May 2025 Edition
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May 2025 Current Affairs MCQs & Solutions
Top national & international current affairs questions for CSS, PMS, FPSC, PPSC, and NTS screening tests.
#3361
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]
#3362
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]
#3363
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]
#3364
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]
#3365
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]
#3366
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]
#3367
Which of the following statements regarding the security operations reported on May 21, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The operations were conducted over a period of 72 hours.
(b) The operations resulted in the death of 23 terrorists.
(c) Security forces discovered and destroyed complex underground tunnels and bunkers.
(d) Weapons and a large cache of explosives were recovered from the terrorists.
Explanation: The ISPR statement specified that the operations were conducted over the last 48 hours, not 72 hours. The other statements accurately reflect the findings and outcomes of the reported IBOs. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2002065/security-forces-kill-23-terrorists-in-multiple-khyber-pakhtunkhwa-ibos-ispr, 21 May 2026]
#3368
What is the estimated cost of US military operations against Iran as reported by Acting Pentagon Comptroller Jules W. Hurst III on May 12, 2026?
(a) $19 billion
(b) $29 billion
(c) $39 billion
(d) None of these
Explanation: During a congressional hearing, the Acting Pentagon Comptroller stated that the operational costs had risen to $29 billion, primarily due to the necessity of repairing or replacing damaged military equipment. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2002532/congressional-report-details-losses-of-42-us-aircraft-in-iran-campaign, 23 May 2026]
#3369
The US Department of Defence has been operating under which alternative title since September 2025?
(a) Department of Security
(b) Department of Strategic Command
(c) Department of Defense Operations
(d) Department of War
Explanation: The CRS report notes that the Department of Defence adopted the title 'Department of War' following an executive order issued in September 2025. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2002532/congressional-report-details-losses-of-42-us-aircraft-in-iran-campaign, 23 May 2026]
#3370
Which of the following statements regarding the diplomatic response to the incident on May 23, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The United Kingdom summoned Israel’s most senior diplomat in Britain.
(b) New Zealand announced it would summon the Israeli ambassador to express concerns.
(c) Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong stated that Australia had already sanctioned Ben-Gvir.
(d) The United States officially joined France in imposing a travel ban on Ben-Gvir.
Explanation: While the US Ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, condemned the actions, there is no report that the United States joined France in imposing a formal travel ban. The other statements accurately reflect the diplomatic actions taken by the respective nations. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2002539/france-bans-israeli-security-minister-ben-gvir-from-country, 23 May 2026]
#3371
Consider the following statements about the migrant smuggling incident: 1. The smuggling operation spanned from April 2023 through May 2026. 2. The migrants were discovered in a shipping container at a rail yard in San Antonio. 3. The outside temperatures during the transit exceeded 31 degrees Celsius. 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 3 are correct. Statement 2 is incorrect because the migrants were discovered in Laredo, not San Antonio, which was the intended destination of the train. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018220/11-indicted-in-us-over-migrants-deaths-on-train, 24 Jul 2026]
#3372
Under the new US visa policy, which category of individuals, in addition to the primary cybercriminals, may face entry restrictions?
(a) Political affiliates
(b) Business associates
(c) Legal representatives
(d) Immediate family members
Explanation: The policy explicitly states that immediate family members of those found responsible for or complicit in cyber-enabled criminal activities are subject to visa restrictions. This is a targeted measure to increase the pressure on criminal networks. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018267/us-announces-visa-restriction-policy-on-cyber-criminals-their-immediate-family-members, 25 Jul 2026]
#3373
According to the Economic Survey 2025-26, what was the total wheat production in Pakistan for FY26?
(a) 28.40 million tonnes
(b) 29.61 million tonnes
(c) 31.20 million tonnes
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Economic Survey 2025-26 reported that wheat production increased to 29.61 million tonnes in FY26, up from 28.40 million tonnes in the previous fiscal year. Option A represents the production figure for FY25, making it a plausible but incorrect distractor. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018192/private-sector-rejects-govt-wheat-import-plan, 25 Jul 2026]
#3374
Consider the following statements about the current security dynamics between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia: 1. The Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement was signed in 2025. 2. Pakistan has publicly committed to providing military aid to Saudi Arabia regardless of the circumstances. 3. Pakistan has engaged in diplomatic efforts to prevent the escalation of conflict between Iran and Saudi Arabia. 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 agreement was signed in 2025. Statement 3 is correct as Pakistan has engaged in diplomatic mediation. Statement 2 is incorrect because the spokesperson explicitly stated that commenting on the specifics of military aid would be 'speculative and irresponsible'. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980894/no-matter-what-no-matter-when-pms-spokesperson-reiterates-support-for-saudi-arabia-before-it-is-needed, 11 Mar 2026]
#3375
Which of the following is NOT a concern raised by Pakistan regarding the current international system in the May 2026 UNSC debate?
(a) The expansion of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization
(b) Weaponization of water treaties
(c) The need for comprehensive UNSC reform
(d) Selective application of international law
Explanation: Pakistan's address focused on the selective application of law, the sanctity of water treaties (specifically the Indus Waters Treaty), and the necessity of UNSC reform. NATO expansion was not a topic addressed by the Foreign Minister in this specific speech. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2003210/pakistan-stresses-need-for-restraint-de-escalation-in-iran-us-conflict, 26 May 2026]
#3376
Consider the following statements about Pakistan's diplomatic position presented at the UNSC on May 26, 2026: 1. Pakistan advocates for the weaponization of water resources to exert diplomatic pressure. 2. The Foreign Minister emphasized that the crisis of the international system stems from the selective application of principles. 3. Pakistan maintains that there can be no durable peace in the Middle East while occupation and forced displacement continue. 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 Pakistan explicitly stated that water must never be weaponized. Statements 2 and 3 accurately reflect the Foreign Minister's critique of the international order and his stance on the Middle East conflict. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2003210/pakistan-stresses-need-for-restraint-de-escalation-in-iran-us-conflict, 26 May 2026]
#3377
In which areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa were the intelligence-based operations conducted on May 21, 2026?
(a) Datta Khel, Spinwam, and Bannu
(b) Tank, Dera Ismail Khan, and Wana
(c) Mir Ali, Razmak, and Khyber
(d) None of these
Explanation: The ISPR confirmed that the operations conducted over the 48-hour period leading to May 21, 2026, were focused in the areas of Datta Khel, Spinwam, and Bannu. Other locations like Tank and Dera Ismail Khan have been sites of separate operations but were not the primary focus of this specific report. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2002065/security-forces-kill-23-terrorists-in-multiple-khyber-pakhtunkhwa-ibos-ispr, 21 May 2026]
#3378
Which of the following Iranian officials did Field Marshal Asim Munir NOT meet during his visit to Tehran in May 2026?
(a) Masoud Pezeshkian
(b) Ali Khamenei
(c) Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf
(d) Abbas Araghchi
Explanation: Field Marshal Asim Munir met with President Masoud Pezeshkian, Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. There is no mention of a meeting with the Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, in the official reports. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2002541/encouraging-progress-made-during-cdf-munirs-tehran-visit-ispr, 23 May 2026]
#3379
On May 14, 2026, where did the PPP Chairman chair a parliamentary party meeting?
(a) Aiwan-i-Sadr
(b) Parliament House
(c) Prime Minister House
(d) None of these
Explanation: Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari held the parliamentary party meeting at the Parliament House in Islamabad on May 14, 2026. Aiwan-i-Sadr is the official residence of the President and was not the venue for this specific party meeting. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2000262/govt-has-not-contacted-ppp-over-any-constitutional-amendment-bilawal, 14 May 2026]
#3380
Consider the following statements about the debate on dual nationality in Pakistan: 1. The Punjab Assembly resolution specifically targets the appointment of dual nationals to government service. 2. Noor Alam Khan suggested that if bureaucrats are barred from dual nationality, parliamentarians should also be restricted. 3. The resolution claims that acquiring foreign citizenship involves an oath of allegiance that may raise questions about loyalty to the state. 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 3 are correct. Statement 2 is incorrect because Noor Alam Khan argued the inverse: if bureaucrats are not barred, then parliamentarians should be allowed to hold dual citizenship, highlighting a perceived double standard. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017045/pml-n-mpa-seeks-ban-on-appointment-of-dual-nationals-to-government-service, 20 Jul 2026]