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.
#14041
Consider the following statements regarding the developments in Pakistan's economic and legislative landscape on August 8, 2026:
(a) Only 1 and 2 are correct
(b) Only 2 and 3 are correct
(c) Only 1 and 3 are correct
(d) All statements are correct
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect as the BoP President advocated for a 'Welfare GDP' framework to address developmental economics, not specific agricultural cooperation with New Zealand. Statement 2 accurately reflects the KP Assembly's legislative action. Statement 3 accurately describes the economic indicators reported regarding inflation. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2021370/bank-of-punjab-chief-seeks-welfare-gdp]
#14042
Consider the following statements regarding Pakistan's governance and foreign policy developments as reported in August 2026: 1. The Economic Coordination Committee approved financial assistance for the Pakistan Television Corporation. 2. The Islamabad High Court upheld an order requiring the disclosure of cricketers' salaries and perks. 3. The government has proposed the unbundling of two major gas utilities into five distinct entities.
(a) Only 1 and 2 are correct
(b) Only 1 and 3 are correct
(c) Only 2 and 3 are correct
(d) All statements are correct
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct (ECC approved 13bn for PTV). Statement 2 is incorrect, as the Islamabad High Court actually suspended the order regarding the disclosure of cricketers' salaries. Statement 3 is correct regarding the restructuring of SNGPL and SSGCL into five entities. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2020697/economic-coordination-committee-approves-rs13bn-lifeline-for-struggling-ptv]
#14043
Select the correct chronological sequence of official government or judicial actions taken as reported on August 5, 2026:
(a) 1. ECC lifeline to PTV; 2. LHC disposal of rally petition; 3. CJP announcement of women centers; 4. PM strategy on DISCOs
(b) 1. LHC disposal of rally petition; 2. CJP announcement of women centers; 3. ECC lifeline to PTV; 4. PM strategy on DISCOs
(c) 1. CJP announcement of women centers; 2. ECC lifeline to PTV; 3. PM strategy on DISCOs; 4. LHC disposal of rally petition
(d) 1. PM strategy on DISCOs; 2. ECC lifeline to PTV; 3. LHC disposal of rally petition; 4. CJP announcement of women centers
Explanation: These administrative and judicial actions were reported on the same day; however, internal reporting sequences for public interest notifications often follow institutional hierarchy and time-stamping of orders provided by respective departments. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2020762/lhc-disposes-of-pti-petition-for-rally-at-minar-i-pakistan-after-dc-refuses-permission]
#14044
Which represents the correct order of institutional initiatives reported on August 5, 2026?
(a) 1. AI Lab inauguration; 2. Academic/Agri partnership; 3. Batting coach appointment; 4. Warning to cricketers
(b) 1. Batting coach appointment; 2. Warning to cricketers; 3. AI Lab inauguration; 4. Academic/Agri partnership
(c) 1. Academic/Agri partnership; 2. AI Lab inauguration; 3. Warning to cricketers; 4. Batting coach appointment
(d) 1. Warning to cricketers; 2. Batting coach appointment; 3. Academic/Agri partnership; 4. AI Lab inauguration
Explanation: The order reflects the administrative progression of educational and sporting institutional developments: the inauguration of the AI lab (SSUET), the agricultural partnership (Sindh/Ruhuna universities), the appointment of the national batting coach (Michael Smith), and the regulatory warning issued by the PCB regarding unsanctioned leagues. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40433354/nehal-inaugurates-ai-lab-at-ssuet]
#14045
As of the report date in 2026, what was the total value of Pakistan's foreign reserves, including central bank gold holdings?
(a) $6.7 billion
(b) $16.4 billion
(c) $25.3 billion
(d) $30.1 billion
Explanation: $25.3 billion is the figure reported for foreign reserves as of the end of the month preceding the July 2026 announcement. $6.7 billion was the multi-year low recorded in December 2022. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017530/sampp-global-ratings-upgrades-pakistans-sovereign-credit-rating-to-b, 22 Jul 2026]
#14046
Consider the following statements about Pakistan's economic indicators as of July 2026: 1. The IMF's Extended Fund Facility (EFF) programme was critical in restoring macroeconomic stability. 2. Pakistan's short-term credit rating was downgraded to 'B-' following the long-term rating upgrade. 3. The government's external principal payments over the next 12 months are estimated at $16.4 billion. 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 EFF was vital for stability. Statement 3 is correct regarding the $16.4 billion payment obligation. Statement 2 is incorrect because the short-term rating remained steady at 'B', not downgraded. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017530/sampp-global-ratings-upgrades-pakistans-sovereign-credit-rating-to-b, 22 Jul 2026]
#14047
The government has set the GDP growth target for the fiscal year 2026-27 at:
(a) 3.6 percent
(b) 4.0 percent
(c) 8.2 percent
(d) None of these
Explanation: The government has officially targeted a GDP growth rate of 4 percent for the fiscal year 2026-27. While 3.6 percent is the fiscal deficit target and 8.2 percent is the inflation projection, 4 percent is the specific growth target. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2007283/govt-unveils-rs188tr-budget-for-fy2026-27-gdp-growth-targeted-at-4pc, 12 Jun 2026]
#14048
Consider the following statements about the petroleum fiscal policy in Pakistan as of June 2026: 1. The government charges a climate support levy on petroleum products. 2. Petrol and high-speed diesel are the primary revenue earners among petroleum products. 3. The government revises petroleum prices on a monthly basis. 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 the government levies climate support charges and relies on petrol and HSD for revenue. Statement 3 is incorrect because the government currently revises these prices on a weekly basis, not monthly. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2007376/govt-slashes-petrol-price-by-rs4-diesel-by-rs2, 12 Jun 2026]
#14049
What is the total budgetary outlay for the fiscal year 2026-27 as presented by the Finance Minister?
(a) Rs15.2 trillion
(b) Rs12.9 trillion
(c) Rs18.8 trillion
(d) Rs20.5 trillion
Explanation: The federal budget for FY2026-27 was announced with a total outlay of Rs18.8 trillion. This figure represents the government's primary fiscal plan for the upcoming year. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2007283/govt-unveils-rs188tr-budget-for-fy2026-27-gdp-growth-targeted-at-4pc, 12 Jun 2026]
#14050
Consider the following statements about the 2026-27 federal budget: 1. The budget includes a flagship $1 billion initiative for the National Artificial Intelligence Ecosystem Development Programme. 2. The Final Tax Regime for IT and freelance exporters has been extended until FY30. 3. The federal government has allocated Rs8,045 billion specifically for markup payments. 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 based on the budget speech. The AI initiative is a $1 billion flagship project, the IT tax regime extension is set for three years until FY30, and the markup payment allocation is confirmed at Rs8,045 billion. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2007283/govt-unveils-rs188tr-budget-for-fy2026-27-gdp-growth-targeted-at-4pc, 12 Jun 2026]
#14051
Which of the following statements regarding the 2026-27 budget is INCORRECT?
(a) The average inflation is projected at 8.2 percent.
(b) The government has proposed a 15 percent increase in the salaries and pensions of government employees.
(c) Taxes on sanitary pads and contraceptives have been completely withdrawn.
(d) The fiscal deficit is targeted to be contained at 3.6 percent of GDP.
Explanation: The budget proposed a 7 percent raise in salaries and pensions for government employees, not 15 percent. The other statements accurately reflect the fiscal projections and policy changes announced in the budget. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2007283/govt-unveils-rs188tr-budget-for-fy2026-27-gdp-growth-targeted-at-4pc, 12 Jun 2026]
#14052
What is the targeted GDP growth rate for Pakistan in the fiscal year 2026-27?
(a) 3.5 percent
(b) 5.0 percent
(c) 4.5 percent
(d) 4.0 percent
Explanation: The government has set a GDP growth target of 4 percent for the fiscal year 2026-27 as part of its economic stabilization and growth strategy. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2007374/finmin-aurangzeb-says-govt-committed-to-reducing-tax-burden-by-widening-tax-net, 12 Jun 2026]
#14053
Consider the following statements about the recent petroleum sector developments: 1. The government has committed to submitting a summary regarding dealers' margins to the federal cabinet. 2. The APPPOA demanded that fuel prices be fixed on a monthly basis permanently. 3. The government has utilized approximately Rs100 billion to mitigate the impact of rising fuel prices since February 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 the minister confirmed a summary would be submitted. Statement 3 is correct regarding the fiscal support provided. Statement 2 is incorrect because the association was negotiating the transition from the new daily system, not demanding a permanent monthly fix as a primary condition. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017561/petrol-pump-owners-defer-strike-call-after-talks-with-petroleum-minister, 22 Jul 2026]
#14054
Who currently serves as the Petroleum Minister of Pakistan as of July 2026?
(a) Nadeem Aziz Khan
(b) Ali Pervaiz Malik
(c) Khaleeq Kiani
(d) None of these
Explanation: Ali Pervaiz Malik is the Petroleum Minister who led the negotiations with the APPPOA. Nadeem Aziz Khan is the Information Secretary of the association, and Khaleeq Kiani is a journalist. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017561/petrol-pump-owners-defer-strike-call-after-talks-with-petroleum-minister, 22 Jul 2026]
#14055
Consider the following statements about the current situation in the Strait of Hormuz: 1. The conflict involving the United States and Israel began in February 2026. 2. A ceasefire has been in effect in the region since April 2026. 3. The PGSA is the only body authorized to manage the strait, with no involvement from the Revolutionary Guards. 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 regarding the timeline of the conflict and the ceasefire. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Revolutionary Guards' navy actively shared and supported the announcement of the PGSA, indicating their involvement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2001272/iran-officially-announces-new-body-to-manage-strait-of-hormuz-top-security-council, 18 May 2026]
#14056
What is the total size of the federal budget unveiled for the fiscal year 2026-27?
(a) Rs 15.5 trillion
(b) Rs 18.8 trillion
(c) Rs 20.2 trillion
(d) None of these
Explanation: The federal budget for the fiscal year 2026-27 was announced at Rs 18.8 trillion. This figure represents the government's primary fiscal planning document for the upcoming year. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2007374/finmin-aurangzeb-says-govt-committed-to-reducing-tax-burden-by-widening-tax-net, 12 Jun 2026]
#14057
Arrange the following reported events in the correct chronological sequence based on their occurrence or the focus of the reporting on August 9, 2026:
(a) 1, 2, 3, 4
(b) 4, 3, 2, 1
(c) 2, 4, 1, 3
(d) 3, 1, 4, 2
Explanation: All events occurred on August 9, 2026. The logical sequence for reporting the impact of internal disruption (strike) leads to the clarification of defense policy (DPM Dar), followed by international economic indicators (China CPI), and finally, external geopolitical expansion (Egypt's interest). [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2021626/goods-oil-transporters-strike-threatens-industry-exports]
#14058
Which of the following statements regarding the status of the Strait of Hormuz as of May 18, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) Shipping traffic has returned to pre-war status following the April ceasefire.
(b) Iran has implemented a system to charge ships for traversing the strait.
(c) The PGSA provides real-time updates on operations within the strait.
(d) Iran has sent formal regulations to ships passing through the waterway.
Explanation: Iran has explicitly stated that maritime traffic would not return to its pre-war status, making the incorrect statement. The other options accurately reflect the current operational changes implemented by Iran. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2001272/iran-officially-announces-new-body-to-manage-strait-of-hormuz-top-security-council, 18 May 2026]
#14059
What is the name of the new body established by Iran to manage the Strait of Hormuz as of May 18, 2026?
(a) Persian Gulf Strait Authority
(b) Hormuz Maritime Command
(c) Strait Sovereignty Council
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Persian Gulf Strait Authority (PGSA) was announced by Iran's Supreme National Security Council to provide real-time updates and manage traffic. The other options are plausible-sounding distractors but do not represent the official entity. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2001272/iran-officially-announces-new-body-to-manage-strait-of-hormuz-top-security-council, 18 May 2026]
#14060
Consider the following statements regarding the diplomatic engagements of May 27, 2026: 1. The Prime Minister discussed the potential for a US-Iran peace deal to unlock economic potential. 2. The Malaysian Prime Minister described Pakistan's role in the Gulf ceasefire as remarkable. 3. The Kuwaiti leadership expressed reservations regarding Pakistan's mediation efforts. 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 diplomatic exchanges. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Kuwaiti leadership was reported to be fully supportive of Pakistan's mediation efforts, not reserved. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2003497/us-iran-peace-deal-could-benefit-entire-region-pm-tells-pezeshkian-in-eid-call, 27 May 2026]