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.
#1881
The 2026 DHS regulation replaces which long-standing system for foreign journalists, students, and exchange visitors?
(a) Automatic renewal protocol
(b) Permanent residency track
(c) Visa waiver program
(d) Duration of status
Explanation: The 'duration of status' system previously allowed individuals to remain in the US for the length of their assignment or program. The new rule replaces this with fixed-term admissions to increase oversight. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016518/trump-administration-finalises-overhaul-of-foreign-journalists-visas-ends-duration-of-status-system, 18 Jul 2026]
#1882
The Foreign Office spokesperson who issued the statement regarding the UAE financial deposits on April 4, 2026, is:
(a) Mumtaz Zahra Baloch
(b) Tahir Andrabi
(c) Asim Iftikhar Ahmad
(d) None of these
Explanation: Tahir Andrabi is the official identified in the report as the Foreign Office spokesperson who clarified that the return of the UAE deposits was a routine financial transaction. The other names are prominent diplomats but were not the source of this specific statement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1988580/fo-rejects-misleading-unfounded-commentary-regarding-financial-deposits-from-uae, 04 Apr 2026]
#1883
Consider the following statements about the impact of rising fuel costs in March 2026: 1. Jet fuel accounts for 30-40% of airline operating expenses. 2. Domestic and international airfares have increased by 30-40% due to fuel costs. 3. The government has decided to permanently abolish the petroleum levy to provide relief to consumers. 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. Statement 3 is incorrect because the government has actually protected its petroleum levy targets despite the subsidies provided. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1985067/govt-may-have-to-unfreeze-fuel-prices-amid-global-surge, 25 Mar 2026]
#1884
The IMF executive board meeting scheduled for May 8, 2026, is expected to approve a disbursement of approximately how much for Pakistan?
(a) $5.0 billion
(b) $2.5 billion
(c) $3.0 billion
(d) $1.2 billion
Explanation: The IMF board meeting in May 2026 is convened to approve a disbursement of more than $1.2 billion. This is a critical component of the ongoing structural adjustment program. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1996451/govt-hikes-petrol-price-by-rs6-diesel-by-rs19, 30 Apr 2026]
#1885
According to the official reports from April 2026, which individual has the United States indicated could potentially lead its delegation in the proposed talks?
(a) The Secretary of State
(b) The National Security Advisor
(c) Vice President JD Vance
(d) None of these
Explanation: The report explicitly mentions that the United States indicated Vice President JD Vance could lead its delegation for the prospective negotiations. This demonstrates the high-level attention the US is purportedly willing to give the initiative. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1988294/silence-stonewalls-pakistan-led-us-iran-talks-initiative, 03 Apr 2026]
#1886
Which of the following statements regarding the fuel price adjustment announced on April 30, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The price of petrol was increased by Rs6.51 per litre.
(b) The Petroleum Division confirmed that petrol stations would close from May 1 to May 5.
(c) The new prices were scheduled to become effective from May 1, 2026.
(d) The government aims to keep the primary balance target sacrosanct.
Explanation: The Petroleum Division and the All Pakistan Petrol Pump Owners Association explicitly refuted reports of petrol station closures or strikes. Options A, B, and D are factually accurate statements. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1996451/govt-hikes-petrol-price-by-rs6-diesel-by-rs19, 30 Apr 2026]
#1887
By what percentage have oil prices increased due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East as of April 2026?
(a) 25 percent
(b) 40 percent
(c) 50 percent
(d) 75 percent
Explanation: The conflict has significantly disrupted energy supplies, leading to a 50 percent increase in oil prices. This surge is a primary driver of the projected global economic slowdown. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1990654/global-growth-to-suffer-due-to-middle-east-war-world-bank-chief, 11 Apr 2026]
#1888
Which index serves as the benchmark for China's large-cap stocks mentioned in the context of the July 27, 2026 market performance?
(a) CSI300 Index
(b) Hang Seng Index
(c) Nikkei 225 Index
(d) KSE100 Index
Explanation: The CSI300 Index is the primary benchmark for large-cap stocks in China. The Hang Seng and Nikkei are indices for Hong Kong and Japan, respectively, while the KSE100 is the benchmark for the Pakistan Stock Exchange. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431979/china-stocks-rise-as-cxmts-debut-surge-revives-interest-in-battered-shares, 27 Jul 2026]
#1889
Which of the following statements regarding the 2026 DHS visa overhaul is INCORRECT?
(a) The rule affects F, J, and I visa categories.
(b) Journalists must undergo periodic government review to extend their stay.
(c) The new policy maintains the 'duration of status' system for all foreign media.
(d) The rule includes new procedures for requesting extensions of stay.
Explanation: The new policy explicitly ends the 'duration of status' system, making option C the incorrect statement. The other options accurately describe the scope and requirements of the new regulation. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016518/trump-administration-finalises-overhaul-of-foreign-journalists-visas-ends-duration-of-status-system, 18 Jul 2026]
#1890
Which Pakistani official visited Tehran in June 2026 to deliver a message from the Chief of Defence Forces to the Iranian Supreme Leader?
(a) Shehbaz Sharif
(b) Asim Munir
(c) Mohsin Naqvi
(d) Bilawal Bhutto
Explanation: Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi visited Tehran to convey a message from the Chief of Defence Forces, Field Marshal Asim Munir, to Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei. Shehbaz Sharif is the Prime Minister who issued the public call for restraint, while Asim Munir is the Chief of Defence Forces. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2006144/give-peace-a-little-more-chance-pm-shehbaz-calls-for-restraint-after-israel-iran-exchange-attacks, 08 Jun 2026]
#1891
Which political leader met with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on June 13, 2026, following parliamentary debates?
(a) Asad Qaiser
(b) Amir Dogar
(c) Ahsan Iqbal
(d) Mehmood Khan Achakzai
Explanation: Mehmood Khan Achakzai, the Opposition Leader, held a meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on the Saturday preceding the June 14, 2026, report. The other individuals mentioned are active participants in the National Assembly debates but were not the primary interlocutors in this specific meeting. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2007773/info-minister-invites-opposition-to-sign-charter-of-economy-defends-proposed-fy27-budget, 14 Jun 2026]
#1892
Which of the following statements regarding the Senate debate on June 17, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) Senator Rana Mahmoodul Hassan demanded a separate South Punjab province.
(b) Senator Agha Shahzeb Durrani praised the PTI government's handling of the FBR.
(c) Senator Abid Sher Ali defended the current government's economic management.
(d) Senator Abdul Qadir criticized the influence of Independent Power Producers.
Explanation: Senator Agha Shahzeb Durrani actually alleged that the PTI had posted corrupt officers to the FBR, which the current government subsequently removed. Therefore, the statement that he praised the PTI's handling of the FBR is incorrect. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2008601/ppp-lawmaker-calls-for-separate-south-punjab-province-in-senate, 17 Jun 2026]
#1893
Consider the following statements about the financial situation reported on April 4, 2026: 1. The total amount of debt to be returned to the UAE is $3.5 billion. 2. The repayment of these deposits is expected to reduce Pakistan's central bank reserves by approximately 18 percent. 3. The UAE deposits were rolled over multiple times since 2019. 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 report: the amount is $3.5 billion, the impact on reserves is estimated at an 18 percent reduction, and the deposits have been subject to multiple rollovers since 2019. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1988580/fo-rejects-misleading-unfounded-commentary-regarding-financial-deposits-from-uae, 04 Apr 2026]
#1894
Following its debut on July 27, 2026, CXMT Corp became the largest China-listed company by market capitalization, surpassing which of the following institutions?
(a) Industrial and Commercial Bank of China
(b) Bank of China
(c) China Construction Bank
(d) None of these
Explanation: CXMT Corp's market valuation exceeded 3 trillion yuan, allowing it to surpass the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China in market capitalization. The other options are major Chinese banks but were not the specific entity cited as being dwarfed by the new listing. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431979/china-stocks-rise-as-cxmts-debut-surge-revives-interest-in-battered-shares, 27 Jul 2026]
#1895
What is the total amount of debt Pakistan has decided to return to the United Arab Emirates by the end of April 2026?
(a) $2.0 billion
(b) $12.5 billion
(c) $5.0 billion
(d) $3.5 billion
Explanation: The government announced the return of $3.5 billion in deposits to the UAE. This amount was part of the financial support provided in 2019 to stabilize the balance of payments. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1988321/pakistan-to-return-35bn-uae-debt-before-month-end-official, 03 Apr 2026]
#1896
Who represented Pakistan during the diplomatic discussions in Beijing regarding the Middle East peace initiative on March 31, 2026?
(a) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari
(b) Ishaq Dar
(c) Shah Mahmood Qureshi
(d) None of these
Explanation: Ishaq Dar, serving as the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, visited Beijing to meet with his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi. The other individuals listed are former foreign ministers and were not involved in this specific 2026 diplomatic mission. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1987106/pakistan-china-issue-5-point-initiative-for-restoring-peace-in-middle-east, 31 Mar 2026]
#1897
Consider the following statements about the 2026 DHS visa regulation: 1. The regulation requires foreign journalists to seek government approval for extensions to remain in the US. 2. Press freedom advocates argue the policy could be used to retaliate against critical reporting. 3. The rule applies exclusively to journalists and does not affect academic or exchange visitors. 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 3 is incorrect because the regulation also applies to 'F' (academic students) and 'J' (exchange visitors) visa categories. Statements 1 and 2 accurately reflect the procedural changes and the concerns raised by advocacy groups. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016518/trump-administration-finalises-overhaul-of-foreign-journalists-visas-ends-duration-of-status-system, 18 Jul 2026]
#1898
The recent exchange of attacks between Israel and Iran in June 2026 followed an Israeli airstrike on which specific location?
(a) Tehran city center
(b) Strait of Hormuz
(c) Beaufort Castle
(d) Southern suburbs of Beirut
Explanation: The hostilities were triggered by an Israeli airstrike on the southern suburbs of Beirut. Beaufort Castle is a historic site mentioned in the context of Israeli operations in Lebanon, but it was not the target of the specific airstrike that prompted the Iranian retaliation. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2006144/give-peace-a-little-more-chance-pm-shehbaz-calls-for-restraint-after-israel-iran-exchange-attacks, 08 Jun 2026]
#1899
Consider the following statements about the US-Iran peace process: 1. The peace deal is expected to be signed through an electronic process. 2. A previous round of talks held in Islamabad in April 2026 failed to produce a signed deal after 21 hours of negotiations. 3. The conflict between the two nations has been entirely limited to cyber warfare. 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 the Prime Minister mentioned preparations for an electronic signing. Statement 2 is correct regarding the April 2026 talks in Islamabad. Statement 3 is incorrect because the conflict involved physical military strikes, including the downing of an Apache helicopter. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2007576/us-iran-peace-deal-inches-closer-as-pm-shehbaz-says-finalisation-expected-within-a-day, 13 Jun 2026]
#1900
Which specific framework for economic and strategic cooperation was emphasized during the 2026 bilateral meetings in Beijing?
(a) Global Security Framework
(b) Belt and Road Initiative 3.0
(c) Regional Connectivity Pact
(d) CPEC 2.0
Explanation: The discussions between the two foreign ministers specifically highlighted the advancement of CPEC 2.0 as a core component of their deepening economic and strategic cooperation. While the other options relate to broader Chinese initiatives, CPEC 2.0 is the specific bilateral mechanism mentioned. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1987106/pakistan-china-issue-5-point-initiative-for-restoring-peace-in-middle-east, 31 Mar 2026]