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.
#21021
Who was the captain of the Australian cricket team during the 2026 ODI series against Pakistan?
(a) Josh Inglis
(b) Adam Zampa
(c) Nathan Ellis
(d) None of these
Explanation: Josh Inglis served as the captain for the Australian side throughout the three-match ODI series. Adam Zampa and Nathan Ellis were members of the squad but did not hold the captaincy. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2005169/pakistan-upstage-australia-for-2-1-odi-series-win, 04 Jun 2026]
#21022
Which Iranian entity claimed responsibility for targeting a US airbase in retaliation for the May 28, 2026, strikes?
(a) Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps
(b) Artesh (Regular Army of Iran)
(c) Basij Resistance Force
(d) Quds Force
Explanation: The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) officially announced that they targeted a US base in response to the US attack near Bandar Abbas. While the Quds Force is a branch of the IRGC, the official statement was issued by the IRGC leadership. [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]
#21023
What meteorological phenomenon was identified as the primary cause of the extreme heat across Europe on May 25, 2026?
(a) Polar vortex
(b) Cyclonic depression
(c) Atmospheric river
(d) Heat dome
Explanation: A heat dome occurs when a high-pressure system traps warm air over a specific region, preventing it from escaping. This phenomenon was responsible for the record-breaking temperatures observed across Western Europe in May 2026. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2003065/mini-version-of-hell-heat-dome-over-europe-scorches-uk-france-spain, 25 May 2026]
#21024
Consider the following statements regarding the diplomatic developments mentioned on May 25, 2026: 1. The US is seeking to link the Iran peace deal to the expansion of the Abraham Accords. 2. Many nations targeted by the US demand have historically prioritized a two-state solution before normalizing relations with Israel. 3. Senator Lindsey Graham suggested that refusing to join the Abraham Accords would have no impact on future relationships with the US. 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 context provided. Statement 3 is incorrect because Senator Graham explicitly warned that refusal to join would lead to 'severe repercussions' and make the peace proposal 'unacceptable'. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2003043/trump-demands-widespread-sign-up-to-abraham-accords-as-part-of-iran-peace-deal, 25 May 2026]
#21025
Which of the following statements regarding the 2026 ODI series between Pakistan and Australia is INCORRECT?
(a) Pakistan won the first ODI match held in Rawalpindi.
(b) Australia won the second ODI match by 41 runs.
(c) The final ODI match was decided by a four-wicket victory for Pakistan.
(d) Pakistan won the series with a final score of 3-0.
Explanation: Pakistan won the series 2-1, not 3-0. The other statements accurately reflect the series progression and results. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2005169/pakistan-upstage-australia-for-2-1-odi-series-win, 04 Jun 2026]
#21026
Which of the following statements regarding the May 2026 escalation is INCORRECT?
(a) The US military shot down four Iranian attack drones during the operation.
(b) The ceasefire between the US and Iran had been in effect since the beginning of 2026.
(c) Oil prices rebounded following reports of the renewed hostilities.
(d) The US official stated that the military actions were intended to be defensive.
Explanation: The ceasefire between the US and Iran took effect in early April 2026, not at the beginning of the year. The other statements accurately reflect the events of May 28, 2026. [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]
#21027
Consider the following statements regarding the diplomatic engagements of May 2026: 1. The US State Department acknowledged Pakistan's constructive role in mediating tensions between Iran and the United States. 2. The meeting between Ishaq Dar and Marco Rubio focused exclusively on the Abraham Accords. 3. The US Secretary of State expressed condolences for a terrorist attack that occurred in Quetta.
(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 US acknowledged Pakistan's mediation efforts. Statement 3 is correct as Rubio expressed condolences for the Quetta attack. Statement 2 is incorrect because the meeting covered a broader range of bilateral cooperation and regional security issues, not just the Abraham Accords. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2003632/pakistan-firmly-committed-to-stance-on-palestine-israel-dar-answers-question-on-abraham-accords, 29 May 2026]
#21028
Which stadium hosted the third and final ODI match between Pakistan and Australia on June 4, 2026?
(a) Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium
(b) National Bank Stadium
(c) Gaddafi Stadium
(d) Multan Cricket Stadium
Explanation: The third ODI match, which decided the series in favor of Pakistan, was played at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. Rawalpindi hosted the first match of the series. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2005169/pakistan-upstage-australia-for-2-1-odi-series-win, 04 Jun 2026]
#21029
Which of the following is NOT a stated concern or position of the PPP regarding the upcoming 2026-27 budget?
(a) Support for immediate reduction in development spending
(b) Preference for a broader tax base over taxing the existing base
(c) Dissatisfaction with the budget in its current form
(d) Opposition to the imposition of new taxes
Explanation: The PPP emphasized the need for development spending and inclusive growth, rather than supporting a reduction in such expenditures. The other three options accurately reflect the party's stated positions during the consultations. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2004970/another-meeting-expected-as-pml-n-ppp-continue-budget-discussions-ahead-of-june-10-presentation, 03 Jun 2026]
#21030
In which districts of Balochistan were the intelligence-based operations (IBOs) conducted by security forces on June 2, 2026?
(a) Mastung, Nushki, Khuzdar, and Kech
(b) Gwadar, Turbat, Panjgur, and Lasbela
(c) Quetta, Pishin, Chaman, and Zhob
(d) None of these
Explanation: The ISPR statement confirmed that the IBOs were specifically carried out in the districts of Mastung, Nushki, Khuzdar, and Kech following the Quetta train attack. Other districts listed in the distractors, while located in Balochistan, were not the primary sites of these specific operations. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2004690/security-forces-kill-17-terrorists-in-various-districts-of-balochistan-following-quetta-train-bombing-ispr, 02 Jun 2026]
#21031
The warm air mass that contributed to the heat dome over Europe in May 2026 originated from which region?
(a) Northern Africa
(b) Central Asia
(c) Eastern Europe
(d) Western Siberia
Explanation: Meteorological reports confirmed that the heat dome was fueled by warm air moving northward from northern Africa. This air mass became trapped under a high-pressure system over Western Europe. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2003065/mini-version-of-hell-heat-dome-over-europe-scorches-uk-france-spain, 25 May 2026]
#21032
Consider the following statements about the final ODI match of the 2026 series: 1. Australia won the toss and elected to bat first. 2. Pakistan successfully chased the target in 41.5 overs. 3. Shadab Khan and Abdul Samad shared an unbroken seventh-wicket partnership to secure the win. 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 match report. Australia batted first after winning the toss, Pakistan reached the target in 41.5 overs, and the partnership between Shadab and Samad was indeed the decisive factor for the seventh wicket. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2005169/pakistan-upstage-australia-for-2-1-odi-series-win, 04 Jun 2026]
#21033
Consider the following statements about the 2026-27 budget consultations: 1. The consultations were influenced by new fiscal demands from the IMF. 2. The FBR Chairman participated in the discussions regarding tax measures. 3. The budget presentation date was finalized as June 10, 2026, by the Prime Minister alone without coalition input. 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 the IMF demands were a central topic and the FBR Chairman was present. Statement 3 is incorrect because the date was decided through a unanimous recommendation by the coalition partners to the Prime Minister. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2004970/another-meeting-expected-as-pml-n-ppp-continue-budget-discussions-ahead-of-june-10-presentation, 03 Jun 2026]
#21034
Who currently serves as the United States Secretary of State as of May 27, 2026?
(a) Mike Pompeo
(b) Marco Rubio
(c) Antony Blinken
(d) None of these
Explanation: Marco Rubio is identified as the US Secretary of State in the report regarding the cabinet meeting. Other options are either former secretaries or not currently serving in that capacity. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2003490/trump-cabinet-looks-forward-to-progress-on-iran-deal-in-coming-hours-days, 27 May 2026]
#21035
Consider the following statements about the China-Pakistan diplomatic engagement on May 25, 2026: 1. The two leaders discussed building a community with a shared future in the new era. 2. Pakistan's mediation efforts were focused on the conflict between Washington and Tehran. 3. The visit was part of a short one-day trip to China. 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 as they align with the official discourse on regional peace and the specific mediation role mentioned. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Prime Minister's visit was a four-day official trip, not a one-day trip. [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]
#21036
The year 2026 marks how many years of diplomatic relations between China and Pakistan?
(a) 50 years
(b) 60 years
(c) 80 years
(d) 75 years
Explanation: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif highlighted the 75-year glorious partnership in diplomatic relations during his address. The leadership plans to hold year-long celebrations to commemorate this milestone. [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]
#21037
Which of the following statements regarding the fuel price adjustments on June 5, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The price of high-speed diesel was kept unchanged.
(b) The price of kerosene was increased by Rs10 per litre.
(c) The government charges a climate support levy on fuel.
(d) The price of petrol was reduced by Rs4 per litre.
Explanation: There is no mention of a Rs10 increase for kerosene in the policy update. The other three statements accurately reflect the fiscal measures taken by the government. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2005447/govt-reduces-petrol-price-by-rs4-keeps-diesel-price-unchanged, 05 Jun 2026]
#21038
Consider the following statements about the security situation in AJK as of June 2026: 1. The AJK government has requested federal paramilitary forces to secure the region for a two-week period in June. 2. The JAAC strike call is scheduled to coincide with the start of the nomination paper filing process for the general elections. 3. The AJK government has officially banned the JAAC under the Anti-Terrorism Act, 2014. 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 report: the request for 14,000 personnel covers the period from June 7 to June 21, the strike is set for June 9 (the start of nominations), and the proscription was enacted under the 2014 Act. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2005462/ajk-govt-bans-joint-awami-action-committee-under-anti-terrorism-act, 05 Jun 2026]
#21039
All of the following statements regarding the June 10, 2026, helicopter crash are TRUE EXCEPT:
(a) The crash occurred during take-off.
(b) A board of inquiry has been ordered to investigate the cause.
(c) There were survivors among the personnel on board.
(d) The incident took place near Muzaffarabad.
Explanation: The ISPR confirmed that there were no survivors in the crash, making the false statement. All other options accurately reflect the details provided by the military's media wing. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2006621/no-survivors-as-pakistan-army-mi-17-helicopter-crashes-near-muzaffarabad-ispr, 10 Jun 2026]
#21040
Which Malaysian leader appreciated Pakistan's role in the ceasefire in the Gulf during a conversation on May 27, 2026?
(a) Mahathir Mohamad
(b) Anwar Ibrahim
(c) Ismail Sabri Yaakob
(d) Muhyiddin Yassin
Explanation: Malaysian Prime Minister Dr. Anwar Ibrahim held a telephonic conversation with PM Shehbaz Sharif to appreciate Pakistan's role in the Gulf ceasefire. The other options represent former Malaysian leaders who were not involved in this specific diplomatic exchange. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2003497/us-iran-peace-deal-could-benefit-entire-region-pm-tells-pezeshkian-in-eid-call, 27 May 2026]