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.
#21601
Which parliamentary official presided over the National Assembly session on March 13, 2026, when the quorum issue was raised?
(a) Speaker of the National Assembly
(b) Chairman of the Senate
(c) Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly
(d) Leader of the Opposition
Explanation: Deputy Speaker Ghulam Mustafa Shah was presiding over the session when the opposition pointed out the lack of quorum. The Speaker and Chairman of the Senate were not the presiding officers for this specific session. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981390/pointing-out-lack-of-quorum-in-na-opposition-blocks-passage-of-bill-seeking-to-upgrade-fc-to-federal-force, 13 Mar 2026]
#21602
What is the primary reason the opposition was able to halt the legislative process for the Federal Constabulary bill on March 13, 2026?
(a) A presidential veto
(b) Lack of quorum
(c) Supreme Court stay order
(d) None of these
Explanation: The opposition pointed out the lack of quorum, which is the minimum number of members required to conduct parliamentary proceedings. Once the lack of quorum was established, the chair was forced to prorogue the session. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981390/pointing-out-lack-of-quorum-in-na-opposition-blocks-passage-of-bill-seeking-to-upgrade-fc-to-federal-force, 13 Mar 2026]
#21603
Consider the following statements about the legislative developments on March 13, 2026: 1. The ordinance previously empowering the government to transform the FC had lapsed. 2. The opposition lawmakers tore apart copies of the agenda during the protest. 3. The government plans to reintroduce the bill in the upcoming sessions after Eid. Which of the statements given above 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 events of the session. The ordinance had lapsed, the opposition engaged in protest by tearing the agenda, and the government expressed intent to pursue the bill after the Eid holidays. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981390/pointing-out-lack-of-quorum-in-na-opposition-blocks-passage-of-bill-seeking-to-upgrade-fc-to-federal-force, 13 Mar 2026]
#21604
Who signed the civilian nuclear cooperation agreement on behalf of the United States on July 23, 2026?
(a) The Secretary of Energy
(b) The Secretary of Defense
(c) The Secretary of State
(d) The National Security Advisor
Explanation: The US Energy Secretary, Chris Wright, signed the agreements on peaceful nuclear cooperation and bilateral safeguards with his Saudi counterpart. The other officials listed were not the primary signatories for this specific energy-sector agreement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017738/us-announces-civilian-nuclear-deal-with-saudi-arabia-says-it-includes-non-proliferation-safeguards, 23 Jul 2026]
#21605
Who was confirmed as the new leader of the Labour Party on July 17, 2026?
(a) Keir Starmer
(b) Andy Burnham
(c) Nigel Farage
(d) Gordon Brown
Explanation: Andy Burnham was confirmed as the new Labour leader on July 17, 2026, following the resignation of Keir Starmer. Keir Starmer is the predecessor, not the successor. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016211/andy-burnham-elected-new-labour-leader-now-set-to-be-uk-pm, 17 Jul 2026]
#21606
The ceasefire between the United States and Iran was extended indefinitely in 2026 upon the request of which Pakistani leaders?
(a) The President and the Foreign Minister
(b) The Army Chief and the Prime Minister
(c) The Interior Minister and the Speaker of the National Assembly
(d) None of these
Explanation: The ceasefire extension was granted by the US President specifically following the request of Field Marshal Asim Munir and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Other combinations of officials do not reflect the specific diplomatic request mentioned in the report. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2002286/cdf-asim-munir-arrives-in-iran-as-part-of-ongoing-mediation-efforts-ispr, 22 May 2026]
#21607
Who is the communications chief of the United States Secret Service who issued the statement regarding the investigation on 2026-07-24?
(a) Kimberly Cheatle
(b) James Murray
(c) Anthony Guglielmi
(d) Randolph Alles
Explanation: Anthony Guglielmi serves as the chief of communications for the Secret Service and provided the official confirmation of the investigation. The other individuals listed are former directors or officials not associated with this specific 2026 statement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017994/vances-agent-faces-probe-after-leak-about-chopper-trip-for-son, 24 Jul 2026]
#21608
Consider the following statements about the regional security situation in March 2026: 1. The Strait of Hormuz mission is designed to secure the flow of oil and gas. 2. France deployed air defense units to Cyprus following drone attacks. 3. The conflict in the Middle East began in early 2026 following a direct invasion of France. 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 report. Statement 3 is incorrect because the conflict was triggered by US-Israeli strikes on Iran, not an invasion of France. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980406/france-allies-preparing-defensive-mission-to-reopen-strait-of-hormuz-says-macron, 10 Mar 2026]
#21609
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]
#21610
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]
#21611
Which of the following statements regarding the 2026 White House Correspondents' Association Dinner is INCORRECT?
(a) The dinner was held in the same venue as the April event.
(b) President Trump joked about serving a third and fourth term.
(c) The event was held at the Waldorf Astoria.
(d) The Secret Service implemented a security cordon around the venue.
Explanation: The statement that the dinner was held in the same venue is incorrect because the venue was changed from the Washington Hilton to the Waldorf Astoria. The other statements accurately reflect the events of the dinner. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018299/trump-bashes-fake-news-stokes-2028-furore-in-press-gala-rerun, 25 Jul 2026]
#21612
What is the name of the individual charged with attempting to kill the president during the April 2026 incident?
(a) Sean Curran
(b) Oz Pearlman
(c) Cole Allen
(d) None of these
Explanation: Cole Allen is the individual who has pleaded not guilty to charges related to the assassination attempt. Sean Curran is the Secret Service Director, and Oz Pearlman was a performer at the dinner. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018299/trump-bashes-fake-news-stokes-2028-furore-in-press-gala-rerun, 25 Jul 2026]
#21613
The decline in global crude oil prices on March 11, 2026, was primarily attributed to:
(a) Diplomatic signals regarding the potential end of the conflict with Iran
(b) Increased production from OPEC nations
(c) A sudden drop in global industrial demand
(d) New sanctions imposed on major oil exporters
Explanation: Crude prices plunged following remarks by US President Donald Trump suggesting that the conflict with Iran could end soon, which eased supply disruption concerns. Other options do not reflect the specific geopolitical catalyst mentioned in the market report. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980849/kse-100-ends-lower-after-early-rally-loses-steam, 11 Mar 2026]
#21614
Consider the following statements about the transition of power in Iran in 2026: 1. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) pledged allegiance to the new Supreme Leader. 2. Analysts expect the new leader to delegate significant government and war-related responsibilities to other officials. 3. The United States government officially recognized the legitimacy of the new Supreme Leader immediately upon his appointment.
(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 IRGC pledged support and analysts expect delegation of duties. Statement 3 is incorrect because the US President explicitly warned that the new leader would be 'unacceptable' without US approval. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980913/irans-new-supreme-leader-injured-but-safe-says-presidents-son, 11 Mar 2026]
#21615
Consider the following statements about the legal proceedings involving Senator Pauline Hanson: 1. The Federal Court of Australia dismissed Hanson's appeal on July 27, 2026. 2. Hanson argued that the racial discrimination law was constitutionally invalid. 3. The court ruled that Hanson's comments were protected under absolute free speech provisions. 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 appeal was dismissed on the specified date and Hanson did challenge the constitutionality of the law. Statement 3 is incorrect because the court ruled that her comments were not protected and actually breached anti-discrimination laws. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018722/australian-politician-fails-to-overturn-racial-vilification-ruling-over-telling-muslim-senator-to-go-back-to-pakistan, 27 Jul 2026]
#21616
According to the French President, the 2026 wildfire situation is the most severe recorded since which historical period?
(a) The First World War
(b) The Second World War
(c) The Cold War
(d) The Great Depression
Explanation: President Emmanuel Macron characterized the 2026 wildfire crisis as the most severe since the Second World War. This highlights the unprecedented nature of the current climate-driven disaster. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018994/firefighters-in-france-spain-scramble-to-contain-blazes-as-new-heatwave-looms, 28 Jul 2026]
#21617
On July 28, 2026, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu traveled to Washington to meet with which US President?
(a) Joe Biden
(b) Donald Trump
(c) Barack Obama
(d) None of these
Explanation: Benjamin Netanyahu traveled to Washington in July 2026 for his eighth meeting with Donald Trump since Trump returned to office. The meeting was scheduled to address regional security concerns, particularly regarding Iran. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018884/iran-tops-agenda-as-netanyahu-due-to-meet-trump, 28 Jul 2026]
#21618
Which of the following statements regarding the oil market situation on March 10, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) Brent futures experienced a decline of approximately 6.8 percent.
(b) Goldman Sachs immediately adjusted its fourth-quarter 2026 price forecast for Brent to $90 per barrel.
(c) US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude prices fell by approximately 6.8 percent.
(d) Volumes in Brent dropped to the lowest amount since February 27.
Explanation: Goldman Sachs explicitly stated it was not changing its oil price forecast for Brent at $66 per barrel for the fourth quarter of 2026, making the incorrect statement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980481/oil-sinks-7pc-as-trump-predicts-middle-east-de-escalation, 10 Mar 2026]
#21619
Who is the current Foreign Minister of Iran who met with the Pakistani delegation in Tehran on April 15, 2026?
(a) Abbas Araghchi
(b) Esmaeil Baqaei
(c) Hossein Amir-Abdollahian
(d) Mohammad Javad Zarif
Explanation: Abbas Araghchi is the Iranian Foreign Minister who welcomed Field Marshal Asim Munir in Tehran. Esmaeil Baqaei is the foreign ministry spokesman, not the Foreign Minister. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1991972/cdf-munir-visits-iran-alongside-delegation-as-part-of-mediation-efforts-holds-meeting-with-fm-araghchi, 15 Apr 2026]
#21620
The mediation efforts led by Pakistan in April 2026 are primarily aimed at de-escalating tensions between which two countries?
(a) Pakistan and India
(b) Russia and Ukraine
(c) Saudi Arabia and Iran
(d) Iran and the United States
Explanation: The diplomatic efforts are focused on de-escalation between Iran and the United States, following direct talks held in Islamabad. The other options represent different geopolitical conflicts not addressed by this specific mediation mission. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1991972/cdf-munir-visits-iran-alongside-delegation-as-part-of-mediation-efforts-holds-meeting-with-fm-araghchi, 15 Apr 2026]