PPSC Past Paper 2024

Big History is an academic discipline that examines history from the Big Bang to the present day, integrating cosmology, geology, biology, and human history across vast timescales. It offers a unified account of the entire past, from the universe's origin to the modern era.

• A) Ancient Civilizations to Modern Times: This covers a significant portion of human history but excludes the cosmic and geological past.
• C) World Wars to Current Events: This is a very specific, recent period of human history.
• D) Prehistoric Era to the Industrial Revolution: This covers a broader human history but still omits the vast cosmic and geological history central to Big History.

Sadequain, a legendary Pakistani artist, is most famously associated with his profound contributions as a Calligrapher. His unique style revolutionized traditional Islamic calligraphy, transforming it into a modern art form while preserving its spiritual essence. He is celebrated for his monumental calligraphic murals and his ability to imbue letters with dynamic energy and philosophical depth, making him a pivotal figure in contemporary Islamic art.

While Sadequain was also an accomplished painter and poet, his distinctive calligraphic work often stands out as his most iconic and influential contribution to the art world, distinguishing him significantly. Therefore, 'Painter' is partially true but 'Calligrapher' captures a more specific and highly celebrated aspect of his genius. Options 'Music' and 'Scientist' are incorrect as they do not align with his artistic profession or primary fame.

The phrase "you are with us, or against us" was famously uttered by then-U.S. President George W. Bush in a speech to Congress on September 20, 2001, following the 9/11 attacks. This statement defined the US stance on the War on Terror, demanding clear allegiance from other nations.

• B) China: China did not make this specific statement in this context.
• C) Russia: Russia, while involved in international counter-terrorism efforts, did not use this exact rhetoric.
• D) UK: The UK was a close ally of the US, but this particular phrase is uniquely associated with President Bush's post-9/11 address.

Jansher Khan is a legendary Pakistani professional squash player, widely regarded as one of the greatest of all time in the sport. He dominated the squash world in the 1990s, winning the World Open a record eight times and the British Open six times. His achievements cemented his status as an icon in squash history.

• Cricket is a bat-and-ball game, popular in Pakistan, but not Jansher Khan's sport.

• Badminton is a racket sport played with a shuttlecock, distinct from squash.

• Tennis is another popular racket sport, but Jansher Khan's career was exclusively in squash.

BRI stands for the Belt and Road Initiative. This is a global infrastructure development strategy adopted by the Chinese government in 2013 to invest in nearly 150 countries and international organizations. It aims to enhance regional connectivity and embrace a brighter future.

• A) Belt and Race Initiative: This is an incorrect phrasing and does not correspond to the official name.
• B) Belt and Road Idea: While it is an idea, "Initiative" is the official and widely recognized term.
• D) None of these: This is incorrect as "Belt and Road Initiative" is the correct full form.

The question pertains to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), a universal call to action by the United Nations to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure peace and prosperity for all by 2030. There are 17 interconnected SDGs.

• No Poverty (SDG 1) is a core goal aimed at eradicating extreme poverty for all people everywhere.
• Zero Hunger (SDG 2) seeks to end hunger, achieve food security, improve nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture.
• Good Health and Well-being (SDG 3) focuses on ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all at all ages.

Since all three options (A, B, and C) are indeed distinct and crucial SDG targets, All of these is the accurate answer, encompassing these fundamental global objectives.

Understanding historical periodization is key here. Modern History, in a broad sense, refers to the period of global history that commenced after the Middle Ages (or Post-Classical Era). This era typically begins around the 16th century, marked by significant transformations like the Renaissance, the Age of Discovery, and the Reformation, which fundamentally reshaped political, economic, and social landscapes worldwide.

• Option B describes social or cultural history, focusing on lived experiences, not a specific historical period.
• Option C describes economic history, concentrating on commercial systems, again not defining the 'Modern History' period itself.

Therefore, the correct definition of Modern History is its chronological placement following the Middle Ages.

China shares land borders with 14 sovereign states, making it one of the countries with the most neighbors. Among the given options, Mongolia has the longest land border with China, stretching approximately 4,677 kilometers (2,906 miles). This extensive border runs across diverse terrains, including deserts and grasslands, and is a significant geographical feature.

• Russia shares a long border with China, but it is shorter than the border with Mongolia, approximately 4,209 km.

• Myanmar shares a border with China, but it is significantly shorter than those with Mongolia or Russia.

• None of these is incorrect, as Mongolia holds the distinction of having the longest border with China among the choices.

Posthuman International Relations (IR) represents a critical theoretical approach that challenges the anthropocentric (human-centered) biases prevalent in traditional IR theories. It fundamentally advocates for a total re-think of our relations with the rest of nature, including non-human actors, technology, and the environment, integrating them into our understanding of global politics.

• Option A describes conventional IR, focusing on state interactions.
• Option C aligns with realist IR theory, emphasizing state self-interest.

Posthuman IR moves beyond these human-centric perspectives to consider a broader spectrum of entities and their impact on international affairs, making option B the precise description of its core tenet.

Brazil is a global pioneer and leader in the successful use of alcohol (ethanol) as a motor fuel. The country launched its Proálcool program in the 1970s in response to global oil crises, developing a robust industry for producing ethanol from sugarcane. This initiative led to widespread adoption of flex-fuel vehicles and significantly reduced Brazil's reliance on imported oil, making it a model for sustainable biofuel use.

• Japan has explored alternative fuels but has not adopted alcohol fuel on the same widespread, successful scale as Brazil.

• The US uses ethanol, primarily from corn, blended with gasoline (e.g., E10, E85), but Brazil's program is more comprehensive and historically successful in replacing gasoline entirely.

• Germany also explores biofuels but does not have the same extensive and successful history with pure alcohol as motor fuel as Brazil.

The question refers to a significant urban development project by Saudi Arabia. NEOM is a groundbreaking futuristic mega-city project announced by Saudi Arabia in 2017. It is strategically located in the Tabuk Province, stretching along the Red Sea coast, and is a cornerstone of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 plan for economic diversification and sustainable development. NEOM is envisioned as a smart, sustainable, and innovative hub.

• Tabuk is an existing city and province, not a newly founded mega-city in the same context as NEOM.
• Asir is a mountainous region in the southwest of Saudi Arabia, not on the Red Sea coast.

Therefore, NEOM is the correct answer, representing Saudi Arabia's ambitious new city on the Red Sea shores.

The Declaration of American Independence, a foundational document of the United States, was primarily authored by Thomas Jefferson. As a member of the Committee of Five, he was tasked with drafting the initial version. His eloquent prose articulated the colonies' grievances against British rule and their philosophical justification for independence, drawing on Enlightenment ideals of natural rights and self-governance. The document was adopted by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776.

• Milton (John Milton) was an English poet from the 17th century, famous for

The Arcadia Education Project in South Kanarchor, Bangladesh, was indeed awarded the prestigious Aga Khan Architecture Award in 2019. This remarkable project, designed by Saif Ul Haque Sthapati, was recognized for its innovative and sustainable approach to building a school in a flood-prone area. It ingeniously utilizes local materials and traditional construction techniques, demonstrating architectural excellence that profoundly addresses environmental challenges and community needs. The Aga Khan Award for Architecture celebrates projects that successfully blend modern design with cultural context, addressing the needs and aspirations of Muslim societies worldwide.

• India, Sri Lanka, and Iran are incorrect because the specific project mentioned, known for its unique design and environmental adaptability, is definitively located in Bangladesh.

Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States, is historically recognized for his pivotal role in the abolition of slavery. During the American Civil War, he issued the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, which declared millions of enslaved people in Confederate states to be free. He then championed the 13th Amendment to the Constitution, which formally abolished slavery throughout the entire United States in 1865, marking a monumental shift in American society.

• Thomas Jefferson, while authoring the Declaration of Independence, was a slave owner and did not abolish slavery during his presidency.

• George Washington, the first President, was also a slave owner and did not abolish slavery during his term.

• Stanley Jackson is not a recognized President of the United States.

The school of Dars-e-Nizamia in Indo-Pak was founded by Mulla Nizam-ud-Din Sihalvi. Mulla Nizam-ud-Din (1677-1748) formalized and popularized this comprehensive curriculum of Islamic studies at Firangi Mahal in Lucknow. Dars-e-Nizamia became the standard educational framework for madrasas across the Indian subcontinent, integrating rational sciences like logic, philosophy, and mathematics with traditional Islamic subjects such as Quranic studies, Hadith, and Fiqh. Its influence shaped Islamic education for centuries.

• Sheikh Sirhindi was a prominent Sufi reformer from an earlier period, known for his efforts to purify Islam, not for founding Dars-e-Nizamia.
• Fareed-ud-din Atar was a Persian Sufi poet from the 12th-13th century, unrelated to this curriculum's development in Indo-Pak.

The Statue of Liberty is a colossal neoclassical sculpture on Liberty Island in New York Harbor, New York City, United States. It is a world-renowned symbol of freedom and democracy, gifted to the United States by the people of France.

• New York is the correct answer because the statue is prominently located in New York Harbor.
• Paris is incorrect; while France gifted the statue, it is not located in Paris.
• Washington is incorrect; Washington D.C. is the capital but not the location of the Statue of Liberty.
• Geneva is incorrect; Geneva is a city in Switzerland and has no connection to the Statue of Liberty.

On 12th September 1956, Hussain Shaheed Suharwardy assumed the office of Prime Minister of Pakistan. He was a prominent Bengali politician and lawyer who served as the fifth Prime Minister of Pakistan from September 12, 1956, to October 17, 1957. His tenure was significant for the adoption of Pakistan's first constitution in 1956, which established the country as an Islamic Republic. Suhrawardy played a crucial role in shaping the early political landscape of Pakistan.

• Ch. Muhammad Ali was Suhrawardy's predecessor, serving until September 1956.
• Muhammad Ali Bogra served as Prime Minister earlier, from 1953 to 1955.
• Feroz Khan Noon succeeded Suhrawardy, becoming Prime Minister in December 1957.

Rabia Basri, also known as Rabia al-Adawiyya, was an influential female Muslim saint and Sufi mystic. Her life and teachings significantly impacted early Sufism, emphasizing divine love and asceticism.

• 96 AH is the most widely accepted birth year for Rabia Basri, corresponding to approximately 712-717 CE. This makes option A the accurate choice based on historical consensus.
• 101 AH, 111 AH, and 88 AH are incorrect dates. While exact dates for historical figures from that era can sometimes vary slightly, 96 AH is consistently cited as her birth year, making the other options historically inaccurate.

The Delhi Agreement was a crucial trilateral agreement signed on August 28, 1973, between India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. This agreement aimed to resolve the humanitarian issues that arose following the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War. Its primary objective was the repatriation of prisoners of war (POWs) and civilian internees held by India and Pakistan, as well as the exchange of populations between Bangladesh and Pakistan. It marked a significant step towards normalizing relations in the subcontinent after the conflict.

• Afghanistan was not a party to this specific agreement, which focused on post-war issues between the three involved nations.
• China was also not a direct signatory to the Delhi Agreement, despite its broader geopolitical interests in the region.

In cricket, the pitch is the central strip of the cricket field where the main action of batting and bowling takes place. Its dimensions are strictly defined by the Laws of Cricket, which govern the game globally.

• The correct length of a cricket pitch is 22 yards (20.12 meters). This is a fundamental and unchanging rule of the sport, essential for fair play and consistent game mechanics.
• 20 yards, 24 yards, and 26 yards are incorrect measurements. Any deviation from the standard 22 yards would fundamentally alter the game, affecting bowling speeds, batting timing, and overall strategy.

Among the options, Birbal was the only prominent figure who accepted Emperor Akbar's syncretic religion, Din-i Ilahi. Din-i Ilahi, meaning "Divine Faith," was an attempt by Akbar to combine elements of various religions, including Islam, Hinduism, Zoroastrianism, and Christianity, into a new spiritual path. Birbal, one of Akbar's most trusted advisors and a celebrated wit in his court, openly embraced this new faith, demonstrating his loyalty and intellectual curiosity. Most other nobles, including Hindus, chose not to adopt it.

• Todar Mal, Akbar's finance minister, was known for his administrative reforms but did not accept Din-i Ilahi.
• Maan Singh, a powerful Rajput general, remained a devout Hindu and did not embrace the Din-i Ilahi.

The United Nations (UN) is an international organization founded in 1945 after World War II to promote international cooperation and prevent future conflicts. Its name reflects the collective effort of nations working towards peace.

• Franklin D. Roosevelt, the 32nd U.S. President, is credited with coining the term 'United Nations'. He first used it in the Declaration by United Nations on January 1, 1942, during World War II.
• Winston Churchill, the British Prime Minister, was a key ally but did not coin the name.
• Trygve Lie was the first Secretary-General of the UN, appointed after its formation.
• Charles de Gaulle was a prominent French leader but not associated with coining the UN name.

The Dehli Proposal, a significant set of demands put forth by Muslim leaders in 1927, was presented by Muhammad Ali Jinnah. These proposals aimed to secure separate electorates for Muslims in the central and provincial legislatures, along with other safeguards, in exchange for giving up the demand for separate electorates in Punjab and Bengal. Jinnah played a pivotal role in articulating Muslim political aspirations during this critical period.

Options 'Allama Iqbal' and 'Liaqat Ali Khan' are incorrect. While both were prominent Muslim leaders, Iqbal is renowned for his philosophical vision of a separate Muslim state and Liaqat Ali Khan for his role as Pakistan's first Prime Minister. However, the Dehli Proposal specifically originated from Jinnah's efforts to find a constitutional solution for Muslim representation.

François Bernier was a notable figure in the 17th century, recognized for his intellectual contributions and extensive travels. He was a French physician, philosopher, and traveler, best known for his detailed accounts of the Mughal Empire in India.

• France is the correct answer. Bernier was born in Joué-Etiau, Anjou, France, and his nationality is central to his identity as a European observer of Eastern cultures.
• China, Japan, and Italy are incorrect. While he traveled extensively, his origin was distinctly French, and his writings reflect a European perspective from that specific cultural background.

The annulment of the Partition of Bengal, which had divided the province in 1905, was officially declared by King George V during the Delhi Durbar in December 1911. This decision was a response to widespread political unrest and protests, particularly from Bengali nationalists, who viewed the partition as an attempt to weaken their unity and influence. The annulment aimed to appease the agitated population and restore stability.

Options 'King George IV' and 'Edward VII' are incorrect. King Edward VII was the reigning monarch when the partition occurred in 1905, but he did not annul it. King George IV reigned much earlier, from 1820 to 1830, long before the Partition of Bengal. Therefore, King George V is the correct historical figure associated with this significant event.