May 2025 Edition

May 2025 Current Affairs MCQs & Solutions

Top national & international current affairs questions for CSS, PMS, FPSC, PPSC, and NTS screening tests.

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#3881

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]
#3882

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]
#3883

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]
#3884

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]
#3885

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]
#3886

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]
#3887

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]
#3888

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]
#3889

Which of the following statements regarding the Defence Minister's remarks on May 18, 2026, is INCORRECT?

(a) He claimed that the Indus Waters Treaty cannot be suspended unilaterally.
(b) He stated that Pakistan's armed forces gave a devastating response to India last year.
(c) He confirmed that the 28th constitutional amendment had been tabled before the cabinet.
(d) He criticized the remarks made by the Indian Army Chief.
Explanation: The Defence Minister explicitly rejected the impression that the 28th constitutional amendment had been tabled, making option C the incorrect statement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2001298/india-will-be-relegated-to-history-if-it-attempts-misadventure-against-pakistan, 18 May 2026]
#3890

Who is the current Defence Minister of Pakistan as of May 18, 2026?

(a) Azam Nazir Tarar
(b) Khawaja Muhammad Asif
(c) Upendra Dwivedi
(d) None of these
Explanation: Khawaja Muhammad Asif is the serving Defence Minister of Pakistan. Azam Nazir Tarar is the Law Minister, and Upendra Dwivedi is the Indian Army Chief. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2001298/india-will-be-relegated-to-history-if-it-attempts-misadventure-against-pakistan, 18 May 2026]
#3891

Consider the following statements regarding the diplomatic engagements of May 27, 2026: 1. The Prime Minister discussed the potential for a US-Iran peace deal to unlock economic potential. 2. The Malaysian Prime Minister described Pakistan's role in the Gulf ceasefire as remarkable. 3. The Kuwaiti leadership expressed reservations regarding Pakistan's mediation efforts. 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 based on the diplomatic exchanges. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Kuwaiti leadership was reported to be fully supportive of Pakistan's mediation efforts, not reserved. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2003497/us-iran-peace-deal-could-benefit-entire-region-pm-tells-pezeshkian-in-eid-call, 27 May 2026]
#3892

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]
#3893

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]
#3894

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]
#3895

Who among the following was present alongside the DG ISPR during the press conference on May 7, 2026?

(a) Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee
(b) Chief of Army Staff
(c) Minister of Defence
(d) Deputy Chief of Naval Staff (Operations), Rear Admiral Shifaat Ali
Explanation: Rear Admiral Shifaat Ali, the Deputy Chief of Naval Staff (Operations), and Air Vice Marshal Tariq Ghazi were the officials present at the press conference. The other options are high-ranking officials who were not mentioned as attendees at this specific event. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1998318/we-are-prepared-dg-ispr-highlights-indigenous-military-capabilities-on-marka-i-haq-anniversary, 07 May 2026]
#3896

Consider the following statements about the Marka-i-Haq conflict: 1. The conflict escalation period lasted from April 2025 to May 2025. 2. The DG ISPR criticized the Indian military leadership for becoming politicized. 3. The conflict began with the Pahalgam incident. 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 text. The conflict spanned from the April 2025 Pahalgam incident to the May 2025 ceasefire, and the DG ISPR specifically highlighted the politicization of the Indian military as a strategic consequence. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1998318/we-are-prepared-dg-ispr-highlights-indigenous-military-capabilities-on-marka-i-haq-anniversary, 07 May 2026]
#3897

Which of the following statements regarding the rescue operation on May 4, 2026, is INCORRECT?

(a) The rescue operation was conducted in the Bay of Bengal.
(b) The crew included an Indonesian national.
(c) The Pakistan Navy deployed the PMSS Kashmir for the operation.
(d) The vessel was en route from Oman to India.
Explanation: The rescue operation took place in the Arabian Sea, not the Bay of Bengal. The other three statements are factually accurate regarding the event. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1997526/six-indian-nationals-among-sailors-rescued-by-navy-maritime-security-agency-in-arabian-sea-security-sources, 04 May 2026]
#3898

Which vessel was rescued by the Pakistan Navy and the Pakistan Maritime Security Agency on May 4, 2026?

(a) MV Gold Autumn
(b) MV Gautam
(c) MV Indus Cloud
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Pakistan Navy and PMSA provided assistance to the MV Gautam, an Indian offshore tug and supply vessel, following a technical fault. MV Gold Autumn was a separate vessel rescued by the Pakistan Navy in the previous month. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1997526/six-indian-nationals-among-sailors-rescued-by-navy-maritime-security-agency-in-arabian-sea-security-sources, 04 May 2026]
#3899

Consider the following statements about the humanitarian operations conducted by the Pakistan Navy in 2026: 1. The Pakistan Navy rescued 18 crew members from the MV Gold Autumn in the month preceding the May 4, 2026, operation. 2. The crew of the MV Gold Autumn included nationals from China, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Vietnam, and Indonesia. 3. The Pakistan Navy provided only medical aid to the crew of the MV Gautam, excluding technical support.

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) All three
Explanation: Statement 3 is incorrect because the Pakistan Navy provided food, medical aid, and technical support to the crew of the MV Gautam. Statements 1 and 2 accurately reflect the details of the previous rescue operation mentioned in the report. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1997526/six-indian-nationals-among-sailors-rescued-by-navy-maritime-security-agency-in-arabian-sea-security-sources, 04 May 2026]
#3900

Consider the following statements regarding the heatwave conditions in Sindh as of May 2, 2026: 1. The PMD predicted dust thunderstorms in districts including Shikarpur and Ghotki. 2. The Chief Minister directed that special arrangements be made in hospitals for heatstroke patients. 3. The heatwave alert was issued for the entire province of Sindh, including coastal areas. 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 PMD predicted dust storms in districts like Shikarpur and Ghotki. Statement 2 is correct as the CM ordered hospital preparations. Statement 3 is incorrect because the alert was specifically focused on the central and upper regions of the province, not the entire province including coastal areas. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1996972/cm-murad-urges-public-to-take-precautionary-measures-amid-heatwave-alert-for-sindhs-central-upper-regions, 02 May 2026]