PPSC Assistant (BS-16) Various Departments Past Papers 2024

In the anatomy of a flower, pollen grains, which contain the male gametes necessary for plant reproduction, are produced within the anther. The anther is a part of the stamen, which constitutes the male reproductive organ of a flower. It typically consists of two lobes, each containing pollen sacs where microspores develop into pollen grains.

• The stigma is the receptive tip of the carpel (female reproductive organ) that receives pollen during pollination.
• The ovary is the basal part of the pistil (female reproductive organ) that contains ovules and develops into the fruit after fertilization.
• A petal is a modified leaf that forms part of the corolla, often brightly colored to attract pollinators, but not involved in pollen production.

Understanding these floral structures is key to comprehending plant reproduction.

The question asks for a synonym of IMPETUOUS, which means acting or done quickly and without thought or care. It implies rashness and impulsiveness.

• Rash is the correct answer because it precisely means acting or done without careful consideration of the possible consequences; impetuous. This directly aligns with the core meaning of impetuous.
• Violent is incorrect as it refers to physical force or intense emotion, not necessarily thoughtless haste.
• Resourceful is incorrect because it describes the ability to find quick and clever ways to overcome difficulties, which implies thought and ingenuity, the opposite of impetuous.
• Pleasing is incorrect as it means giving satisfaction or enjoyment, which is unrelated to the concept of acting without thought.

Therefore, 'Rash' is the most accurate synonym, capturing the essence of acting impulsively.

Certain Surahs in the Holy Quran are attributed special virtues and titles due to their profound messages and spiritual significance. Among these, Surah Yasin holds a unique position, widely revered as the “Heart of the Quran.”

This title, supported by prophetic traditions, highlights its comprehensive themes, including the oneness of Allah, the truth of prophethood, the resurrection, and the Day of Judgment. Its eloquent verses powerfully convey the core tenets of Islam, making it spiritually impactful for believers.

Option A, Surah Rehman, is known as “The Bride of the Quran” for its beautiful descriptions of paradise and hell. Option C, Al Imran, and Option D, Al Baqarah (the longest Surah), are immensely important but are not referred to as the “Heart of the Quran.”

Kalabagh, located in Mianwali District of Punjab, is well known for having one of Pakistan's largest and most important iron ore deposits. The area has long been recognized as a significant source of iron ore for the country's steel industry.

Its iron ore reserves have been extensively surveyed and are considered among Pakistan's most valuable mineral resources.

Why the other options are incorrect:

• Mercury: Mercury is a planet, not an area in Pakistan.
• Earth: Earth is the planet on which all iron deposits exist; it is not a specific location.
• Saturn: Saturn is a planet and has no relevance to Pakistan's iron ore deposits.

Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are synthetic organic compounds that were widely used as refrigerants and propellants. When CFCs reach the stratosphere, they are broken down by ultraviolet (UV) radiation, releasing highly reactive atoms. Among the components of CFCs, chlorine atoms are the primary culprits in ozone layer depletion. A single chlorine atom can catalytically destroy thousands of ozone molecules before it is removed from the stratosphere.

• Fluorine, while present in CFCs, is less reactive and does not significantly contribute to ozone depletion compared to chlorine.
• Bromine is also an ozone-depleting substance, found in halons (bromofluorocarbons), but the question specifically asks about CFCs and the most damaging gas within them.
• Therefore, 'None of these' is incorrect as chlorine is the correct answer.

The Montreal Protocol was established to phase out CFCs due to their detrimental impact on the ozone layer.

The question asks for the antonym of JOCOSE, which means playful or humorous. It describes someone who is fond of joking.

• Serious is the correct answer because it means solemn or grave in manner or disposition, directly contrasting with being playful or humorous.
• Playful is incorrect as it is a synonym of jocose, meaning full of fun and high spirits.
• Happy is incorrect because while a jocose person might be happy, 'happy' describes a state of mind, not the direct opposite of being humorous or joking. A serious person can also be happy.
• Frivolous is incorrect as it means not having any serious purpose or value, or being lighthearted. This is closer in meaning to jocose rather than its antonym.

Thus, 'Serious' best represents the opposite of being jocose, emphasizing a lack of playfulness or humor.

The Truce of Hudaibiya was a pivotal peace treaty signed between the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and the Quraish of Mecca. This event marked a significant turning point in early Islamic history, demonstrating the Prophet's strategic foresight and commitment to peace, ultimately paving the way for the peaceful conquest of Mecca.

The truce took place in 6 Hijri (corresponding to 628 CE), making option D the correct answer. This period was crucial for consolidating the Muslim community's strength and expanding its influence.

Option A, 3 Hijri, saw the Battle of Uhud. Option B, 5 Hijri, was the year of the Battle of the Trench (Khandaq), a major defensive engagement. Option C, 4 Hijri, did not feature such a significant treaty, making these options historically inaccurate for the Truce of Hudaibiya.

The question asks about the year of inscription for the Makli Necropolis as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This designation recognizes places of outstanding universal value, preserving them for future generations. Makli Necropolis, located near Thatta in the Pakistani province of Sindh, is one of the largest funerary sites in the world, featuring thousands of tombs and graves built over several centuries. It was officially inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1981, acknowledging its unique architectural and historical significance.

• 1976 is an incorrect year; while UNESCO inscriptions began earlier, Makli was not added then.
• 1979 is also an incorrect year for Makli's inscription, though other sites might have been added around this time.
• 1983 is incorrect; Makli had already received its designation two years prior.

Accurate historical dates are crucial for understanding heritage preservation timelines.

Anthropology is the scientific study of humanity, encompassing human behavior, biology, cultures, societies, and linguistics, both past and present. Specifically, biological or physical anthropology focuses on the evolution of humans as a species, including their physical characteristics and development, aligning perfectly with the question. Chronology is the science of arranging events in their order of occurrence in time, not the study of human evolution. Archaeology is the study of human history and prehistory through the excavation of sites and the analysis of artifacts. Ethnology is a branch of anthropology that compares and analyzes the characteristics of different peoples and the relationships between them, focusing more on cultural comparison than biological evolution.

Ghazwa-e-Badr, also known as the Battle of Badr, was the first major battle fought between the early Muslims and the pagan Quraish of Mecca. This foundational conflict was a decisive victory for the nascent Muslim community, significantly boosting their morale and establishing their presence as a formidable force.

The Battle of Badr occurred in 2 Hijri (corresponding to 624 CE), making option A the correct answer. It is a landmark event in Islamic history, demonstrating divine support and the steadfastness of the believers.

Option B, 3 Hijri, is associated with the Battle of Uhud. Option C, 4 Hijri, did not witness a major Ghazwa of this magnitude. Option D, 5 Hijri, is known for the Battle of the Trench (Khandaq). Therefore, 2 Hijri is the accurate historical date for Ghazwa-e-Badr.

This question tests knowledge of the specific articles within the Constitution of Pakistan (1973) that address religious obligations. The Constitution outlines the framework for governance and societal principles, including provisions for an Islamic way of life. Article 31 of the 1973 Constitution is precisely dedicated to the "Islamic Way of Life," which includes provisions for the organization of Zakat, Ushr, and the proper observance of Islamic moral standards. Therefore, it directly relates to the affairs of Zakat.

• Article 30 pertains to the responsibility of the State in respect of social order, not specifically Zakat.
• Article 32 focuses on the promotion of local government institutions, which is a different administrative aspect.
• Article 33 deals with discouraging parochial and other similar prejudices, aiming for national unity, and is unrelated to Zakat.

Understanding the specific scope of constitutional articles is essential.

Iron is a vital mineral primarily required for the production of hemoglobin, a protein found in red blood cells. Hemoglobin's crucial role is to transport oxygen from the lungs to all tissues and organs throughout the body, enabling cellular respiration and energy production. Iron deficiency leads to anemia, impairing oxygen delivery. Iron is not directly involved in the primary production of bone or teeth, which primarily rely on calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D for their structure and strength. Thyroxine is a hormone produced by the thyroid gland, and its synthesis requires iodine, not iron.

The relationship in DISTANCE:MILE is that the first term (DISTANCE) is a concept or quantity, and the second term (MILE) is a standard unit of measurement for that concept.

• Liquid:Litre is the correct answer. Here, 'Liquid' represents a substance or quantity (volume), and 'Litre' is a standard unit of measurement for liquid volume. This perfectly mirrors the original relationship.
• Bushet:Com is incorrect. 'Bushel' is a unit of measurement for dry volume, but 'Com' is not a related concept or unit.
• Weight:Scale is incorrect. 'Weight' is a concept, but 'Scale' is an instrument used for measuring weight, not a unit of measurement itself.
• Fame:Television is incorrect. 'Fame' is a concept, and 'Television' is a medium through which fame can be achieved or displayed, not a unit of measurement for fame.

Therefore, 'Liquid:Litre' is the only pair that maintains the 'concept:unit of measurement' relationship.

In Islamic history, Jizya refers to a specific form of taxation. It was a levy imposed on non-Muslims (known as Dhimmis) living under Islamic rule, in exchange for certain rights and protections.

The correct definition is Poll-tax on non-Muslims (Option B). This tax granted non-Muslims protection from external enemies, exemption from military service (which was obligatory for Muslims), and the freedom to practice their own religion and manage their internal affairs according to their own laws.

Option A,

Titu Mir's movement, also known as the Barasat Uprising (1831), was a significant socio-religious and economic reform movement among Muslims in Bengal during the early 19th century. Its primary objective was to resist the oppressive practices faced by Muslim peasants. The movement was mainly aimed against Hindu landlords (zamindars) and British indigo planters who exploited the local populace through exorbitant taxes and forced cultivation, coupled with religious persecution. Titu Mir sought to restore Islamic practices and challenge the prevailing injustices.

• Option B, "Working against Indian national movement," is incorrect because Titu Mir's movement predates the organized Indian national movement and had distinct, localized grievances.
• Option C, "Polygamy," was not the central focus of Titu Mir's struggle; his movement was primarily concerned with economic exploitation and religious identity.

The movement highlighted the intersection of religious identity and economic grievances.

In Windows operating systems, the Alt+Tab keyboard shortcut is the standard and most widely used method to quickly switch between currently open applications or windows. Pressing and holding Alt while repeatedly pressing Tab cycles through the open programs, allowing the user to select the desired application. This shortcut is fundamental for efficient multitasking. Shift+Tab is typically used to move backward through elements in a dialog box or web page. Ctrl+Tab is commonly used to switch between tabs within a single application, such as a web browser. Alt+Shift+Tab performs the reverse action of Alt+Tab, cycling backward through open applications.

The sentence "Please be careful, the luggage contain___items" requires an adjective that explains why caution is necessary when handling the items in the luggage.

• Fragile is the correct answer. It means easily broken or damaged. This perfectly fits the context of needing to be careful with luggage contents to prevent breakage.
• Voracious is incorrect. It means having a very eager approach to an activity, or consuming large quantities of food. It has no relevance to items needing careful handling.
• Virtuous is incorrect. It means having high moral standards. This describes a person's character, not the physical state or handling requirement of items.
• Vulnerable is incorrect. While it means susceptible to physical or emotional attack or harm, 'fragile' is more specific to objects that can be physically broken. 'Vulnerable' often implies a living being or a system, whereas 'fragile' directly addresses the breakability of items.

Thus, 'Fragile' is the most appropriate word to complete the sentence, indicating the need for caution.

The foundational concept here relates to the early military expeditions in Islam, known as Ghazwat, where Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) personally participated. The Ghazwa of Abwa, also known as Waddan, holds the distinction of being the first Ghazwa of Islam. It occurred in 2 AH (623 CE) and was a peaceful encounter with the Banu Damra tribe, resulting in a treaty.

• Badr was a major battle, but it took place after Abwa.
• Uhad was another significant battle, occurring after Badr.
• Tabook was a much later expedition, near the end of the Prophet's life.

Therefore, Abwa is the correct answer as the inaugural Ghazwa.

This question assesses knowledge of the historical performance of teams in the ICC Cricket World Cup, the pinnacle of One Day International (ODI) cricket. Australia holds the unparalleled record for winning the ICC World Cup the maximum number of times. They have lifted the coveted trophy an impressive six times, in 1987, 1999, 2003, 2007, 2015, and most recently in 2023, showcasing their consistent dominance in the sport.

• India has won the World Cup twice (1983 and 2011), a significant achievement but not the maximum.
• South Africa, despite being a strong cricketing nation, has unfortunately never won the ICC World Cup.
• England secured their first and only World Cup title in 2019, making them a relatively recent winner but not the most frequent.

Australia's consistent performance sets them apart in World Cup history.

When a peripheral device, such as a printer, keyboard, or hard drive, requires immediate service or attention from the CPU, it generates a signal known as an interrupt. This signal temporarily halts the CPU's current task, allowing it to handle the device's request before resuming its original operation, ensuring efficient I/O management. A spool (Simultaneous Peripheral Operations Online) is a buffer that holds data for a peripheral device, allowing the CPU to perform other tasks. A stack is a data structure used for temporary storage, often for function calls. A page file is a portion of a hard drive used by the operating system to compensate for a lack of physical memory.

The question tests knowledge of correlative conjunctions in English grammar. The phrase requires a word to complete the structure '____ in flat or shared house', indicating a choice between two options. The correct option is 'either', which forms the correlative conjunction 'either...or'. This construction is used to present two alternatives.

• 'Either' (C) is correct because it perfectly fits the grammatical structure 'either...or', signifying a choice between a flat or a shared house.
• 'Nether' (A) is incorrect; it means lower or below and does not function as a correlative conjunction in this context. While 'neither...nor' is a conjunction, 'Nether' alone is grammatically unsound here.
• 'Comfy' (B) is an adjective meaning comfortable, and it does not serve to connect two choices grammatically.
• 'None' (D) is incorrect as 'either' is the precise and correct choice.

This question pertains to the historical achievements of national teams in the FIFA World Cup, the most prestigious international football tournament. Brazil stands as the most successful nation in the history of the World Cup, having won the championship a record five times. Their victories occurred in 1958, 1962, 1970, 1994, and 2002, solidifying their status as a footballing powerhouse and the only team to have participated in every World Cup tournament.

• Option A, "4," is incorrect; Brazil has surpassed this number of titles.
• Option C, "6," is also incorrect; while Brazil is highly successful, they have not yet reached six World Cup triumphs.
• Option D, "3," is significantly lower than Brazil's actual record, failing to acknowledge their dominance.

Brazil's five titles underscore their legendary status in global football.

Understanding character formatting is fundamental in word processing and digital typography. The term Superscript refers to text that is intentionally raised above the baseline of the surrounding text and is typically rendered in a smaller font size. This formatting is commonly used for footnotes, mathematical exponents (e.g., x2), or chemical formulas.

• Raised (A) is too general and not a specific typographic term for this effect.
• Outlined (B) describes a character's border or contour, not its vertical position relative to the baseline.
• Subscript (D) is the opposite; it places text below the baseline, often used in chemical formulas like H2O. Therefore, Superscript is the precise term for a character that is raised and smaller above the baseline.

This question requires the completion of a well-known Urdu proverb. The proverb describes an extremely old and frail person, emphasizing their physical decline. The first part, 'نہ منہ میں دانت' (no teeth in mouth), sets the context of old age and weakness. The second part needs to complete the idiom related to internal frailty.

• 'آنت' (A), meaning 'intestine', is the correct word. The complete proverb is 'نہ منہ میں دانت نہ پیٹ میں آنت', which literally translates to 'no teeth in mouth, no intestines in stomach', signifying extreme old age and weakness.
• 'وانت' (B), meaning 'vomit', does not fit the context of the proverb, which refers to the absence of internal strength or organs due to extreme age.
• 'ول' (C) is not a recognized word that completes this specific proverb meaningfully.
• 'ان میں سے کوئی نہیں' (D) is incorrect because option A accurately completes the proverb.