PPSC Past Papers & Solved MCQs

The correct answer is 92.97m. Arshad Nadeem, the Pakistani javelin thrower, achieved this remarkable distance at the Paris Olympics, setting a new Olympic record. This throw secured him a historic gold medal and established his dominance in the sport on the world stage. His performance was not just a personal best but also marked a significant milestone in javelin throwing history, capturing global attention and bringing immense pride to Pakistan.

Let's consider why the other options are incorrect:

• 90.57m: While an excellent throw in javelin, this distance does not represent the Olympic record set by Arshad Nadeem in Paris. It falls short of his actual gold-medal-winning mark.
• 91.97m: This distance is closer to the record but is still not the precise measurement that established the new Olympic benchmark. Precision is key when discussing athletic records.
• 93.01m: Although a slightly greater distance, this was not the throw officially recorded as Arshad Nadeem's Olympic record. The actual record was slightly less, cementing 92.97m as the correct answer and his legendary achievement.

The correct answer is B: UAE.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has, on several occasions, released Pakistani prisoners as a gesture of goodwill, often timed with significant diplomatic visits or national events. In February 2019, for instance, the UAE ordered the release of 572 Pakistani prisoners. This act of clemency was announced during a visit by the then Prime Minister of Pakistan, Imran Khan, to the UAE, underscoring the strong bilateral relations and humanitarian considerations between the two countries. Such actions are frequently a part of broader diplomatic exchanges aimed at fostering closer ties and demonstrating friendship.

Let's consider why the other options are incorrect:

• A: Saudi Arabia – While Saudi Arabia also hosts a large Pakistani expatriate community and has historically released Pakistani prisoners, the specific event involving the release of 572 prisoners at once, coinciding with a high-profile visit, is attributed to the UAE.
• C: Oman – Oman is a friendly Gulf nation with good relations with Pakistan. However, it was not the country responsible for this particular large-scale release of Pakistani prisoners.
• D: Qatar – Qatar, another member of the Gulf Cooperation Council, maintains strong diplomatic and economic ties with Pakistan, but this specific prisoner release was not carried out by Qatar.

The correct answer is Balochistan. The Hansi tribe is primarily found in the province of Balochistan, Pakistan. Balochistan is the largest province of Pakistan by area and is known for its diverse tribal populations and unique cultural heritage. The Hansi, like many other tribes in the region, are an integral part of the social fabric of Balochistan, contributing to its rich cultural tapestry and historical identity.

Let's understand why the other options are incorrect:

• Punjab: Punjab is the most populous province of Pakistan and is home to many Punjabi-speaking tribes and clans, but the Hansi tribe is not primarily associated with this region.
• Sindh: Sindh is located to the south of Punjab and is known for its Sindhi culture and various Sindhi-speaking tribal groups. However, the Hansi tribe's main demographic presence is not in Sindh.
• Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: This province, located in the northwest of Pakistan, is predominantly inhabited by Pashtun tribes. The Hansi tribe does not have a significant presence or origin in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

The correct answer is C: Canberra.

Canberra is the meticulously planned capital city of Australia. Its establishment as the national capital was the result of a compromise between Australia's two largest cities, Sydney and Melbourne, both of which fiercely contended for the honor. To resolve this rivalry, a new federal district was designated, and Canberra was chosen as the site for the capital in 1908. Construction officially began in 1913, and the city was formally inaugurated as the seat of government in 1927. Canberra is unique among Australian cities for its distinct design, featuring a geometric layout incorporating extensive parks and artificial lakes, a testament to its purpose-built nature as the political and administrative heart of the nation.

Let's examine why the other options are incorrect:

• A: Sydney – Sydney is the most populous city in Australia and the capital of New South Wales. It is a major global city, known for its iconic landmarks like the Opera House and Harbour Bridge, but it is not the federal capital.
• B: Melbourne – Melbourne is the capital of Victoria and Australia's second-most populous city. It is a significant cultural, economic, and sporting hub, but like Sydney, it is not the federal capital.
• D: Perth – Perth is the capital and largest city of Western Australia. Situated on the southwest coast, it is known for its beautiful beaches and relative isolation, but it does not hold the status of Australia's federal capital.

The correct answer is Ukraine. Russia is currently engaged in a full-scale invasion and ongoing conflict with Ukraine, which began in February 2022. This conflict represents a significant geopolitical event, involving extensive military operations, humanitarian crises, and widespread international condemnation. The war is a continuation of hostilities that started in 2014, making it the most prominent and active conflict involving Russia on a large scale today.

Let's look at why the other options are incorrect:

• Georgia: Russia was involved in a brief but intense conflict with Georgia in 2008. While there are still unresolved territorial disputes and Russian military presence in breakaway regions, it is not an actively ongoing major military conflict in the same continuous manner as the war with Ukraine.
• Syria: Russia has provided significant military support to the Syrian government in its civil war since 2015. While Russian forces are still present and occasionally engaged in operations, the primary conflict is internal to Syria, with Russia acting as an external intervener rather than being directly engaged in a state-on-state war with Syria itself.
• Belarus: Belarus is a close political and military ally of Russia. Far from being in conflict, Belarus has supported Russia's actions in Ukraine, including allowing Russian forces to use its territory as a staging ground. There is no ongoing conflict between Russia and Belarus.

The correct answer is C: 4m.

According to the regulations set by World Athletics (formerly the International Association of Athletics Federations, IAAF), the official width of the runway for a javelin throw event must be a minimum of 4 meters. This standardized dimension is crucial for ensuring fair competition and providing athletes with adequate space for their approach, run-up, and the complex throwing action. The runway's specified width allows athletes to execute their technique effectively without feeling constrained or encountering obstacles. The length of the runway is also standardized, typically ranging between 30 and 36.5 meters.

Let's consider why the other options are incorrect:

• A: 3m – A width of 3 meters would be too narrow for a javelin runway under official athletics regulations, potentially impeding an athlete's full range of motion during the run-up and throw.
• B: 3.5m – Similar to 3m, a 3.5-meter width is also below the internationally recognized minimum standard for a javelin throw runway.
• D: 4.5m – While not necessarily
  

The correct answer is Ukraine. Volodymyr Zelensky is the current President of Ukraine, having been elected in 2019. He gained significant international prominence for his leadership during the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine, demonstrating resilience and rallying global support for his country. His background as a comedian and actor before entering politics makes his rise to wartime leader particularly notable.

Let's consider why the other options are incorrect:

• Poland: The president of Poland is currently Andrzej Duda. Volodymyr Zelensky has no political role in Poland.
• Belarus: The president of Belarus is Alexander Lukashenko, who has held the position since 1994. Zelensky is not affiliated with the government of Belarus.
• Moldova: The president of Moldova is Maia Sandu. Volodymyr Zelensky is not the leader of Moldova. Each of these countries has its own distinct head of state, separate from Ukraine.

The correct answer is C: 800g.

In men's international athletics competitions, the standard weight for a javelin is precisely 800 grams (g). This weight, along with specific dimensions regarding its length, circumference, and the position of its center of gravity, is strictly regulated by World Athletics (formerly IAAF). These stringent specifications are put in place to ensure fair competition, standardize equipment across all events, and test the athletes' strength, technique, and ability to achieve maximum distance. The 800g javelin requires significant power and refined throwing mechanics to achieve competitive distances.

Let's examine why the other options are incorrect:

• A: 600g – This is the standard weight for the women's javelin throw in international competitions, not the men's.
• B: 700g – This weight is not the official standard for either men's or women's javelin throw in major athletics events.
• D: 900g – A 900g javelin would be heavier than the official competition weight for men. While such weights might be used for specialized training, 800g is the prescribed weight for competitive events.

The correct answer is Morocco. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) officially awarded the hosting rights for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) to Morocco. This decision was made after a competitive bidding process, where Morocco presented a compelling bid highlighting its advanced sports infrastructure, including state-of-the-art stadiums and excellent logistical capabilities. Morocco has a proven track record of successfully hosting major international sports events, which further strengthened its candidacy. The country's commitment to delivering a world-class tournament, coupled with its passionate football culture, made it the preferred choice to host the continent's most prestigious football competition in 2025. This event is highly anticipated and is expected to showcase the best of African football.

• Egypt: While Egypt is a prominent footballing nation and has hosted AFCON multiple times, including most recently in 2019, it was not selected as the host for the 2025 edition.
• Nigeria: Nigeria, despite its significant influence in African football, was not chosen to host the 2025 AFCON. There were discussions of a potential joint bid with Benin, but ultimately, the hosting rights went to Morocco.
• Cameroon: Cameroon successfully hosted the 2021 AFCON (which was held in early 2022) and therefore was not in contention for the 2025 tournament. It is uncommon for the same country to host consecutive or very closely spaced editions of the event.

The correct answer is D: All of these. The term stakeholder is a very broad concept in business and project management, referring to any individual, group, or organization who can affect, be affected by, or perceive itself to be affected by a decision, activity, or outcome of a project or organization. This definition extends far beyond just owners or direct participants.

• A: Shareholder is certainly a type of stakeholder. Shareholders are individuals or institutions who legally own one or more shares of stock in a public or private corporation. They have a vested interest in the company's financial performance and profitability.

• B: Customers are also critical stakeholders. They are individuals or organizations who purchase goods or services from the company. Their satisfaction, loyalty, and purchasing decisions directly impact the company's revenue and success.

• C: Employees are equally important stakeholders. They work for the organization and contribute to its operations and success. Their livelihoods, working conditions, and job satisfaction are directly tied to the company's performance and decisions.

Therefore, since shareholders, customers, and employees all significantly impact or are impacted by an organization, they are all considered stakeholders. Options A, B, and C individually are too narrow to encompass the full meaning of the term stakeholder, which includes a much wider array of interested parties like suppliers, communities, governments, and more.

Uraan Pakistan, officially known as the National Economic Transformation Plan 2024–29, was launched by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on 31 December 2024. The five-year plan aims to promote sustainable economic growth through the "5Es" framework: Exports, E-Pakistan, Environment, Energy & Infrastructure, and Equity, Ethics & Empowerment.

Correct Answer: December 2024 (Official launch: 31 December 2024)

The correct answer is B: Lahore Qalandar. Lahore Qalandars won the seventh season of the Pakistan Super League (PSL 7) in 2022. This marked their first-ever title win in the tournament's history, a significant achievement for the franchise and its fans.

• A: Multan Sultan is incorrect because while they had a fantastic tournament, reaching the final, they ultimately lost to Lahore Qalandars in a thrilling championship match. Multan Sultans were the defending champions, having won PSL 6 in 2021, and were strong contenders in 2022, but they finished as the runner-up.

• C: Peshawar Zalmi is incorrect. Peshawar Zalmi is another prominent team in the PSL, and they have won the title once before in 2017. However, in the 2022 season, they were eliminated earlier in the playoffs and did not reach the final.

• D: Islamabad United is incorrect. Islamabad United is one of the most successful franchises in PSL history, having won the title twice (in 2016 and 2018). Nevertheless, in the 2022 tournament, they also faced elimination in the playoff stages and were not among the finalists.

The 2022 final was a memorable event, with Lahore Qalandars triumphing over Multan Sultans, solidifying their place as the champions of PSL 7.

The correct answer is B: Comedian. Moeen Akhtar was a legendary Pakistani television, film, and stage personality who was most famously known for his exceptional talent as a comedian. His career spanned over four decades, and he was celebrated for his versatility, mimicry skills, and ability to portray a wide range of characters. He was a master of satire and spontaneous humor, making him one of the most beloved figures in Pakistani entertainment.

• A: Singer is incorrect. While Moeen Akhtar was an extremely versatile artist and occasionally lent his voice to songs or parodies as part of his comedic acts or television shows, singing was not his primary profession or the main source of his fame. He was primarily an actor and comedian who sometimes incorporated musical elements into his performances.

• C: Politician is incorrect. Moeen Akhtar was never involved in politics as a profession. His public life was entirely dedicated to the entertainment industry, where he left an indelible mark through his comedic timing, acting prowess, and hosting skills. He did not hold any political office or actively participate in political movements.

• D: Cricketer is incorrect. Moeen Akhtar had no professional connection to cricket. He was an artist and entertainer, far removed from the world of professional sports. His fame came from his performances on screen and stage, not from any athletic achievements.

Moeen Akhtar's legacy is firmly rooted in his unparalleled contributions to comedy and acting in Pakistan, making him a true icon of entertainment.

The correct answer is Portugal. Cristiano Ronaldo dos Santos Aveiro, widely recognized as one of the greatest footballers of all time, is from Portugal. He was born in Funchal, Madeira, an autonomous region of Portugal. Ronaldo has represented his home country on the international stage in numerous major tournaments, including multiple FIFA World Cups and UEFA European Championships. He famously led the Portuguese national team to victory in the UEFA Euro 2016 and the 2019 UEFA Nations League, achieving significant success for his nation. His exceptional talent, prolific goal-scoring ability, and numerous individual and team accolades are a source of immense national pride for Portugal, making it the unequivocal correct answer.

• Brazil: Brazil has produced many football legends, such as Pelé and Ronaldo Nazário. However, Cristiano Ronaldo is not Brazilian; he is distinct from these iconic South American players.
• Argentina: Argentina is famously the home country of another footballing icon, Lionel Messi, who is often compared to Cristiano Ronaldo in ongoing debates about the greatest player. However, Ronaldo is not Argentinian; he is from Portugal.
• France: France is a highly successful football nation with its own stars like Zinedine Zidane and Kylian Mbappé. While Cristiano Ronaldo has played against France in international competitions, he is not of French nationality.

The correct answer is 17 Days. The Games of the XXXII Olympiad, commonly known as Tokyo 2020, were originally scheduled for 2020 but were postponed to 2021 due to the global COVID-19 pandemic. These historic Olympic Games officially took place from July 23 to August 8, 2021, in Tokyo, Japan. When calculating the duration from the opening ceremony on July 23rd to the closing ceremony on August 8th, inclusive of both dates, the total span of the event comes to 17 days. This duration is a standard length for the Summer Olympic Games, allowing for a comprehensive schedule of competitions across a wide range of sports and events.

• 15 Days: This duration is incorrect. A 15-day period would imply a shorter Olympic schedule than what actually occurred, not aligning with the official start and end dates of the Tokyo 2020 Games.
• 16 Days: While close, 16 days is also incorrect. The precise count from July 23 to August 8, 2021, inclusive of both days, totals 17 days, not 16.
• 18 Days: This duration is too long. An 18-day schedule would mean the Games extended beyond the official closing date of August 8, which did not happen. The event concluded precisely on August 8th.

The correct answer is the USA. The Hoover Dam is a world-renowned concrete arch-gravity dam located in the Black Canyon of the Colorado River. It stands on the border between the U.S. states of Nevada and Arizona. Constructed during the Great Depression between 1931 and 1936, the dam was an enormous undertaking and a marvel of engineering for its time. Its primary functions include flood control, generating hydroelectric power, and providing irrigation water and municipal water supply to millions of people in the American Southwest. The Colorado River, which the dam harnesses, flows predominantly through the western United States, unequivocally placing the Hoover Dam within the USA.

• China: China is home to many impressive dams, such as the Three Gorges Dam, but the Hoover Dam is not located there. China's major rivers and geographical regions are entirely separate from the Colorado River system.
• Canada: Canada also has significant hydroelectric infrastructure, particularly on rivers in provinces like British Columbia and Quebec, but the Hoover Dam is not situated within its borders. The Colorado River does not extend into Canadian territory.
• Japan: Japan is an island nation with its own distinct river systems and geographical features. There are no dams named Hoover Dam or any dams on the Colorado River located in Japan, making this option incorrect.