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.
#21001
The joint military strikes conducted by Nigeria and the United States in May 2026 primarily targeted militants in which region of Nigeria?
(a) Northeast
(b) Northwest
(c) South-South
(d) None of these
Explanation: The military operations were concentrated in the northeast, a region that has been the epicenter of the extremist insurgency since 2009. While the northwest has experienced violence from criminal gangs, the specific joint strikes against IS leadership occurred in the northeast. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2001567/nigeria-says-joint-strikes-with-us-kill-175-is-fighters, 19 May 2026]
#21002
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]
#21003
Which of the following statements regarding the China-Pakistan meeting on May 25, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) President Xi described the bilateral friendship as unbreakable.
(b) The meeting took place at the Great Hall of the People.
(c) The Prime Minister arrived in Beijing directly from Islamabad without any stopovers.
(d) The leaders discussed the concept of a community with a shared future.
Explanation: The statement is incorrect because the Prime Minister made a stop in Hangzhou before reaching Beijing. The other options accurately reflect the details provided in the diplomatic report. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2002979/chinas-xi-hails-unbreakable-ties-praises-pakistans-role-in-iran-peace-efforts-as-he-meets-pm-shehbaz, 25 May 2026]
#21004
Consider the following statements about Pakistan's diplomatic role in 2026: 1. Pakistan successfully brokered a ceasefire between the US and Iran in April 2026. 2. The first round of direct US-Iran talks in Islamabad resulted in a comprehensive peace agreement. 3. The Prime Minister credited the political-military partnership for Pakistan's improved international image. 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 ceasefire was brokered in April 2026. Statement 2 is incorrect because the talks in Islamabad ended without a formal agreement, though they did not result in a breakdown. Statement 3 is correct as the Prime Minister explicitly cited this partnership as the reason for the country's positive image shift. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2000962/pm-shehbaz-credits-political-military-partnership-for-pakistans-recognition-as-us-iran-mediator-changed-image, 17 May 2026]
#21005
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]
#21006
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]
#21007
Who serves as the Prime Minister of Pakistan and issued a statement urging all parties to exercise maximum restraint following regional drone attacks in May 2026?
(a) Nawaz Sharif
(b) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari
(c) Imran Khan
(d) Shehbaz Sharif
Explanation: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif issued a public statement on X condemning the attacks and calling for diplomatic solutions. The other individuals listed are prominent political figures but do not hold the office of Prime Minister as of May 2026. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2001312/pakistan-condemns-drone-strike-on-saudi-arabia-expresses-solidarity-with-riyadh, 18 May 2026]
#21008
According to the official stance reiterated by Pakistan in May 2026, what is the primary condition for any change in Islamabad's policy toward Israel?
(a) The signing of the Abraham Accords
(b) The establishment of an independent Palestinian state
(c) The conclusion of the war with Iran
(d) The withdrawal of US forces from the Middle East
Explanation: Pakistan maintains that normalization with Israel is contingent upon the establishment of an independent Palestinian state. The Abraham Accords are the specific agreements Pakistan has declined to join under current conditions. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2003632/pakistan-firmly-committed-to-stance-on-palestine-israel-dar-answers-question-on-abraham-accords, 29 May 2026]
#21009
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]
#21010
What is the name of the new body established by Iran to manage the Strait of Hormuz as of May 18, 2026?
(a) Persian Gulf Strait Authority
(b) Hormuz Maritime Command
(c) Strait Sovereignty Council
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Persian Gulf Strait Authority (PGSA) was announced by Iran's Supreme National Security Council to provide real-time updates and manage traffic. The other options are plausible-sounding distractors but do not represent the official entity. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2001272/iran-officially-announces-new-body-to-manage-strait-of-hormuz-top-security-council, 18 May 2026]
#21011
The drone attacks on Saudi Arabia in May 2026 were described by the Pakistani Foreign Office as a violation of which fundamental international principle?
(a) Sovereignty and territorial integrity
(b) Freedom of navigation
(c) Humanitarian intervention protocols
(d) Maritime boundary delimitation
Explanation: The Foreign Office explicitly stated that the attacks constituted a serious violation of the kingdom's sovereignty and territorial integrity. This language is standard in diplomatic condemnations regarding cross-border aggression. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2001312/pakistan-condemns-drone-strike-on-saudi-arabia-expresses-solidarity-with-riyadh, 18 May 2026]
#21012
The diplomatic engagement between Ishaq Dar and Marco Rubio on May 28, 2026, primarily focuses on reviewing bilateral relations and addressing which regional conflict?
(a) US-China trade war
(b) US-Iran war
(c) Russia-Ukraine conflict
(d) Israel-Palestine conflict
Explanation: The visit is framed within the context of Islamabad's efforts to negotiate a peace pact to end the ongoing US-Israeli war with Iran. Other conflicts mentioned in the options are not the primary focus of this specific diplomatic mission. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2003563/dar-to-meet-rubio-in-washington-tomorrow-fo, 28 May 2026]
#21013
Consider the following statements about the geopolitical situation in the Strait of Hormuz as of May 2026: 1. The Strait of Hormuz handled approximately one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas traffic prior to the war. 2. President Trump confirmed that the US is currently discussing the easing of sanctions on Iran as part of a peace deal. 3. Ebrahim Azizi stated that Iranian demands include the right to enrich uranium and maintain authority over the strait. 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 President Trump explicitly stated that the US was not discussing easing sanctions on Iran. Statements 1 and 3 are factually accurate based on the reported geopolitical context. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2003525/us-strikes-iran-drawing-retaliatory-attack-on-american-base-after-trump-dismisses-report-of-hormuz-deal, 28 May 2026]
#21014
Which location in the United Kingdom recorded its highest May temperature on record on May 25, 2026?
(a) Kew Gardens
(b) Heathrow Airport
(c) Greenwich Park
(d) None of these
Explanation: Kew Gardens in southwest London recorded a temperature of 34.8°C, which the Met Office confirmed as the hottest May day on record for the UK. Other locations did not reach this specific record-breaking threshold. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2003065/mini-version-of-hell-heat-dome-over-europe-scorches-uk-france-spain, 25 May 2026]
#21015
Who is the Israeli National Security Minister responsible for releasing the controversial video of detained flotilla activists on May 20, 2026?
(a) Benjamin Netanyahu
(b) Gideon Saar
(c) Itamar Ben Gvir
(d) None of these
Explanation: Itamar Ben Gvir is the National Security Minister who posted the footage on his social media account. Benjamin Netanyahu is the Prime Minister, and Gideon Saar is the Foreign Minister, both of whom criticized Ben Gvir's actions. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2001815/monstrous-disgraceful-and-inhumane-israeli-minister-sparks-outcry-over-video-of-bound-flotilla-activists, 20 May 2026]
#21016
Consider the following statements about the climate situation in Europe as of May 2026: 1. Climate advisers warned that UK infrastructure is built for a climate that no longer exists. 2. The Met Office described the May heat as exceptional even for mid-summer standards. 3. Human-induced climate change is identified as a factor increasing the frequency of such extreme weather events. 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 information. Climate advisers have urged infrastructure adaptation, the Met Office highlighted the exceptional nature of the May heat, and scientists link these events to human-induced climate change. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2003065/mini-version-of-hell-heat-dome-over-europe-scorches-uk-france-spain, 25 May 2026]
#21017
Which bowler took a career-best four-wicket haul during the second ODI of the 2026 series?
(a) Matthew Kuhnemann
(b) Nathan Ellis
(c) Adam Zampa
(d) Cameron Green
Explanation: Nathan Ellis recorded a career-best four-wicket haul in the second ODI, which helped Australia level the series at 1-1. Matthew Kuhnemann also performed well in the series but his career-best was 3-38. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2005169/pakistan-upstage-australia-for-2-1-odi-series-win, 04 Jun 2026]
#21018
Consider the following statements about the regional security developments in May 2026: 1. The drone attacks on Saudi Arabia involved three drones that were successfully intercepted. 2. The UAE Industry Minister characterized the strike on the Barakah nuclear plant as a terrorist attack. 3. Pakistan's official response emphasized that military escalation is the only viable path to regional stability. 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 three drones were intercepted. Statement 2 is correct as Dr. Sultan Al-Jaber labeled the strike a terrorist attack. Statement 3 is incorrect because Pakistan advocated for dialogue and diplomacy, not military escalation, as the path to stability. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2001312/pakistan-condemns-drone-strike-on-saudi-arabia-expresses-solidarity-with-riyadh, 18 May 2026]
#21019
Who is the current Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Pakistan who met with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on May 29, 2026?
(a) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari
(b) Mohammad Ishaq Dar
(c) Shah Mehmood Qureshi
(d) None of these
Explanation: Mohammad Ishaq Dar serves as the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Pakistan and conducted the official visit to Washington in May 2026. The other individuals listed are former foreign ministers of Pakistan. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2003632/pakistan-firmly-committed-to-stance-on-palestine-israel-dar-answers-question-on-abraham-accords, 29 May 2026]
#21020
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]