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.
#1121
Which of the following statements regarding the events of March 10, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) Brent crude oil prices experienced significant volatility during the day.
(b) Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed the Iranian conflict with US President Donald Trump.
(c) Iranian security officials expressed skepticism regarding the restoration of security in the Strait of Hormuz.
(d) The United States officially declared the war in the Middle East to be permanently concluded.
Explanation: President Trump predicted the war could be over soon, but he did not declare it permanently concluded. The other statements accurately reflect the reported events of that date. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980416/oil-prices-go-haywire-as-iran-welcomes-new-supreme-leader, 10 Mar 2026]
#1122
What is the primary objective behind the judiciary's decision to adopt a four-day work week in 2026?
(a) To facilitate the digitization of all historical court records
(b) To conserve resources amid potential fuel supply disruptions
(c) To increase the number of judges in the Supreme Court
(d) None of these
Explanation: The judiciary adopted these measures specifically to address the anticipated disruption in petroleum supply and rising global energy costs. Option A is incorrect as digitization is not the primary driver of this specific austerity policy. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980575/courts-join-others-in-adopting-austerity-measures-will-observe-4-day-work-week, 10 Mar 2026]
#1123
What was the primary reason for the recent decline in Brent crude oil prices as of July 27, 2026?
(a) A global surplus in oil production
(b) A tentative truce between the US and Iran
(c) A significant drop in global industrial demand
(d) None of these
Explanation: Brent crude fell by more than 4% due to a tentative truce between the US and Iran, which halted a series of retaliatory attacks. This de-escalation reduced the geopolitical risk premium that had previously pushed oil prices above $100 per barrel. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431973/copper-gains-on-mideast-de-escalation-oil-price-drop, 27 Jul 2026]
#1124
Consider the following statements about the fuel price situation in 2026: 1. The government reduced petrol prices for two consecutive weeks in May 2026. 2. The global fuel crunch was exacerbated by the conflict involving Iran. 3. The Petroleum Minister announced an increase in fuel prices on April 2, 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 regarding the 2026 fuel price trends and the geopolitical context of the energy crisis. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2002321/govt-reduces-petrol-by-rs6-per-litre-high-speed-diesel-by-rs68, 22 May 2026]
#1125
Following the price revision on March 7, 2026, the Petroleum Development Levy (PDL) on high-speed diesel was adjusted to which of the following rates?
(a) Rs57 per litre
(b) Rs77 per litre
(c) Rs105 per litre
(d) None of these
Explanation: The government reduced the levy on high-speed diesel to Rs57 per litre from Rs77 per litre to mitigate the impact of the price hike. Rs105 per litre represents the new levy rate for petrol, not diesel. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979341/petrol-bomb-falls-on-pakistan-amid-war, 07 Mar 2026]
#1126
Which official announced the record-breaking fuel price hike during the press conference held on March 7, 2026?
(a) Ali Pervaiz Malik
(b) Ishaq Dar
(c) Muhammad Aurangzeb
(d) Shehbaz Sharif
Explanation: Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik announced the price hike during the press conference. While Ishaq Dar and Muhammad Aurangzeb were present, the announcement was delivered by the Petroleum Minister. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979341/petrol-bomb-falls-on-pakistan-amid-war, 07 Mar 2026]
#1127
Which of the following measures was NOT implemented by the government in response to the fuel crisis announced on March 7, 2026?
(a) Weekly review of petroleum prices
(b) Implementation of a work-from-home policy
(c) Crackdown on hoarding of petroleum products
(d) Adjustment of the Petroleum Development Levy
Explanation: The government explicitly decided to shelve the proposed fuel conservation plan, which included work-from-home and distance learning measures. The other three options were active policy decisions taken by the government. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979341/petrol-bomb-falls-on-pakistan-amid-war, 07 Mar 2026]
#1128
Consider the following statements regarding the fuel price situation in March 2026: 1. The government decided to maintain normal activities for at least one week instead of implementing conservation measures. 2. International Brent crude prices were reported to be approaching the $100 per barrel psychological barrier. 3. The government increased the Petroleum Development Levy on high-speed diesel to offset the price hike. 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 government deferred conservation plans. Statement 2 is correct as Brent crude was nearing the $100 mark. Statement 3 is incorrect because the levy on high-speed diesel was actually reduced, not increased. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979341/petrol-bomb-falls-on-pakistan-amid-war, 07 Mar 2026]
#1129
Which international agencies provided rating upgrades that reinforced investor confidence in Pakistan during 2026?
(a) Moody's and Standard and Poor's
(b) Standard and Poor's and Fitch
(c) Fitch and Moody's
(d) World Bank and IMF
Explanation: The government's commitment to IMF programs was reinforced by specific rating upgrades from Fitch and Moody's, which helped improve the overall investment climate. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2011978/govt-expects-easing-inflationary-pressure-in-new-fiscal-year-following-reopening-of-strait-of-hormuz, 30 Jun 2026]
#1130
Consider the following statements about Pakistan's economic outlook for 2026: 1. The government expects inflationary pressures to ease due to the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. 2. The size of the national economy reached 452.1 billion dollars by the end of the fiscal year. 3. The consumer price index (CPI) inflation for June 2026 was recorded at 15 percent. 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 Ministry of Finance report. Statement 3 is incorrect because the ministry anticipated June inflation to remain within the range of 11-12 percent, not 15 percent. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2011978/govt-expects-easing-inflationary-pressure-in-new-fiscal-year-following-reopening-of-strait-of-hormuz, 30 Jun 2026]
#1131
The primary surplus achieved by Pakistan during the period of July 2025 to April 2026 was:
(a) 3.5 percent of GDP
(b) 3.0 percent of GDP
(c) 2.5 percent of GDP
(d) 4.0 percent of GDP
Explanation: Effective expenditure management and revenue mobilization efforts enabled the government to achieve a primary surplus of 3.5 percent of GDP during the Jul-Apr period of the 2026 fiscal year. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2011978/govt-expects-easing-inflationary-pressure-in-new-fiscal-year-following-reopening-of-strait-of-hormuz, 30 Jun 2026]
#1132
According to the Ministry of Finance, the current account recorded a surplus of how much during the period of July 2025 to May 2026?
(a) 155 million dollars
(b) 255 million dollars
(c) 355 million dollars
(d) None of these
Explanation: The external sector remained stable, with the current account recording a surplus of 255 million dollars during the Jul-May period of the 2026 fiscal year, supported by remittances and IT exports. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2011978/govt-expects-easing-inflationary-pressure-in-new-fiscal-year-following-reopening-of-strait-of-hormuz, 30 Jun 2026]
#1133
What was the real GDP growth rate of Pakistan for the fiscal year ending in 2026?
(a) 2.7 percent
(b) 5.7 percent
(c) 4.7 percent
(d) 3.7 percent
Explanation: The Ministry of Finance reported that real GDP growth reached 3.7 percent, marking the highest growth rate in four years. This figure reflects the broad-based recovery across the agriculture, industry, and services sectors. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2011978/govt-expects-easing-inflationary-pressure-in-new-fiscal-year-following-reopening-of-strait-of-hormuz, 30 Jun 2026]
#1134
All of the following are cited as factors contributing to Pakistan's economic stability in 2026 EXCEPT:
(a) Record workers' remittances
(b) Increased reliance on foreign grants
(c) Expansion in large-scale manufacturing
(d) Continued growth in IT exports
Explanation: The government emphasizes fiscal discipline, remittances, and IT exports as drivers of stability. Reliance on foreign grants is not cited as a primary pillar of the current economic outlook. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2011978/govt-expects-easing-inflationary-pressure-in-new-fiscal-year-following-reopening-of-strait-of-hormuz, 30 Jun 2026]
#1135
Which of the following statements regarding the oil market situation as of July 17, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) Brent crude futures experienced a rise of approximately 0.08 percent.
(b) The Red Sea has already been officially closed to all commercial shipping traffic.
(c) The US launched two major waves of air strikes in a single day on Wednesday.
(d) US West Texas Intermediate futures gained 16 cents per barrel.
Explanation: The Red Sea has not been closed; rather, there is a 'potential threat' of closure. Options A, B, and C are all factually accurate details reported on July 17, 2026. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016168/oil-rises-on-intensifying-us-iran-hostilities-threat-of-red-sea-closure, 17 Jul 2026]
#1136
Which of the following is NOT a factor currently influencing global market sentiment as of 2026-04-29?
(a) Anticipation of a US Federal Reserve interest rate decision
(b) Expectations of immediate global nuclear disarmament
(c) Concerns regarding the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz
(d) Earnings updates from major technology firms
Explanation: The report focuses on energy security, monetary policy, and corporate earnings; it does not mention global nuclear disarmament as a current market driver. The other three options are explicitly identified as key factors affecting investor behavior. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1996151/oil-spikes-while-stocks-slip-ahead-of-us-fed-rate-decision, 29 Apr 2026]
#1137
Consider the following statements about the 2026 global economic outlook: 1. The World Bank projects that inflation in developing economies will be higher than previously expected before the conflict. 2. Urea prices are expected to jump by 60% in 2026. 3. Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz is expected to return to pre-war levels by early 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: Statement 1 is correct as inflation was revised upward by one percentage point. Statement 2 is correct regarding the 60% jump in urea. Statement 3 is incorrect because the baseline assumption is a return to pre-war levels by late 2026, not early 2026. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1995842/energy-prices-expected-to-surge-24pc-reaching-highest-level-since-2022-russia-ukraine-war-world-bank-assessment, 28 Apr 2026]
#1138
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]
#1139
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]
#1140
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]