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.
#601
Consider the following statements about the market environment on July 24, 2026: 1. The Philadelphia SE Semiconductor index experienced a decline of 3.1%. 2. The Federal Reserve is expected to meet the following week to discuss monetary policy. 3. The U.S. military action against targets in Iran was a response to Houthi activities in Yemen. 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: the semiconductor index fell by 3.1%, the Fed is meeting the following week, and the U.S. strikes were linked to warnings regarding Iran and its Houthi allies. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431657/sampp-500-nasdaq-fall-as-investors-juggle-earnings-mideast-risks-and-tariffs, 24 Jul 2026]
#602
Consider the following statements about the Indian bond market and macroeconomic indicators as of July 24, 2026: 1. The 10-year U.S. Treasury yield reached its highest level since January 2025. 2. Brent crude prices briefly exceeded $100 per barrel for the first time in two months. 3. The probability of a Federal Reserve rate hike in September was estimated at 30%. 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. Statement 3 is incorrect because the probability of a Federal Reserve rate hike in September was reported at 80%, while the probability for July was 30%. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431650/india-bonds-end-three-day-losing-streak-but-post-second-straight-weekly-decline, 24 Jul 2026]
#603
The total sales volume of two- and three-wheelers in Pakistan reached which level during the first eight months of the 2026 fiscal year?
(a) 1.1 million units
(b) 1.3 million units
(c) 1.5 million units
(d) None of these
Explanation: Two- and three-wheeler sales reached 1.3 million units in 8MFY26, marking a 31 percent rise year-on-year. None of these is incorrect because 1.3 million is the explicitly stated figure. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980724/auto-sales-rise-43pc-in-july-february, 11 Mar 2026]
#604
What was the primary geopolitical catalyst cited for the decline in UAE stock markets on July 24, 2026?
(a) Escalating conflict in the Middle East
(b) Global interest rate hikes
(c) Collapse of major regional trade agreements
(d) Significant drop in global gold prices
Explanation: The decline was driven by investor caution regarding escalating regional tensions, specifically threats of military action following attacks on Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea. Interest rate hikes and trade agreements were not the primary drivers of this specific market movement. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431652/uae-stocks-slip-amid-escalating-middle-east-conflict, 24 Jul 2026]
#605
The reduction in the markup rate for development loans in 2026 is primarily attributed to the decline in which of the following?
(a) The federal budget deficit
(b) The central bank's policy rate
(c) The inflation rate of food commodities
(d) None of these
Explanation: The markup rate adjustment is directly linked to the decline in the State Bank of Pakistan's policy rate, which fell from a peak of 22 percent to 11.5 percent. This reduction lowers the government's cost of borrowing and subsequently the rates charged on development advances. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018194/centre-cuts-markup-on-uplift-loans-to-1189pc, 24 Jul 2026]
#606
On March 9, 2026, the KSE-100 index experienced a historic single-day decline of approximately how many points?
(a) 9,015 points
(b) 11,015 points
(c) 10,015 points
(d) 12,015 points
Explanation: The market recorded a decline of 11,015 points on March 9, 2026, which represented the second-largest single-day drop in the history of the index. This massive sell-off preceded the recovery observed on the following day. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980474/bulls-return-as-kse-100-surges-past-9000-points-market-closes-in-the-green, 10 Mar 2026]
#607
Arrange the following major international and regional developments in the correct chronological order of their reported occurrences or scheduling (earliest to latest): 1. The 11th Pakistan Banking Awards. 2. The 2024 uprising in Bangladesh leading to the current political climate for Sheikh Hasina. 3. The reported monsoon-related fatalities in India reaching over 100 on August 6, 2026. 4. The legislative advancement of a conditional amnesty bill for PKK fighters in Turkey.
(a) 2, 3, 4, 1
(b) 3, 2, 4, 1
(c) 2, 1, 3, 4
(d) 4, 2, 3, 1
Explanation: The sequence is determined by the 2024 Bangladesh uprising, followed by the specific disaster reports from India (August 6, 2026), the legislative action in Turkey (August 6, 2026), and finally the scheduled Pakistan Banking Awards (August 21, 2026). [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2020870/floods-landslides-leave-over-100-dead-as-monsoon-batters-india]
#608
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]
#609
Which of the following statements regarding the market performance in March 2026 is INCORRECT?
(a) Foreign corporates were net sellers of equities during the week.
(b) The KSE-100 index experienced a single-session decline of over 16,000 points on Monday.
(c) Cement despatches showed a year-on-year increase in February 2026.
(d) The rupee depreciated significantly against the dollar during the week.
Explanation: The rupee remained largely stable, appreciating marginally by 0.02 percent week-on-week. The other statements accurately reflect the market data provided for the period. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979645/stocks-nosedive-63pc-in-jittery-week-on-geopolitical-concerns, 08 Mar 2026]
#610
What was the closing value of the KSE-100 index at the end of the trading week ending on March 8, 2026?
(a) 145,210 points
(b) 157,496 points
(c) 162,305 points
(d) None of these
Explanation: The KSE-100 index closed at 157,496 points after a weekly decline of 6.3 percent. This decline was primarily attributed to investor panic regarding regional geopolitical instability. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979645/stocks-nosedive-63pc-in-jittery-week-on-geopolitical-concerns, 08 Mar 2026]
#611
Consider the following statements about the economic indicators in February 2026: 1. Pakistan's trade deficit widened to approximately $3 billion. 2. Urea offtake recorded a significant increase compared to the previous year. 3. Liquid foreign exchange reserves held by the State Bank of Pakistan stood at $16.3 billion. 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 urea offtake actually fell by 28 percent year-on-year, reaching the lowest monthly level recorded. Statements 1 and 3 are factually accurate based on the reported economic data. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979645/stocks-nosedive-63pc-in-jittery-week-on-geopolitical-concerns, 08 Mar 2026]
#612
According to the Exchange Companies Association of Pakistan, what was the primary driver for the decline in dollar sales to banks during the first 10 months of 2026?
(a) Increased investment in domestic manufacturing
(b) Diversion of funds into cryptocurrency trading
(c) Sharp rise in official export-led remittances
(d) Government-imposed limits on foreign currency accounts
Explanation: The chairman of the Exchange Companies Association of Pakistan noted that billions of dollars were diverted from the banking system into illegal cryptocurrency investments. This outflow contributed to the reduction in dollar sales to banks. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018391/war-dries-up-unofficial-dollar-inflows, 26 Jul 2026]
#613
The Virtual Assets Act 2026 was passed to regulate which of the following sectors in Pakistan?
(a) Cryptocurrency and digital asset providers
(b) Traditional textile export manufacturing
(c) Informal hundi and hawala networks
(d) Cross-border physical commodity trade
Explanation: The Virtual Assets Act 2026 provides a regulatory framework for licensed virtual asset providers, allowing banks to facilitate services for the sector. This is distinct from the informal hundi/hawala systems which remain illegal. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018391/war-dries-up-unofficial-dollar-inflows, 26 Jul 2026]
#614
Which of the following statements regarding the Virtual Assets Act 2026 is INCORRECT?
(a) It allows regulated banks to open accounts for entities registered under the Pakistan Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority.
(b) It establishes a framework for licensed virtual asset providers to operate within the formal financial system.
(c) It was passed in the same year that Pakistan lifted its eight-year ban on crypto-related banking activity.
(d) It permits banks to use customer deposits to trade or invest in digital assets for profit.
Explanation: The Act explicitly prohibits banks from using their own capital or customer deposits to trade, hold, or invest in digital assets. Therefore, is the incorrect statement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018391/war-dries-up-unofficial-dollar-inflows, 26 Jul 2026]
#615
All of the following statements regarding the market conditions on July 27, 2026, are true EXCEPT:
(a) The Federal Reserve is expected to definitely raise interest rates by 50 basis points.
(b) Bond markets received a boost from easing inflation fears.
(c) Brent crude prices experienced a decline.
(d) Yemen’s Houthis attacked Saudi oil installations.
Explanation: The market only implies a one-in-three chance of a rate hike, and analysts remain uncertain about the outcome, making the claim of a definite 50 basis point hike false. The other options accurately reflect the geopolitical and economic situation described. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431958/shares-bonds-make-guarded-gains-as-oil-slips, 27 Jul 2026]
#616
Which of the following central banks is scheduled to hold a policy meeting on Thursday, July 30, 2026?
(a) Bank of England
(b) Bank of Japan
(c) Federal Reserve
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Bank of England is scheduled to hold its meeting on Thursday, while the Federal Reserve meets on Wednesday and the Bank of Japan on Friday. None of the other options match the Thursday schedule. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431958/shares-bonds-make-guarded-gains-as-oil-slips, 27 Jul 2026]
#617
Which central bank official is scheduled to speak on July 28, 2026, regarding the economic outlook?
(a) Adrian Orr
(b) Philip Lowe
(c) Michele Bullock
(d) Glenn Stevens
Explanation: RBA Governor Michele Bullock is scheduled to speak on Tuesday, July 28, 2026. Markets are anticipating her comments for potential hawkish signals amidst regional geopolitical tensions. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431969/australia-nz-dollars-climb-as-oil-slide-eases-rate-concerns, 27 Jul 2026]
#618
Which of the following statements regarding the market conditions on July 27, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The probability of an RBA rate hike in August increased to 60%.
(b) The New Zealand dollar added 0.2% against the US dollar.
(c) Australian three-year bond yields fell by 9 basis points.
(d) The Australian dollar rose 0.2% to $0.7001.
Explanation: The probability of an RBA rate hike in August actually decreased to 30% from 40% due to lower oil prices. The other statements accurately reflect the market data reported on that date. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431969/australia-nz-dollars-climb-as-oil-slide-eases-rate-concerns, 27 Jul 2026]
#619
Consider the following statements about the market environment on July 27, 2026: 1. The decline in oil prices was attributed to a pause in Gulf fighting. 2. Markets perceive a high certainty that the Federal Reserve will implement a rate hike. 3. The Bank of Japan is expected to hold its policy steady during its upcoming meeting.
(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 de-escalation lowered oil prices. Statement 3 is correct as the Bank of Japan is expected to hold steady. Statement 2 is incorrect because market participants view the Fed's decision as unusually uncertain, not highly certain. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431958/shares-bonds-make-guarded-gains-as-oil-slips, 27 Jul 2026]
#620
Which of the following companies reported beating first-quarter profit expectations as of July 27, 2026?
(a) Tata Consumer
(b) Bank of Baroda
(c) HDFC Bank
(d) Axis Bank
Explanation: Tata Consumer reported beating profit expectations due to steady consumer demand. In contrast, Bank of Baroda reported a profit drop, and private lenders like HDFC and Axis faced margin concerns. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431956/indian-shares-set-to-open-higher-breaking-losing-run-as-oil-slides, 27 Jul 2026]