February 2026 Edition
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February 2026 Current Affairs MCQs & Solutions
Top national & international current affairs questions for CSS, PMS, FPSC, PPSC, and NTS screening tests.
#2341
Consider the following statements about Pakistan's diplomatic role in 2026: 1. Pakistan successfully brokered a ceasefire between the US and Iran in April 2026. 2. The first round of direct US-Iran talks in Islamabad resulted in a comprehensive peace agreement. 3. The Prime Minister credited the political-military partnership for Pakistan's improved international image. 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 ceasefire was brokered in April 2026. Statement 2 is incorrect because the talks in Islamabad ended without a formal agreement, though they did not result in a breakdown. Statement 3 is correct as the Prime Minister explicitly cited this partnership as the reason for the country's positive image shift. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2000962/pm-shehbaz-credits-political-military-partnership-for-pakistans-recognition-as-us-iran-mediator-changed-image, 17 May 2026]
#2342
Which of the following statements regarding the status of the Strait of Hormuz as of May 18, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) Shipping traffic has returned to pre-war status following the April ceasefire.
(b) Iran has implemented a system to charge ships for traversing the strait.
(c) The PGSA provides real-time updates on operations within the strait.
(d) Iran has sent formal regulations to ships passing through the waterway.
Explanation: Iran has explicitly stated that maritime traffic would not return to its pre-war status, making the incorrect statement. The other options accurately reflect the current operational changes implemented by Iran. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2001272/iran-officially-announces-new-body-to-manage-strait-of-hormuz-top-security-council, 18 May 2026]
#2343
According to the official stance reiterated by Pakistan in May 2026, what is the primary condition for any change in Islamabad's policy toward Israel?
(a) The signing of the Abraham Accords
(b) The establishment of an independent Palestinian state
(c) The conclusion of the war with Iran
(d) The withdrawal of US forces from the Middle East
Explanation: Pakistan maintains that normalization with Israel is contingent upon the establishment of an independent Palestinian state. The Abraham Accords are the specific agreements Pakistan has declined to join under current conditions. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2003632/pakistan-firmly-committed-to-stance-on-palestine-israel-dar-answers-question-on-abraham-accords, 29 May 2026]
#2344
What is the name of the new body established by Iran to manage the Strait of Hormuz as of May 18, 2026?
(a) Persian Gulf Strait Authority
(b) Hormuz Maritime Command
(c) Strait Sovereignty Council
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Persian Gulf Strait Authority (PGSA) was announced by Iran's Supreme National Security Council to provide real-time updates and manage traffic. The other options are plausible-sounding distractors but do not represent the official entity. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2001272/iran-officially-announces-new-body-to-manage-strait-of-hormuz-top-security-council, 18 May 2026]
#2345
The diplomatic engagement between Ishaq Dar and Marco Rubio on May 28, 2026, primarily focuses on reviewing bilateral relations and addressing which regional conflict?
(a) US-China trade war
(b) US-Iran war
(c) Russia-Ukraine conflict
(d) Israel-Palestine conflict
Explanation: The visit is framed within the context of Islamabad's efforts to negotiate a peace pact to end the ongoing US-Israeli war with Iran. Other conflicts mentioned in the options are not the primary focus of this specific diplomatic mission. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2003563/dar-to-meet-rubio-in-washington-tomorrow-fo, 28 May 2026]
#2346
Consider the following statements about the geopolitical situation in the Strait of Hormuz as of May 2026: 1. The Strait of Hormuz handled approximately one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas traffic prior to the war. 2. President Trump confirmed that the US is currently discussing the easing of sanctions on Iran as part of a peace deal. 3. Ebrahim Azizi stated that Iranian demands include the right to enrich uranium and maintain authority over the strait. 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 2 is incorrect because President Trump explicitly stated that the US was not discussing easing sanctions on Iran. Statements 1 and 3 are factually accurate based on the reported geopolitical context. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2003525/us-strikes-iran-drawing-retaliatory-attack-on-american-base-after-trump-dismisses-report-of-hormuz-deal, 28 May 2026]
#2347
What was the focal depth of the earthquake that occurred in Jhelum on May 26, 2026?
(a) 128 kilometres
(b) 190 kilometres
(c) 58 kilometres
(d) 12 kilometres
Explanation: The earthquake had a shallow focal depth of 12 kilometres. The other options refer to the depths of different seismic events that occurred earlier in the year. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2003299/at-least-one-killed-11-injured-as-earthquake-damages-houses-in-punjabs-jhelum-district, 26 May 2026]
#2348
Which bowler took a career-best four-wicket haul during the second ODI of the 2026 series?
(a) Matthew Kuhnemann
(b) Nathan Ellis
(c) Adam Zampa
(d) Cameron Green
Explanation: Nathan Ellis recorded a career-best four-wicket haul in the second ODI, which helped Australia level the series at 1-1. Matthew Kuhnemann also performed well in the series but his career-best was 3-38. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2005169/pakistan-upstage-australia-for-2-1-odi-series-win, 04 Jun 2026]
#2349
Who is the current Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Pakistan who met with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on May 29, 2026?
(a) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari
(b) Mohammad Ishaq Dar
(c) Shah Mehmood Qureshi
(d) None of these
Explanation: Mohammad Ishaq Dar serves as the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Pakistan and conducted the official visit to Washington in May 2026. The other individuals listed are former foreign ministers of Pakistan. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2003632/pakistan-firmly-committed-to-stance-on-palestine-israel-dar-answers-question-on-abraham-accords, 29 May 2026]
#2350
Consider the following statements regarding the diplomatic engagements of May 27, 2026: 1. The Prime Minister discussed the potential for a US-Iran peace deal to unlock economic potential. 2. The Malaysian Prime Minister described Pakistan's role in the Gulf ceasefire as remarkable. 3. The Kuwaiti leadership expressed reservations regarding Pakistan's mediation efforts. 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 diplomatic exchanges. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Kuwaiti leadership was reported to be fully supportive of Pakistan's mediation efforts, not reserved. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2003497/us-iran-peace-deal-could-benefit-entire-region-pm-tells-pezeshkian-in-eid-call, 27 May 2026]
#2351
Who was the captain of the Australian cricket team during the 2026 ODI series against Pakistan?
(a) Josh Inglis
(b) Adam Zampa
(c) Nathan Ellis
(d) None of these
Explanation: Josh Inglis served as the captain for the Australian side throughout the three-match ODI series. Adam Zampa and Nathan Ellis were members of the squad but did not hold the captaincy. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2005169/pakistan-upstage-australia-for-2-1-odi-series-win, 04 Jun 2026]
#2352
Which Iranian entity claimed responsibility for targeting a US airbase in retaliation for the May 28, 2026, strikes?
(a) Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps
(b) Artesh (Regular Army of Iran)
(c) Basij Resistance Force
(d) Quds Force
Explanation: The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) officially announced that they targeted a US base in response to the US attack near Bandar Abbas. While the Quds Force is a branch of the IRGC, the official statement was issued by the IRGC leadership. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2003525/us-strikes-iran-drawing-retaliatory-attack-on-american-base-after-trump-dismisses-report-of-hormuz-deal, 28 May 2026]
#2353
Consider the following statements regarding the diplomatic developments mentioned on May 25, 2026: 1. The US is seeking to link the Iran peace deal to the expansion of the Abraham Accords. 2. Many nations targeted by the US demand have historically prioritized a two-state solution before normalizing relations with Israel. 3. Senator Lindsey Graham suggested that refusing to join the Abraham Accords would have no impact on future relationships with the US. 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 accurate based on the diplomatic context provided. Statement 3 is incorrect because Senator Graham explicitly warned that refusal to join would lead to 'severe repercussions' and make the peace proposal 'unacceptable'. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2003043/trump-demands-widespread-sign-up-to-abraham-accords-as-part-of-iran-peace-deal, 25 May 2026]
#2354
Which of the following statements regarding the 2026 ODI series between Pakistan and Australia is INCORRECT?
(a) Pakistan won the first ODI match held in Rawalpindi.
(b) Australia won the second ODI match by 41 runs.
(c) The final ODI match was decided by a four-wicket victory for Pakistan.
(d) Pakistan won the series with a final score of 3-0.
Explanation: Pakistan won the series 2-1, not 3-0. The other statements accurately reflect the series progression and results. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2005169/pakistan-upstage-australia-for-2-1-odi-series-win, 04 Jun 2026]
#2355
Which of the following statements regarding the May 2026 escalation is INCORRECT?
(a) The US military shot down four Iranian attack drones during the operation.
(b) The ceasefire between the US and Iran had been in effect since the beginning of 2026.
(c) Oil prices rebounded following reports of the renewed hostilities.
(d) The US official stated that the military actions were intended to be defensive.
Explanation: The ceasefire between the US and Iran took effect in early April 2026, not at the beginning of the year. The other statements accurately reflect the events of May 28, 2026. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2003525/us-strikes-iran-drawing-retaliatory-attack-on-american-base-after-trump-dismisses-report-of-hormuz-deal, 28 May 2026]
#2356
Consider the following statements regarding the diplomatic engagements of May 2026: 1. The US State Department acknowledged Pakistan's constructive role in mediating tensions between Iran and the United States. 2. The meeting between Ishaq Dar and Marco Rubio focused exclusively on the Abraham Accords. 3. The US Secretary of State expressed condolences for a terrorist attack that occurred in Quetta.
(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 US acknowledged Pakistan's mediation efforts. Statement 3 is correct as Rubio expressed condolences for the Quetta attack. Statement 2 is incorrect because the meeting covered a broader range of bilateral cooperation and regional security issues, not just the Abraham Accords. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2003632/pakistan-firmly-committed-to-stance-on-palestine-israel-dar-answers-question-on-abraham-accords, 29 May 2026]
#2357
Which stadium hosted the third and final ODI match between Pakistan and Australia on June 4, 2026?
(a) Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium
(b) National Bank Stadium
(c) Gaddafi Stadium
(d) Multan Cricket Stadium
Explanation: The third ODI match, which decided the series in favor of Pakistan, was played at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. Rawalpindi hosted the first match of the series. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2005169/pakistan-upstage-australia-for-2-1-odi-series-win, 04 Jun 2026]
#2358
Which of the following is NOT a stated concern or position of the PPP regarding the upcoming 2026-27 budget?
(a) Support for immediate reduction in development spending
(b) Preference for a broader tax base over taxing the existing base
(c) Dissatisfaction with the budget in its current form
(d) Opposition to the imposition of new taxes
Explanation: The PPP emphasized the need for development spending and inclusive growth, rather than supporting a reduction in such expenditures. The other three options accurately reflect the party's stated positions during the consultations. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2004970/another-meeting-expected-as-pml-n-ppp-continue-budget-discussions-ahead-of-june-10-presentation, 03 Jun 2026]
#2359
In which districts of Balochistan were the intelligence-based operations (IBOs) conducted by security forces on June 2, 2026?
(a) Mastung, Nushki, Khuzdar, and Kech
(b) Gwadar, Turbat, Panjgur, and Lasbela
(c) Quetta, Pishin, Chaman, and Zhob
(d) None of these
Explanation: The ISPR statement confirmed that the IBOs were specifically carried out in the districts of Mastung, Nushki, Khuzdar, and Kech following the Quetta train attack. Other districts listed in the distractors, while located in Balochistan, were not the primary sites of these specific operations. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2004690/security-forces-kill-17-terrorists-in-various-districts-of-balochistan-following-quetta-train-bombing-ispr, 02 Jun 2026]
#2360
Which of the following statements regarding the earthquake in Jhelum on May 26, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The epicentre was located 58 kilometres northeast of Jhelum.
(b) Rescue 1122 reached the site within eight minutes of receiving the emergency call.
(c) The earthquake resulted in at least one fatality.
(d) Approximately 10 houses were seriously damaged in the incident.
Explanation: The epicentre was located 58 kilometres southwest of Jhelum, not northeast. The other statements accurately reflect the reported facts of the incident. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2003299/at-least-one-killed-11-injured-as-earthquake-damages-houses-in-punjabs-jhelum-district, 26 May 2026]