February 2025 Edition
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February 2025 Current Affairs MCQs & Solutions
Top national & international current affairs questions for CSS, PMS, FPSC, PPSC, and NTS screening tests.
#2241
Consider the following statements about development loans in Pakistan: 1. The markup rate for 2025-26 is lower than the rate charged in 2024-25. 2. The federal government charges markup on loans to provincial governments as a source of revenue. 3. Foreign re-lent loans are advanced by the federal government out of its own domestic resources. 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 rate dropped from 17.74 percent to 11.89 percent. Statement 2 is correct as markup on these loans is a key revenue stream. Statement 3 is incorrect because cash development loans are funded from domestic resources, while foreign re-lent loans are sourced from international lenders. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018194/centre-cuts-markup-on-uplift-loans-to-1189pc, 24 Jul 2026]
#2242
Consider the following statements about the recent diplomatic tensions between Pakistan and India: 1. The Pakistani Foreign Office accused India of systemic discrimination against Christians and Muslims. 2. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs claimed that Pakistan's remarks were part of a broader regional peace initiative. 3. The Pakistani Foreign Office cited that 55 Muslims were lynched in India during 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 FO highlighted discrimination against these groups. Statement 3 is correct as it reflects the data provided in the FO statement. Statement 2 is incorrect because the Indian Ministry of External Affairs actually accused Pakistan of systemic victimization of minorities, not a peace initiative. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1986308/exercise-in-deflection-masquerading-as-concern-fo-rejects-indias-comments-on-pakistans-shia-community, 28 Mar 2026]
#2243
Consider the following statements about the Jamaatul Ahrar (JuA) group: 1. It was formed by Abdul Wali, also known as Omar Khalid Khorasani. 2. The group split from the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) in 2014. 3. The group has maintained a complete and formal separation from the TTP since 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: Statements 1 and 2 are correct as JuA was formed by Khorasani in 2014 after splitting from the TTP. Statement 3 is incorrect because, although disputes surfaced in 2025, no formal separation occurred, and the groups had previously joined hands in 2024. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2011436/terrorist-involved-in-rangers-camp-attack-in-karachi-reveals-he-was-trained-in-afghanistan, 28 Jun 2026]
#2244
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]
#2245
Consider the following statements about the diplomatic developments in April 2026: 1. Pakistan is acting as a mediator to facilitate talks between Tehran and Washington. 2. The Iranian Foreign Minister visited Pakistan twice within a span of two days. 3. The conflict involving Iran began with US-Israeli strikes on February 28, 2026. 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 report. Pakistan is actively mediating, the minister made two visits in two days, and the conflict timeline is correctly identified. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1995258/irans-araghchi-visits-pakistan-for-2nd-time-in-two-days-envoy-says-trip-undertaken-to-discuss-regional-developments, 26 Apr 2026]
#2246
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]
#2247
Consider the following statements about the US military operations in the Middle East as of March 2026: 1. The US military has been conducting operations against Iran since February 28, 2026. 2. The KC-135 aircraft involved in the crash was manufactured by Lockheed Martin. 3. The US military reported that 150 US troops have been wounded in the conflict with Iran.
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) All three
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct as operations began on February 28, 2026. Statement 2 is incorrect because the KC-135 is manufactured by Boeing, not Lockheed Martin. Statement 3 is correct based on reports regarding US casualties in the conflict. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981530/us-refuelling-aircraft-crashes-in-western-iraq-us-military, 12 Mar 2026]
#2248
Consider the following statements about the water situation on the Chenab River as of 2026-07-24: 1. The rise in water levels is attributed to rainfall in the upper catchment areas. 2. The government has compared current water levels with historical data from 2017, 2022, 2023, and 2025. 3. The Chenab River has the capacity to generate extreme flooding independently without external rainfall. 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 per the Commissioner's testimony. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Commissioner specifically noted that the river does not have the capacity to generate extreme flooding independently. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431517/senate-panel-told-govt-unaware-of-indias-chenab-water-release, 24 Jul 2026]
#2249
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]
#2250
Approximately how many people were reported to have contracted HIV in 2025?
(a) 1.8 million
(b) 1.2 million
(c) 2.4 million
(d) 3.0 million
Explanation: The UNAIDS report specifies that 1.2 million people contracted HIV during the previous year. This figure underscores the ongoing challenge of the epidemic despite previous progress. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018957/world-risks-hiv-resurgence-as-funding-falls-18pc-unaids-says, 28 Jul 2026]
#2251
According to the 2026 UNAIDS report, by what percentage did global funding for HIV initiatives decline in 2025?
(a) 12 percent
(b) 15 percent
(c) 22 percent
(d) 18 percent
Explanation: The UNAIDS report released in 2026 explicitly states that global funding for HIV fell by 18 percent to $7.3 billion in 2025. This represents the lowest level of funding in nearly two decades. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018957/world-risks-hiv-resurgence-as-funding-falls-18pc-unaids-says, 28 Jul 2026]
#2252
Consider the following statements about the intelligence-based operation conducted on July 18, 2026: 1. The operation took place near the Tank-Dera Ismail Khan Road. 2. The terrorist was wanted for the killing of a CTD constable in 2025. 3. The terrorist surrendered immediately upon being surrounded by the CTD.
(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 operation occurred on the specified road and the individual was wanted for the 2025 killing of Constable Muhammad Ali. Statement 3 is incorrect because the terrorist refused to surrender and opened fire on the personnel. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016443/wanted-terrorist-killed-in-intelligence-based-operation-in-dera-ismail-khan-ctd, 18 Jul 2026]
#2253
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]
#2254
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]
#2255
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]
#2256
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]
#2257
What is the name of the military operation launched by Pakistan in February 2026 to target terrorist hideouts?
(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 by Pakistan in late February 2026 following cross-border security incidents. The other options refer to historical military operations conducted by Pakistan in previous years. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1989918/afghanistan-pakistan-agree-to-avoid-escalation-during-china-hosted-talks-beijing, 08 Apr 2026]
#2258
Which international agreement did India unilaterally suspend following the Pahalgam attack in 2025?
(a) Simla Agreement
(b) Tashkent Declaration
(c) Lahore Declaration
(d) Indus Waters Treaty
Explanation: India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty as part of its aggressive measures against Pakistan. The other agreements listed are historical diplomatic frameworks that were not the primary target of this specific suspension. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1994381/pakistan-rejects-indian-propaganda-on-pahalgam-attack-deplores-weaponisation-of-false-narrative, 23 Apr 2026]
#2259
Consider the following statements about the 2025 Pahalgam incident: 1. The attack primarily targeted tourists in the disputed Himalayan region. 2. It was the deadliest armed attack in the region since the year 2000. 3. India provided conclusive evidence linking Pakistan to the attack immediately after the incident. 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 based on the report. Statement 3 is incorrect because the report explicitly states that New Delhi blamed Pakistan without providing any evidence. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1994381/pakistan-rejects-indian-propaganda-on-pahalgam-attack-deplores-weaponisation-of-false-narrative, 23 Apr 2026]
#2260
What was the name of the military operation conducted by Pakistan in response to Indian adventurism following the 2025 Pahalgam attack?
(a) Operation Zarb-e-Azb
(b) Operation Bunyanum Marsoos
(c) Operation Swift Retort
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Foreign Office explicitly referenced Operation Bunyanum Marsoos as the response to India's military actions in 2025. Other operations listed are either historical or unrelated to this specific timeline. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1994381/pakistan-rejects-indian-propaganda-on-pahalgam-attack-deplores-weaponisation-of-false-narrative, 23 Apr 2026]