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.
#18521
Following the government announcement on July 20, 2026, what is the new price of petrol per litre in Pakistan?
(a) Rs315.80
(b) Rs360.06
(c) Rs458.41
(d) Rs266.00
Explanation: The government set the price of petrol at Rs315.80 per litre following the adjustment announced on July 20, 2026. The figure Rs360.06 represents the price of high-speed diesel, while the other options are historical peak or starting prices. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017065/govt-decreases-petrol-price-by-rs035-increases-diesel-by-rs571-per-litre, 20 Jul 2026]
#18522
Consider the following statements about the fuel management strategy discussed in March 2026: 1. The government is developing a joint dashboard to monitor fuel reserves across provinces. 2. The Punjab Enforcement and Regulatory Authority has been tasked with monitoring the fuel supply situation. 3. The government has successfully secured a permanent exemption from the petroleum levy from the IMF. 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 administrative measures taken to monitor reserves and enforce regulations. Statement 3 is incorrect because the government is only planning to request relief, not that it has already secured a permanent exemption. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979807/three-petrol-shipments-expected-on-monday-petroleum-minister, 08 Mar 2026]
#18523
The government decided in principle to implement which of the following for petroleum prices effective from March 8, 2026?
(a) Monthly revisions
(b) Quarterly revisions
(c) Weekly revisions
(d) Annual revisions
Explanation: To better manage the volatility of international oil prices, the government decided to shift to weekly revisions of petroleum prices. This allows for more frequent adjustments in line with global market fluctuations. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979860/pm-shehbaz-to-announce-austerity-plan-tomorrow-amid-global-fuel-crisis, 08 Mar 2026]
#18524
Which specific operation was launched by Islamabad on February 27, 2026, following cross-border firing?
(a) Operation Zarb-e-Azb
(b) Operation Ghazab lil-Haq
(c) Operation Radd-ul-Fasaad
(d) Operation Khyber-IV
Explanation: Operation Ghazab lil-Haq was initiated by Pakistan on February 27, 2026, in response to unprovoked cross-border firing. The other operations listed are historical military campaigns. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40410948/pakistans-ct-operations-focused-on-neutralising-cross-border-threats-from-afghan-soil, 10 Mar 2026]
#18525
All of the following statements regarding the events of March 8, 2026, are TRUE EXCEPT:
(a) The marchers intended to head towards D-Chowk as their primary destination.
(b) The district administration had denied a no-objection certificate for the march.
(c) The police cited potential clashes with Lal Masjid management as a reason for the arrests.
(d) The Women's Police Station released a list of 19 women activists who were detained.
Explanation: The activists stated they had no intention of heading towards D-Chowk, making the false statement. The other options accurately reflect the details provided regarding the administrative denial and the police rationale. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979796/dozens-of-aurat-march-activists-participants-detained-by-police-in-islamabad-ahead-of-international-womens-day-rally, 08 Mar 2026]
#18526
Which input factor was specifically cited by experts as a cause for concern regarding rising production costs in the 2026 cotton season?
(a) Irrigation water tariffs
(b) DAP fertilizer prices
(c) Pesticide import duties
(d) Labor wage inflation
Explanation: The report highlights that soaring DAP fertilizer prices are a primary concern for farmers. While other factors like labor or water are general agricultural issues, DAP prices were specifically noted as a threat to yield prospects. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016601/early-cotton-arrivals-hit-record-527900-bales, 19 Jul 2026]
#18527
Which of the following is NOT a potential risk or impact identified by the PMD for the weather period of March 24-30, 2026?
(a) Widespread drought conditions
(b) Landslides in vulnerable areas
(c) Damage to solar panels
(d) Damage to electric poles
Explanation: The PMD warns of rain, thunderstorms, flash floods, and damage to infrastructure like solar panels and electric poles; drought is the opposite of the forecasted heavy rainfall. Therefore, drought is the INCORRECT impact. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1984621/met-office-predicts-rain-thunderstorms-across-country-from-march-24-30, 23 Mar 2026]
#18528
In which district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa did the mortar shell incident occur on March 8, 2026?
(a) South Waziristan
(b) North Waziristan
(c) Kurram District
(d) None of these
Explanation: The incident took place in the Ghulam Khan area of North Waziristan. South Waziristan and Kurram are adjacent districts but were not the site of this specific event. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979869/child-killed-four-injured-after-mortar-shell-allegedly-fired-from-afghanistan-lands-in-north-waziristan-neighbourhood, 08 Mar 2026]
#18529
Which fiscal tool did the Prime Minister utilize to reduce the petrol price to Rs378 per litre following the April 2026 price hike?
(a) General sales tax
(b) Petroleum levy
(c) Customs duty
(d) Excise duty
Explanation: The government slashed the petroleum levy by Rs80 per litre to provide immediate relief to consumers. This is a common fiscal instrument used to adjust the final ex-depot price of fuel. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2011069/govt-keeps-petrol-diesel-prices-unchanged-till-further-orders, 26 Jun 2026]
#18530
Consider the following statements about the incident reported on March 8, 2026: 1. The victim was accompanied by her aunt and uncle to the hospital. 2. The suspects allegedly used weapons to guard the entrance of the hospital. 3. The Special Sexual Offences Investigation Unit (SSIOU) confirmed the assault based on a preliminary medical report. 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 according to the details provided in the FIR and the confirmation by Inspector Sohail Aslam of the SSIOU. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979833/police-register-fir-after-15-year-old-allegedly-sexually-assaulted-in-mandi-bahauddin-hospital, 08 Mar 2026]
#18531
Which of the following Apple models remained stable with no change in valuation between the January ruling and the April 2026 ruling?
(a) iPhone 15 Pro Max
(b) iPhone XS Max
(c) iPhone SE 2
(d) iPhone 13
Explanation: The iPhone XS Max and the iPhone SE 3 were identified as the most stable models, showing no change in valuation between the two rulings. Other models like the iPhone 15 Pro Max and iPhone SE 2 experienced varying degrees of upward adjustment. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1994373/customs-increases-import-valuation-for-62-old-and-used-mobile-phone-models, 23 Apr 2026]
#18532
All of the following statements regarding the 2026 cotton season report are TRUE EXCEPT:
(a) Balochistan recorded a 90 percent increase in cotton arrivals.
(b) Punjab contributed 201,497 bales to the total arrivals.
(c) Textile mills purchased 445,779 bales by July 15, 2026.
(d) Unsold stocks at ginning factories decreased compared to the previous year.
Explanation: The report states that unsold stocks at ginning factories actually rose to 82,121 bales from 47,771 bales a year earlier. Therefore, the statement that they decreased is false. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016601/early-cotton-arrivals-hit-record-527900-bales, 19 Jul 2026]
#18533
Which of the following statements regarding the 2026 FIFA World Cup victory is INCORRECT?
(a) Spain defeated Argentina in the final match.
(b) The victory marked Spain's second World Cup title.
(c) Seismic sensors detected vibrations caused by fan celebrations.
(d) The final match was decided in regular time without extra-time.
Explanation: The final match was decided by a goal in extra-time, not regular time. The other statements accurately reflect the events of the 2026 tournament. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017043/fifa-world-cup-heroes-spain-return-home-ahead-of-victory-parade, 20 Jul 2026]
#18534
Consider the following statements about the regional security context on March 8, 2026: 1. Iran has been conducting retaliatory strikes in Gulf countries targeting US assets. 2. The incident involved a projectile intercepted over the Sistan-Baluchistan province. 3. The victim was killed by a direct strike from an Iranian air defense missile. 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 Iran has been targeting US assets in the region. Statement 2 is correct regarding the location of the interception. Statement 3 is incorrect because the victim was killed by falling debris from an intercepted projectile, not by a direct strike from an Iranian missile. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979820/gwadar-fisherman-killed-by-debris-from-israeli-projectile-in-iran-waters, 08 Mar 2026]
#18535
Which of the following statements regarding the 2026 mobile phone customs valuation is INCORRECT?
(a) The new valuation applies to commercial quantities of used phones without accessories.
(b) The ruling preserves the framework for six-month activation and freight adjustment.
(c) The revision was aimed at lowering the tax burden for all imported mobile handsets.
(d) The Directorate held a stakeholder meeting on April 13, 2026, before finalizing the ruling.
Explanation: The revision was aimed at aligning assessed values with market rates, which resulted in higher duty and tax incidence per handset, not a reduction. Options A, B, and D are factually correct descriptions of the regulatory process. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1994373/customs-increases-import-valuation-for-62-old-and-used-mobile-phone-models, 23 Apr 2026]
#18536
Which bowler dismissed both Babar Azam and Ghazi Ghori during the match on May 30, 2026?
(a) Nathan Ellis
(b) Josh Hazlewood
(c) Cameron Green
(d) Marnus Labuschagne
Explanation: Nathan Ellis was the bowler who claimed the wickets of both Babar Azam and Ghazi Ghori late in the innings. While other Australian players were involved in the match, Ellis was the primary pacer responsible for these specific dismissals. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2003971/pakistan-outspins-australia-in-milestone-odi-as-minhas-makes-history, 30 May 2026]
#18537
The Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (Ogra) notified an increase in the price of RLNG in April 2026 by what percentage range?
(a) 19-22 per cent
(b) 10-15 per cent
(c) 25-30 per cent
(d) 35-40 per cent
Explanation: Ogra notified a 19-22 per cent increase in RLNG prices due to higher terminal charges and lower import volumes. This adjustment reflects the rising costs of energy procurement in the current fiscal environment. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1998447/pakistan-turns-down-two-lowest-evaluated-lng-bids, 07 May 2026]
#18538
What was the reported increase in the price of petroleum products announced by the government on March 6, 2026?
(a) Rs 55 per litre
(b) Rs 45 per litre
(c) Rs 35 per litre
(d) Rs 65 per litre
Explanation: The government officially announced a price hike of Rs 55 per litre for petroleum products to manage the regional energy crisis. This figure is a specific data point provided in the official government communication. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979860/pm-shehbaz-to-announce-austerity-plan-tomorrow-amid-global-fuel-crisis, 08 Mar 2026]
#18539
Who resigned from OpenAI in March 2026 citing concerns over a Pentagon deal?
(a) Sam Altman
(b) Caitlin Kalinowski
(c) Mira Murati
(d) None of these
Explanation: Caitlin Kalinowski resigned from her role overseeing hardware at OpenAI in March 2026. She cited governance concerns regarding the company's agreement to deploy AI models on Pentagon cloud networks. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979824/openai-hardware-leader-resigns-after-deal-with-pentagon, 08 Mar 2026]
#18540
Who is the current Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the United Nations as of March 10, 2026?
(a) Munir Akram
(b) Asim Iftikhar Ahmad
(c) Maleeha Lodhi
(d) None of these
Explanation: Asim Iftikhar Ahmad is the Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the UN who addressed the Security Council regarding the security situation on March 10, 2026. Munir Akram and Maleeha Lodhi are former representatives, making them incorrect. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40410948/pakistans-ct-operations-focused-on-neutralising-cross-border-threats-from-afghan-soil, 10 Mar 2026]