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.
#16521
What was the primary geopolitical factor influencing global oil price volatility on July 21, 2026?
(a) US-Iran diplomatic mediation efforts
(b) OPEC production quota adjustments
(c) Global supply chain disruptions in Asia
(d) Changes in US Federal Reserve interest rates
Explanation: Market volatility was driven by reports of mediation efforts between the US and Iran, contrasted against ongoing hostilities and threats of naval blockades in the Gulf. While other factors can influence oil, the specific context of this session was the US-Iran diplomatic situation. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017214/psx-gains-2000-points-during-intraday-trade-as-oil-eases-amid-us-iran-mediation-efforts, 21 Jul 2026]
#16522
Consider the following statements regarding the economic outlook as of June 2026: 1. The primary balance surplus for FY26 was estimated at 2.5 percent of GDP. 2. The MPC is targeting a primary balance surplus of 2 percent of GDP for FY27. 3. Headline inflation remained in single digits throughout April and May 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 fiscal consolidation targets and estimates provided by the MPC. Statement 3 is incorrect because headline inflation rose to double digits in April and May 2026, not single digits. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2008043/central-bank-keeps-policy-rate-unchanged-at-115pc, 15 Jun 2026]
#16523
What was the average daily borrowing by the government from banks during the fiscal year 2026?
(a) Rs5.9 trillion
(b) Rs500 billion
(c) Rs16.4 billion
(d) Rs8 trillion
Explanation: The government's daily borrowing through banks averaged Rs16.4 billion in FY26. The Rs500 billion figure represents the average monthly borrowing. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017153/govt-borrows-rs59tr-from-banks-in-fy26, 21 Jul 2026]
#16524
Which of the following statements regarding the Supreme Court hearing on July 21, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The court adjourned the hearing because the IHC had already scheduled the case for July 24, 2026.
(b) The court granted an immediate suspension of the sentences for both petitioners.
(c) The bench observed that it cannot regulate the proceedings of the high court.
(d) The court ruled that lawyers could file a petition for an early hearing if an emergency arises.
Explanation: The Supreme Court did not grant a suspension of the sentences; instead, it adjourned the hearing to avoid interfering with the high court's scheduled proceedings. Options A, B, and D are accurate reflections of the court's observations and rulings. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017251/sc-adjourns-hearing-on-imaan-hadis-plea-against-ihc-decision-on-sentence-suspension, 21 Jul 2026]
#16525
Which brokerage house provided analysis regarding the profit-taking observed during the July 21, 2026, trading session?
(a) AKD Securities
(b) Arif Habib Limited
(c) JS Global Capital
(d) Topline Securities Ltd
Explanation: Topline Securities Ltd provided the market commentary noting that the early rally was short-lived due to broad-based profit-taking. While AKD Securities also provided research, the specific observation regarding profit-taking at elevated levels was attributed to Topline. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017214/kse-100-makes-marginal-gains-as-global-energy-uncertainty-weighs-on-early-rally, 21 Jul 2026]
#16526
Who presented the Punjab provincial budget for the fiscal year 2026-27 in the provincial assembly?
(a) Maryam Nawaz Sharif
(b) Mian Mujtabaur Rehman
(c) Ishaq Dar
(d) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari
Explanation: Mian Mujtabaur Rehman is the Finance Minister of Punjab who presented the budget. Maryam Nawaz Sharif is the Chief Minister who presided over the cabinet meeting that approved the budget. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2008300/punjab-finance-minister-presents-people-friendly-budget-in-assembly, 16 Jun 2026]
#16527
Who among the following accompanied Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif during his meeting with the Turkish Foreign Minister in 2026?
(a) Ishaq Dar
(b) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari
(c) Khawaja Asif
(d) None of these
Explanation: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar was present during the meeting between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan. The other options are incorrect as they were not mentioned as part of this specific delegation. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1992240/pm-shehbaz-arrives-in-turkiye-on-third-leg-of-tri-nation-tour-holds-meeting-with-fm-fidan, 16 Apr 2026]
#16528
Which sector faced specific selling pressure on July 21, 2026, due to speculation regarding policy delays?
(a) Textile sector
(b) Cement sector
(c) Refinery sector
(d) Banking sector
Explanation: Topline Securities reported that refinery stocks experienced selling pressure due to market speculation that the long-awaited refinery policy might face further delays. Other sectors like cement and textiles were noted for their potential to post strong earnings rather than facing policy-related selling pressure. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017214/psx-gains-2000-points-during-intraday-trade-as-oil-eases-amid-us-iran-mediation-efforts, 21 Jul 2026]
#16529
Which of the following statements regarding the fiscal situation in 2026 is INCORRECT?
(a) The government borrowed more in FY26 than it did in FY25.
(b) Debt servicing is projected to consume 50 percent of the total budget outlay in FY27.
(c) The government's borrowing from banks averaged Rs500 billion per month in FY26.
(d) The government allocated more funds to the PSDP than to debt servicing for FY27.
Explanation: The statement that the government allocated more to the PSDP than to debt servicing is incorrect, as debt servicing (Rs8 trillion) significantly exceeds the PSDP allocation (Rs1 trillion). [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017153/govt-borrows-rs59tr-from-banks-in-fy26, 21 Jul 2026]
#16530
Consider the following statements about the diplomatic visit on 2026-07-21: 1. The Iranian Interior Minister expressed appreciation for Pakistan's role in regional mediation. 2. The discussions focused exclusively on trade and economic cooperation. 3. Pakistan reiterated its commitment to regional peace and stability in the Gulf region. 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 2 is incorrect because the discussions were primarily focused on regional security, border management, and diplomatic mediation, rather than exclusively on trade. Statements 1 and 3 are factually accurate based on the official reports of the visit. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017273/iranian-interior-minister-meets-pm-shehbaz-in-islamabad, 21 Jul 2026]
#16531
What was the closing value of the KSE-100 index on July 21, 2026?
(a) 176,133.56 points
(b) 178,370.45 points
(c) 177,000.00 points
(d) None of these
Explanation: The KSE-100 index closed at 176,133.56 points on July 21, 2026. The value 178,370.45 represents the intraday high reached earlier in the same session. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017214/psx-gains-2000-points-during-intraday-trade-as-oil-eases-amid-us-iran-mediation-efforts, 21 Jul 2026]
#16532
Brent crude futures rose by 1.8 percent to reach which price per barrel on July 21, 2026?
(a) 90.84 dollars
(b) 83.96 dollars
(c) 84.60 dollars
(d) 92.84 dollars
Explanation: Brent crude futures rose by $1.62, or 1.8 percent, to reach $90.84 per barrel. The other figures represent different oil contract prices mentioned in the market data. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017214/psx-gains-1200-points-during-intraday-trade-as-oil-eases-amid-us-iran-mediation-efforts, 21 Jul 2026]
#16533
The flash floods in Nuristan on July 21, 2026, were primarily caused by which environmental phenomenon?
(a) Tectonic plate shifting
(b) Heavy rainfall and subsequent mudslides
(c) Glacial lake outburst floods
(d) None of these
Explanation: The disaster was triggered by heavy rainfall leading to flash floods and mudslides that brought boulders into the town. While residents compared the sound to an earthquake, it was a hydrological event, not a tectonic one. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017247/afghans-search-for-dozens-missing-some-with-bare-hands-after-devastating-flood-in-nuristan-province, 21 Jul 2026]
#16534
What is the total value of the assistance package announced by Canada for Pakistan on July 21, 2026?
(a) Over $37 million
(b) Over $47 million
(c) Over $57 million
(d) None of these
Explanation: Canada announced a total assistance package exceeding $47 million during the visit of Foreign Minister Anita Anand to Islamabad. This amount is divided into development and security cooperation initiatives. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017175/canada-announces-over-47m-in-assistance, 21 Jul 2026]
#16535
Consider the following statements about the KSE-100 market session on July 21, 2026: 1. The market reached an intraday high of over 178,000 points. 2. Oil and gas exploration companies are expected to post stronger-than-usual results. 3. The market closed lower than its opening value. 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 high was 178,370.45. Statement 2 is correct as analysts cited optimism for oil and gas exploration earnings. Statement 3 is incorrect because the market closed with a gain of 205.83 points, meaning it closed higher than the previous session's close, and the prompt does not state it closed lower than the opening value. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017214/psx-gains-2000-points-during-intraday-trade-as-oil-eases-amid-us-iran-mediation-efforts, 21 Jul 2026]
#16536
Consider the following statements about the fiscal data released in 2026: 1. The government's borrowing from banks in FY26 was higher than in FY25. 2. Debt servicing costs are expected to consume half of the total budget outlay in FY27. 3. The corporate sector's investment in government papers is negligible compared to bank investments. 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 borrowing rose from Rs5.4 trillion to Rs5.9 trillion. Statement 2 is correct regarding the 50 percent budget consumption. Statement 3 is incorrect because the corporate sector accounts for a significant 25 percent of investment in government papers. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017153/govt-borrows-rs59tr-from-banks-in-fy26, 21 Jul 2026]
#16537
What is the total volume of the Sindh provincial budget presented for the fiscal year 2026-27?
(a) Rs2.56 trillion
(b) Rs4.56 trillion
(c) Rs3.56 trillion
(d) Rs5.56 trillion
Explanation: The Sindh Chief Minister presented a budget of Rs3.56 trillion for the upcoming fiscal year. Other options represent incorrect figures that deviate from the official budgetary announcement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2008557/sindh-cm-murad-ali-shah-presents-rs356tr-budget-with-no-new-taxes-7pc-pay-raise, 17 Jun 2026]
#16538
Which organization is responsible for recommending that the US State Department designate India as a 'country of particular concern' in 2026?
(a) Human Rights Watch Executive Board
(b) United Nations Human Rights Council
(c) Amnesty International Global Secretariat
(d) United States Commission on International Religious Freedom
Explanation: The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) is the federal government entity tasked with monitoring religious freedom abroad and providing policy recommendations. Other organizations listed are international NGOs or UN bodies, not US federal commissions. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1998729/us-religious-freedom-commission-calls-for-india-to-be-listed-as-country-of-particular-concern, 08 May 2026]
#16539
Consider the following statements about the Sindh budget for 2026-27: 1. The budget includes the imposition of new taxes to cover the deficit. 2. The allocation for the law and order sector is Rs222 billion. 3. The budget for people with disabilities is fully protected from expenditure rationalization. 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 budget was presented without imposing any new taxes. Statements 2 and 3 are factually accurate as per the budget speech regarding sector allocations and protected expenditures. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2008557/sindh-cm-murad-ali-shah-presents-rs356tr-budget-with-no-new-taxes-7pc-pay-raise, 17 Jun 2026]
#16540
Which of the following statements regarding the status of the Strait of Hormuz as of April 17, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The Strait is open for all commercial vessels for the duration of the ceasefire.
(b) The reopening followed a ceasefire agreement reached in Lebanon.
(c) Iran has agreed to never again use the closure of the Strait as a weapon against the world.
(d) The United States has completely lifted its naval blockade on all ships entering the region.
Explanation: The statement that the US has completely lifted its naval blockade is incorrect; the US explicitly stated that the naval blockade remains in full force and effect specifically for ships sailing to Iranian ports. The other statements accurately reflect the conditions reported on April 17, 2026. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1992627/iran-says-strait-of-hormuz-open-for-commercial-vessels-after-lebanon-deal, 17 Apr 2026]