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.
#1381
On July 27, 2026, what was the primary factor cited for the expected rise in Indian equity markets?
(a) A sharp decline in global oil prices
(b) An unexpected interest rate cut by the Reserve Bank of India
(c) A surge in foreign direct investment inflows
(d) None of these
Explanation: The market recovery was driven by a 4.6% drop in Brent crude prices following a pause in strikes between the United States and Iran. Lower oil prices are beneficial for India as it is a major importer of the commodity. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431956/indian-shares-set-to-open-higher-breaking-losing-run-as-oil-slides, 27 Jul 2026]
#1382
Who is the current chairman of the Federal Reserve as of July 27, 2026?
(a) Donald Trump
(b) Mike Waltz
(c) Mohammad Akraminia
(d) Kevin Warsh
Explanation: Kevin Warsh is identified as the new chairman of the Federal Reserve responsible for the upcoming interest rate decision. Mike Waltz is the US ambassador to the United Nations, and Mohammad Akraminia is an Iranian army spokesman. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40432022/dow-sampp-500-rise-as-oil-prices-tumble, 27 Jul 2026]
#1383
Consider the following statements about the economic outlook for China in late 2026: 1. Analysts expect the upcoming Politburo meeting to unveil a large-scale stimulus package. 2. The People's Bank of China remains comfortable with measured two-way moves in the yuan. 3. Market expectations for significant new easing have been scaled back by some analysts. 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 analysts expect policymakers to focus on implementing existing measures rather than unveiling a large-scale stimulus package. Statements 2 and 3 are correct as they reflect the PBOC's current stance and the prevailing market sentiment regarding policy expectations. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431978/chinas-yuan-rises-to-near-one-week-high-market-focuses-on-politburo-meeting, 27 Jul 2026]
#1384
Following the de-escalation of tensions between the United States and Iran, the Indian rupee reached a high of what duration on July 27, 2026?
(a) One-week high
(b) One-month high
(c) Three-week high
(d) Two-week high
Explanation: The Indian rupee hit a two-week high on July 27, 2026, supported by lower oil prices and restored foreign investor flows. Other durations are incorrect based on the market report. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431999/indian-shares-snap-losing-run-on-oil-slide-earnings-optimism, 27 Jul 2026]
#1385
What was the total volume of gold imported by China via Hong Kong in June 2026?
(a) 50.679 tons
(b) 78.147 tons
(c) 75.440 tons
(d) 65.562 tons
Explanation: Total gold imports via Hong Kong reached 78.147 tons in June 2026. The figure 50.679 tons represents the net imports, while 65.562 tons was the total for the previous month. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40432008/chinas-june-net-gold-imports-via-hong-kong-up-from-year-ago-down-from-may, 27 Jul 2026]
#1386
Which of the following statements regarding the market performance on July 27, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The Pakistani Rupee appreciated against the Euro in the open market.
(b) The US Dollar weakened against major peers like the Yen and the Euro.
(c) The Pakistani Rupee gained marginally against the US Dollar in the inter-bank market.
(d) Brent crude futures experienced a decline in price.
Explanation: In the open market, the Pakistani Rupee actually lost value against the Euro, closing at 319.79 for buying and 322.67 for selling. Therefore, the statement claiming appreciation is false. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431965/pakistani-rupee-registers-gain-against-us-dollar, 27 Jul 2026]
#1387
Consider the following statements about the economic indicators on July 27, 2026: 1. The Pakistani Rupee recorded a gain of Re0.01 against the US Dollar in the inter-bank market. 2. The State Bank of Pakistan increased the policy rate to 12.5%. 3. Brent crude futures fell by approximately 6% during the session. 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 Rupee gained Re0.01. Statement 2 is incorrect because the policy rate was maintained at 11.5%, not increased. Statement 3 is correct as Brent crude fell by about 6% to $90.93. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431965/pakistani-rupee-registers-gain-against-us-dollar, 27 Jul 2026]
#1388
Consider the following statements about China's gold trade in June 2026: 1. Net gold imports via Hong Kong more than doubled compared to the same month in the previous year. 2. Hong Kong has launched a central clearing system for gold to support its regional hub ambitions. 3. Data from Hong Kong provides a complete and exhaustive picture of all Chinese gold purchases. 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 net imports rose from 19.366 tons in June 2025 to 50.679 tons in June 2026. Statement 2 is correct regarding the new clearing system. Statement 3 is incorrect because gold is also imported via Shanghai and Beijing, meaning Hong Kong data is not exhaustive. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40432008/chinas-june-net-gold-imports-via-hong-kong-up-from-year-ago-down-from-may, 27 Jul 2026]
#1389
What was the primary driver for the rise in Gulf equity markets on July 27, 2026?
(a) Record-breaking quarterly earnings across all sectors
(b) Hopes of a diplomatic de-escalation in the U.S.-Iran conflict
(c) A sudden surge in global oil prices above $100 per barrel
(d) None of these
Explanation: The market rally was primarily attributed to investor optimism regarding a potential diplomatic off-ramp in the U.S.-Iran war. Oil prices actually declined to a one-week low, making option C incorrect. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40432018/gulf-stocks-advance-on-iran-de-escalation-hopes-saudi-ends-flat-after-oil-site-attacks, 27 Jul 2026]
#1390
Consider the following statements about the Indian bond market and economic indicators as of July 27, 2026: 1. The 10-year Treasury yield eased to 4.64%. 2. The most liquid five-year swap rate dropped to settle at 6.36%. 3. Analysts at Capital Economics identified strong monsoon rainfall as a primary driver for economic growth. 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 market data provided. Statement 3 is incorrect because analysts identified weak, not strong, monsoon rainfall as a potential inflation risk. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40432016/india-10-year-bond-yield-logs-biggest-plunge-in-2-months-as-oil-rally-falters, 27 Jul 2026]
#1391
Which of the following statements regarding China's gold imports in June 2026 is INCORRECT?
(a) Net gold imports via Hong Kong were higher than in June 2025.
(b) Net gold imports via Hong Kong were lower than in May 2026.
(c) Total gold imports via Hong Kong were lower than in May 2026.
(d) China's central bank increased its gold reserves during the month.
Explanation: Total gold imports via Hong Kong were 78.147 tons in June, which was an increase of 19% compared to the 65.562 tons imported in May. Therefore, stating that total imports were lower is factually incorrect. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40432008/chinas-june-net-gold-imports-via-hong-kong-up-from-year-ago-down-from-may, 27 Jul 2026]
#1392
Which Dubai-based developer saw its shares climb by 2% on July 27, 2026?
(a) Aldar Properties
(b) Emaar Properties
(c) Damac Properties
(d) Nakheel Properties
Explanation: Emaar Properties is the blue-chip developer mentioned as having climbed 2% during the session. Aldar Properties is based in Abu Dhabi, not Dubai. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40432018/gulf-stocks-advance-on-iran-de-escalation-hopes-saudi-ends-flat-after-oil-site-attacks, 27 Jul 2026]
#1393
Consider the following statements about the regional market situation on July 27, 2026: 1. The Pentagon paused its 13-night campaign against Iran, contributing to de-escalation hopes. 2. Saudi Aramco facilities in both Jizan and Yanbu were targeted by attacks. 3. Qatar’s benchmark index declined due to poor financial sector performance. 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 Qatar's index actually rose, supported by strong earnings in the financial sector. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40432018/gulf-stocks-advance-on-iran-de-escalation-hopes-saudi-ends-flat-after-oil-site-attacks, 27 Jul 2026]
#1394
Which factor was primarily responsible for the sharp decline in Indian bond yields on July 27, 2026?
(a) A surge in monsoon rainfall
(b) A sudden increase in the current-account deficit
(c) An immediate hike in Federal Reserve rates
(d) A decline in crude oil prices
Explanation: The decline in bond yields was driven by a sharp drop in crude oil prices following a pause in US-Iran hostilities. Higher oil prices typically increase inflationary pressure and worsen the current-account balance, which would otherwise push yields higher. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40432016/india-10-year-bond-yield-logs-biggest-plunge-in-2-months-as-oil-rally-falters, 27 Jul 2026]
#1395
Which of the following statements regarding the oil market situation on July 27, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) Brent crude futures fell by approximately 6 percent.
(b) US West Texas Intermediate crude fell to as low as 8 percent earlier in the day.
(c) Saudi Arabia's air defences intercepted drones launched from Iraq.
(d) A signed diplomatic framework was established between the US and Iran to guarantee oil flow.
Explanation: Market analysts explicitly stated that there is no signed framework, no verification mechanism, and no agreed timeline for the pause in hostilities. Options A, B, and D are factually accurate descriptions of the events reported on that date. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018729/oil-prices-near-one-week-low-after-us-iran-pause-fighting-over-weekend, 27 Jul 2026]
#1396
On 28 July 2026, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif chaired a meeting of which specific body to discuss energy sector reforms?
(a) Cabinet Committee on Energy
(b) National Economic Council
(c) Executive Committee of the National Economic Council
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Prime Minister chaired the Cabinet Committee on Energy (CCoE) to approve amendments to the oil refining policy and discuss strategic petroleum reserves. The other committees listed are distinct bodies with different mandates. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018968/pm-orders-increase-in-countrys-strategic-petroleum-reserves-changes-to-oil-refining-policy-approved, 28 Jul 2026]
#1397
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]
#1398
According to shipping data from Kpler, oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz during the weekend of July 27, 2026, fell to what percentage of pre-war levels?
(a) 5 percent
(b) 25 percent
(c) 15 percent
(d) 35 percent
Explanation: Shipping data indicated that flows through the Strait of Hormuz dropped to approximately 15 percent of pre-war levels. This reduction reflects the severe impact of regional military tensions on maritime energy transit. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018729/oil-prices-near-one-week-low-after-us-iran-pause-fighting-over-weekend, 27 Jul 2026]
#1399
Consider the following statements about the energy sector reforms discussed on 28 July 2026: 1. The government aims to increase strategic petroleum reserves to mitigate supply shocks. 2. The Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (Ogra) is slated for performance-related reforms. 3. The federal budget for FY24-25 provided full, uninterrupted support for the 2023 refining policy. 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 they reflect the PM's directives. Statement 3 is incorrect because the federal budget for FY24-25 actually nullified many incentives in the 2023 policy, causing refineries to pause their projects. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018968/pm-orders-increase-in-countrys-strategic-petroleum-reserves-changes-to-oil-refining-policy-approved, 28 Jul 2026]
#1400
Consider the following statements about the energy security situation on July 27, 2026: 1. The conflict has caused oil shipments to be diverted away from the Red Sea. 2. Houthi forces targeted supply sites linking eastern Saudi Arabia to the city of Yanbu. 3. The Caspian Pipeline Consortium terminal in the Black Sea remained closed indefinitely as of July 27, 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 correct as they reflect the impact on Red Sea shipping and the specific targets of Houthi attacks. Statement 3 is incorrect because the energy ministry reported that the Caspian Pipeline Consortium terminal had resumed oil loadings. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018729/oil-prices-near-one-week-low-after-us-iran-pause-fighting-over-weekend, 27 Jul 2026]