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.
#1541
According to the 2026 DHS data, how many student visa admissions were recorded in the United States during 2024?
(a) More than 1.8 million
(b) More than 1.2 million
(c) More than 2.5 million
(d) More than 3.0 million
Explanation: The DHS reported over 1.8 million student visa admissions in 2024, representing an 11 percent increase over the previous year. This volume was cited as a primary reason for the new oversight measures. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2015982/us-to-tighten-visa-regulations-for-foreign-students-journalists, 16 Jul 2026]
#1542
Consider the following statements about the geopolitical situation in April 2026: 1. The US-Israeli conflict with Iran commenced in February 2026. 2. The United States prohibited Israel from further bombing in Lebanon. 3. The International Monetary Fund warned that a prolonged conflict could lead to a global recession. 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. The conflict began on February 28, 2026, the US issued a prohibition on further Israeli bombing in Lebanon, and the IMF issued warnings regarding the impact of the conflict on global economic growth. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1992627/iran-says-strait-of-hormuz-open-for-commercial-vessels-after-lebanon-deal, 17 Apr 2026]
#1543
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]
#1544
Consider the following statements about the diplomatic developments in April 2026: 1. The first round of direct US-Iran talks in Islamabad concluded with a formal peace agreement. 2. Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar held discussions with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi regarding regional stability. 3. The hostilities between the US and Iran were initially triggered by strikes occurring on February 28, 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 incorrect because the first round of talks in Islamabad ended without a formal agreement, though it also avoided a breakdown. Statements 2 and 3 are factually accurate based on the reported diplomatic timeline. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1993250/in-45-minute-phone-call-with-pezeshkian-pm-shehbaz-reaffirms-pakistans-commitment-to-advancing-regional-peace, 19 Apr 2026]
#1545
Consider the following statements about the regional situation as of July 12, 2026: 1. Pakistan has officially expressed deep concern over the escalation in the Middle East. 2. The United States and Iran have engaged in fresh strikes against each other. 3. The Islamabad MoU was signed in February 2026 to initiate the conflict. 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 Foreign Office statement and the reported military activities. Statement 3 is incorrect because the MoU was signed in June 2026, not February, and it was intended to end the war, not initiate it. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2014857/pakistan-expresses-deep-concern-over-middle-east-escalation-urges-all-sides-to-exercise-restraint, 12 Jul 2026]
#1546
What is the name of the military operation launched by Pakistan in late February 2026 following cross-border firing?
(a) Operation Zarb-e-Azb
(b) Operation Radd-ul-Fasaad
(c) Operation Khyber-Shield
(d) Operation Ghazab lil-Haq
Explanation: Operation Ghazab lil-Haq was initiated by Pakistan in response to unprovoked firing from across the border. The other options refer to historical or hypothetical military operations. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981371/brief-pause-in-fighting-between-pak-afghan-forces-to-identify-retrieve-body-at-torkham, 12 Mar 2026]
#1547
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]
#1548
Consider the following statements about the current situation in the Strait of Hormuz: 1. The conflict involving the United States and Israel began in February 2026. 2. A ceasefire has been in effect in the region since April 2026. 3. The PGSA is the only body authorized to manage the strait, with no involvement from the Revolutionary Guards. 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 timeline of the conflict and the ceasefire. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Revolutionary Guards' navy actively shared and supported the announcement of the PGSA, indicating their involvement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2001272/iran-officially-announces-new-body-to-manage-strait-of-hormuz-top-security-council, 18 May 2026]
#1549
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]
#1550
Consider the following statements about the diplomatic developments in 2026: 1. Pakistan initiated its mediation efforts immediately following the attacks on Iran on February 28, 2026. 2. The US peace proposal conveyed through Pakistan consisted of 10 clauses. 3. Iran has consistently demanded a permanent end to the war rather than a temporary ceasefire. 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 Pakistan began diplomatic outreach on the day the conflict started. Statement 2 is incorrect because the US proposal contained 15 points, not 10 (the 10 clauses were part of the Iranian response). Statement 3 is correct as Iran emphasized the necessity of a permanent end to the conflict in its communications. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1990234/pm-shehbaz-cdf-munir-discuss-pakistans-efforts-to-mediate-between-us-and-iran, 09 Apr 2026]
#1551
Consider the following statements about the political transition in the UK in 2026: 1. Andy Burnham was elected as the new Labour leader after a competitive vote against multiple candidates. 2. The Labour Party maintains its parliamentary majority based on the results of the 2024 general elections. 3. Andy Burnham previously served in the cabinet under former Prime Minister Gordon Brown. 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 incorrect because Burnham was confirmed as leader due to there being no other eligibly nominated candidate, not through a competitive vote. Statements 2 and 3 are factually accurate. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016211/andy-burnham-elected-new-labour-leader-now-set-to-be-uk-pm, 17 Jul 2026]
#1552
Which entity vowed to target Benjamin Netanyahu following the events of February 2026?
(a) Hezbollah
(b) The Palestinian Authority
(c) The Syrian Arab Army
(d) The Iranian Revolutionary Guards
Explanation: Iran's Revolutionary Guards issued a statement via their website, Sepah News, vowing to pursue and target Netanyahu. This followed the escalation of hostilities in the region. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1982385/i-am-dead-for-coffee-israeli-pm-netanyahu-posts-his-video-amid-speculation-about-his-death, 15 Mar 2026]
#1553
Consider the following statements about the political transition in Bangladesh: 1. Tarique Rahman was sworn in as the Prime Minister of Bangladesh in February 2026. 2. The Awami League party remains a legally active and permitted political entity in Bangladesh. 3. The resignation of the president occurred amidst a period of significant political restructuring following the 2024 uprising. 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 Tarique Rahman took office in February 2026. Statement 3 is correct as the resignation is part of the post-2024 political shift. Statement 2 is incorrect because the Awami League party has been banned following the uprising. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018063/bangladesh-president-shahabuddin-76-resigns-citing-health-concerns, 24 Jul 2026]
#1554
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]
#1555
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]
#1556
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]
#1557
Consider the following statements about the geopolitical situation in April 2026: 1. The US-Israeli conflict with Iran commenced in February 2026. 2. The United States prohibited Israel from further bombing in Lebanon. 3. The International Monetary Fund warned that a prolonged conflict could lead to a global recession. 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. The conflict began on February 28, 2026, the US issued a prohibition on further Israeli bombing in Lebanon, and the IMF issued warnings regarding the impact of the conflict on global economic growth. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1992627/iran-says-strait-of-hormuz-open-for-commercial-vessels-after-lebanon-deal, 17 Apr 2026]
#1558
Which military operation was launched by Pakistan in late February 2026 following cross-border firing incidents?
(a) Operation Zarb-e-Azb
(b) Operation Ghazab lil-Haq
(c) Operation Radd-ul-Fasaad
(d) Operation Khyber-IV
Explanation: Operation Ghazab lil-Haq was initiated in response to unprovoked firing from across the border. The other operations listed are historical military campaigns. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980547/official-sources-dismiss-reports-of-pakistan-sending-delegation-to-kabul-for-talks-with-afghan-taliban, 10 Mar 2026]
#1559
Consider the following statements regarding the legal and political discourse surrounding the ICC warrant in New York: 1. The Mayor of New York City asserted that his office possesses the independent legal authority to execute the ICC warrant. 2. The US federal government holds the authority to execute international arrest warrants within the country. 3. The ICC warrant for Benjamin Netanyahu was initially announced in 2024. 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 false because the Mayor explicitly stated he does NOT have the authority. Statements 2 and 3 are factually correct based on the provided information. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017473/he-is-a-war-criminal-mamdani-says-ny-cannot-arrest-netanyahu-on-icc-warrant-urges-us-federal-officials-to-step-in, 22 Jul 2026]
#1560
Which of the following events occurred at the onset of the conflict in February 2026?
(a) The formal dissolution of the Gulf Cooperation Council
(b) The signing of a permanent ceasefire agreement
(c) The assassination of the Iranian supreme leader
(d) The total withdrawal of US forces from the region
Explanation: The conflict was marked by the assassination of the then-supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei during the initial strikes. The other options describe events that did not occur at the start of this specific conflict. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1984609/in-phone-call-with-pezeshkian-pm-stresses-urgent-need-for-collective-efforts-for-de-escalation-in-mideast, 23 Mar 2026]