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.
#12641
Which of the following statements regarding the rescue operation on May 4, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The rescue operation was conducted in the Bay of Bengal.
(b) The crew included an Indonesian national.
(c) The Pakistan Navy deployed the PMSS Kashmir for the operation.
(d) The vessel was en route from Oman to India.
Explanation: The rescue operation took place in the Arabian Sea, not the Bay of Bengal. The other three statements are factually accurate regarding the event. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1997526/six-indian-nationals-among-sailors-rescued-by-navy-maritime-security-agency-in-arabian-sea-security-sources, 04 May 2026]
#12642
Which vessel was rescued by the Pakistan Navy and the Pakistan Maritime Security Agency on May 4, 2026?
(a) MV Gold Autumn
(b) MV Gautam
(c) MV Indus Cloud
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Pakistan Navy and PMSA provided assistance to the MV Gautam, an Indian offshore tug and supply vessel, following a technical fault. MV Gold Autumn was a separate vessel rescued by the Pakistan Navy in the previous month. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1997526/six-indian-nationals-among-sailors-rescued-by-navy-maritime-security-agency-in-arabian-sea-security-sources, 04 May 2026]
#12643
Consider the following statements about the humanitarian operations conducted by the Pakistan Navy in 2026: 1. The Pakistan Navy rescued 18 crew members from the MV Gold Autumn in the month preceding the May 4, 2026, operation. 2. The crew of the MV Gold Autumn included nationals from China, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Vietnam, and Indonesia. 3. The Pakistan Navy provided only medical aid to the crew of the MV Gautam, excluding technical support.
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) All three
Explanation: Statement 3 is incorrect because the Pakistan Navy provided food, medical aid, and technical support to the crew of the MV Gautam. Statements 1 and 2 accurately reflect the details of the previous rescue operation mentioned in the report. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1997526/six-indian-nationals-among-sailors-rescued-by-navy-maritime-security-agency-in-arabian-sea-security-sources, 04 May 2026]
#12644
Consider the following statements about the 2026 French Open prize money dispute: 1. Aryna Sabalenka indicated that a boycott is a potential strategy to secure better rights. 2. The current prize money allocation is approximately 22 percent of the total tournament revenue. 3. Coco Gauff highlighted that many players ranked between 50 and 200 struggle financially. 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 Sabalenka voiced the boycott threat. Statement 3 is correct as Gauff noted the financial struggles of lower-ranked players. Statement 2 is incorrect because the current allocation is less than 15 percent, not 22 percent (which is the target demand). [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1997810/players-would-boycott-french-open-over-prize-money-dispute-says-sabalenka, 05 May 2026]
#12645
Who serves as the current US Special Envoy on Middle East mentioned in the context of the 2026 diplomatic discussions?
(a) Amos Hochstein
(b) Steve Witkoff
(c) Brett McGurk
(d) David Satterfield
Explanation: Steve Witkoff is identified as the US Special Envoy on Middle East who confirmed that the United States was in conversation with Iran regarding the peace negotiations. The other individuals listed are known figures in US diplomacy but are not the subjects of this specific report. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1997230/iran-reviewing-us-response-to-14-point-plan-trump-says-washington-having-very-positive-discussions-with-tehran, 03 May 2026]
#12646
On May 4, 2026, which specific facility in the United Arab Emirates was targeted by a drone attack?
(a) Jebel Ali Port
(b) Fujairah Oil Industry Zone
(c) Khalifa Port
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Fujairah Oil Industry Zone was the site of the drone attack on May 4, 2026, which caused a fire and injuries to three workers. Jebel Ali and Khalifa are other major UAE ports but were not the location of this specific incident. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1997510/fujairah-oil-zone-hit-by-drone-attack-as-uae-says-it-intercepted-iranian-missiles, 04 May 2026]
#12647
Which of the following statements regarding the Pakistan Foreign Office response on May 2, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The FO spokesperson confirmed that Pakistan has ceased all military operations permanently to appease international observers.
(b) The FO spokesperson claimed that Afghan allegations of civilian casualties lack evidential credibility.
(c) The FO spokesperson stated that the British remarks were devoid of a deeper understanding of the border situation.
(d) The FO spokesperson highlighted that Pakistan has rendered unparalleled sacrifices in the fight against terrorism.
Explanation: Statement C is incorrect because Pakistan explicitly stated that its operations would continue until their objectives are achieved, rather than ceasing them permanently. The other statements accurately reflect the official stance communicated by the Foreign Office. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1996946/pakistan-slams-one-sided-remarks-by-british-diplomat-on-pak-afghan-border-situation, 02 May 2026]
#12648
What is the primary objective of the United States' 'Project Freedom' initiative announced in 2026?
(a) To enforce a permanent naval blockade in the Persian Gulf
(b) To conduct joint military exercises with regional allies
(c) To guide commercial vessels safely out of the Strait of Hormuz
(d) None of these
Explanation: Project Freedom is described as a humanitarian gesture intended to assist vessels that are stuck in the Strait of Hormuz due to the ongoing regional conflict. The initiative aims to ensure the safety of crews and the delivery of essential supplies. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1997230/iran-reviewing-us-response-to-14-point-plan-trump-says-washington-having-very-positive-discussions-with-tehran, 03 May 2026]
#12649
What is the name of the security operation launched by Pakistan on February 26, 2026, to counter cross-border attacks?
(a) Operation Zarb-e-Azb
(b) Operation Radd-ul-Fasaad
(c) Operation Ghazab lil-Haq
(d) None of these
Explanation: Operation Ghazab lil-Haq was initiated in February 2026 as a direct response to unprovoked cross-border aggression. The other listed operations are historical military campaigns and not the current operation mentioned. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1996135/firing-from-across-afghan-border-injures-5-in-kps-south-waziristan-security-sources, 29 Apr 2026]
#12650
Consider the following statements about the border security situation on April 29, 2026: 1. The shelling in Angoor Adda resulted in injuries to four children and one woman. 2. The Pakistan Army refrained from retaliatory fire to avoid escalating tensions. 3. The Afghan Taliban were attempting to assist the infiltration of militants into Pakistan. 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 regarding the demographics of the injured. Statement 3 is correct as the infiltration attempt was the primary driver of the conflict. Statement 2 is incorrect because the Pakistan Army did engage in prompt retaliatory fire to destroy the firing positions. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1996135/firing-from-across-afghan-border-injures-5-in-kps-south-waziristan-security-sources, 29 Apr 2026]
#12651
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]
#12652
Consider the following statements regarding the heatwave conditions in Sindh as of May 2, 2026: 1. The PMD predicted dust thunderstorms in districts including Shikarpur and Ghotki. 2. The Chief Minister directed that special arrangements be made in hospitals for heatstroke patients. 3. The heatwave alert was issued for the entire province of Sindh, including coastal areas. 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 PMD predicted dust storms in districts like Shikarpur and Ghotki. Statement 2 is correct as the CM ordered hospital preparations. Statement 3 is incorrect because the alert was specifically focused on the central and upper regions of the province, not the entire province including coastal areas. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1996972/cm-murad-urges-public-to-take-precautionary-measures-amid-heatwave-alert-for-sindhs-central-upper-regions, 02 May 2026]
#12653
In which two districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa did the security forces foil infiltration attempts on April 30, 2026?
(a) Mohmand and North Waziristan
(b) Bajaur and Kurram
(c) South Waziristan and Orakzai
(d) Khyber and Dir
Explanation: The ISPR confirmed that the two separate infiltration attempts occurred in the Mohmand and North Waziristan districts. These areas are critical points along the Pak-Afghan border where security forces maintain high vigilance. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1996454/13-terrorists-killed-as-bids-to-infiltrate-pak-afghan-border-in-kp-foiled-ispr, 30 Apr 2026]
#12654
Which military wing issued the official statement regarding the border infiltration events on April 30, 2026?
(a) Ministry of Interior
(b) Inter-Services Public Relations
(c) National Counter Terrorism Authority
(d) Frontier Corps Command
Explanation: The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) is the media affairs wing of the Pakistan Armed Forces responsible for issuing official statements regarding military operations and security incidents. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1996454/13-terrorists-killed-as-bids-to-infiltrate-pak-afghan-border-in-kp-foiled-ispr, 30 Apr 2026]
#12655
Consider the following statements about the security operations reported on April 30, 2026: 1. The operations resulted in the death of 13 terrorists. 2. The engagements took place in the Mohmand and North Waziristan districts. 3. The ISPR claimed that the Afghan Taliban regime has successfully secured the border on their side. 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 factually correct based on the ISPR report. Statement 3 is incorrect because the ISPR explicitly stated that the Afghan Taliban regime has failed to ensure effective border management. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1996454/13-terrorists-killed-as-bids-to-infiltrate-pak-afghan-border-in-kp-foiled-ispr, 30 Apr 2026]
#12656
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]
#12657
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]
#12658
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]
#12659
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]
#12660
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]