February 2026 Edition

February 2026 Current Affairs MCQs & Solutions

Top national & international current affairs questions for CSS, PMS, FPSC, PPSC, and NTS screening tests.

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#161

Before his appointment as Prime Minister in 2026, what position did Andy Burnham hold?

(a) Mayor of Birmingham
(b) Mayor of London
(c) Mayor of Greater Manchester
(d) Mayor of Liverpool
Explanation: Andy Burnham served as the Mayor of Greater Manchester prior to his elevation to the premiership. He was widely referred to by the nickname 'King of the North' during his tenure in that role. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017007/andy-burnham-becomes-uk-pm-says-britain-needs-to-regain-stability, 20 Jul 2026]
#162

Consider the following statements about the political transition in the United Kingdom on July 20, 2026: 1. Andy Burnham was appointed by King Charles III to form a new government. 2. The transition occurred following the resignation of Keir Starmer. 3. Andy Burnham indicated that his first diplomatic calls would include the leaders of the United States and Ukraine. 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 events of July 20, 2026. Burnham was appointed by the King, succeeded Starmer, and confirmed his intent to contact the US and Ukrainian presidents. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017007/andy-burnham-becomes-uk-pm-says-britain-needs-to-regain-stability, 20 Jul 2026]
#163

Who appointed Andy Burnham as the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom on July 20, 2026?

(a) King William V
(b) King Charles III
(c) King George VII
(d) None of these
Explanation: King Charles III formally appointed Andy Burnham as Prime Minister during an audience at Buckingham Palace. The other options are incorrect as they do not represent the current British monarch. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017007/andy-burnham-becomes-uk-pm-says-britain-needs-to-regain-stability, 20 Jul 2026]
#164

What new role will Tim Cook assume after stepping down as Apple's CEO in September 2026?

(a) Chief Hardware Officer
(b) Chief Technology Officer
(c) Chief Operating Officer
(d) Executive Chairman
Explanation: Upon stepping down from the CEO position, Tim Cook is slated to become the company's executive chairman. This transition allows him to remain involved with the firm while handing over daily operational leadership. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1993605/apple-says-chief-executive-tim-cook-stepping-down-in-september, 20 Apr 2026]
#165

Who was appointed as the new chief hardware officer at Apple in 2026?

(a) Tim Cook
(b) John Ternus
(c) Johny Srouji
(d) Ben Bajarin
Explanation: Johny Srouji, who previously oversaw custom chip and sensor designs, was named the new chief hardware officer. John Ternus was promoted to the CEO position. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1993605/apple-says-chief-executive-tim-cook-stepping-down-in-september, 20 Apr 2026]
#166

Consider the following statements about the 2026 Apple leadership transition: 1. John Ternus has historically focused on hardware engineering and product design. 2. Tim Cook has served as CEO of Apple for fifteen years. 3. The leadership change is intended to help Apple compete more effectively in the age of artificial intelligence. 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 Ternus led hardware engineering. Statement 2 is incorrect because Cook served as CEO from 2011 to 2026, which is 15 years, but the math is often a trap; however, 2011 to 2026 is exactly 15 years, making the statement factually true. Wait, 2026 minus 2011 is 15. Therefore, all three are correct. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1993605/apple-says-chief-executive-tim-cook-stepping-down-in-september, 20 Apr 2026]
#167

Which of the following statements regarding the 2026 Apple leadership transition is INCORRECT?

(a) Tim Cook will retire from the company entirely upon stepping down.
(b) John Ternus joined Apple in 2001.
(c) Tim Cook will step down from the CEO role in September 2026.
(d) Johny Srouji was named chief hardware officer.
Explanation: The statement that Tim Cook will retire entirely is incorrect, as he is transitioning to the role of executive chairman. The other statements accurately reflect the leadership changes announced in 2026. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1993605/apple-says-chief-executive-tim-cook-stepping-down-in-september, 20 Apr 2026]
#168

Who has been appointed to succeed Tim Cook as the Chief Executive Officer of Apple in 2026?

(a) Johny Srouji
(b) John Ternus
(c) Ben Bajarin
(d) None of these
Explanation: John Ternus, a veteran who joined Apple in 2001 and previously led hardware engineering, was named the successor to Tim Cook. Johny Srouji was appointed as the chief hardware officer, not the CEO. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1993605/apple-says-chief-executive-tim-cook-stepping-down-in-september, 20 Apr 2026]
#169

On March 23, 2026, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a telephone conversation with which Iranian leader to discuss regional de-escalation?

(a) Ebrahim Raisi
(b) Masoud Pezeshkian
(c) Ali Khamenei
(d) None of these
Explanation: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif spoke with President Masoud Pezeshkian on March 23, 2026, to address the ongoing hostilities in the Middle East. Ebrahim Raisi is a former president, and Ali Khamenei was the supreme leader who passed away during the conflict. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1984609/in-phone-call-with-pezeshkian-pm-stresses-urgent-need-for-collective-efforts-for-de-escalation-in-mideast, 23 Mar 2026]
#170

Who was appointed as the Governor of Sindh following the removal of Kamran Tessori in March 2026?

(a) Nehal Hashmi
(b) Mustafa Kamal
(c) Farooq Sattar
(d) Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui
Explanation: Nehal Hashmi, a PML-N stalwart, was sworn in as the Governor of Sindh after the removal of the MQM-P nominee Kamran Tessori. The other individuals listed are senior leaders of the MQM-P. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1985186/mqm-p-calls-for-revisiting-proposed-28th-amendment-transforming-feudal-democracy-into-participatory-democracy, 25 Mar 2026]
#171

Nehal Hashmi was appointed as the Governor of Sindh in 2026 as a representative of which political party?

(a) Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP)
(b) Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P)
(c) Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N)
(d) Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)
Explanation: Nehal Hashmi is a member of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N). His appointment was recommended by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who leads the PML-N. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981259/president-zardari-approves-appointment-of-pml-ns-nehal-hashmi-as-sindh-governor, 12 Mar 2026]
#172

Who was appointed as the new Pakistani ambassador to Iran as of July 23, 2026?

(a) Imran Ahmed Siddiqui
(b) Asif Durrani
(c) Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry
(d) None of these
Explanation: Imran Ahmed Siddiqui is the diplomat who presented his credentials to the Iranian President on the specified date. The other names are former diplomats or officials not currently serving in this specific capacity. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017654/iranian-president-pezeshkian-calls-for-strengthening-pak-iran-relations, 23 Jul 2026]
#173

Who has been appointed as the captain of the Pakistan Test cricket team for the series against the West Indies in 2026?

(a) Babar Azam
(b) Shan Masood
(c) Azan Awais
(d) Mohammad Ali
Explanation: Babar Azam returned as the captain of the Pakistan Test team, replacing Shan Masood following a series loss in Bangladesh. Shan Masood was the previous captain, making him a plausible distractor. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018018/brian-lara-stadium-hosts-maiden-test-as-west-indies-face-pakistan, 24 Jul 2026]
#174

Saadia Zahidi was appointed as the Director General of which international organization on July 24, 2026?

(a) World Economic Forum
(b) International Air Transport Association
(c) International Civil Aviation Organization
(d) World Trade Organization
Explanation: Saadia Zahidi was appointed to lead the International Air Transport Association (IATA). While she previously worked at the World Economic Forum, that is not the organization she was appointed to lead as Director General. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017986/pakistan-origin-saadia-zahidi-to-lead-international-air-transport-association, 24 Jul 2026]
#175

Who was appointed as the Commander of the National Strategic Command on July 24, 2026?

(a) General Syed Asim Munir
(b) General Aamer Raza
(c) General Asif Ali Zardari
(d) None of these
Explanation: Lieutenant General Aamer Raza was promoted to the rank of four-star General and appointed as the Commander of the National Strategic Command on July 24, 2026. General Syed Asim Munir serves as the Chief of Defence Forces, making him an incorrect choice for this specific command role. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431618/lt-gen-aamer-raza-promoted-to-general-appointed-as-commander-of-national-strategic-command, 24 Jul 2026]
#176

The former Supreme Leader of Iran, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, passed away in 2026 due to which of the following causes?

(a) Natural causes
(b) Assassination in airstrikes
(c) Health complications
(d) Political resignation
Explanation: Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was martyred in coordinated airstrikes on March 1, 2026. This event necessitated the leadership transition that prompted the diplomatic response from Pakistan. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40410989/pm-shehbaz-president-zardari-congratulate-irans-new-supreme-leader-mojtaba-khamenei, 10 Mar 2026]
#177

Who was appointed as the Commander of the National Strategic Command (NSC) on July 24, 2026?

(a) General Sahir Shamshad Mirza
(b) General Aamer Raza
(c) General Asim Munir
(d) None of these
Explanation: General Aamer Raza was promoted to the rank of four-star general and appointed as the Commander of the National Strategic Command. General Sahir Shamshad Mirza is the incorrect choice as he was the last officer to serve as the Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee before that office was abolished. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431733/lt-gen-aamer-promoted-appointed-as-commander-nsc, 24 Jul 2026]
#178

Consider the following statements about the German national football team's recent history: 1. Germany has won four World Cup titles in its history. 2. Manuel Neuer participated in the 2026 World Cup at the age of 40. 3. Joshua Kimmich has served as the team captain since 2023. 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: Germany has indeed won four World Cups, and Manuel Neuer played in the 2026 World Cup at age 40. However, statement 3 is incorrect because Joshua Kimmich has worn the captain's armband since autumn 2024, not 2023. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018152/jurgen-klopp-handed-task-of-reviving-germanys-football-fortunes, 25 Jul 2026]
#179

Who was appointed as the new Supreme Leader of Iran following the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in 2026?

(a) Mojtaba Khamenei
(b) Ali Larijani
(c) Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf
(d) Yousef Pezeshkian
Explanation: Mojtaba Khamenei was named the new Supreme Leader by the Assembly of Experts following the assassination of his father. Ali Larijani and Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf are mentioned as figures expected to handle government and military affairs, respectively, rather than the supreme leadership. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980913/irans-new-supreme-leader-injured-but-safe-says-presidents-son, 11 Mar 2026]
#180

The initial air strike that resulted in the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei occurred on which date in 2026?

(a) March 11
(b) February 28
(c) March 10
(d) August 12
Explanation: The air strike that killed the former Supreme Leader and his family members took place on February 28, 2026. March 11 is the date of the report regarding the current leader's status. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980913/irans-new-supreme-leader-injured-but-safe-says-presidents-son, 11 Mar 2026]