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.
#17681
Which of the following statements regarding the market conditions on July 27, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The US dollar index edged lower, making dollar-denominated commodities more affordable.
(b) Nickel prices on the London Metal Exchange (LME) recorded a gain on July 27, 2026.
(c) Brent crude prices had previously exceeded $100 per barrel in the week prior to July 27, 2026.
(d) The most-traded copper contract on the Shanghai Futures Exchange rose by 0.27%.
Explanation: On July 27, 2026, nickel prices on the LME actually lost 0.63%, making the statement that they gained incorrect. The other options accurately reflect the market data provided. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431973/copper-gains-on-mideast-de-escalation-oil-price-drop, 27 Jul 2026]
#17682
Which of the following is NOT a concern raised by Pakistan regarding the current international system in the May 2026 UNSC debate?
(a) The expansion of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization
(b) Weaponization of water treaties
(c) The need for comprehensive UNSC reform
(d) Selective application of international law
Explanation: Pakistan's address focused on the selective application of law, the sanctity of water treaties (specifically the Indus Waters Treaty), and the necessity of UNSC reform. NATO expansion was not a topic addressed by the Foreign Minister in this specific speech. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2003210/pakistan-stresses-need-for-restraint-de-escalation-in-iran-us-conflict, 26 May 2026]
#17683
Which Indian diplomat represented his country during the UNSC debate on Afghanistan on March 10, 2026?
(a) Parvathaneni Harish
(b) Ruchira Kamboj
(c) Syed Akbaruddin
(d) T.S. Tirumurti
Explanation: Parvathaneni Harish served as the Indian Permanent Representative who articulated India's concerns regarding cross-border violence during the session. The other options represent former Indian diplomats at the UN. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980464/pakistan-india-exchange-sharp-words-at-un-security-council-over-afghanistan, 10 Mar 2026]
#17684
What is the total amount of subsidies approved by the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) for export promotion schemes on July 28, 2026?
(a) Rs155 billion
(b) Rs455 billion
(c) Rs355 billion
(d) Rs255 billion
Explanation: The ECC approved Rs255 billion in subsidies to boost exports through three distinct incentive schemes. This funding is intended to address the stagnation of annual exports at the $30 billion mark. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018926/ecc-okays-rs255bn-for-export-boosting-schemes, 28 Jul 2026]
#17685
Which company was identified as the heaviest mover during the market decline on March 9, 2026?
(a) K-Electric Limited
(b) First National Equities Limited
(c) The Bank of Punjab
(d) Engro Corporation
Explanation: K-Electric Limited was the heaviest mover during the session, tumbling 7.81 percent on a trading volume of over 127 million shares. The Bank of Punjab and First National Equities Limited also saw significant drops but had lower trading volumes. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980057/bloodbath-at-psx-as-kse-100-slides-over-11000-points, 09 Mar 2026]
#17686
On March 10, 2026, what was the primary reason cited for the rise in gold prices?
(a) A strengthening of the US dollar
(b) A weaker US dollar and easing energy costs
(c) An increase in global interest rates
(d) None of these
Explanation: Gold prices rose due to a weaker US dollar and expectations of lower inflation following a potential de-escalation in Middle East tensions, which caused oil prices to drop. A stronger dollar (Option A) typically makes gold more expensive for foreign buyers, leading to a price decline. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980485/gold-gains-on-weaker-dollar-easing-inflation-concerns, 10 Mar 2026]
#17687
Which specific agency in Bahrain was responsible for the arrest of the six individuals on March 10, 2026?
(a) National Intelligence Agency
(b) Border Control Authority
(c) Public Security Force
(d) Anti-Cyber Crime Directorate
Explanation: The Bahraini interior ministry confirmed that the Anti-Cyber Crime Directorate conducted the arrests. This agency is tasked with monitoring digital platforms for content that threatens national security. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980603/bahrain-authorities-arrest-6-asians-including-5-pakistanis-for-allegedly-filming-sharing-videos-of-irans-attacks, 10 Mar 2026]
#17688
Consider the following statements about the 2026 report on gender-based violence: 1. The report is based on data gathered from official police records exclusively. 2. The report highlights that filing an FIR is only the initial step toward achieving justice. 3. The report suggests that resources should be directed toward districts with a disproportionate share of cases. 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 report is based on newspaper accounts, not exclusively on official police records. Statements 2 and 3 are accurate reflections of the report's findings regarding the judicial process and resource allocation. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018677/writing-on-the-wall, 27 Jul 2026]
#17689
Who is the current head of the Senate Standing Committee on Economic Affairs as of March 10, 2026?
(a) Senator Saifullah Abro
(b) Senator Syed Nazir Abbas
(c) Senator Ishaq Dar
(d) None of these
Explanation: Senator Saifullah Abro is the chairman of the Senate Standing Committee on Economic Affairs. Dr. Syed Nazir Abbas is the Secretary General of the Oil Companies Advisory Council (OCAC), not the committee chairman. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980379/senate-panel-to-expose-fuel-price-hike-beneficiaries, 10 Mar 2026]
#17690
Consider the following statements about the market reaction on July 27, 2026: 1. Indian government bonds experienced a surge in yields due to rising oil prices. 2. The 10-year US Treasury yield eased to 4.64%. 3. Market participants assigned a 66% probability of a status quo in the upcoming Federal Reserve interest rate decision. 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 Indian bond yields fell (rebounded) as oil prices decreased, not increased. Statements 2 and 3 are factually accurate according to the market data provided for the specified date. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431972/indian-bonds-rebound-as-easing-middle-east-tensions-drag-oil-lower, 27 Jul 2026]
#17691
Which of the following is NOT a component of the judicial austerity measures implemented in 2026?
(a) Implementation of a four-day work week
(b) Reduction in the monthly POL ceiling for judicial officers
(c) Restriction on additional protocol or security vehicles
(d) Complete suspension of all court proceedings on Fridays
Explanation: While the courts observe a four-day work week, the policy explicitly states that urgent judicial and administrative functions must continue without disruption on Fridays and Saturdays. Therefore, a complete suspension is incorrect. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980575/courts-join-others-in-adopting-austerity-measures-will-observe-4-day-work-week, 10 Mar 2026]
#17692
Consider the following statements about Pakistan's diplomatic position presented at the UNSC on May 26, 2026: 1. Pakistan advocates for the weaponization of water resources to exert diplomatic pressure. 2. The Foreign Minister emphasized that the crisis of the international system stems from the selective application of principles. 3. Pakistan maintains that there can be no durable peace in the Middle East while occupation and forced displacement continue. 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 Pakistan explicitly stated that water must never be weaponized. Statements 2 and 3 accurately reflect the Foreign Minister's critique of the international order and his stance on the Middle East conflict. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2003210/pakistan-stresses-need-for-restraint-de-escalation-in-iran-us-conflict, 26 May 2026]
#17693
Which military operation was launched by Pakistan against the Afghan Taliban last month, as referenced on March 18, 2026?
(a) Operation Zarb-e-Azb
(b) Operation Radd-ul-Fasaad
(c) Operation Ghazab lil-Haq
(d) None of these
Explanation: Operation Ghazab lil-Haq was identified by the DG ISPR as the ongoing military campaign launched against the Afghan Taliban to counter terrorism. The other options refer to historical operations that are not the subject of this specific 2026 event. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1983447/our-intelligence-was-correct-dg-ispr-says-pakistan-hit-ammunition-storage-site-in-kabul-strike, 18 Mar 2026]
#17694
Who presided over the Economic Coordination Committee meeting held on July 27, 2026, where the export subsidy package was approved?
(a) Finance Minister
(b) Minister for Commerce
(c) Prime Minister
(d) Governor State Bank
Explanation: Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb chaired the ECC meeting that approved the export-boosting schemes. The committee is a key executive body responsible for economic decision-making in Pakistan. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018926/ecc-okays-rs255bn-for-export-boosting-schemes, 28 Jul 2026]
#17695
Who represented Pakistan at the United Nations Security Council session held on March 10, 2026?
(a) Asim Iftikhar Ahmad
(b) Munir Akram
(c) Maleeha Lodhi
(d) None of these
Explanation: Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad is the Permanent Representative of Pakistan who addressed the UNSC session on the specified date. Other names listed are former or different representatives not involved in this specific exchange. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980464/pakistan-india-exchange-sharp-words-at-un-security-council-over-afghanistan, 10 Mar 2026]
#17696
What was the primary target of the Pakistani strike in Kabul as confirmed by the DG ISPR on March 18, 2026?
(a) A regional administrative office
(b) An ammunition storage site
(c) A border communication tower
(d) A civilian transport hub
Explanation: The DG ISPR confirmed that the strike in Kabul specifically targeted an ammunition and drone storage site. The secondary detonations observed in the area were attributed to the explosion of stored missiles and equipment. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1983447/our-intelligence-was-correct-dg-ispr-says-pakistan-hit-ammunition-storage-site-in-kabul-strike, 18 Mar 2026]
#17697
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]
#17698
Which of the following statements regarding the market conditions on March 9, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The KSE-100 index closed at 146,480.14 points.
(b) Gold prices fell by 2 percent amid geopolitical tensions.
(c) The market suspension was triggered by a 10 percent drop in the KSE-100 index.
(d) The government recently increased petrol and diesel prices by Rs55 per litre.
Explanation: The market suspension was triggered by a 5 percent drop in the KSE-30 index, not a 10 percent drop in the KSE-100 index. The other statements accurately reflect the market data and government policy actions reported on that date. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980057/bloodbath-at-psx-as-kse-100-slides-over-11000-points, 09 Mar 2026]
#17699
Which of the following statements regarding the situation in the Middle East as of March 10, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that a mass evacuation is currently required.
(b) Saudi Arabia's air and land borders remain open for travel.
(c) Two Pakistani drivers died in incidents related to missile interceptions in the UAE.
(d) Commercial flights are being utilized to repatriate stranded Pakistanis.
Explanation: The MoFA explicitly stated that there is no situation requiring a mass evacuation of Pakistani nationals. Options B, C, and D are all factually accurate details provided during the committee briefing. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980522/na-body-informed-mass-evacuation-from-middle-east-not-required, 10 Mar 2026]
#17700
What is the primary objective behind the judiciary's decision to adopt a four-day work week in 2026?
(a) To facilitate the digitization of all historical court records
(b) To conserve resources amid potential fuel supply disruptions
(c) To increase the number of judges in the Supreme Court
(d) None of these
Explanation: The judiciary adopted these measures specifically to address the anticipated disruption in petroleum supply and rising global energy costs. Option A is incorrect as digitization is not the primary driver of this specific austerity policy. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980575/courts-join-others-in-adopting-austerity-measures-will-observe-4-day-work-week, 10 Mar 2026]