PPSC Past Paper 2024

The question asks for the singular form of the Urdu/Arabic word 'نجوم' (Nujoom). Understanding singular and plural forms is a fundamental aspect of language proficiency, especially in Arabic-derived vocabulary common in Urdu.

The correct answer is C: نجم (Najm). 'نجم' (Najm) means 'star' in Arabic and Urdu. Its plural form is 'نجوم' (Nujoom), meaning 'stars'. This follows a common pattern of pluralization in Arabic, where a singular noun takes a specific plural form, often irregular.

Let's look at the incorrect options:

• A: انجمن (Anjuman) means 'assembly', 'society', or 'association'. It has no etymological or semantic relationship with 'Nujoom' and is not its singular form.
• B: انجام (Anjaam) means 'end', 'result', or 'outcome'. Like 'Anjuman', it is a completely different word with a distinct meaning and no connection to 'Nujoom' as a singular form.
• D: None is incorrect because 'نجم' is indeed the correct singular form.

Therefore, 'نجم' is the accurate singular for 'نجوم'.

The idiom “fought tooth and nail” means to fight with extreme effort, determination, and ferocity, using every possible means or resource available. It evokes the image of an animal fighting desperately for survival, employing its teeth and claws. Therefore, the phrase signifies a struggle carried out with maximum intensity and commitment.

“With every available means” accurately captures this essence, implying that all possible methods, strength, and resources were utilized in the struggle, making it the correct answer.

• “To silently leave the scene of battle” is incorrect because it suggests retreat or avoidance, which is the opposite of fighting intensely.
• “With all their rights” is incorrect as it refers to legal or moral entitlements, which are unrelated to the physical or metaphorical intensity of a fight.
• “In a cowardly manner” is also incorrect because fighting “tooth and nail” implies bravery, determination, and a lack of fear, directly contrasting with cowardice.

Hazrat Abu Dharr al-Ghifari (RA) is sometimes referred to in competitive examination books as "Maseeh-ul-Islam". This association is based on a hadith in which the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) compared Abu Dharr (RA) to Prophet Isa (AS) in his simplicity, modesty, and ascetic life.

However, "Maseeh-ul-Islam" is not a universally recognized formal title of Abu Dharr (RA) in classical Islamic literature. The expression is mainly used in some General Knowledge and examination references.

Correct Answer (Exam Perspective): Hazrat Abu Dharr Ghaffari (RA)

The word “nonchalant” describes someone who appears or feels casually calm and relaxed, showing a lack of concern, interest, or enthusiasm. It implies an air of indifference or unconcern, often suggesting a deliberate attempt to seem unaffected. To find its antonym, we need a word that signifies the opposite of this detached attitude.

“Attentive” is the correct antonym because it means paying close attention, being watchful, and showing interest or concern. This directly contrasts with the lack of interest and casual indifference implied by “nonchalant.”

• “Casual” is incorrect as it is a synonym or very close in meaning to nonchalant, describing a relaxed and informal attitude.
• “Blase” is incorrect because it means unimpressed or indifferent to something because one has experienced or seen it so often before, which is very similar to being nonchalant.
• “Indifferent” is incorrect as it is a direct synonym of nonchalant, meaning having no particular interest or sympathy; unconcerned.

The Battle of Qadisiyyah was a decisive battle fought between the Rashidun Caliphate and the Sasanian (Persian) Empire during the caliphate of Hazrat Umar (RA). The Muslim army, led by Sa'd ibn Abi Waqqas (RA), defeated the Persian forces under Rostam Farrokhzad.

The battle is generally accepted to have taken place in 14 AH (636 CE), although some historical sources mention 15 AH due to differences in the Islamic calendar and historical chronology.

The victory at Qadisiyyah paved the way for the Muslim conquest of Persia and marked the beginning of the decline of the Sasanian Empire.

Correct Answer: 14 AH

This question pertains to the birth year of a significant figure in Islamic scholarship, Imam An-Nasa'i, one of the most prominent Hadith compilers. Precise biographical details are vital for understanding the timeline of Islamic intellectual history.

The correct answer is B: 214 AH. Imam Abu Abd al-Rahman Ahmad ibn Shu'ayb ibn Ali ibn Sinan ibn Bahr al-Nasa'i, commonly known as An-Nasa'i, was born in the year 214 AH (Anno Hegirae), which corresponds to approximately 829/830 CE. He hailed from Nasa, Khurasan (present-day Turkmenistan). He is celebrated for his monumental work, 'Sunan an-Nasa'i', which is one of the six canonical collections of Hadith (Kutub al-Sittah) in Sunni Islam, highly regarded for its rigorous methodology and authenticity.

Let's examine why the other options are incorrect:

• A: 211 AH, C: 216 AH, and D: 218 AH are all incorrect dates for Imam An-Nasa'i's birth. While they are close in proximity, historical and biographical records consistently confirm 214 AH as his birth year. Accuracy in such details is crucial for historical and religious studies.

Therefore, 214 AH is the correct birth year for Al-Nisai.

The word “insolvent” describes a state of being unable to pay debts owed. It is a financial term indicating that an individual or organization lacks sufficient assets or income to meet their financial obligations, often leading to bankruptcy or financial ruin. To find its antonym, we need a word that signifies the opposite financial condition.

“Wealthy” is the correct antonym because it means having a great deal of money, property, or other valuable assets; rich. This directly contrasts with being unable to pay debts, as a wealthy person possesses ample resources.

• “Ruined” is incorrect as it is a synonym or very close in meaning to insolvent, describing a state of being severely damaged or destroyed, often financially.
• “Mounted” is incorrect. This word typically refers to being placed or fixed on something, or increasing in amount, and has no relevance to financial status.
• “Blasted” is incorrect. This word can mean severely criticized, or destroyed by an explosion, neither of which relates to the financial context of “insolvent.”

This question tests the correct usage of articles (a, an, the) in English grammar, particularly when referring to general concepts. Articles are determiners that precede nouns, indicating whether the noun is specific or general.

“Man is immortal” is the correct sentence. When the word “man” is used without an article to refer to humanity or mankind in a general, philosophical sense (meaning all human beings), it is treated as an uncountable noun. This construction is used for general truths or universal statements about the human race.

• “The man is immortal” is incorrect. “The man” refers to a specific, identifiable male individual, implying that only that particular man is immortal, which is not the intended general statement about humanity.
• “A man is immortal” is incorrect. “A man” refers to any single, unspecified male individual. This also fails to convey the general truth about humanity as a whole.
• “An man is immortal” is grammatically incorrect. The indefinite article “an” is used before words starting with a vowel sound, while “a” is used before words starting with a consonant sound. “Man” starts with a consonant sound, so “an” is inappropriate. Even if it were “a man,” it would still be incorrect for the intended general meaning.

The question asks for the antonym of the word Frugal. Frugal describes someone who is careful and economical with money or resources, avoiding waste. Therefore, its antonym should describe someone who is wasteful or spends excessively.

• The correct answer is B: Extravagant. This word means lacking restraint in spending money or using resources, often spending much more than is necessary or wise. It directly contrasts with the careful, economical nature of being frugal.
• A: Charitable refers to giving money or help to those in need. While a frugal person might not be seen as charitable if they hoard money, it doesn't directly oppose the core meaning of being economical.
• C: Generous means showing a readiness to give more than is expected. Similar to charitable, it describes an act of giving, not necessarily the opposite of careful spending habits.
• D: Thrifty is actually a synonym of frugal, meaning using money and other resources carefully and not wastefully. It describes the same quality, making it incorrect as an antonym.

Understanding the core meaning of 'frugal' as economical and non-wasteful is key to identifying 'extravagant' as its direct opposite.

The question asks for a word that describes something gained beneficially and accidentally. This implies a positive outcome that occurs by chance or good fortune.

• The correct answer is B: Fortuitous. This adjective precisely means happening by chance, especially a lucky chance that brings a good result. It perfectly encapsulates the idea of an accidental, beneficial gain. For example, finding a forgotten twenty-dollar bill in an old coat pocket would be a fortuitous discovery.
• A: Stimulate is a verb meaning to encourage interest or activity in something. It refers to an action or effect, not an accidental gain.
• C: Prosthesis is a noun referring to an artificial body part, such as a limb or tooth, used to replace a missing one. This word is completely unrelated to the concept of accidental benefit.
• D: Syllable is a noun referring to a unit of pronunciation in a word, typically containing a vowel sound. This term is also entirely irrelevant to the context of the question.

Therefore, 'fortuitous' is the only option that accurately describes a beneficial outcome occurring by chance.

The question asks for the antonym of the word Elevate. Elevate means to raise or lift something to a higher position, or to improve the moral or intellectual level of something.

• The correct answer is D: Depress. In its physical sense, 'depress' means to push or pull something down to a lower position, or to make something lower. This is a direct opposite of 'elevate'. For example, you elevate a platform by raising it, and you depress it by lowering it.
• A: Loft, as a verb, means to hit, throw, or kick (a ball or other object) high into the air. This action is more akin to elevating something, not its antonym.
• B: Dull means lacking interest or excitement, or not sharp. This word is unrelated to the physical act of raising or lowering.
• C: Raise is a direct synonym of elevate, meaning to lift or move to a higher position. Therefore, it cannot be the antonym.

Understanding 'elevate' primarily in its sense of lifting or raising makes 'depress' the clear and accurate antonym, as it signifies pushing or pulling downwards.

The question asks for a synonym of the word Pensive. Pensive describes someone who is engaged in, involving, or reflecting deep or serious thought, often with a touch of sadness or melancholy.

• The correct answer is D: Thoughtful. This word means absorbed in or characterized by thought, often implying deep consideration. While 'thoughtful' can also mean showing consideration for others, its primary meaning of being deep in thought perfectly aligns with 'pensive'.
• A: Shallow means lacking depth of intellect or emotion; superficial. This is an antonym of deep thought, making it incorrect.
• B: Ignorant means lacking knowledge or awareness in general; uneducated or unsophisticated. This describes a lack of knowledge, not a state of deep contemplation.
• C: Negligent means failing to take proper care in doing something; careless. This describes a lack of attention or responsibility, which is distinct from being absorbed in thought.

Therefore, 'thoughtful' is the most accurate synonym for 'pensive', as both words convey a state of deep and serious reflection.

The question asks for a synonym of the word Affable. Affable describes someone who is friendly, good-natured, and easy to talk to.

• The correct answer is B: Friendly. This word means kind and pleasant, making it a direct and accurate synonym for 'affable'. An affable person is approachable and enjoys pleasant social interactions.
• A: Cheerful means noticeably happy and optimistic. While an affable person might often be cheerful, cheerfulness is a state of mind, whereas affability describes a social disposition and ease of interaction. They are related but not direct synonyms.
• C: Helpful means giving or ready to give help. While an affable person might also be helpful, 'helpful' describes an action or willingness to assist, which is distinct from the core meaning of being friendly and easy to talk to.
• D: Neutral means not supporting or helping either side in a conflict or disagreement; impartial. This word describes a lack of bias or involvement, which is entirely unrelated to the social characteristic of being affable.

Thus, 'friendly' best captures the essence of being affable, emphasizing approachability and pleasantness in social interactions.

The question asks for a synonym of the word Ensconce. To ensconce means to establish or settle someone or oneself in a comfortable, safe, or secret place. It implies a sense of security and permanence in a new position or location.

The correct answer is A: Establish. To establish means to set up on a firm or permanent basis, or to settle someone in a position or place, which perfectly aligns with the meaning of ensconce. For example, one might ensconce themselves in a cozy armchair, or a company might establish a new branch.

Let's look at the distractors: B: Disband means to break up or cause to break up and stop functioning, which is the opposite of establishing or settling. C: Scatter means to throw in various random directions, implying disarray rather than secure placement. D: Demolish means to pull or knock down a building, which is entirely unrelated to the act of settling or establishing. Therefore, 'Establish' is the most accurate synonym for 'Ensconce'.

The question asks about the author of the famous book حیات سعدی (Hayat-e-Saadi). This book is a renowned biographical work in Urdu literature, focusing on the life and works of the great Persian poet Saadi Shirazi.

The correct answer is A: مولانا الطاف حسین حالی (Maulana Altaf Hussain Hali). Hali was a towering figure in Urdu literature, celebrated for his poetry, literary criticism, and biographical writings. He authored several influential biographies, including 'Hayat-e-Saadi', 'Yadgar-e-Ghalib' (on Mirza Ghalib), and 'Hayat-e-Javed' (on Sir Syed Ahmed Khan). His biographical style was meticulous and insightful, making 'Hayat-e-Saadi' a significant contribution to Urdu prose.

The other options are incorrect: B: محمد حسین آزاد (Muhammad Hussain Azad) is famous for 'Aab-e-Hayat', a critical history of Urdu poets. C: شبلی نعمانی (Shibli Nomani) is known for his historical and biographical works like 'Seerat-un-Nabi' and 'Al-Farooq'. While all were prominent literary figures, 'Hayat-e-Saadi' is distinctly Hali's work.

The question asks for the meaning of the Urdu word ابتدال (Ibtizal). This term is used to describe something that is common, ordinary, vulgar, or lacking in originality and distinction.

The correct answer is B: عامیانہ (Aamiyana). 'Aamiyana' directly translates to commonplace, vulgar, ordinary, or plebeian. It perfectly captures the essence of 'Ibtizal', which denotes a lack of refinement, sophistication, or uniqueness, often implying something trite or hackneyed. For instance, an 'ibtizali' style of writing would be considered 'aamiyana' or pedestrian.

Let's examine the other options: A: اساطیر الاولین (Asateer-ul-Awwaleen) refers to ancient myths or legends, which is entirely unrelated to the meaning of 'Ibtizal'. C: گہرائی (Gehrai) means depth, profundity, or intensity. This is essentially the opposite of 'Ibtizal', as 'Ibtizal' implies superficiality or lack of depth. Therefore, 'عامیانہ' is the precise and accurate meaning for 'ابتذال'.

Mars exploration represents a significant challenge in space technology, with the United States historically leading successful rover landings. In May 2021, China achieved a monumental milestone by successfully landing its Zhurong rover on Mars as part of the Tianwen-1 mission, becoming only the second nation to accomplish this feat. This demonstrated China's rapidly advancing capabilities in deep space exploration.

• Russia (A) has a rich history in space but has faced numerous challenges and failures in its attempts to land probes or rovers on Mars.
• India (C) made history with its Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan) in 2014, successfully placing a spacecraft in Mars' orbit, but has not yet attempted a rover landing.
• Germany (D) contributes significantly to European Space Agency (ESA) missions, including Mars exploration, but does not independently operate a Mars rover program.

Therefore, China's Zhurong rover marked a pivotal moment, establishing it as the second country to successfully operate a rover on the Martian surface.

Social learning theory, prominently developed by Albert Bandura, posits that individuals learn through observing others' behaviors, attitudes, and outcomes of those behaviors. This theory is fundamentally an extension of cognitive learning because it emphasizes the crucial role of mental processes in learning. Key cognitive elements include attention (observing the model), retention (remembering the observed behavior), reproduction (performing the behavior), and motivation (the will to perform it). Unlike purely behavioral theories, social learning acknowledges internal thought processes, beliefs, and expectations. Operant learning (Skinner) focuses on learning through consequences (reinforcement and punishment) without explicitly emphasizing internal cognitive states. Classical conditioning (Pavlov) involves learning through association between stimuli, primarily involuntary responses. Programmed learning is a method of instruction, not a foundational theory of how learning occurs. Thus, social learning's focus on mental processes makes it a direct evolution of cognitive learning principles.

The Durand Line is the internationally recognized, albeit disputed, boundary between Pakistan and Afghanistan. Established in 1893 by Sir Mortimer Durand of British India and Abdur Rahman Khan, the Amir of Afghanistan, it was intended to delineate their respective spheres of influence. After the partition of British India in 1947, this line became the border between the newly formed state of Pakistan and Afghanistan. The Durand Line has historically been a source of contention due to its arbitrary division of the Pashtun ethnic group, leading to ongoing political and social complexities in the region.

• The border between India and Pakistan is known as the Line of Control (LoC) in Kashmir and the International Border elsewhere, not the Durand Line.
• The border between Iran and Pakistan is a distinct boundary in the west, characterized by different geographical and historical contexts, and is not referred to as the Durand Line.
• The border between Pakistan and China is located in the northern mountainous regions, primarily along the Karakoram range, and is also separate from the Durand Line.

Understanding the number of nuclear-armed countries is crucial for international relations and security studies. The term 'nuclear-armed countries' refers to states that possess nuclear weapons. Following North Korea's confirmed nuclear development, the total number of such nations, including Israel, stands at nine.

• The five permanent members of the UN Security Council are recognized nuclear powers: United States, Russia, United Kingdom, France, and China.
• Additionally, India and Pakistan developed nuclear weapons outside the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).
• North Korea conducted its first nuclear test in 2006 and has continued its development.
• Israel maintains a policy of deliberate ambiguity regarding its nuclear arsenal but is widely believed to possess nuclear weapons.

Therefore, counting these nations—US, Russia, UK, France, China, India, Pakistan, North Korea, and Israel—results in a total of 9 nuclear-armed countries.

A policy serves as a guiding principle or a set of rules designed to influence and determine decisions and actions within an organization or government. Its primary function is to provide a framework that ensures consistency, fairness, and efficiency in operations. Therefore, a policy is best defined as a plan of action. It outlines the intended course or method for achieving specific objectives, directing how various situations should be handled. While a policy might contribute to a strategy, strategy is typically a broader, overarching approach to achieve long-term goals, often encompassing multiple policies. A policy is more specific in guiding how things are done. Similarly, while policies 'give direction for motivation' by clarifying expectations and 'prescribe methods' by setting procedures, these are outcomes or components of a policy, not its fundamental definition. The core essence of a policy is the predetermined course or plan for action.

The correct answer is Newton. Sir Isaac Newton, a brilliant English physicist and mathematician, is widely credited with formulating the Universal Law of Gravitation in the late 17th century. While the phenomenon of objects falling was observed throughout history, Newton was the first to provide a comprehensive mathematical description of gravity as a fundamental force of nature. His groundbreaking work explained not only why an apple falls from a tree but also the orbital mechanics of planets around the sun, revolutionizing our understanding of the cosmos.

• Nikola Tesla was a Serbian-American inventor known for his contributions to the design of the modern alternating current (AC) electricity supply system, not gravity.
• Rudolf Diesel was a German inventor famous for inventing the diesel engine.
• Mendel, Gregor Mendel, was an Austrian monk and botanist who is considered the father of modern genetics for his work on pea plants.

These individuals made significant scientific contributions in their respective fields, but none are associated with the discovery or formulation of the laws of gravity.