PPSC Past Paper 2024

The Earth's atmosphere contains various gases that absorb different wavelengths of solar radiation. Water vapor is the most significant natural greenhouse gas and a primary absorber of infrared (IR) radiation emitted by the sun and re-radiated from Earth's surface. Its molecular structure allows it to efficiently absorb and re-emit IR energy, playing a crucial role in the planet's heat budget and the greenhouse effect.

• Violet is a color in the visible light spectrum, not a gas that absorbs infrared radiation.
• Carbon dioxide is indeed a major greenhouse gas and absorbs infrared, but water vapor generally accounts for a larger share of atmospheric IR absorption.
• Ozone primarily absorbs harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation in the stratosphere, protecting life on Earth, rather than being the main absorber of solar infrared.

The idiom “Take someone’s word for it” means to accept what someone says as true without requiring additional proof or verification. It signifies a level of trust in the speaker's honesty, accuracy, or knowledge regarding a particular matter. When you take someone's word for it, you are essentially relying on their statement as fact.

Therefore, A: Believe what someone says is the accurate meaning. B: Disbelieve is the direct opposite, implying a lack of trust or a need for evidence. C: Alleged person refers to someone accused of an offense but not yet proven guilty, which is entirely unrelated to the concept of believing a statement. This idiom is fundamental to understanding trust in communication.

Goitre is a medical condition characterized by an abnormal enlargement of the thyroid gland, which is located in the neck. The thyroid gland plays a crucial role in producing hormones essential for metabolism, growth, and development.

• The correct answer is B: Iodine. Deficiency of iodine is the most common cause of goitre worldwide. The thyroid gland requires iodine to synthesize thyroid hormones (thyroxine and triiodothyronine). When iodine intake is insufficient, the thyroid gland attempts to compensate by growing larger to capture more available iodine, leading to the characteristic swelling known as goitre.
• A: Potassium is an essential electrolyte, but its deficiency does not directly cause goitre.
• C: Protein deficiency can lead to various nutritional problems, but it is not the primary cause of goitre.
• D: all is incorrect because only iodine deficiency is the direct and primary cause among the given options.

SPSS is a widely recognized and utilized software package for statistical analysis. Its full form is Statistical Package for Social Sciences. Developed by IBM, it is extensively used across various fields, particularly in academic research, market research, and health sciences, for data management, advanced analytics, and reporting. The software provides a user-friendly interface for performing complex statistical procedures.

• Statistical Package for Social Studies is incorrect; 'Studies' is not the precise term in the official acronym.
• Statistical Package for Sampling Studies is also incorrect; while sampling is part of statistics, it doesn't represent the full scope of SPSS's capabilities or its official name.
• Statistical Package for Social Service is inaccurate; 'Service' is not part of the correct expansion.

Korfball is a unique team sport specifically designed to be played with mixed-gender teams. Its rules mandate that each team on the court must consist of an equal number of male and female players, typically two men and two women in each section of the court. This fundamental aspect promotes equality and cooperation, making it distinct from many other sports.

While A: Tennis, C: Volleyball, and D: Cricket can be played in mixed formats recreationally or in specific doubles events, their primary competitive structures and traditional forms are typically single-gender. Korfball stands out as a sport where mixed-gender participation is an inherent and defining characteristic of the game itself.

An antonym is a word that has the opposite meaning of another word. Understanding antonyms helps in expanding vocabulary and comprehending nuances in language.

• The correct answer is A: Active. The word "dormant" means inactive, in a state of temporary inactivity, or not currently growing or developing. For example, a dormant volcano is not erupting, and dormant seeds are not germinating. Therefore, the direct opposite of being inactive or suspended is being Active, meaning engaged in action, moving, or functioning.
• B: Transient means lasting only for a short time; impermanent. This is not the opposite of dormant, as something dormant can be either transient or prolonged.
• C: Permanent means lasting or intended to last indefinitely. This describes duration, not the state of activity, and is not the antonym of dormant.
• D: all is incorrect because only "Active" serves as the direct antonym for "dormant."

The Liaquat-Nehru Pact, also known as the Delhi Pact, was a significant bilateral agreement signed between India and Pakistan in 1950. This pact was signed on April 8, 1950, by the then Prime Ministers of India, Jawaharlal Nehru, and Pakistan, Liaquat Ali Khan. Its primary objective was to ensure the protection and rights of minorities in both countries, particularly in the aftermath of the communal violence that followed the Partition of India in 1947.

• The years 1964, 1965, and 1966 are incorrect. These years fall much later than the actual signing of the pact, which was a foundational agreement in the early years of both nations.

The short-term memory of a computer is known as A: RAM (Random Access Memory). RAM is volatile memory, meaning it temporarily stores data that the CPU (Central Processing Unit) is actively using or needs quick access to. This allows for rapid reading and writing of data, crucial for the computer's operational speed and multitasking capabilities. However, all data stored in RAM is lost when the computer is powered off.

B: ROM (Read-Only Memory) stores permanent, non-volatile instructions essential for booting the computer. C: Floppy disks are outdated, external, non-volatile storage. D: Hard Disk drives provide long-term, non-volatile storage for the operating system, applications, and user files, not for active, temporary processing data.

The CPU, or Central Processing Unit, is often referred to as the 'brain' of a computer. It is responsible for executing instructions, performing calculations, and managing the overall flow of data within the system. Understanding its full form is fundamental to computer literacy.

• A: Central Processing Unit is the correct and universally accepted full form of CPU. It accurately describes its central role in processing information.
• B: Computer Process is too vague and not the correct acronym. While the CPU is involved in computer processes, this is not its name.
• C: Computer Protection Unit is incorrect. The CPU's primary function is processing, not protection, which is typically handled by security software or hardware.
• D: None is incorrect because option A is accurate.

Windows 10 is a prime example of an operating system (OS). An operating system is fundamental system software that manages computer hardware and software resources. It provides common services for computer programs and acts as an intermediary between the user and the computer's hardware, allowing other software to run and users to interact with the machine.

• Type of computer is incorrect; Windows 10 is software, not a physical computer.
• Utility software performs specific tasks to maintain the computer (e.g., antivirus, disk defragmenter), but an OS is the core system that enables all other software.
• Application software (e.g., web browsers, word processors) runs *on* an operating system to perform user-specific tasks, whereas the OS itself is the foundational layer.

Mount Damavand is a prominent natural landmark located in A: Iran. It is the highest peak in Iran and the highest volcano in Asia, standing majestically in the Alborz mountain range, south of the Caspian Sea. This stratovolcano is a significant cultural and geographical symbol for the country, often featured in Persian mythology and literature.

B: Turkey is home to its own impressive mountains, such as Mount Ararat, but not Damavand. C: Tekstan is not a recognized country. D: Pakistan is renowned for its towering peaks in the Himalayas and Karakoram ranges, including K2, but Mount Damavand is distinctly an Iranian feature. Its unique volcanic nature and elevation make it a key geographical identifier for Iran.

The Earth's ozone layer, located in the stratosphere, is crucial for absorbing harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. Certain human-made chemicals can deplete this protective layer, leading to increased UV exposure and associated health risks.

• A: CFCs (Chlorofluorocarbons) are the primary ozone-depleting substances. These chemicals, once widely used in refrigerants and aerosols, release chlorine atoms that catalytically destroy ozone molecules.
• B: Carbon dioxide is a major greenhouse gas contributing to climate change, but it is not a primary ozone-depleting substance.
• C: Carbon monoxide is a toxic air pollutant, but it does not directly deplete the ozone layer.
• D: Acetylene is a hydrocarbon gas used in welding, and it is not known to be an ozone-depleting substance.

The groundbreaking collection of poetry titled “Mavra” was written by Noon Meem Rashid. Published in 1940, 'Mavra' is considered a landmark work in modern Urdu literature. Rashid is celebrated for pioneering free verse in Urdu poetry, breaking away from traditional forms and meters, and introducing new themes and expressions. His work significantly influenced subsequent generations of Urdu poets.

• Ismat Chughtai was a renowned Urdu short story writer and novelist, known for her progressive and often controversial themes, but not the author of 'Mavra'.
• Krishan Chandar was a prominent Urdu short story writer and novelist, known for his realistic and satirical works, but not associated with 'Mavra'.
• Mumtaz Mufti was an acclaimed Urdu short story writer and novelist, known for his unique style and psychological insights, but not the author of 'Mavra'.

The US-led QUAD, officially known as the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, is a strategic grouping comprising four countries. These nations are the United States, Japan, Australia, and India. Formed to promote a free, open, prosperous, and inclusive Indo-Pacific region, the QUAD focuses on cooperation across various domains, including maritime security, economic development, disaster relief, and addressing regional challenges.

Therefore, B: 4 is the correct number of member countries. Options A: 2, C: 6, and D: 8 are incorrect. The QUAD's structure is specifically defined by these four democratic nations, working collaboratively to enhance stability and prosperity in a crucial geopolitical area. Its purpose is to foster dialogue and joint initiatives among its members.

The age at which a president assumes office is a notable historical detail. While Theodore Roosevelt was younger when he *succeeded* to the presidency, the question specifically asks for the youngest *elected* president, referring to the age at inauguration after winning an election.

• D: John F. Kennedy holds the distinction of being the youngest person ever *elected* to the U.S. presidency. He was inaugurated on January 20, 1961, at the age of 43.
• A: James Monroe was 58 when he became president.
• B: Abraham Lincoln was 52 when he took office.
• C: Herbert Hoover was 54 at his inauguration. These individuals were all significantly older than Kennedy when they assumed the presidency after being elected.

The question asks to identify the founder of Facebook. Facebook is a globally recognized social networking service that revolutionized online communication.

The correct answer is Mark Zuckerberg. Mark Zuckerberg co-founded Facebook (originally 'Thefacebook') in 2004 while he was a student at Harvard University, along with fellow students Eduardo Saverin, Andrew McCollum, Dustin Moskovitz, and Chris Hughes. He has been the chairman and CEO of Meta Platforms (Facebook's parent company) since its inception.

• Michael S. Dell is the founder of Dell Technologies, a prominent computer technology company.
• Bill Gates is the co-founder of Microsoft, a multinational technology corporation known for its software and operating systems.
• Tim Berners-Lee is credited with inventing the World Wide Web, a foundational technology for the internet.

Therefore, Mark Zuckerberg is accurately identified as the founder of Facebook.

The atomic bomb named “Little Boy” was tragically dropped by the United States on the Japanese city of A: Hiroshima on August 6, 1945, during the final stages of World War II. This devastating event marked the first use of an atomic weapon in warfare, causing immense destruction and loss of life. The decision to deploy "Little Boy" was a pivotal moment in human history.

B: Nagasaki was the target of the second atomic bomb, "Fat Man," three days later, on August 9, 1945. C: Tokyo, the capital, and D: Osaka were subjected to extensive conventional firebombing campaigns but were not targeted with atomic weapons. The bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki ultimately led to Japan's surrender.

Treaties are formal agreements between states that often conclude wars and establish new international orders. The mid-17th century saw a pivotal treaty that reshaped European politics and laid foundations for modern international relations.

• A: Treaty of Westphalia, signed in 1648, is the correct answer. It comprised a series of peace treaties that ended both the Thirty Years' War in the Holy Roman Empire (involving German states and others) and the Eighty Years' War between Spain and the Dutch Republic, establishing the concept of state sovereignty.
• B: Treaty of Paris refers to several treaties throughout history, none specifically ending this particular conflict involving Spain, Germany, and the Dutch.
• C: Treaty of Versailles was signed in 1919, ending World War I, centuries after the conflicts mentioned.
• D: None is incorrect because the Treaty of Westphalia directly addresses the question.

The question asks to identify the author of the book “Mein Kampf.” “Mein Kampf,” which translates to “My Struggle,” is an autobiographical manifesto that outlines the author's political ideology and future plans for Germany.

The correct answer is Adolf Hitler. Hitler wrote this book while imprisoned after the failed Beer Hall Putsch in 1923. It became a foundational text for Nazism, detailing his antisemitic views, racial theories, and expansionist foreign policy, which profoundly influenced the course of World War II and the Holocaust.

• Bill Clinton served as the 42nd President of the United States and is known for his political memoirs, not “Mein Kampf.”
• Nelson Mandela was an anti-apartheid revolutionary and former President of South Africa, famous for his autobiography “Long Walk to Freedom.”
• All of these is incorrect because only one individual authored “Mein Kampf.”

Thus, Adolf Hitler is the sole author of “Mein Kampf.”

Sam Nujoma is a pivotal figure in African history, renowned as the first President of Namibia. He led the South West Africa People's Organization (SWAPO) in its struggle for independence against South African rule. After decades of conflict and political activism, Namibia finally achieved independence in 1990, with Nujoma subsequently elected as its inaugural president, serving three terms until 2005.

• Morocco, South Africa, and Algeria are all sovereign African nations, but none are Nujoma's home country.
• South Africa historically administered Namibia (then South West Africa), but Nujoma fought against this occupation, making it an incorrect choice for his nationality.

The theory of evolution is a cornerstone of modern biology, explaining the diversity of life on Earth through natural processes over vast periods. Its development revolutionized scientific understanding of life's origins and development.

• C: Darwin, specifically Charles Darwin, is credited with developing the theory of evolution by natural selection. His seminal work, 'On the Origin of Species,' published in 1859, presented compelling evidence and a mechanism for evolutionary change.
• A: Maulana Hasan Ahmad Madani and B: Shabir Ahmad Usmani were prominent Islamic scholars, not figures in evolutionary biology.
• D: Mendeleev, Dmitri Mendeleev, is renowned for formulating the Periodic Law and creating the periodic table of elements in chemistry, not for the theory of evolution.

The question asks where the Cerebrum, Thalamus, and Hypothalamus are parts of. These are crucial structures within the human nervous system, each with distinct and vital functions.

The correct answer is Brain. The Cerebrum is the largest part of the brain, responsible for higher functions like thought, voluntary movement, language, and memory. The Thalamus acts as a relay station for sensory information, directing it to the appropriate areas of the cerebrum. The Hypothalamus controls essential bodily functions such as hunger, thirst, body temperature, and hormone release. All three are integral components of the brain.

• The Spinal Cord is part of the Central Nervous System but is distinct from the brain and does not contain these specific structures.
• The CNS (Central Nervous System) includes both the brain and the spinal cord. While these structures are in the CNS, 'Brain' is a more precise answer.
• The PNS (Peripheral Nervous System) consists of nerves outside the brain and spinal cord, not containing these central processing units.

Therefore, the Cerebrum, Thalamus, and Hypothalamus are all parts of the brain.

The concept of a 'state' in political science is defined by several essential elements, without which a political entity cannot be considered a sovereign state. These foundational elements are universally recognized.

• Sovereignty refers to the supreme and independent authority of a state over its territory and people, free from external control.
• Population is the body of people living within the state. A state cannot exist without people.
• Defined Territory signifies a specific geographical area with recognized boundaries over which the state exercises jurisdiction.

A Political Party, while crucial for democratic governance and political participation, is an organization *within* a state that seeks to achieve and maintain political power. It is not an inherent or essential element for the fundamental existence of a state itself. Therefore, 'Political Party' is the correct answer as it is not an essential element.

The question pertains to a significant historical and geopolitical event concerning Pakistan's acquisition of Gwadar Port. Gwadar is a deep-sea port located on the Arabian Sea at Gwadar in Balochistan province of Pakistan. Its strategic location makes it a crucial asset for regional trade and connectivity.

Pakistan purchased Gwadar from the Sultanate of Oman. This transaction took place on 8 September 1958, when Pakistan bought the enclave for 5.5 billion Pakistani rupees (equivalent to $3 million at the time). Before this, Gwadar had been an overseas possession of Oman for over two centuries, since 1783. The other options—Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and UAE—are Gulf countries but were not involved in the sale of Gwadar to Pakistan. Understanding such historical transactions is vital for comprehending regional political and economic dynamics.

The question asks about the symbolic meaning of an olive branch. Symbols often carry profound cultural and historical significance, conveying complex ideas concisely.

• Peace (A) is the correct answer. The olive branch has been a powerful symbol of peace and reconciliation for millennia. Its origins can be traced back to ancient Greek mythology, where it was associated with the goddess Eirene (Peace), and also to the biblical story of Noah's Ark, where a dove returned with an olive leaf, signifying the end of the flood and a new beginning.
• Love (B) is not the primary or direct symbolism of an olive branch, although peace can foster love.
• War (C) is the antithesis of what the olive branch represents, making it an incorrect distractor.