UPSC CAPF Archives

21. Heavy water is so called because it

Heavy water is so called because it

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contains a number of salts as in sea water

is the mercury contaminated water

is saline water used in hospitals

contains the heavier isotope of hydrogen in water

Answer is Right!

Answer is Wrong!

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CAPF – 2011

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The correct option is D. Heavy water, chemically represented as D₂O, contains deuterium, which is an isotope of hydrogen. Unlike the common hydrogen atom (protium, ¹H) which has only a proton, deuterium (²H or D) has a proton and a neutron, making it approximately twice as heavy as protium. Therefore, water molecules formed with deuterium (heavy water) are heavier than those formed with protium (ordinary water, H₂O).

The question asks for the reason why heavy water is called “heavy”. It relates to its chemical composition and the presence of a heavier isotope of hydrogen.

Heavy water is primarily used as a neutron moderator in certain types of nuclear reactors (pressurized heavy water reactors – PHWRs) because deuterium has a lower neutron capture cross-section than protium, allowing for the use of unenriched uranium as fuel.

22. Which one among the following companies did India shortlist for purcha

Which one among the following companies did India shortlist for purchasing the Medium Multi Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) ?

US Lockheed Martin's F-16 Super Viper

Russian United Aircraft's MIG-35

France Dassault Rafale

US Boeing F/A 18 Super Hornet

Answer is Right!

Answer is Wrong!

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CAPF – 2011

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The correct option is C. In the Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) tender, India initially shortlisted six aircraft. After rigorous technical evaluation and field trials, the Indian Air Force shortlisted two aircraft for commercial bids in 2011: the Eurofighter Typhoon and the Dassault Rafale. Among the options provided, only the France Dassault Rafale was part of this final technical shortlist.

The question refers to the specific MMRCA procurement process of the Indian Air Force and the aircraft that reached the advanced stages of selection.

Although the original MMRCA tender was eventually withdrawn in 2015, India later signed a direct deal with France in 2016 for the purchase of 36 Rafale aircraft off-the-shelf. The Rafale was a strong contender throughout the original evaluation process and ultimately became the choice for direct purchase.

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23. Which of the following statements regarding the Fundamental Duties as

Which of the following statements regarding the Fundamental Duties as contained in the Constitution of India is/are correct ?

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1. They can be enforced through writ jurisdiction.
2. They have formed a part of the Constitution since its adoption.
3. They are applicable only to citizens of India.

Select the correct answer using the code given below :

1, 2 and 3

1 and 2 only

2 and 3 only

3 only

Answer is Right!

Answer is Wrong!

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CAPF – 2011

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The correct option is D. Let’s evaluate the statements:
1. They can be enforced through writ jurisdiction. This is incorrect. Fundamental Duties are non-justiciable and cannot be enforced directly by courts through writs.
2. They have formed a part of the Constitution since its adoption. This is incorrect. Fundamental Duties were added to the Constitution by the 42nd Amendment Act, 1976, based on the recommendations of the Swaran Singh Committee.
3. They are applicable only to citizens of India. This is correct. Article 51A explicitly states that it shall be the duty of every ‘citizen of India’. They do not apply to foreigners.
Therefore, only statement 3 is correct.

The question examines the nature and applicability of Fundamental Duties as listed in Article 51A of the Constitution of India. Key aspects tested are their enforceability, origin, and who they apply to.

While Fundamental Duties are non-justiciable, Parliament can make laws to enforce them. They serve as a reminder to citizens of their responsibilities towards the nation and society. There are currently 11 Fundamental Duties. The 11th duty was added by the 86th Amendment Act, 2002.

24. Which one among the following statements holds good in respect of the

Which one among the following statements holds good in respect of the Rajya Sabha ?

One-third of its members retire after every three years

Two-thirds of its members retire after every three years

Two-thirds of its members retire after every two years

One-third of its members retire after every two years

Answer is Right!

Answer is Wrong!

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CAPF – 2011

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The correct option is D. According to Article 83(1) of the Constitution of India, the Council of States (Rajya Sabha) is a permanent House and not subject to dissolution. However, one-third of its members retire on the expiration of every second year.

The question tests knowledge about the composition and tenure of members of the Rajya Sabha, the upper house of the Indian Parliament.

Members of the Rajya Sabha are elected for a term of six years. The system of proportional representation by means of the single transferable vote is used for their election by the elected members of the State Legislative Assemblies. The staggered retirement ensures continuity of the House.

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25. While a proclamation of Emergency is in operation, the duration of the

While a proclamation of Emergency is in operation, the duration of the Lok Sabha can be extended by not exceeding

three months

nine months

one year at a time

two years at a time

Answer is Right!

Answer is Wrong!

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CAPF – 2011

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The correct option is C. According to Article 83(2) of the Constitution of India, while a Proclamation of Emergency is in operation, the duration of the House of the People (Lok Sabha) can be extended by Parliament by law for a period not exceeding one year at a time.

The question relates to the power of Parliament to extend the term of the Lok Sabha during a National Emergency. This provision is specified in the Constitution.

The same proviso to Article 83(2) also states that the extension shall not extend in any case beyond a period of six months after the Proclamation has ceased to operate. This ensures that the extended term does not continue indefinitely after the emergency is lifted.

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26. Right to Information is

Right to Information is

fundamental right

legal right

neither fundamental right nor legal right

both fundamental right as well as legal right

Answer is Right!

Answer is Wrong!

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CAPF – 2011

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The correct option is D. The Right to Information (RTI) is considered both a fundamental right and a legal right in India. The Supreme Court has held that the right to information is a fundamental right implied in the right to freedom of speech and expression (Article 19(1)(a)) and the right to life and personal liberty (Article 21). The Right to Information Act, 2005, is a statute enacted by Parliament that provides the legal framework and machinery for citizens to access information, thereby making it a legal right derived from the fundamental rights.

The question probes the legal nature of the Right to Information in India. It is established through statute (RTI Act, 2005) and recognized by the judiciary as integral to fundamental rights.

While the RTI Act grants it as a statutory (legal) right, its roots are in the fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution. The Supreme Court’s interpretations have solidified its status as a fundamental right essential for the functioning of a democracy and the dignity of life. Therefore, it is accurately described as both.

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28. The Harappan civilization covered an extensive area of present South A

The Harappan civilization covered an extensive area of present South Asia. The geographic space covered by this civilization included

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Kashmir, Punjab, Sindh and Northeastern frontier

Punjab, Sindh, Northwestern frontier and Kashmir

Punjab, Sindh and a part of Northwestern frontier

Punjab, Sindh, a part of Northwestern frontier, Kathiawar and a part of Ganga-Yamuna Doab

Answer is Right!

Answer is Wrong!

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CAPF – 2011

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The correct option is D. The Harappan civilization was one of the most extensive ancient civilizations, spanning across modern-day Pakistan and Northwest India. Option D provides the most comprehensive description of its geographical spread among the given choices, including core areas like Punjab and Sindh, parts of the Northwestern frontier (Balochistan), important regions in Kathiawar (Gujarat), and the easternmost extensions in the Ganga-Yamuna Doab (Western Uttar Pradesh).

The question tests knowledge of the geographical extent of the Harappan (Indus Valley) Civilization. Key areas included Sindh, Punjab, Balochistan, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Haryana, and Western Uttar Pradesh.

Major Harappan sites like Mohenjo-daro and Harappa are in Sindh and Punjab (Pakistan), Dholavira and Lothal are in Kathiawar (Gujarat, India), Sutkagen Dor is near the Iran border (Balochistan), and Alamgirpur is in Western Uttar Pradesh. Manda in Jammu and Kashmir represents the northernmost extent, and Daimabad in Maharashtra represents the southernmost extent. Option D correctly captures several key regions defining its extensive area.

29. Which one among the following wars was ended by the Treaty of Madras ?

Which one among the following wars was ended by the Treaty of Madras ?

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First Carnatic war

Second Carnatic war

First Mysore war

Second Mysore war

Answer is Right!

Answer is Wrong!

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CAPF – 2011

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The First Anglo-Mysore War (1767–1769) was concluded by the Treaty of Madras, signed in April 1769. The treaty stipulated mutual restoration of conquests, except for a few minor exceptions, and a defensive alliance between the British and Mysore against common enemies.

The Treaty of Madras was the first treaty signed between the English East India Company and the Kingdom of Mysore, ruled by Hyder Ali.

The other wars mentioned were ended by different treaties: The First Carnatic War ended with the Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle (1748). The Second Carnatic War ended with the Treaty of Pondicherry (1754). The Second Mysore War ended with the Treaty of Mangalore (1784).

30. Which of the following statements regarding Chipko Movement is/are cor

Which of the following statements regarding Chipko Movement is/are correct ?

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1. Chipko Movement took place in the early 1970s against the introduction of commercial forestry.
2. Chipko refers to a single movement and not a collective of several movements.
3. Chipko did not begin as a movement for conservation but primarily as an economic struggle, the root of which lay in rural and peasant protests.

Select the correct answer using the code given below :

1 only

1 and 3

2 only

1 and 2

Answer is Right!

Answer is Wrong!

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CAPF – 2011

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Statements 1 and 3 are correct. The Chipko Movement did indeed take place in the early 1970s, primarily in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand, opposing commercial logging by contractors that threatened the traditional forest rights of local communities (Statement 1). While it became famous for environmental conservation, its initial roots were primarily in the economic struggles of villagers dependent on forests for their livelihoods, who were protesting against unfair allocation of forest resources to outsiders (Statement 3). Statement 2 is incorrect; Chipko is often used as a collective term for a series of similar protests and movements involving villagers hugging trees to prevent felling across different parts of the Himalayas over time, not a single, monolithic movement.

The Chipko Movement is a landmark example of environmental activism rooted in socio-economic issues and community participation, particularly by women, in rural India.

Key figures associated with the Chipko Movement include Sunderlal Bahuguna and Chandi Prasad Bhatt. The movement successfully pressured the government to ban logging in sensitive areas of the Himalayas for several years.