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.
#3801
Which of the following statements regarding the May 2026 escalation is INCORRECT?
(a) The US military shot down four Iranian attack drones during the operation.
(b) The ceasefire between the US and Iran had been in effect since the beginning of 2026.
(c) Oil prices rebounded following reports of the renewed hostilities.
(d) The US official stated that the military actions were intended to be defensive.
Explanation: The ceasefire between the US and Iran took effect in early April 2026, not at the beginning of the year. The other statements accurately reflect the events of May 28, 2026. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2003525/us-strikes-iran-drawing-retaliatory-attack-on-american-base-after-trump-dismisses-report-of-hormuz-deal, 28 May 2026]
#3802
Consider the following statements regarding the diplomatic engagements of May 2026: 1. The US State Department acknowledged Pakistan's constructive role in mediating tensions between Iran and the United States. 2. The meeting between Ishaq Dar and Marco Rubio focused exclusively on the Abraham Accords. 3. The US Secretary of State expressed condolences for a terrorist attack that occurred in Quetta.
(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 US acknowledged Pakistan's mediation efforts. Statement 3 is correct as Rubio expressed condolences for the Quetta attack. Statement 2 is incorrect because the meeting covered a broader range of bilateral cooperation and regional security issues, not just the Abraham Accords. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2003632/pakistan-firmly-committed-to-stance-on-palestine-israel-dar-answers-question-on-abraham-accords, 29 May 2026]
#3803
The warm air mass that contributed to the heat dome over Europe in May 2026 originated from which region?
(a) Northern Africa
(b) Central Asia
(c) Eastern Europe
(d) Western Siberia
Explanation: Meteorological reports confirmed that the heat dome was fueled by warm air moving northward from northern Africa. This air mass became trapped under a high-pressure system over Western Europe. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2003065/mini-version-of-hell-heat-dome-over-europe-scorches-uk-france-spain, 25 May 2026]
#3804
Which of the following statements regarding the earthquake in Jhelum on May 26, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The epicentre was located 58 kilometres northeast of Jhelum.
(b) Rescue 1122 reached the site within eight minutes of receiving the emergency call.
(c) The earthquake resulted in at least one fatality.
(d) Approximately 10 houses were seriously damaged in the incident.
Explanation: The epicentre was located 58 kilometres southwest of Jhelum, not northeast. The other statements accurately reflect the reported facts of the incident. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2003299/at-least-one-killed-11-injured-as-earthquake-damages-houses-in-punjabs-jhelum-district, 26 May 2026]
#3805
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]
#3806
Consider the following statements about the China-Pakistan diplomatic engagement on May 25, 2026: 1. The two leaders discussed building a community with a shared future in the new era. 2. Pakistan's mediation efforts were focused on the conflict between Washington and Tehran. 3. The visit was part of a short one-day trip to China. 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 as they align with the official discourse on regional peace and the specific mediation role mentioned. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Prime Minister's visit was a four-day official trip, not a one-day trip. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2002979/chinas-xi-hails-unbreakable-ties-praises-pakistans-role-in-iran-peace-efforts-as-he-meets-pm-shehbaz, 25 May 2026]
#3807
Consider the following statements about the seismic profile of Pakistan: 1. Pakistan is situated at the intersection of the Arabian, Euro-Asian, and Indian tectonic plates. 2. The country is divided into five distinct seismic zones based on tectonic activity. 3. The earthquake on May 26, 2026, was caused by the movement of the Hindu Kush fault line. 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 Pakistan's tectonic setting and seismic zoning. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Jhelum earthquake was not attributed to the Hindu Kush fault line, which is associated with different regional tremors. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2003299/at-least-one-killed-11-injured-as-earthquake-damages-houses-in-punjabs-jhelum-district, 26 May 2026]
#3808
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]
#3809
What was the unemployment rate in the United States as of the May 2026 report?
(a) 4.3 percent
(b) 4.1 percent
(c) 3.8 percent
(d) 4.5 percent
Explanation: The unemployment rate remained firm at 4.3 percent according to the May 2026 data. This stability in the labor market contributed to the market's belief that the Federal Reserve would maintain a hawkish stance. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2005508/wall-street-ends-sharply-lower-as-chips-slide-jobs-data-fuels-rate-hike-fears, 05 Jun 2026]
#3810
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]
#3811
The primary surplus achieved by Pakistan during the period of July 2025 to April 2026 was:
(a) 3.5 percent of GDP
(b) 3.0 percent of GDP
(c) 2.5 percent of GDP
(d) 4.0 percent of GDP
Explanation: Effective expenditure management and revenue mobilization efforts enabled the government to achieve a primary surplus of 3.5 percent of GDP during the Jul-Apr period of the 2026 fiscal year. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2011978/govt-expects-easing-inflationary-pressure-in-new-fiscal-year-following-reopening-of-strait-of-hormuz, 30 Jun 2026]
#3812
According to the Ministry of Finance, the current account recorded a surplus of how much during the period of July 2025 to May 2026?
(a) 155 million dollars
(b) 255 million dollars
(c) 355 million dollars
(d) None of these
Explanation: The external sector remained stable, with the current account recording a surplus of 255 million dollars during the Jul-May period of the 2026 fiscal year, supported by remittances and IT exports. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2011978/govt-expects-easing-inflationary-pressure-in-new-fiscal-year-following-reopening-of-strait-of-hormuz, 30 Jun 2026]
#3813
Which official granted assent to the KP Provincial Assembly (Powers, Immunities and Privileges) Act, 2026, on May 6, 2026?
(a) Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
(b) Speaker of the KP Assembly
(c) Governor of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
(d) None of these
Explanation: The KP Provincial Assembly (Powers, Immunities and Privileges) Act, 2026, received formal assent from the Governor of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Faisal Karim Kundi, on May 6, 2026. The Chief Minister and Speaker are involved in the legislative process, but the final constitutional assent rests with the Governor. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2013628/kp-govt-enacts-law-granting-lawmakers-lifetime-official-passports-expanding-privileges, 07 Jul 2026]
#3814
What is the official name given by the state to the military conflict that occurred between Pakistan and India in 2025?
(a) Marka-i-Haq
(b) Operation Bunyanum Marsoos
(c) Operation Sentinel
(d) Battle of the Frontier
Explanation: The state designated the entire conflict as 'Marka-i-Haq' (Battle of Truth). Operation Bunyanum Marsoos was a specific military operation conducted during that period. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1998318/we-are-prepared-dg-ispr-highlights-indigenous-military-capabilities-on-marka-i-haq-anniversary, 07 May 2026]
#3815
Which of the following statements regarding the security incident on May 4, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The attack targeted a security forces' post near Azam Warsak Bazaar.
(b) The explosives-laden vehicle reached the intended target before detonating.
(c) One civilian was martyred as a result of the explosion.
(d) The explosion caused damage to a nearby religious seminary and residential houses.
Explanation: The statement that the vehicle reached its target is incorrect because security forces successfully destroyed the vehicle before it could reach the post. The other statements accurately describe the events of the day. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1997513/suicide-attack-foiled-on-army-check-post-in-south-waziristan-civilian-martyred-15-injured, 04 May 2026]
#3816
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]
#3817
Where were the injured civilians transported for medical treatment following the explosion on May 4, 2026?
(a) District Headquarters Hospital, Wana
(b) Combined Military Hospital, Bannu
(c) Lady Reading Hospital, Peshawar
(d) None of these
Explanation: The injured were transported to the District Headquarters Hospital in Wana, where a state of emergency was declared. The other options are major medical facilities in the region but were not the primary site for this specific incident's casualties. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1997513/suicide-attack-foiled-on-army-check-post-in-south-waziristan-civilian-martyred-15-injured, 04 May 2026]
#3818
Which of the following statements regarding the US military posture in the Strait of Hormuz as of May 5, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The US is actively escorting every individual commercial ship through the Strait.
(b) The US has established a defensive umbrella referred to as a 'red, white and blue dome'.
(c) US destroyers are on station providing overwatch for commercial shipping.
(d) The US is utilizing electronic warfare capabilities to respond to potential threats.
Explanation: Admiral Brad Cooper clarified that the United States is not directly escorting ships, but rather has cleared a safe path and implemented multi-layered defenses. Therefore, the claim that they are escorting every ship is incorrect. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1997773/us-threatens-devastating-response-to-any-iran-attack-on-shipping, 05 May 2026]
#3819
What is the name of the US-led operation initiated to facilitate commercial shipping transit through the Strait of Hormuz as of May 5, 2026?
(a) Operation Prosperity Guardian
(b) Project Freedom
(c) Operation Sentinel
(d) None of these
Explanation: Project Freedom is the specific initiative launched by the United States to secure the Strait of Hormuz. Other options like Operation Prosperity Guardian are historical or unrelated maritime security operations. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1997773/us-threatens-devastating-response-to-any-iran-attack-on-shipping, 05 May 2026]
#3820
Consider the following statements about the situation in the Strait of Hormuz as of May 5, 2026: 1. The US-Iran ceasefire has been officially terminated by the Pentagon. 2. Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz in response to the US-Israeli war. 3. US forces have intercepted missiles and drones fired by Iran during the current conflict. 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 Pentagon chief explicitly stated that the ceasefire still holds. Statements 2 and 3 are factually accurate based on the reported events. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1997773/us-threatens-devastating-response-to-any-iran-attack-on-shipping, 05 May 2026]