UPSC CAPF Archives

1. Which one of the following latitudes passes through maximum Indian sta

Which one of the following latitudes passes through maximum Indian states ?

20° N latitude

22° N latitude

24° N latitude

26° N latitude

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UPSC CAPF – 2019

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Tracing the given latitudes across the map of India reveals that 26° N latitude passes through the maximum number of states among the options. Approximately, it crosses states like Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, and the northern tip of Tripura. This totals around 9 states. The other latitudes pass through fewer states. For comparison, the Tropic of Cancer (approx 23.5° N) passes through 8 states.

This question tests geographical knowledge about the latitudes passing through India and the spatial distribution of Indian states. Accurately visualizing or knowing the states located along these specific parallels of latitude is required.

While 26° N passes through the most states among the options, no single latitude can pass through all or a majority of India’s states, given their spatial arrangement and size. The specific list of states crossed by a latitude can sometimes vary slightly depending on the exact boundary definitions used on a map, but the relative ranking among these options tends to hold.

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2. Which one of the following is the biggest Island of Japan archipelago

Which one of the following is the biggest Island of Japan archipelago ?

Honshu

Hokkaido

Shikoku

Kyushu

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UPSC CAPF – 2019

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Japan is an archipelago composed of numerous islands. The four main islands, in descending order of size, are Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu, and Shikoku. Honshu is by far the largest and most populous island of Japan.

Knowing the geography of major countries, including their key islands and their relative sizes, is important for general knowledge questions.

Honshu is home to major cities like Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, and Hiroshima. Hokkaido is the northernmost main island, known for its wilderness and winter sports. Kyushu is the southernmost of the main islands, while Shikoku is the smallest of the four main islands.

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3. Which one of the following states of India has the largest area under

Which one of the following states of India has the largest area under dense evergreen forest cover ?

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Himachal Pradesh

Arunachal Pradesh

Karnataka

Uttarakhand

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Based on forest survey data from India, Arunachal Pradesh consistently ranks among the top states with the largest area under dense forest cover, which includes vast tracts of tropical and subtropical evergreen forests due to its high rainfall and diverse topography. While states like Karnataka also have evergreen forests (in the Western Ghats), Arunachal Pradesh has a significantly larger total area under dense forest cover.

Identifying states with extensive dense evergreen forest cover requires knowledge of India’s diverse forest types and their geographical distribution, often correlated with rainfall patterns and topography. States in the Northeast, and parts of the Western Ghats and Andaman & Nicobar Islands, have significant evergreen forests.

The Forest Survey of India (FSI) reports classify forest cover into ‘Very Dense Forest’, ‘Moderately Dense Forest’, and ‘Open Forest’. Evergreen forests typically fall under the ‘Very Dense’ and ‘Moderately Dense’ categories in regions with high rainfall like the Northeast and the Western Ghats. Arunachal Pradesh has one of the highest percentages and total areas of Very Dense Forest cover in India.

4. The principle involved in paper chromatography is

The principle involved in paper chromatography is

Absorption

Partition

Solubility

Volatility

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UPSC CAPF – 2019

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Paper chromatography is a separation technique based on the principle of partition. The components of a mixture distribute themselves between two phases: a stationary phase (the water molecules adsorbed on the cellulose fibers of the paper) and a mobile phase (a solvent that moves up the paper). Separation occurs because different components have different solubilities in the mobile phase and different affinities for the stationary phase, leading to differential rates of movement up the paper.

The core principle of paper chromatography is the partition of solutes between the stationary phase (water on paper) and the mobile phase (solvent). While solubility in the mobile phase and interaction with the stationary phase are factors, the overall process is governed by the partition coefficient of each substance between the two phases.

Other chromatographic techniques exist, such as thin-layer chromatography (TLC), column chromatography, and gas chromatography, which utilize principles like adsorption, partition, size exclusion, or ion exchange for separation. Paper chromatography is a specific type of partition chromatography.

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5. Which one of the following phenomena CANNOT be exhibited by sound wave

Which one of the following phenomena CANNOT be exhibited by sound waves ?

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Reflection

Refraction

Interference

Polarisation

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Sound waves are longitudinal waves, meaning the oscillations of the medium particles are parallel to the direction of wave propagation. Polarisation is a phenomenon exhibited only by transverse waves, where oscillations occur perpendicular to the direction of propagation, allowing them to be restricted to a specific plane. Since sound waves in air are longitudinal, they cannot be polarised.

The key principle here is understanding the difference between longitudinal and transverse waves and which wave phenomena apply to each. Polarisation is a characteristic property of transverse waves.

Sound waves can exhibit reflection (e.g., echoes), refraction (bending of sound waves when passing from one medium to another or through variations in temperature/density within a medium), and interference (superposition of waves resulting in constructive or destructive effects). These phenomena are common to both longitudinal and transverse waves under appropriate conditions. Sound waves can be transverse in solid materials, but typically when discussing ‘sound waves’ in the context of common phenomena, it refers to sound in air or liquids, which is longitudinal.

6. When a beam of white light is allowed to fall on a prism, the maximum

When a beam of white light is allowed to fall on a prism, the maximum deviation of the emerging light occurs for

red light

violet light

yellow light

blue light

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UPSC CAPF – 2019

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The correct answer is B) violet light.

When a beam of white light passes through a prism, it undergoes dispersion, splitting into its constituent colours (spectrum: Violet, Indigo, Blue, Green, Yellow, Orange, Red – VIBGYOR). This happens because the refractive index of the prism material is different for different wavelengths (colours) of light.

* Refraction is the bending of light as it passes from one medium to another. The amount of bending depends on the refractive index of the medium and the angle of incidence.
* For visible light passing through a prism, the refractive index of the prism material is higher for shorter wavelengths and lower for longer wavelengths.
* Violet light has the shortest wavelength among the colours in the visible spectrum.
* Red light has the longest wavelength among the colours in the visible spectrum.
* Since the refractive index is highest for violet light, it is bent the most (deviated the maximum) when passing through the prism.
* Conversely, since the refractive index is lowest for red light, it is bent the least (deviated the minimum).

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The order of deviation from maximum to minimum is typically Violet > Indigo > Blue > Green > Yellow > Orange > Red.

This phenomenon of dispersion is described by Cauchy’s equation, which relates the refractive index of a material to the wavelength of light. This effect is responsible for the formation of rainbows, where raindrops act like tiny prisms, dispersing sunlight.

7. Which one of the following is NOT a luminous object ?

Which one of the following is NOT a luminous object ?

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Sun

Electric lamp

Candle

Moon

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UPSC CAPF – 2019

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The correct answer is D) Moon.

Objects can be classified based on whether they produce their own light or merely reflect light from another source.

* **Luminous Objects:** These objects emit their own light.
* A) Sun: The Sun is a star that produces light and heat through nuclear fusion. It is a luminous object.
* B) Electric lamp: An electric lamp (like an incandescent bulb, fluorescent tube, or LED lamp) produces light when electricity is passed through it. It is a luminous object.
* C) Candle: A burning candle produces light through the process of combustion. It is a luminous object.
* **Non-luminous Objects:** These objects do not produce their own light but become visible because they reflect light from a luminous source.
* D) Moon: The Moon does not generate its own light. We see the Moon because it reflects sunlight. Therefore, the Moon is a non-luminous object.

Most objects we see around us on Earth, such as furniture, books, trees, etc., are non-luminous. They are visible because they reflect ambient light from sources like the Sun or artificial lamps.

8. If the equatorial plane of earth is NOT inclined to its orbit, then

If the equatorial plane of earth is NOT inclined to its orbit, then

duration of the year would be longer

summer would be warmer

there would be no change of seasons

winter would be longer

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UPSC CAPF – 2019

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The correct answer is C) there would be no change of seasons.

The primary cause of the Earth’s seasons is the tilt of its rotational axis relative to its orbital plane around the Sun. The Earth’s axis is currently tilted at approximately 23.5 degrees.

* This tilt causes different parts of the Earth to be inclined towards or away from the Sun at different times of the year. When a hemisphere is tilted towards the Sun, it receives more direct sunlight and experiences summer. When it is tilted away, it receives less direct sunlight and experiences winter.
* If the equatorial plane of Earth were *not* inclined to its orbit (meaning the axial tilt was 0 degrees), the amount of sunlight received at any given latitude would be constant throughout the year. The Sun would always appear directly overhead at the equator at noon every day.
* This lack of variation in solar insolation across the year at different latitudes would mean there would be no distinct seasonal changes like summer, winter, spring, and autumn. The temperature and climate at any location would remain relatively stable year-round, primarily varying with latitude.
* Option A is incorrect because the duration of the year is determined by the time it takes for Earth to complete one orbit around the Sun (approximately 365.25 days), which is independent of the axial tilt.
* Options B and D are incorrect because summer and winter, as defined by varying temperatures and daylight hours caused by axial tilt, would not exist in their current form. While temperatures would vary by latitude, they wouldn’t follow the cyclical seasonal pattern caused by tilt.

Without axial tilt, regions near the equator would still be the warmest, and regions near the poles the coldest, due to the angle at which sunlight strikes the surface. However, the annual cycle of warming and cooling associated with the seasons in mid-latitudes would be absent.

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9. What is Sant bhasha ?

What is Sant bhasha ?

Language of the nirguna mystics

Language of the ulatbansi mystics

Language of the nirakar mystics

Language of the saguna mystics

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UPSC CAPF – 2019

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The correct answer is A) Language of the nirguna mystics.

“Sant bhasha” (संत भाषा), also known as “Sadhukkadi” (सधुक्कड़ी) or “Panchmel Khichdi”, refers to the mixed language used by the Sant poets of the Bhakti movement in North India, particularly those belonging to the Nirguna tradition.

* The Nirguna mystics, such as Kabir, Guru Nanak, Ravidas, Dadu Dayal, etc., worshipped a formless (nirguna) God. They travelled widely and composed their devotional poetry (pad, doha, sakhi) in a language that incorporated vocabulary and grammatical structures from various North Indian dialects and languages (like Khari Boli, Braj Bhasha, Punjabi, Rajasthani, Purabi, etc.).
* This mixed language served as a means of communication for the wandering saints and was accessible to people from different regions.
* Option B) Language of the ulatbansi mystics: Ulatbansi refers to paradoxical or enigmatic verses often used by Nirguna sants to convey complex spiritual truths. It is a style of poetry, not a type of language itself.
* Option C) Language of the nirakar mystics: “Nirakar” means formless, which is synonymous with “Nirguna”. So, this option is essentially the same as A. However, the term “Sant bhasha” is the conventional term used to describe the language of the Sant tradition, which is predominantly associated with the Nirguna path.
* Option D) Language of the saguna mystics: Saguna mystics (like Tulsidas, Surdas, Meera Bai) worshipped God with form (saguna) and often used specific regional literary dialects (e.g., Braj Bhasha for Krishna devotees, Awadhi for Rama devotees) with more regional purity compared to the mixed language of the Nirguna sants.

While “Nirakar mystics” language (C) is semantically close, “Sant bhasha” is the established term describing the language of the Nirguna tradition (A).

The Sant tradition emphasized the equality of all humans, rejected caste distinctions and rituals, and focused on direct devotion to God through love and knowledge. Their use of common, mixed languages helped spread their message among the masses.

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10. Which of the following are true in the context of Swadeshi movement in

Which of the following are true in the context of Swadeshi movement in 1905 ?

1. Massive demonstrations were held in Bengal
2. Hartal was observed in Calcutta
3. The movement was initiated by the moderates, but was taken over by the revolutionary nationalists at a later stage

Select the correct answer using the code given below :

1, 2 and 3

1 and 2 only

2 and 3 only

1 and 3 only

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The correct answer is B) 1 and 2 only.

The Swadeshi Movement in 1905 was a widespread and intense reaction, particularly in Bengal, to the Partition of Bengal announced by Lord Curzon.

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* Statement 1: Massive demonstrations were held in Bengal. This is true. The movement began on 7th August 1905, with a massive demonstration in Calcutta Town Hall. Protests and demonstrations were widespread throughout Bengal and spread to other parts of India.
* Statement 2: Hartal was observed in Calcutta. This is true. Hartals (strikes) were a key method of protest during the Swadeshi movement, especially in Calcutta, which was the epicenter of the protests against the partition.
* Statement 3: The movement was initiated by the moderates, but was taken over by the revolutionary nationalists at a later stage. This statement is partially true but misleading in its terminology. The movement *was* initially led by Moderate leaders (like Surendranath Banerjea, Krishna Kumar Mitra), who believed in constitutional methods like prayers and petitions. However, the leadership soon passed into the hands of Extremist or Militant Nationalists (like Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Aurobindo Ghosh, Bipin Chandra Pal, Lala Lajpat Rai) who advocated for more assertive methods like boycott, passive resistance, and Swadeshi. While revolutionary nationalist groups (like Anushilan Samiti, Jugantar) were also active and emerged during this period, they represented a different, often more underground, stream aiming at armed struggle. The mass movement was largely led by the ‘Extremists’, not primarily the ‘revolutionary nationalists’ in the strict sense taking over the *leadership of the mass movement* from Extremists. Given the options, statements 1 and 2 are clearly and unequivocally true about the nature of the Swadeshi movement’s activities in 1905. Statement 3’s phrasing is debatable and less precise than the first two.

Therefore, based on the definite truth of statements 1 and 2, Option B is the most accurate choice.

The Swadeshi Movement emphasized using Indian-made goods, boycotting British products, and promoting national education. It was a significant phase in the Indian freedom struggle, broadening the base of the movement and introducing new forms of protest.