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.
#4221
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]
#4222
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]
#4223
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]
#4224
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]
#4225
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]
#4226
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]
#4227
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]
#4228
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]
#4229
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]
#4230
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]
#4231
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]
#4232
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]
#4233
Which regulatory body issued the notification regarding the reduction in the price of kerosene on May 29, 2026?
(a) State Bank of Pakistan
(b) Federal Board of Revenue
(c) Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) is the designated body responsible for issuing notifications regarding petroleum product price changes in Pakistan. The State Bank and FBR do not manage retail fuel price notifications. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2003697/govt-cuts-petrol-diesel-prices-by-rs22, 29 May 2026]
#4234
Which of the following statements regarding the May 2026 fuel price reduction is INCORRECT?
(a) The price of petrol was reduced by Rs22 per litre.
(b) The price of kerosene remained unchanged at its previous level.
(c) The price of high-speed diesel was reduced by Rs22 per litre.
(d) The Prime Minister's Office announced the relief measures.
Explanation: The statement that kerosene prices remained unchanged is incorrect, as the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority explicitly reduced the price of kerosene from Rs313.44 to Rs272. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2003697/govt-cuts-petrol-diesel-prices-by-rs22, 29 May 2026]
#4235
Consider the following statements about the Jamaatul Ahrar (JuA) group: 1. It was formed by Abdul Wali, also known as Omar Khalid Khorasani. 2. The group split from the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) in 2014. 3. The group has maintained a complete and formal separation from the TTP since 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 correct as JuA was formed by Khorasani in 2014 after splitting from the TTP. Statement 3 is incorrect because, although disputes surfaced in 2025, no formal separation occurred, and the groups had previously joined hands in 2024. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2011436/terrorist-involved-in-rangers-camp-attack-in-karachi-reveals-he-was-trained-in-afghanistan, 28 Jun 2026]
#4236
Who is the current Power Minister of Pakistan as of May 2026?
(a) Awais Leghari
(b) Musadik Malik
(c) Khurram Dastgir
(d) None of these
Explanation: Awais Leghari is the serving Power Minister who addressed the press conference regarding the status of negotiations with Chinese power producers. The other names listed are former ministers who have held the portfolio in previous administrations. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2004161/no-sufficient-outcome-yet-of-talks-to-secure-discounts-from-chinese-power-producers-leghari, 31 May 2026]
#4237
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]
#4238
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]
#4239
Consider the following statements about the current status of Pakistan's power sector negotiations: 1. Negotiations with CPEC-related power producers have resulted in significant tariff reductions as of May 2026. 2. The government is constrained by government-to-government frameworks when renegotiating CPEC energy contracts. 3. The government has successfully reduced the budgeted power sector subsidy from Rs1.287 trillion to Rs890 billion for the current year. 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 the minister stated there has been 'no sufficient outcome' regarding CPEC-related negotiations. Statements 2 and 3 are factually accurate based on the minister's briefing regarding the framework constraints and the reduction in subsidy figures. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2004161/no-sufficient-outcome-yet-of-talks-to-secure-discounts-from-chinese-power-producers-leghari, 31 May 2026]
#4240
Who was the ring leader neutralized by security forces during the operations reported on May 21, 2026?
(a) Noor Wali Mehsud
(b) Hafiz Gul Bahadur
(c) Jan Meer alias Toor Saqib
(d) Fazlullah
Explanation: The ISPR identified the ring leader killed during the operation as Jan Meer, also known as Toor Saqib. He was a high-value target wanted for his involvement in attacks against security personnel and civilians. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2002065/security-forces-kill-23-terrorists-in-multiple-khyber-pakhtunkhwa-ibos-ispr, 21 May 2026]