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.
#14321
Consider the following statements about the 2026 Pakistan-China Pharmaceutical and Healthcare B2B Investment Conference: 1. The conference was a two-day event held in Islamabad. 2. Over 200 Chinese companies participated in the event. 3. The conference included discussions on establishing local vaccine manufacturing facilities. 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 it was a two-day event in Islamabad. Statement 2 is incorrect because 146 Chinese companies participated, not over 200 (over 200 Pakistani companies participated). Statement 3 is correct as local vaccine production was a priority discussed at the conference. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016621/pakistan-china-pharma-conference-ends-with-850m-agreements, 19 Jul 2026]
#14322
What was the policy rate maintained by the State Bank of Pakistan as of June 15, 2026?
(a) 11.5 percent
(b) 10.5 percent
(c) 12.5 percent
(d) 13.5 percent
Explanation: The Monetary Policy Committee decided to keep the policy rate unchanged at 11.5 percent during its final review for FY26. This rate is maintained to guide inflation toward the medium-term target range. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2008043/central-bank-keeps-policy-rate-unchanged-at-115pc, 15 Jun 2026]
#14323
Brent crude futures rose by what percentage on July 21, 2026, as hostilities in the Gulf intensified?
(a) 1.2 percent
(b) 1.8 percent
(c) 1.5 percent
(d) 2.0 percent
Explanation: Brent crude futures rose by $1.62, which corresponds to a 1.8 percent increase, reaching $90.84 a barrel. This rise occurred as early market optimism eroded due to continued regional hostilities. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017214/psx-gains-2000-points-during-intraday-trade-as-oil-eases-amid-us-iran-mediation-efforts, 21 Jul 2026]
#14324
What was the total turnover recorded at the Pakistan Stock Exchange on July 21, 2026?
(a) Rs 30.2 billion
(b) Rs 45.5 billion
(c) Rs 15.8 billion
(d) Rs 675.9 million
Explanation: The total turnover for the session was Rs 30.2 billion. The figure 675.9 million refers to the total volume of shares traded, not the monetary turnover. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017152/stocks-eke-out-gains-amid-extreme-volatility, 21 Jul 2026]
#14325
What is the primary objective of the refinery modernization plan discussed by the Finance Minister in July 2026?
(a) To reduce reliance on imported petroleum products
(b) To increase the export of crude oil to the United States
(c) To privatize all state-owned oil marketing companies
(d) To establish a new pipeline network to Central Asia
Explanation: The modernization plan aims to enhance domestic refining capacity, which directly contributes to reducing the country's heavy reliance on imported petroleum products. This is a strategic move to improve energy security and stabilize the national economy. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017217/us-technology-firm-proposes-refinery-modernisation-plan-for-pakistan-in-meeting-with-finance-minister, 21 Jul 2026]
#14326
Who currently serves as the Minister for Power in the federal cabinet as of May 2, 2026?
(a) Ahad Khan Cheema
(b) Sardar Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari
(c) Ali Pervaiz Malik
(d) Attaullah Tarar
Explanation: Sardar Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari is the Minister for Power. The other individuals listed hold different portfolios, such as Economic Affairs, Petroleum, and Information and Broadcasting. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1996962/pm-shehbaz-orders-formulation-of-strategy-to-stabilise-electricity-tariffs, 02 May 2026]
#14327
Which of the following statements regarding the KSE-100 performance on July 21, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The index opened the session in the green.
(b) The market experienced broad-based profit-taking in the latter half of the session.
(c) Investor sentiment remained cautious due to global energy market uncertainty.
(d) The index closed with a significant gain of over 2,000 points.
Explanation: The index closed with a marginal gain of only 205.83 points, not 2,000 points. The 2,442.72 point figure mentioned in reports refers to the initial surge, not the final closing gain. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017214/psx-gains-2000-points-during-intraday-trade-as-oil-eases-amid-us-iran-mediation-efforts, 21 Jul 2026]
#14328
What was the level of SBP foreign exchange reserves as of June 5, 2026?
(a) 17.2 billion dollars
(b) 16.2 billion dollars
(c) 15.2 billion dollars
(d) 18.2 billion dollars
Explanation: The SBP foreign exchange reserves reached $17.2 billion by June 5, 2026, following the successful completion of IMF reviews for the Extended Fund Facility and Resilience and Sustainability Facility. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2008043/central-bank-keeps-policy-rate-unchanged-at-115pc, 15 Jun 2026]
#14329
Which US-based technology firm held a meeting with Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb in July 2026 to discuss refinery modernization?
(a) General Electric
(b) Honeywell Technologies
(c) Caterpillar Inc.
(d) None of these
Explanation: The finance minister met with a delegation from Honeywell Technologies in Washington on July 20, 2026, to discuss upgrading Pakistan's refinery infrastructure. General Electric and Caterpillar are major industrial firms but were not the primary participants in this specific refinery modernization proposal. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017217/us-technology-firm-proposes-refinery-modernisation-plan-for-pakistan-in-meeting-with-finance-minister, 21 Jul 2026]
#14330
What percentage increase in salaries and pensions was announced for government employees in the 2026-27 budget?
(a) 5 percent
(b) 11 percent
(c) 9 percent
(d) 7 percent
Explanation: The government announced a 7 percent increase in salaries and pensions for its employees. The other percentages are incorrect distractors that do not reflect the approved fiscal policy. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2008557/sindh-cm-murad-ali-shah-presents-rs356tr-budget-with-no-new-taxes-7pc-pay-raise, 17 Jun 2026]
#14331
What was the primary geopolitical factor influencing global oil price volatility on July 21, 2026?
(a) US-Iran diplomatic mediation efforts
(b) OPEC production quota adjustments
(c) Global supply chain disruptions in Asia
(d) Changes in US Federal Reserve interest rates
Explanation: Market volatility was driven by reports of mediation efforts between the US and Iran, contrasted against ongoing hostilities and threats of naval blockades in the Gulf. While other factors can influence oil, the specific context of this session was the US-Iran diplomatic situation. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017214/psx-gains-2000-points-during-intraday-trade-as-oil-eases-amid-us-iran-mediation-efforts, 21 Jul 2026]
#14332
Consider the following statements regarding the economic outlook as of June 2026: 1. The primary balance surplus for FY26 was estimated at 2.5 percent of GDP. 2. The MPC is targeting a primary balance surplus of 2 percent of GDP for FY27. 3. Headline inflation remained in single digits throughout April and May 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: Statements 1 and 2 are correct as they reflect the fiscal consolidation targets and estimates provided by the MPC. Statement 3 is incorrect because headline inflation rose to double digits in April and May 2026, not single digits. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2008043/central-bank-keeps-policy-rate-unchanged-at-115pc, 15 Jun 2026]
#14333
Which brokerage house provided analysis regarding the profit-taking observed during the July 21, 2026, trading session?
(a) AKD Securities
(b) Arif Habib Limited
(c) JS Global Capital
(d) Topline Securities Ltd
Explanation: Topline Securities Ltd provided the market commentary noting that the early rally was short-lived due to broad-based profit-taking. While AKD Securities also provided research, the specific observation regarding profit-taking at elevated levels was attributed to Topline. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017214/kse-100-makes-marginal-gains-as-global-energy-uncertainty-weighs-on-early-rally, 21 Jul 2026]
#14334
Who presented the Punjab provincial budget for the fiscal year 2026-27 in the provincial assembly?
(a) Maryam Nawaz Sharif
(b) Mian Mujtabaur Rehman
(c) Ishaq Dar
(d) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari
Explanation: Mian Mujtabaur Rehman is the Finance Minister of Punjab who presented the budget. Maryam Nawaz Sharif is the Chief Minister who presided over the cabinet meeting that approved the budget. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2008300/punjab-finance-minister-presents-people-friendly-budget-in-assembly, 16 Jun 2026]
#14335
Which sector faced specific selling pressure on July 21, 2026, due to speculation regarding policy delays?
(a) Textile sector
(b) Cement sector
(c) Refinery sector
(d) Banking sector
Explanation: Topline Securities reported that refinery stocks experienced selling pressure due to market speculation that the long-awaited refinery policy might face further delays. Other sectors like cement and textiles were noted for their potential to post strong earnings rather than facing policy-related selling pressure. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017214/psx-gains-2000-points-during-intraday-trade-as-oil-eases-amid-us-iran-mediation-efforts, 21 Jul 2026]
#14336
What was the closing value of the KSE-100 index on July 21, 2026?
(a) 176,133.56 points
(b) 178,370.45 points
(c) 177,000.00 points
(d) None of these
Explanation: The KSE-100 index closed at 176,133.56 points on July 21, 2026. The value 178,370.45 represents the intraday high reached earlier in the same session. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017214/psx-gains-2000-points-during-intraday-trade-as-oil-eases-amid-us-iran-mediation-efforts, 21 Jul 2026]
#14337
Brent crude futures rose by 1.8 percent to reach which price per barrel on July 21, 2026?
(a) 90.84 dollars
(b) 83.96 dollars
(c) 84.60 dollars
(d) 92.84 dollars
Explanation: Brent crude futures rose by $1.62, or 1.8 percent, to reach $90.84 per barrel. The other figures represent different oil contract prices mentioned in the market data. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017214/psx-gains-1200-points-during-intraday-trade-as-oil-eases-amid-us-iran-mediation-efforts, 21 Jul 2026]
#14338
The flash floods in Nuristan on July 21, 2026, were primarily caused by which environmental phenomenon?
(a) Tectonic plate shifting
(b) Heavy rainfall and subsequent mudslides
(c) Glacial lake outburst floods
(d) None of these
Explanation: The disaster was triggered by heavy rainfall leading to flash floods and mudslides that brought boulders into the town. While residents compared the sound to an earthquake, it was a hydrological event, not a tectonic one. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017247/afghans-search-for-dozens-missing-some-with-bare-hands-after-devastating-flood-in-nuristan-province, 21 Jul 2026]
#14339
Consider the following statements about the KSE-100 market session on July 21, 2026: 1. The market reached an intraday high of over 178,000 points. 2. Oil and gas exploration companies are expected to post stronger-than-usual results. 3. The market closed lower than its opening value. 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 high was 178,370.45. Statement 2 is correct as analysts cited optimism for oil and gas exploration earnings. Statement 3 is incorrect because the market closed with a gain of 205.83 points, meaning it closed higher than the previous session's close, and the prompt does not state it closed lower than the opening value. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017214/psx-gains-2000-points-during-intraday-trade-as-oil-eases-amid-us-iran-mediation-efforts, 21 Jul 2026]
#14340
What is the total volume of the Sindh provincial budget presented for the fiscal year 2026-27?
(a) Rs2.56 trillion
(b) Rs4.56 trillion
(c) Rs3.56 trillion
(d) Rs5.56 trillion
Explanation: The Sindh Chief Minister presented a budget of Rs3.56 trillion for the upcoming fiscal year. Other options represent incorrect figures that deviate from the official budgetary announcement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2008557/sindh-cm-murad-ali-shah-presents-rs356tr-budget-with-no-new-taxes-7pc-pay-raise, 17 Jun 2026]