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.
#1461
Which of the following statements regarding the July 2026 US-Iran conflict is INCORRECT?
(a) The United States paused its strikes after nearly two weeks of consecutive nightly bombardments.
(b) Iran offered to broker talks between the Houthi rebels and Riyadh.
(c) The conflict has remained strictly confined to the Strait of Hormuz and has not expanded to other regional fronts.
(d) US President Donald Trump threatened a much higher level of strikes against Iran.
Explanation: The conflict has expanded beyond the Strait of Hormuz to include attacks on US bases, regional shipping, and Houthi-led operations in Yemen. Therefore, the statement that it remained strictly confined is false. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018487/us-holds-fire-against-iran-as-reports-of-concerns-over-of-dwindling-munitions-emerge, 26 Jul 2026]
#1462
Which regional group claimed to have downed a Saudi drone over the northwest of Yemen in July 2026?
(a) Houthi rebels
(b) Hezbollah
(c) Al-Qaeda
(d) Islamic State
Explanation: Houthi rebels reported downing a Saudi drone over Yemen and claimed responsibility for attacks on Saudi Aramco facilities in Jizan and Yanbu. The other groups listed are not involved in this specific operational theater. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018487/us-holds-fire-against-iran-as-reports-of-concerns-over-dwindling-munitions-emerge, 26 Jul 2026]
#1463
Consider the following statements about the conflict as of July 26, 2026: 1. The conflict has lasted for nearly five months. 2. Iran has officially declared that it will permanently dismantle its missile program. 3. The US military had prepared a plan for a 14th night of strikes before opting for a pause. 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 conflict is nearing its fifth month. Statement 3 is correct as the Pentagon had presented a plan for a 14th night of strikes. Statement 2 is incorrect because Iran has only halted retaliatory attacks, not dismantled its missile program. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018487/iran-says-middle-east-attacks-halted-after-us-holds-fire-amid-reported-concerns-over-dwindling-munitions, 26 Jul 2026]
#1464
Who is the official spokesperson for the Iranian army who announced the halt of retaliatory operations on July 26, 2026?
(a) Abbas Araghchi
(b) Mohammad Akraminia
(c) Dan Caine
(d) None of these
Explanation: Mohammad Akraminia is the identified army spokesperson who confirmed that Iran ceased its retaliatory operations following the US pause. Abbas Araghchi is the Foreign Minister, and Dan Caine is a US general. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018487/iran-says-middle-east-attacks-halted-after-us-holds-fire-amid-reported-concerns-over-dwindling-munitions, 26 Jul 2026]
#1465
Which of the following statements regarding the regional response to the March 2026 security situation is INCORRECT?
(a) Kuwait arrested three individuals for mocking the situation in the country via video.
(b) Qatar permitted the circulation of all social media footage to ensure transparency during the conflict.
(c) Saudi Arabia issued official warnings regarding the sharing of sensitive images and unreliable information.
(d) The UAE attorney general warned against documenting incident sites or damage caused by projectiles.
Explanation: Statement D is incorrect because Qatar actively arrested individuals for sharing footage and misleading information, rather than permitting it. The other three statements accurately reflect the actions taken by the respective Gulf nations. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980165/qatar-arrests-313-people-for-sharing-footage-misleading-information-amid-attacks-by-iran, 09 Mar 2026]
#1466
What is the percentage reduction in fuel allotted for official vehicles as announced by the Sindh government in March 2026?
(a) 20 percent
(b) 30 percent
(c) 50 percent
(d) 60 percent
Explanation: The provincial government mandated a 50 percent reduction in fuel allocations for official vehicles to save approximately Rs960 million. This is distinct from the 20 percent reduction applied to other non-essential expenditures like stationery. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980528/sindh-schools-to-close-from-march-16-31-friday-to-be-wfh-for-govt-offices-as-part-of-austerity-measures, 10 Mar 2026]
#1467
According to the Sindh government's 2026 austerity measures, schools in the province will observe spring vacation during which period?
(a) March 1 to March 15
(b) March 16 to March 31
(c) April 1 to April 15
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Sindh government announced that schools will remain closed for spring vacation from March 16 to March 31, 2026. This is part of a broader set of austerity measures aimed at reducing provincial expenditures. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980528/sindh-schools-to-close-from-march-16-31-friday-to-be-wfh-for-govt-offices-as-part-of-austerity-measures, 10 Mar 2026]
#1468
Which policy was introduced for government offices on Fridays as part of the 2026 austerity measures?
(a) Complete closure of all offices
(b) Mandatory attendance at government buildings
(c) Half-day operations for all departments
(d) Work from home for government officials
Explanation: The government clarified that offices will not stop functioning on Fridays; instead, officials are required to work from home. This measure is intended to maintain administrative continuity while reducing operational costs. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980528/sindh-schools-to-close-from-march-16-31-friday-to-be-wfh-for-govt-offices-as-part-of-austerity-measures, 10 Mar 2026]
#1469
Which of the following is NOT a component of the austerity measures announced by the Sindh government in March 2026?
(a) Immediate privatization of all provincial government departments
(b) Ban on holding Iftar parties on government expenditure
(c) Reduction of fuel for official vehicles by 50 percent
(d) Restriction of official foreign travel to Economy Class
Explanation: The government did not announce the privatization of departments; rather, it focused on cutting operational costs such as travel, fuel, and event expenses. The other three options are verified components of the announced austerity package. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980528/sindh-schools-to-close-from-march-16-31-friday-to-be-wfh-for-govt-offices-as-part-of-austerity-measures, 10 Mar 2026]
#1470
Which specific department within the Qatari interior ministry was responsible for the arrests made on March 9, 2026?
(a) Department for Combating Economic and Cyber Crimes
(b) Directorate of National Intelligence and Security
(c) Bureau of Public Order and Strategic Communication
(d) None of these
Explanation: The arrests were conducted by the Department for Combating Economic and Cyber Crimes, which operates under the General Directorate of Criminal Investigations. The other options are incorrect organizational titles. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980165/qatar-arrests-313-people-for-sharing-footage-misleading-information-amid-attacks-by-iran, 09 Mar 2026]
#1471
Consider the following statements about the austerity measures announced by the Sindh government in March 2026: 1. Colleges and universities are directed to switch to online classes during the vacation period. 2. The government has imposed a complete ban on the purchase of all new vehicles, including ambulances. 3. Security protocols are being withdrawn from individuals who were utilizing them unnecessarily, such as former caretaker ministers. 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 higher education institutions are moving to online classes. Statement 3 is correct regarding the withdrawal of unnecessary security. Statement 2 is incorrect because the ban on new vehicles includes an exception for necessary items such as ambulances and law and order vehicles. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980528/sindh-schools-to-close-from-march-16-31-friday-to-be-wfh-for-govt-offices-as-part-of-austerity-measures, 10 Mar 2026]
#1472
What was the name of the Pakistani fisherman who lost his life in the incident on March 9, 2026?
(a) Muhammad Tayyab
(b) Naqibullah Kakar
(c) Attaur Rehman
(d) None of these
Explanation: Muhammad Tayyab was the fisherman from Gannz, Gwadar, who was killed by debris. Naqibullah Kakar and Attaur Rehman are the officials who confirmed the details of the incident. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40410710/iran-waters-gwadar-fisherman-killed-by-debris-from-israeli-projectile, 09 Mar 2026]
#1473
Consider the following statements about the incident involving the Gwadar fisherman: 1. The incident took place on March 7, 2026. 2. The projectile was identified by officials as being of Israeli origin. 3. The victim's body was transported back to his native town via sea. 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 the incident occurred on Saturday, March 7, 2026, but the report was published on March 9, 2026. Statements 2 and 3 are factually correct as per the official confirmation provided by the Gwadar Deputy Commissioner. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40410710/iran-waters-gwadar-fisherman-killed-by-debris-from-israeli-projectile, 09 Mar 2026]
#1474
On March 13, 2026, which technology was primarily utilized by Pakistani security forces to neutralize the two drones near Rawalpindi?
(a) Surface-to-air missiles
(b) Electronic countermeasures
(c) Anti-aircraft artillery
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Ministry of Information confirmed that the drones were brought down using electronic countermeasures. This technology is specifically designed to disrupt the control signals of unmanned aerial vehicles without requiring kinetic interception. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981736/2-rudimentary-drones-intercepted-brought-down-at-different-locations-adjacent-to-pindi-security-sources, 13 Mar 2026]
#1475
On which date in 2026 did the UAE defence ministry initially report the death of a person due to falling debris in Abu Dhabi?
(a) March 01
(b) February 28
(c) March 05
(d) March 08
Explanation: The conflict and the initial interception incidents in Abu Dhabi began on February 28, 2026. March 8 is the date of the report regarding the second fatality in Dubai. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979732/second-pakistani-killed-in-uae-due-to-falling-debris-from-aerial-interception-amid-ongoing-iran-us-israel-war, 08 Mar 2026]
#1476
Which of the following statements regarding the drone incident on March 13, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The incident resulted in significant damage to military infrastructure at Faizabad.
(b) The drones were successfully brought down by security forces.
(c) The airspace was temporarily closed as a precautionary measure.
(d) Electronic countermeasures were employed to neutralize the threat.
Explanation: The Ministry of Information explicitly stated that no military or other infrastructure was hit, dismissing claims of damage or casualties as propaganda. Therefore, the statement claiming significant damage is incorrect. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981736/2-rudimentary-drones-intercepted-brought-down-at-different-locations-adjacent-to-pindi-security-sources, 13 Mar 2026]
#1477
Which authority issued a clarification regarding the status of flight operations at Islamabad International Airport on March 13, 2026?
(a) Civil Aviation Authority
(b) Pakistan Airports Authority
(c) Ministry of Defence
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) issued statements to clarify that flight operations were continuing without interruption, countering rumors of an airport closure. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981736/2-rudimentary-drones-intercepted-brought-down-at-different-locations-adjacent-to-pindi-security-sources, 13 Mar 2026]
#1478
Consider the following statements about the drone interception incident on March 13, 2026: 1. The drones were identified as rudimentary in nature. 2. The Afghan defence ministry claimed that a military center was targeted at Faizabad. 3. The Pakistan Airports Authority confirmed that flight operations were suspended for 24 hours due to the security threat. 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 accurate based on the reports. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Pakistan Airports Authority explicitly denied that flight operations were closed, stating they continued without interruption. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981736/2-rudimentary-drones-intercepted-brought-down-at-different-locations-adjacent-to-pindi-security-sources, 13 Mar 2026]
#1479
Which of the following individuals is reported to be among the activists detained by Israeli forces during the May 2026 flotilla interception?
(a) Saad Edhi
(b) Abdul Sattar Edhi
(c) Faisal Edhi
(d) None of these
Explanation: Saad Edhi, the son of Faisal Edhi and grandson of Abdul Sattar Edhi, was reported to be among the detained activists. The other two names are his father and grandfather, respectively. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2001815/monstrous-disgraceful-and-inhumane-israeli-minister-sparks-outcry-over-video-of-bound-flotilla-activists, 20 May 2026]
#1480
Consider the following statements about the regional security developments in May 2026: 1. The drone attacks on Saudi Arabia involved three drones that were successfully intercepted. 2. The UAE Industry Minister characterized the strike on the Barakah nuclear plant as a terrorist attack. 3. Pakistan's official response emphasized that military escalation is the only viable path to regional stability. 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 three drones were intercepted. Statement 2 is correct as Dr. Sultan Al-Jaber labeled the strike a terrorist attack. Statement 3 is incorrect because Pakistan advocated for dialogue and diplomacy, not military escalation, as the path to stability. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2001312/pakistan-condemns-drone-strike-on-saudi-arabia-expresses-solidarity-with-riyadh, 18 May 2026]