PPSC Past Paper 2024

Rakaposhi is a prominent peak located in the Karakoram mountain range, specifically in the Gilgit-Baltistan region of Pakistan. It is renowned for its dramatic vertical rise above local terrain, making it a visually striking mountain. Understanding the major mountain ranges is fundamental to world geography.

• The Himalayan range is a distinct mountain system, home to peaks like Mount Everest, but Rakaposhi is not part of it.
• The Hindu Kush is another separate major mountain range, primarily situated in Afghanistan and Pakistan, with its own unique peaks.
• Therefore, stating 'None of these' would be incorrect as Rakaposhi is definitively located within the Karakoram range.

This is a classic work and time problem, which relies on the concept of total work units. First, calculate the total work required: 4 men working for 42 days equals 4 * 42 = 168 man-days of work. Next, determine the effective workforce under the new conditions. If three men work full days and one man works half days, the effective number of men is 3 + 0.5 = 3.5 men.

• To find the time taken, divide the total work by the effective workforce: 168 man-days / 3.5 men = 48 days (B).
• Options 45 days (A), 52 days (C), and 60 days (D) are incorrect calculations that do not account for the reduced work output of one man.

This question tests knowledge of prominent Urdu literary figures and their works. 'خیالستان' is a significant collection in Urdu literature, known for its unique style and themes. Identifying the author requires familiarity with the contributions of various writers to Urdu prose.

• 'سجاد حیدر یلدرم' (C) is the correct answer. 'خیالستان' is a celebrated collection of short stories and essays by Sajjad Haider Yaldram, who is considered a pioneer of romanticism and psychological realism in Urdu literature. His work profoundly influenced modern Urdu short story writing.
• 'پریم چند' (A) was a renowned Hindi and Urdu writer, famous for his realistic portrayal of rural life and social issues, but 'Khayalistan' is not his work.
• 'فرحت اللہ بیگ' (B) was a distinguished humorist and essayist, known for his simple and engaging prose and biographical sketches, but 'Khayalistan' is not attributed to him.
• 'ان میں سے کوئی نہیں' (D) is incorrect because Sajjad Haider Yaldram is the rightful author of 'Khayalistan'.

The question asks about the provincial location of Gwadar Port, a vital maritime asset for Pakistan.

• Correct Option D: Balochistan is accurate because Gwadar Port is strategically situated on the Arabian Sea coast within the southwestern region of Balochistan province. This deep-sea port is a cornerstone of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), enhancing regional connectivity and trade.
• Distractor A: Punjab is an inland province, lacking any coastline or port facilities.
• Distractor B: Sindh is a coastal province and home to major ports like Karachi, but Gwadar is geographically located in Balochistan.
• Distractor C: KP (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa) is a landlocked, northwestern province, far from any maritime access.

Knowing Pakistan's provincial geography is fundamental to correctly identifying the location of its key infrastructure projects.

Sikaram is recognized as the highest peak of the Koh-e-Safaid mountain range, also known as Spīn Ghar. This range is situated on the border between Afghanistan and Pakistan. Identifying the highest peaks within specific mountain ranges is a key aspect of physical geography.

• The Karakoram is a major mountain range with its own distinct highest peaks, such as K2, not Sikaram.
• The Koh-e-Suleman (Sulaiman Mountains) is another range in Pakistan and Afghanistan, whose highest point is Takht-e-Sulaiman.
• The Hindu Kush is a separate mountain system, with Tirich Mir being its highest peak, not Sikaram.

Calculating the Goods and Services Tax (GST) involves a straightforward percentage calculation. The foundational concept is to find a percentage of a given amount. Saleem bought a car for Rs. 875,000, and the GST rate is 17%. To find the amount of tax paid, you multiply the original price by the GST rate.

• Tax paid = 875,000 * 17% = 875,000 * (17/100) = 8750 * 17 = Rs. 148,750 (A).
• Options 138838 (B), 144321 (C), and 130832 (D) are incorrect. These values would result from miscalculations of the percentage or applying the percentage to an incorrect base amount, such as a discounted price or a misinterpretation of the tax calculation method.

محاورہ "شیطان کی آنت ہونا" اس چیز یا کام کے لیے بولا جاتا ہے جو غیر معمولی طور پر بہت طویل ہو، ختم ہونے کا نام نہ لے یا مسلسل جاری رہے۔ اس کا تعلق شرارت یا بھوک سے نہیں بلکہ طوالت اور لامتناہی ہونے سے ہے۔

Why the other options are incorrect:

• بھوکا ہونا: یہ اس محاورے کا مفہوم نہیں ہے۔
• شرارتی ہونا: شرارت کا تعلق اس محاورے سے نہیں بلکہ یہ ایک الگ صفت ہے۔
• ان میں سے کوئی نہیں: درست جواب طویل ہونا موجود ہے، اس لیے یہ اختیار غلط ہے۔

This question delves into the historical acquisition of Gwadar Port by Pakistan.

• Correct Option A: Oman is accurate. Pakistan purchased the Gwadar enclave from the Sultanate of Muscat and Oman in 1958. This acquisition was a significant step in expanding Pakistan's coastline and maritime strategic depth.
• Distractor B: Qatar is a Gulf state but was not involved in the sale of Gwadar.
• Distractor C: Saudi Arabia is a major Middle Eastern country, but it did not own or sell Gwadar to Pakistan.
• Distractor D: UAE (United Arab Emirates) is a federation of emirates in the Persian Gulf, distinct from Oman, and was not the seller.

Understanding the historical context of Gwadar's transfer is crucial for comprehending its current geopolitical significance.

Gangkhar Puensum, famously known as the highest unclimbed mountain in the world, is located in Bhutan. Bhutan has a unique policy that prohibits mountaineering above 6,000 meters due to spiritual beliefs, which contributes to the mountain's unclimbed status. This highlights the intersection of geography and cultural practices.

• Nepal is home to many of the world's highest peaks, including Mount Everest, but Gangkhar Puensum is not within its borders.
• India also possesses significant mountain ranges, but Gangkhar Puensum is not located there.
• While China shares a border with Bhutan near the mountain, Gangkhar Puensum itself is considered to be in Bhutan.

The correct answer utilizes prepositions appropriately for both time and place, adhering to standard English usage.

• 'on holiday' is a widely accepted British English idiom, signifying participation in a holiday period. Using 'in holiday' would be grammatically incorrect.
• 'in June' correctly employs 'in' for specifying months, seasons, and years. The preposition 'on' is typically reserved for more specific dates or individual days.
• 'on the wall' is the accurate choice for indicating something's position on a vertical surface. 'Along' would imply movement or extension parallel to the wall, which does not fit the context of hanging pictures.

Therefore, the combination 'on, in, on' is the only option that aligns with the conventional rules of English preposition usage in these specific contexts, demonstrating a foundational understanding of these common phrases.

Literary titles and epithets are often bestowed upon prominent figures based on their significant contributions and stylistic similarities to renowned international personalities. آغا حشر کاشمیری (Agha Hashar Kashmiri) is widely recognized as the "Indian Shakespeare" due to his profound impact on Urdu drama.

• Option B, آغا حشر کاشمیری, is correct because his prolific writing, complex plots, poetic language, and tragic themes mirrored Shakespeare's dramatic genius and influence.
• Option A, مولانا الطاف حسین حالی, was a celebrated poet and critic, not primarily a playwright, making this option incorrect.
• Option C, امیر خسرو, was a legendary 13th-century poet and musician, predating modern drama, thus he is not the "Indian Shakespeare."
• Option D is incorrect as option B is the accurate answer.

The question focuses on the founder of a significant socio-political movement in British India.

• Correct Option C: Allama Inayatullah Khan Mashriqi is accurate. He established the Khaksar Tehreek in Lahore in 1931. The movement aimed at social reform, self-discipline, and the revival of Islamic values, often employing a paramilitary structure.
• Distractor A: Allama Iqbal was a renowned poet-philosopher and political theorist, but not the founder of the Khaksar Tehreek.
• Distractor B: Syed Ahmad Shaheed was a prominent 19th-century Islamic reformer and revivalist, predating the Khaksar Tehreek.
• Distractor D: None of these is incorrect, as Allama Inayatullah Khan Mashriqi is the correct founder.

Recognizing key figures and their movements is essential for understanding the socio-political landscape of pre-partition India.

In the context of biology and chemistry, the water potential of pure water is defined as Zero. Water potential (Ψ) represents the potential energy of water per unit volume relative to pure water in reference conditions. Pure water at standard atmospheric pressure and temperature serves as the fundamental reference point for all other water potential measurements.

• A water potential more than zero is not possible under standard conditions, as pure water is the highest reference.
• A water potential less than zero (negative) is characteristic of solutions, where the presence of solutes lowers the free energy of water.
• Therefore, 'None of these' is incorrect because 'Zero' is the precise and accepted value for pure water.

The correct preposition to indicate a future point in time within a specified duration is 'in'.

• 'in about twenty minutes' means that after approximately twenty minutes have passed, the action will occur. This is a standard usage for expressing future timeframes.
• 'on' is incorrect as it is typically used for specific days (e.g., on Monday) or dates (e.g., on June 1st), or for surfaces.
• 'at' is used for precise times (e.g., at 3 PM) or specific locations, not for a duration leading up to an event.
• 'over' implies duration (e.g., over the weekend) or position, but not a future point of readiness.

Thus, 'in' is the only option that correctly conveys the intended meaning of readiness within a future time span.

In Urdu poetry, a "Diwan" refers to a comprehensive collection of a single poet's ghazals and other poetic forms, typically arranged alphabetically by rhyme scheme. Mirza Ghalib's most celebrated and foundational work is his "دیوانِ غالب" (Diwan-e-Ghalib).

• Option D, 1, is the correct answer. Mirza Ghalib's primary and most famous collection of poetry, "دیوانِ غالب," is traditionally published as a single, complete volume. While various editions or commentaries exist, the core body of his collected works constitutes one unified Diwan.
• Options A, B, and C (2, 3, 4) are incorrect. Ghalib's collected poetic works are not divided into multiple volumes in the sense of separate parts of the same literary collection.

This question tests knowledge about the composition of Pakistan's first federal cabinet after independence.

• Correct Option B: Jogendra Nath Mandal is accurate. As a prominent Hindu leader from Bengal, he was appointed as Pakistan's first Minister for Law and Labour by Muhammad Ali Jinnah, demonstrating Jinnah's vision of a secular and inclusive state.
• Distractor A: Zafar Ullah Khan was a distinguished diplomat and judge, serving as Pakistan's first Foreign Minister, not Law Minister.
• Distractor C: Malik Ghulam Muhammad later became Pakistan's third Governor-General, but he was the first Finance Minister.
• Distractor D: None of these is incorrect, as Jogendra Nath Mandal held this significant portfolio.

Understanding the initial cabinet appointments provides insight into the foundational governance structure of newly independent Pakistan.

The term ECG stands for Electrocardiogram, a fundamental diagnostic tool in medicine. An ECG is a non-invasive test that measures and records the electrical activity of the heart over a period of time. This electrical activity represents the contractions and relaxations of the heart muscle, providing crucial information about its rhythm, rate, and overall health. Therefore, ECG is directly associated with the Heart.

• Mercury is a planet and a chemical element, unrelated to medical diagnostics.
• Earth is our home planet, not associated with this medical term.
• Saturn is another planet in our solar system, also irrelevant to ECG.

Understanding ECG is vital for diagnosing various cardiac conditions.

The sentence 'We took a test yesterday' is a declarative sentence.

• A declarative sentence makes a statement or expresses a fact or opinion, and it typically ends with a period. This sentence clearly states a fact about an event.
• A simple sentence refers to its grammatical structure (one independent clause), which this sentence is, but 'declarative' describes its function or purpose.
• A compound sentence contains two or more independent clauses joined by a conjunction or semicolon, which is not the case here.
• An imperative sentence gives a command or makes a request (e.g., 'Take the test!').

Therefore, 'Declarative' is the most accurate classification based on the sentence's function.

Correct spelling and word usage are fundamental aspects of any language, including Urdu. Understanding common prefixes and suffixes helps in identifying correct word forms. The prefix "نا-" (na-) in Urdu denotes negation or absence, as seen in words like "ناراض" (naraz - displeased).

• Option A, تاراضگی, is the incorrect word. The correct term for "displeasure" or "anger" is "ناراضی" (narazgi). "تاراضگی" is a common misspelling or mispronunciation, lacking proper linguistic roots in this context.
• Option B, ناراضی, is the correct and commonly used word for "displeasure."
• Option C, مجموعه, meaning "collection" or "group," is correctly spelled and used.
• Option D is incorrect because "تاراضگی" is definitively a wrong word.

The question asks for the establishment year of a key regulatory body in Punjab, Pakistan.

• Correct Option C: 2012 is accurate. The Punjab Food Authority (PFA) was officially established in 2012 under the Punjab Food Authority Act 2011. Its primary mandate is to ensure food safety and quality standards across the province, protecting public health.
• Distractor A: 2010 is incorrect; the PFA was not established in this year.
• Distractor B: 2011 is incorrect; while the Act was passed in 2011, the authority itself was established in 2012.
• Distractor D: 2013 is incorrect; the PFA was already operational by this year.

Knowing the establishment dates of such authorities is important for understanding their regulatory history and impact on public welfare.

Mercury is the correct answer because it is one of the two planets in our solar system that do not possess any natural moons. Its proximity to the Sun and relatively small gravitational field contribute to this characteristic, making it unable to retain a satellite. Venus also lacks moons, making it another planet without natural satellites; however, Mercury is the designated correct option here. Mars, conversely, has two small moons named Phobos and Deimos. Saturn is renowned for its extensive system of numerous moons, including the large moon Titan, making this option incorrect. Understanding planetary characteristics helps differentiate these celestial bodies.

The word EXIGENT means demanding immediate attention or action; urgent.

• Therefore, 'Urgent' is the correct synonym, as it directly conveys the meaning of requiring immediate action or attention.
• 'Trivial' means of little value or importance, which is the opposite of exigent.
• 'Minor' means lesser in importance, seriousness, or significance, also contrasting with the demanding nature of exigent.
• 'Common' means occurring, found, or done often; prevalent, which has no relation to the urgency implied by exigent.

Understanding the precise meaning of 'exigent' as critical and requiring prompt action is essential to selecting its appropriate synonym.

The title "باوا آدم" (Bawa Adam), meaning "Father Adam" or "Pioneer," is a significant honor bestowed upon individuals who are considered the foundational figures or originators of a particular field or genre. This title recognizes their pioneering contributions and lasting legacy.

• Option C, امام ولی دکنی (Imam Wali Dakani), is the correct answer. He is widely revered as the "Adam of Urdu Poetry" or the "Father of Urdu Ghazal." Wali Dakani is credited with bringing Urdu poetry, especially the ghazal form, from the Deccan region to North India, thereby establishing its literary standards and popularizing it as a refined poetic expression.
• Option A, غالب, and Option B, میر, were later giants of Urdu poetry, but they built upon the foundations laid by Wali Dakani.
• Option D is incorrect as option C is accurate.

This question pertains to the foundational events leading to the establishment of the Delhi Sultanate.

• Correct Option A: Muhammad Ghouri is accurate. The establishment of the Delhi Sultanate is generally traced back to the invasions led by Muhammad Ghouri in the late 12th century. His decisive victory in the Second Battle of Tarain (1192) paved the way for the permanent establishment of Muslim rule in India, with his viceroy Qutb al-Din Aibak eventually founding the Mamluk dynasty, the first of the Delhi Sultanate.
• Distractor B: Alauddin Khilji was a powerful ruler of the Khilji dynasty, a later period within the Delhi Sultanate.
• Distractor C: Muhammad Tughlaq was a ruler of the Tughlaq dynasty, also a later phase of the Sultanate.
• Distractor D: None of these is incorrect, as Muhammad Ghouri's invasions were pivotal.

Understanding the sequence of invasions and the figures involved is crucial for grasping the origins of the Delhi Sultanate.

The transfer of thermal energy without requiring a physical medium is known as Radiation. This process involves the emission of electromagnetic waves, such as infrared radiation, which can travel through a vacuum. A prime example is how the Sun's heat reaches Earth across the vast emptiness of space.

• Conduction requires direct contact between substances for heat to transfer, like touching a hot metal spoon.
• Convection involves the movement of fluids (liquids or gases) to transfer heat, such as boiling water or air currents in a room. Both conduction and convection necessitate a material medium for energy propagation.
• Therefore, 'None of these' is incorrect as radiation perfectly describes the phenomenon.

Radiation is a crucial concept in understanding heat transfer in various environments.