PPSC Past Papers & Solved MCQs

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.

To change the sentence 'She gave me a book' from active to passive voice, the object of the active sentence becomes the subject of the passive sentence.

• In the original sentence, 'She' is the subject, 'gave' is the verb, 'me' is the indirect object, and 'a book' is the direct object.
• The correct passive transformation, 'I was given a book by her,' uses 'I' (from 'me') as the new subject, followed by the past passive verb 'was given,' and retains 'a book' as the direct object, with 'by her' indicating the original agent.
• 'She was given a book' incorrectly keeps 'She' as the subject, altering the original meaning.
• 'A book is given by her to me' uses the wrong tense (present instead of past).
• 'I was given her a book' is grammatically incorrect.

This transformation correctly shifts the focus from the doer of the action to the receiver.

The Holy Quran is divided into 114 Surahs, categorized as either Makki or Madni based on their revelation period. Madni Surahs are those revealed after the Prophet Muhammad's migration (Hijra) to Madina, typically addressing social, legal, and community-building aspects of the nascent Islamic state.

There are precisely 28 Madni Surahs in the Holy Quran, making option B the correct answer. These Surahs often contain longer verses and deal with legislation, warfare, and the establishment of the Muslim community.

Options A (26), C (30), and D (32) are incorrect counts. The remaining 86 Surahs are Makki, revealed before the Hijra, focusing more on monotheism, prophethood, and the afterlife. Understanding this classification is fundamental to studying the Quran's historical context and thematic development.

The question concerns the presidential succession in Pakistan following a significant national event.

• Correct Option A: Ghulam Ishaq Khan is accurate. Following the tragic death of President General Zia-ul-Haq in an air crash on August 17, 1988, Ghulam Ishaq Khan, who was serving as the Chairman of the Senate at the time, constitutionally assumed the office of President of Pakistan.
• Distractor B: Farooq Leghari became President much later, in 1993.
• Distractor C: Muhammad Rafiq Tarar served as President even later, from 1998 to 2001.
• Distractor D: None of these is incorrect, as Ghulam Ishaq Khan was the immediate successor.

Knowledge of Pakistan's political history and constitutional succession is essential for answering such questions.

In the anatomy of a flower, pollen grains, which contain the male gametes necessary for plant reproduction, are produced within the anther. The anther is a part of the stamen, which constitutes the male reproductive organ of a flower. It typically consists of two lobes, each containing pollen sacs where microspores develop into pollen grains.

• The stigma is the receptive tip of the carpel (female reproductive organ) that receives pollen during pollination.
• The ovary is the basal part of the pistil (female reproductive organ) that contains ovules and develops into the fruit after fertilization.
• A petal is a modified leaf that forms part of the corolla, often brightly colored to attract pollinators, but not involved in pollen production.

Understanding these floral structures is key to comprehending plant reproduction.

The question asks for a synonym of IMPETUOUS, which means acting or done quickly and without thought or care. It implies rashness and impulsiveness.

• Rash is the correct answer because it precisely means acting or done without careful consideration of the possible consequences; impetuous. This directly aligns with the core meaning of impetuous.
• Violent is incorrect as it refers to physical force or intense emotion, not necessarily thoughtless haste.
• Resourceful is incorrect because it describes the ability to find quick and clever ways to overcome difficulties, which implies thought and ingenuity, the opposite of impetuous.
• Pleasing is incorrect as it means giving satisfaction or enjoyment, which is unrelated to the concept of acting without thought.

Therefore, 'Rash' is the most accurate synonym, capturing the essence of acting impulsively.

Certain Surahs in the Holy Quran are attributed special virtues and titles due to their profound messages and spiritual significance. Among these, Surah Yasin holds a unique position, widely revered as the “Heart of the Quran.”

This title, supported by prophetic traditions, highlights its comprehensive themes, including the oneness of Allah, the truth of prophethood, the resurrection, and the Day of Judgment. Its eloquent verses powerfully convey the core tenets of Islam, making it spiritually impactful for believers.

Option A, Surah Rehman, is known as “The Bride of the Quran” for its beautiful descriptions of paradise and hell. Option C, Al Imran, and Option D, Al Baqarah (the longest Surah), are immensely important but are not referred to as the “Heart of the Quran.”

Kalabagh, located in Mianwali District of Punjab, is well known for having one of Pakistan's largest and most important iron ore deposits. The area has long been recognized as a significant source of iron ore for the country's steel industry.

Its iron ore reserves have been extensively surveyed and are considered among Pakistan's most valuable mineral resources.

Why the other options are incorrect:

• Mercury: Mercury is a planet, not an area in Pakistan.
• Earth: Earth is the planet on which all iron deposits exist; it is not a specific location.
• Saturn: Saturn is a planet and has no relevance to Pakistan's iron ore deposits.

Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are synthetic organic compounds that were widely used as refrigerants and propellants. When CFCs reach the stratosphere, they are broken down by ultraviolet (UV) radiation, releasing highly reactive atoms. Among the components of CFCs, chlorine atoms are the primary culprits in ozone layer depletion. A single chlorine atom can catalytically destroy thousands of ozone molecules before it is removed from the stratosphere.

• Fluorine, while present in CFCs, is less reactive and does not significantly contribute to ozone depletion compared to chlorine.
• Bromine is also an ozone-depleting substance, found in halons (bromofluorocarbons), but the question specifically asks about CFCs and the most damaging gas within them.
• Therefore, 'None of these' is incorrect as chlorine is the correct answer.

The Montreal Protocol was established to phase out CFCs due to their detrimental impact on the ozone layer.

The question asks for the antonym of JOCOSE, which means playful or humorous. It describes someone who is fond of joking.

• Serious is the correct answer because it means solemn or grave in manner or disposition, directly contrasting with being playful or humorous.
• Playful is incorrect as it is a synonym of jocose, meaning full of fun and high spirits.
• Happy is incorrect because while a jocose person might be happy, 'happy' describes a state of mind, not the direct opposite of being humorous or joking. A serious person can also be happy.
• Frivolous is incorrect as it means not having any serious purpose or value, or being lighthearted. This is closer in meaning to jocose rather than its antonym.

Thus, 'Serious' best represents the opposite of being jocose, emphasizing a lack of playfulness or humor.

The Truce of Hudaibiya was a pivotal peace treaty signed between the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and the Quraish of Mecca. This event marked a significant turning point in early Islamic history, demonstrating the Prophet's strategic foresight and commitment to peace, ultimately paving the way for the peaceful conquest of Mecca.

The truce took place in 6 Hijri (corresponding to 628 CE), making option D the correct answer. This period was crucial for consolidating the Muslim community's strength and expanding its influence.

Option A, 3 Hijri, saw the Battle of Uhud. Option B, 5 Hijri, was the year of the Battle of the Trench (Khandaq), a major defensive engagement. Option C, 4 Hijri, did not feature such a significant treaty, making these options historically inaccurate for the Truce of Hudaibiya.

The question asks about the year of inscription for the Makli Necropolis as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This designation recognizes places of outstanding universal value, preserving them for future generations. Makli Necropolis, located near Thatta in the Pakistani province of Sindh, is one of the largest funerary sites in the world, featuring thousands of tombs and graves built over several centuries. It was officially inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1981, acknowledging its unique architectural and historical significance.

• 1976 is an incorrect year; while UNESCO inscriptions began earlier, Makli was not added then.
• 1979 is also an incorrect year for Makli's inscription, though other sites might have been added around this time.
• 1983 is incorrect; Makli had already received its designation two years prior.

Accurate historical dates are crucial for understanding heritage preservation timelines.

Anthropology is the scientific study of humanity, encompassing human behavior, biology, cultures, societies, and linguistics, both past and present. Specifically, biological or physical anthropology focuses on the evolution of humans as a species, including their physical characteristics and development, aligning perfectly with the question. Chronology is the science of arranging events in their order of occurrence in time, not the study of human evolution. Archaeology is the study of human history and prehistory through the excavation of sites and the analysis of artifacts. Ethnology is a branch of anthropology that compares and analyzes the characteristics of different peoples and the relationships between them, focusing more on cultural comparison than biological evolution.

Ghazwa-e-Badr, also known as the Battle of Badr, was the first major battle fought between the early Muslims and the pagan Quraish of Mecca. This foundational conflict was a decisive victory for the nascent Muslim community, significantly boosting their morale and establishing their presence as a formidable force.

The Battle of Badr occurred in 2 Hijri (corresponding to 624 CE), making option A the correct answer. It is a landmark event in Islamic history, demonstrating divine support and the steadfastness of the believers.

Option B, 3 Hijri, is associated with the Battle of Uhud. Option C, 4 Hijri, did not witness a major Ghazwa of this magnitude. Option D, 5 Hijri, is known for the Battle of the Trench (Khandaq). Therefore, 2 Hijri is the accurate historical date for Ghazwa-e-Badr.