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.
#13641
Which of the following statements regarding the conflict events on March 13, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) Explosions occurred in Tehran near a pro-government rally.
(b) Iran launched a fresh salvo of missiles at Israel.
(c) The head of the judiciary was interviewed during a blast.
(d) The US military confirmed the capture of Tehran's central square.
Explanation: There is no report of the US military capturing Tehran's central square. The other three options are explicitly mentioned as occurring on that day. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981719/deadly-blast-rocks-iran-as-leaders-rally-in-show-of-defiance, 13 Mar 2026]
#13642
Consider the following statements about the conflict developments as of March 13, 2026: 1. The US Defence Secretary stated that over 15,000 targets have been struck since the war began. 2. Sirens were reported at Turkey's Incirlik airbase, a facility housing US troops. 3. Iran's Revolutionary Guards have promised to welcome all anti-government protests to foster national unity. 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 3 is incorrect because the Revolutionary Guards warned that protests would be met with a stronger response, not welcomed. Statements 1 and 2 are factually accurate based on the report. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981719/deadly-blast-rocks-iran-as-leaders-rally-in-show-of-defiance, 13 Mar 2026]
#13643
Who is the European Union’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy scheduled to visit Islamabad on June 1, 2026?
(a) Josep Borrell
(b) Charles Michel
(c) Ursula von der Leyen
(d) Kaja Kallas
Explanation: Kaja Kallas serves as the EU's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and is the official designated to lead the 8th EU-Pakistan Strategic Dialogue. Josep Borrell is a former holder of this office, making him a common distractor. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2003965/eus-top-diplomat-kallas-to-visit-islamabad-on-june-1-for-strategic-dialogue, 30 May 2026]
#13644
Which regulatory body issued the notification regarding the reduction in the price of kerosene on May 29, 2026?
(a) State Bank of Pakistan
(b) Federal Board of Revenue
(c) Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) is the designated body responsible for issuing notifications regarding petroleum product price changes in Pakistan. The State Bank and FBR do not manage retail fuel price notifications. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2003697/govt-cuts-petrol-diesel-prices-by-rs22, 29 May 2026]
#13645
Consider the following statements about the EU-Pakistan diplomatic engagement in 2026: 1. The 8th round of the EU-Pakistan Strategic Dialogue was co-chaired by Ishaq Dar and Kaja Kallas. 2. The Prime Minister invited the Presidents of the European Council and the European Commission to visit Pakistan. 3. The EU High Representative described Pakistan as a minor regional power with limited strategic influence. 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 official proceedings and invitations extended by the Prime Minister. Statement 3 is incorrect because Kaja Kallas explicitly referred to Pakistan as a 'major regional power' and an 'important partner'. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2004340/pm-reaffirms-eu-ties-thanks-kallas-for-support-for-gulf-peace-efforts, 01 Jun 2026]
#13646
Consider the following statements about the fuel pricing policy in Pakistan as of July 2026: 1. The government has transitioned from weekly to daily fuel price revisions. 2. High-speed diesel is primarily utilized in the heavy transport sector and power plants. 3. The All Pakistan Dealers Association has fully supported the new daily pricing mechanism. 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 government's policy shift and the usage profile of diesel. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Dealers Association rejected the daily pricing decision and threatened protests. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016247/govt-increases-petrol-price-by-rs544-diesel-by-rs3105-per-litre-for-next-three-days, 17 Jul 2026]
#13647
Which of the following statements regarding the May 2026 fuel price reduction is INCORRECT?
(a) The price of petrol was reduced by Rs22 per litre.
(b) The price of kerosene remained unchanged at its previous level.
(c) The price of high-speed diesel was reduced by Rs22 per litre.
(d) The Prime Minister's Office announced the relief measures.
Explanation: The statement that kerosene prices remained unchanged is incorrect, as the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority explicitly reduced the price of kerosene from Rs313.44 to Rs272. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2003697/govt-cuts-petrol-diesel-prices-by-rs22, 29 May 2026]
#13648
The government aims to generate how many new jobs in the fiscal year 2026-27?
(a) 1.1 million
(b) 2.0 million
(c) 1.5 million
(d) 2.5 million
Explanation: The macroeconomic framework targets the creation of two million new jobs in FY2026-27. This is expected to be achieved through increased public and private investment. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2004391/4pc-growth-target-set-for-fy2026-27-as-macroeconomic-framework-sent-to-economic-council-for-approval, 01 Jun 2026]
#13649
Consider the following statements regarding the diplomatic status of the conflict as of March 25, 2026: 1. Iran has officially accepted the 15-point US peace plan. 2. The White House claims that negotiations with Iran are currently productive. 3. Iran maintains that no negotiations will occur until its five conditions are met. 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 Iran rejected the US proposal. Statements 2 and 3 are correct as they reflect the conflicting official positions of the White House and the Iranian government respectively. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1985253/iran-rejects-us-proposal-lays-out-5-conditions-for-ending-war, 25 Mar 2026]
#13650
Which of the following sectors was specifically highlighted for enhanced collaboration between Pakistan and China during the July 2026 meeting?
(a) Textile manufacturing
(b) Artificial intelligence
(c) Agricultural exports
(d) None of these
Explanation: The joint statement emphasized advancing high-quality development under CPEC 2.0, specifically mentioning collaboration in trade, investment, science and technology, the digital economy, and artificial intelligence. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016159/china-and-pakistan-call-on-us-iran-to-resume-talks-cease-hostilities, 17 Jul 2026]
#13651
Which of the following is NOT a sector-specific growth target mentioned for FY2026-27?
(a) Information and communication growth of 9.5%
(b) Large-scale manufacturing growth of 4.5%
(c) Services sector growth of 4.2%
(d) Agriculture sector growth of 3.8%
Explanation: The target for the information and communication sector is 7.7%, not 9.5%. The other options correctly reflect the targets for agriculture, manufacturing, and services. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2004391/4pc-growth-target-set-for-fy2026-27-as-macroeconomic-framework-sent-to-economic-council-for-approval, 01 Jun 2026]
#13652
Which of the following is NOT a component of the reported 15-point peace proposal discussed on March 25, 2026?
(a) A one-month ceasefire between the involved parties
(b) The lifting of economic sanctions against Iran
(c) The surrender of Iran's enriched uranium stockpiles
(d) The immediate and unconditional annexation of disputed maritime territories
Explanation: The peace proposal focuses on nuclear non-proliferation, a ceasefire, and the lifting of sanctions. Annexation of territory is not part of the reported diplomatic framework. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1985150/us-reportedly-sends-peace-plan-as-iran-opens-strait-of-hormuz-to-non-hostile-oil-vessels, 25 Mar 2026]
#13653
Consider the following statements regarding the diplomatic developments reported on March 25, 2026: 1. The United States has proposed a one-month ceasefire to facilitate negotiations. 2. Iran has agreed to allow safe passage for all vessels, including those from hostile nations, through the Strait of Hormuz. 3. The proposed deal includes provisions for Iran to receive assistance in developing civil nuclear energy. 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 a one-month ceasefire is part of the proposal. Statement 2 is incorrect because Iran specifically limited safe passage to 'non-hostile' vessels. Statement 3 is correct as the proposal includes assistance for the Bushehr civil nuclear site. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1985150/us-reportedly-sends-peace-plan-as-iran-opens-strait-of-hormuz-to-non-hostile-oil-vessels, 25 Mar 2026]
#13654
Which of the following is NOT a key area of cooperation mentioned in the 2026 EU-Pakistan Strategic Dialogue?
(a) Climate change
(b) Connectivity
(c) Sustainable development
(d) Space exploration
Explanation: The dialogue focused on trade, investment, climate change, security, migration, sustainable development, and connectivity. Space exploration was not identified as a primary pillar of the strategic engagement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2004340/pm-reaffirms-eu-ties-thanks-kallas-for-support-for-gulf-peace-efforts, 01 Jun 2026]
#13655
Which body is responsible for the final approval of the macroeconomic framework for FY2026-27?
(a) Annual Plan Coordination Committee
(b) National Economic Council
(c) Planning Commission
(d) None of these
Explanation: The National Economic Council (NEC) is the country's highest economic policy-making body and is responsible for the final approval of the framework. The APCC is the committee that prepares and clears the framework before it reaches the NEC. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2004391/4pc-growth-target-set-for-fy2026-27-as-macroeconomic-framework-sent-to-economic-council-for-approval, 01 Jun 2026]
#13656
Consider the following statements about the fuel supply challenges in July 2026: 1. The NCMC was established as a civil-military body to monitor energy supplies. 2. Rising import premiums for petrol were influenced by renewed US-Iran hostilities. 3. The government has successfully eliminated all pending price differential claims for oil marketing companies. 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 report. Statement 3 is incorrect because the report explicitly mentions that over Rs 66 billion in price differential claims remain pending, which continues to hinder the operations of smaller oil marketing companies. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2015959/oil-industry-prompts-government-to-discourage-hoarding-as-petrol-stocks-decline-to-14-day-cover, 16 Jul 2026]
#13657
Consider the following statements about the macroeconomic framework for FY2026-27: 1. The framework projects that private investment will rise to 10.3% of GDP. 2. The services sector is targeted to grow at a rate of 4.2%. 3. Public investment is expected to increase significantly to 5% of GDP. 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 correct as per the framework. Statement 3 is incorrect because public investment is targeted to remain at 3% of GDP, not 5%. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2004391/4pc-growth-target-set-for-fy2026-27-as-macroeconomic-framework-sent-to-economic-council-for-approval, 01 Jun 2026]
#13658
On March 25, 2026, Iran announced that it would allow 'non-hostile' vessels to pass through which strategic maritime chokepoint?
(a) Strait of Malacca
(b) Strait of Hormuz
(c) Suez Canal
(d) Bab-el-Mandeb Strait
Explanation: The Strait of Hormuz is the gateway for approximately one-fifth of the world's oil. Iran's decision to allow safe passage for non-hostile vessels is a significant de-escalation measure. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1985150/us-reportedly-sends-peace-plan-as-iran-opens-strait-of-hormuz-to-non-hostile-oil-vessels, 25 Mar 2026]
#13659
The temporary US waiver issued in March 2026 was intended to facilitate the sale of which specific commodity to India?
(a) Natural gas
(b) Refined petroleum products
(c) Russian oil stranded at sea
(d) None of these
Explanation: The US waiver was specifically designed to allow Russian oil that was stranded at sea to be sold to India. This was a temporary measure in response to the broader energy market disruptions. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979646/new-delhi-continues-importing-russian-oil, 08 Mar 2026]
#13660
What is the name of the peace agreement signed between the United States and Iran in 2026?
(a) Geneva Accord
(b) Burgenstock Treaty
(c) Islamabad Peace Deal
(d) Hormuz Security Pact
Explanation: The agreement that ended the hostilities between the United States and Iran in 2026 is officially referred to as the Islamabad Peace Deal. While Geneva was mentioned as a potential site for subsequent talks, it is not the name of the primary agreement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2009269/pm-shehbaz-saudi-crown-prince-discuss-iran-us-talks-stress-peace-process-must-not-be-undermined, 19 Jun 2026]