February 2026 Edition
Start February Quiz
February 2026 Current Affairs MCQs & Solutions
Top national & international current affairs questions for CSS, PMS, FPSC, PPSC, and NTS screening tests.
#1061
Consider the following statements about the global vegetable oil market in 2026: 1. Palm oil prices often track the price movements of rival edible oils like soyoil. 2. The 2026/27 soybean crop in Brazil is projected to increase significantly due to favorable weather. 3. Stronger crude oil futures increase the attractiveness of palm oil for biodiesel production. 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 palm oil competes with other vegetable oils. Statement 3 is correct as higher crude prices boost biodiesel demand. Statement 2 is incorrect because the Brazilian soybean crop is projected to fall by 2%, not increase. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431446/palm-oil-hits-3-month-high-on-supply-risks-biodiesel-demand-prospects, 23 Jul 2026]
#1062
Which factor primarily contributed to the rise in global oil prices as of July 23, 2026?
(a) Increased global demand for aviation fuel
(b) Escalating hostilities in the Middle East
(c) OPEC production quota adjustments
(d) None of these
Explanation: Oil prices rose significantly due to escalating hostilities in the Middle East, specifically involving attacks on oil tankers. This geopolitical instability is the primary driver mentioned for the price surge. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431447/copper-dips-as-soaring-oil-prices-weigh-on-economic-outlook, 23 Jul 2026]
#1063
India's edible oil imports are projected to climb between July and October 2026 primarily due to:
(a) A sudden drop in global palm oil prices
(b) Slower domestic crushing of soybean and rapeseed
(c) A government mandate to increase biofuel blending
(d) None of these
Explanation: India's imports are expected to rise because slower domestic crushing of soybean and rapeseed is eroding local supplies. This creates a need for imports to meet demand ahead of the festive season. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431446/palm-oil-hits-3-month-high-on-supply-risks-biodiesel-demand-prospects, 23 Jul 2026]
#1064
Consider the following statements about the global commodity market on July 23, 2026: 1. Copper prices declined due to the negative impact of soaring oil prices on the economic outlook. 2. The cash LME copper contract was trading at a discount compared to the three-month forward contract. 3. Oil prices rose for five consecutive days leading up to the report. 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 copper prices tracked equity markets downward due to oil price pressure. Statement 3 is correct as oil prices rose for a fifth day. Statement 2 is incorrect because the cash LME copper contract was trading at a premium, not a discount, over the three-month forward. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431447/copper-dips-as-soaring-oil-prices-weigh-on-economic-outlook, 23 Jul 2026]
#1065
Consider the following statements regarding the Indian market conditions on July 23, 2026: 1. The Nifty 50 benchmark index experienced a decline. 2. Brent crude oil prices approached the $100 per barrel threshold. 3. The Indian rupee showed significant appreciation against the dollar due to market optimism. 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 Nifty 50 fell by 0.5%, and Brent crude prices neared $100 per barrel. The rupee did not appreciate significantly; it remained nearly flat due to central bank intervention, making statement 3 incorrect. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431443/indian-rupee-ends-nearly-flat-as-central-bank-intervention-blunts-oil-strain, 23 Jul 2026]
#1066
Consider the following statements about the current Middle Eastern energy landscape as of July 2026: 1. ADNOC has sold over 74 million barrels of crude in previous tenders since June. 2. The viability of the shuttle fleet service is currently considered certain and risk-free. 3. Spot premiums for Middle Eastern crude have reached a more than one-month high. 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 factually correct based on the report. Statement 2 is incorrect because the report explicitly states that the viability of the shuttle fleet service is unclear due to ongoing hostilities. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431617/adnoc-offers-crude-oil-in-7th-tender-issued-since-june-sources-say, 24 Jul 2026]
#1067
Which of the following is NOT a stated objective of the US Central Command (Centcom) strikes against Iran as of July 24, 2026?
(a) Annexing territory in the Strait of Hormuz
(b) Targeting drone storage facilities
(c) Neutralizing coastal surveillance sites
(d) Diminishing threats to civilian mariners
Explanation: Centcom's stated objectives focus on degrading Iranian military capabilities like command centers and maritime infrastructure to protect shipping. Annexation is not a stated objective of these military operations. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018016/us-strikes-iran-again-to-diminish-threat-to-mariners-vessels-after-attacks-on-saudi-oil-tankers-in-red-sea, 24 Jul 2026]
#1068
Consider the following statements regarding the economic situation in India as of July 2026: 1. The United States is imposing new tariffs on Indian goods due to allegations regarding forced labour bans. 2. Indian benchmarks have experienced a decline of approximately 2% over the week. 3. IndiGo reported a profit for the current quarter despite the rising fuel prices. 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 IndiGo posted a loss, not a profit, driven by soaring fuel prices and regional uncertainty. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431590/indian-shares-to-open-lower-as-crude-tops-100, 24 Jul 2026]
#1069
Consider the following statements about the energy market developments as of March 11, 2026: 1. The IEA's proposed oil release is intended to offset disruptions caused by the US-Israeli conflict with Iran. 2. Goldman Sachs analysts estimated that the proposed stockpile release would offset 12 days of Gulf export disruptions. 3. US crude prices reached their highest level since June 2022 on Monday, March 9, 2026. 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 report: the IEA is responding to the Iran conflict, Goldman Sachs provided the 12-day offset estimate, and WTI crude prices hit their highest point since June 2022 on the preceding Monday. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980857/oil-falls-on-report-of-iea-proposing-biggest-oil-release-ever, 11 Mar 2026]
#1070
Which of the following statements regarding ADNOC's July 2026 tender policy is INCORRECT?
(a) The tender includes crude loading from August to October.
(b) The tender is valid for only 24 hours after submission.
(c) The tender bid submission is due on July 27.
(d) Bids from buyers at a discounted differential are automatically rejected.
Explanation: The tender is valid until at least July 29, not 24 hours after submission. The other statements accurately reflect the terms set by ADNOC for the July 2026 tender. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431617/adnoc-offers-crude-oil-in-7th-tender-issued-since-june-sources-say, 24 Jul 2026]
#1071
As of July 24, 2026, what is the primary reason cited for the surge in Brent crude oil prices exceeding $100 per barrel?
(a) Global supply chain disruptions in the semiconductor industry
(b) Escalating conflict in the Middle East
(c) Unexpected production cuts by OPEC+ members
(d) None of these
Explanation: The surge in crude oil prices is directly attributed to the escalating Middle East crisis, which has impacted shipping chokepoints. Other options, while relevant to global economics, are not the primary drivers mentioned for this specific price movement. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431590/indian-shares-to-open-lower-as-crude-tops-100, 24 Jul 2026]
#1072
As of March 11, 2026, the International Energy Agency (IEA) is considering a record-breaking release of oil reserves to counter supply disruptions caused by conflict in which region?
(a) South China Sea
(b) Gulf of Mexico
(c) North Sea
(d) Gulf region
Explanation: The IEA is proposing a massive release of oil reserves to address supply disruptions stemming from the conflict involving Iran and the Strait of Hormuz in the Gulf region. Other options represent different global maritime chokepoints not central to this specific energy crisis. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980857/oil-falls-on-report-of-iea-proposing-biggest-oil-release-ever, 11 Mar 2026]
#1073
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]
#1074
Which of the following statements regarding the energy market situation as of March 11, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The IEA's proposed drawdown would exceed the 182 million barrels released in 2022.
(b) Brent futures traded down by approximately 1 per cent on the day of the report.
(c) The US Navy has officially agreed to provide military escorts for all commercial tankers in the Strait of Hormuz.
(d) ADNOC shut its Ruwais refinery following a drone strike.
Explanation: The US Navy has actually refused requests from the shipping industry for military escorts due to the high risk of attacks, making the incorrect statement. The other options accurately reflect the market and security conditions described in the report. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980857/oil-falls-on-report-of-iea-proposing-biggest-oil-release-ever, 11 Mar 2026]
#1075
Consider the following statements regarding the geopolitical and economic developments reported on August 3, 2026: 1. The United States government has reached a confirmed diplomatic resolution with Iran to ensure the security of the Strait of Hormuz. 2. The Pakistani government has implemented a reduction in the prices of both petrol and high-speed diesel. 3. Iran has officially acknowledged and accepted President Trump’s invitation for direct negotiations. Which of the following is correct?
(a) Only 1 and 2 are correct
(b) Only 2 is correct
(c) Only 2 and 3 are correct
(d) All statements are correct
Explanation: While the US cancelled an attack to pursue diplomacy, Iran has explicitly denied that negotiations are underway, rendering statements 1 and 3 incorrect. The government's reduction of petroleum product prices is accurate as per recent reports. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2020327/oil-tumbles-as-trump-cancels-attack-on-iran-to-reach-deal-aimed-at-reopening-hormuz]
#1076
The Nifty 50 index closed at which of the following levels on July 24, 2026?
(a) 78,210.30
(b) 76,059.77
(c) 22,540.12
(d) 23,767.45
Explanation: The Nifty 50 fell 0.43% to close at 23,767.45 on the specified date. The BSE Sensex closed at 76,059.77. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431634/indian-shares-log-weekly-losses-as-crude-climbs-hdfc-bank-tumbles, 24 Jul 2026]
#1077
Which of the following factors is NOT cited as a primary risk to the Indian economy in the context of the July 24, 2026 market report?
(a) Persistent high crude oil prices
(b) Excessive foreign direct investment inflows
(c) Supply-chain disruptions
(d) Erratic monsoon and rainfall deficit
Explanation: The report identifies high oil prices, rainfall deficits, and supply-chain disruptions as key risks. Excessive foreign direct investment is not mentioned as a risk factor in this context. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431634/indian-shares-log-weekly-losses-as-crude-climbs-hdfc-bank-tumbles, 24 Jul 2026]
#1078
Consider the following statements about the Indian rupee market conditions on July 24, 2026: 1. The Indian rupee reached a new all-time record low during the trading session. 2. The Reserve Bank of India conducted interventions in both the spot and non-deliverable forwards markets. 3. Brent crude oil prices retreated by approximately 4 percent after initially topping 100 dollars per barrel. 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 the rupee avoided a record low, remaining near the May record of 96.96. Statements 2 and 3 are factually accurate descriptions of the market intervention and oil price movements reported on that date. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431635/intervention-shields-indian-rupee-in-face-of-oil-hedging-strain, 24 Jul 2026]
#1079
Which Indian financial institution experienced its steepest weekly decline in 2-1/2 years on July 24, 2026?
(a) Axis Bank
(b) ICICI Bank
(c) HDFC Bank
(d) State Bank of India
Explanation: HDFC Bank recorded a 9.4% decline, marking its sharpest weekly drop in 2-1/2 years due to investor concerns regarding margins. Axis Bank also declined, but HDFC Bank was identified as the primary weight on the benchmark indexes. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431634/indian-shares-log-weekly-losses-as-crude-climbs-hdfc-bank-tumbles, 24 Jul 2026]
#1080
Consider the following statements about the Indian market performance on July 24, 2026: 1. The BSE Sensex recorded its steepest drop in two months. 2. Private banks and financial sectors were among the worst-performing segments. 3. Brent crude prices briefly crossed $100 a barrel during the week. 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 market report. The Sensex lost 2.7% (steepest in two months), financial sectors were heavily dragged down, and Brent crude crossed the $100 threshold. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431634/indian-shares-log-weekly-losses-as-crude-climbs-hdfc-bank-tumbles, 24 Jul 2026]