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.
#18381
What specific event in 2026 was cited by many service members as a 'breaking point' for their decision to seek conscientious objector status?
(a) The deployment of troops to the Gaza border
(b) The bombing of a girls' elementary school in Iran
(c) The collapse of diplomatic talks in Tehran
(d) The withdrawal of forces from regional bases
Explanation: The US bombing of the Minab Shajareh Tayyebeh girls' elementary school in Iran is frequently mentioned by service members as the catalyst for their moral opposition to the conflict. The Pentagon later acknowledged US fault in this strike. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1990665/conscientious-objections-to-war-rise-sharply-in-us, 11 Apr 2026]
#18382
Which of the following statements regarding the fuel price adjustment on April 11, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The price of light diesel oil (LDO) was reduced by Rs25.31 per litre.
(b) The government decided to retain a portion of the global price fall to recoup previous subsidy expenditures.
(c) Tax rates on all fuel products were kept unchanged during this price revision.
(d) The price of kerosene was reduced by Rs17.33 per litre.
Explanation: The Prime Minister explicitly rejected the proposal to retain part of the price fall to recoup subsidy costs, making statement A incorrect. All other statements accurately reflect the details provided in the announcement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1990666/diesel-price-cut-by-rs135-petrol-sees-drop-of-rs12, 11 Apr 2026]
#18383
Which maritime trade route was reported as closed by Iran on April 18, 2026, amid escalating tensions with the United States?
(a) Strait of Hormuz
(b) Suez Canal
(c) Bab-el-Mandeb Strait
(d) Panama Canal
Explanation: Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz, stating it would remain shut until the US ended its blockade of Iranian ports. The other straits are not involved in this specific diplomatic dispute. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1993458/us-delegation-expected-in-islamabad-but-uncertainty-prevails-over-talks-amid-mixed-signals-from-iran, 20 Apr 2026]
#18384
Consider the following statements regarding the diplomatic situation on April 20, 2026: 1. The US leadership confirmed that a delegation was en route to Islamabad. 2. Iranian officials expressed full confidence in the US commitment to the diplomatic process. 3. Security measures in Islamabad included the sealing of the Red Zone. 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 US leadership confirmed the delegation's travel. Statement 3 is correct as security was tightened in Islamabad. Statement 2 is incorrect because Iranian officials explicitly expressed a lack of trust in Washington's seriousness. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1993458/us-delegation-expected-in-islamabad-but-uncertainty-prevails-over-talks-amid-mixed-signals-from-iran, 20 Apr 2026]
#18385
All of the following factors contributed to the volatility of oil prices in March 2026 EXCEPT:
(a) Supply cuts by Saudi Arabia and other producers
(b) A permanent global transition to renewable energy sources
(c) Concerns regarding disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz
(d) Diplomatic proposals aimed at a settlement to the war
Explanation: The market volatility in March 2026 was driven by immediate geopolitical tensions and supply chain concerns, not by a long-term transition to renewable energy. The other three options are direct factors that influenced the price fluctuations described. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980727/oil-plunges-15pc-amid-hopes-of-de-escalation, 11 Mar 2026]
#18386
Which specific area in Islamabad was subjected to restricted entry and work-from-home arrangements on April 20, 2026?
(a) Red Zone
(b) Diplomatic Enclave
(c) Blue Area
(d) F-6 Sector
Explanation: The Red Zone was the specific area where the district magistrate and Cabinet Division mandated work-from-home arrangements and restricted traffic access. Other areas like the Blue Area or F-6 were not the primary focus of these specific administrative directives. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1993252/islamabad-dc-dismisses-notification-falsely-announcing-closure-of-all-offices-in-twin-cities-from-april-20, 19 Apr 2026]
#18387
According to the Chief Minister of KP, what is the approximate trade deficit of the country as of 2026?
(a) $16 billion
(b) $26 billion
(c) $46 billion
(d) $36 billion
Explanation: The Chief Minister cited a trade deficit of approximately $36 billion while criticizing national economic performance. The other figures are incorrect estimates of the trade deficit. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2010593/cm-afridi-vows-peace-in-fy27-as-kp-assembly-passes-rs217tr-budget, 24 Jun 2026]
#18388
Who is the current Chairman of the Pakistan Vanaspati Manufacturers Association (PVMA) as of March 2026?
(a) Sheikh Umer Rehan
(b) Muhammad Zubair Motiwala
(c) Atif Ikram Sheikh
(d) None of these
Explanation: Sheikh Umer Rehan serves as the Chairman of the PVMA and issued the official statement regarding the stability of edible oil supplies. The other names listed are prominent business figures but do not hold this specific position. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980381/no-shortage-of-edible-oil-pvma, 10 Mar 2026]
#18389
Consider the following statements about the security situation addressed on March 10, 2026: 1. Pakistan claims that terrorist groups are using Afghanistan as a sanctuary. 2. India has been accused of stoking terrorism inside Pakistan from Afghan soil. 3. The Pakistani representative stated that the spillover effects of terrorism will remain confined to the border regions. 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 official Pakistani position. Statement 3 is incorrect because the representative explicitly warned that the spillover effects would not remain confined to Pakistan, but would impact the broader region. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40410948/pakistans-ct-operations-focused-on-neutralising-cross-border-threats-from-afghan-soil, 10 Mar 2026]
#18390
What was the specific percentage of the duty that Washington rolled back on Indian exports in February 2026?
(a) 10 percent
(b) 25 percent
(c) 15 percent
(d) 30 percent
Explanation: The United States reduced a 25 percent duty on Indian exports as part of an interim trade deal. This adjustment followed New Delhi's stated commitment regarding its energy procurement policies. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979646/new-delhi-continues-importing-russian-oil, 08 Mar 2026]
#18391
What is the total budget amount approved by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly for the fiscal year 2026-27?
(a) Rs2.17 trillion
(b) Rs1.17 trillion
(c) Rs3.17 trillion
(d) Rs4.17 trillion
Explanation: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly passed a budget of Rs2.17 trillion for the fiscal year 2026-27. Other figures provided are incorrect distractors representing different potential fiscal scales. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2010593/cm-afridi-vows-peace-in-fy27-as-kp-assembly-passes-rs217tr-budget, 24 Jun 2026]
#18392
In which district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa did security forces conduct the intelligence-based operation on July 18, 2026?
(a) North Waziristan
(b) Lower South Waziristan
(c) Upper South Waziristan
(d) None of these
Explanation: The operation took place in Wana, which is located in Lower South Waziristan. North Waziristan is a separate administrative district and is not the location mentioned in the report. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016455/terrorist-killed-as-security-forces-destroy-explosive-laden-vehicle-intended-for-suicide-attack-in-wana-state-media, 18 Jul 2026]
#18393
Consider the following statements about the 2026-07-21 flooding event: 1. The floods occurred in a region that shares a border with Pakistan. 2. The disaster agency warned residents to stay away from riverbanks due to the risk of further storms. 3. Search and rescue operations were fully equipped with advanced heavy machinery provided by international donors. 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: Nuristan does border Pakistan, and ANDMA did issue warnings regarding further rain. However, reports explicitly stated that residents were searching the area without equipment, contradicting the claim that they were fully equipped with advanced machinery. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017161/20-afghans-killed100-missing-after-floods, 21 Jul 2026]
#18394
During his visit on June 23, 2026, the Iranian President identified which region as requiring a new security structure through intra-regional cooperation?
(a) Central Asia and the Caspian Sea
(b) East Asia and the South China Sea
(c) South Asia and the Indian Ocean
(d) West Asia and the Persian Gulf
Explanation: President Pezeshkian specifically highlighted West Asia and the Persian Gulf as the strategic regions where sustainable security must be ensured through regional cooperation. Other regions listed are geographically distinct from the focus of his diplomatic proposal. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2010220/hands-of-friendship-iran-president-calls-for-new-regional-security-structure-among-muslim-nations, 23 Jun 2026]
#18395
In March 2026, which US official stated that the American military had facilitated a shipment of oil to maintain global energy stability?
(a) Secretary of Energy
(b) Secretary of Defense
(c) Secretary of State
(d) Secretary of Treasury
Explanation: US Energy Secretary Chris Wright publicly confirmed that the American military facilitated oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz. This action was intended to reassure markets regarding the continuity of energy supplies. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980727/oil-plunges-15pc-amid-hopes-of-de-escalation, 11 Mar 2026]
#18396
According to the announcement made on April 19, 2026, which individual was reported to lead the American delegation for the negotiations in Islamabad?
(a) Jared Kushner
(b) Steve Kushner
(c) JD Vance
(d) None of these
Explanation: US media outlets reported that Vice President JD Vance was designated to lead the American delegation. While Jared and Steve Kushner were mentioned as part of the team, Vance was the lead official cited. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1993224/trump-says-us-representatives-heading-to-islamabad-will-be-there-tomorrow-evening-for-negotiations-with-iran, 19 Apr 2026]
#18397
Who led the Iranian delegation during the first round of direct US-Iran talks held in Islamabad in April 2026?
(a) Mohammed Bagher Ghalibaf
(b) Abbas Araghchi
(c) Mojtaba Khamenei
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Iranian delegation to the Islamabad talks was led by Parliament Speaker Mohammed Bagher Ghalibaf, accompanied by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. Option D is incorrect because the leader is explicitly identified in the report. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1993250/in-45-minute-phone-call-with-pezeshkian-pm-shehbaz-reaffirms-pakistans-commitment-to-advancing-regional-peace, 19 Apr 2026]
#18398
On March 11, 2026, by what approximate percentage did global oil prices plunge following reports of potential de-escalation in the conflict with Iran?
(a) 5 percent
(b) 10 percent
(c) 20 percent
(d) 15 percent
Explanation: Oil prices experienced a significant correction of approximately 15 percent on March 11, 2026, as markets reacted to diplomatic signals suggesting a potential end to the conflict. This followed a period of extreme volatility where prices had previously surged to levels not seen since 2022. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980727/oil-plunges-15pc-amid-hopes-of-de-escalation, 11 Mar 2026]
#18399
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]
#18400
Consider the following statements about the visit of Prince Rahim al-Hussaini Aga Khan V to Pakistan in May 2026: 1. The Prince held delegation-level talks at the Presidency with President Asif Ali Zardari. 2. The Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) is involved in climate resilience and heritage conservation in Pakistan. 3. The visit included a formal guard of honour at the Prime Minister's House. 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 accurate regarding the diplomatic proceedings and the scope of AKDN's work. Statement 3 is incorrect because the guard of honour was presented at Aiwan-i-Sadr (President House), not the Prime Minister's House. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2001810/aga-khan-affirms-commitment-to-supporting-development-during-meeting-with-president-zardari, 20 May 2026]