UPSC CAPF Archives

11. If B’s mother is A’s mother’s daughter, how is A related to B ?

If B’s mother is A’s mother’s daughter, how is A related to B ?

Father

Maternal uncle

Brother

Paternal uncle

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CAPF – 2014

Download PDF Attempt Online

A is related to B as B’s maternal uncle.

Let’s break down the relationship:
“A’s mother’s daughter” refers to A’s sister (assuming A is not the only child, or if A is male, it’s his sister; if A is female, it could be A herself or A’s sister). In blood relation problems, “X’s mother’s daughter” usually implies X’s sister unless X is explicitly stated as the only child or female and the context suggests she is the daughter being referred to.
“B’s mother is A’s mother’s daughter” means B’s mother is A’s sister.
So, A is the sibling of B’s mother.
If A is male, he is the brother of B’s mother. The brother of one’s mother is the maternal uncle.
If A is female, she is the sister of B’s mother. This would mean A is B’s mother (if B’s mother has only one sister, A, and A is that sister, and A is B’s mother). However, the options do not include “Mother”. This strongly suggests A is male.
Assuming the standard interpretation where “A’s mother’s daughter” refers to A’s sister (distinct from A unless A is female and the logic loops back confusingly), A is B’s maternal uncle.

In typical blood relation puzzles, the phrasing “X’s mother’s daughter” when X is male usually means X’s sister. If X is female, it can mean X herself or X’s sister. Since “Mother” is not an option for A’s relation to B, the scenario where A is B’s mother is excluded, reinforcing the interpretation that A is male and is B’s maternal uncle.

12. Animal cell wall is essentially made of :

Animal cell wall is essentially made of :

Protein

Carbohydrate

Lipid bilayer

Cellulose

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CAPF – 2014

Download PDF Attempt Online

Animal cells do not have a cell wall. However, if the question is interpreted as referring to the main structural component of the animal cell boundary (the cell membrane), then it is the lipid bilayer.

Biologically, animal cells fundamentally *lack* a cell wall. Cell walls are found in plant cells (cellulose), fungal cells (chitin), bacterial cells (peptidoglycan), etc., providing structural support outside the cell membrane. Animal cells only have a cell membrane as their outer boundary. The cell membrane is primarily composed of a lipid bilayer with embedded proteins and associated carbohydrates. Given the options, “Lipid bilayer” is the most accurate description of the essential structural component of the animal cell *membrane*. The question is likely flawed in its phrasing, using “cell wall” instead of “cell membrane”, or is designed to test the knowledge that animal cells lack a cell wall, with the options representing components of structures *found in other organisms* or other parts of the animal cell. Assuming the most probable intent of the test setter asking about the main structural component at the cell periphery among the options, Lipid bilayer (the core of the cell membrane) is the closest fit, although technically it’s the membrane, not a wall.

Cellulose is the main component of plant cell walls. Protein and carbohydrate are also components of the animal cell membrane (proteins embedded within or associated with the lipid bilayer, and carbohydrates often attached to lipids or proteins on the outer surface, forming the glycocalyx), but the lipid bilayer forms the basic structural framework of the membrane. Since animal cells do not have a cell wall, strictly speaking, none of the options are correct as components of an animal cell wall. However, in the context of a multiple-choice question where a choice must be made, and given the options, it is likely that the question intends to refer to the cell membrane, or it is a poorly constructed question. Based on typical biological components listed and the presence of Lipid bilayer, it is the most likely intended answer if the question refers to the cell membrane or the primary outer structural element.

13. A distance X km is covered by two different trains with velocity y (in

A distance X km is covered by two different trains with velocity y (in km/hr) and ky (in km/hr) in y and y + 3 hours respectively.
If y < 13 then k is less than : [amp_mcq option1="5/8" option2="11/16" option3="3/4" option4="13/16" correct="option4"]

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CAPF – 2014

Download PDF Attempt Online

If y < 13, then k is less than 13/16.

For the first train: Distance X = velocity * time = y * y = y².
For the second train: Distance X = velocity * time = (ky) * (y + 3).
Since the distance X is the same:
y² = ky(y + 3)
Given y is a velocity and time, y > 0. We can divide both sides by y:
y = k(y + 3)
y = ky + 3k
y – ky = 3k
y(1 – k) = 3k
y = 3k / (1 – k)

We are given that y < 13. So, 3k / (1 - k) < 13 For the velocity ky and time (y+3) to be positive, k must be positive (since y>0 and y+3>0). Also, for the denominator (1-k) to result in a positive value for y (which must be positive as it’s velocity/time), (1-k) must be positive, meaning k < 1. So, 0 < k < 1. Since 0 < k < 1, (1 - k) is positive. We can multiply the inequality by (1 - k) without changing the direction: 3k < 13(1 - k) 3k < 13 - 13k 3k + 13k < 13 16k < 13 k < 13/16. Thus, if y < 13, then k is less than 13/16.

This problem involves formulating equations based on the relationship distance = speed × time and then solving an inequality derived from these equations. The constraint y < 13 leads directly to the upper bound for k.

14. Which meridian forms the boundary line between the Indian Ocean and th

Which meridian forms the boundary line between the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean ?

The meridian of Cape of Tasmania

The meridian of Cape Town

The meridian of Wellington

The meridian of Perth

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CAPF – 2014

Download PDF Attempt Online

The meridian of Cape of Tasmania (approximately 147°E) is used as part of the boundary definition between the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean.

The International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) defines the boundaries of oceans and seas. According to the IHO definition (specifically S-23, Limits of Oceans and Seas, 3rd Edition, 1953), the meridian of 146°55′ E running south from the southern extremity of Tasmania forms part of the boundary between the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean (separating the Great Australian Bight from the Tasman Sea). Cape of Tasmania is the southern point of Tasmania.

Cape Town is located near the boundary between the Atlantic Ocean and the Indian Ocean. Wellington is in New Zealand, well within the Pacific Ocean. Perth is on the west coast of Australia, situated on the Indian Ocean coast. The boundaries of oceans can be complex and are defined by various international bodies or conventions, often following geographical features or lines of longitude/latitude.

15. Which of the following statements is/are correct ? 1. ‘Ship of These

Which of the following statements is/are correct ?

1. ‘Ship of Theseus’ was adjudged as the best feature film in the 61st National Film Awards
2. ‘Ship of Theseus’ was produced and directed by Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra

Select the correct answer using the code given below :

1 only

2 only

Both 1 and 2

Neither 1 nor 2

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CAPF – 2014

Download PDF Attempt Online

Only statement 1 is correct.

Statement 1 is correct. The film ‘Ship of Theseus’, directed by Anand Gandhi, won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film at the 61st National Film Awards ceremony, which honoured films from 2013.
Statement 2 is incorrect. ‘Ship of Theseus’ was directed by Anand Gandhi. Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra is a renowned director known for films like ‘Rang De Basanti’ and ‘Bhaag Milkha Bhaag’, but he was not involved in the production or direction of ‘Ship of Theseus’.

‘Ship of Theseus’ is a critically acclaimed Indian drama film released in 2012 (though widely released and gaining prominence in 2013), exploring questions of identity, justice, beauty, and death through the stories of an experimental photographer, an ailing monk, and an eccentric stockbroker. Anand Gandhi received widespread recognition for its direction and philosophical depth.

16. In a family, the age of father, mother, son and grandson are A, B, C a

In a family, the age of father, mother, son and grandson are A, B, C and D respectively. Given that A – B = 3, B + C = 78, C + D = 33 and the average age of the family is 34 years, then B – C is :

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CAPF – 2014

Download PDF Attempt Online

The value of B – C is 22.

Let the ages be A (father), B (mother), C (son), and D (grandson).
Given equations:
1) A – B = 3 => A = B + 3
2) B + C = 78
3) C + D = 33
Average age = (A + B + C + D) / 4 = 34.
Total age = A + B + C + D = 34 * 4 = 136.

Substitute equation 1 into the total age equation:
(B + 3) + B + C + D = 136
2B + C + D + 3 = 136
2B + C + D = 133

From equation 2, C = 78 – B.
From equation 3, D = 33 – C.

Substitute C and D in terms of B into the total age equation:
2B + (78 – B) + (33 – C) = 133
2B + 78 – B + 33 – (78 – B) = 133
B + 111 – 78 + B = 133
2B + 33 = 133
2B = 100
B = 50

Now find C using equation 2:
B + C = 78
50 + C = 78
C = 78 – 50 = 28

The question asks for B – C:
B – C = 50 – 28 = 22.

We can find A and D to check consistency:
A = B + 3 = 50 + 3 = 53
C + D = 33 => 28 + D = 33 => D = 5
Ages are 53, 50, 28, 5. Average = (53+50+28+5)/4 = 136/4 = 34. (Consistent)

This is an algebra problem involving a system of linear equations. Solving such problems requires substituting known relationships between variables into the main equation(s) to find the values of the variables.

17. Which of the following statements is/are correct with regard to Jaitap

Which of the following statements is/are correct with regard to Jaitapur, which is situated in Rajapur Tehsil of Ratnagiri district in Maharashtra ?

1. It was one of the important ports in ancient and early medieval times
2. It is a proposed nuclear power plant site being constructed with the collaboration of France

Select the correct answer using the code given below :

1 only

2 only

Both 1 and 2

Neither 1 nor 2

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CAPF – 2014

Download PDF Attempt Online

Both statement 1 and statement 2 are correct regarding Jaitapur.

Statement 1 is correct. Jaitapur has a historical significance as a port, known to have been involved in trade during ancient and early medieval periods, connecting the Konkan coast to other regions.
Statement 2 is correct. Jaitapur is the planned site for a large nuclear power plant project being developed with the technical collaboration of France (specifically with companies like Areva, now Orano and EDF).

The proposed Jaitapur Nuclear Power Project involves setting up multiple European Pressurised Reactors (EPRs). The project has faced local opposition and regulatory hurdles but remains a planned key infrastructure project for India’s energy needs. Its historical importance as a port dates back centuries, facilitating maritime trade along the western coast.

18. Which of the following lamps contains a poisonous gas and therefore sh

Which of the following lamps contains a poisonous gas and therefore should be disposed safely ?

Compact fluorescent lamp

Light emitting diode

Neon lamp

Halogen lamp

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CAPF – 2014

Download PDF Attempt Online

Compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) contain a poisonous substance, mercury vapor.

Compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) use mercury vapor within a glass tube. When electricity passes through, it excites the mercury vapor, producing ultraviolet (UV) light, which then excites a fluorescent coating on the inside of the tube, causing it to emit visible light. Mercury is a toxic heavy metal that poses environmental and health risks if released, necessitating safe disposal practices for CFLs.

Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) are solid-state devices that do not contain mercury or other hazardous substances found in traditional lighting like CFLs. Neon lamps contain neon gas at low pressure and are generally not considered hazardous in the same way as mercury vapor lamps. Halogen lamps are incandescent lamps containing a halogen gas (like iodine or bromine) within the bulb, which helps extend the filament’s life; they do not typically contain poisonous gases requiring special disposal related to toxicity.

19. Six roads lead to a village. They are named as A, B, C, D, E, F. When

Six roads lead to a village. They are named as A, B, C, D, E, F. When there is storm, B is blocked. When there are floods, A, D and E will be affected. When road D is blocked, C also is blocked. At a time, when there are floods and a storm also blows, which road/roads can be used ?

C only

C and E

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CAPF – 2014

Download PDF Attempt Online

When there are floods and a storm simultaneously, only road F can be used.

Condition 1: Storm blocks road B.
Condition 2: Floods affect (block/make unusable) roads A, D, and E.
Condition 3: When road D is blocked, road C is also blocked.
In the scenario of floods and a storm:
Road B is blocked due to the storm.
Roads A, D, and E are blocked due to floods.
Since road D is blocked by floods, road C is also blocked according to Condition 3.
The blocked roads are A, B, C, D, and E.
The only road remaining open and usable is F.

This is a logical deduction problem based on given rules and conditions. It requires applying all conditions simultaneously to determine the final state.

20. Which of the following islands are made of small coral atolls and reef

Which of the following islands are made of small coral atolls and reefs in the Arabian Sea ?

Maldives

Andaman

Sri Lanka

Lakshadweep

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CAPF – 2014

Download PDF Attempt Online

The question asks for islands made of small coral atolls and reefs located in the Arabian Sea.
– Maldives: An island nation consisting of numerous coral atolls. Geographically, it is located south of the Lakshadweep islands in the Indian Ocean, bordering the Arabian Sea to the north. While a coral archipelago, its primary location is often described as the North Central Indian Ocean or Laccadive Sea.
– Andaman: The Andaman Islands are part of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands archipelago, located in the Bay of Bengal. They are primarily volcanic in origin.
– Sri Lanka: A large island located southeast of India in the Indian Ocean. It is a continental island.
– Lakshadweep: An archipelago located in the Arabian Sea off the southwestern coast of India. Lakshadweep is composed of 36 islands, islets, and submerged reefs, most of which are coral atolls.
Lakshadweep perfectly fits the description of islands made of small coral atolls and reefs in the Arabian Sea.

Identify the location and geological formation type of major island groups in and around India. Lakshadweep is a coral archipelago in the Arabian Sea, while Andaman and Nicobar are primarily volcanic in the Bay of Bengal.

Coral atolls are ring-shaped coral reefs that enclose a lagoon, often formed around a submerged volcanic island. They are found in warm tropical and subtropical waters. Lakshadweep is an excellent example of an Indian coral archipelago.