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.
#3561
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]
#3562
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]
#3563
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]
#3564
Which of the following statements regarding the Senate debate on May 15, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The government claimed that parliamentary rules allow committees to interfere in prison administration.
(b) Opposition members demanded an independent committee to visit jails.
(c) PTI senators alleged that the founder has lost sight in one eye.
(d) The government cited a five-member medical board that endorsed the current treatment.
Explanation: The government explicitly stated that parliamentary rules of business do not provide room for a committee to interfere in executive matters related to prison administration. Therefore, is the incorrect statement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2000491/barbs-fly-in-senate-over-pti-founders-health-access-to-political-prisoners, 15 May 2026]
#3565
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]
#3566
The IMF executive board meeting scheduled for May 8, 2026, is intended to approve a disbursement of approximately how much total funding to Pakistan?
(a) $4.5 billion
(b) $1.2 billion
(c) $7.0 billion
(d) $1.47 trillion
Explanation: The IMF board is meeting to approve a disbursement of over $1.2 billion, comprising $1 billion from the EFF and $210 million from the RSF. While $4.5 billion represents the total cumulative disbursement under these arrangements, the specific upcoming tranche is $1.2 billion. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1995256/imf-executive-board-to-meet-on-may-8-to-approve-disbursement-of-over-12bn-to-pakistan, 26 Apr 2026]
#3567
Consider the following statements about the security response to the May 10, 2026, attack: 1. The Bannu police launched an operation led by the Regional Police Officer (RPO) immediately following the attack. 2. The federal government has pledged to provide assistance to the provincial government in the fight against terrorism. 3. Security was tightened across the city with the establishment of additional checkpoints. 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 RPO led the operation, the Prime Minister reaffirmed federal support for the province, and local security was increased through new checkpoints. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1999132/15-police-personnel-martyred-in-bannu-suicide-attack, 10 May 2026]
#3568
Consider the following statements about the repatriation of Afghan nationals: 1. The government reported that over 1.1 million Afghan nationals were deported in 2025. 2. The current repatriation drive was first launched in 2023. 3. The directive requires daily reporting to the Ministry of Interior starting from July 10, 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 1,155,221 individuals were deported in 2025. Statement 2 is correct as the drive began in 2023. Statement 3 is incorrect because the daily reporting requirement commences on July 11, 2026, not July 10. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2011435/interior-ministry-issues-directive-to-arrest-afghan-nationals-without-valid-visas-from-july-10, 28 Jun 2026]
#3569
Consider the following statements about development loans in Pakistan: 1. The markup rate for 2025-26 is lower than the rate charged in 2024-25. 2. The federal government charges markup on loans to provincial governments as a source of revenue. 3. Foreign re-lent loans are advanced by the federal government out of its own domestic resources. 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 rate dropped from 17.74 percent to 11.89 percent. Statement 2 is correct as markup on these loans is a key revenue stream. Statement 3 is incorrect because cash development loans are funded from domestic resources, while foreign re-lent loans are sourced from international lenders. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018194/centre-cuts-markup-on-uplift-loans-to-1189pc, 24 Jul 2026]
#3570
Consider the following statements about the security response to the Quetta train bombing on May 24, 2026: 1. Section 144 was already in force in the area prior to the attack. 2. The Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) was involved in the collection of evidence at the site. 3. The provincial government established a central control room at the office of the Quetta deputy commissioner. 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 official government response. Section 144 was active, the CTD conducted site investigations, and a control room was established at the deputy commissioner's office. [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]
#3571
Which specific area in Quetta was identified as the site of the train bombing on May 24, 2026?
(a) Sariab Road
(b) Chaman Phatak
(c) Airport Road
(d) Jinnah Town
Explanation: The shuttle train was targeted near Chaman Phatak while traveling from Quetta Cantonment to the railway station. The other locations are major areas in Quetta but were not the site of this specific attack. [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]
#3572
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]
#3573
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]
#3574
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]
#3575
Which of the following is NOT a category of business exempted from the 9pm closing time in Sindh as per the May 2026 notification?
(a) Wedding halls
(b) Shopping malls
(c) Food outlets
(d) Public sector offices
Explanation: The notification specifically exempted commercial entities like wedding halls, shopping malls, and food outlets from the 9pm closing time. Public sector offices were not included in this commercial market timing exemption. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2000676/sindh-lifts-curbs-on-market-timings-minister-says-step-taken-to-facilitate-businesses-citizens, 16 May 2026]
#3576
Who announced the decision to lift market timing restrictions in Sindh on May 16, 2026?
(a) Murad Ali Shah
(b) Sharjeel Memon
(c) Saeed Ghani
(d) None of these
Explanation: Sharjeel Memon, serving as the Sindh Senior Minister, officially announced the exemption of markets and businesses from fixed closing times. Murad Ali Shah is the Chief Minister, but the specific announcement regarding this policy shift was attributed to the Senior Minister. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2000676/sindh-lifts-curbs-on-market-timings-minister-says-step-taken-to-facilitate-businesses-citizens, 16 May 2026]
#3577
Consider the following statements about the market timing policies in May 2026: 1. The federal government announced a nationwide 8pm market closure policy on April 6, 2026. 2. The Sindh government's decision to lift curbs was intended to facilitate businesses and citizens. 3. The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government requested citizens to continue observing electricity conservation measures despite lifting timing restrictions. 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. The federal government did announce the 8pm policy in April, Sindh cited facilitation as the reason for the change, and KP explicitly requested continued electricity conservation. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2000676/sindh-lifts-curbs-on-market-timings-minister-says-step-taken-to-facilitate-businesses-citizens, 16 May 2026]
#3578
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]
#3579
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]
#3580
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]