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.
#5421
Which of the following statements regarding the March 8, 2026, border incident is INCORRECT?
(a) The Ghulam Khan border crossing remains fully operational for trade and travel.
(b) The incident involved an exchange of fire between two sides of the border.
(c) A child was killed as a result of the mortar shell explosion.
(d) Four people sustained injuries during the incident.
Explanation: The Ghulam Khan border crossing is currently closed due to the security situation, making the statement that it remains fully operational incorrect. The other statements accurately reflect the reported facts. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979869/child-killed-four-injured-after-mortar-shell-allegedly-fired-from-afghanistan-lands-in-north-waziristan-neighbourhood, 08 Mar 2026]
#5422
The Pakistan Navy launched Operation Muhafizul Bahr on which date in 2026?
(a) March 7, 2026
(b) March 11, 2026
(c) March 9, 2026
(d) March 13, 2026
Explanation: The operation was officially announced by the ISPR on March 9, 2026. The other dates are incorrect as they do not align with the official publication date of the announcement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980190/pakistan-navy-launches-operation-muhafizul-bahr-to-counter-threats-to-shipping-maritime-trade-ispr, 09 Mar 2026]
#5423
Which global event is scheduled to be hosted by Azerbaijan in May 2026?
(a) International Peace Dialogue
(b) Global Energy Summit
(c) Regional Trade Conference
(d) World Urban Forum
Explanation: The Prime Minister expressed his best wishes for the success of the upcoming World Urban Forum, which is being hosted by Azerbaijan. This event serves as a platform for advancing the global urban development agenda. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1999715/pm-shehbaz-azerbaijans-president-aliyev-discuss-peace-efforts-in-mideast-pmo, 12 May 2026]
#5424
In 2026, Pakistan became the 28th permanent member of which international organization?
(a) International Olive Council
(b) International Food Policy Research Institute
(c) World Olive Oil Federation
(d) None of these
Explanation: Pakistan officially joined the International Olive Council in May 2026, becoming the first South Asian country to attain this status. This membership is crucial for aligning domestic production with international quality and trade standards. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018683/harvest-of-hope, 27 Jul 2026]
#5425
Who is the current Petroleum Minister of Pakistan as of March 2026?
(a) Muhammad Aurangzeb
(b) Ali Pervaiz Malik
(c) Murad Ali Shah
(d) None of these
Explanation: Ali Pervaiz Malik is the Petroleum Minister who briefed provincial leadership on fuel reserves. Muhammad Aurangzeb is the Finance Minister, and Murad Ali Shah is the Chief Minister of Sindh. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979807/three-petrol-shipments-expected-on-monday-petroleum-minister, 08 Mar 2026]
#5426
According to the CME’s FedWatch tool, what is the market expectation for the US Federal Reserve's interest rate decision in the meeting following July 27, 2026?
(a) No rate change
(b) A rate cut
(c) A rate hike
(d) A gradual phase-out of rates
Explanation: Market participants priced in a 63.7% probability that the Federal Reserve would maintain flat interest rates. Stable rates are viewed as beneficial for growth-dependent commodities like copper. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431973/copper-gains-on-mideast-de-escalation-oil-price-drop, 27 Jul 2026]
#5427
What was the total value of Pakistan's exports to the Middle East in fiscal year 2026?
(a) $2.093 billion
(b) $3.093 billion
(c) $4.093 billion
(d) None of these
Explanation: According to State Bank of Pakistan data, exports to the Middle East reached $3.093 billion in FY26. This represents a decline of over 2 percent compared to the previous year. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018925/pakistans-exports-to-middle-east-dip-in-fy26, 28 Jul 2026]
#5428
What was the peak price per litre reached by high-speed diesel (HSD) on April 3, 2026?
(a) Rs335.86
(b) Rs458.40
(c) Rs311.47
(d) Rs520.35
Explanation: On April 3, 2026, HSD prices reached a peak of Rs520.35 per litre. The other figures represent different historical price points for either petrol or diesel. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2011069/govt-keeps-petrol-diesel-prices-unchanged-till-further-orders, 26 Jun 2026]
#5429
Consider the following statements about the fuel management strategy discussed in March 2026: 1. The government is developing a joint dashboard to monitor fuel reserves across provinces. 2. The Punjab Enforcement and Regulatory Authority has been tasked with monitoring the fuel supply situation. 3. The government has successfully secured a permanent exemption from the petroleum levy from the IMF. 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 administrative measures taken to monitor reserves and enforce regulations. Statement 3 is incorrect because the government is only planning to request relief, not that it has already secured a permanent exemption. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979807/three-petrol-shipments-expected-on-monday-petroleum-minister, 08 Mar 2026]
#5430
The government decided in principle to implement which of the following for petroleum prices effective from March 8, 2026?
(a) Monthly revisions
(b) Quarterly revisions
(c) Weekly revisions
(d) Annual revisions
Explanation: To better manage the volatility of international oil prices, the government decided to shift to weekly revisions of petroleum prices. This allows for more frequent adjustments in line with global market fluctuations. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979860/pm-shehbaz-to-announce-austerity-plan-tomorrow-amid-global-fuel-crisis, 08 Mar 2026]
#5431
In which district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa did the mortar shell incident occur on March 8, 2026?
(a) South Waziristan
(b) North Waziristan
(c) Kurram District
(d) None of these
Explanation: The incident took place in the Ghulam Khan area of North Waziristan. South Waziristan and Kurram are adjacent districts but were not the site of this specific event. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979869/child-killed-four-injured-after-mortar-shell-allegedly-fired-from-afghanistan-lands-in-north-waziristan-neighbourhood, 08 Mar 2026]
#5432
Which fiscal tool did the Prime Minister utilize to reduce the petrol price to Rs378 per litre following the April 2026 price hike?
(a) General sales tax
(b) Petroleum levy
(c) Customs duty
(d) Excise duty
Explanation: The government slashed the petroleum levy by Rs80 per litre to provide immediate relief to consumers. This is a common fiscal instrument used to adjust the final ex-depot price of fuel. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2011069/govt-keeps-petrol-diesel-prices-unchanged-till-further-orders, 26 Jun 2026]
#5433
What was the reported increase in the price of petroleum products announced by the government on March 6, 2026?
(a) Rs 55 per litre
(b) Rs 45 per litre
(c) Rs 35 per litre
(d) Rs 65 per litre
Explanation: The government officially announced a price hike of Rs 55 per litre for petroleum products to manage the regional energy crisis. This figure is a specific data point provided in the official government communication. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979860/pm-shehbaz-to-announce-austerity-plan-tomorrow-amid-global-fuel-crisis, 08 Mar 2026]
#5434
The injured victims of the March 8, 2026, incident were transported to which medical facility?
(a) District Headquarters Hospital, Bannu
(b) Tehsil Headquarters Hospital, Miranshah
(c) Combined Military Hospital, Peshawar
(d) None of these
Explanation: Local residents transported the injured to the Tehsil Headquarters Hospital in Miranshah for emergency treatment. Other hospitals listed are not the primary facilities mentioned for this specific incident. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979869/child-killed-four-injured-after-mortar-shell-allegedly-fired-from-afghanistan-lands-in-north-waziristan-neighbourhood, 08 Mar 2026]
#5435
On March 8, 2026, the Prime Minister's Office announced that the government would unveil an austerity plan in response to a crisis caused by which of the following?
(a) US/Israel-Iran war
(b) Global wheat shortage
(c) Regional monsoon flooding
(d) None of these
Explanation: The government cited the global fuel crisis resulting from the US/Israel-Iran war as the primary driver for the proposed austerity measures. Other options are unrelated to the specific energy-focused policy announcement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979860/pm-shehbaz-to-announce-austerity-plan-tomorrow-amid-global-fuel-crisis, 08 Mar 2026]
#5436
The global fuel supply crunch mentioned in the context of the 2026 price hikes is attributed to the closure of which strategic maritime chokepoint?
(a) Suez Canal
(b) Malacca Strait
(c) Bab-el-Mandeb Strait
(d) Strait of Hormuz
Explanation: The closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which historically handles one-fifth of global oil and gas supplies, is cited as a primary cause for the global fuel market volatility. The other straits listed are critical maritime routes but were not the focus of this specific supply disruption. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1994758/govt-hikes-petrol-high-speed-diesel-prices-by-rs26, 24 Apr 2026]
#5437
The 2026 FIFA World Cup was jointly hosted by which of the following groups of nations?
(a) United States, Brazil, and Mexico
(b) Canada, Mexico, and Argentina
(c) United States, Canada, and Mexico
(d) United States, Canada, and Brazil
Explanation: The 2026 FIFA World Cup was hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The other options include countries that were not part of the official host consortium. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017229/5-questions-that-continue-to-linger-after-the-fifa-world-cup, 21 Jul 2026]
#5438
Consider the following statements about the 2026 FIFA World Cup: 1. The tournament was the most expansive edition held to date. 2. The final match featured a halftime show inspired by the Super Bowl. 3. FIFA's disciplinary processes were praised for their absolute transparency throughout the tournament. 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 tournament was described as the most expansive. Statement 2 is correct regarding the introduction of a Super Bowl-style halftime show. Statement 3 is incorrect because the tournament was specifically criticized for a lack of transparency in disciplinary processes. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017229/5-questions-that-continue-to-linger-after-the-fifa-world-cup, 21 Jul 2026]
#5439
Consider the following statements about the government's austerity measures announced in March 2026: 1. The Prime Minister decided to review the work-from-home and distance learning plan on a weekly basis. 2. The government reported that the country currently lacks adequate reserves of petrol and diesel. 3. The Prime Minister urged federal and provincial ministers to play an effective role in resource provision. 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 decided to review the contingency plan weekly. Statement 2 is incorrect because the government explicitly stated that the country had adequate reserves of petrol and diesel. Statement 3 is correct as the PM called for active participation from all ministers. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979860/pm-shehbaz-to-announce-austerity-plan-tomorrow-amid-global-fuel-crisis, 08 Mar 2026]
#5440
Who were the two federal ministers responsible for announcing the fuel price adjustments on April 2, 2026?
(a) Ali Pervaiz Malik and Muhammad Aurangzeb
(b) Bilal Yaseen and Shehbaz Sharif
(c) Muhammad Aurangzeb and Bilal Yaseen
(d) Ali Pervaiz Malik and Shehbaz Sharif
Explanation: Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik and Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb jointly announced the fuel price revisions on April 2, 2026. Other combinations include the Prime Minister or other provincial ministers who were not the primary spokespersons for this specific announcement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1994758/govt-hikes-petrol-high-speed-diesel-prices-by-rs26, 24 Apr 2026]