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.
#14001
Consider the following statements about the earthquake disaster in Venezuela: 1. The earthquakes struck on June 25, 2026, during a public holiday. 2. The US Geological Survey reported that the two major tremors occurred within one minute of each other. 3. More than 24,000 people were listed as unaccounted for on a tracking website by the morning of June 25, 2026. 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 reports regarding the timing of the quakes, the USGS data on the tremors, and the figures provided by the opposition-led tracking website. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2010737/thousands-feared-dead-in-venezuela-after-two-major-earthquakes-world-sends-aid-rescue-teams, 25 Jun 2026]
#14002
According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department, the heatwave conditions are expected to persist across large parts of the country during which period in 2026?
(a) June 1 to June 6
(b) June 7 to June 12
(c) June 15 to June 20
(d) June 20 to June 25
Explanation: The PMD issued an official advisory stating that heatwave conditions would affect the country from June 7 to June 12, 2026. Other options represent incorrect timeframes outside the specific window identified by the meteorological office. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2005663/large-parts-of-country-set-to-experience-heatwave-conditions-from-june-7-to-12-pmd, 06 Jun 2026]
#14003
What was the primary meteorological cause for the heavy rainfall in Karachi on March 18, 2026?
(a) A tropical cyclone
(b) A westerly wave
(c) Monsoon currents
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Pakistan Meteorological Department explicitly identified a westerly wave as the system affecting most parts of the country, including Karachi. None of these is incorrect because the cause is clearly stated. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1983379/15-die-in-rain-related-incidents-as-heavy-showers-strong-winds-hit-parts-of-karachi, 18 Mar 2026]
#14004
Arrange the following events concerning Pakistan’s internal security, foreign policy, and technological advancements in the order they appear in the August 1, 2026 digest:
(a) Martyrdom of Major in North Waziristan; Google AI tool launch; PM support for Gaza Peace Plan; Broad Peak search operation
(b) Broad Peak search operation; PM support for Gaza Peace Plan; Google AI tool launch; Martyrdom of Major in North Waziristan
(c) Martyrdom of Major in North Waziristan; PM support for Gaza Peace Plan; Google AI tool launch; Broad Peak search operation
(d) Broad Peak search operation; Martyrdom of Major in North Waziristan; PM support for Gaza Peace Plan; Google AI tool launch
Explanation: While all events share the same date of August 1, 2026, their sequence in the news cycle corresponds to the order in the provided event pool. The order follows the operational search on Broad Peak, international policy stances on Gaza, technological integration by Google, and security updates from North Waziristan. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40432862/drones-deployed-to-locate-missing-climbers-as-search-operation-enters-second-day]
#14005
Consider the following statements about the emergency response to the March 18, 2026, rainfall in Karachi: 1. The Sindh Chief Minister ordered the clearance of choking points in drains. 2. Traffic police were directed to deploy additional personnel to manage traffic flow. 3. The Karachi Gymkhana area remained fully accessible to all traffic throughout the night. 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 directives issued by the Sindh Chief Minister. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Karachi Mayor specifically announced that Club Road in front of Karachi Gymkhana was closed for traffic due to fallen trees. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1983379/15-die-in-rain-related-incidents-as-heavy-showers-strong-winds-hit-parts-of-karachi, 18 Mar 2026]
#14006
Which official directed the Karachi Water and Sewerage Corporation to keep machinery and generators operational at pumping stations during the 2026 rain event?
(a) The Chief Minister of Sindh
(b) The Deputy Inspector General of Police
(c) The Mayor of Karachi
(d) The Director General of the PMD
Explanation: The Sindh Chief Minister, Murad Ali Shah, issued these directives to municipal bodies and the Karachi Water and Sewerage Corporation to ensure effective drainage. While the Mayor also provided updates, the specific directive regarding machinery and generators came from the Chief Minister. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1983379/15-die-in-rain-related-incidents-as-heavy-showers-strong-winds-hit-parts-of-karachi, 18 Mar 2026]
#14007
Which climatic phenomenon is currently in a neutral phase but is expected to shift to a positive phase by July 2026?
(a) El Nino-Southern Oscillation (ENSO)
(b) Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD)
(c) Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO)
(d) None of these
Explanation: The PMD outlook explicitly identifies the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) as being in a neutral phase with a projected shift to a positive phase by July 2026. ENSO is currently in a positive phase (El Nino), making option A incorrect. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2005663/large-parts-of-country-set-to-experience-heatwave-conditions-from-june-7-to-12-pmd, 06 Jun 2026]
#14008
Who served as the Interim President of Venezuela during the earthquake disaster of June 2026?
(a) Juan Guaido
(b) Nicolas Maduro
(c) Delcy Rodriguez
(d) Henrique Capriles
Explanation: Delcy Rodriguez provided official updates on the casualty figures and the government's rescue efforts following the seismic events. She is the primary official cited in the response to the disaster. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2010737/thousands-feared-dead-in-venezuela-after-two-major-earthquakes-world-sends-aid-rescue-teams, 25 Jun 2026]
#14009
Consider the following statements about the PMD's seasonal outlook for June–August 2026: 1. Mean temperatures are expected to remain above normal throughout the country. 2. The largest negative rainfall departures are likely over the northeastern parts of Punjab. 3. The El Nino–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) is expected to weaken significantly during the season. 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 per the PMD outlook. Statement 3 is incorrect because the PMD stated that the ENSO has moved into a positive phase and is expected to strengthen further, not weaken. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2005663/large-parts-of-country-set-to-experience-heatwave-conditions-from-june-7-to-12-pmd, 06 Jun 2026]
#14010
Which of the following statements regarding the March 18, 2026, weather event in Karachi is INCORRECT?
(a) The event involved heavy showers and strong winds.
(b) The Pakistan Meteorological Department predicted rainfall until Thursday.
(c) The rainfall was limited exclusively to the coastal areas of Clifton and Defence.
(d) The Karachi Mayor advised citizens to avoid unnecessary movement.
Explanation: Rainfall was reported across a wide range of areas including Gulshan-i-Iqbal, North Karachi, and I.I. Chundrigar Road, not just coastal areas. Therefore, the statement that it was limited to Clifton and Defence is false. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1983379/15-die-in-rain-related-incidents-as-heavy-showers-strong-winds-hit-parts-of-karachi, 18 Mar 2026]
#14011
In which of the following regions are maximum temperatures expected to reach the highest range of 48°C to 51°C during the June 2026 heatwave?
(a) Sukkur, Jacobabad, and Larkana
(b) Islamabad, Rawalpindi, and Attock
(c) Chitral, Dir, and Swat
(d) Lahore, Faisalabad, and Multan
Explanation: The PMD advisory identifies districts in Sindh and Balochistan, including Sukkur, Jacobabad, and Larkana, as the areas expected to experience the most extreme temperatures between 48°C and 51°C. Other regions listed have lower projected temperature ranges. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2005663/large-parts-of-country-set-to-experience-heatwave-conditions-from-june-7-to-12-pmd, 06 Jun 2026]
#14012
According to the ISPR, the conflict of 2026 demonstrated Pakistan's operational competence across which of the following domains?
(a) Land, air, sea, space, and nuclear
(b) Land, air, sea, cyber, and information
(c) Land, air, sea, psychological, and economic
(d) Land, air, sea, diplomatic, and intelligence
Explanation: The ISPR statement explicitly highlights the Armed Forces' superior operational competence across land, air, sea, cyber, and information domains during the conflict. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1998954/marka-i-haq-a-defining-landmark-in-the-nations-journey-ispr, 09 May 2026]
#14013
What is the official designation given by the state to the 2026 military conflict between Pakistan and India?
(a) Operation Azm-e-Istehkam
(b) Marka-i-Haq
(c) Operation Zarb-e-Azb
(d) None of these
Explanation: The state refers to the 2026 conflict as Marka-i-Haq, which translates to 'Battle of Truth'. It is described as a defining landmark in the nation's journey. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1998954/marka-i-haq-a-defining-landmark-in-the-nations-journey-ispr, 09 May 2026]
#14014
The military conflict known as Marka-i-Haq concluded with a ceasefire on which date in 2026?
(a) April 22, 2026
(b) May 9, 2026
(c) June 1, 2026
(d) May 10, 2026
Explanation: The conflict, which began with the Pahalgam attack on April 22, 2026, officially ended with a ceasefire on May 10, 2026. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1998954/marka-i-haq-a-defining-landmark-in-the-nations-journey-ispr, 09 May 2026]
#14015
In the context of urban resilience during the 2026-07-23 rain spell, which specific infrastructure was prioritized for immediate drainage?
(a) Underpasses
(b) Industrial zones
(c) Agricultural canals
(d) Power grids
Explanation: The Chief Minister specifically ordered the drainage of rainwater from streets, markets, roads, and underpasses to ensure public safety and traffic flow. Underpasses are particularly vulnerable to flooding during heavy monsoon spells. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431317/cm-voices-her-grief-over-rain-related-deaths, 23 Jul 2026]
#14016
Who is the current Chief Minister of Punjab as of 2026-07-23?
(a) Hamza Shahbaz
(b) Maryam Nawaz Sharif
(c) Parvez Elahi
(d) None of these
Explanation: Maryam Nawaz Sharif is the incumbent Chief Minister of Punjab. The other options represent former officeholders. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431317/cm-voices-her-grief-over-rain-related-deaths, 23 Jul 2026]
#14017
Which of the following is NOT a directive issued by the Chief Minister regarding the 2026-07-23 rain-related emergency?
(a) Continuous monitoring of rivers and flood channels
(b) Immediate suspension of all provincial public transport
(c) Prevention of children from bathing in floodwaters
(d) Supervision of relief operations by field officers
Explanation: The Chief Minister directed authorities to maintain smooth traffic flow, which contradicts the suspension of public transport. The other options are verified directives issued to ensure public safety. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431317/cm-voices-her-grief-over-rain-related-deaths, 23 Jul 2026]
#14018
Consider the following statements about the environmental situation in Europe as of July 2026: 1. Europe is identified as the world's fastest-warming continent. 2. The Western Balkans have experienced a shift in danger from heatwaves to hailstorms. 3. The average high temperature in Western Europe was recorded as being three degrees above the 1961-1990 normal for July 22. 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. Europe is confirmed as the fastest-warming continent, the Western Balkans faced a transition to hailstorms, and the temperature anomaly for July 22 was indeed three degrees above the historical baseline. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017665/spain-france-struggle-with-wildfires-as-heat-grips-europes-south, 23 Jul 2026]
#14019
What is the maximum temperature range forecast for the Ebro and Guadalquivir valleys during the peak of the July 2026 heatwave?
(a) 42-44 degrees Celsius
(b) 39-42 degrees Celsius
(c) 35-37 degrees Celsius
(d) 45-47 degrees Celsius
Explanation: Meteorological forecasts for the Ebro and Guadalquivir valleys indicated potential highs of 42-44 degrees Celsius. The 39-42 range was forecast for broader swathes of the country, making 42-44 the specific peak for these valleys. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017665/spain-france-struggle-with-wildfires-as-heat-grips-europes-south, 23 Jul 2026]
#14020
Which technology is being utilized by the Punjab government to monitor rivers, dams, and barrages during the 2026 monsoon season?
(a) Safe City cameras
(b) Satellite imagery
(c) Drone surveillance
(d) Seismic sensors
Explanation: The Punjab Chief Minister directed that critical water infrastructure be monitored round the clock using Safe City cameras. This measure aims to enhance flood response and safety. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431316/17-people-killed-in-rain-related-incidents-in-punjab, 23 Jul 2026]