PPSC Code-41 Assistant (BS-16) Past Paper 2023 – Punjab Public Service Commission – 12 February 2023

The British Library; the national library of the United Kingdom; is situated in London. It houses one of the world’s largest collections of books; manuscripts; and historical documents; making it a premier research and cultural institution. Washington; New York; and Paris are major cities with their own notable libraries; but they do not host the British Library. London’s status as the UK’s capital and cultural center makes it the logical location for this globally recognized institution; frequently tested in general knowledge exams.

The Nobel Prize is awarded in six fields

FAO stands for Food and Agriculture Organization; a United Nations agency dedicated to combating global hunger and promoting sustainable agriculture. Based in Rome; it supports food security and agricultural development worldwide. The other options—Food and Agricultural Office; Federal Agricultural Organization; and Foundation of Agricultural Office—are incorrect; as they do not represent the FAO’s official name or purpose. This question tests knowledge of international organizations; a common topic in global affairs exams.

The International Labour Organization (ILO) is headquartered in Geneva; Switzerland. Founded in 1919; it promotes workers’ rights; social justice; and fair labor standards globally. Geneva; a hub for international organizations; is the correct answer; while New York; Paris; and Rome host other UN agencies. The ILO’s role in shaping global labor policies makes it a frequent topic in general knowledge exams; emphasizing its importance in economic and social governance.

The Eiffel Tower; a global cultural icon; is located in France; specifically in Paris. Constructed in 1889 for the Universal Exposition; it remains a top tourist destination and symbol of French heritage. Spain; Italy; and Germany have their own landmarks but do not host the Eiffel Tower. Its universal recognition makes this a straightforward general knowledge question; often included in exams to test geographical awareness.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) was the first Arab country to launch a Mars probe; the Hope Mission; in 2020. This achievement marked a significant step in the UAE’s space exploration efforts; showcasing its technological advancements. Saudi Arabia; Qatar; and Egypt have not launched Mars missions. Update (as of 2025-08-30)

Naomi Osaka; a prominent Japanese tennis player; was the final torchbearer who lit the Olympic cauldron at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics; held in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Her selection highlighted her global influence and Japan’s pride in its athletes. Roger Federer; Serena Williams; and Maria Sharapova; though tennis stars; did not serve in this role. Update (as of 2025-08-30)

Joe Biden served as Vice President of the United States from 2009 to 2017 under President Barack Obama. He was also a Senator for Delaware for 36 years; but “Senator only” is incorrect as his vice-presidential role is more prominent. He never served as Governor or Secretary of State. Update (as of 2025-08-30)

Israel won the Six-Day War in 1967 against Egypt; Syria; and Jordan; capturing territories like the Sinai Peninsula; Gaza Strip; West Bank; and Golan Heights. This rapid victory reshaped Middle Eastern geopolitics. Egypt; Syria; and Jordan were defeated; making Israel the correct answer. Update (as of 2025-08-30)

General Zia-ul-Haq introduced the Hudood Ordinance in Pakistan in 1979; enforcing Islamic laws on offenses like theft; adultery; and alcohol consumption. While Nizam-e-Salat; Majlis-e-Shoora; and Zakat Ordinance were also part of his Islamization policies; the Hudood Ordinance is the most specific answer. Update (as of 2025-08-30)

Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel’s philosophy was rooted in idealism; emphasizing that reality is shaped by ideas and consciousness. His dialectical method explores how ideas evolve through contradiction and synthesis. Material exchange is not a philosophical concept; while rationalism and empiricism are distinct schools. Hegel’s idealism is a cornerstone of modern philosophy; making it the correct answer for this exam question.

A double fault in tennis occurs when a player fails to serve correctly twice consecutively; resulting in a lost point. This term is specific to tennis and not used in cricket; volleyball; or baseball. Understanding sports terminology is a common general knowledge topic; as it reflects familiarity with global sports culture. Tennis is the correct answer for this question.

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO); formed in 1949; comprises 30 member states; including 28 European nations and 2 North American countries (US and Canada). It focuses on collective defense. SEATO and CENTO are defunct; and SAARC is a regional economic group. NATO’s role in global security makes it a frequent exam topic. Update (as of 2025-08-30)

Wang Yaping became the first Chinese woman to walk in space during the Shenzhou-13 mission in 2021. She has not been to the Moon; the ISS as the first Chinese woman; or orbited Mars. Her spacewalk marked a milestone for China’s space program. Update (as of 2025-08-30)

The Sayed Al-Shuhada School; a girls’ school in Kabul; Afghanistan; was attacked in May 2021; killing over 80 people; mostly students. This tragic event highlighted the risks to education; especially for girls; in conflict zones. Other listed schools were not targeted. Update (as of 2025-08-30)

The 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis and related U-2 incident occurred under US President John F. Kennedy and Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev. These Cold War events nearly escalated to nuclear conflict. Other options involve leaders from different eras. Update (as of 2025-08-30)

The US Navy’s Fifth Fleet is headquartered in Bahrain; overseeing operations in the Persian Gulf; Red Sea; and Indian Ocean. Bahrain’s strategic location supports US military presence in the Middle East. Qatar; Kuwait; and Oman host other bases but not the Fifth Fleet. Update (as of 2025-08-30)

Sun Yat-sen is revered as the father of modern China for leading the 1911 revolution that overthrew the Qing Dynasty and established the Republic of China. He is not associated with Japan; Korea; or Vietnam. His legacy is a key topic in general knowledge exams; highlighting his role in Chinese history.

Temple Trees is the official residence of the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka; located in Colombo. It serves as a residence and venue for official functions. Nepal; Maldives; and Bhutan have their own distinct residences. This question tests knowledge of South Asian political landmarks; significant for regional studies.

Birbal; a close advisor to Emperor Akbar; was one of the few who accepted Din-i-Ilahi; Akbar’s syncretic religion aimed at promoting religious unity. Abul Fazal; Todar Mal; and Man Singh; while prominent in Akbar’s court; did not adopt it. This question tests Mughal history and religious reforms.

Sheikh Ahmad Sirhindi opposed Akbar’s Din-i-Ilahi; viewing it as a deviation from Islamic orthodoxy. Known as Mujaddid Alf-e-Sani; he worked to revive traditional Islamic teachings. Shah Waliullah; Syed Ahmad Shaheed; and Shah Abdul Aziz were later scholars with no direct link to this opposition; making Sirhindi the correct answer.

The 2nd Islamic Summit Conference of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) was held in Lahore; Pakistan; in 1974. It addressed key issues like the 1973 Arab-Israeli War. Lahore’s role as host underscores Pakistan’s diplomatic significance. Update (as of 2025-08-30)

Emperor Aurangzeb commissioned the Badshahi Mosque in Lahore in 1673; a masterpiece of Mughal architecture. Akbar; Jahangir; and Shah Jahan; while notable emperors; did not build this mosque. Its grandeur and historical significance make it a key topic in Pakistan Studies exams; reflecting Aurangzeb’s legacy.

At Pakistan’s independence in 1947; eight cities; including Karachi; Lahore; and Hyderabad; had populations exceeding 100;000. This reflects the urban landscape of the new nation. The other options (6; 7; 9) are incorrect based on historical demographic data; making 8 the correct answer for this exam question.

Sir Syed Ahmad Khan wrote “The Loyal Muhammadans of India” to advocate for Muslim loyalty to the British and promote educational reforms. A key figure in the Aligarh Movement; his work shaped Muslim intellectual thought in British India. Other options contributed to the movement but did not author this work.

Syed Ameer Ali founded the Central National Muhammadan Association in 1877 to promote Muslim political interests in British India. It was a precursor to later movements like the Muslim League. The years 1875; 1876; and 1878 are incorrect; making 1877 the correct answer for this historical question.

Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto began his political career under President Iskandar Mirza in 1958 as a minister. He later rose to prominence under Ayub Khan but did not start under him; Yahya Khan; or Liaquat Ali Khan. Update (as of 2025-08-30)

Senate members in Pakistan serve a 6-year term; with half the seats elected every 3 years; ensuring legislative continuity. The other options—4; 5; and 7 years—are incorrect. This structure is a key aspect of Pakistan’s parliamentary system; often tested in civics exams. Update (as of 2025-08-30)

Ahmad Shah Abdali; an Afghan ruler; targeted the Mughal Empire in his early 18th-century invasions; weakening its control over northern India. He later clashed with Sikhs and Marathas; but the Mughals were his initial focus. Persians were allies; not targets. This question tests South Asian historical dynamics.

General K. M. Arif authored “Working with Zia;” a memoir detailing his experiences under General Zia-ul-Haq’s regime. It provides insights into Pakistan’s military and political history. Other figures like Fazle Haq; Aslam Beg; and Roedad Khan were notable but did not write this book.

Bangladesh separated from Pakistan in 1971 after the Liberation War; becoming independent on December 16; 1971. The other years are incorrect; as the war and independence occurred in 1971. Update (as of 2025-08-30)

PCO stands for Provisional Constitutional Order; used during military regimes in Pakistan to suspend or modify the constitution; notably under Zia-ul-Haq and Musharraf. The other options are incorrect; as they do not reflect the official term. This question tests constitutional history knowledge.

Bahadur Shah Zafar; the last Mughal emperor; was exiled by the British and buried in Rangoon (now Yangon); Myanmar; in 1862. Delhi; Agra; and Hyderabad were significant Mughal cities but not his burial site. This question tests knowledge of colonial and Mughal history.

Jahangir Khan; a Pakistani squash legend; dominated the sport with a 555-match unbeaten streak. Hockey; cricket; and tennis are popular in Pakistan but not associated with him. Squash is the correct answer; often tested in sports-related Pakistan Studies questions.

Jan Sher Khan; a renowned Pakistani squash player; received the Hilal-e-Imtiaz in 1997 for his contributions to sports. The other years are incorrect. This award highlights Pakistan’s squash legacy; a frequent topic in national pride and sports history exams.

Lal Suhanra National Park; in Bahawalpur; Pakistan; was established in 1972 as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve for biodiversity conservation. The other years are incorrect. This question tests knowledge of Pakistan’s environmental heritage; significant for conservation studies.

Article 25 of Pakistan’s constitution guarantees equality before the law and prohibits discrimination based on gender alone. Articles 20; 22; and 28 cover other rights but not this provision. This article is a key topic in civics and constitutional law exams; reflecting Pakistan’s legal framework.

Pakistan’s first general elections were held in 1970; a major democratic milestone leading to the rise of the PPP and Awami League; and the eventual separation of Bangladesh. Other years are incorrect. Update (as of 2025-08-30)

The Shaheen-III; a Pakistani ballistic missile; has a range of 2750 kilometers; capable of delivering nuclear warheads. Other options are incorrect based on official specifications. Update (as of 2025-08-30)

Lake Kariba; on the Zambezi River between Zambia and Zimbabwe; is the world’s largest artificial lake by volume; created by the Kariba Dam. It surpasses Lake Mead; Lake Volta; and Lake Nasser in capacity. Its role in hydroelectric power and ecosystems makes it a key geography topic for exams.

Lake Ladoga; in Russia; is Europe’s largest lake by surface area; covering about 17;700 square kilometers. It surpasses Onega; Vanern; and Geneva lakes in size and is significant for regional water systems and history; making it a common geography exam question.

The Indus River; over 3;180 kilometers long; is Pakistan’s longest river; vital for agriculture and hydropower. Jhelum; Chenab; and Ravi are tributaries or shorter rivers. Its role in Pakistan’s economy and history makes it a key geography topic for exams.

The Great Barrier Reef; off Australia’s coast; is the world’s largest coral reef system; spanning over 2;300 kilometers. A UNESCO World Heritage Site; it supports diverse marine life. Other reefs are smaller; making this a frequent geography exam question due to its ecological significance.

The Strait of Malacca; a critical shipping route between the Indian and Pacific Oceans; lies between Indonesia and Malaysia. Other options are incorrect; as they do not describe its location. Its strategic importance in global trade makes it a key geography exam question.

Sound travels fastest in solids due to closely packed particles that transmit vibrations quickly. Liquids are slower; gases slower still; and sound cannot travel in a vacuum. This principle is fundamental in physics and often tested in science exams for its applications in acoustics.

Speed is a scalar quantity; having only magnitude; unlike velocity; acceleration; and force; which are vectors with both magnitude and direction. This distinction is crucial in physics; making speed the correct answer for this question; often tested in science exams.

The brain primarily relies on glucose for energy; consuming about 20% of the body’s glucose to fuel cognitive functions. Proteins; fats; and vitamins are essential elsewhere but not the brain’s primary need. This fact is key in biology and health science exams.

Sunlight penetrates the ocean to about 200 meters; the photic zone; where photosynthesis occurs. Beyond this; light diminishes. The options 50 m; 100 m; and 500 m are incorrect. This fact is critical for marine ecosystem studies and common in environmental science exams.

By 2021; four stages of COVID-19 were identified

Horticulture studies the cultivation of plants and fruits; including vegetables; flowers; and ornamental plants. It differs from forestry; grassland studies; or phycology (algae). Its focus on agriculture and landscaping makes it a key topic in everyday science exams.

Microbiology studies bacteria; viruses; and other microorganisms. Physiology focuses on bodily functions; cytology on cells; and ecology on ecosystems. Microbiology’s role in pathogens and biotechnology makes it a critical science field for exam questions.

Euclid; an ancient Greek mathematician; is the Father of Geometry for his work “Elements;” which systematized geometric principles. Aristotle was a philosopher; Archimedes focused on physics; and Pythagoras is known for his theorem. Euclid’s work is foundational for mathematics exams.

Excess Post-Exercise Oxygen Consumption (EPOC) is the oxygen needed to restore the body to its resting metabolic state after exercise. Oxygen deficit occurs during exercise; ATP is an energy molecule; and glycolysis is a metabolic process. EPOC is key in exercise physiology.

Microsoft PowerPoint includes Slide Sorter; Reading; and Outline views; but “Normal” is not a standard view; often confused with outdated terminology. This question tests familiarity with PowerPoint’s interface; a practical skill in computer literacy exams.

The largest font size in Microsoft Word’s standard dropdown menu is 72 points; used for headings or large text. Larger sizes can be entered manually; but 48; 60; and 80 are not standard options. This tests MS Word formatting knowledge; key for document creation.

Cropping removes unwanted parts of an image to focus on a specific area or improve composition. Trimming; snipping; and cutting are similar but not standard in image editing. This skill is fundamental in digital media; making it a common computer studies question.

Bill Gates; with Paul Allen; founded Microsoft in 1975; revolutionizing computing with Windows and Office. Steve Jobs founded Apple; Larry Page co-founded Google; and Mark Zuckerberg founded Facebook. Gates’ role is a key fact in computer history exams.

Hardware refers to a computer’s physical components; like the CPU and monitor. Software is programs; firmware is embedded software; and freeware is free software. Hardware is a core concept in computer studies; distinguishing physical from intangible components.

A cursor is a thin blinking line indicating the text insertion point in text editors. A pointer is a mouse cursor; while symbols and icons are distinct. Understanding the cursor’s role is essential for user interface knowledge; a common computer studies topic.

Composite numbers are non-prime numbers greater than 1. The first 5 are 4; 6; 8; 9; 10.

The ladder forms a right triangle with the wall (opposite) and ground (adjacent); with a 60° angle between the ladder (hypotenuse; 15 m) and wall.

Given 2A = 3B and 2A = 4C; find A

Let Babar’s salary = B. Gohar’s = 0.75B (25% less).

Given

Assume x + 1/(4x) + a² = (x/2 + a)².

Average height = 68 inches; so total = 5 × 68 = 340 inches.

Amount grows from Rs. 815 (3 years) to Rs. 854 (4 years).

“Apprehension” primarily means the act of arresting or capturing; especially in a legal context. It can also mean fear or anxiety; but “arrest” is the most precise definition in formal exam contexts. Happiness and satisfaction are unrelated; and fear is secondary. This question tests vocabulary precision; critical for English comprehension in legal and formal writing.

The correct preposition is “from” in “parted from her parents;” indicating separation. “Parted with” suggests giving something up; while “of” and “off” are incorrect. This question tests preposition usage; essential for constructing grammatically correct sentences in English exams.

“Used to” requires a gerund; so “facing” is correct in “She is used to facing the hardships of life.” “Faces;” “face;” and “faced” are incorrect verb forms. This question tests gerund usage with “used to;” a common structure in English grammar exams.

A comma follows “Dear friend” in direct address; as in “Dear friend; I need your help;” separating the vocative from the main clause. Full stop; semicolon; and colon are incorrect for this context. This question tests punctuation rules; crucial for clear English writing.

“By” is used for modes of transport; as in “went to Karachi by train.” “In” and “on” apply to specific contexts; and “with” is incorrect. This question tests preposition usage for travel; a common topic in English grammar exams.

In “I helped him;” “I” is the subject; performing the action. It is also a pronoun; but “subject” is the specific role. “Object” is “him;” and “verb” is “helped.” This question tests sentence structure knowledge; essential for English proficiency exams.

“That’s anyone’s guess” uses apostrophes for the contraction “That is” (That’s) and possessive “anyone’s.” Other options lack necessary apostrophes or contain errors. This question tests punctuation skills; particularly apostrophe usage; vital for professional English writing.

The sentence “They are thanked their guests” likely contains a typo and should be “They thanked their guests.” In reported form; it is “They thanked the guest;” retaining the original meaning. Other options introduce incorrect subjects or structures. This tests narration accuracy.

“Attempting to acquaint” maintains parallelism with “is an eye-opener;” using a gerund. The original “attempts to acquaint” is correct but less parallel. Options C and D are grammatically incorrect. This tests verb form consistency in English sentence construction.

The active sentence “Please pick it up” becomes “Please let it be picked up” in passive voice; with “it” as the subject and “picked up” as the passive verb. Other options retain active voice or are incorrect. This tests active-to-passive voice transformation skills.

In “My friend and I are going to party;” “I” is the subject; in the subjective (or nominative) case. “Objective case” applies to “me;” and “possessive case” is “my.” This tests pronoun case knowledge; essential for English grammar exams.

The direct speech “He said to me; ‘Why are you late?’” becomes “He asked me why I was late” in reported form; as it’s a question. “Told” implies a statement; “said me” is incorrect; and “questioned” is less precise. This tests narration skills for questions.

The idiom “Blood is thicker than water” means family ties are stronger than other relationships. “Water” is the correct word; while others do not fit. This tests knowledge of English idioms; significant for cultural and linguistic understanding in exams.

The idiom “Don’t judge a book by its cover” means not to judge by appearance. “Cover” is correct; while other options do not fit the idiom. This tests proverb knowledge; a common topic in English language proficiency exams.

The preposition “with” is correct in “He is ill with fever;” indicating the cause of illness. Other prepositions are incorrect in this context. This tests preposition usage in health-related expressions; common in English grammar exams.