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.
#941
Consider the following statements about the diplomatic engagement between Pakistan and Turkiye in July 2026: 1. The visit was preceded by the signing of three MoUs in the power sector. 2. The Prime Minister's visit to Turkiye was his first international trip of the year. 3. The discussions between the leaders focused on enhancing cooperation in trade and investment. 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 three MoUs were signed in the power sector prior to the visit. Statement 3 is correct as trade and investment were primary focus areas. Statement 2 is incorrect as there is no evidence provided to suggest this was the Prime Minister's first international trip of the year. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2012743/pm-shehbaz-arrives-in-turkiye-on-official-visit, 03 Jul 2026]
#942
Which Pakistani minister accompanied Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif during his official visit to Turkiye in July 2026?
(a) Minister of Finance Muhammad Aurangzeb
(b) Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar
(c) Minister of Defence Khawaja Muhammad Asif
(d) Minister of Planning Ahsan Iqbal
Explanation: Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar, along with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar, accompanied the Prime Minister on his visit. The other ministers listed were not mentioned as part of the official delegation for this specific trip. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2012743/pm-shehbaz-arrives-in-turkiye-on-official-visit, 03 Jul 2026]
#943
Which official met with the Chinese delegation to discuss investment opportunities in Balochistan on March 11, 2026?
(a) Senate Deputy Chairman Syedal Khan
(b) Finance Minister of Balochistan
(c) Chairman of the Board of Investment
(d) None of these
Explanation: Senate Deputy Chairman Syedal Khan held the meeting with the Chinese delegation to discuss the $2.6 billion investment plan. The other options are incorrect as they do not accurately identify the official who hosted the delegation. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980763/chinese-firms-plan-to-invest-26bn-in-balochistan, 11 Mar 2026]
#944
On July 23, 2026, what was the primary geopolitical factor cited for the decline in Indian equity markets?
(a) Escalating tensions in the Middle East
(b) Unexpected interest rate hikes by the central bank
(c) Severe monsoon-related supply chain disruptions
(d) None of these
Explanation: The decline in Indian shares was attributed to rising oil prices caused by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. This surge in energy costs negatively impacted investor sentiment and global risk appetite. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431442/indian-shares-extend-drop-on-oil-surge-infosys-indigo-results-awaited, 23 Jul 2026]
#945
What is the total amount Chinese companies plan to invest in the manufacturing sector of Balochistan as of March 11, 2026?
(a) $1.6 billion
(b) $2.6 billion
(c) $3.6 billion
(d) $4.6 billion
Explanation: The investment plan announced on March 11, 2026, specifically earmarks $2.6 billion for the manufacturing sector in Balochistan. Other options represent incorrect figures that deviate from the official announcement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980763/chinese-firms-plan-to-invest-26bn-in-balochistan, 11 Mar 2026]
#946
Consider the following statements about the Indian market performance on July 23, 2026: 1. Both the Nifty 50 and BSE Sensex recorded their fourth consecutive session of losses. 2. The decline was limited to only three major sectors of the Indian economy. 3. Analysts identified a sustained rise in oil prices above $100 per barrel as a significant risk to future market performance. 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 indices logged their fourth straight session of losses. Statement 2 is incorrect because fifteen of the sixteen major sectors fell. Statement 3 is correct as analysts highlighted the $100 per barrel threshold as a critical risk factor. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431442/indian-shares-extend-drop-on-oil-surge-infosys-indigo-results-awaited, 23 Jul 2026]
#947
How much capital is specifically allocated for the mineral sector of Balochistan in the investment plan announced on March 11, 2026?
(a) $10 million
(b) $12 million
(c) $14 million
(d) $16 million
Explanation: The investment proposal includes $14 million dedicated to the mineral sector of Balochistan. This is distinct from the much larger $2.6 billion allocated for manufacturing. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980763/chinese-firms-plan-to-invest-26bn-in-balochistan, 11 Mar 2026]
#948
Consider the following statements about the investment plan announced on March 11, 2026: 1. The investment plan aims to stimulate industrial activities and generate employment in Balochistan. 2. The Chinese delegation was accompanied by the former finance minister of Balochistan, Amjad Rasheed. 3. The proposed investment in the mineral sector is larger than the investment in the manufacturing sector. 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 investment aims to boost industry and jobs. Statement 2 is correct as Amjad Rasheed accompanied the delegation. Statement 3 is incorrect because the $2.6 billion manufacturing investment is significantly larger than the $14 million mineral sector investment. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980763/chinese-firms-plan-to-invest-26bn-in-balochistan, 11 Mar 2026]
#949
What was the price of benchmark three-month copper on the London Metal Exchange as of July 24, 2026?
(a) $12,450.25 per metric ton
(b) $13,626.50 per metric ton
(c) $14,890.75 per metric ton
(d) None of these
Explanation: The benchmark three-month copper price on the LME was recorded at $13,626.50 per metric ton on the specified date. This reflects a 0.2% increase following two sessions of decline. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431641/copper-edges-up-heads-for-weekly-gain-as-non-us-stocks-tighten, 24 Jul 2026]
#950
What is the status of Comex copper stocks in the United States as of July 24, 2026?
(a) They have reached a record high of 639,147 metric tons.
(b) They have fallen to their lowest level since March.
(c) They have remained stagnant due to import bans.
(d) They have decreased by 5.2% due to reverse cancellations.
Explanation: Comex copper stocks in the U.S. rose to a record 639,147 metric tons, contrasting with the tightening inventories observed in the London Metal Exchange and Shanghai markets. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431641/copper-edges-up-heads-for-weekly-gain-as-non-us-stocks-tighten, 24 Jul 2026]
#951
Which of the following statements regarding the copper market on July 24, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) Benchmark three-month copper on the LME rose by 0.2%.
(b) Oil prices exceeded $100 a barrel due to Middle East conflict escalation.
(c) Available LME inventory rose by 5.2% due to reverse cancellations.
(d) Aluminium prices increased by 0.7% alongside copper.
Explanation: Aluminium prices actually fell by 0.7% to $3,165.50 a ton, making the statement that they increased incorrect. The other three statements accurately reflect the market data provided. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431641/copper-edges-up-heads-for-weekly-gain-as-non-us-stocks-tighten, 24 Jul 2026]
#952
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]
#953
What was the value of the GIFT Nifty futures as of 7:59 a.m. IST on July 27, 2026?
(a) 23,767.45
(b) 24,500.75
(c) 24,150.25
(d) 23,974.50
Explanation: The GIFT Nifty futures were recorded at 23,974.50, which indicated a positive opening for the benchmark Nifty 50 index above the previous Friday's close of 23,767.45. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431956/indian-shares-set-to-open-higher-breaking-losing-run-as-oil-slides, 27 Jul 2026]
#954
Consider the following statements regarding the Indian market outlook as of July 27, 2026: 1. The U.S. Federal Reserve is widely expected to increase interest rates by 25 basis points this week. 2. The probability of a 25-basis-point rate hike by the Fed has risen to 36.3%. 3. Lower oil prices are expected to ease inflation concerns in India. 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: The Fed is widely expected to leave rates unchanged, making statement 1 incorrect. Statements 2 and 3 are factually accurate based on the market analysis provided. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431956/indian-shares-set-to-open-higher-breaking-losing-run-as-oil-slides, 27 Jul 2026]
#955
Who chaired the Capital Market Development Council (CMDC) meeting held on March 11, 2026?
(a) Muhammad Aurangzeb
(b) Shamshad Akhtar
(c) Miftah Ismail
(d) None of these
Explanation: Muhammad Aurangzeb, as the Finance Minister, chaired the CMDC meeting to discuss reforms for the capital market. The other individuals listed are former finance ministers and are not the current officeholder for the 2026 event. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980943/finance-minister-stresses-more-balanced-system-where-capital-markets-complement-banking-sector, 11 Mar 2026]
#956
On July 27, 2026, what was the primary factor cited for the expected rise in Indian equity markets?
(a) A sharp decline in global oil prices
(b) An unexpected interest rate cut by the Reserve Bank of India
(c) A surge in foreign direct investment inflows
(d) None of these
Explanation: The market recovery was driven by a 4.6% drop in Brent crude prices following a pause in strikes between the United States and Iran. Lower oil prices are beneficial for India as it is a major importer of the commodity. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431956/indian-shares-set-to-open-higher-breaking-losing-run-as-oil-slides, 27 Jul 2026]
#957
Consider the following statements about the capital market reforms discussed on March 11, 2026: 1. The reforms aim to mobilize long-term domestic savings for private sector investment. 2. The Finance Minister suggested that Pakistan should ignore international experiences to focus solely on local models. 3. Strengthening market-making mechanisms is considered essential for improving investor confidence. 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 3 are correct as they reflect the government's strategy to mobilize savings and improve market infrastructure. Statement 2 is incorrect because the Finance Minister explicitly directed institutions to review and adapt best practices from international and regional markets. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980943/finance-minister-stresses-more-balanced-system-where-capital-markets-complement-banking-sector, 11 Mar 2026]
#958
What is the target inflation range set by the State Bank of Pakistan as mentioned in the July 2026 report?
(a) 3-5 percent
(b) 9-11 percent
(c) 7-9 percent
(d) 5-7 percent
Explanation: The SBP maintains a target inflation range of 5-7 percent. Current inflation levels of 11.1 percent are well above this threshold, necessitating a restrictive monetary policy. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018929/policy-rate-pause-splits-stakeholders, 28 Jul 2026]
#959
What was the policy rate maintained by the State Bank of Pakistan as of July 28, 2026?
(a) 9.5 percent
(b) 10.5 percent
(c) 11.5 percent
(d) 12.5 percent
Explanation: The State Bank of Pakistan decided to keep the benchmark interest rate at 11.5 percent in its July 2026 review. This decision was made to balance macroeconomic stability against the demands for industrial growth. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018929/policy-rate-pause-splits-stakeholders, 28 Jul 2026]
#960
Consider the following statements regarding the economic situation in Pakistan as of July 2026: 1. The SBP's decision to maintain the policy rate is supported by domestic trade bodies to curb inflation. 2. Private sector credit showed signs of recovery in June 2026. 3. Industrial stakeholders argue that a single-digit interest rate is necessary to improve export competitiveness. 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 incorrect because domestic trade bodies (FPCCI, Korangi Association) criticized the policy rate as contractionary, not supportive. Statements 2 and 3 are factually accurate reflections of the economic sentiment and data reported in July 2026. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018929/policy-rate-pause-splits-stakeholders, 28 Jul 2026]