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.
#18301
Consider the following statements about the AJK election campaign activities: 1. The election process is scheduled to begin on July 27, 2026. 2. Nawaz Sharif promised to increase the AJK budget by 10 times compared to his previous tenure. 3. The PML-N leadership stated that the governance model being applied in Punjab should be replicated in AJK. 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 campaign launch event. The election start date, the budget increase pledge, and the replication of the Punjab governance model were all highlighted by the party leadership. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017265/pml-n-supremo-nawaz-kicks-off-partys-election-campaign-in-ajk, 21 Jul 2026]
#18302
Which region of the United States was primarily affected by the air quality alerts resulting from the Canadian wildfires in July 2026?
(a) The Northeast
(b) The American Southwest
(c) The Pacific Northwest
(d) The Gulf Coast
Explanation: The smoke from the Canadian wildfires drifted into the northeastern United States, triggering unhealthy air quality alerts in that specific region. The other regions listed were not the primary focus of the reported environmental impact. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017162/trump-seeks-damages-from-canada-over-wildfires, 21 Jul 2026]
#18303
Which of the following is NOT a topic discussed during the high-level security consultations in Islamabad on July 21, 2026?
(a) Effective border management
(b) Regional and bilateral security
(c) Nuclear energy cooperation
(d) De-escalation of regional tensions
Explanation: The official reports confirm discussions on border management, regional security, and de-escalation efforts. Nuclear energy cooperation was not mentioned as part of the security consultations between the two interior ministries. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017273/iranian-interior-minister-meets-pm-shehbaz-cdf-munir-in-islamabad, 21 Jul 2026]
#18304
Which of the following statements regarding the May 13, 2026, operation in Barkhan is INCORRECT?
(a) The operation was conducted in the Nosham area.
(b) A major-ranked officer was among those martyred.
(c) The operation was carried out solely by the local police force.
(d) Seven terrorists were killed during the exchange of fire.
Explanation: The operation was a joint effort by the Pakistan Army and the Frontier Corps, not the local police. The other statements accurately reflect the details provided by the ISPR. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1999982/major-among-five-soldiers-martyred-during-operation-in-balochistans-barkhan-ispr, 13 May 2026]
#18305
According to the Prime Minister's address on March 27, 2026, what is the total financial burden the federal government has borne over a three-week period to subsidize fuel prices?
(a) Rs 56 billion
(b) Rs 100 billion
(c) Rs 150 billion
(d) Rs 125 billion
Explanation: The government reported a cumulative fiscal burden of Rs 125 billion over three weeks to maintain current fuel prices. Rs 56 billion refers specifically to the burden borne during the week of the announcement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1985954/pm-shehbaz-again-rejects-increase-in-petrol-diesel-prices, 27 Mar 2026]
#18306
Match List I (Event/Entity) with List II (Context/Detail): 1. March 6, 2026 — a. Date of strike postponement announcement 2. March 13, 2026 — b. Date of initial strike announcement 3. March 25, 2026 — c. Date of price hike announcement 4. 800cc — d. Vehicle engine capacity threshold
(a) 1-c, 2-b, 3-a, 4-d
(b) 1-b, 2-c, 3-a, 4-d
(c) 1-c, 2-a, 3-b, 4-d
(d) 1-d, 2-b, 3-a, 4-c
Explanation: The price hike occurred on March 6, the strike was announced on March 13, the postponement was announced on March 25, and 800cc is the engine capacity threshold for the proposed quota system. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1985299/petroleum-dealers-postpone-strike-in-light-of-middle-east-conflict, 25 Mar 2026]
#18307
Consider the following statements about the 2026 USCIRF findings regarding India: 1. The commission alleges that India has engaged in transnational repression targeting religious minorities abroad. 2. The report claims that violence against religious minorities in India has become increasingly episodic rather than normalized. 3. Proposed amendments to the FCRA could allow the Indian government to take over assets of NGOs that lose their foreign funding licenses. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) All three
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct regarding transnational repression. Statement 2 is incorrect because the report states that violence is becoming 'less episodic' and 'more normalized.' Statement 3 is correct regarding the potential impact of FCRA amendments. [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]
#18308
Which of the following statements regarding the fuel price adjustments in April 2026 is INCORRECT?
(a) The government reduced the price of diesel by Rs32.12 per litre.
(b) The government announced a reduction in the price of petrol by Rs55 per litre on April 17, 2026.
(c) The Prime Minister's Office issued the statement regarding the diesel price reduction.
(d) High-speed diesel is used for large generators.
Explanation: The statement regarding a Rs55 reduction in petrol on April 17, 2026, is incorrect. The government only announced a reduction in diesel prices on that date, and the Rs55 figure refers to a previous price hike event. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1992656/govt-slashes-diesel-price-by-rs32, 17 Apr 2026]
#18309
Which of the following statements regarding the diplomatic meeting on April 18, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The Indian foreign secretary conveyed deep concern regarding the firing on merchant ships.
(b) The Iranian envoy agreed to convey India's views to the authorities in Iran.
(c) India recalled that Iran had previously facilitated the safe passage of ships bound for India.
(d) The meeting resulted in an immediate and permanent reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.
Explanation: The report does not state that the meeting resulted in a permanent reopening of the strait; rather, it notes that the Iranian envoy undertook to convey India's views to his government. Options A, B, and D are factually accurate descriptions of the diplomatic exchange. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1992990/new-delhi-summons-iranian-envoy-after-indian-flagged-tankers-shot-at-near-strait-of-hormuz, 18 Apr 2026]
#18310
Which of the following individuals did NOT attend the meeting chaired by the Prime Minister on July 16, 2026?
(a) Ahsan Iqbal
(b) Muhammad Aurangzeb
(c) Bilal Azhar Kayani
(d) None of these
Explanation: All three individuals listed (Ahsan Iqbal, Muhammad Aurangzeb, and Bilal Azhar Kayani) were explicitly mentioned as attendees of the meeting. Therefore, 'None of these' is the correct answer as there is no false option provided. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2015941/pm-shehbaz-warns-renewed-us-iran-conflict-could-hit-economy-again, 16 Jul 2026]
#18311
According to the 2026 ceasefire terms, which entity is recognized as having exclusive responsibility for Lebanon's sovereignty and national defense?
(a) Hezbollah
(b) United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon
(c) Lebanese security forces
(d) None of these
Explanation: The US State Department statement explicitly identifies the Lebanese security forces as the sole body responsible for national defense and sovereignty. This clause is intended to prevent non-state actors like Hezbollah from conducting independent military operations. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1992354/10-day-ceasefire-between-israel-lebanon-takes-effect, 16 Apr 2026]
#18312
What is the maturity period of the inaugural Panda bond issued by Pakistan on May 14, 2026?
(a) One year
(b) Three years
(c) Five years
(d) Ten years
Explanation: The inaugural Panda bond is a fixed-rate instrument with a three-year maturity. This duration is a standard feature for initial sovereign entries into the Chinese onshore market. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2000249/pakistan-raises-250m-equivalent-in-inaugural-panda-bond-issuance, 14 May 2026]
#18313
Consider the following statements regarding the government's fiscal policy announced on March 27, 2026: 1. The government reduced the development budget by Rs 100 billion to accommodate fuel subsidies. 2. The current market price of petrol in Pakistan is higher than the international market rate. 3. The Prime Minister urged citizens to adopt austerity measures in their daily travel habits.
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) All three
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct regarding the budget cut. Statement 2 is incorrect because the government is subsidizing the price, meaning the domestic price is significantly lower than the international market rate. Statement 3 is correct as the Prime Minister explicitly requested citizens to reconsider travel necessity. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1985954/pm-shehbaz-again-rejects-increase-in-petrol-diesel-prices, 27 Mar 2026]
#18314
What is the total allocation for the health sector in the Sindh budget for 2026-27?
(a) Rs402 billion
(b) Rs302 billion
(c) Rs502 billion
(d) Rs602 billion
Explanation: The health sector received an allocation of Rs402 billion to improve medical services. The other options are incorrect numerical values that do not match the official budgetary data. [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]
#18315
How much has been allocated for law and order in the Punjab budget for the fiscal year 2026-27?
(a) Rs152 billion
(b) Rs202 billion
(c) Rs252 billion
(d) Rs302 billion
Explanation: The government allocated Rs252 billion for law and order, which includes funding for police stations in riverine areas and crime scene units. Other options represent incorrect budgetary allocations. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2008300/punjab-finance-minister-presents-people-friendly-budget-in-assembly, 16 Jun 2026]
#18316
Consider the following statements about the 2026 Israel-Lebanon ceasefire: 1. The conflict between the two nations escalated significantly on March 2, 2026. 2. The ceasefire agreement includes provisions to prevent non-state armed groups from conducting hostile activities. 3. This ceasefire marks the first time in 34 years that representatives from Israel and Lebanon have met in Washington, D.C. for such talks. 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 correct based on the provided information. The conflict escalation date, the security provisions regarding non-state actors, and the historical context of the Washington meetings are all verified details of the 2026 diplomatic event. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1992354/10-day-ceasefire-between-israel-lebanon-takes-effect, 16 Apr 2026]
#18317
Consider the following statements about Kylian Mbappe's World Cup career: 1. He scored four goals in the 2018 World Cup. 2. He scored eight goals in the 2022 World Cup. 3. He has participated in three World Cup campaigns as of 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: All three statements are factually accurate. Mbappe scored 4 goals in 2018, 8 goals in 2022, and the 2026 tournament marked his third World Cup campaign. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016719/frances-mbappe-becomes-world-cups-all-time-top-scorer, 19 Jul 2026]
#18318
What is the total volume of the Punjab provincial budget for the fiscal year 2026-27?
(a) Rs5.9 trillion
(b) Rs4.9 trillion
(c) Rs6.9 trillion
(d) Rs7.9 trillion
Explanation: The provincial government officially proposed a budget of Rs5.9 trillion for the upcoming fiscal year. Other figures are incorrect distractors representing different potential fiscal scales. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2008300/punjab-finance-minister-presents-people-friendly-budget-in-assembly, 16 Jun 2026]
#18319
Consider the following statements about the consultative meeting held on March 27, 2026: 1. The meeting aimed to transition from untargeted subsidies to a digital, app-based quota system. 2. Provincial governments were requested to share the additional costs of higher international petroleum prices. 3. The Petroleum Division reported that the current fuel supply situation in the country is unstable. 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 policy shift toward targeted subsidies and the federal request for provincial cost-sharing. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Petroleum Division reported that the supply situation remained stable and adequate. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1985900/centre-provinces-agree-on-rolling-out-app-based-fuel-quota-system-for-motorcycles-rickshaws, 27 Mar 2026]
#18320
What is the newly announced minimum wage for workers in Sindh as per the 2026-27 budget?
(a) Rs35,000
(b) Rs43,000
(c) Rs38,000
(d) Rs48,000
Explanation: The provincial government increased the minimum wage to Rs43,000 to provide relief to the workforce. The other figures are incorrect as they do not align with the specific policy decision announced in the budget speech. [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]