PPSC Past Papers & Solved MCQs

To access powerful centralized computing systems like mainframes or supercomputers, users typically interact through a terminal. A terminal acts as an input/output device or software application that connects to the main computer, allowing users to send commands and receive data. It provides the interface for remote interaction without requiring the user to be physically present at the mainframe itself.

• A Terminal is the correct answer, serving as the interface for remote access.
• A Node refers to any device connected to a network, but it's not the specific user interface for accessing a mainframe.
• A Desktop computer is a personal computer, which might run terminal emulation software, but it is not the terminal itself in the context of direct access.
• A Handheld device, like a smartphone, is generally not used for direct, robust interaction with mainframes due to its limited capabilities compared to a dedicated terminal or desktop running emulation.

Terminals are essential for distributed computing environments.

The First Battle of Panipat, fought in 1526, was a pivotal moment in Indian history, marking the end of the Delhi Sultanate and the beginning of the Mughal Empire. Ibrahim Lodhi, the last ruler of the Lodhi dynasty, was decisively defeated by Babar (Zahir-ud-din Muhammad Babar), the founder of the Mughal Empire. Babar's superior military tactics, including the use of gunpowder artillery, played a crucial role in his victory.

The other options are incorrect:

• Akbar and Jahangir were later Mughal emperors, Babar's grandson and great-grandson, respectively.
• Iltutmish was a prominent ruler of the Mamluk (Slave) dynasty of the Delhi Sultanate, reigning much earlier in the 13th century.

The region in the ocean where there is a rapid increase in density with increasing depth is called the pycnocline. This layer is crucial for ocean stratification, as it acts as a barrier to vertical mixing. The density changes within the pycnocline are primarily driven by variations in temperature (forming a thermocline) and/or salinity (forming a halocline).

• Pressure is incorrect; while pressure increases with depth, it is not the term for the region of rapidly increasing density.
• Phytoplankton is incorrect; these are microscopic marine plants, not a specific layer defined by density changes.
• Salinity is incorrect; while salinity is a factor that influences water density, it is not the name of the specific region of rapid density change itself.

In Microsoft PowerPoint, the Outline View is specifically designed to display only the textual content of your presentation. This view presents the titles and main bullet points of each slide in a hierarchical, outline format, without showing any graphics, images, or design elements. It is an invaluable tool for organizing thoughts, structuring the flow of your presentation, and editing text efficiently.

• Outline View is the correct answer, focusing purely on text content.
• Slide Sorter View displays miniature versions of all slides, primarily for reordering and organizing, not for text editing.
• Notes Page View shows one slide at a time along with its associated speaker notes, including visual elements.
• Slide Show is the full-screen presentation mode, used for delivery, not for editing or viewing text outlines.

Outline View helps ensure logical content progression.

Dars-e-Nizami is a famous Islamic curriculum developed by Mulla Nizamuddin Sihalvi of Farangi Mahal, Lucknow. Although the curriculum was formally organized in the early 18th century after the death of Emperor Aurangzeb, its origins are closely associated with his reign because Aurangzeb patronized Islamic education and granted the Farangi Mahal to the Sihalvi family.

For this reason, many competitive examinations and GK books consider "Aurangzeb" as the expected answer, even though the curriculum was finalized shortly after his reign.

Correct Answer (Exam Perspective): Aurangzeb

Vestigial organs are structures in organisms that have lost most or all of their original function through evolution, serving as remnants of ancestral traits. The question asks which option is NOT a vestigial organ.

The correct answer is Eyelids. Eyelids are fully functional and essential for protecting the eye from foreign objects, keeping it moist, and regulating light exposure. They play a vital role in maintaining eye health and vision, thus they are not vestigial.

Conversely, the other options are considered vestigial: Wisdom Teeth (A) often cause problems due to lack of space and reduced chewing function in modern diets. The Pinna (B), or external ear, has minimal functional significance in humans compared to many animals. The Vermiform Appendix (D) is a small, finger-shaped pouch whose primary function in humans is largely lost or debated, and it can be removed without significant adverse effects.

This question is a straightforward assessment of understanding passing criteria. The student scored 80% in English and 85% in Math. The passing percentage for each subject is stated as 75%. Since both scores (80% and 85%) are individually higher than the required 75% passing mark, the student has successfully passed both subjects.

• The student scored 80% in English, which is greater than 75%.
• The student scored 85% in Math, which is also greater than 75%.
• Since the student passed both subjects, there is no failure.
• Therefore, the percentage of failure is 0%.

The other options (6%, 7%, 8%) would imply some form of failure or miscalculation, which is not the case here. The question does not suggest an average passing score or any other complex criteria.

The question asks for the real name of a renowned Sufi saint. Usman Marwandi is the birth name of the revered Sufi saint and philosopher, Lal Shahbaz Qalandar. Born in Marwand, Afghanistan, he later settled in Sehwan Sharif, Sindh (present-day Pakistan), where his shrine attracts millions of devotees annually. He was a prominent figure of the Suhrawardiyya order.

The other options are incorrect:

• Bulleh Shah was a Punjabi Sufi poet whose real name was Abdullah Shah.
• Ali Hajveri is famously known as Data Ganj Bakhsh, and his full name was Abul Hasan Ali Hujwiri.

The term cropping refers to a specific editing technique used to modify visual content. Understanding its application is key to answering this question.

The correct answer is Image. Cropping is the process of removing unwanted outer areas from a photograph or illustrative image. This technique is commonly employed to improve composition, eliminate distracting elements, or adjust the image to fit specific dimensions or aspect ratios. It directly manipulates the visual boundaries of an image.

The other options are incorrect because: Document (B) refers to a broader category of files, and while a document might contain images, cropping applies to the image content itself, not the document's overall structure. File (C) is a generic term for any data stored on a computer; cropping is a specific operation on the *content* of an image file, not a general file manipulation. Therefore, 'None of these' (D) is also incorrect.

This problem involves similar triangles, a fundamental concept in geometry. When objects cast shadows under similar conditions, the ratio of an object's height to its shadow length remains constant because the angle of elevation of the sun is the same for both. We can set up a proportion to find the unknown height.

• First, calculate the ratio for the flagstaff: Height / Shadow = 17.5 m / 40.25 m = 0.43478...
• Next, apply this same ratio to the building: Building Height / 28.75 m = 0.43478...
• Solving for Building Height: 0.43478... * 28.75 m = 12.5 m.

Alternatively, using a direct proportion: 17.5 / 40.25 = H / 28.75. Cross-multiplying gives H = (17.5 * 28.75) / 40.25 = 503.125 / 40.25 = 12.5 m. Distractors A, C, and D represent incorrect calculations or misinterpretations of the problem, such as using the flagstaff's height directly (C) instead of calculating the building's height based on the established ratio.

World Thalassemia Day is annually observed on May 8th. This significant day is dedicated to raising global awareness about thalassemia, a group of inherited blood disorders that reduce the production of hemoglobin. The observance aims to educate the public about the disease, its symptoms, prevention, and the importance of early diagnosis and treatment for affected individuals. It also serves to honor the struggles of patients and their families worldwide.

Option C, 8 May, is correct as it is the internationally recognized date for this important health awareness day. Options A (6 May), B (7 May), and D (9 May) are incorrect dates. While these days might hold other significances, they are not associated with the observance of World Thalassemia Day, which consistently falls on the eighth day of May each year to foster support and understanding for those living with thalassemia.

The book Emergence of Pakistan is a significant historical account detailing the events and processes that led to the creation of Pakistan. This seminal work was authored by Chaudhry Muhammad Ali. As a key figure in the Pakistan Movement and later the country's fourth Prime Minister, Ali provided an invaluable insider's perspective on the political negotiations, challenges, and decisions that shaped the new nation.

The other options are incorrect:

• K.K. Aziz was a distinguished historian who wrote other notable works like The Making of Pakistan.
• Ayesha Jalal is known for her influential book The Sole Spokesman.
• Stanley Wolpert is an American historian famous for biographies of Jinnah and Gandhi.

HTML (Hypertext Markup Language) provides a structured way to define headings on a webpage, indicating their hierarchical importance and typically their visual size. There are six predefined heading levels.

The correct answer is h6. In HTML, heading tags range from <h1> to <h6>. The <h1> tag represents the most important heading, which is typically displayed in the largest font size by default. As the number increases, the heading's importance and its default font size decrease. Therefore, <h6> is designated for the least important heading, and consequently, it is rendered as the smallest size heading by default.

The other options are incorrect: <h1> (A) is for the largest heading, <h2> (B) is for the second largest, and <h4> (C) is for a medium-sized heading, all of which are larger than <h6>.

To solve this problem, we need to perform basic arithmetic operations involving addition and subtraction of decimal numbers. It's crucial to align the decimal points correctly and carry out the operations from left to right, following the standard order of operations.

• First, add the initial two numbers: 3889 + 12.952. Aligning the decimals, this becomes 3889.000 + 12.952 = 3901.952.
• Next, subtract the third number from this sum: 3901.952 − 3854.002.
• Performing the subtraction: 3901.952 - 3854.002 = 47.950. Since trailing zeros after the decimal point do not change the value, the answer is 47.95.

The incorrect options (A, B, D) likely result from errors in decimal alignment during addition or subtraction, or simple calculation mistakes. For instance, misplacing a decimal point or incorrectly borrowing/carrying digits can lead to these incorrect values.

In the sport of cricket, a team consists of eleven players on the ground during play. This is a fundamental rule of the game, defining the active participants for batting, bowling, and fielding. Each team fields eleven players, with one designated as the captain. The objective is for one team to score more runs than the other, or to dismiss all opposing batsmen.

Option B, 11, is the correct answer, representing the standard number of players actively participating for a team on the field. Options A (10), C (13), and D (15) are incorrect. While a squad might comprise more than eleven players (e.g., 15 for a tournament squad), only eleven are permitted on the field at any given time. Ten players would leave a team short, while thirteen or fifteen would exceed the legal limit, disrupting the game's structure.

The Tughlaq Dynasty was a prominent Muslim dynasty of Turkic origin that ruled the Delhi Sultanate in medieval India. The founder of this dynasty was Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq, also known as Ghazi Malik. He ascended to the throne in 1320 AD, establishing the Tughlaq dynasty after overthrowing the Khilji dynasty. He is also credited with founding the city of Tughlaqabad.

The other options are incorrect:

• Firuz Shah Tughlaq and Muhammad bin Tughlaq were later rulers of the Tughlaq Dynasty, with Muhammad bin Tughlaq being Ghiyasuddin's son and successor.
• Ghiyasuddin Balban was a powerful ruler of the Mamluk (Slave) Dynasty, which preceded the Khilji Dynasty, thus ruling much earlier than the Tughlaqs.

Microsoft Excel is a widely used spreadsheet application, and like most software, it has a standard graphical user interface with specific elements located in consistent positions.

The correct answer is the Title Bar. When you open a new workbook in MS Excel, the Title Bar is always positioned at the very topmost portion of the application window. It prominently displays the name of the current workbook (e.g., "Book1 - Excel") and the application name, along with standard window controls like minimize, maximize/restore, and close buttons.

The other options are incorrect because of their typical placement: The Status Bar (B) is located at the bottom of the Excel window, providing information about the current state. The Horizontal Scroll Bar (C) is found at the bottom of the worksheet area, above the Status Bar, for left-right navigation. The Vertical Scroll Bar (D) is on the right side of the worksheet area, for up-down navigation.

This question tests your ability to divide decimal numbers. The key to dividing by a decimal is to transform the divisor into a whole number, which simplifies the division process. Whatever change is made to the divisor must also be applied to the dividend.

• The problem is 4.036 divided by 0.04.
• To make the divisor (0.04) a whole number, move the decimal point two places to the right, making it 4.
• You must also move the decimal point in the dividend (4.036) two places to the right, making it 403.6.
• Now, the division becomes 403.6 ÷ 4.
• Performing this division: 403.6 / 4 = 100.9.

Option B (1.009) and C (10.09) are incorrect because they reflect errors in correctly shifting the decimal point or performing the division. For example, dividing 4.036 by 4 directly without adjusting for the 0.04 divisor would yield a different, incorrect result. Option D is incorrect because A is the correct answer.

In Germany, the Head of Government is officially known as the Chancellor. This position holds significant executive power and is responsible for leading the federal government. Germany operates as a federal parliamentary republic, where the Chancellor is elected by the Bundestag (the German parliament) and typically leads the largest party or coalition.

Option C, Chancellor, is the correct designation for Germany's head of government. Option A, President, is incorrect because while Germany does have a President, this role is primarily ceremonial, serving as the head of state, not the head of government. Option B, Governor, is generally used for regional leaders or central bank heads, not a national head of government. Option D, Prime Minister, is a common title for heads of government in many other parliamentary democracies, but it is not used in Germany, which uniquely employs the title of Chancellor.

The question asks to identify the FIRST President of Pakistan. Pakistan transitioned from a dominion to a republic with the promulgation of its first constitution in 1956. At this point, the office of Governor-General was abolished and replaced by the President.

• Sikandar Mirza was the last Governor-General of Pakistan and subsequently became the first President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan on March 23, 1956, serving until October 1958. This makes option A correct.
• Ayub Khan became the second President of Pakistan after imposing martial law in 1958, overthrowing Sikandar Mirza.
• Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto served as President much later, from 1971 to 1973, before becoming Prime Minister.
• Yahya Khan was President from 1969 to 1971.

Therefore, Sikandar Mirza holds the distinction of being Pakistan's inaugural President.

The internet relies on a system of unique identifiers to locate and access resources, such as web pages. Understanding these fundamental components is crucial for navigating the web.

The correct answer is URL. A URL (Uniform Resource Locator) is the unique address that identifies a specific resource on the internet, such as a webpage, image, or document. It specifies the location of the resource and the protocol (like HTTP or HTTPS) used to retrieve it, making it the complete address for accessing web content.

The other options are incorrect: HTTP (A) stands for Hypertext Transfer Protocol, which is the protocol used for transmitting web pages, not the address itself. HTML (B) stands for Hypertext Markup Language, the language used to create the structure and content of web pages, not their address. DNS (D) stands for Domain Name System, which translates human-readable domain names into IP addresses, but it is not the unique address of a specific webpage.

To find the average price of all articles, we need to calculate the total cost of all items and divide it by the total number of items. This is a weighted average problem, as different quantities of items have different prices.

• Calculate the total cost for each type of article:
• Pants: 5 pants * Rs 25/pant = Rs 125
• Shirts: 10 shirts * Rs 50/shirt = Rs 500
• Ties: 15 ties * Rs 35/tie = Rs 525
• Calculate the total cost of all articles: Rs 125 + Rs 500 + Rs 525 = Rs 1150.
• Calculate the total number of articles: 5 + 10 + 15 = 30 articles.
• Finally, calculate the average price: Total Cost / Total Articles = Rs 1150 / 30 = Rs 38.33 (rounded to two decimal places).

Distractors B, C, and D are incorrect. For example, simply averaging the prices (25+50+35)/3 would be incorrect because it doesn't account for the different quantities of each item, leading to a different result.

After the assassination of Prime Minister Liaquat Ali Khan in 1951, Ghulam Muhammad became the third Governor-General of Pakistan. He assumed office on October 17, 1951, succeeding Khawaja Nazimuddin, who became Prime Minister. Ghulam Muhammad served in this crucial role until 1955, during a period of significant political instability in the nascent nation.

Option B, Ghulam Muhammad, is the correct answer. He was a prominent figure who previously served as Finance Minister. Option A, Sikandar Mirza, became the fourth and last Governor-General in 1955, and later Pakistan's first President. Options C, Muhammad Ali Bogra, and D, Chaudhry Muhammad Ali, both served as Prime Ministers of Pakistan during different periods, not as Governor-Generals. Understanding the sequence of leadership is vital for comprehending Pakistan's early political history and the transition from dominion status to a republic.

The question asks for the establishment year of Government Islamia College Lahore. This institution is a significant landmark in Pakistan's educational history, known for its role in the Pakistan Movement.

• Government Islamia College Civil Lines, Lahore, was established in 1892 by the Anjuman-i-Himayat-i-Islam. This organization played a crucial role in promoting education among Muslims in British India. Therefore, option D is the correct answer.
• The years 1864, 1878, and 1886 are incorrect dates for the establishment of this specific college. While other educational institutions might have been founded around these times, they do not correspond to Government Islamia College Lahore.

The college has since grown into a prominent educational institution, contributing significantly to the academic landscape of Pakistan.

Microsoft Word offers numerous keyboard shortcuts to efficiently manage and modify text formatting. Knowing these shortcuts can significantly enhance productivity.

The correct answer is Ctrl+Spacebar. This keyboard shortcut is specifically designed in MS Word to remove manual character formatting from selected text. When applied, it resets attributes like bold, italics, font size, font color, and other direct formatting to the default font and formatting defined by the paragraph style. This allows users to quickly revert text to its original or standard appearance.

The other options are incorrect: Ctrl+Alt (B) is not a standalone shortcut for text formatting; it's typically used in combination with other keys for special functions. Ctrl+F2 (C) is commonly used to open the Print Preview window in MS Word. Ctrl+F6 (D) is used to switch between multiple open documents or windows within the same application.