Model Paper 154 PPSC Past Paper Series

The study of human populations is a specialized field that examines various aspects of how populations change over time. This scientific discipline provides crucial insights into societal trends, resource allocation, and future planning.

• B: Demography is the correct answer. Demography is the statistical study of human populations, focusing on their size, structure, distribution, and how these change over time due to births, deaths, migration, and aging.
• A: Geography is the study of the Earth's physical features and atmosphere, and human activity as it affects and is affected by these. While it can include population distribution, it's broader than just population study.
• C: Polygraphy refers to the use of a polygraph (lie detector) or the art of writing in various styles, unrelated to population study.
• D: Biography is an account of someone's life written by someone else, focusing on an individual rather than a population.

Therefore, demography is the precise term for the study of human population dynamics.

A ratio compares two quantities, and the order is crucial. The question asks for the ratio of orange to apple. The cost of an orange is Rs. 20, and an apple is Rs. 16. So, the initial ratio is 20:16.

To express a ratio in its simplest form, divide both numbers by their greatest common divisor (GCD). The GCD of 20 and 16 is 4. Dividing both parts by 4 gives: 20 ÷ 4 = 5 and 16 ÷ 4 = 4. Thus, the simplified ratio is 5:4, making option C correct.

• A: 20:16 is the correct initial ratio but not simplified.
• B: 4:5 is incorrect because it represents the ratio of apple to orange, not orange to apple.
• D: 16:20 is also incorrect as it represents the ratio of apple to orange and is not simplified.

Blood pressure is a critical vital sign, indicating the force exerted by circulating blood against the walls of the body's arteries. It is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg) or torr, with 1 torr being equivalent to 1 mmHg. Blood pressure has two main components: systolic and diastolic.

• B: 120 torr (or 120 mmHg) is the correct answer. A normal systolic blood pressure for a healthy adult is typically around 120 mmHg. This represents the peak pressure when the heart contracts and pumps blood into the arteries.
• A: 100 torr is generally considered on the lower side of normal, potentially indicating hypotension (low blood pressure) for some individuals.
• C: 140 torr and D: 160 torr are elevated readings, indicating hypertension (high blood pressure), which is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular diseases.

Maintaining blood pressure within the normal range is essential for overall health.

To calculate speed, we use the formula: Speed = Distance / Time. The distance given is 16 km, and the time is 20 minutes. Since the desired speed unit is kilometers per hour (km/h), we must convert the time from minutes to hours.

There are 60 minutes in an hour, so 20 minutes = 20/60 hours = 1/3 hour. Now, substitute the values into the formula: Speed = 16 km / (1/3) hour = 16 * 3 km/h = 48 km/h. Therefore, option C is the correct answer.

• A, B, D: 43 km/h, 45 km/h, 52 km/h are incorrect. These results likely stem from errors in converting minutes to hours or incorrect arithmetic during the calculation. Forgetting to convert time to hours or using an incorrect conversion factor would lead to different incorrect speeds.

An object that revolves around a planet is fundamentally known as a Satellite. This term applies to both natural celestial bodies, like Earth's Moon, and artificial objects launched into orbit by humans, such as communication satellites. Satellites are held in orbit by the planet's gravitational pull, continuously falling around it. Therefore, 'Satellite' is the correct answer.

• Jet refers to an aircraft propelled by jet engines or the engine type itself.
• Aeroplane is a general term for a powered flying vehicle with fixed wings.
• Rocket is a vehicle or missile that obtains thrust by the ejection of fast-moving fluid from a nozzle, primarily used for launching objects into space, not an object that revolves around a planet itself in the context of the question.

This is an arithmetic progression (AP), where each term after the first is obtained by adding a constant difference to the preceding term. First, identify the first term (a₁) and the common difference (d).

Here, the first term a₁ = 35. The common difference d = 45 - 35 = 10 (or 55 - 45 = 10). To find the 10th term (n=10), use the formula for the nth term of an AP: a_n = a₁ + (n-1)d.

Substituting the values: a₁₀ = 35 + (10-1) * 10 = 35 + 9 * 10 = 35 + 90 = 125. So, option B is correct.

• A: 115 would be the 9th term.
• C: 135 would be the 11th term.
• D: 145 would be the 12th term. These distractors are close but result from miscalculating the term number.

The mercury thermometer, a crucial instrument for measuring temperature, was invented by Daniel Gabriel Fahrenheit. In 1714, Fahrenheit developed the first reliable mercury-in-glass thermometer and also introduced the Fahrenheit temperature scale, which is still used in some regions today. His innovations significantly advanced the field of thermometry.

• Galileo Galilei is credited with inventing an early form of thermometer, the thermoscope, around 1593, but it was not a mercury thermometer.
• Isaac Newton made profound contributions to physics and mathematics, but he did not invent the mercury thermometer. He did propose a temperature scale, but it was not widely adopted.
• 'None of these' is incorrect because Fahrenheit is the correct inventor.

This question requires completing a well-known English idiom. Idioms are phrases whose meaning cannot be understood from the ordinary meaning of its words. The complete idiom is "Still waters run deep."

This idiom means that a person who appears calm, quiet, or reserved on the surface may actually have a very deep, complex, or passionate character underneath. It suggests that appearances can be deceiving and that a quiet exterior can hide profound thoughts, emotions, or capabilities. Therefore, option B is the correct completion.

• A: make no noise, while literally true for still water, is not the idiomatic expression.
• C: bring food and D: smell bad are incorrect as they do not form a recognized idiom or proverb with "Still waters."

The study of ancient things, particularly human history and prehistory through the excavation of sites and the analysis of artifacts and other physical remains, is called Archaeology. Archaeologists piece together information about past societies, cultures, and environments from the material evidence they uncover. This field provides invaluable insights into human development over millennia.

• Zoology is the scientific study of animals, including their classification, physiology, development, and behavior.
• Geology is the scientific study of the Earth's physical structure, substance, history, and the processes that act on it.
• Anthropology is the broader study of humanity, including its origins, societies, cultures, and development. While archaeology is a sub-discipline of anthropology, the specific study of 'ancient things' falls under archaeology.

In the sentence, "Tom demanded thorough enquiry," the word "thorough" describes the type or quality of the "enquiry." An adjective is a word that modifies or describes a noun or pronoun. Here, "enquiry" is a noun, and "thorough" tells us more about it, indicating that the enquiry should be complete and detailed.

• A: Noun is incorrect because a noun names a person, place, thing, or idea, which "thorough" does not do in this context.
• C: Adverb is incorrect because an adverb modifies a verb, an adjective, or another adverb, typically answering how, when, where, or to what extent. "Thorough" is not modifying a verb here.
• D: None of these is incorrect as "Adjective" is the correct classification.

The ozone layer, located in the Earth's stratosphere, plays a vital role in protecting life on our planet by absorbing harmful radiation from the sun. Specifically, it restricts most of the sun's UV Rays (Ultraviolet Rays) from reaching the Earth's surface. Exposure to excessive UV radiation, particularly UV-B and UV-C, can cause skin cancer, cataracts, and harm to ecosystems.

• X-rays and Gamma Rays are also high-energy electromagnetic radiation, but they are mostly absorbed much higher in the atmosphere, above the ozone layer.
• Infrared rays are a form of electromagnetic radiation associated with heat. While they reach the Earth's surface and contribute to the greenhouse effect, the ozone layer does not primarily restrict them in the same protective manner as it does UV rays.

The word Ablution refers to the act of washing oneself, often as a ritual or for purification, especially in religious contexts. For instance, many religions involve specific ablutions before prayer or ceremonies. Therefore, its most direct and accurate synonym among the given options is "Washing."

• A: Drinking refers to the act of consuming liquids, which is unrelated to the meaning of ablution.
• C: Eating refers to the act of consuming food, which also has no connection to ablution.
• D: Sleeping refers to a state of rest and unconsciousness, which is entirely distinct from the concept of washing or purification.

Understanding the core meaning of "ablution" as a form of cleansing makes "Washing" the unequivocally correct synonym.

The Delhi Sultanate was a powerful Islamic empire that ruled over large parts of the Indian subcontinent for over three centuries, from 1206 to 1526 AD. It comprised five successive dynasties. The very first of these was the Mamluk Dynasty, also famously known as the Slave Dynasty. It was founded in 1206 AD by Qutb al-Din Aibak, a former Mamluk (slave soldier) of Muhammad Ghori, after Ghori's assassination. Aibak established his capital at Delhi and laid the groundwork for the Sultanate.

The other options represent subsequent dynasties of the Delhi Sultanate. The Khilji Dynasty succeeded the Mamluks in 1290 AD, known for its expansionist policies. The Tughlaq Dynasty followed the Khiljis in 1320 AD, marking a period of significant administrative changes. Finally, the Lodi Dynasty was the fifth and last dynasty, ruling from 1451 AD until its defeat by Babur in 1526 AD, which led to the establishment of the Mughal Empire. Thus, the Mamluk Dynasty holds the distinction of being the first.

Satpara Lake is a renowned natural lake in Pakistan, famous for its stunning turquoise waters and the surrounding mountainous landscape. It is a significant geographical feature, not only for its beauty but also for its role in local water resources and power generation through the Satpara Dam.

The famous Satpara Lake is located in the Skardu Valley of Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan. Situated at an altitude of about 2,636 meters (8,650 feet) above sea level, it is fed by the melting waters of the Deosai Plains. The lake's outflow forms the Satpara Stream, which is a tributary of the Indus River. The Satpara Dam, built on this lake, provides hydroelectric power and irrigation water to the region.

• AJK (Azad Jammu and Kashmir) is a separate administrative territory with its own beautiful lakes, but Satpara is not among them.
• KPK (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa) is a province known for its diverse geography and several lakes, but Satpara Lake is not situated within its boundaries.
• Punjab, a largely plains region, has some lakes but does not host the high-altitude Satpara Lake.

The question, likely containing a typo, asks about the maximum number of players (interpreted from "prayers") each team shall have in court during a Basketball game. Basketball is a team sport played by two teams, with specific rules governing the number of players on the court at any given time.

The correct answer is A: 5. According to the official rules of basketball, each team is allowed to have a maximum of five players on the court simultaneously during a game. This is a fundamental rule that defines the game's structure, strategy, and flow. Having more or fewer players on the court than allowed results in a penalty.

• B: 6, C: 7, and D: 8 are incorrect. While teams have larger rosters with substitutes, only five players from each team can be on the court at any one time. Six players are common in sports like volleyball, but not basketball.

Pakistan gained independence in August 1947, and its journey in international sports began almost immediately. The first Olympic Games after its independence were the 1948 Summer Olympics held in London. Pakistan made its Olympic debut at these games, sending a contingent of athletes to represent the newly formed nation. Among the teams that participated, the Pakistan hockey team was notably present, marking its first appearance on the global Olympic stage.

Therefore, 1948 is the correct answer. The other years mentioned represent significant milestones for Pakistan in Olympic hockey, but not their debut. In 1956, Pakistan won its first Olympic medal, a silver in hockey, at the Melbourne Games. In 1960, Pakistan achieved its first Olympic gold medal, triumphing in hockey at the Rome Olympics. By 1964, Pakistan secured another silver medal in hockey at the Tokyo Games. These were all subsequent participations, not the initial one.

Glaciers are massive, slow-moving bodies of ice formed from compacted snow, playing a crucial role in the Earth's climate system and water cycle. The Karakoram mountain range, where the Chogo Lungma Glacier is found, is home to some of the world's largest glaciers outside the polar regions.

The Chogo Lungma Glacier is a significant glacier located in the Karakoram mountain range, specifically within the Gilgit-Baltistan region of Pakistan. This region is renowned for its vast glacial systems, which are vital sources of freshwater for the Indus River and its tributaries. The glacier is part of a complex network of ice and mountains that define the high-altitude geography of northern Pakistan.

• Tajikistan is a Central Asian country known for its own extensive glaciers, particularly in the Pamir Mountains, but Chogo Lungma is not found there.
• Afghanistan also has glaciers, primarily in the Hindu Kush mountain range, but Chogo Lungma is not located within its borders.
• Therefore, 'None of these' is incorrect, as Pakistan is the correct geographical location for the Chogo Lungma Glacier.

The question asks about the discovery of the sea route to India, a pivotal moment in global history that reshaped trade and exploration. Vasco da Gama, a Portuguese explorer, is correctly credited with this monumental achievement. In 1498, he successfully navigated around the southern tip of Africa, the Cape of Good Hope, and reached Calicut, India. This established a direct maritime trade route between Europe and Asia, bypassing the traditional overland routes controlled by the Ottoman Empire and Venetian merchants.

• Hopkins is not a recognized figure in the history of major European explorations to India.
• Columbus (Christopher Columbus) famously sailed west in 1492, believing he could reach Asia, but instead landed in the Americas, never reaching India.
• Magellan (Ferdinand Magellan) led the first expedition to circumnavigate the Earth, sailing west across the Pacific, but he did not discover the sea route to India.

The Hockey World Cup is the premier international field hockey competition, organized by the International Hockey Federation (FIH). The inaugural Men's Hockey World Cup tournament was held in 1971. This historic event took place in Barcelona, Spain, bringing together the best hockey nations from around the globe to compete for the coveted title. It was a landmark moment for the sport, establishing a new pinnacle of international competition.

Pakistan emerged as the champion of this very first Hockey World Cup in 1971, defeating the host nation Spain in a thrilling final match. This victory cemented Pakistan's status as a dominant force in international hockey during that era. The other options are incorrect because they did not win the inaugural tournament. India won its first World Cup in 1975. The Netherlands won their first World Cup in 1973. Australia, while a strong hockey nation, won its first World Cup much later in 1986. Thus, Pakistan holds the distinction of being the first-ever Hockey World Cup winner.

The question asks for the specific designation of the Lahore-Abdul Hakeem motorway within Pakistan's national network. Motorways in Pakistan are identified by an 'M' followed by a number, each corresponding to a unique route.

The correct answer is B: M3. The M3 motorway is indeed the route that connects Lahore to Abdul Hakeem. This motorway is a vital artery in Punjab, facilitating efficient travel and trade between these significant cities and contributing to the overall connectivity of the region.

• A: M2 is incorrect because the M2 motorway connects Lahore to Islamabad, a different and much longer route.
• C: M4 is incorrect as the M4 motorway connects Pindi Bhattian to Multan, serving a different corridor.
• D: M5 is incorrect because the M5 motorway links Multan to Sukkur, extending further south in the country.

Each motorway designation is unique to its specific geographical path, making M3 the accurate identification for the Lahore-Abdul Hakeem section.

The 'Age of Imperialism' refers to a period of aggressive expansion and formal colonization by European powers, and later the United States and Japan, into vast territories in Africa and Asia. This era began in earnest in the Nineteenth Century. Specifically, the latter half of the 19th century, often termed the 'New Imperialism' (roughly from the 1870s to the early 20th century), saw an unprecedented 'Scramble for Africa' and intensified control over Asian territories, driven by industrialization, the search for raw materials, and new markets.

• The Seventeenth Century saw earlier forms of colonialism, primarily in the Americas, but not the intense, widespread formal imperialism of the later period.
• The Eighteenth Century continued these colonial patterns, but the peak of aggressive, formal imperial expansion was yet to come.
• While imperialism continued into the early Twentieth Century, its *beginning in earnest* was firmly rooted in the preceding century, with decolonization largely occurring post-World War II.

The 1973 Constitution of Pakistan is a foundational document that outlines the country's governance structure. Initially, it reserved 10 seats for women in the National Assembly for a period of 10 years to ensure their representation. However, significant amendments over time, particularly the Legal Framework Order (LFO) of 2002, dramatically increased this number. The LFO 2002, introduced by General Pervez Musharraf, aimed to enhance women's political participation by reserving 60 seats for women in the National Assembly. This was a substantial increase, reflecting a commitment to greater gender inclusivity in the legislative process.

The options 20 and 50 are incorrect as they do not correspond to the actual number of reserved seats for women in the National Assembly under the 1973 Constitution, even with its major amendments. Therefore, None of these is also incorrect because 60 is the precise number established through constitutional amendments.

The question categorizes cotton based on its economic purpose in Pakistan. Crops are generally classified into different types depending on their primary use, such as food, fiber, or industrial raw material.

The correct answer is B: Cash. Cotton is fundamentally a cash crop in Pakistan. A cash crop is cultivated primarily for sale in the market to generate profit, rather than for direct consumption by the grower. Pakistan is one of the world's leading cotton producers, and its cultivation is a cornerstone of the country's agricultural economy, providing raw material for the textile industry and significant export revenue.

• A: Food is incorrect because cotton is not grown for human or animal consumption; its primary product is fiber.
• C: Synthetic is incorrect as synthetic materials are man-made (e.g., nylon, polyester) and not naturally grown crops. Cotton is a natural fiber.
• D: Compound is incorrect because 'compound' refers to a substance formed from two or more elements and is not a classification for crops in this context.

Therefore, cotton's role as a major revenue-generating agricultural product firmly places it in the 'cash crop' category.

Buckingham Palace is one of the most iconic and recognizable royal residences globally. It is the official London residence and administrative headquarters of the monarch of the United Kingdom. Located in Westminster, London, it serves as a focal point for national celebrations and crises, and is a major tourist attraction. The palace is a powerful symbol of the British monarchy and its rich history, having been the official residence of the UK's sovereigns since Queen Victoria's accession in 1837.

• France is a republic and does not have a reigning royal family; its historical royal residence was the Palace of Versailles.
• Germany is also a republic and does not have a royal family or a royal residence akin to Buckingham Palace.
• Therefore, 'None of these' is incorrect, as the United Kingdom is the correct answer.

Article 370 of the Indian Constitution granted special autonomous status to the region of Jammu and Kashmir, allowing it to have its own constitution, flag, and significant legislative powers. This provision was a cornerstone of the relationship between Jammu and Kashmir and the Indian Union since 1949. The Indian government, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, took a landmark decision to abrogate Article 370 on August 5, 2019. This move effectively revoked Jammu and Kashmir's special status, integrating it more fully into India and reorganizing the state into two union territories: Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh.

The options August 2016 and September 2020 are incorrect. While there have been various political developments and discussions surrounding Jammu and Kashmir at different times, the specific act of eliminating Article 370 occurred in August 2019. Therefore, None of these is also an incorrect choice as the correct date is provided.