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.
#3661
According to the statement made on July 22, 2026, which entity does the New York City Mayor identify as having the legal authority to execute an ICC warrant?
(a) The United States federal government
(b) The New York State Supreme Court
(c) The New York Police Department
(d) The United Nations Security Council
Explanation: The Mayor clarified that municipal authorities lack the power to enforce international warrants, explicitly calling upon the US federal government to intervene. The NYPD and state courts do not possess jurisdiction over international diplomatic arrests. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017473/he-is-a-war-criminal-mamdani-says-ny-cannot-arrest-netanyahu-on-icc-warrant-urges-us-federal-officials-to-step-in, 22 Jul 2026]
#3662
Consider the following statements regarding the legal and political discourse surrounding the ICC warrant in New York: 1. The Mayor of New York City asserted that his office possesses the independent legal authority to execute the ICC warrant. 2. The US federal government holds the authority to execute international arrest warrants within the country. 3. The ICC warrant for Benjamin Netanyahu was initially announced in 2024. 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 false because the Mayor explicitly stated he does NOT have the authority. Statements 2 and 3 are factually correct based on the provided information. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017473/he-is-a-war-criminal-mamdani-says-ny-cannot-arrest-netanyahu-on-icc-warrant-urges-us-federal-officials-to-step-in, 22 Jul 2026]
#3663
Who is the current Mayor of New York City who addressed the ICC arrest warrant for Benjamin Netanyahu on July 22, 2026?
(a) Eric Adams
(b) Zohran Mamdani
(c) Bill de Blasio
(d) None of these
Explanation: Zohran Mamdani is the Mayor of New York City who publicly stated that his administration lacks the legal authority to execute an ICC warrant. Eric Adams and Bill de Blasio are former mayors, making them incorrect. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017473/he-is-a-war-criminal-mamdani-says-ny-cannot-arrest-netanyahu-on-icc-warrant-urges-us-federal-officials-to-step-in, 22 Jul 2026]
#3664
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]
#3665
The IMF executive board meeting scheduled for May 8, 2026, is expected to approve a disbursement of approximately how much for Pakistan?
(a) $5.0 billion
(b) $2.5 billion
(c) $3.0 billion
(d) $1.2 billion
Explanation: The IMF board meeting in May 2026 is convened to approve a disbursement of more than $1.2 billion. This is a critical component of the ongoing structural adjustment program. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1996451/govt-hikes-petrol-price-by-rs6-diesel-by-rs19, 30 Apr 2026]
#3666
Consider the following statements about the airspace restrictions between Pakistan and India: 1. The airspace closure was initially implemented in response to tensions following an attack in Pahalgam. 2. Pakistan has offered a neutral probe into the allegations regarding the 2025 incident. 3. The airspace ban has been extended only once since its inception in 2025. 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 origin of the tensions and Pakistan's diplomatic stance. Statement 3 is incorrect because the ban has been extended multiple times since 2025. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016474/paa-extends-airspace-ban-on-indian-aircraft-until-aug-23, 18 Jul 2026]
#3667
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]
#3668
Consider the following statements about the 2026 fuel price developments: 1. The global fuel crisis is partially attributed to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. 2. The government has decided to cut public sector development programs to protect the primary balance target. 3. The All Pakistan Petrol Pump Owners Association supported the strike calls for 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 Strait of Hormuz closure is a factor in the global fuel crisis. Statement 2 is correct as the government indicated that further cuts to development programs might be required to meet the primary balance. Statement 3 is incorrect because the association explicitly refuted the strike rumors. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1996451/govt-hikes-petrol-price-by-rs6-diesel-by-rs19, 30 Apr 2026]
#3669
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]
#3670
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]
#3671
Consider the following statements about the fuel price adjustments announced on May 29, 2026: 1. The government reduced the price of petrol and high-speed diesel by Rs22 per litre each. 2. The new prices for petrol and high-speed diesel were scheduled to take effect on May 30, 2026. 3. The government has been providing fuel subsidies specifically for public transport and motorcycle commuters. Which of the statements given above 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 government's announcement. The price cut was Rs22, the effective date was May 30, and the government confirmed existing subsidy programs for public transport and two-wheelers. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2003697/govt-cuts-petrol-diesel-prices-by-rs22, 29 May 2026]
#3672
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]
#3673
Who is the current Minister-in-Charge of the Establishment Division as of May 2026?
(a) Ahad Khan Cheema
(b) Sehar Kamran
(c) Kalbe Ali
(d) None of these
Explanation: Senator Ahad Khan Cheema serves as the Minister-in-Charge of the Establishment Division. Sehar Kamran is an MNA who raised the question regarding the examination, and Kalbe Ali is the reporter. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2000737/minister-chalks-up-css-failure-rate-to-lack-of-preparation-competitive-nature-of-exam, 16 May 2026]
#3674
At which international forum did US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth praise Pakistan's role in US-Iran negotiations on May 30, 2026?
(a) Raisina Dialogue
(b) Munich Security Conference
(c) Shangri-La Dialogue
(d) World Economic Forum
Explanation: The US Secretary of Defense made these remarks during the 23rd Shangri-La Dialogue summit held in Singapore. The Raisina Dialogue is a separate geopolitical conference hosted in India. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2003936/us-pakistan-developing-true-friendship-hegseth-hails-islamabads-role-in-us-iran-negotiations, 30 May 2026]
#3675
Which of the following statements regarding the US-Pakistan diplomatic relationship as of May 30, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The US Secretary of Defense described the developing relationship as a true friendship.
(b) The US Secretary of State indicated that strengthening ties with Pakistan comes at the expense of the relationship with New Delhi.
(c) The US administration claims to have brokered a ceasefire between Pakistan and India in May 2025.
(d) President Donald Trump has publicly praised the Pakistani military leadership.
Explanation: The US Secretary of State explicitly stated that the strengthening of ties with Pakistan does not come at the expense of Washington's relationship with New Delhi, making the incorrect statement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2003936/us-pakistan-developing-true-friendship-hegseth-hails-islamabads-role-in-us-iran-negotiations, 30 May 2026]
#3676
Consider the following statements about the 2026 US visa regulations: 1. The new rules replace the 'duration of status' model with fixed admission periods. 2. Chinese nationals are granted a 240-day visa period for media work. 3. Visa holders may apply for extensions if they wish to stay beyond their fixed period of admission. 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 2 is incorrect because Chinese nationals are limited to 90 days, not 240. Statements 1 and 3 accurately reflect the procedural changes introduced by the DHS. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2015982/us-to-tighten-visa-regulations-for-foreign-students-journalists, 16 Jul 2026]
#3677
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]
#3678
Who is the current US Secretary of Defense as of May 30, 2026?
(a) Marco Rubio
(b) Tulsi Gabbard
(c) Pete Hegseth
(d) None of these
Explanation: Pete Hegseth is the serving US Secretary of Defense. Marco Rubio serves as the US Secretary of State, and Tulsi Gabbard is the former director of national intelligence. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2003936/us-pakistan-developing-true-friendship-hegseth-hails-islamabads-role-in-us-iran-negotiations, 30 May 2026]
#3679
Consider the following statements about the recent diplomatic tensions between Pakistan and India: 1. The Pakistani Foreign Office accused India of systemic discrimination against Christians and Muslims. 2. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs claimed that Pakistan's remarks were part of a broader regional peace initiative. 3. The Pakistani Foreign Office cited that 55 Muslims were lynched in India during 2025. 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 FO highlighted discrimination against these groups. Statement 3 is correct as it reflects the data provided in the FO statement. Statement 2 is incorrect because the Indian Ministry of External Affairs actually accused Pakistan of systemic victimization of minorities, not a peace initiative. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1986308/exercise-in-deflection-masquerading-as-concern-fo-rejects-indias-comments-on-pakistans-shia-community, 28 Mar 2026]
#3680
Consider the following statements about the diplomatic developments mentioned on May 30, 2026: 1. Pakistan served as the official interlocutor between Washington and Tehran. 2. The US Secretary of Defense expressed concerns that Pakistan's missile capabilities are currently a direct threat to the US. 3. The US President has referred to the Pakistani Army Chief as his 'favourite field marshal'. 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 Pakistan acted as the interlocutor. Statement 3 is correct as the US President used that specific phrasing. Statement 2 is incorrect because the Secretary of Defense explicitly stated that the US is not calling either country a threat to them at this time. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2003936/us-pakistan-developing-true-friendship-hegseth-hails-islamabads-role-in-us-iran-negotiations, 30 May 2026]