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.
#18941
Which of the following statements regarding the drone incident on March 14, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The drones were described by the ISPR as rudimentary.
(b) The Pakistan Airports Authority denied that Islamabad's airspace was closed.
(c) The drones successfully hit their intended military targets.
(d) The state refers to the TTP as Fitna al-Khawarij.
Explanation: The ISPR explicitly stated that the drones failed to reach their intended targets and were intercepted by security forces. Therefore, the claim that they successfully hit military targets is false. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981957/rudimentary-drones-launched-by-afghan-taliban-injure-4-failed-to-reach-targets-ispr, 14 Mar 2026]
#18942
Which of the following statements regarding the Muharram 9 security arrangements in 2026 is INCORRECT?
(a) The government prioritized the protection of citizens' lives and properties.
(b) Security reviews included officials from Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
(c) The Minister of State for Interior ordered the suspension of all religious processions.
(d) Home secretaries were directed to make security arrangements more effective.
Explanation: The government did not suspend processions; rather, it implemented strict security measures to ensure they could proceed safely. Options A, B, and D are accurate descriptions of the government's actions. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2010752/countrywide-muharram-9-processions-conclude-peacefully-amid-strict-security, 25 Jun 2026]
#18943
Consider the following statements about the regional situation as of July 12, 2026: 1. Pakistan has officially expressed deep concern over the escalation in the Middle East. 2. The United States and Iran have engaged in fresh strikes against each other. 3. The Islamabad MoU was signed in February 2026 to initiate the conflict. 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 and 2 are factually correct based on the Foreign Office statement and the reported military activities. Statement 3 is incorrect because the MoU was signed in June 2026, not February, and it was intended to end the war, not initiate it. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2014857/pakistan-expresses-deep-concern-over-middle-east-escalation-urges-all-sides-to-exercise-restraint, 12 Jul 2026]
#18944
Which climatic phenomenon is currently in a neutral phase but is expected to shift to a positive phase by July 2026?
(a) El Nino-Southern Oscillation (ENSO)
(b) Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD)
(c) Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO)
(d) None of these
Explanation: The PMD outlook explicitly identifies the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) as being in a neutral phase with a projected shift to a positive phase by July 2026. ENSO is currently in a positive phase (El Nino), making option A incorrect. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2005663/large-parts-of-country-set-to-experience-heatwave-conditions-from-june-7-to-12-pmd, 06 Jun 2026]
#18945
Who led the PPP delegation during the pre-budget meeting with the Deputy Prime Minister on June 7, 2026?
(a) Asif Ali Zardari
(b) Murad Ali Shah
(c) Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari
(d) Sherry Rehman
Explanation: Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari led the PPP delegation in the meeting held at Zardari House. While other party members like Murad Ali Shah and Sherry Rehman were present, Bilawal served as the head of the delegation. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2005897/ppp-shares-tax-related-reservations-in-pre-budget-meeting-with-dar-say-sources, 07 Jun 2026]
#18946
Consider the following statements about the diplomatic tensions between the US and Italy in 2026: 1. Prime Minister Meloni and President Trump previously clashed over the US President's criticism of the Pope. 2. President Trump accused Italy of failing to provide sufficient support to the United States regarding the Iran war. 3. The Italian Defence Minister supported the President's remarks as a necessary diplomatic correction. 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 factually correct based on the report's account of previous friction. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Defence Minister, Guido Crosetto, actually stated that such jokes do not benefit anyone, indicating disapproval rather than support. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2009272/outrage-in-italy-after-trump-says-meloni-begged-for-photo-op, 19 Jun 2026]
#18947
Who served as the Interim President of Venezuela during the earthquake disaster of June 2026?
(a) Juan Guaido
(b) Nicolas Maduro
(c) Delcy Rodriguez
(d) Henrique Capriles
Explanation: Delcy Rodriguez provided official updates on the casualty figures and the government's rescue efforts following the seismic events. She is the primary official cited in the response to the disaster. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2010737/thousands-feared-dead-in-venezuela-after-two-major-earthquakes-world-sends-aid-rescue-teams, 25 Jun 2026]
#18948
Consider the following statements about the Muharram 9 processions held on June 25, 2026: 1. The main procession in Lahore concluded at Khaima-i-Sadaat Imambargah. 2. The main procession in Quetta emerged from Alamdar Road. 3. The main procession in Hyderabad was organized by the local police department. 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 factually correct. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Hyderabad procession was organized by Anjuman Guldasta-i-Akbar, not the police department. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2010752/countrywide-muharram-9-processions-conclude-peacefully-amid-strict-security, 25 Jun 2026]
#18949
Consider the following statements about the PMD's seasonal outlook for June–August 2026: 1. Mean temperatures are expected to remain above normal throughout the country. 2. The largest negative rainfall departures are likely over the northeastern parts of Punjab. 3. The El Nino–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) is expected to weaken significantly during the season. 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 and 2 are correct as per the PMD outlook. Statement 3 is incorrect because the PMD stated that the ENSO has moved into a positive phase and is expected to strengthen further, not weaken. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2005663/large-parts-of-country-set-to-experience-heatwave-conditions-from-june-7-to-12-pmd, 06 Jun 2026]
#18950
Which of the following statements regarding the March 18, 2026, weather event in Karachi is INCORRECT?
(a) The event involved heavy showers and strong winds.
(b) The Pakistan Meteorological Department predicted rainfall until Thursday.
(c) The rainfall was limited exclusively to the coastal areas of Clifton and Defence.
(d) The Karachi Mayor advised citizens to avoid unnecessary movement.
Explanation: Rainfall was reported across a wide range of areas including Gulshan-i-Iqbal, North Karachi, and I.I. Chundrigar Road, not just coastal areas. Therefore, the statement that it was limited to Clifton and Defence is false. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1983379/15-die-in-rain-related-incidents-as-heavy-showers-strong-winds-hit-parts-of-karachi, 18 Mar 2026]
#18951
Which of the following statements regarding the March 2026 strikes is INCORRECT?
(a) The strikes targeted logistic bases and training camps.
(b) The operation resulted in the destruction of an ammunition depot in Kabul.
(c) The strikes were conducted in response to cross-border terrorism.
(d) Civilian infrastructure was intentionally targeted to pressure the Afghan regime.
Explanation: The government explicitly stated that no civilian population or civilian infrastructure was targeted. Options A, B, and D are factually consistent with the reported military objectives. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981638/info-minister-says-pakistan-targeted-terrorists-support-infrastructure-in-afghanistan-overnight, 13 Mar 2026]
#18952
Consider the following statements about the security situation in Balochistan as of 2026-07-11: 1. The security forces have utilized intelligence-based operations (IBOs) to target militant hideouts. 2. The government has announced financial compensation for the families of the police personnel martyred at the Mangi Dam. 3. Operation Shaban is limited exclusively to air strikes without ground troop involvement. 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 factually correct as the operation involves IBOs and the government has authorized compensation. Statement 3 is incorrect because the operation involves both coordinated air and ground operations. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2014587/23-more-terrorists-killed-in-ongoing-operation-in-balochistan-taking-overall-tally-since-july-5-to-102-state-media, 11 Jul 2026]
#18953
Who is the Chairman of the Central Ruet-i-Hilal Committee that announced the Eidul Fitr moon sighting status on March 19, 2026?
(a) Mufti Muneeb-ur-Rehman
(b) Maulana Abdul Khabeer Azad
(c) Mufti Shahabuddin Popalzai
(d) None of these
Explanation: Maulana Abdul Khabeer Azad serves as the Chairman of the Central Ruet-i-Hilal Committee and presided over the meeting in Islamabad. Mufti Muneeb-ur-Rehman is a former chairman, making him a plausible but incorrect distractor. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1983722/shawwal-moon-not-sighted-eidul-fitr-to-be-celebrated-on-saturday, 19 Mar 2026]
#18954
Who chaired the meeting to review security arrangements for Muharram 9, 2026?
(a) The Prime Minister
(b) The Minister of State for Interior
(c) The Sindh Home Minister
(d) The Speaker of the National Assembly
Explanation: Minister of State for Interior Tallal Chaudhry chaired the meeting to review security arrangements with provincial home secretaries and police officials. While the Sindh Home Minister was active in his province, the federal review was led by the Minister of State for Interior. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2010752/countrywide-muharram-9-processions-conclude-peacefully-amid-strict-security, 25 Jun 2026]
#18955
What was the primary reason cited for the increase in RLNG prices for March 2026?
(a) Decrease in global crude oil production
(b) Increase in terminal charges and import-related costs
(c) Government decision to increase petroleum taxes
(d) Expansion of the national gas pipeline network
Explanation: Ogra attributed the price hike to higher terminal charges, import-related costs, and the delivered ex-ship (DES) price. These factors directly impact the cost structure of imported gas. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981311/ogra-notifies-massive-increase-in-rlng-price-for-march, 12 Mar 2026]
#18956
Consider the following statements about the political situation as of July 17, 2026: 1. Rana Sanaullah stated that the JUI-F chief's remarks were damaging to the motivation of those guarding the frontiers. 2. The JUI-F leadership claimed that the media storm regarding the remarks began immediately on the day of the Kasur public meeting. 3. Rana Sanaullah rejected the claim that there was a coordinated propaganda campaign against the JUI-F chief. 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 2 is incorrect because the JUI-F leadership stated that there was no mention of the remarks in the media on July 12, and the outcry only began on July 13. Statements 1 and 3 accurately reflect the position taken by Rana Sanaullah. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016238/sanaullah-says-jui-f-chiefs-remarks-against-martyrs-were-inappropriate-but-unintended, 17 Jul 2026]
#18957
What was the percentage growth in mobile phone imports during the first nine months of the fiscal year 2026?
(a) 14.67 percent
(b) 19.61 percent
(c) 9.78 percent
(d) 27.84 percent
Explanation: Mobile phone imports grew by 27.84 percent to $1.444 billion during the first nine months of the fiscal year. The other percentages listed refer to specific valuation increases for individual phone models. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1994373/customs-increases-import-valuation-for-62-old-and-used-mobile-phone-models, 23 Apr 2026]
#18958
In which committee did the US Director of National Intelligence present the 2026 Annual Threat Assessment?
(a) Senate Foreign Relations Committee
(b) House Armed Services Committee
(c) Senate Intelligence Committee
(d) House Foreign Affairs Committee
Explanation: The report specifies that the assessment was presented before the United States Senate Intelligence Committee. The other committees listed are plausible but incorrect venues for this specific briefing. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1983677/fo-rejects-us-intelligence-chiefs-claims-about-pakistan-missile-threat, 19 Mar 2026]
#18959
Which of the following entities is explicitly exempted from the four-day work week policy according to the March 2026 austerity review?
(a) Ministry of Petroleum
(b) Ministry of Finance
(c) Federal Board of Revenue (FBR)
(d) Prime Minister's Office
Explanation: The meeting chaired by the Prime Minister clarified that the four-day work week policy does not apply to law enforcement agencies and the FBR, as they must maintain normal operational duties. Other ministries are expected to adhere to the austerity-driven work schedule. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1982016/employees-of-soes-other-govt-supervised-bodies-to-face-5-30pc-salary-cut-as-part-of-austerity-measures-pmo, 14 Mar 2026]
#18960
Which of the following sectors was explicitly identified as having vast export potential during the meeting held on March 15, 2026?
(a) Textiles and garments
(b) Automobile manufacturing
(c) Information technology
(d) Meat and dairy
Explanation: The official briefing highlighted that Pakistan's agricultural sector, specifically including meat, poultry, dairy, and seafood, possesses significant export potential. Textiles and IT were not the focus of this food-security-centric meeting. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1982358/pm-shehbaz-directs-formulation-of-strategy-for-exporting-surplus-food-items-to-gulf-countries, 15 Mar 2026]