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.
#16541
What was the specific amount of the proposed increase in the price of high-speed diesel (HSD) that the Prime Minister rejected on March 27, 2026?
(a) Rs 177 per litre
(b) Rs 203 per litre
(c) Rs 95 per litre
(d) Rs 76 per litre
Explanation: The Prime Minister announced the rejection of a Rs 203 per litre increase for HSD on March 27, 2026. The figure of Rs 177 was a previous recommendation rejected a week prior. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1985954/pm-shehbaz-again-rejects-increase-in-petrol-diesel-prices, 27 Mar 2026]
#16542
According to State Bank of Pakistan data, what was the total amount borrowed by the government from banks in the fiscal year 2026?
(a) Rs5.4 trillion
(b) Rs5.9 trillion
(c) Rs8.0 trillion
(d) None of these
Explanation: The government borrowed Rs5.9 trillion from banks in FY26. The figure Rs5.4 trillion represents the borrowing amount from the previous fiscal year, FY25. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017153/govt-borrows-rs59tr-from-banks-in-fy26, 21 Jul 2026]
#16543
On July 21, 2026, which organization deployed volunteers to provide emergency food, water, and tents to flood-affected residents in Nuristan?
(a) Afghan Red Crescent Society
(b) World Food Programme
(c) International Rescue Committee
(d) Doctors Without Borders
Explanation: The Afghan Red Crescent Society confirmed the deployment of dozens of volunteers to assist with immediate humanitarian needs. Other organizations like the WFP or IRC were not cited as the primary responders on the ground in this specific report. [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]
#16544
Consider the following statements about the diplomatic situation in April 2026: 1. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif visited Riyadh, Doha, and Istanbul as part of Pakistan's diplomatic outreach. 2. President Trump claimed that Iran had agreed to abandon its nuclear weapons program. 3. The US-Iran ceasefire was set to expire in early 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: Statement 1 is correct as the Prime Minister conducted a tour of these cities. Statement 2 is correct as Trump claimed Iran agreed to give up its nuclear program. Statement 3 is incorrect because the ceasefire was set to expire 'next week' from April 16, 2026, not in May. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1992383/trump-says-if-iran-deal-is-reached-and-signed-in-islamabad-i-might-go-there, 16 Apr 2026]
#16545
Match List I (Economic Indicator/Metric) with List II (Status/Value as of May 2026 report): 1. Total disbursements under two arrangements — a. 16 billion dollars 2. Foreign exchange reserves (Dec 2025) — b. 1.32 billion dollars 3. Latest IMF financing approval — c. 4.8 billion dollars 4. Foreign exchange reserves (June 2025) — d. 14.5 billion dollars
(a) 1-c, 2-a, 3-b, 4-d
(b) 1-b, 2-a, 3-c, 4-d
(c) 1-c, 2-d, 3-b, 4-a
(d) 1-a, 2-c, 3-b, 4-d
Explanation: The total disbursements under the EFF and RSF reached $4.8 billion, while the latest approval was $1.32 billion. Reserves grew from $14.5 billion in June 2025 to $16 billion in December 2025. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1998725/imfs-executive-board-approves-12-billion-financing-for-pakistans-reform-programme, 08 May 2026]
#16546
Who led the Iranian delegation during the diplomatic talks held in Islamabad on April 11, 2026?
(a) Ishaq Dar
(b) Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf
(c) Ayaz Sadiq
(d) Mohsin Naqvi
Explanation: Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, the Speaker of the Iranian Parliament, headed the Iranian delegation. Ishaq Dar and Ayaz Sadiq are Pakistani officials who facilitated the talks. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1990743/stepping-stone-toward-durable-peace-pm-shehbaz-meets-us-vp-vance-as-islamabad-talks-commence, 11 Apr 2026]
#16547
Which Pakistani official led a delegation to Tehran in April 2026 as part of the mediation efforts between the US and Iran?
(a) The Foreign Minister
(b) The Chief of Army Staff
(c) The President of Pakistan
(d) None of these
Explanation: Field Marshal Asim Munir, the Chief of Army Staff, led the delegation to Tehran to facilitate the ongoing diplomatic mediation. The other options are incorrect as they do not reflect the specific leadership role mentioned in the diplomatic mission. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1992383/trump-says-if-iran-deal-is-reached-and-signed-in-islamabad-i-might-go-there, 16 Apr 2026]
#16548
On April 17, 2026, which Iranian official announced that the Strait of Hormuz was open for commercial vessels?
(a) Abbas Araqchi
(b) Masoud Pezeshkian
(c) Mohammad Bagheri
(d) None of these
Explanation: Abbas Araqchi, the Iranian Foreign Minister, made the official announcement regarding the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz on April 17, 2026. The other individuals listed are not the Foreign Minister who issued this specific statement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1992627/iran-says-strait-of-hormuz-open-for-commercial-vessels-after-lebanon-deal, 17 Apr 2026]
#16549
Which sector specifically faced selling pressure on July 21, 2026, due to speculation regarding policy delays?
(a) Refinery stocks
(b) Textile manufacturing
(c) Cement production
(d) None of these
Explanation: Refinery stocks experienced significant selling pressure because of market speculation that the long-awaited refinery policy might face further delays. Other sectors like cement and textiles were actually expected to post strong earnings results. [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]
#16550
Consider the following statements about the astronomical forecast for Eidul Fitr 2026: 1. The Pakistan Meteorological Department predicted that Ramazan would likely last 30 days. 2. The new moon of Shawwal 1447 AH was expected to be born on March 19, 2026. 3. Suparco confirmed that the sighting of the crescent was guaranteed on March 19, 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 factually correct based on the provided data. Statement 3 is incorrect because Suparco explicitly stated that the chances of sighting the crescent on March 19 were low, not guaranteed. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980975/eidul-fitr-likely-to-fall-on-march-21-suparco, 11 Mar 2026]
#16551
Consider the following statements about the geopolitical situation in April 2026: 1. The US-Israeli conflict with Iran commenced in February 2026. 2. The United States prohibited Israel from further bombing in Lebanon. 3. The International Monetary Fund warned that a prolonged conflict could lead to a global recession. 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 accurate based on the provided information. The conflict began on February 28, 2026, the US issued a prohibition on further Israeli bombing in Lebanon, and the IMF issued warnings regarding the impact of the conflict on global economic growth. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1992627/iran-says-strait-of-hormuz-open-for-commercial-vessels-after-lebanon-deal, 17 Apr 2026]
#16552
Consider the following statements about the market performance on July 21, 2026: 1. The KSE-100 index opened in the green before experiencing a sharp dip after 12pm. 2. Global oil prices initially fell due to reports of mediation efforts between the US and Iran. 3. The market closed in the red after failing to recover from the midday selling pressure.
(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. Statement 3 is incorrect because the index actually closed in the green with a gain of 205.83 points, despite the midday volatility. [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]
#16553
Consider the following statements about the market conditions on July 21, 2026: 1. Brent crude futures rose by 1.8 per cent to $90.84 a barrel. 2. The US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude contract for September delivery rose by 1.8 per cent. 3. Investor sentiment was bolstered by optimism regarding the ongoing earnings season for oil and gas exploration companies. Which of the statements given above 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 accurate based on the market data reported for the session. Brent crude rose to $90.84, the September WTI contract rose by 1.8 per cent, and analysts specifically cited earnings optimism in the oil and gas sector as a supporting factor for investor sentiment. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017214/kse-100-makes-marginal-gains-as-global-energy-uncertainty-weighs-on-early-rally, 21 Jul 2026]
#16554
The government-mandated austerity drive, as extended by the Prime Minister, is scheduled to remain in effect until which date in 2026?
(a) May 31, 2026
(b) June 30, 2026
(c) June 13, 2026
(d) July 13, 2026
Explanation: The Cabinet Division notification explicitly states that the additional austerity measures are extended until June 13, 2026. Other options represent adjacent months or dates that do not align with the official notification period. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1999437/pm-extends-austerity-drive-till-june-13-to-deal-with-impact-of-middle-east-war, 11 May 2026]
#16555
What was the estimated age of the new moon at the time of sunset on March 19, 2026, according to Suparco?
(a) 12 hours and 41 minutes
(b) 10 hours and 20 minutes
(c) 14 hours and 15 minutes
(d) 16 hours and 30 minutes
Explanation: Suparco's technical assessment determined the age of the moon to be approximately 12 hours and 41 minutes at sunset on March 19, 2026. This age was considered insufficient for reliable sighting under standard conditions. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980975/eidul-fitr-likely-to-fall-on-march-21-suparco, 11 Mar 2026]
#16556
Which sector faced significant selling pressure on the PSX on July 21, 2026, due to policy uncertainty?
(a) Cement production
(b) Textile manufacturing
(c) Refinery stocks
(d) Oil and gas exploration
Explanation: Refinery stocks were specifically noted for bearing the brunt of selling pressure due to market speculation regarding potential delays in the implementation of the refinery policy. Other sectors like cement and textiles were actually highlighted as areas where investors expected strong earnings results. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017214/kse-100-makes-marginal-gains-as-global-energy-uncertainty-weighs-on-early-rally, 21 Jul 2026]
#16557
Which of the following statements regarding the May 10, 2026, attack in Bannu is INCORRECT?
(a) The attack involved a vehicle laden with explosives.
(b) The rescue operation was concluded by Rescue 1122 on Sunday morning.
(c) The police post remained largely intact despite the intensity of the blast.
(d) Terrorists opened heavy fire following the initial explosion.
Explanation: The statement that the police post remained intact is false; reports confirm the post was completely destroyed by the powerful blast. The other statements accurately reflect the events of the attack. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1999132/15-police-personnel-martyred-in-bannu-suicide-attack, 10 May 2026]
#16558
On May 8, 2026, the IMF Executive Board approved a financing package for Pakistan totaling:
(a) 1.10 billion dollars
(b) 1.32 billion dollars
(c) 4.80 billion dollars
(d) 16.0 billion dollars
Explanation: The IMF approved $1.32 billion in financing during the May 2026 review. While $4.8 billion represents the total cumulative disbursements under the current arrangements, $1.32 billion is the specific amount approved in this tranche. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1998725/imfs-executive-board-approves-12-billion-financing-for-pakistans-reform-programme, 08 May 2026]
#16559
Which of the following statements regarding the 2026 Shawwal moon sighting is INCORRECT?
(a) The new moon was expected to be born on March 19, 2026.
(b) Suparco predicted the chances of sighting the crescent on March 19 were low.
(c) The Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee is not required to consider witness testimonies.
(d) The estimated interval between sunset and moonset was 28 minutes.
Explanation: The statement that the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee is not required to consider witness testimonies is false. The committee is explicitly mandated to make decisions based on credible witness testimonies and verified observations. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980975/eidul-fitr-likely-to-fall-on-march-21-suparco, 11 Mar 2026]
#16560
What was the primary geopolitical factor contributing to the rise in global oil prices on July 21, 2026?
(a) Sanctions on Russian energy exports
(b) Threats of a naval blockade by Yemen's Houthis
(c) OPEC production quota adjustments
(d) Disruption in the Suez Canal transit
Explanation: The rise in oil prices was attributed to continued hostilities in the Gulf and specific threats of a naval blockade of Saudi Arabia by Yemen's Houthi forces. This geopolitical instability directly impacted global energy market sentiment. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017214/kse-100-makes-marginal-gains-as-global-energy-uncertainty-weighs-on-early-rally, 21 Jul 2026]