WRITTEN TEST FOR THE POST OF BRANCH OFFICER (BS-17) 2019 IN THE PUNJAB PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION, SERVICES & GENERAL ADMINISTRATION DEPARTMENT (S&GAD), CASE NO.44/RC-2019, PAPER HELD ON: 21-12-2019

Which of the following rivers does not flow in Africa?

  • (A) Nile
  • (B) Congo
  • (C) Zambezi
  • (D) Tigris
Check Answer
  • (D) Tigris
Explanation
The Tigris is the correct answer because it flows through Western Asia, passing through Turkey, Syria, and Iraq. In contrast, the Nile, Congo, and Zambezi are major African rivers that shape the continent’s geography and serve as key water sources for many African nations. While the Tigris is historically important as part of Mesopotamia, the “Cradle of Civilization,” it is entirely separate from Africa’s river systems.

When was the term “United Kingdom” first used?

  • (A) 1815
  • (B) 1795
  • (C) 1755
  • (D) 1801
Check Answer
  • (D) 1801
Explanation
The term “United Kingdom” was officially adopted on January 1, 1801, following the Acts of Union 1800, which united the Kingdom of Great Britain and the Kingdom of Ireland into the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland. Although the union was legislated in 1800, it formally came into effect at the start of 1801.

“I have a dream” delivered by Martin Luther King Jr. is a/an:

  • (A) Story
  • (B) Manuscript
  • (C) Speech
  • (D) Article
Check Answer
  • (C) Speech
Explanation
Martin Luther King Jr. delivered this historic speech on August 28, 1963, from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial during the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. It is widely regarded as one of the most famous and influential speeches in American history.

Who is known as the “Poet of poets”?

  • (A) Geoffrey Chaucer
  • (B) Edmund Spenser
  • (C) Thomas Malory
  • (D) Thomas Kyd
Check Answer
  • (B) Edmund Spenser
Explanation
Edmund Spenser is famously known as the “Poet’s Poet” (or “Poet of poets”), a title first given by the English essayist Charles Lamb. He earned this distinction due to his exceptional technical skill, the invention of the Spenserian stanza, and his profound influence on later major poets like John Milton, John Keats, and Lord Byron, who drew inspiration and guidance from his works.

Which of the following is not an option in clipboard?

  • (A) Cut
  • (B) Copy
  • (C) Page setup
  • (D) Paste
Check Answer
  • (C) Page setup
Explanation
The correct answer is (C) Page setup. While CutCopy, and Paste are the core functions of the clipboard used to move or duplicate data, Page setup is a document formatting tool used to adjust margins, orientation, and paper size. In most software, like Microsoft Office, the clipboard group also typically includes the Format Painter, but page-related settings are kept in a separate “Layout” or “Print” menu.

How many seaports are operational in Pakistan?

  • (A) 3
  • (B) 4
  • (C) 5
  • (D) 6
Check Answer
  • (A) 3
Explanation
Pakistan has three major operational seaports along its Arabian Sea coastline: Port of Karachi, Port Qasim, and Gwadar Port. These ports manage the bulk of the country’s maritime trade and are overseen by the Ministry of Maritime Affairs.

The headquarters of Pakistan Railways is located in:

  • (A) Karachi
  • (B) Islamabad
  • (C) Peshawar
  • (D) Lahore
Check Answer
  • (D) Lahore
Explanation
The headquarters of Pakistan Railways is located in Lahore. The administrative center, called the Pakistan Railways Headquarters Office, has been based in Lahore, which has served as a key hub of the railway network since the colonial period.

How many rings are there in the Olympic Flag?

  • (A) 4
  • (B) 5
  • (C) 7
  • (D) 9
Check Answer
  • (B) 5
Explanation
The Olympic flag features five interconnected rings on a white background. These rings symbolize the five major regions of the world: Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe, and Oceania. From left to right, the rings are colored blue, yellow, black, green, and red.

If South-East becomes North and North-East becomes West and all the rest direction are changed in the same manner, what will be the direction for the West?

  • (A) North-East
  • (B) South
  • (C) South-East
  • (D) South-West
Check Answer
  • (C) South-East
Explanation
  • Solution: The transformation follows a consistent 135° anti-clockwise rotation:
  • South-East moves through East and North-East to land on North.
  • North-East moves through North and North-West to land on West.
  • Applying the same 135° anti-clockwise rotation to West:
  • Move 90° to reach South
  • Move the remaining 45° to land on South-East
  • Thus, under this rule, West becomes South-East.

  • Which sporting event would you associate with a distance of 42.195 km?

    • (A) Relay race
    • (B) Tour de France
    • (C) Marathon
    • (D) Formula one racing
    Check Answer
    • (C) Marathon
    Explanation
    A marathon is a long-distance running event with a standard distance of 42.195 km (26.2 miles). It is one of the traditional Olympic events and is named after the legendary run of the Greek soldier Pheidippides, who ran from the battlefield of Marathon to Athens.

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