drone-strike-on-saudi-arabia-expresses-solidarity-with-riyadh, 18 May 2026]
#3084
Who is the current Defence Minister of Pakistan as of May 18, 2026?
(a) Azam Nazir Tarar
(b) Khawaja Muhammad Asif
(c) Upendra Dwivedi
(d) None of these
Explanation: Khawaja Muhammad Asif is the serving Defence Minister of Pakistan. Azam Nazir Tarar is the Law Minister, and Upendra Dwivedi is the Indian Army Chief. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2001298/india-will-be-relegated-to-history-if-it-attempts-misadventure-against-pakistan, 18 May 2026]
#3085
Who is the Israeli National Security Minister responsible for releasing the controversial video of detained flotilla activists on May 20, 2026?
(a) Benjamin Netanyahu
(b) Gideon Saar
(c) Itamar Ben Gvir
(d) None of these
Explanation: Itamar Ben Gvir is the National Security Minister who posted the footage on his social media account. Benjamin Netanyahu is the Prime Minister, and Gideon Saar is the Foreign Minister, both of whom criticized Ben Gvir's actions. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2001815/monstrous-disgraceful-and-inhumane-israeli-minister-sparks-outcry-over-video-of-bound-flotilla-activists, 20 May 2026]
#3086
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]
#3087
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]
#3088
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]
#3089
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]
#3090
Under the Constitution of Pakistan, in which specific capacity may the President exercise powers without the advice of the Cabinet or Prime Minister?
(a) Article 48(1)
(b) Article 48(2)
(c) Article 58(2)
(d) Article 62
Explanation: Article 48(2) of the Constitution of Pakistan explicitly provides that the President may act in his discretion in respect of any matter in which he is empowered by the Constitution to do so, independent of ministerial advice.
[Ref: https://www.dawn.com/news/2022098/president-zardari-approves-additional-judges-appointments-to-high-courts-ending-weeks-long-deadlock]
[Ref: https://www.dawn.com/news/2022098/president-zardari-approves-additional-judges-appointments-to-high-courts-ending-weeks-long-deadlock]
#3091
Who presided over the 275th Corps Commanders' Conference held on May 5, 2026?
(a) General Asim Munir
(b) General Qamar Javed Bajwa
(c) General Sahir Shamshad Mirza
(d) General Nadeem Anjum
Explanation: Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir presided over the 275th Corps Commanders' Conference at the General Headquarters. The other options represent former or different high-ranking military officials. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1997771/regional-peace-stability-linked-to-collective-restraint-respect-for-sovereignty-armys-top-brass, 05 May 2026]
#3092
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]
#3093
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]
#3094
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]
#3095
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]
#3096
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]
#3097
Who is the current Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas in India as of May 2026?
(a) Nitin Gadkari
(b) Hardeep Singh Puri
(c) Piyush Goyal
(d) None of these
Explanation: Hardeep Singh Puri is identified as the Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas who commented on the financial losses faced by oil marketing companies. The other names are prominent ministers but do not hold this specific portfolio. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1999209/modi-urges-indians-to-reduce-petrol-diesel-consumption-amid-middle-east-war-disruption, 10 May 2026]
#3098
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]
#3099
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]
#3100
Consider the following statements about the political situation involving Benjamin Netanyahu and NYC: 1. Benjamin Netanyahu faces an election scheduled for October 2026. 2. Danny Danon serves as Israel’s ambassador to the United Nations. 3. Mayor Mamdani has previously condemned Hamas as a terrorist organization. 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. Netanyahu faces an election in October 2026, Danny Danon is the Israeli UN ambassador, and Mayor Mamdani has publicly labeled Hamas a terrorist organization despite his criticism of Israeli policy. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016505/netanyahu-belongs-in-the-hague-nyc-mayor-mamdani-mulls-whether-he-can-order-israeli-pms-arrest, 18 Jul 2026]