UPSC CAPF Archives

11. Which one among the following teams did not top in their respective Gr

Which one among the following teams did not top in their respective Groups in the 2013-2014 Ranji Trophy League Table ?

Karnataka

Punjab

Railways

Maharashtra

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CAPF – 2014

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The correct option is D, as Maharashtra did not top its respective group in the 2013-2014 Ranji Trophy League Table.

– The question asks which team among the options did *not* top their group in the Ranji Trophy 2013-2014 season.
– In the 2013-2014 Ranji Trophy season:
– Group A was topped by **Karnataka**.
– Group B was topped by **Punjab**.
– Group C was topped by **Railways**.
– **Maharashtra** was in Group C and finished as the runner-up behind Railways.

Karnataka went on to win the Ranji Trophy title in the 2013-2014 season, defeating Maharashtra in the final.

12. The Assam Company, consisting of European tea planters, remained the v

The Assam Company, consisting of European tea planters, remained the virtual proprietor of the tea industry till 1850. In the 1850s, who among the following established two small proprietary tea gardens of his own, which were confiscated by the State after his execution for treason in 1858 ?

Anandaram Dhekial Phukan

Gunabhiram Barua

Lakhinath Bezbarua

Maniram Dewan

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CAPF – 2014

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The correct option is D, identifying Maniram Dewan as the person described.

– The description points to a prominent figure in Assam’s history who was involved in the tea industry and executed by the British in 1858 for treason, leading to the confiscation of his property, including tea gardens.
– Maniram Dewan (Maniram Datta Barua) was one of the pioneers of the Assamese tea industry who established private tea gardens alongside the dominant European-owned Assam Company.
– He participated in the Indian Mutiny of 1857, attempting to organize an uprising in Assam. His letters to plotters were intercepted, leading to his arrest and execution in 1858. His properties, including his tea gardens, were confiscated by the British East India Company.

Anandaram Dhekial Phukan was a prominent Assamese writer and intellectual of the same period, but not involved in rebellion leading to execution and confiscation of tea gardens. Gunabhiram Barua was a social reformer and writer. Lakhinath Bezbarua was a celebrated Assamese litterateur of a later period. Maniram Dewan uniquely fits the description.

13. Which of the following is/are true regarding Urban Local Bodies in Ind

Which of the following is/are true regarding Urban Local Bodies in India ?

1. The Constitution 74th Amendment Act envisages three types of urban local bodies, namely Municipal Corporation, Municipality and City Council
2. Municipal Corporations are established in cities with population greater than 1 million
3. Bombay and Calcutta Corporations were the first Municipal Corporations that were established during British time

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

1 and 2 only

2 only

1 and 3 only

1, 2 and 3

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CAPF – 2014

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The correct option is C, assuming “City Council” is interpreted as synonymous with “Municipal Council” in statement 1, and that statement 3 is considered true in the context of early corporations. However, the phrasing of the statements is not perfectly precise based on strict constitutional terms and historical details. Re-evaluating carefully: Statement 1 is technically inaccurate due to “City Council”. Statement 2 is inaccurate because Corporations exist in cities below 1 million. Statement 3 is also inaccurate as Madras was the first. Given the options, there might be an error in the question. However, if we are forced to choose, let’s reconsider. If statement 1 is false, only option B remains (2 only). But 2 is also inaccurate. Let’s assume there is an intended answer where some inaccuracies are overlooked. Let’s re-evaluate assuming a standard UPSC approach where general truth is prioritized over pedantic detail unless the detail is the point of the question.
– Statement 1: 74th Amendment envisages three types (Nagar Panchayat, Municipal Council, Municipal Corporation). If “City Council” is a typo for “Municipal Council”, then 1 is true.
– Statement 2: Municipal Corporations for large cities. 1 million is a benchmark for ‘large’. Generally true in spirit, even if not a strict rule.
– Statement 3: Bombay and Calcutta were early corporations. True. Madras was earlier, but they were significant early ones.
Let’s assume the question intended 1, 2, and 3 to be true in a general sense, despite minor inaccuracies in phrasing. In that case, option D would be correct. However, based on strict accuracy:
– 1 is false (“City Council”).
– 2 is false (not *only* > 1 million).
– 3 is false (Madras was first).
This would mean none of the options are correct. Let’s check reliable sources for common interpretations or potential errors in past papers.
Let’s reconsider the possibility that statement 1 is true, by accepting “City Council” as an alternative term sometimes used for “Municipal Council”. If 1 is true, then options A, C, D are possible.
Statement 3 is arguably true in the sense that Bombay and Calcutta were among the *earliest* corporations, even if not the absolute first. If 3 is true, then options A, C, D are possible.
Statement 2, that corporations are *only* in cities > 1 million, is quite clearly false.
If 1 and 3 are true, and 2 is false, then option C (1 and 3 only) is the answer. This seems the most plausible interpretation given the options, despite the imprecise phrasing of statements 1 and 3.

– Statement 1: The 74th Amendment Act provides for three types of Urban Local Bodies: Nagar Panchayat, Municipal Council, and Municipal Corporation. “City Council” is not the formal constitutional term, but might be used loosely. Assuming it refers to Municipal Council, this statement describes the three-tier structure for urban areas.
– Statement 2: Municipal Corporations are typically established for larger urban areas, but the criterion is not strictly defined as having a population greater than 1 million in the Constitution. This is more of a general guideline or a criterion used in some state laws. Thus, the statement is not universally true.
– Statement 3: The Madras Municipal Corporation was established in 1688, making it the first in India. Bombay and Calcutta Municipal Corporations were established later (1726). So, Bombay and Calcutta were among the early corporations during British rule, but not the absolute first.
– Given the options, if we interpret “City Council” in Statement 1 as “Municipal Council” and accept Statement 3 as meaning “among the first established”, then statements 1 and 3 are arguably true in spirit, while statement 2 is clearly not a strict requirement.

The 74th Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992, added Part IXA (The Municipalities) to the Constitution. It provides for the constitution of Municipalities based on the transition status and population size of the area: Nagar Panchayats for transitional areas, Municipal Councils for smaller urban areas, and Municipal Corporations for larger urban areas. The criteria for defining these areas, including population thresholds, are left to be specified by state legislation.

14. Which one among the following statements about the GSLV-D5 launched by

Which one among the following statements about the GSLV-D5 launched by India on 5 January 2014 is not true ?

It puts India in an elite club with Russia, USA, China, Japan and France

It uses an indigenously built cryogenic engine

It can place communication satellites into orbit without depending on any other country

It placed INSAT-14 precisely into its orbit

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CAPF – 2014

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The correct option is D, as GSLV-D5 launched GSAT-14, not INSAT-14.

– Statement A is true. With the successful use of its indigenous cryogenic engine, India joined an exclusive group of countries capable of launching heavy communication satellites into geostationary transfer orbit (GTO) using their own cryogenic technology.
– Statement B is true. GSLV-D5 was the first successful flight of the GSLV using the domestically developed cryogenic upper stage (CUS). Previous attempts with the indigenous CUS had failed.
– Statement C is true. The primary objective of developing the GSLV with an indigenous cryogenic engine is to achieve self-reliance in launching communication satellites into GTO, eliminating dependence on foreign launch services for this class of satellites.
– Statement D is false. The satellite successfully placed into GTO by GSLV-D5 on January 5, 2014, was **GSAT-14**, a communication satellite, not INSAT-14.

The GSLV is ISRO’s launch vehicle for placing satellites into Geostationary Transfer Orbit (GTO). The development and successful testing of the indigenous cryogenic engine was a major technological milestone for India’s space program.

15. Composition of the biography of the Buddha occupies a special place in

Composition of the biography of the Buddha occupies a special place in Buddhist literature. Which one among the following is a full-fledged biography of the Buddha ?

Lalitavistara

Milind Panho

Sariputra-prakarana

Avadanasataka

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CAPF – 2014

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The correct option is A, as Lalitavistara is considered a full-fledged biography of the Buddha.

– Lalitavistara (The Play in Full) is a key Mahayana Buddhist text that describes the life of Siddhartha Gautama from his descent from the Tushita heaven until his first sermon at Sarnath. It is primarily a biographical narrative.
– Milind Panho (Questions of Milinda) is a Theravada Buddhist text in the form of a dialogue between the Indo-Greek king Menander I (Pali: Milinda) and the Buddhist sage Nagasena. It discusses various philosophical and doctrinal questions, not the life of the Buddha.
– Sariputra-prakarana is a Sanskrit play by the famous Buddhist poet Ashvaghosha, describing the conversion of two chief disciples of the Buddha, Sariputra and Maudgalyayana. It is not a biography of the Buddha himself.
– Avadanasataka (Century of Glorious Deeds) is an early collection of 100 Buddhist narratives, primarily illustrating the doctrine of karma by recounting deeds from past lives that resulted in specific outcomes in the present. While some stories involve the Buddha, it is not a continuous or full biography.

Other notable biographies of the Buddha in Buddhist literature include the Buddhacharita by Ashvaghosha (Sanskrit) and the Pali Canon’s accounts spread across various texts like the Jataka tales (focused on previous lives) and major Nikayas, although none in the Pali Canon form a single, complete, continuous biography in the same way some later texts do.

16. Which of the following statements is true ?

Which of the following statements is true ?

The Panchayat system exists in all states of India except Nagaland, Meghalaya and Mizoram. It also exists in all Union Territories except Delhi

The Panchayat system is introduced by India by the Constitution 74th Amendment Act, and envisages a three tier system of Local Governance

Panchayat system is not provided for states having less than 2 million population

Gram Panchayat can continue for 3 years from the date of election

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CAPF – 2014

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The correct option is A, as it is the only true statement regarding the Panchayat system in India.

– Statement A is true. The provisions of Part IX (Panchayats) introduced by the 73rd Amendment generally apply to all states, but Article 243M provides for exceptions. Nagaland, Meghalaya, and Mizoram, certain scheduled areas in other states, and the hill areas of Manipur where District Councils exist are exempted. The provisions also do not apply to the Union Territory of Delhi.
– Statement B is false. The Panchayat system was introduced by the Constitution (73rd Amendment) Act, 1992, not the 74th Amendment (which deals with Urban Local Bodies). It does envisage a three-tier system (Gram Panchayat at village level, Panchayat Samiti at block level, and Zila Parishad at district level), but states with a population not exceeding twenty lakh (2 million) may not constitute the intermediate level.
– Statement C is false. The Panchayat system *is* provided for states having less than 2 million population, but the intermediate level (Panchayat Samiti) is optional for such states (Article 243B).
– Statement D is false. The duration of every Panchayat is fixed at five years from the date appointed for its first meeting (Article 243E).

The 73rd Amendment Act gave constitutional status to Panchayati Raj institutions, making it mandatory for states to establish Panchayats as units of self-governance. This was a significant step towards democratic decentralization in India.

17. The leader of which one of the following countries has recently execut

The leader of which one of the following countries has recently executed his deputy who happened to be his own uncle ?

South Sudan

Syria

Myanmar

North Korea

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CAPF – 2014

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The correct option is D, as the leader of North Korea executed his deputy who was his uncle.

– This question refers to a specific event that occurred in December 2013, which was widely reported in early 2014.
– Kim Jong Un, the leader of North Korea, ordered the execution of his uncle, Jang Song Thaek, who was his deputy and a powerful figure in the regime, after accusing him of treason and corruption.
– This was a significant political purge within the North Korean leadership.

Jang Song Thaek was married to Kim Jong Un’s aunt (Kim Jong Il’s sister) and was considered the second most powerful person in North Korea before his sudden removal and execution. This event highlighted the consolidation of power by Kim Jong Un.

18. Which one among the following is not true of bead-making as a salient

Which one among the following is not true of bead-making as a salient feature of mature Harappan crafts ?

Harappan beads were made of gold, copper, shell, lapis lazuli, ivory and a variety of semi-precious stones

Archaeologists have identified beadmakers' shops on the basis of assemblages of unfinished objects

At Chanhudaro, tools, furnaces and beads in various stages of preparations have been found

The structure at Banawali yielded many beads in finished, semi-finished and unfinished states

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CAPF – 2014

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The correct option is D, as the statement about the structure at Banawali yielding beads in various states is not as accurately or commonly cited as the evidence from other sites like Chanhudaro.

– Statement A is true. Harappan craftsmen used a wide variety of materials for bead making, including precious metals like gold, copper, and semi-precious stones like carnelian, jasper, crystal, steatite, along with shell, ivory, and faience.
– Statement B is true. Archaeologists identify craft production sites like bead-making workshops by finding clusters of tools, raw materials, unfinished objects, waste products, and finished goods.
– Statement C is true. Chanhudaro is a prominent Harappan site specifically known for being a major centre for craft production, including bead making. Excavations there have yielded extensive evidence of bead production processes, tools, furnaces, and beads in different stages of manufacture.
– Statement D is the statement that is *not true* or at least less accurate compared to the well-documented evidence from other sites like Chanhudaro. While Banawali did have evidence of bead making, the specific description of a ‘structure’ yielding beads in ‘various stages’ is most strongly associated with sites like Chanhudaro or Lothal, which are more famously known as bead-manufacturing hubs with clear workshop structures. Banawali is known for other finds like a ploughed field and a street pattern, but the description in D is not its most salient feature regarding bead-making compared to Chanhudaro.

Bead making was a highly developed craft in the Indus Valley Civilization, involving complex techniques like drilling, heating (carnelian), and finishing. Different sites specialized in the production of beads from specific materials or types of beads. Chanhudaro is often referred to as the ‘Lancashire of India’ for its extensive craft production evidence.

19. Which of the following are true regarding the Preamble of the Constitu

Which of the following are true regarding the Preamble of the Constitution of India ?

1. The Objective Resolution proposed by Jawaharlal Nehru and passed by the Constituent Assembly which ultimately became the Preamble
2. The idea of the Preamble was borrowed from the Constitution of USA
3. The words ‘Socialist’ and ‘Secular’ were adopted by the 42^nd Amendment in 1976
4. The Preamble incorporates the Fundamental Rights of the citizens of India

Select the correct answer using the code given below :

1, 2 and 3

2, 3 and 4

1, 3 and 4

1, 2 and 4

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CAPF – 2014

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The correct option is A, as statements 1, 2, and 3 are true regarding the Preamble of the Constitution of India.

– Statement 1 is true. The Preamble is based on the Objectives Resolution drafted and moved by Pandit Nehru and adopted by the Constituent Assembly.
– Statement 2 is true. The idea of having a Preamble in the constitution was borrowed from the Constitution of the USA, which was the first country to have a written constitution with a Preamble.
– Statement 3 is true. The words ‘Socialist’, ‘Secular’, and ‘Integrity’ were added to the Preamble by the 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1976.
– Statement 4 is false. The Preamble embodies the aims and objectives of the Constitution. Fundamental Rights are guaranteed under Part III (Articles 12-35) of the Constitution, not incorporated within the text of the Preamble itself.

The Preamble is considered a key to the Constitution and reflects the philosophy and ideals on which the Constitution is based. It declares India to be a Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic, Republic and aims to secure Justice, Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity for all its citizens. The Supreme Court, in the Kesavananda Bharati case (1973), held that the Preamble is a part of the Constitution and can be amended, but its ‘basic structure’ cannot be altered.

20. The historical drama film ’12 Years a Slave’ which was adjudged best p

The historical drama film ’12 Years a Slave’ which was adjudged best picture at 86th Academy Awards presented in March 2014, is based on 1853 memoir of the same name by :

Steve McQueen

Solomon Northup

Brad Pitt

Matthew McConaughey

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CAPF – 2014

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The historical drama film ’12 Years a Slave’, which won the Best Picture award at the 86th Academy Awards in March 2014, is based on the 1853 memoir of the same name written by Solomon Northup. The memoir recounts Northup’s true story of being a free African American man kidnapped and sold into slavery in the American South for twelve years.

The film ’12 Years a Slave’ is based on the autobiographical narrative written by Solomon Northup.

Steve McQueen directed the film ’12 Years a Slave’. Brad Pitt was one of the producers and also played a role in the film. Matthew McConaughey was another actor in the film, winning an Academy Award for Best Actor in ‘Dallas Buyers Club’ at the same ceremony.