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.
#3961
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]
#3962
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]
#3963
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]
#3964
Consider the following statements about the intelligence-based operation conducted on July 18, 2026: 1. The operation took place near the Tank-Dera Ismail Khan Road. 2. The terrorist was wanted for the killing of a CTD constable in 2025. 3. The terrorist surrendered immediately upon being surrounded by the CTD.
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) All three
Explanation: Statements 1 and 2 are correct as the operation occurred on the specified road and the individual was wanted for the 2025 killing of Constable Muhammad Ali. Statement 3 is incorrect because the terrorist refused to surrender and opened fire on the personnel. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016443/wanted-terrorist-killed-in-intelligence-based-operation-in-dera-ismail-khan-ctd, 18 Jul 2026]
#3965
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]
#3966
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]
#3967
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]
#3968
Consider the following statements about the current tomato supply chain in Pakistan: 1. The Balochistan crop is currently the primary source of domestic supply. 2. Iranian tomatoes are arriving in large quantities, exceeding 50 containers per day. 3. The tomato crop in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa typically arrives in the May-June period. 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 Balochistan is the current supplier. Statement 3 is correct regarding the seasonal arrival of crops in Punjab and KP. Statement 2 is incorrect because imports are arriving in very small quantities, averaging only 10 containers per day. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017429/iranian-tomatoes-fail-to-ease-prices, 22 Jul 2026]
#3969
Who is the current Law Minister of Pakistan as of May 2026?
(a) Rana Sanaullah
(b) Azam Nazeer Tarar
(c) Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari
(d) None of these
Explanation: Azam Nazeer Tarar serves as the Law Minister and has been the primary spokesperson regarding the government's stance on potential constitutional amendments. Rana Sanaullah is an adviser to the Prime Minister, not the Law Minister. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2000722/law-minister-tarar-sees-no-indication-of-28th-amendment-for-now, 16 May 2026]
#3970
Consider the following statements about the legislative process in Pakistan: 1. Constitutional amendments require a consensus among coalition partners to be successfully introduced. 2. The 18th Amendment is cited as a historical example of successful consensus-based legislation. 3. The PPP has expressed that it was fully consulted by the government regarding the 28th Amendment prior to 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: Statements 1 and 2 are correct as they reflect the government's stated policy and historical context. Statement 3 is incorrect because the PPP leadership explicitly stated they had not been contacted by the government regarding any constitutional amendment. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2000722/law-minister-tarar-sees-no-indication-of-28th-amendment-for-now, 16 May 2026]
#3971
Consider the following statements regarding the security measures in Balochistan as of May 17, 2026: 1. The provincial government banned the covering of faces in public places to prevent the obstruction of identification. 2. The security alert was issued in response to recent attacks in Barkhan and Chagai districts. 3. The ban on gatherings applies only to the provincial capital, Quetta. 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 2 are factually correct. Statement 3 is incorrect because the notification explicitly states that Section 144 was imposed across the entire province, not just in Quetta. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2000944/section-144-imposed-throughout-balochistan-for-one-month, 17 May 2026]
#3972
Which of the following individuals is reported to be among the activists detained by Israeli forces during the May 2026 flotilla interception?
(a) Saad Edhi
(b) Abdul Sattar Edhi
(c) Faisal Edhi
(d) None of these
Explanation: Saad Edhi, the son of Faisal Edhi and grandson of Abdul Sattar Edhi, was reported to be among the detained activists. The other two names are his father and grandfather, respectively. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2001815/monstrous-disgraceful-and-inhumane-israeli-minister-sparks-outcry-over-video-of-bound-flotilla-activists, 20 May 2026]
#3973
All of the following are prohibited under the Section 144 order issued in Balochistan on May 17, 2026, EXCEPT:
(a) Gatherings of five or more persons
(b) Operation of registered motorcycles
(c) Use of tinted glasses on vehicles
(d) Display or use of weapons
Explanation: The order prohibits the use of unregistered motorcycles, not registered ones. The other three options are explicitly listed as prohibited activities in the government notification. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2000944/section-144-imposed-throughout-balochistan-for-one-month, 17 May 2026]
#3974
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]
#3975
In which division of Balochistan did the Prime Minister order the deployment of the Frontier Corps on May 19, 2026?
(a) Rakhshan Division
(b) Kalat Division
(c) Makran Division
(d) None of these
Explanation: During the Apex Committee meeting in Quetta, the Prime Minister specifically directed the deployment of the Frontier Corps in the Rakhshan division to enhance security measures. The other options are existing divisions in Balochistan but were not the focus of this specific directive. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2001538/pakistan-a-net-regional-stabiliser-contributing-to-peace-in-the-region-and-beyond-pm-shehbaz, 19 May 2026]
#3976
Which of the following activities is explicitly prohibited under the Section 144 order issued in Balochistan on May 17, 2026?
(a) Pillion riding
(b) Public transport operations
(c) Inter-provincial trade
(d) None of these
Explanation: The notification issued by the Balochistan government specifically bans pillion riding, along with other measures like tinted glasses and the display of weapons. Public transport and trade were not subject to a blanket ban under this specific order. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2000944/section-144-imposed-throughout-balochistan-for-one-month, 17 May 2026]
#3977
Which critical infrastructure facility in the United Arab Emirates was targeted by drone strikes shortly before the attack on Saudi Arabia in May 2026?
(a) Jebel Ali Port
(b) Barakah nuclear plant
(c) Fujairah oil terminal
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Barakah nuclear plant was the target of drone strikes in the UAE, an event that preceded the attack on Saudi Arabia. The other options are major UAE infrastructure sites but were not the specific targets mentioned in this context. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2001312/pakistan-condemns-drone-strike-on-saudi-arabia-expresses-solidarity-with-riyadh, 18 May 2026]
#3978
Consider the following statements about the May 2026 flotilla incident: 1. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu publicly supported the actions taken by Itamar Ben Gvir. 2. The activists were attempting to breach the Israeli blockade of Gaza. 3. Foreign Minister Gideon Saar criticized the video release, stating it caused harm 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 is incorrect because Netanyahu criticized Ben Gvir and ordered the deportation of the activists. Statements 2 and 3 are factually accurate based on the events described. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2001815/monstrous-disgraceful-and-inhumane-israeli-minister-sparks-outcry-over-video-of-bound-flotilla-activists, 20 May 2026]
#3979
Which of the following statements regarding the status of the Strait of Hormuz as of May 18, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) Shipping traffic has returned to pre-war status following the April ceasefire.
(b) Iran has implemented a system to charge ships for traversing the strait.
(c) The PGSA provides real-time updates on operations within the strait.
(d) Iran has sent formal regulations to ships passing through the waterway.
Explanation: Iran has explicitly stated that maritime traffic would not return to its pre-war status, making the incorrect statement. The other options accurately reflect the current operational changes implemented by Iran. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2001272/iran-officially-announces-new-body-to-manage-strait-of-hormuz-top-security-council, 18 May 2026]
#3980
Consider the following statements about the Prime Minister's address on May 19, 2026: 1. The Prime Minister emphasized that Pakistan's narrative on the diplomatic front was fully vindicated. 2. He called for the Afghan government to take credible actions against terrorist proxies. 3. The Prime Minister announced the immediate withdrawal of troops from the Balochistan border. 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 accurate reflections of the Prime Minister's speech regarding diplomatic vindication and the demand for Afghan action against terrorists. Statement 3 is false, as the Prime Minister actually ordered the deployment of additional forces (Frontier Corps) to the Rakhshan division, not a withdrawal. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2001538/pakistan-a-net-regional-stabiliser-contributing-to-peace-in-the-region-and-beyond-pm-shehbaz, 19 May 2026]