May 2026 Edition
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May 2026 Current Affairs MCQs & Solutions
Top national & international current affairs questions for CSS, PMS, FPSC, PPSC, and NTS screening tests.
#20361
Which of the following factors is NOT cited as a primary risk to the Indian economy in the context of the July 24, 2026 market report?
(a) Persistent high crude oil prices
(b) Excessive foreign direct investment inflows
(c) Supply-chain disruptions
(d) Erratic monsoon and rainfall deficit
Explanation: The report identifies high oil prices, rainfall deficits, and supply-chain disruptions as key risks. Excessive foreign direct investment is not mentioned as a risk factor in this context. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431634/indian-shares-log-weekly-losses-as-crude-climbs-hdfc-bank-tumbles, 24 Jul 2026]
#20362
Consider the following statements about the Indian rupee market conditions on July 24, 2026: 1. The Indian rupee reached a new all-time record low during the trading session. 2. The Reserve Bank of India conducted interventions in both the spot and non-deliverable forwards markets. 3. Brent crude oil prices retreated by approximately 4 percent after initially topping 100 dollars per barrel. 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 rupee avoided a record low, remaining near the May record of 96.96. Statements 2 and 3 are factually accurate descriptions of the market intervention and oil price movements reported on that date. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431635/intervention-shields-indian-rupee-in-face-of-oil-hedging-strain, 24 Jul 2026]
#20363
On July 19, 2026, protests against data center expansion were coordinated by which grassroots organization?
(a) HumansFirst
(b) Data Centre Coalition
(c) Tech Accountability Watch
(d) None of these
Explanation: The protests were organized by HumansFirst, a grassroots group co-founded by Amy Kremer. The Data Centre Coalition is an industry lobbying group, not the protest organizer. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016593/data-centre-protests-held-across-us-as-backlash-grows, 19 Jul 2026]
#20364
Which organization hosted the roundtable discussion titled 'Pakistan-Iran Relations and Strategic Stability in West Asia' in 2026?
(a) Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad
(b) National Defence University
(c) Pakistan Institute of International Affairs
(d) Centre for International Strategic Studies
Explanation: The Centre for International Strategic Studies (CISS) organized the event. The Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) is a separate entity whose director general participated in the discussion. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431693/regional-challenges-irans-envoy-for-greater-bilateral-cooperation, 24 Jul 2026]
#20365
Who is the current Ambassador of Iran to Pakistan as of 2026?
(a) Reza Amiri Moghadam
(b) Ali Sarwar Naqvi
(c) Moinul Haque
(d) None of these
Explanation: Reza Amiri Moghadam serves as the Iranian Ambassador to Pakistan. The other names listed are prominent Pakistani diplomats associated with strategic research institutes. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431693/regional-challenges-irans-envoy-for-greater-bilateral-cooperation, 24 Jul 2026]
#20366
Consider the following statements about the Sky47 project: 1. It serves as a landmark achievement for Pakistan's technological capabilities. 2. The project was inaugurated by the Prime Minister on July 24, 2026. 3. The government intends to limit AI infrastructure development exclusively to Islamabad. 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. Statement 3 is incorrect because the government explicitly announced plans to expand similar infrastructure to other major cities like Karachi and Lahore. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431665/pm-shehbaz-inaugurates-pakistans-largest-data-centre-ai-cloud-sky47-in-islamabad, 24 Jul 2026]
#20367
Who represented Pakistan at the 25th SCO Council of Foreign Ministers Meeting in 2026?
(a) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari
(b) Jalil Abbas Jilani
(c) Shah Mahmood Qureshi
(d) Mohammad Ishaq Dar
Explanation: Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, serving as the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, led the Pakistani delegation and addressed the meeting. The other individuals listed are former foreign ministers of Pakistan. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431712/sco-cfms-meeting-held-dar-highlights-involvement-of-afghan-nationals-in-terrorist-attacks, 24 Jul 2026]
#20368
Who was appointed as the Commander of the National Strategic Command (NSC) on July 24, 2026?
(a) General Sahir Shamshad Mirza
(b) General Aamer Raza
(c) General Asim Munir
(d) None of these
Explanation: General Aamer Raza was promoted to the rank of four-star general and appointed as the Commander of the National Strategic Command. General Sahir Shamshad Mirza is the incorrect choice as he was the last officer to serve as the Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee before that office was abolished. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431733/lt-gen-aamer-promoted-appointed-as-commander-nsc, 24 Jul 2026]
#20369
Consider the following statements about the migrant smuggling incident: 1. The smuggling operation spanned from April 2023 through May 2026. 2. The migrants were discovered in a shipping container at a rail yard in San Antonio. 3. The outside temperatures during the transit exceeded 31 degrees Celsius. 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 3 are correct. Statement 2 is incorrect because the migrants were discovered in Laredo, not San Antonio, which was the intended destination of the train. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018220/11-indicted-in-us-over-migrants-deaths-on-train, 24 Jul 2026]
#20370
Which French peninsula experienced mass evacuations due to forest fires on July 24, 2026?
(a) Cap Ferret
(b) Brittany
(c) Normandy
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Cap Ferret peninsula was the primary site of mass evacuations in France, where thousands of residents and holidaymakers were forced to flee by boat and road. Brittany and Normandy are other French regions but were not the focus of this specific wildfire event. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018225/over-100000-flee-forest-fires-in-france-spain, 24 Jul 2026]
#20371
Which of the following statements regarding the US-EU trade tensions in July 2026 is INCORRECT?
(a) The US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer supported the EU's enforcement action as a boost to transatlantic trade.
(b) The European Commission's fine against Google was the first penalty under the Digital Markets Act.
(c) The US administration announced new tariffs of 10 to 12.5 percent on 60 trading partners.
(d) President Trump threatened to initiate a Section 301 investigation into the EU's antitrust practices.
Explanation: US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer actually criticized the EU's decision, stating that it undermined constructive dialogue and posed a risk to trade stability, making the incorrect statement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018219/trump-says-eu-to-pay-very-big-price-for-google-fine, 25 Jul 2026]
#20372
Where was the rescheduled 2026 White House Correspondents' Association Dinner held?
(a) Washington Hilton
(b) Waldorf Astoria
(c) The White House
(d) None of these
Explanation: The event was moved to the Waldorf Astoria in Washington, DC, following the security incident at the Washington Hilton in April. The Washington Hilton is the traditional venue, but it was not the site of the rescheduled dinner. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018299/trump-bashes-fake-news-stokes-2028-furore-in-press-gala-rerun, 25 Jul 2026]
#20373
Consider the following statements about the 2026 White House Correspondents' Association Dinner: 1. President Trump attended the dinner despite his history of strained relations with the press. 2. The event included a tribute to a Secret Service agent who assisted during the April security incident. 3. The incoming WHCA president announced that the dinner will be held at the Waldorf Astoria again next 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: Statements 1 and 2 are correct as Trump attended the event and a tribute was held for the agent. Statement 3 is incorrect because the incoming president stated the event would return to the Washington Hilton next year, not the Waldorf Astoria. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018299/trump-bashes-fake-news-stokes-2028-furore-in-press-gala-rerun, 25 Jul 2026]
#20374
Which of the following is NOT a stated concern regarding the intensification of regional tensions mentioned in the 2026 roundtable?
(a) Maritime security
(b) Global energy markets
(c) Internal border demarcation
(d) Regional peace and stability
Explanation: The roundtable discussion focused on strategic stability, maritime security, and energy markets. Internal border demarcation was not listed as a primary concern in the context of this specific diplomatic event. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431693/regional-challenges-irans-envoy-for-greater-bilateral-cooperation, 24 Jul 2026]
#20375
Consider the following statements about the diplomatic engagement between Pakistan and China in 2026: 1. The meeting occurred on the sidelines of the SCO Council of Foreign Ministers. 2. China expressed support for Pakistan's upcoming chairmanship of the SCO Council of Heads of State. 3. The meeting was held in Islamabad to discuss bilateral trade tariffs. 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 accurate based on the diplomatic event. Statement 3 is incorrect because the meeting was held in the Kyrgyz Republic, not Islamabad, and focused on regional cooperation rather than trade tariffs. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431689/dar-chinese-fm-discuss-bilateral-ties, 24 Jul 2026]
#20376
What was the recorded inflation rate in Pakistan for the month of February 2026?
(a) 5.80 percent
(b) 6.98 percent
(c) 7.15 percent
(d) 8.20 percent
Explanation: Inflation rose to 6.98 percent year-on-year in February 2026, up from 5.8 percent in January. This represents the highest level recorded since October 2024. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979645/stocks-nosedive-63pc-in-jittery-week-on-geopolitical-concerns, 08 Mar 2026]
#20377
On July 25, 2026, which judicial body ruled against the German interior ministry regarding the reversal of Afghan resettlement visas?
(a) Federal Court of Justice
(b) Federal Constitutional Court
(c) Federal Administrative Court
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Federal Constitutional Court (Bundesverfassungsgericht) issued the ruling on July 25, 2026, declaring the ministry's actions arbitrary. The Federal Court of Justice is a separate entity that handles civil and criminal appeals, not constitutional disputes of this nature. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018224/court-rules-against-berlin-in-afghan-resettlement-case, 25 Jul 2026]
#20378
The Saudi vessel targeted by Houthi rebels in the Red Sea on July 25, 2026, was identified as:
(a) NCC NOOR
(b) NCC FAJR
(c) NCC MASA
(d) NCC BADR
Explanation: Saudi state media confirmed that the vessel NCC MASA sustained minor hull damage while sailing in the Red Sea. The other options are plausible but incorrect names for the specific vessel involved in the incident. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018264/houthis-claim-strike-on-saudi-arabia-as-middle-east-conflict-deepens, 25 Jul 2026]
#20379
Which of the following statements regarding the market performance in March 2026 is INCORRECT?
(a) Foreign corporates were net sellers of equities during the week.
(b) The KSE-100 index experienced a single-session decline of over 16,000 points on Monday.
(c) Cement despatches showed a year-on-year increase in February 2026.
(d) The rupee depreciated significantly against the dollar during the week.
Explanation: The rupee remained largely stable, appreciating marginally by 0.02 percent week-on-week. The other statements accurately reflect the market data provided for the period. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979645/stocks-nosedive-63pc-in-jittery-week-on-geopolitical-concerns, 08 Mar 2026]
#20380
In which country was the SCO Council of Foreign Ministers meeting held in 2026?
(a) Kazakhstan
(b) Kyrgyz Republic
(c) Tajikistan
(d) Uzbekistan
Explanation: The meeting took place in Cholpon-Ata, which is located in the Kyrgyz Republic. Other Central Asian states are often confused as hosts, but the Kyrgyz Republic was the specific venue for this event. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431689/dar-chinese-fm-discuss-bilateral-ties, 24 Jul 2026]