PPSC Assistant Director BS-17 Past Paper 2024 (Solved)

Subject: Mathematics
Q1: If a right circular cone structured building has diameter 8m and slant height 17m, then what is volume?
A. 384 π m³
B. 350 π m³
C. 320 π m³
D. 400 π m³

The formula for the volume of a cone is (1/3)πr²h. First, find the radius (8m ÷ 2 = 4m). Use Pythagoras Theorem to calculate the height: √(17² - 4²) = 16m. Then volume = (1/3)π(4²)(16) = 320π m³. Understanding cone geometry helps in accurately applying formulas in exams involving shapes and measurements.

Subject: Current Affairs
Q2: Originally the CPEC was an economic corridor of 46 billion dollars, which later was elevated to:
A. 62 billion dollars
B. 40 billion dollars
C. 41 billion dollars
D. 44 billion dollars

The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) initially began with a proposed investment of 46 billion dollars, but it was later expanded to 62 billion dollars. This upgrade includes additional projects in energy, infrastructure, and development. Questions like this test your knowledge of current affairs and national development programs.

Subject: Mathematics
Q3: An increase of 10 dollars in the mailing expense is equivalent to an increase in how many pounds in the weight of the shipment?
A. 1
B. 2
C. 3
D. 4

Such questions assess proportional thinking. If a $10 increase corresponds to a specific weight gain, it means each weight unit has a fixed cost. Practice unit-based problem-solving to handle real-world applications of cost and quantity relationships, as they often appear in aptitude tests.

Subject: Mathematics
Q4: Algebra was formulated by which of the following Mathematicians?
A. Euclid
B. Archimedes
C. Al-Khwarizmi
D. Ibn Sina

Al-Khwarizmi, a Persian mathematician, is known as the father of Algebra. His work introduced foundational concepts in equations and calculations that are still used today. Remembering pioneers of mathematics is essential for general knowledge and academic entrance exams.

Subject: Islamic Studies
Q5: “Hujjatullah ul Baligha” was authored by:
A. Haji Shariat Ullah
B. Syed Ahmed Shaheed
C. Syed Ahmed Brailvi
D. Shah Wali Ullah

“Hujjatullah ul Baligha” is a significant Islamic text written by Shah Wali Ullah. It explains the reasoning and philosophy behind Islamic laws. Recognizing key scholars and their works is crucial for Islamic studies-related MCQs in competitive exams.

Subject: General Knowledge
Q6: Pakistan Military Academy is situated in:
A. Kakul
B. Kohat
C. Hasan Abdal
D. Murree

The Pakistan Military Academy (PMA) is located in Kakul, Abbottabad. It is the premier training institute for future officers of the Pakistan Army. Knowing the locations of national institutions is a common topic in general knowledge sections of exams.

Subject: Mathematics
Q7: If the cost of tiles is Rs.5 for 50 sq.m, what will be the cost of 400 sq.m:
A. Rs.25
B. Rs.35
C. Rs.40
D. Rs.44

To solve this, use simple unitary method: If 50 sq.m costs Rs.5, then 400 sq.m will cost (400 ÷ 50) × 5 = Rs.40. Understanding ratios and proportions is key to solving such real-life cost calculation problems in quantitative exams.

Subject: Mathematics
Q8: What is the area of a sector of a circle of radius 6.5 cm if the perimeter is 29 cm:
A. 52 cm²
B. 42 cm²
C. 56 cm²
D. 59 cm²

Use the formula for sector perimeter: 2r + arc length = 29 cm. So arc length = 29 - 13 = 16 cm. Now area = (r × arc length)/2 = (6.5 × 16)/2 = 52 cm². Sector-based questions combine both geometry and logic, making them important in aptitude and mathematics sections.

Subject: Computer Science
Q9: The __ field in an e-mail indicates the purpose of that e-mail:
A. Subject
B. CC
C. From
D. None of these

The "Subject" line in an email provides a brief summary or purpose of the message. It helps the recipient quickly understand the email's context. Email structure-related questions are common in computer literacy or general IT sections of exams.

Subject: Mathematics
Q10: What is the product of -2, -3 and -10:
A. -35
B. -60
C. -55
D. -65

Multiplying -2 × -3 = 6 (negative × negative = positive). Then 6 × -10 = -60. Understanding multiplication of integers, especially negative numbers, is a basic but essential concept frequently tested in mathematics portions of exams.

Subject: Computer Science
Q11: Which type of application is employed to display the location of your family members and work:
A OneNote
B Life360
C SharePoint
D All of these

Life360 is a location-sharing app primarily used by families to keep track of each other's real-time location. It ensures safety, coordination, and peace of mind. Recognizing apps and their core functionalities is often tested in digital literacy and technology-related exam sections.

Subject: Computer Science
Q12: Which option in Microsoft Excel will assist you to arrange, summarize and group large sets of data?
A. Sparkline
B. Pivot table
C. Filter
D. Illustrations

Pivot tables in Excel allow users to summarize, analyze, and explore large data sets efficiently. They're commonly used in data reporting and decision-making tasks. Learning about spreadsheet features is essential for office-based or analytical job exams.

Subject: Mathematics
Q13: A train covers 32 kilometers in 14.5 minutes. If it continues at the same rate, which of the following is nearest to the distance it will cover in 2 hours?
A. 920 kilometers
B. 524 kilometers
C. 265 kilometers
D. 220 kilometers

Convert 14.5 minutes to hours (14.5 ÷ 60 = 0.2417 hours). Speed = 32 ÷ 0.2417 ≈ 132.4 km/h. In 2 hours, it will travel around 264.8 km. Questions like this test your ability to convert units and apply speed-distance-time formulas accurately.

Subject: Mathematics
Q14: If a train covers 180 km at a speed of 60 km/h, how much less time will it require to complete the same journey at a speed of 70 km/h?
A. 20 mins
B. 23 mins
C. 26 mins
D. 29 mins

Time at 60 km/h = 180 ÷ 60 = 3 hours. Time at 70 km/h = 180 ÷ 70 ≈ 2.57 hours. Time saved ≈ 3 - 2.57 = 0.43 hours = 26 minutes. Practicing such time-speed-distance problems strengthens mathematical reasoning for competitive exams.

Subject: General Knowledge
Q15: Madame Tussauds has branches in all EXCEPT:
A. Las Vegas
B. Vienna
C. Paris
D. Islamabad

Madame Tussauds is a popular wax museum with branches in many major cities, but not in Islamabad. Recognizing global landmarks and museums helps improve performance in general knowledge sections of entry tests and competitive papers.

Subject: Geography
Q16: Which museum is situated in Amsterdam, Netherlands?
A. The Uffizi Gallery
B. The Rijksmuseum
C. The British Museum
D. None of these

The Rijksmuseum, located in Amsterdam, is renowned for its art collection, including works by Rembrandt and Vermeer. Familiarity with prominent museums enhances cultural awareness for general knowledge and arts-related MCQs.

Subject: Geography
Q17: The Museum of Modern Art is positioned in:
A. Tokyo, Japan
B. New York City, USA
C. Paris, France
D. Florence, Italy

The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York is among the most influential modern art museums in the world. Knowing such institutions helps with MCQs focused on international culture and history in competitive exams.

Subject: Geography
Q18: Associate the appropriate country with The Pergamon Museum:
A. USA
B. Mexico
C. Germany
D. Japan

The Pergamon Museum is located in Berlin, Germany. It is known for its ancient artifacts, including the Pergamon Altar. Remembering the locations of historical museums is useful for academic and general knowledge test preparation.

Subject: Geography
Q19: Which museum can be found in Cairo, Egypt?
A. The Egyptian Museum
B. State Hermitage Museum
C. The Vatican Museums
D. None of these

The Egyptian Museum in Cairo houses a vast collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts, including many from the tomb of Tutankhamun. Such MCQs are common in history and culture-related exams, especially for topics involving ancient civilizations.

Subject: Geography
Q20: The Louvre Museum is situated in:
A. Beijing, China
B. New York, USA
C. Paris, France
D. London, UK

The Louvre in Paris is one of the most visited and iconic museums in the world, famous for housing the Mona Lisa and other masterpieces. It is essential to know the locations of such cultural landmarks for exams with world history and general knowledge components.

Subject: History
Q21: Ayub Khan passed away in:
A. 1974
B. 1975
C. 1976
D. 1977

Ayub Khan, the former President of Pakistan and a prominent military leader, died in 1976. He played a significant role in Pakistan's political history, especially during the 1960s. Remembering this date is essential for Pakistani history MCQs, especially in exams focusing on political leadership timelines and important national figures.

Subject: Geography
Q22: In which country is the Louvre Museum situated?
A. Rome
B. Wellington
C. Paris
D. None of these

The Louvre Museum is located in Paris, France, and is one of the world’s most renowned art museums. It houses famous works like the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo. This question often appears in general knowledge and international current affairs sections.

Subject: English
Q23: Your necklace is different __ mine:
A. By
B Than
C. From
D. With

In English grammar, the correct preposition used with "different" is "from." So, the phrase should be "different from mine." This is a basic yet frequently tested grammar rule in competitive English exams and language assessments.

Subject: Current Affairs
Q24: When was the United Nations (U.N.O.) founded?
A. 24 August 1945
B. 24 October 1945
C. 9 September 1945
D. 24 July 1945

The United Nations was officially established on 24 October 1945, after World War II to promote peace and security worldwide. This date is globally celebrated as United Nations Day and is commonly tested in international relations and general knowledge exams.

Subject: Current Affairs
Q25: Which of the following countries is NOT part of the European Union?
A. Turkiye
B. Estonia
C. Ireland
D. Malta

Turkiye is not a member of the European Union, although it has long sought accession. The other options — Estonia, Ireland, and Malta — are full EU members. Questions like this are relevant for international political affairs and current world organization topics.

Subject: Everyday Science
Q26: Which base is utilized as the electrolyte in alkaline batteries?
A. Potassium hydroxide
B. Iron hydroxide
C. Aluminum hydroxide
D. Calcium hydroxide

Potassium hydroxide is the commonly used electrolyte in alkaline batteries due to its ability to enhance ion flow and improve battery efficiency. This concept is part of basic electrochemistry and is important for science-based MCQs in exams.

Subject: English
Q27: Students stopped __ noise when the teacher came in.
A. to make
B. making
C. make
D. to made

The verb "stopped" is correctly followed by the gerund "making" when referring to ceasing an action. This is a key rule in English verb patterns and gerunds, often tested in grammar MCQs in competitive exams.

Subject: General Knowledge
Q28: Edward Said was a:
A. Professor
B. All of these
C. Palestinian American Philosopher
D. Intellectual

Edward Said was a renowned intellectual known for his work in literature and political theory. He was also a professor and philosopher, which justifies the presence of multiple correct roles, but “Intellectual” is the best encompassing term. His theories are particularly relevant in post-colonial studies and modern humanities.

Subject: English
Q29: Change voice: These mills grind corn.
A. Corn is ground by those mills.
B. Corn was ground by those mills.
C. Corn has been ground by this mill.
D. None of these

This is a simple present tense sentence in active voice, and its passive form is “Corn is ground by those mills.” Voice change questions are frequently asked in English grammar sections of competitive papers.

Subject: English
Q30: This necklace is different __ yours:
A. From
B. Than
C. With
D. None of these

The correct phrase is “different from yours.” "Different from" is the standard form in formal and academic English usage. Such questions test understanding of preposition use in sentence construction.

Q31: Greenhouse gases result in:
A. Increase of human papulation
B. Global warming
C. Pollution
D. None of these

Greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide trap heat in Earth’s atmosphere, resulting in global warming. This phenomenon leads to rising temperatures, melting glaciers, and more frequent climate-related disasters. Understanding greenhouse gases is essential for addressing climate change.

Q32: Which country eliminated the Prime Minister’s position?
A. Pakistan
B. Turkey
C. Canada
D. India

In 2018, Turkey transitioned from a parliamentary to a presidential system, abolishing the role of Prime Minister. Under the new system, all executive powers now lie with the President. This change significantly altered the political structure of the country.

Q33: Your old house is a far cry from the new house. The meaning of the underlined idiom is:
A. Weak
B. To cry internally
C. Very different from
D. None of these

“A far cry from” is an English idiom that means something is significantly different from something else. In this context, it means the new house is very different from the old one, often in a better or more impressive way. It's used to highlight contrast.

Q34: Operation __ was initiated by Pakistan Army in East Pakistan:
A. Enduring Freedom
B. Searchlight
C. Sher Dil
D. None of these

Operation Searchlight was a military operation launched by the Pakistan Army in 1971 in East Pakistan. Its objective was to suppress political resistance and unrest. The operation played a major role in the events that eventually led to the creation of Bangladesh.

Q35: The Holy Prophet SAW was mentioned as the Last Prophet in which Surah of the Holy Quran?
A. Surah Al Imran
B. Al-Anfal
C. Surah Ahzab
D. Al-An’am

In Surah Al-Ahzab (33:40), the Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAW) is mentioned as the “Seal of the Prophets,” affirming that he is the last prophet sent by Allah. This verse holds great significance in Islamic theology and belief about finality of prophethood.

Q36: The difference between the circumference and radius of a circle is 37cm. The area of the circle is:
A. 111cm²
B. 184cm²
C. 154cm²
D. 259cm²

To solve this, let the radius be r. Then circumference = 2πr. The given difference is 2πr - r = 37 ⇒ r(2π - 1) = 37. Solving gives r ≈ 7. The area = πr² = 154 cm². This type of question tests both formula application and algebraic manipulation.

Q37: Who served as the Speaker of the National Assembly during the Bhutto regime?
A. Sahibzada Farooq Ali
B. Abdul Jabbar Khan
C. Syed Fakhar Imam
D. Syed Yousaf Raza Gillani

Sahibzada Farooq Ali was the Speaker of the National Assembly from 1973 to 1977 during the tenure of Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. He presided over the assembly during a crucial time in Pakistan’s parliamentary development, including the adoption of the 1973 Constitution.

Q38: Which country is not a member of NATO?
A. Albania
B. Croatia
C. Belarus
D. Greece

Belarus is not a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). It maintains close ties with Russia and is a member of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO). NATO is a military alliance of primarily Western countries focused on collective defense.

Q39: When was Punjab University founded?
A. 1871
B. 1882
C. 1887
D. 1893

The University of the Punjab was established in 1882 in Lahore, making it one of the oldest and most prestigious institutions of higher education in South Asia. It offers a wide range of academic programs and plays a significant role in research and education in Pakistan.

Q40: Patients died after a protest by a group of lawyers against doctors in 2019 at:
A. Punjab Institute of Cardiology, Lahore
B. PKLI, Lahore
C. Jinnah Hospital, Lahore
D. None of these

In December 2019, a group of lawyers violently protested at the Punjab Institute of Cardiology (PIC) in Lahore. The disruption led to critical delays in patient care, resulting in several deaths. This tragic incident highlighted the need for stronger security and professionalism in public institutions.

Q41: The hardware or software employed to block traffic information:
A. Firewall
B. Router
C. Virus checker
D. None of these

A firewall is a security mechanism that can be hardware-based, software-based, or a combination of both. It is designed to monitor and control incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined security rules. Firewalls are essential for protecting systems from unauthorized access, making them vital in cybersecurity.

Q42: __ are the animals that consume both plants and animals
A. Omnivores
B. Decomposers
C. Herbivores
D. None of these

Omnivores are organisms that eat both plant matter and animal flesh. Examples include humans, bears, and pigs. This dietary versatility allows omnivores to adapt to different environments and food sources, giving them survival advantages in changing ecosystems.

Q43: Who was the inaugural Chief Minister of NWFP:
A. Sahibzada Zafar Ali
B. Ameer Haider Khan Hoti
C. Sir Sahibzada Abdul Qayyum Khan
D. None of these

Sir Sahibzada Abdul Qayyum Khan was appointed as the first Chief Minister of the North-West Frontier Province (NWFP), now Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, in 1937. He was a noted educationist and statesman and played a key role in the region’s political and educational development during British India.

Q44: Default designation of a newly created MS Word File is:
A. Word1
B. Document1
C. Untitled1
D. None of these

When you create a new file in Microsoft Word without naming it, the system automatically assigns the name “Document1”. This default naming continues incrementally like Document2, Document3, etc., until the user saves the file with a custom name. It helps users quickly identify unsaved files.

Q45: PowerPoint __ allow you to print multiple pages on one page.
A. Page Layout
B. File menu
C. Handouts
D. None of these

In Microsoft PowerPoint, the Handouts option is used to print several slides on a single page. This is useful for conserving paper and for giving audiences a compact version of the presentation. You can access it through the Print settings under the File tab.

Q46: Page orientation is situated in:
A. Home
B. Page Layout
C. Insert Menu
D. References

The Page Orientation setting in MS Word and Excel is found under the Page Layout tab. It allows users to switch between Portrait and Landscape modes, depending on how they want the document or spreadsheet to appear when printed or viewed.

Q47: Iberian Peninsula is situated in:
A. Europe
B Asia
C Africa
D America

The Iberian Peninsula is located in southwestern Europe and primarily comprises Spain and Portugal. It is bordered by the Mediterranean Sea to the east and the Atlantic Ocean to the west, playing a crucial role in European geography and history.

Q48: When did Bangladesh detach from Pakistan:
A. 1962
B. 1956
C. 1971
D. 1978

Bangladesh became independent from Pakistan in 1971 following a brutal war of liberation. The conflict was rooted in political and linguistic differences between East and West Pakistan. On December 16, 1971, East Pakistan officially became the independent nation of Bangladesh.

Q49: Yahoo, Bing, Google and _
A. Yahoo
B. Bing
C. Google
D. lol

This question may be intended as a trick or humorous item, as “lol” is not a search engine. The correct pattern should include another search engine like “DuckDuckGo” or “Ask,” but here, the correct choice according to the options is "lol" to complete the sentence structurally, not factually.

Q50: In order to obtain a very wide field of view, the mirror used in cars is:
A. Plane
B. Convex
C. Concave
D. Bi Concave

Convex mirrors are used in vehicles as side or rear-view mirrors because they offer a wider field of vision. These mirrors curve outward, allowing drivers to see more area and better judge the position of other vehicles, thus enhancing road safety.

Q51: Select the associated word from the provided choices: FINGERS : HAND :: ? : FEET
A. Nails
B. Heels
C. Ankle
D. Toes

This analogy compares body parts based on their structural relation. Fingers are part of the hand, just as toes are part of the feet. Recognizing such patterns helps in verbal reasoning sections of competitive exams where word relationships are tested.

Q52: The third Ashra, final days of Ramadan, is referred to as
A. Days of Mercy
B. Days of Forgiveness
C. Days to seek refuge from Hellfire
D. Both A & B

Ramadan is divided into three parts, or Ashras. The last Ashra, the third set of 10 days, focuses on seeking refuge from Hellfire. Muslims intensify worship and prayer during this period, especially in the last ten nights which include Laylat-ul-Qadr.

Q53: Karen conflict is an armed struggle between the Karen National Union, KNU, and the government of
A. Bhutan
B. India
C. Myanmar
D. None of these

The Karen conflict involves the Karen National Union fighting for autonomy and rights within Myanmar. This ethnic conflict has spanned decades and is one of the longest-running civil wars in the world, rooted in demands for political and cultural recognition.

Q54: Karen conflict is a military struggle occurring in
A. Myanmar
B. Ukraine
C. Azerbaijan
D. None of these

The Karen conflict is centered in Myanmar and involves armed resistance by the Karen ethnic group. The conflict highlights ongoing ethnic tensions and demands for autonomy within the country's complex political landscape.

Q55: Which among the following countries has secured the FIFA World Cup title the highest number of times
A. England
B. Brazil
C. Japan
D. Portugal

Brazil holds the record for the most FIFA World Cup victories, winning the tournament five times. Known for their iconic players like Pelé and Ronaldo, Brazil’s dominance in international football is unmatched in World Cup history.

Q56: My father didn’t like the music __
A. Nor I am
B. As me
C. I am
D. Nor am I

“Nor am I” is the correct response to a negative statement. This is an example of subject-auxiliary inversion often used in English grammar to maintain parallel structure after negative sentences like “didn’t like.”

Q57: Which function is used to show the current date and time in a spreadsheet cell
A. Today
B. Now
C. Date
D. None of these

The NOW function in spreadsheet applications like Excel displays the current date and time. It updates dynamically and is useful for time-stamping entries or calculating durations in real-time workflows.

Q58: Automatic Sea Boat Robot prints one t-shirt in how much duration
A. 55 seconds
B. 2 minute
C. 4 minute
D. 22 seconds

The Automatic Sea Boat Robot is known for its rapid t-shirt printing ability, completing a print in just 22 seconds. This kind of automation greatly enhances production efficiency in the garment industry.

Q59: Times New Roman, Arial, etc., are examples of
A. Web page
B. Computer
C. Font
D. None of these

Times New Roman and Arial are font types used in digital and print documents. Fonts determine the style and appearance of text, playing a key role in readability and design aesthetics in word processors and websites.

Q60: 2024 Olympics were hosted in
A. London
B. Moscow
C. Beijing
D. Paris

The 2024 Summer Olympics were held in Paris, France. This marked the third time Paris hosted the games, the previous ones being in 1900 and 1924. Paris 2024 emphasized sustainability, gender equality, and innovation in sports events.

Q61: Which among the following is the administrative capital of Libya
A. Misrata
B. Benghazi
C. Zuwara
D. Tripoli

Tripoli is the capital and largest city of Libya, serving as its main political, economic, and cultural center. Located in the northwestern part of the country, Tripoli holds historical and strategic significance in the Mediterranean region.

Q62: Renowned journalist, columnist and intellectual Dr. Ajmal Niazi died on
A. 18th October 2021
B. 19th August 2022
C. 18th December 2023
D. None of these

Dr. Ajmal Niazi, a respected figure in journalism and Urdu literature, passed away on 18th October 2021. He was known for his sharp political insight and deeply influential columns in various Pakistani newspapers over several decades.

Q63: Which of the following countries possesses the largest military force in the world
A. Japan
B. India
C. China
D. UK

China has the largest military force in the world by active personnel. The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) includes ground forces, navy, air force, and strategic missile units, making it a significant global military power.

Q64: What is the maximum number of columns you can insert in a Word document
A. 41
B. 37
C. 54
D. 63

Microsoft Word allows a user to insert up to 63 columns in a single table row. This is useful for advanced formatting and layout tasks, especially in documents that require complex data presentation or comparison.

Q65: National Bank was founded in
A. 1940
B. 1945
C. 1949
D. 1950

The National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) was established in 1949 to serve as a government-owned financial institution. Over time, it has played a major role in the economic development of Pakistan and continues to operate nationally and internationally.

Q66: Choose the correct analogous pair: Grain : Salt
A. Grass : Wood
B. Shard : Pottery
C. Shred : Grass
D. Chip : Glass

This analogy is based on part-to-whole relationships. A grain is a small part of salt, just as a chip is a small part of glass. Identifying analogies like this helps sharpen logical reasoning skills useful in various aptitude tests.

Q67: 2024 Olympics took place in
A. Melburne
B. Johannesburg
C. New York
D. Paris

The 2024 Summer Olympics were held in Paris, marking the city’s third time hosting the Games. The event focused on inclusion, sustainability, and innovation, and featured several new disciplines and venues across France.

Q68: Which of the following is the heaviest metal
A. Aluminum
B. Copper
C. Cobalt
D. Platinum

Platinum is among the densest and heaviest naturally occurring metals. Known for its high resistance to corrosion and excellent conductivity, platinum is widely used in industrial applications, jewelry, and medical instruments.

Q69: The Battle of Plassey occurred in
A. 1650
B. 1757
C. 1850
D. 1955

The Battle of Plassey took place in 1757 between the British East India Company and the Nawab of Bengal. This historic battle laid the foundation for British colonial rule in India and marked a turning point in subcontinental history.

Q70: What is the default file extension used for MS PowerPoint
A. .ppt
B. .ppx
C. .xlp
D. None of these

The standard file extension for Microsoft PowerPoint presentations is .ppt (or .pptx for newer versions). These extensions indicate the file type and help the system recognize and open presentations correctly in the PowerPoint application.

Q71: Myself, yourself, ourself are what kind of pronoun
A. Relative pronouns
B. Reflexive pronoun
C. Personal pronoun
D. None of these

Reflexive pronouns are used when the subject and the object of a sentence are the same. Words like myself, yourself, himself, herself, and ourselves reflect the action back to the subject. They are essential in English grammar for clarity and emphasis.

Q72: Which vitamin is synthesized in our body when exposed to sunlight
A. Vitamin K
B. Vitamin C
C. Vitamin B
D. Vitamin D

Vitamin D is produced in the skin when it is exposed to sunlight, specifically UVB rays. It plays a crucial role in calcium absorption and bone health. Regular sun exposure can help prevent vitamin D deficiency, especially in regions with limited sunlight.

Q73: Who established the daily Nawa-e-Waqt newspaper
A. Hameed Nizami
B. Zia Malik
C. Arif Nizami
D. Majeed Ahmad

Hameed Nizami founded the Urdu daily newspaper Nawa-e-Waqt in 1940. It became one of Pakistan’s most influential publications, known for its strong editorial stance and contributions to the Pakistan Movement and national journalism.

Q74: The Long March-5 space mission was initiated by which nation
A. India
B. China
C. Afghanistan
D. Pakistan

The Long March-5 is a launch vehicle developed by China and used for its major space missions, including lunar and Mars exploration. It is a heavy-lift rocket and part of China’s ambitious space program to compete globally in space technology.

Q75: Which among the following is a concrete noun
A. Table
B. Freedom
C. Charity
D. None of these

A concrete noun refers to something that can be seen, touched, heard, smelled, or tasted. "Table" is a concrete noun because it is a physical object. In contrast, words like freedom and charity are abstract nouns representing ideas or concepts.

Q76: Where can Copacabana beach be found
A. Brazil
B. Canada
C. Poland
D. Venezuela

Copacabana is a world-famous beach located in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. It is known for its vibrant atmosphere, scenic coastline, and international tourism appeal. Copacabana often hosts festivals, concerts, and sporting events like beach volleyball.

Q77: A __ is a device used to measure pressure in a fluid, typically a gas or liquid
A. Manometer
B. Galvanometer
C. Ammeter
D. None of these

A manometer is an instrument designed to measure the pressure of fluids such as gases or liquids. It is widely used in laboratories, HVAC systems, and industrial applications where fluid pressure monitoring is essential for safety and control.

Q78: Which of the following symbols is used to begin a formula in MS Excel
A. $
B. *
C. #
D. =

In Microsoft Excel, every formula begins with an equal sign (=). It signals the software to perform a calculation or function. For example, writing =SUM(A1:A5) instructs Excel to add up the values in cells A1 through A5.

Q79: How many countries have ratified the Geneva Conventions
A. 160
B. 186
C. 198
D. 199

The Geneva Conventions have been ratified by 199 states, making them among the most universally accepted treaties in history. These international laws govern the humane treatment of individuals during war, including soldiers and civilians.

Q80: Khunjerab Pass serves as a boundary between
A. Pakistan-China
B. Pakistan-Afghanistan
C. Pakistan-India
D. Pakistan-Iran

Khunjerab Pass is a high mountain pass that connects Pakistan with China via the Karakoram Highway. Located in Gilgit-Baltistan, it is one of the highest paved border crossings in the world and a vital link in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.

Q81: Treaty of Westphalia resulted in the conclusion of the
A. 15 years war
B. 25 years war
C. 30 years war
D. 35 years war

The Treaty of Westphalia was signed in 1648 and concluded the Thirty Years’ War in Europe. It marked a significant turning point in European history by introducing the concept of national sovereignty and modern diplomacy.

Q82: Who established Amazon.com Inc
A. Jeff Bezos
B. Mark Twain
C. Schindler Jones
D. Russel Christ

Amazon.com Inc was established by Jeff Bezos in 1994. Originally an online bookstore, it evolved into a global e-commerce and tech powerhouse, offering products and services across a wide spectrum.

Q83: Who became the inaugural ruler of the Delhi Sultanate
A. Ibrahim Lodhi
B. Qutb-ud-din Aibak
C. Muhammad Ghauri
D. None of these

Qutb-ud-din Aibak, a former slave and general of Muhammad Ghauri, became the first ruler of the Delhi Sultanate in 1206. He is known for laying the groundwork of Muslim rule in the Indian subcontinent.

Q84: Central Asian nations predominantly grow which crop
A. Rice
B. Cotton
C. Barley
D. Maize

Cotton is the dominant crop in several Central Asian nations due to their favorable climate and irrigation infrastructure. This crop is a cornerstone of the regional agricultural economy.

Q85: What is the official designation of Pakistan’s space agency
A. PARCO
B. SUPARCO
C. PAEC
D. NDC

SUPARCO stands for the Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission. It is responsible for Pakistan’s space and satellite programs and works on national research in astronomy and remote sensing.

Q86: What does the SUM function in Excel primarily do
A. To add up a range of cells
B. To count the number of cells in a range
C. To find the average of a range of cells
D. To find maximum value in a range of cells

The SUM function in Excel is a built-in formula used to calculate the total of a specified range of numeric values. It is essential for performing quick additions in spreadsheets.

Q87: Which of the following options is not a search engine
A. Yahoo
B. Chrome
C. Bing
D. Google

Chrome is a web browser developed by Google and is not a search engine. In contrast, Yahoo, Bing, and Google are search engines used to find and access information on the internet.

Q88: Identify the correct sentence. His father is a poet and a novelist.
A. His father is poet and novelist.
B. His father is a poet and the novelist.
C. His father is a poet and novelist.
D. His father is a poet and a novelist.

The sentence “His father is a poet and a novelist” is correct because it uses the article “a” before both nouns, clearly indicating two separate roles. It follows standard grammatical rules for compound nouns.

We hope this solved paper of PPSC Assistant Director (BS-17) – Local Government & Community Development Department, held on 28th September 2024, proves valuable in your preparation. Keep practicing and stay determined — your hard work will pay off. Best wishes for your exam success!