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.
#12801
Which of the following statements regarding the 2026 European wildfires is INCORRECT?
(a) The fires were exacerbated by strong winds and scorching temperatures.
(b) Climate change is identified as a factor increasing the severity of European droughts.
(c) All wildfires in the region were officially attributed to arson by civil protection authorities.
(d) Three firefighters were reported killed during the July 2026 heatwave events.
Explanation: While arson was mentioned as a specific concern in the Calabria region, it is incorrect to state that all wildfires were attributed to arson, as other causes like mechanical sparks and environmental conditions were also cited. The other three statements are factually supported by the reports. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017997/deadly-wildfires-in-europe-force-thousands-to-flee, 24 Jul 2026]
#12802
Which of the following is NOT a primary issue impeding progress in the US-Iran negotiations as of May 2026?
(a) Iran's nuclear programme
(b) Strait of Hormuz security
(c) Sanctions relief
(d) Global climate change accords
Explanation: The primary impediments to the negotiations are nuclear programs, sanctions relief, and regional security concerns like the Strait of Hormuz. Global climate change accords are not cited as a factor in the current diplomatic deadlock. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2002286/cdf-asim-munir-arrives-in-iran-as-part-of-ongoing-mediation-efforts-ispr, 22 May 2026]
#12803
According to the June 2026 Reuters/Ipsos poll, what percentage of Americans support the construction of a data center in their local community to support AI projects?
(a) 66 percent
(b) 33 percent
(c) 50 percent
(d) 14 percent
Explanation: The poll indicated that only 14 percent of respondents support the construction of data centers in their communities. While 33 percent of Americans approve of the overall pace of construction, the specific support for local projects is significantly lower. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016593/data-centre-protests-held-across-us-as-backlash-grows, 19 Jul 2026]
#12804
Which of the following statements regarding the security operations reported on May 21, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The operations were conducted over a period of 72 hours.
(b) The operations resulted in the death of 23 terrorists.
(c) Security forces discovered and destroyed complex underground tunnels and bunkers.
(d) Weapons and a large cache of explosives were recovered from the terrorists.
Explanation: The ISPR statement specified that the operations were conducted over the last 48 hours, not 72 hours. The other statements accurately reflect the findings and outcomes of the reported IBOs. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2002065/security-forces-kill-23-terrorists-in-multiple-khyber-pakhtunkhwa-ibos-ispr, 21 May 2026]
#12805
On July 19, 2026, protests against data center expansion were coordinated by which grassroots organization?
(a) HumansFirst
(b) Data Centre Coalition
(c) Tech Accountability Watch
(d) None of these
Explanation: The protests were organized by HumansFirst, a grassroots group co-founded by Amy Kremer. The Data Centre Coalition is an industry lobbying group, not the protest organizer. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016593/data-centre-protests-held-across-us-as-backlash-grows, 19 Jul 2026]
#12806
Which French peninsula experienced mass evacuations due to forest fires on July 24, 2026?
(a) Cap Ferret
(b) Brittany
(c) Normandy
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Cap Ferret peninsula was the primary site of mass evacuations in France, where thousands of residents and holidaymakers were forced to flee by boat and road. Brittany and Normandy are other French regions but were not the focus of this specific wildfire event. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018225/over-100000-flee-forest-fires-in-france-spain, 24 Jul 2026]
#12807
Consider the following statements about the 2026 wildfire crisis: 1. More than 100,000 people were forced to flee their homes across France and Spain. 2. French regional fire chief Marc Vermeulen reported that flames were consuming up to 1,000 hectares of forest per hour. 3. The fires in the Madrid region were described as the worst in the region's history by local officials. 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 correct. The total number of displaced persons exceeded 100,000, the rate of forest destruction was confirmed by the regional fire chief, and the severity of the Madrid fires was officially noted as unprecedented. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018225/over-100000-flee-forest-fires-in-france-spain, 24 Jul 2026]
#12808
Which organization provided a study linking the 2026 wildfires to human-fuelled climate change?
(a) World Meteorological Organization
(b) International Panel on Climate Change
(c) European Environment Agency
(d) World Weather Attribution
Explanation: The World Weather Attribution group published a study in July 2026 identifying human-fuelled climate change as a driver for the drought and wildfire conditions. While other organizations monitor climate, this specific study was attributed to the WWA. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018225/over-100000-flee-forest-fires-in-france-spain, 24 Jul 2026]
#12809
The town of Navas del Rey, threatened by wildfires in July 2026, is located approximately how many kilometers from Madrid?
(a) 50 kilometers
(b) 80 kilometers
(c) 120 kilometers
(d) None of these
Explanation: Navas del Rey is situated about 50 kilometers from the Spanish capital. The 80-kilometer figure refers to the location of Cebreros, another site mentioned in the context of the Madrid region fires. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018225/over-100000-flee-forest-fires-in-france-spain, 24 Jul 2026]
#12810
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) issued a GLOF alert for which two regions on July 26, 2026?
(a) Gilgit-Baltistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
(b) Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Punjab
(c) Balochistan and Sindh
(d) None of these
Explanation: The PMD alert specifically identified Gilgit-Baltistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa as the regions at high risk due to accelerated glacier melt. Other regions were not included in this specific meteorological warning. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018510/pmd-issues-glof-alert-for-northern-areas-as-several-gb-areas-cut-off-for-5th-consecutive-day, 26 Jul 2026]
#12811
Consider the following statements about the GLOF alert issued on July 26, 2026: 1. The alert was driven by a combination of a warm thermal regime and intermittent precipitation. 2. The PMD warned that thawing permafrost could trigger the flow of heavy mud and debris. 3. The alert period for the high-risk conditions extends until the end of September 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: Statements 1 and 2 are accurate descriptions of the meteorological conditions and geological risks identified by the PMD. Statement 3 is incorrect because the alert specifically mentions the high-risk period continuing only until the first week of August, not the end of September. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018510/pmd-issues-glof-alert-for-northern-areas-as-several-gb-areas-cut-off-for-5th-consecutive-day, 26 Jul 2026]
#12812
What type of infrastructure was being installed on the Baltistan Highway to restore traffic following flood damage on July 26, 2026?
(a) Concrete flyover
(b) Suspension cable bridge
(c) Iron Bailey bridge
(d) None of these
Explanation: Authorities utilized a temporary iron Bailey bridge to restore connectivity on the Baltistan Highway after flash floods destroyed existing road links. Bailey bridges are standard rapid-deployment solutions for disaster-stricken areas. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018510/pmd-issues-glof-alert-for-northern-areas-as-several-gb-areas-cut-off-for-5th-consecutive-day, 26 Jul 2026]
#12813
The Emergency Response Committee (ERC) held its fifth meeting on July 26, 2026, to review monsoon preparedness under the chairmanship of:
(a) The Minister for Climate Change
(b) The Chairman of the NDMA
(c) The Minister for Planning
(d) None of these
Explanation: The meeting was chaired by Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal via video link. While the NDMA Chairman and Climate Change Minister were present, the chair was held by the Planning Minister. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018500/nationwide-deaths-this-monsoon-cross-100-more-rain-likely-in-countrys-upper-parts-from-july-29, 26 Jul 2026]
#12814
Consider the following statements about the economic forecasts provided by the AfDB: 1. The AfDB predicted Africa would see 4.2% economic growth in 2026. 2. The growth projection for 2027 is 4.4%. 3. These growth projections were finalized after accounting for the 'super' El Niño impact. 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 AfDB predicted 4.2% growth for 2026 and 4.4% for 2027. However, these forecasts were made in May, before the 'super' El Niño projections were integrated, making statement 3 incorrect. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431871/africa-facing-10-20-billion-economic-hit-from-super-el-nino-afdb-climate-chief-warns, 26 Jul 2026]
#12815
Which two regions were specifically identified by the Pakistan Meteorological Department in its July 2026 alert as being at high risk for Glacial Lake Outburst Floods?
(a) Punjab and Sindh
(b) Gilgit-Baltistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
(c) Balochistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir
(d) None of these
Explanation: The PMD alert issued on July 26, 2026, specifically highlights Gilgit-Baltistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa due to their high concentration of glaciers and susceptibility to rapid melt. Other regions, while prone to flooding, were not the primary focus of this specific GLOF warning. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431880/new-glacial-lakes-may-form-in-gilgit-baltistan-kp-amid-accelerated-glacier-melt-pmd, 26 Jul 2026]
#12816
What is the primary climatic driver cited by the PMD for the accelerated glacier melt in northern Pakistan as of July 2026?
(a) Unusually high seismic activity in the Karakoram range
(b) Sustained warm thermal regimes and intermittent precipitation
(c) Deforestation in the lower Indus basin
(d) Increased volcanic activity in the Hindu Kush
Explanation: The PMD attributes the accelerated melting to the combined effect of warm temperatures and ongoing precipitation. These factors increase the volume of meltwater, which destabilizes glacial lakes and increases the risk of outburst floods. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431880/new-glacial-lakes-may-form-in-gilgit-baltistan-kp-amid-accelerated-glacier-melt-pmd, 26 Jul 2026]
#12817
Which of the following statements regarding the flood situation in Gilgit-Baltistan as of July 28, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The Astore Valley Road was blocked at Kachak due to river erosion.
(b) The Hushe Valley Road remained open for traffic despite the monsoon floods.
(c) The GBDMA provided water and rations to stranded passengers on the Baltistan Road.
(d) Residents of the Hispar Valley were disconnected following Glacial Lake Outburst Floods.
Explanation: The Hushe Valley Road was explicitly reported as impassable at Rout Longba in the Ghanche district. Therefore, the statement that it remained open is false. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018881/many-stranded-in-gb-for-six-days-as-flood-delays-repairs, 28 Jul 2026]
#12818
Consider the following statements about the flood-related damages reported in Gilgit-Baltistan on July 28, 2026: 1. A total of 18.2 kilometers of roads were damaged during the monsoon season. 2. The disaster incidents resulted in the death of 73 livestock. 3. The GBDMA Director General ordered the preparation of a permanent housing solution for displaced persons in Ghizer. 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 GBDMA disaster summary and the actions taken by the Director General in the Ghizer district. The report confirms the road damage length, livestock losses, and the directive for permanent housing. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018881/many-stranded-in-gb-for-six-days-as-flood-delays-repairs, 28 Jul 2026]
#12819
According to the French President, the 2026 wildfire situation is the most severe recorded since which historical period?
(a) The First World War
(b) The Second World War
(c) The Cold War
(d) The Great Depression
Explanation: President Emmanuel Macron characterized the 2026 wildfire crisis as the most severe since the Second World War. This highlights the unprecedented nature of the current climate-driven disaster. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018994/firefighters-in-france-spain-scramble-to-contain-blazes-as-new-heatwave-looms, 28 Jul 2026]
#12820
Consider the following statements about the 2026 wildfire crisis in Europe: 1. The heatwave conditions have hindered cargo shipping on European waterways due to low river levels. 2. Firefighters in Spain were able to effectively tackle active fire fronts in Madrid during the night. 3. The UK Met Office predicted that the heatwave would be a long-term, multi-month event. 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 reflect the operational challenges and successes reported. Statement 3 is incorrect because the UK Met Office described the spell of hot weather as 'relatively short-lived,' not a multi-month event. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018994/firefighters-in-france-spain-scramble-to-contain-blazes-as-new-heatwave-looms, 28 Jul 2026]