February 2024 Edition
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February 2024 Current Affairs MCQs & Solutions
Top national & international current affairs questions for CSS, PMS, FPSC, PPSC, and NTS screening tests.
#1521
Approximately how many barrels of crude oil per day did Kuwait produce in February 2026?
(a) 4.1 million
(b) 3.2 million
(c) 2.6 million
(d) 1.8 million
Explanation: Kuwait's production level in February 2026 was reported at approximately 2.6 million barrels per day. This figure serves as the baseline before the precautionary cuts were implemented. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979510/kuwaits-national-oil-company-cuts-production-as-precaution-amid-iran-tensions, 07 Mar 2026]
#1522
Consider the following statements about the economic impact of the 2026 fuel crisis in Pakistan: 1. The government introduced a targeted fuel subsidy programme following significant price hikes in April 2026. 2. The conflict involving Iran began on February 28, 2026, triggering global supply chain disruptions. 3. The price of petrol and high-speed diesel is revised on a monthly basis by the Petroleum Division. 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 they reflect the government's fiscal response and the timeline of the conflict. Statement 3 is incorrect because the government revises prices on a weekly basis, not monthly. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2000498/govt-reduces-petrol-diesel-prices-by-rs5, 15 May 2026]
#1523
Consider the following statements about the recent petroleum sector developments: 1. The government has committed to submitting a summary regarding dealers' margins to the federal cabinet. 2. The APPPOA demanded that fuel prices be fixed on a monthly basis permanently. 3. The government has utilized approximately Rs100 billion to mitigate the impact of rising fuel prices since February 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: Statement 1 is correct as the minister confirmed a summary would be submitted. Statement 3 is correct regarding the fiscal support provided. Statement 2 is incorrect because the association was negotiating the transition from the new daily system, not demanding a permanent monthly fix as a primary condition. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017561/petrol-pump-owners-defer-strike-call-after-talks-with-petroleum-minister, 22 Jul 2026]
#1524
Consider the following statements about Pakistan's engagement with the SCO: 1. Pakistan hosted the Meeting of the Council of Heads of Government in October 2024. 2. Pakistan leads an SCO working group specifically focused on poverty alleviation. 3. The SCO was originally formed in 2001 as a security cooperation group. 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. Pakistan hosted the 2024 government-level meeting, chairs the poverty alleviation working group, and the SCO was indeed founded in 2001 with a primary focus on security. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2008079/pakistan-to-assume-chairmanship-of-sco-council-of-heads-of-states-in-september, 15 Jun 2026]
#1525
What is the name of the security operation launched by Pakistan on February 26, 2026, to counter cross-border attacks?
(a) Operation Zarb-e-Azb
(b) Operation Radd-ul-Fasaad
(c) Operation Ghazab lil-Haq
(d) None of these
Explanation: Operation Ghazab lil-Haq was initiated in February 2026 as a direct response to unprovoked cross-border aggression. The other listed operations are historical military campaigns and not the current operation mentioned. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1996135/firing-from-across-afghan-border-injures-5-in-kps-south-waziristan-security-sources, 29 Apr 2026]
#1526
According to the analysis by Ryan Burge, what percentage of Catholic voters supported Donald Trump in the 2024 election?
(a) 42 per cent
(b) 56 per cent
(c) 65 per cent
(d) 50 per cent
Explanation: The analysis by Professor Ryan Burge indicates that Catholic voters backed Trump by a 56 per cent to 42 per cent margin in the 2024 election. This represented a significant shift compared to previous election cycles. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1991418/i-thought-it-was-me-as-a-doctor-trump-on-ai-image-of-himself-as-jesus-like-figure, 13 Apr 2026]
#1527
Consider the following statements about the joint statement issued on April 23, 2026: 1. The ministers condemned the raising of the Israeli flag within the courtyards of Al-Aqsa Mosque. 2. The statement cited the 2024 advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice regarding illegal settlements. 3. The ministers declared that the Al-Aqsa compound is a place of worship exclusively for Muslims. 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 joint statement. The ministers condemned the flag-raising, referenced the 2024 ICJ advisory opinion, and reiterated the exclusive status of the site for Muslim worship. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1994444/pakistan-7-other-muslim-nations-reject-attempts-to-alter-historic-legal-status-quo-in-jerusalem-at-its-holy-sites, 23 Apr 2026]
#1528
Consider the following statements about the joint statement issued on April 23, 2026: 1. The ministers condemned the raising of the Israeli flag within the courtyards of Al-Aqsa Mosque. 2. The statement cited the 2024 advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice regarding illegal settlements. 3. The ministers called for the immediate annexation of the West Bank to ensure regional stability. 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 ministers condemned the raising of the Israeli flag. Statement 2 is correct as the statement referenced the 2024 ICJ advisory opinion. Statement 3 is incorrect because the ministers categorically rejected any attempts to annex occupied Palestinian territory. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1994444/pakistan-7-other-muslim-nations-reject-attempts-to-alter-historic-legal-status-quo-in-jerusalem-at-its-holy-sites, 23 Apr 2026]
#1529
Consider the following statements about the impact of the Iran-Israel conflict on the Gaza peace process: 1. The conflict has led to the suspension of backchannel negotiations between the White House, Israel, and Hamas. 2. Hamas has completely ceased all military activities in Gaza since the war with Iran began on February 28, 2026. 3. Gulf Arab states that pledged funds for the 'Board of Peace' are now facing direct Iranian attacks. 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 report confirms the pause in talks. Statement 3 is correct as the report mentions Gulf states are dodging rocket fire. Statement 2 is incorrect because the report explicitly states that Hamas has continued to reassert its grip and has ambushed Israeli-backed militia members since the war began. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980407/iran-war-puts-trumps-gaza-disarmament-plan-on-hold, 10 Mar 2026]
#1530
Consider the following statements about the case of Asif Raza Merchant: 1. He was arrested in July 2024 while attempting to leave the United States. 2. He claimed during the trial that he was coerced into the plot to protect his family in Tehran. 3. The conviction was based on charges of transnational terrorism and murder-for-hire. 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 court proceedings and the details provided by prosecutors. Merchant was indeed arrested in July 2024, testified to family coercion, and was convicted on the two specified counts. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979643/pakistani-found-guilty-of-iran-linked-plot-to-kill-trump, 08 Mar 2026]
#1531
Consider the following statements about the economic impact of the 2026 fuel crisis in Pakistan: 1. The government introduced a targeted fuel subsidy programme following significant price hikes in April 2026. 2. The conflict involving Iran began on February 28, 2026, triggering global supply chain disruptions. 3. The price of petrol and high-speed diesel is revised on a monthly basis by the Petroleum Division. 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 they reflect the government's fiscal response and the timeline of the conflict. Statement 3 is incorrect because the government revises prices on a weekly basis, not monthly. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2000498/govt-reduces-petrol-diesel-prices-by-rs5, 15 May 2026]
#1532
What was the specific percentage of the duty that Washington rolled back on Indian exports in February 2026?
(a) 10 percent
(b) 25 percent
(c) 15 percent
(d) 30 percent
Explanation: The United States reduced a 25 percent duty on Indian exports as part of an interim trade deal. This adjustment followed New Delhi's stated commitment regarding its energy procurement policies. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979646/new-delhi-continues-importing-russian-oil, 08 Mar 2026]
#1533
Consider the following statements about the US-Iran conflict as of April 19, 2026: 1. The US-Israeli strikes on Iran commenced on February 28, 2026. 2. President Trump threatened to target Iranian power plants and bridges if the proposed deal is rejected. 3. The Strait of Hormuz was closed by Iran in response to the US blockade of Iranian ports. 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 report: the strikes began on February 28, the threat to infrastructure was explicitly made by President Trump, and Iran cited the US blockade as the reason for closing the Strait of Hormuz. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1993224/trump-says-us-representatives-heading-to-islamabad-will-be-there-tomorrow-evening-for-negotiations-with-iran, 19 Apr 2026]
#1534
Consider the following statements about the joint statement issued on April 23, 2026: 1. The ministers condemned the raising of the Israeli flag within the courtyards of Al-Aqsa Mosque. 2. The statement cited the 2024 advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice regarding illegal settlements. 3. The ministers declared that the Al-Aqsa compound is a place of worship exclusively for Muslims. 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 joint statement. The ministers condemned the flag-raising, referenced the 2024 ICJ advisory opinion, and reiterated the exclusive status of the site for Muslim worship. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1994444/pakistan-7-other-muslim-nations-reject-attempts-to-alter-historic-legal-status-quo-in-jerusalem-at-its-holy-sites, 23 Apr 2026]
#1535
Consider the following statements about the diplomatic developments in June 2026: 1. The talks were held to address the conflict that began in late February. 2. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif participated as a mediator in the process. 3. The technical-level talks were scheduled to conclude immediately upon the departure of the delegations from Switzerland. 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 conflict began in late February and the Prime Minister acted as a mediator. Statement 3 is incorrect because the technical-level talks were scheduled to continue for the rest of the week following the summit. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2009504/pm-shehbaz-cdf-asim-munir-depart-for-switzerland-to-attend-iran-us-talks, 20 Jun 2026]
#1536
Consider the following statements about the joint statement issued on April 23, 2026: 1. The ministers condemned the raising of the Israeli flag within the courtyards of Al-Aqsa Mosque. 2. The statement cited the 2024 advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice regarding illegal settlements. 3. The ministers called for the immediate annexation of the West Bank to ensure regional stability. 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 ministers condemned the raising of the Israeli flag. Statement 2 is correct as the statement referenced the 2024 ICJ advisory opinion. Statement 3 is incorrect because the ministers categorically rejected any attempts to annex occupied Palestinian territory. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1994444/pakistan-7-other-muslim-nations-reject-attempts-to-alter-historic-legal-status-quo-in-jerusalem-at-its-holy-sites, 23 Apr 2026]
#1537
In 2024, which Indian regulatory body investigated Amazon for alleged breaches of competition laws related to deep discounting?
(a) Securities and Exchange Board of India
(b) Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority
(c) Reserve Bank of India
(d) Competition Commission of India
Explanation: The Competition Commission of India (the antitrust watchdog) conducted the investigation into Amazon's business practices. The other bodies listed regulate financial markets, banking, and insurance, respectively. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431461/india-relaxes-e-commerce-investment-rules-for-exports-in-win-for-amazon, 23 Jul 2026]
#1538
Consider the following statements about the Pakistan-Canada diplomatic engagement in 2026: 1. The sixth round of Bilateral Political Consultations was held in Islamabad in February 2026. 2. Canada hosted the second round of negotiations for a Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement in June 2026. 3. The Canadian Foreign Minister is expected to meet with the President of Pakistan during her visit. 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 regarding the 2026 diplomatic timeline. Statement 3 is incorrect because the report specifies that the Canadian Foreign Minister is expected to meet with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, not the President. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016734/canadian-foreign-minister-anita-anand-to-visit-pakistan-on-monday, 19 Jul 2026]
#1539
Consider the following statements about the 2026 diplomatic developments: 1. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif scheduled visits to Iran and Turkiye to promote the peace process. 2. The war in the Middle East, which began in February 2026, significantly impacted global energy markets. 3. Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian proposed a regional security structure that includes external powers. 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 PM scheduled these visits for early July 2026. Statement 2 is correct as the conflict disrupted shipping and energy markets. Statement 3 is incorrect because President Pezeshkian specifically called for a structure without the interference of countries from outside the region. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2011670/pm-shehbaz-to-visit-iran-turkiye-as-part-of-mediation-efforts-to-end-middle-east-war-sources, 29 Jun 2026]
#1540
Consider the following statements about the diplomatic developments in 2026: 1. Pakistan initiated contact with regional leaders immediately following the start of the conflict on February 28. 2. The US-Iran talks in Islamabad were aimed at addressing the global fuel crisis and regional instability. 3. The quadrilateral moot in Islamabad included representatives from the United States and Iran. 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 timeline of Pakistan's diplomatic engagement and the objectives of the talks. Statement 3 is incorrect because the quadrilateral moot involved Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Turkiye, and Pakistan, not the US or Iran directly. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1991120/dar-briefs-turkish-saudi-egyptian-fms-on-islamabad-talks-reaffirms-support-for-diplomacy-and-dialogue, 12 Apr 2026]