February 2025 Edition
Start February Quiz
February 2025 Current Affairs MCQs & Solutions
Top national & international current affairs questions for CSS, PMS, FPSC, PPSC, and NTS screening tests.
#2121
Consider the following statements about the BPS-2026 notification: 1. The new pay scales apply to federal civil employees paid from both civil and defence estimates. 2. Employees posted abroad are eligible to receive the Ad hoc Relief Allowance-2026 during their foreign tenure. 3. The 2022 and 2025 ad hoc relief allowances were abolished upon the implementation of the new scales. 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 notification covers both civil and defence estimates. Statement 3 is correct as the 2022 and 2025 allowances were merged and abolished. Statement 2 is incorrect because employees posted abroad are explicitly excluded from receiving the allowance during their foreign posting. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431195/salary-increase-notified-govt-issues-revised-bps-2026-for-civil-servants, 22 Jul 2026]
#2122
What is the revised markup rate fixed by the federal government for development loans and advances for the fiscal year 2025-26?
(a) 10.30 percent
(b) 17.74 percent
(c) 11.89 percent
(d) 17.84 percent
Explanation: The Ministry of Finance fixed the markup rate at 11.89 percent for the 2025-26 fiscal year. This represents a significant reduction from the 17.74 percent rate applied in the previous fiscal year. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018194/centre-cuts-markup-on-uplift-loans-to-1189pc, 24 Jul 2026]
#2123
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]
#2124
Consider the following statements about the current security dynamics between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia: 1. The Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement was signed in 2025. 2. Pakistan has publicly committed to providing military aid to Saudi Arabia regardless of the circumstances. 3. Pakistan has engaged in diplomatic efforts to prevent the escalation of conflict between Iran and Saudi Arabia. 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 agreement was signed in 2025. Statement 3 is correct as Pakistan has engaged in diplomatic mediation. Statement 2 is incorrect because the spokesperson explicitly stated that commenting on the specifics of military aid would be 'speculative and irresponsible'. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980894/no-matter-what-no-matter-when-pms-spokesperson-reiterates-support-for-saudi-arabia-before-it-is-needed, 11 Mar 2026]
#2125
The Diyat value for FY2026-27 represents an approximate percentage increase over the FY2025-26 value?
(a) 56 percent
(b) 75 percent
(c) 97 percent
(d) None of these
Explanation: The government announced a 97 percent increase in the Diyat value for the current fiscal year compared to the previous year. This sharp rise is attributed to the appreciation of silver prices. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2019000/govt-almost-doubles-blood-money-payment-to-heirs-of-victim-on-account-of-rising-silver-prices, 28 Jul 2026]
#2126
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]
#2127
The government's petroleum and carbon levy was announced in June 2025 as part of a commitment to which international organization?
(a) World Bank
(b) Asian Development Bank
(c) World Trade Organization
(d) International Monetary Fund
Explanation: The petroleum and carbon levy was implemented under an agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The World Bank and ADB are common distractors in fiscal policy contexts but were not the primary parties to this specific levy agreement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017280/jamaat-i-islami-announces-nationwide-road-blockade-against-petroleum-levy, 21 Jul 2026]
#2128
Consider the following statements about Pakistan's defence and technology initiatives: 1. The Indus RAS Expo 2026 was held to showcase advancements in indigenous autonomous capabilities. 2. The Prime Minister recalled the Indus AI Week held in February 2026 as part of the journey in artificial intelligence. 3. The Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and Chief of the Army Staff is Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir. 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 provided text. The expo focused on autonomous systems, the AI week was held in February, and the title of the Chief of Defence Forces is correctly identified as Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017529/pakistans-progress-in-indigenous-autonomous-capabilities-an-integral-part-of-national-defence-pm-shehbaz, 22 Jul 2026]
#2129
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]
#2130
According to the Ministry of Finance, the current account recorded a surplus of how much during the period of July 2025 to May 2026?
(a) 155 million dollars
(b) 255 million dollars
(c) 355 million dollars
(d) None of these
Explanation: The external sector remained stable, with the current account recording a surplus of 255 million dollars during the Jul-May period of the 2026 fiscal year, supported by remittances and IT exports. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2011978/govt-expects-easing-inflationary-pressure-in-new-fiscal-year-following-reopening-of-strait-of-hormuz, 30 Jun 2026]
#2131
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]
#2132
Consider the following statements about the Senate vehicle procurement controversy: 1. The vehicle was purchased during the 2024-2025 financial year. 2. The Senate Secretariat claimed the purchase was part of a transparent procurement process. 3. The vehicle was delivered to the Senate Chairperson in May 2025. 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 purchase occurred in the 2024-2025 financial year. Statement 2 is correct as the Secretariat cited a transparent procurement process. Statement 3 is incorrect because the vehicle was delivered in March 2026, not May 2025 (which was when the payment was made). [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1982703/rebuttal-on-purchase-of-luxury-vehicle-for-yousaf-raza-gilani-from-senate-budget-leaves-questions-unanswered, 16 Mar 2026]
#2133
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]
#2134
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]
#2135
Match List I (Economic Indicator/Metric) with List II (Status/Value as of May 2026 report): 1. Total disbursements under two arrangements — a. 16 billion dollars 2. Foreign exchange reserves (Dec 2025) — b. 1.32 billion dollars 3. Latest IMF financing approval — c. 4.8 billion dollars 4. Foreign exchange reserves (June 2025) — d. 14.5 billion dollars
(a) 1-c, 2-a, 3-b, 4-d
(b) 1-b, 2-a, 3-c, 4-d
(c) 1-c, 2-d, 3-b, 4-a
(d) 1-a, 2-c, 3-b, 4-d
Explanation: The total disbursements under the EFF and RSF reached $4.8 billion, while the latest approval was $1.32 billion. Reserves grew from $14.5 billion in June 2025 to $16 billion in December 2025. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1998725/imfs-executive-board-approves-12-billion-financing-for-pakistans-reform-programme, 08 May 2026]
#2136
According to the IMF review of May 2026, what was the level of Pakistan's foreign exchange reserves at the end of December 2025?
(a) 16.0 billion dollars
(b) 14.5 billion dollars
(c) 18.2 billion dollars
(d) 20.5 billion dollars
Explanation: The IMF report confirmed that foreign exchange reserves reached $16 billion by the end of December 2025, an increase from the $14.5 billion recorded in June 2025. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1998725/imfs-executive-board-approves-12-billion-financing-for-pakistans-reform-programme, 08 May 2026]
#2137
Consider the following statements about the legal developments involving Bushra Bibi: 1. She was sentenced to 17 years in the Toshakhana 2 case in December 2025. 2. The £190 million corruption case involves the retrieval of laundered money from the United Kingdom. 3. The jail authorities reported that she was diagnosed with retinal detachment in her right eye. 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 details provided in the case records. The Toshakhana 2 conviction occurred in December 2025, the nature of the £190 million case is correctly described, and the medical diagnosis of retinal detachment was confirmed by jail authorities. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1992994/bushra-bibi-moves-ihc-seeking-to-suspend-sentence-in-ps190m-corruption-case-on-medical-grounds, 18 Apr 2026]
#2138
Approximately how many Afghan resettlement approvals did the German interior ministry attempt to reverse in December 2025?
(a) More than 200
(b) More than 600
(c) More than 400
(d) More than 800
Explanation: The interior ministry reversed the approvals of more than 600 Afghans, labeling them as invalid. This figure represents the scale of the administrative action challenged in the court case. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018224/court-rules-against-berlin-in-afghan-resettlement-case, 25 Jul 2026]
#2139
The Diyat value for FY2026-27 represents an approximate percentage increase over the FY2025-26 value?
(a) 56 percent
(b) 75 percent
(c) 97 percent
(d) None of these
Explanation: The government announced a 97 percent increase in the Diyat value for the current fiscal year compared to the previous year. This sharp rise is attributed to the appreciation of silver prices. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2019000/govt-almost-doubles-blood-money-payment-to-heirs-of-victim-on-account-of-rising-silver-prices, 28 Jul 2026]
#2140
Consider the following statements about the repatriation of Afghan nationals: 1. The government reported that over 1.1 million Afghan nationals were deported in 2025. 2. The current repatriation drive was first launched in 2023. 3. The directive requires daily reporting to the Ministry of Interior starting from July 10, 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 1,155,221 individuals were deported in 2025. Statement 2 is correct as the drive began in 2023. Statement 3 is incorrect because the daily reporting requirement commences on July 11, 2026, not July 10. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2011435/interior-ministry-issues-directive-to-arrest-afghan-nationals-without-valid-visas-from-july-10, 28 Jun 2026]