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.
#1821
From which South African prison was Nelson Mandela released on February 11, 1990, after 27 years of incarceration?
(a) Goodwood Prison
(b) Pollsmoor Prison
(c) Victor Verster in Paarl
(d) Robben Island
Explanation: Nelson Mandela was released from Victor Verster Prison near Paarl on February 11, 1990. Although he spent the majority of his 27-year imprisonment on Robben Island and at Pollsmoor Prison, his final period of confinement was at Victor Verster. His release was a pivotal moment in South African history, leading to the dismantling of apartheid and his eventual election as the nation's first black president.
#1822
Which country performed its initial nuclear weapons test in the Sahara Desert on February 13, 1960?
(a) Germany
(b) USA
(c) Britain
(d) France
Explanation: France conducted its first nuclear test, codenamed Gerboise Bleue, in the Reggane region of the Algerian Sahara on February 13, 1960. This test made France the fourth nation in the world to possess nuclear weapons. The development was part of France's broader strategic goal to maintain national sovereignty and military independence from the superpowers during the Cold War.
#1823
What was the name of the United States naval vessel that suffered a catastrophic explosion in Havana Harbor on February 15, 1898?
(a) Iowa
(b) Maine
(c) Oregon
(d) Texas
Explanation: The USS Maine was an American battleship sent to Havana, Cuba, to protect U.S. interests during the Cuban struggle for independence from Spain. Its explosion and subsequent sinking resulted in the deaths of over 260 crew members. The incident served as a major catalyst for the Spanish-American War, fueled by sensationalist 'yellow journalism' that blamed Spain for the disaster, despite the lack of definitive evidence at the time.
#1824
What is the formal designation for the second agricultural crop inspection conducted during the month of February?
(a) Both A and B
(b) None of these
(c) Kharif Girdawri
(d) Rabbi Girdawri
Explanation: In the land revenue system of Pakistan, 'Girdawari' refers to the periodic inspection of crops by the Patwari. The agricultural year is divided into two main seasons: Rabi and Kharif. The Rabi Girdawari is conducted in the spring, typically around February, to assess the crops sown in the winter season. This record is vital for revenue assessment and maintaining accurate land records, ensuring that the government has updated data on agricultural production and land usage.
#1825
According to United Nations projections, what was the estimated average global life expectancy by 2025?
(a) 54
(b) 46
(c) 71
(d) 80
Explanation: The United Nations has historically tracked global demographic trends, including life expectancy. The figure of 71 years was a widely cited projection for the mid-2020s, reflecting improvements in global health, nutrition, and medical technology over the preceding decades.
#1826
According to United Nations projections, what is the estimated global average life expectancy by the year 2025?
(a) 71
(b) 54
(c) 80
(d) 46
Explanation: The United Nations has projected that by 2025, the average life expectancy worldwide will reach 71 years, indicating a steady increase in human lifespan due to advances in healthcare and living standards.
#1827
Which urban center is projected to be the most populous megacity by the year 2025?
(a) New York
(b) Mumbai
(c) Beijing
(d) Tokyo
Explanation: Tokyo has historically maintained its status as the world's most populous metropolitan area for several decades. Demographic projections consistently identified it as the largest megacity leading up to 2025 due to its massive urban sprawl and high population density, despite shifts in global growth patterns.
#1828
Which metropolitan area is projected to maintain the largest population by 2025?
(a) Mumbai
(b) Beijing
(c) Tokyo
(d) New York
Explanation: According to United Nations demographic projections, Tokyo is expected to remain the world's most populous megacity by 2025. This status is attributed to its sustained role as a global economic hub, high density, and the continued concentration of human and capital resources within the Greater Tokyo Area, despite Japan's overall aging population trends.
#1829
Consider the following statements about the US-Pakistan trade negotiations as of July 2026: 1. Pakistan successfully negotiated a reduction in the initial IEEPA-based tariff from 29 per cent to 19 per cent in 2025. 2. The temporary global tariff of 10 per cent imposed under Section 122 is scheduled to expire on July 24, 2026. 3. India is currently facing a lower proposed tariff under Section 301 than Pakistan. 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 regarding the 2025 tariff reduction. Statement 2 is correct as the Section 122 tariff has a 150-day statutory limit expiring on July 24, 2026. Statement 3 is incorrect because India faces a 12.5% tariff, which is higher than Pakistan's 10%. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016679/finance-minister-aurangzeb-arrives-in-us-on-3-day-visit-expected-to-hold-talks-on-trade-finance-investment, 19 Jul 2026]
#1830
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]
#1831
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]
#1832
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]
#1833
Which of the following statements regarding the automotive sector performance in February 2026 is INCORRECT?
(a) Truck and bus sales surged by 37 percent year-on-year.
(b) Honda Atlas Cars Ltd sales increased by 57 percent month-on-month.
(c) Hyundai Nishat Motors recorded a year-on-year decline in sales.
(d) Pak Suzuki Motor Company recorded a 53 percent year-on-year increase.
Explanation: Honda Atlas Cars Ltd sales actually fell by 42 percent month-on-month in February 2026, not increased. The other three statements are factually accurate according to the reported data. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980724/auto-sales-rise-43pc-in-july-february, 11 Mar 2026]
#1834
Consider the following statements about the automotive sector in 8MFY26: 1. The sharp month-on-month decline in February 2026 sales was partly attributed to a high base effect from January. 2. Lower interest rates and easing inflation were cited as key drivers for year-on-year growth. 3. Tractor sales experienced a significant year-on-year growth of 43 percent during the 8MFY26 period. 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 market analysis provided by industry experts. Statement 3 is incorrect because tractor sales actually plunged by 21 percent year-on-year, not grew by 43 percent. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980724/auto-sales-rise-43pc-in-july-february, 11 Mar 2026]
#1835
What was the recorded inflation rate in Pakistan for the month of February 2026?
(a) 5.80 percent
(b) 6.98 percent
(c) 7.15 percent
(d) 8.20 percent
Explanation: Inflation rose to 6.98 percent year-on-year in February 2026, up from 5.8 percent in January. This represents the highest level recorded since October 2024. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979645/stocks-nosedive-63pc-in-jittery-week-on-geopolitical-concerns, 08 Mar 2026]
#1836
According to the Economic Survey 2025-26, what was the total wheat production in Pakistan for FY26?
(a) 28.40 million tonnes
(b) 29.61 million tonnes
(c) 31.20 million tonnes
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Economic Survey 2025-26 reported that wheat production increased to 29.61 million tonnes in FY26, up from 28.40 million tonnes in the previous fiscal year. Option A represents the production figure for FY25, making it a plausible but incorrect distractor. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018192/private-sector-rejects-govt-wheat-import-plan, 25 Jul 2026]
#1837
According to the SBP statement released on March 9, 2026, what was the inflation rate recorded in February 2026?
(a) 5.8 percent
(b) 7.0 percent
(c) 8.2 percent
(d) None of these
Explanation: The SBP reported that inflation rose to 5.8 percent in January and 7 percent in February 2026. Option D is incorrect because 7 percent is explicitly mentioned as the February figure. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980133/sbp-maintains-policy-rate-at-105pc, 09 Mar 2026]
#1838
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]
#1839
The primary surplus achieved by Pakistan during the period of July 2025 to April 2026 was:
(a) 3.5 percent of GDP
(b) 3.0 percent of GDP
(c) 2.5 percent of GDP
(d) 4.0 percent of GDP
Explanation: Effective expenditure management and revenue mobilization efforts enabled the government to achieve a primary surplus of 3.5 percent of GDP during the Jul-Apr period of the 2026 fiscal year. [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]
#1840
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]