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.
#21241
Who served as the primary mediator for the direct negotiations between Lebanon and Israel held in Washington on April 14, 2026?
(a) Michael Needham
(b) Gideon Saar
(c) Marco Rubio
(d) Yechiel Leiter
Explanation: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio mediated the high-level talks between the Lebanese and Israeli ambassadors. While Michael Needham was present as a State Department Counselor, Rubio led the diplomatic effort. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1991749/lebanon-israel-agree-to-direct-negotiations-after-washington-talks, 14 Apr 2026]
#21242
Which industrial complex in Saudi Arabia was targeted by strikes, prompting regional security concerns in April 2026?
(a) Ras Tanura oil terminal
(b) Yanbu refinery complex
(c) Jubail petrochemicals complex
(d) Abqaiq processing facility
Explanation: The Jubail petrochemicals complex was the site of the strike that raised concerns regarding regional stability. The other facilities are critical Saudi energy infrastructure but were not the specific target mentioned in this event. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1990849/pakistan-sends-military-force-fighter-jets-to-saudi-arabia, 11 Apr 2026]
#21243
Which regional countries were identified as providing support to Pakistan's mediation efforts between the US and Iran in 2026?
(a) India and Afghanistan
(b) China and Russia
(c) Saudi Arabia and Qatar
(d) Turkiye and Egypt
Explanation: Pakistan's diplomatic efforts to bring the US and Iran to the table were backed by Turkiye and Egypt. While other countries like China and Saudi Arabia were consulted, Turkiye and Egypt were specifically cited as supporting the back-channel efforts. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1991712/trump-says-us-iran-talks-could-resume-over-the-next-two-days-were-more-inclined-to-go-to-pakistan, 14 Apr 2026]
#21244
According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department, the westerly wave was expected to persist in the upper parts of the country until which date in April 2026?
(a) April 17
(b) April 18
(c) April 19
(d) April 20
Explanation: The PMD press release stated that the westerly wave would approach northwestern parts on April 16 and persist in the upper regions until April 19. April 19 is the final day of the forecasted weather system. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1991385/pmd-predicts-rainfall-in-upper-parts-of-country-from-april-16-to-19, 13 Apr 2026]
#21245
Under the Child Marriage Restraint Bill 2026, what is the maximum term of imprisonment proposed for adults contracting a marriage with a child?
(a) One year
(b) Five years
(c) Three years
(d) Seven years
Explanation: The bill stipulates that adults contracting marriage with a child face rigorous imprisonment of up to three years, but not less than two years. Other penalties, such as five to seven years, apply specifically to cohabitation classified as child abuse. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1991404/punjab-assembly-panel-approves-bill-setting-minimum-marriage-age-at-18-for-both-males-and-females, 13 Apr 2026]
#21246
Consider the following statements about the diplomatic visit of the Prime Minister in April 2026: 1. The visit to Saudi Arabia and Qatar was conducted in a bilateral context. 2. The Prime Minister is expected to hold a meeting with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Turkiye. 3. The delegation included the Information Minister and the Special Assistant to the Prime Minister.
(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 official reports regarding the Prime Minister's diplomatic tour. The visits to Saudi Arabia and Qatar were bilateral, the meeting with President Erdogan was planned for the Antalya Diplomacy Forum, and the delegation included both the Information Minister and the SAPM. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1991908/pm-shehbaz-meets-saudi-crown-prince-in-jeddah-dar-says-avenues-to-further-enhance-cooperation-discussed, 15 Apr 2026]
#21247
In which two Afghan locations did Pakistani forces conduct precision airstrikes on March 16, 2026?
(a) Kandahar and Herat
(b) Kabul and Nangarhar
(c) Helmand and Ghazni
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Pakistani government confirmed that military installations in Kabul and Nangarhar were the specific targets of the airstrikes. Kandahar and Herat were not mentioned as locations for this specific operation. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1982625/pakistani-forces-strike-afghan-talibans-military-installations-in-kabul-nangarhar-security-sources, 16 Mar 2026]
#21248
What is the primary stated objective of the Pakistani military deployment to Saudi Arabia in 2026?
(a) To enhance joint military coordination and operational readiness
(b) To establish a permanent naval blockade in the Persian Gulf
(c) To conduct offensive operations against regional adversaries
(d) To oversee the extraction of Saudi oil reserves
Explanation: The deployment is intended to strengthen the joint defence cooperation agreement and improve operational readiness between the two armed forces. It is explicitly not intended for offensive combat operations. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1990849/pakistan-sends-military-force-fighter-jets-to-saudi-arabia, 11 Apr 2026]
#21249
In the context of the April 2026 weather advisory, what specific weather phenomenon was expected in the upper parts of Sindh from April 16 to 18?
(a) Heavy snowfall
(b) Dust-raising winds
(c) Cyclonic rainfall
(d) Persistent fog
Explanation: The PMD forecast for upper Sindh specifically mentioned windstorms or dust-raising winds for the period of April 16 to 18. Snowfall was restricted to the mountainous regions of the north. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1991385/pmd-predicts-rainfall-in-upper-parts-of-country-from-april-16-to-19, 13 Apr 2026]
#21250
Consider the following statements about the weather advisory issued in April 2026: 1. The westerly wave was expected to bring snowfall over the mountains in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan. 2. The PMD advised farmers to manage their crops due to the risk of damage from hailstorms and windstorms. 3. Tourists were encouraged to visit the northern areas to witness the weather system's impact. 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 they reflect the PMD's specific warnings regarding snowfall and crop management. Statement 3 is incorrect because the PMD explicitly urged tourists to remain cautious and avoid unnecessary traveling during the forecast period. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1991385/pmd-predicts-rainfall-in-upper-parts-of-country-from-april-16-to-19, 13 Apr 2026]
#21251
What is the minimum legal age for marriage for both males and females as proposed in the Child Marriage Restraint Bill 2026 in Punjab?
(a) 16 years
(b) 18 years
(c) 21 years
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Child Marriage Restraint Bill 2026 standardizes the minimum age of marriage at 18 years for both genders. This replaces the previous legal framework that permitted marriage for women at 16 years of age. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1991404/punjab-assembly-panel-approves-bill-setting-minimum-marriage-age-at-18-for-both-males-and-females, 13 Apr 2026]
#21252
Consider the following statements about the security operations conducted on March 16, 2026: 1. The strikes were a response to unprovoked firing from across the border. 2. The operation targeted logistics and technical infrastructure used by terror proxies. 3. The Pakistani government admitted to significant collateral damage in residential areas of Kabul. 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 they align with the official government account of the operation's purpose and targets. Statement 3 is incorrect because the government explicitly stated that the operation was precise and carefully undertaken to ensure no collateral damage occurred. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1982625/pakistani-forces-strike-afghan-talibans-military-installations-in-kabul-nangarhar-security-sources, 16 Mar 2026]
#21253
Which of the following statements regarding the April 14, 2026, Washington talks is INCORRECT?
(a) The talks were mediated by the United States.
(b) Hezbollah supported the diplomatic process as a path to peace.
(c) The meeting involved the ambassadors of Lebanon and Israel to the United States.
(d) All sides agreed to launch further direct negotiations at a future time.
Explanation: Hezbollah vehemently opposed the talks and even launched rocket attacks during the meeting, making the claim that they supported the process false. The other statements accurately reflect the events of the day. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1991749/lebanon-israel-agree-to-direct-negotiations-after-washington-talks, 14 Apr 2026]
#21254
At which Saudi Arabian facility did the Pakistani military force and fighter jets arrive in April 2026?
(a) King Khalid Military City
(b) King Abdulaziz Air Base
(c) Prince Sultan Air Base
(d) King Fahd Air Base
Explanation: The Saudi defence ministry confirmed the arrival of Pakistani assets at the King Abdulaziz Air Base in the eastern province. Other options represent major Saudi military installations but were not the site of this specific deployment. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1990849/pakistan-sends-military-force-fighter-jets-to-saudi-arabia, 11 Apr 2026]
#21255
Consider the following statements about the diplomatic developments in April 2026: 1. The ceasefire between the US and Iran is scheduled to expire on April 22, 2026. 2. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif briefed President Asif Ali Zardari on his upcoming visits to Saudi Arabia and Turkiye. 3. The US and Iran have not engaged in any direct dialogue since 1979 prior to the 2026 Islamabad talks. 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 factually correct based on the report. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Islamabad talks marked the highest engagement since 1979, but it does not imply that no other form of dialogue occurred in the intervening decades. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1991712/trump-says-us-iran-talks-could-resume-over-the-next-two-days-were-more-inclined-to-go-to-pakistan, 14 Apr 2026]
#21256
Consider the following statements about the Child Marriage Restraint Bill 2026: 1. The bill aims to remove gender-based discrimination by setting a uniform marriage age. 2. The Punjab local government secretary has been directed to prepare the final draft of the rules within 60 days. 3. The bill was passed by the Standing Committee on Local Government and Community Development without any opposition from its members. 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 bill seeks to eliminate gender disparity and mandates the preparation of rules within 60 days. Statement 3 is incorrect because committee members Pir Ashraf Rasool and Zulfiqar Shah explicitly opposed the bill. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1991404/punjab-assembly-panel-approves-bill-setting-minimum-marriage-age-at-18-for-both-males-and-females, 13 Apr 2026]
#21257
What was the record voter turnout recorded during the 2026 Hungarian parliamentary elections?
(a) 77.8 percent
(b) 72.5 percent
(c) 67.0 percent
(d) 82.1 percent
Explanation: The election saw a record turnout of 77.8 percent at 6:30 pm local time. This high participation reflects the intense public interest in the contest between Orban and Magyar. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1991135/viktor-orban-concedes-painful-defeat-to-conservative-peter-magyar-in-hungary-polls, 12 Apr 2026]
#21258
Which organization issued a statement on April 12, 2026, declaring that military vessels approaching the Strait of Hormuz would be considered a breach of the ceasefire?
(a) Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps
(b) United States Central Command
(c) International Maritime Organization
(d) None of these
Explanation: The IRGC issued the warning following the US announcement of a blockade. The other options are either international bodies or US military commands not responsible for this specific Iranian policy statement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1991096/after-trumps-blockade-announcement-irgc-says-will-view-military-vessels-approaching-hormuz-as-ceasefire-breach, 12 Apr 2026]
#21259
Who is the political newcomer that defeated Viktor Orban in the 2026 Hungarian elections?
(a) Gergley Gulyas
(b) Peter Magyar
(c) JD Vance
(d) None of these
Explanation: Peter Magyar, a former government insider, emerged as the primary challenger and victor in the 2026 parliamentary elections. Gergley Gulyas is Orban's chief of staff. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1991135/viktor-orban-concedes-painful-defeat-to-conservative-peter-magyar-in-hungary-polls, 12 Apr 2026]
#21260
Which of the following statements regarding the April 2026 Al-Aqsa incursion is INCORRECT?
(a) The incursion was carried out under heavy police protection.
(b) The event occurred without prior public announcement.
(c) The site is considered the third-holiest for Muslims.
(d) The minister received explicit international support for the visit.
Explanation: The incursion faced widespread international, Arab, and Islamic condemnation rather than support. The other statements accurately reflect the circumstances of the event. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1991141/israeli-minister-storms-al-aqsa-mosque-again-amid-restrictions-on-worshippers, 12 Apr 2026]