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.
#7701
What is the name of the military operation launched by Pakistan against terrorists operating from Afghan soil in 2026?
(a) Operation Zarb-e-Azb
(b) Operation Radd-ul-Fasaad
(c) Operation Ghazab lil-Haq
(d) Operation Khyber-IV
Explanation: Operation Ghazab lil-Haq was initiated by Pakistan on February 26, 2026, to counter cross-border attacks. The other operations listed are historical military campaigns conducted by Pakistan in previous years. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1996946/pakistan-slams-one-sided-remarks-by-british-diplomat-on-pak-afghan-border-situation, 02 May 2026]
#7702
Consider the following statements about Cambridge examination security protocols: 1. The CIE investigation process involves reviewing evidence from multiple sources to confirm if papers were seen by students before exam dates. 2. In cases of confirmed leaks, the CIE has previously utilized 'assessed marks' as a remedial measure for affected students. 3. The June 2026 examination series is scheduled to conclude on June 9, 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: All three statements are factually accurate based on the provided information. The CIE confirms leaks through multi-source evidence, employs assessed marks when necessary, and the current June series is confirmed to run from April 23 to June 9, 2026. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1996140/amid-furore-on-social-media-cambridge-says-aware-of-reports-about-question-paper-leak, 29 Apr 2026]
#7703
Which international benchmark oil contract reached $117.81 per barrel on 2026-04-29?
(a) West Texas Intermediate
(b) Dubai Crude
(c) Brent Crude
(d) None of these
Explanation: Brent crude is the international benchmark cited in the report as reaching $117.81 per barrel. West Texas Intermediate is a US-based benchmark and is not the contract mentioned in this context. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1996151/oil-spikes-while-stocks-slip-ahead-of-us-fed-rate-decision, 29 Apr 2026]
#7704
Consider the following statements about the military actions conducted during Operation Ghazab lil-Haq: 1. Pakistan targeted Afghan military installations in Kabul and Nangarhar on the night of March 16, 2026. 2. The operation targeted drone storage and technical support infrastructure used for attacks against Pakistan. 3. The government claimed that civilian populations were the primary target of the precision engagements. 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 align with the official report of the strikes on March 16. Statement 3 is incorrect because the government explicitly stated that no civilian population or infrastructure was targeted. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1983439/pakistan-announces-temporary-pause-in-operation-ghazab-lil-haq-against-afghan-taliban, 18 Mar 2026]
#7705
Who is the British Special Representative for Afghanistan whose social media remarks were criticized by the Pakistan Foreign Office on May 2, 2026?
(a) Richard Lindsay
(b) Thomas Drew
(c) Christian Turner
(d) None of these
Explanation: Richard Lindsay is the British Special Representative for Afghanistan who issued the remarks regarding the Pak-Afghan border. The other names listed are former British High Commissioners to Pakistan, not the current Special Representative. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1996946/pakistan-slams-one-sided-remarks-by-british-diplomat-on-pak-afghan-border-situation, 02 May 2026]
#7706
Consider the following statements about the energy situation in Pakistan as of April 2026: 1. Spot LNG prices have surged to between $20 and $30 per mmBtu due to Middle East conflict. 2. Eight out of ten fertilizer plants in the country are currently operational despite gas supply disruptions. 3. The Baragzai X-01 well is expected to contribute approximately 25% of Pakistan's total crude output. 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 report. Statement 3 is incorrect because the well is expected to contribute about 10% of crude output, not 25%. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1992034/pakistan-considering-buying-lng-on-spot-market-to-offset-supply-disruptions-caused-by-iran-war-petroleum-minister, 15 Apr 2026]
#7707
Which maritime chokepoint is identified as the primary source of concern for global oil supply disruptions as of 2026-04-29?
(a) Strait of Hormuz
(b) Strait of Malacca
(c) Suez Canal
(d) Bab-el-Mandeb Strait
Explanation: The Strait of Hormuz is a vital oil shipping route currently threatened by a potential blockade, which has caused Brent crude prices to spike. Other options are major maritime chokepoints but are not the focus of the current geopolitical tension described. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1996151/oil-spikes-while-stocks-slip-ahead-of-us-fed-rate-decision, 29 Apr 2026]
#7708
Consider the following statements about the current economic climate as of 2026-04-29: 1. Brent crude prices have surged due to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. 2. The US Federal Reserve is expected to announce a significant reduction in interest rates. 3. Investors are scrutinizing the capital expenditure of major tech firms regarding artificial intelligence.
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) All three
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct as oil prices rose due to the blockade concerns. Statement 3 is correct as tech firm AI spending is a major focus. Statement 2 is incorrect because the report states the Fed is expected to keep interest rates unchanged, not reduce them. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1996151/oil-spikes-while-stocks-slip-ahead-of-us-fed-rate-decision, 29 Apr 2026]
#7709
Which of the following statements regarding Pakistan's energy strategy in April 2026 is INCORRECT?
(a) Pakistan has completely eliminated its reliance on LNG imports due to domestic production.
(b) The government is prioritizing government-to-government LNG deals to avoid steep premiums.
(c) Officials are considering the use of furnace oil to limit load shedding despite potential tariff increases.
(d) Insurance costs for routes crossing the Strait of Hormuz are higher than those via the Red Sea.
Explanation: Pakistan has not eliminated its reliance on LNG; it remains exposed to supply shocks and continues to import LNG to meet peak summer power demand. The other statements accurately reflect the government's current energy policy. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1992034/pakistan-considering-buying-lng-on-spot-market-to-offset-supply-disruptions-caused-by-iran-war-petroleum-minister, 15 Apr 2026]
#7710
Who received Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif upon his arrival in Saudi Arabia on April 15, 2026?
(a) Prince Faisal bin Farhan
(b) Prince Saud bin Mushaal bin Abdulaziz
(c) Prince Khalid bin Salman
(d) Prince Bandar bin Sultan
Explanation: Prince Saud bin Mushaal bin Abdulaziz, the Deputy Governor of the Makkah Region, was among the officials who received the Prime Minister. The other princes listed were not mentioned as part of the reception committee. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1991908/pm-shehbaz-meets-saudi-crown-prince-in-jeddah-dar-says-avenues-to-further-enhance-cooperation-discussed, 15 Apr 2026]
#7711
Which of the following statements regarding the March 16, 2026, military strikes is INCORRECT?
(a) The Afghan Taliban claimed the strikes hit a military training academy.
(b) The operation was conducted by the Pakistan Air Force.
(c) The strikes targeted ammunition storage facilities in Kabul.
(d) Secondary detonations were observed, indicating the presence of large ammunition depots.
Explanation: The Afghan Taliban spokesperson claimed that a drug rehabilitation hospital was targeted, not a military training academy. The other statements accurately reflect the details provided by the Pakistani government regarding the operation. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1982625/pakistani-forces-strike-afghan-talibans-military-installations-in-kabul-nangarhar-security-sources, 16 Mar 2026]
#7712
What is the name of the military operation launched by Pakistan in 2026 to target terrorist support infrastructure?
(a) Operation Zarb-e-Azb
(b) Operation Ghazab lil-Haq
(c) Operation Radd-ul-Fasaad
(d) Operation Khyber-IV
Explanation: Operation Ghazab lil-Haq was launched in February 2026 to address cross-border terrorism and military support infrastructure. The other options refer to historical military operations conducted by Pakistan in previous years. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1982625/pakistani-forces-strike-afghan-talibans-military-installations-in-kabul-nangarhar-security-sources, 16 Mar 2026]
#7713
Which of the following statements regarding the April 15, 2026, incident in Bajaur is INCORRECT?
(a) The mortar shells were fired from across the Afghan border.
(b) The Pakistan Army failed to respond to the mortar fire.
(c) The attack resulted in the deaths of three individuals, including children.
(d) Security sources held the Afghan Taliban responsible for the aggression.
Explanation: The statement that the Pakistan Army failed to respond is incorrect, as security sources confirmed that the army destroyed the gun position used for the firing in a retaliatory action. The other statements accurately reflect the reported facts of the event. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1992026/3-killed-in-kps-bajaur-as-mortar-shells-fired-from-across-afghan-border-security-sources, 15 Apr 2026]
#7714
According to Pakistani security sources, which countries' manufactured parts were allegedly used in the drone assembly workshops destroyed in the 2026 strikes?
(a) United States and Germany
(b) China and Russia
(c) Iran and Turkey
(d) India and Israel
Explanation: Security sources reported that the drone workshops destroyed in Kabul and Nangarhar utilized components manufactured in India and Israel. This detail was highlighted to emphasize the technical nature of the targeted infrastructure. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1982625/pakistani-forces-strike-afghan-talibans-military-installations-in-kabul-nangarhar-security-sources, 16 Mar 2026]
#7715
Who served as the primary mediator for the direct negotiations between Lebanon and Israel held in Washington on April 14, 2026?
(a) Michael Needham
(b) Gideon Saar
(c) Marco Rubio
(d) Yechiel Leiter
Explanation: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio mediated the high-level talks between the Lebanese and Israeli ambassadors. While Michael Needham was present as a State Department Counselor, Rubio led the diplomatic effort. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1991749/lebanon-israel-agree-to-direct-negotiations-after-washington-talks, 14 Apr 2026]
#7716
Which industrial complex in Saudi Arabia was targeted by strikes, prompting regional security concerns in April 2026?
(a) Ras Tanura oil terminal
(b) Yanbu refinery complex
(c) Jubail petrochemicals complex
(d) Abqaiq processing facility
Explanation: The Jubail petrochemicals complex was the site of the strike that raised concerns regarding regional stability. The other facilities are critical Saudi energy infrastructure but were not the specific target mentioned in this event. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1990849/pakistan-sends-military-force-fighter-jets-to-saudi-arabia, 11 Apr 2026]
#7717
Consider the following statements about the diplomatic visit of the Prime Minister in April 2026: 1. The visit to Saudi Arabia and Qatar was conducted in a bilateral context. 2. The Prime Minister is expected to hold a meeting with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Turkiye. 3. The delegation included the Information Minister and the Special Assistant to the Prime Minister.
(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 official reports regarding the Prime Minister's diplomatic tour. The visits to Saudi Arabia and Qatar were bilateral, the meeting with President Erdogan was planned for the Antalya Diplomacy Forum, and the delegation included both the Information Minister and the SAPM. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1991908/pm-shehbaz-meets-saudi-crown-prince-in-jeddah-dar-says-avenues-to-further-enhance-cooperation-discussed, 15 Apr 2026]
#7718
In which two Afghan locations did Pakistani forces conduct precision airstrikes on March 16, 2026?
(a) Kandahar and Herat
(b) Kabul and Nangarhar
(c) Helmand and Ghazni
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Pakistani government confirmed that military installations in Kabul and Nangarhar were the specific targets of the airstrikes. Kandahar and Herat were not mentioned as locations for this specific operation. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1982625/pakistani-forces-strike-afghan-talibans-military-installations-in-kabul-nangarhar-security-sources, 16 Mar 2026]
#7719
What is the primary stated objective of the Pakistani military deployment to Saudi Arabia in 2026?
(a) To enhance joint military coordination and operational readiness
(b) To establish a permanent naval blockade in the Persian Gulf
(c) To conduct offensive operations against regional adversaries
(d) To oversee the extraction of Saudi oil reserves
Explanation: The deployment is intended to strengthen the joint defence cooperation agreement and improve operational readiness between the two armed forces. It is explicitly not intended for offensive combat operations. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1990849/pakistan-sends-military-force-fighter-jets-to-saudi-arabia, 11 Apr 2026]
#7720
Consider the following statements about the security operations conducted on March 16, 2026: 1. The strikes were a response to unprovoked firing from across the border. 2. The operation targeted logistics and technical infrastructure used by terror proxies. 3. The Pakistani government admitted to significant collateral damage in residential areas of Kabul. 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 align with the official government account of the operation's purpose and targets. Statement 3 is incorrect because the government explicitly stated that the operation was precise and carefully undertaken to ensure no collateral damage occurred. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1982625/pakistani-forces-strike-afghan-talibans-military-installations-in-kabul-nangarhar-security-sources, 16 Mar 2026]