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.
#20821
Which artists performed the official song of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, 'Dai Dai', at the opening ceremony?
(a) J Balvin and Andrea Bocelli
(b) Shakira and Burna Boy
(c) Pitbull and Jennifer Lopez
(d) Ricky Martin and Enrique Iglesias
Explanation: Colombian pop icon Shakira and Nigerian singer Burna Boy performed the official tournament song 'Dai Dai' during the opening ceremony. While J Balvin and Andrea Bocelli also performed, they were not the performers of the official song. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2007165/mexico-beat-south-africa-2-0-to-kick-off-2026-fifa-world-cup, 11 Jun 2026]
#20822
Which organization was declared a proscribed entity by the AJK government in June 2026?
(a) Joint Awami Action Committee
(b) Kashmir Liberation Front
(c) All Parties Hurriyat Conference
(d) None of these
Explanation: The AJK government proscribed the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) due to its involvement in activities deemed prejudicial to the peace and security of the state. The other options are not the organization mentioned in the context of the 2026 crackdown. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2006132/pakistan-rejects-unwarranted-remarks-on-ajk-by-individuals-in-uk, 08 Jun 2026]
#20823
What is the proposed allocation for the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) in the 2026-27 budget?
(a) Rs71 billion
(b) Rs8,045 billion
(c) Rs15,264 billion
(d) Rs838 billion
Explanation: The BISP budget was increased by 17 percent to reach Rs838 billion, aiming to expand coverage to 12 million families. Rs71 billion is the allocation for the Apna Ghar housing scheme. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2007283/govt-unveils-rs188tr-budget-for-fy2026-27-gdp-growth-targeted-at-4pc, 12 Jun 2026]
#20824
Which of the following sectors was NOT explicitly mentioned by the Finance Minister as receiving relief in the 2026-27 budget?
(a) IT sector
(b) Construction sector
(c) Agricultural sector
(d) Salaried class
Explanation: The Finance Minister specifically listed exporters, manufacturers, the IT sector, construction, and the salaried class as beneficiaries of relief measures. The agricultural sector was not included in this specific list of relief recipients. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2007374/finmin-aurangzeb-says-govt-committed-to-reducing-tax-burden-by-widening-tax-net, 12 Jun 2026]
#20825
The US proposal sent to Iran in March 2026 consists of how many points?
(a) 15 points
(b) 10 points
(c) 5 points
(d) 20 points
Explanation: The US proposal, which covers demands regarding nuclear and missile programs and trade route control, is a 15-point document. The other options are incorrect numerical distractors. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1985991/rubio-says-war-on-iran-to-last-weeks-not-months-no-us-ground-troops-needed, 27 Mar 2026]
#20826
Consider the following statements about the US-Iran conflict as of March 2026: 1. The US has officially ruled out the use of any ground troops in the region. 2. Iran has publicly rejected the 15-point proposal presented by the US. 3. The US has extended a deadline for Iran to reopen the blockaded Strait of Hormuz. 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 while Rubio stated the US can achieve aims without ground troops, the US is still deploying Marines and airborne soldiers to the region. Statements 2 and 3 are factually accurate based on the reported events. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1985991/rubio-says-war-on-iran-to-last-weeks-not-months-no-us-ground-troops-needed, 27 Mar 2026]
#20827
Following the price revision on March 7, 2026, the Petroleum Development Levy (PDL) on high-speed diesel was adjusted to which of the following rates?
(a) Rs57 per litre
(b) Rs77 per litre
(c) Rs105 per litre
(d) None of these
Explanation: The government reduced the levy on high-speed diesel to Rs57 per litre from Rs77 per litre to mitigate the impact of the price hike. Rs105 per litre represents the new levy rate for petrol, not diesel. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979341/petrol-bomb-falls-on-pakistan-amid-war, 07 Mar 2026]
#20828
Consider the following statements about the energy situation in the Middle East as of March 2026: 1. Kuwait Petroleum Corporation has permanently ceased all oil exports due to the conflict. 2. The Strait of Hormuz is identified as a critical point of concern for the safe passage of ships. 3. Qatar has declared force majeure on its gas exports.
(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 reduction is described as a 'precautionary' measure subject to review, not a permanent cessation. Statements 2 and 3 are factually accurate based on the reported events. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979510/kuwaits-national-oil-company-cuts-production-as-precaution-amid-iran-tensions, 07 Mar 2026]
#20829
What was the official codename of the US military operation against Iran that concluded in 2026?
(a) Operation Desert Storm
(b) Operation Iraqi Freedom
(c) Operation Enduring Freedom
(d) Operation Epic Fury
Explanation: The US Secretary of State confirmed that the military campaign against Iran was codenamed 'Operation Epic Fury'. Other options refer to historical US military operations in different contexts. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2004963/rubio-declares-us-operation-against-iran-over-claims-washington-achieved-military-objectives, 03 Jun 2026]
#20830
Which port authority issued the statement regarding the arrival of fuel-laden tankers in March 2026?
(a) Karachi Port Trust
(b) Port Qasim Authority
(c) Gwadar Port Authority
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Port Qasim Authority (PQA) issued the official statement detailing the arrival and berthing schedules of tankers like Torm Damini and Nave Atropos. Karachi Port Trust is a separate entity and was not the source of this specific fuel supply update. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980592/4-fuel-laden-ships-reach-pakistan-amid-concerns-about-shortages-3-yet-to-berth, 10 Mar 2026]
#20831
Consider the following statements about the LPG supply situation in March 2026: 1. The vessel MD23 discharged 3,500 tonnes of LPG. 2. Navigator Atlantic discharged LPG brought from Oman. 3. Navigator Aries discharged LPG mix brought from Iraq.
(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 PQA report regarding LPG cargoes. MD23 discharged 3,500 tonnes, Navigator Atlantic brought supply from Oman, and Navigator Aries brought supply from Iraq. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980592/4-fuel-laden-ships-reach-pakistan-amid-concerns-about-shortages-3-yet-to-berth, 10 Mar 2026]
#20832
Who serves as the United States Secretary of State during the 2026 military campaign against Iran?
(a) Antony Blinken
(b) Marco Rubio
(c) Mike Pompeo
(d) None of these
Explanation: Marco Rubio is identified as the Secretary of State who provided the classified briefing to US lawmakers regarding the military campaign. Antony Blinken and Mike Pompeo are former Secretaries of State and serve as distractors. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980866/us-lawmakers-warn-of-trumps-incoherent-iran-war-strategy-after-classified-briefing, 11 Mar 2026]
#20833
Consider the following statements about the aviation disruptions in March 2026: 1. The disruptions were primarily caused by technical failures in regional air traffic control systems. 2. Dubai International Airport and Al Maktoum International Airport were among the facilities that reopened. 3. Pakistan's flight schedules to the Middle East experienced a mix of cancellations and operational flights. 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 disruptions were linked to regional geopolitical tensions and airspace closures, not technical failures. Statements 2 and 3 are factually accurate based on the reported status of UAE airports and the impact on Pakistani flight connectivity. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979639/mideast-airlines-begin-cautious-flight-resumption-amid-regional-tensions, 08 Mar 2026]
#20834
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]
#20835
Which official announced the record-breaking fuel price hike during the press conference held on March 7, 2026?
(a) Ali Pervaiz Malik
(b) Ishaq Dar
(c) Muhammad Aurangzeb
(d) Shehbaz Sharif
Explanation: Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik announced the price hike during the press conference. While Ishaq Dar and Muhammad Aurangzeb were present, the announcement was delivered by the Petroleum Minister. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979341/petrol-bomb-falls-on-pakistan-amid-war, 07 Mar 2026]
#20836
On which date in 2026 did the Sindh government announce the closure of schools for Youm-i-Ali?
(a) March 12, 2026
(b) March 10, 2026
(c) March 11, 2026
(d) March 9, 2026
Explanation: The official announcement regarding the holiday was published on March 9, 2026. This date marks the issuance of the directive by the provincial government. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980177/public-private-schools-in-sindh-to-remain-closed-on-march-11-on-account-of-youm-i-ali, 09 Mar 2026]
#20837
Consider the following statements about the 2026 US military operation in Iran: 1. The US Secretary of State declared that all future military actions would be defensive in nature. 2. Representative Sara Jacobs argued that the conflict remains ongoing despite the change in operational status. 3. The administration claimed that Iran has been completely stripped of all drone and maritime combat capabilities. 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 correct as they reflect the Secretary's testimony and the lawmaker's critique. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Secretary admitted that Iran still retained some drone and maritime combat capabilities. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2004963/rubio-declares-us-operation-against-iran-over-claims-washington-achieved-military-objectives, 03 Jun 2026]
#20838
Consider the following statements regarding the government's response to the March 2026 economic situation: 1. The Prime Minister directed that actionable proposals for austerity be presented within 48 hours. 2. The government announced a Rs55 per litre increase in petrol and high-speed diesel prices. 3. The Information Minister confirmed that the government would rely on private sector estimates for fuel pricing updates. 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 government's directives and the price hike announcement. Statement 3 is incorrect because the government emphasized that it would release accurate and verified information from official ministries, not private sector estimates. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979462/pm-tells-ministers-to-prepare-strategy-for-conserving-petroleum-products-ensuring-uninterrupted-supply, 07 Mar 2026]
#20839
Which vital maritime route remains closed according to the testimony provided during the 2026 House Foreign Affairs Committee hearing?
(a) Strait of Hormuz
(b) Strait of Malacca
(c) Suez Canal
(d) Bab-el-Mandeb Strait
Explanation: The Strait of Hormuz is identified as the critical maritime route that remains closed, impacting global oil exports. The other straits listed are not the focus of the current conflict described. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2004963/rubio-declares-us-operation-against-iran-over-claims-washington-achieved-military-objectives, 03 Jun 2026]
#20840
On March 7, 2026, the Prime Minister directed which two federal ministers to visit provinces to coordinate petroleum conservation strategies?
(a) Finance and Petroleum
(b) Energy and Commerce
(c) Planning and Interior
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Prime Minister specifically tasked the finance and petroleum ministers to engage with provincial governments to ensure supply stability and austerity. Other combinations of ministries are incorrect as they do not hold primary jurisdiction over fuel pricing and supply chain management. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979462/pm-tells-ministers-to-prepare-strategy-for-conserving-petroleum-products-ensuring-uninterrupted-supply, 07 Mar 2026]