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.
#3501
What is the revised markup rate fixed by the federal government for development loans and advances for the fiscal year 2025-26?
(a) 10.30 percent
(b) 17.74 percent
(c) 11.89 percent
(d) 17.84 percent
Explanation: The Ministry of Finance fixed the markup rate at 11.89 percent for the 2025-26 fiscal year. This represents a significant reduction from the 17.74 percent rate applied in the previous fiscal year. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018194/centre-cuts-markup-on-uplift-loans-to-1189pc, 24 Jul 2026]
#3502
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]
#3503
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]
#3504
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]
#3505
Consider the following statements about the provincial government's stance on Karachi's infrastructure: 1. The provincial government plans to develop a railway line to transport goods directly to the Northern Bypass. 2. The minister claimed that the federal government has prioritized Karachi in the development of the national motorway network. 3. The provincial government has acknowledged that its recent infrastructure decisions may cause temporary hardship for the public. 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 government is developing a railway line for freight. Statement 2 is incorrect because the minister explicitly lamented the 'low priority' given to Karachi by the federal government. Statement 3 is correct as the minister apologized for the hardships caused by difficult provincial decisions. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2005655/sharjeel-laments-low-priority-accorded-to-karachi-by-centre, 06 Jun 2026]
#3506
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]
#3507
The Diyat value for FY2026-27 represents an approximate percentage increase over the FY2025-26 value?
(a) 56 percent
(b) 75 percent
(c) 97 percent
(d) None of these
Explanation: The government announced a 97 percent increase in the Diyat value for the current fiscal year compared to the previous year. This sharp rise is attributed to the appreciation of silver prices. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2019000/govt-almost-doubles-blood-money-payment-to-heirs-of-victim-on-account-of-rising-silver-prices, 28 Jul 2026]
#3508
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]
#3509
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]
#3510
Consider the following statements about the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) movement: 1. The movement was launched in May 2026. 2. The movement initially focused exclusively on unemployment issues. 3. The movement organized protests in New Delhi near the Jantar Mantar site. 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 movement began in May 2026. Statement 2 is incorrect because the movement initially focused on exam paper leaks and judicial remarks, only later broadening its agenda to include unemployment. Statement 3 is correct as Jantar Mantar was the site of the march toward parliament. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018741/indias-cockroach-janta-party-demands-release-of-protesters-after-reports-of-detention, 27 Jul 2026]
#3511
Consider the following statements about the political situation in Gilgit-Baltistan on May 29, 2026: 1. PTI leaders were expelled for failing to produce a valid travel permit. 2. The PTI leadership alleged that PML-N candidates were receiving preferential treatment and government protocol. 3. The KP Chief Minister threatened to personally visit the region to address the treatment of parliamentarians. 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 reports: the administration cited the lack of a permit, the PTI alleged unequal treatment compared to the PML-N, and the KP Chief Minister issued a public warning regarding the treatment of the parliamentarians. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2003687/pti-leaders-expelled-from-gb-during-electioneering-authorities-allege-code-of-conduct-violation, 29 May 2026]
#3512
Which of the following barrages in Sindh reported a 42 percent water shortage as of May 2026?
(a) Sukkur Barrage
(b) Guddu Barrage
(c) Taunsa Barrage
(d) Jinnah Barrage
Explanation: Guddu Barrage is specifically cited as experiencing a 42 percent water shortage, reflecting the severe impact of reduced water releases on Sindh's irrigation infrastructure. Taunsa and Jinnah barrages are located in Punjab. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2004154/sharjeel-memon-criticises-irsas-unjust-reduction-of-sindhs-water-share-urges-centre-to-take-notice, 31 May 2026]
#3513
Consider the following statements about the water dispute in May 2026: 1. Sindh reported a 22 percent overall water shortage across the province. 2. IRSA justified the cuts as an effort to equalise shortages between Punjab and Sindh. 3. The Sindh government requested the immediate halting of the Taunsa-Panjnad link canal operations. 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 reported events of May 2026. The province faced a 22 percent shortage, IRSA cited 'shortage equalisation' as the policy, and the Sindh Irrigation Department formally requested the suspension of link canal extractions. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2004154/sharjeel-memon-criticises-irsas-unjust-reduction-of-sindhs-water-share-urges-centre-to-take-notice, 31 May 2026]
#3514
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]
#3515
Who currently serves as the State Minister for Interior in the federal government as of May 2026?
(a) Abdul Qadir
(b) Ayaz Sadiq
(c) Faisal Saleem Rehman
(d) Talal Chaudhry
Explanation: Talal Chaudhry is the State Minister for Interior who presented the government's stance regarding the alleged misuse of official passports during the committee meeting. The other individuals listed hold different legislative or parliamentary roles. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1999979/pti-defends-mna-iqbal-afridis-son-over-asylum-move-assails-govts-oppression, 13 May 2026]
#3516
Consider the following statements about the diplomatic situation involving New York City and the UN General Assembly: 1. Mayor Zohran Mamdani has confirmed he possesses the absolute legal authority to arrest visiting heads of state. 2. The Israeli Prime Minister's office dismissed the mayor's threats as irrelevant. 3. The United States President has the authority to override municipal actions that interfere with federal diplomatic protocol. 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 Mayor Mamdani explicitly stated he was unsure of his legal authority to detain a foreign leader. Statements 2 and 3 are correct as they reflect the dismissal of the threat by the Israeli side and the constitutional reality of federal supremacy in US foreign policy. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017066/trump-dismisses-ny-mayor-mamdanis-threat-to-arrest-netanyahu, 20 Jul 2026]
#3517
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]
#3518
The government's petroleum and carbon levy was announced in June 2025 as part of a commitment to which international organization?
(a) World Bank
(b) Asian Development Bank
(c) World Trade Organization
(d) International Monetary Fund
Explanation: The petroleum and carbon levy was implemented under an agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The World Bank and ADB are common distractors in fiscal policy contexts but were not the primary parties to this specific levy agreement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017280/jamaat-i-islami-announces-nationwide-road-blockade-against-petroleum-levy, 21 Jul 2026]
#3519
Consider the following statements about the ICC warrant debate in New York City: 1. The New York City Mayor claimed that the federal government has the authority to join the ICC and execute warrants. 2. The United States President vowed that the Israeli Prime Minister would not face arrest during the UN General Assembly summit. 3. The ICC warrant is based on allegations related to the offensive in Gaza following the October 2023 attack. 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 correct based on the events of July 2026. The Mayor acknowledged federal primacy, the President publicly stated the Prime Minister would not be arrested, and the ICC's warrant is linked to the post-October 2023 Gaza offensive. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017473/he-is-a-war-criminal-mamdani-says-nyc-cannot-arrest-netanyahu-on-icc-warrant-urges-us-federal-officials-to-step-in, 22 Jul 2026]
#3520
Consider the following statements about the security situation in Balochistan: 1. The Provincial Apex Committee on the National Action Plan met in Quetta to discuss ending terrorism. 2. Balochistan recorded a 109 percent increase in terrorist attacks in May compared to April. 3. Operation Shaban was launched in retaliation for an attack at the Mangi Dam pumping station. 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 correct. The Prime Minister chaired the Apex Committee meeting in Quetta, the PICSS report documented the 109 percent increase in attacks, and Operation Shaban was indeed a response to the Ziarat incident. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017521/10-terrorists-killed-2-female-suicide-bombers-and-their-facilitator-apprehended-in-balochistan-operations-ispr, 22 Jul 2026]