UPSC CAPF Archives

21. Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the code

Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the code given below the Lists :

List I (Explanation)	List II (Term)
A. Colour of an opaque object	1. Fluorescence
B. Colour observed through a coloured glass	2. Reflection
C. Bending of the image of a rod partially dipped in water	3. Transmission
D. Shining observed when one steps on an earthworm	4. Refraction

1 3 4 2

1 4 3 2

2 4 3 1

2 3 4 1

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CAPF – 2014

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Let’s match the explanations with the terms:
A. Colour of an opaque object: Opaque objects get their colour by absorbing certain wavelengths of light and reflecting others. The colour we see is the colour of the light reflected by the object. This matches term 2. Reflection.
B. Colour observed through a coloured glass: Coloured glass allows certain wavelengths of light to pass through while absorbing others. The colour we see is the colour of the light transmitted through the glass. This matches term 3. Transmission.
C. Bending of the image of a rod partially dipped in water: This phenomenon occurs because light changes speed as it passes from one medium (air) to another (water), causing it to bend at the interface. This bending of light is called refraction. This matches term 4. Refraction.
D. Shining observed when one steps on an earthworm: With A, B, and C matched to 2, 3, and 4 respectively, the remaining term for D is 1. Fluorescence is the emission of light by a substance after it has absorbed light. While shining can often be explained by reflection, it is possible that some biological substances exhibit fluorescence. Given the other standard matches, this is the most likely intended pairing in the context of the question’s options.
Matching: A-2, B-3, C-4, D-1. This corresponds to option D.

Understand basic optical phenomena: Reflection (light bouncing off a surface), Transmission (light passing through a substance), Refraction (bending of light as it passes from one medium to another), and Fluorescence (emission of light after absorbing radiation). Apply these concepts to everyday observations.

While “shining” is most commonly associated with reflection, the options force a match with Fluorescence for the last item. It’s possible the question refers to a specific, perhaps less common, property of earthworm mucus or tissues under certain conditions, or it might be a less precise pairing designed within the options provided. However, the matches for A, B, and C are definitive.

22. Which of the following are the duties and functions of Indian Coast Gu

Which of the following are the duties and functions of Indian Coast Guard ?

1. Preservation and protection of marine environment
2. Safety and protection of artificial islands
3. Assistance in anti smuggling operations

Select the correct answer using the code given below :

1 and 2 only

2 and 3 only

1 and 3 only

1, 2 and 3

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CAPF – 2014

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The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) is responsible for a wide range of duties in India’s maritime zones. As per the Coast Guard Act, 1978, and subsequent expansions of its mandate, its functions include:
1. Preservation and protection of marine environment: ICG is the primary agency for responding to marine pollution incidents like oil spills and is involved in protecting marine ecosystems. This statement is correct.
2. Safety and protection of artificial islands: ICG is responsible for the security and safety of artificial islands, offshore terminals, installations, and other structures in India’s maritime zones. This statement is correct.
3. Assistance in anti smuggling operations: ICG works in coordination with other agencies like Customs to prevent and intercept smuggling activities by sea. This is a key part of its maritime law enforcement role. This statement is correct.
All three listed duties are indeed functions of the Indian Coast Guard.

Know the roles and responsibilities of the Indian Coast Guard, which cover maritime safety, security, law enforcement, and environmental protection in India’s territorial waters and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

Other duties of the ICG include search and rescue, protection of fishermen, conservation of marine living resources, enforcement of maritime laws, and assisting the Navy during wartime.

23. Which of the following ions present in low concentration in drinking w

Which of the following ions present in low concentration in drinking water is essential for normal growth of teeth but harmful to teeth at high concentration ?

Aluminium

Calcium

Fluoride

Chloride

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CAPF – 2014

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The question describes an ion that is essential for normal growth of teeth in low concentration but harmful at high concentration. This perfectly describes the effect of fluoride ions on dental health.
– Aluminium: Not considered essential for teeth.
– Calcium: A major structural component of teeth and bones, essential in large amounts. While excess calcium intake can have health implications, its role in teeth is primarily structural, not a trace element with this specific low-dose benefit/high-dose harm profile in drinking water.
– Fluoride: Fluoride ions are absorbed into tooth enamel, making it more resistant to acid attacks and preventing cavities. Low concentrations (typically 0.7-1.2 parts per million or ppm in drinking water) are beneficial for dental health. However, excessive fluoride intake, especially during tooth development, can lead to dental fluorosis (mottling and discoloration of enamel). Very high doses can cause skeletal fluorosis.
– Chloride: An essential electrolyte, but not known for this specific beneficial/harmful effect on teeth development in drinking water.
Therefore, Fluoride is the ion that fits the description.

Recall the role of fluoride in dental health – beneficial at optimal low concentrations for strengthening enamel and preventing decay, but harmful at higher concentrations causing fluorosis.

Water fluoridation is a common public health measure to reduce dental cavities. The optimal level of fluoride in drinking water is a balance between preventing cavities and avoiding fluorosis. Natural fluoride levels vary widely depending on the geological source of water.

24. Three important rivers of the Indian subcontinent have their source ne

Three important rivers of the Indian subcontinent have their source near the Manasarovar Lake in the Great Himalayas. Which among the following are the rivers ?

Indus, Jhelum and Sutlej

Sutlej, Yamuna and Brahmaputra

Brahmaputra, Indus and Sutlej

Sutlej, Jhelum and Yamuna

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CAPF – 2014

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The Manasarovar Lake and the nearby Kailash range in Tibet are the source regions for several major rivers of the Indian subcontinent.
– The Indus River originates near Bokhar Chu Glacier, north of the Kailash Range and relatively close to Lake Manasarovar. It flows west and then south into Pakistan.
– The Sutlej River originates from Rakas Lake (or Rakshastal), which is connected to Lake Manasarovar by a channel. It flows west and southwest into India and Pakistan.
– The Brahmaputra River, known as Yarlung Tsangpo in Tibet, originates from the Chemayungdung Glacier, south-east of Lake Manasarovar. It flows east through Tibet before turning south into Arunachal Pradesh, India.
– The Yamuna River originates from the Yamunotri Glacier in Uttarakhand, India, far to the west of Manasarovar.
– The Jhelum River originates from a spring at Verinag in the Kashmir Valley, India, also far to the west of Manasarovar.
The three important rivers sourcing near Manasarovar Lake are Brahmaputra, Indus, and Sutlej.

Identify the major rivers originating from the Trans-Himalayan region, particularly near the Manasarovar Lake and Kailash Range.

Manasarovar Lake is a highly revered site in Hinduism and Buddhism. The region is a hydrological knot giving rise to some of Asia’s longest rivers. Other rivers like the Karnali (a tributary of the Ghaghara, which joins the Ganga) also originate in the vicinity.

25. Arrange the following fuels in the decreasing order of air pollution c

Arrange the following fuels in the decreasing order of air pollution caused by burning a kilogram of each of them :

CNG, Petrol, Diesel

Diesel, Petrol, CNG

Petrol, Diesel, CNG

Diesel, CNG, Petrol

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CAPF – 2014

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The question asks to arrange fuels in decreasing order of air pollution caused by burning a kilogram of each. Generally, different fuels produce varying amounts of pollutants like particulate matter (PM), nitrogen oxides (NOx), carbon monoxide (CO), hydrocarbons, and sulfur oxides (SOx).
– Diesel: Diesel fuel is heavier than petrol and its combustion typically produces more particulate matter and higher levels of NOx, especially from older engines or those without modern emission controls. It can also contain more sulfur, leading to SOx emissions.
– Petrol (Gasoline): Petrol combustion produces significant amounts of CO, NOx, and unburnt hydrocarbons. While generally producing less PM than diesel, its emissions of other pollutants can be substantial.
– CNG (Compressed Natural Gas): CNG is primarily methane (CH4). Burning CNG is considered much cleaner than burning petrol or diesel. It produces significantly lower levels of PM, CO, NOx, and hydrocarbons. It contains virtually no sulfur, so no SOx emissions.
Ranking from most polluting to least polluting per kilogram burned (considering typical emissions profiles): Diesel > Petrol > CNG.
Therefore, the decreasing order of air pollution caused is Diesel, Petrol, CNG.

Understand the relative environmental impact and pollution characteristics of common fuels like Diesel, Petrol, and CNG. CNG is generally considered the cleanest of the three in terms of air pollutant emissions.

The specific emissions profile can vary depending on engine technology, fuel quality, and emission control systems (like catalytic converters). However, the general ranking of CNG being cleaner than petrol, which is cleaner than diesel (especially regarding PM) is widely accepted in the context of conventional engines.

26. All letters of which of the following series appear same when looked a

All letters of which of the following series appear same when looked at in a mirror ?

A, C, H, I, M

H, I, M, N, O

T, U, V, W, X

S, T, U, V, W

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CAPF – 2014

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We are looking for a series of letters that appear the same when looked at in a mirror (specifically, a vertical mirror reflection, which is standard for reading). Let’s examine each letter in the options for vertical mirror symmetry:
– A: Looks the same (has a vertical axis of symmetry).
– C: Is reversed (looks like a backward C).
– H: Looks the same (has a vertical axis of symmetry).
– I: Looks the same (has a vertical axis of symmetry).
– M: Looks the same (has a vertical axis of symmetry).
– N: Is reversed.
– O: Looks the same (has a vertical axis of symmetry).
– T: Looks the same (has a vertical axis of symmetry).
– U: Looks the same (has a vertical axis of symmetry).
– V: Looks the same (has a vertical axis of symmetry).
– W: Looks the same (has a vertical axis of symmetry).
– X: Looks the same (has a vertical axis of symmetry).
– S: Is reversed.
Now check the options:
A) A, C, H, I, M: Contains C, which is reversed.
B) H, I, M, N, O: Contains N, which is reversed.
C) T, U, V, W, X: All these letters look the same in a vertical mirror.
D) S, T, U, V, W: Contains S, which is reversed.
Therefore, the series where all letters appear the same in a mirror is T, U, V, W, X.

Identify letters that have vertical symmetry. These letters appear unchanged when reflected in a vertical mirror.

Letters with vertical symmetry include A, H, I, M, O, T, U, V, W, X, Y (in some fonts). Letters with horizontal symmetry (appear same upside down) include B, C, D, E, H, I, K, O, X. Letters with both vertical and horizontal symmetry include H, I, O, X.

27. Which of the following statements with regard to the Indian Peninsular

Which of the following statements with regard to the Indian Peninsular Plateau is/are correct ?

1. The Southern plateau block is formed mainly of granite and gneiss
2. The Deccan lava plateau is an elevated tableland consisting of horizontally arranged lava sheets
3. The Malwa plateau dominates the Vindhyan scraps, forming the Eastern flank of the plateau
4. The trough of the Narmada and Tapti is interposed between the Vindhyan and the Satpura ranges

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

1, 2 and 3

1, 2 and 4

1 and 2 only

4 only

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CAPF – 2014

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1. The Southern plateau block is formed mainly of granite and gneiss: This statement is correct. The Peninsular Plateau, particularly the southern part, is composed of ancient crystalline igneous and metamorphic rocks like granite and gneiss, which are part of the stable continental shield.
2. The Deccan lava plateau is an elevated tableland consisting of horizontally arranged lava sheets: This statement is correct. The Deccan Traps region, covering a large part of the Peninsular Plateau, was formed by massive volcanic eruptions, resulting in layers of basaltic lava flows that solidified to form a high, flat plateau.
3. The Malwa plateau dominates the Vindhyan scraps, forming the Eastern flank of the plateau: This statement is incorrect. The Malwa Plateau is located to the north of the Vindhyan Range, with the Vindhyan scarp forming its southern boundary. It does not dominate the Vindhyan scraps, and the Vindhyan scarp forms the southern boundary of the plateau, not the eastern flank. The eastern part of the Malwa plateau slopes towards the Chambal river system.
4. The trough of the Narmada and Tapti is interposed between the Vindhyan and the Satpura ranges: This statement is correct. The Narmada River flows through a rift valley (trough) situated between the Vindhya Range to the north and the Satpura Range to the south. The Tapti River flows through another rift valley south of the Satpura Range. The combined river valleys are located between the two prominent hill ranges.
Based on the analysis, statements 1, 2, and 4 are correct.

Understand the geological composition and structure of the Peninsular Plateau, including the location of major physiographic divisions like the Deccan Plateau, Malwa Plateau, Vindhya Range, Satpura Range, and major river valleys like Narmada and Tapti.

The Peninsular Plateau is one of the oldest landmasses on Earth. It is a stable block composed of crystalline rocks. It is broadly divided into two parts by the Narmada valley: the Central Highlands (including Malwa Plateau) and the Deccan Plateau. The Western and Eastern Ghats form the western and eastern edges of the Deccan Plateau, respectively.

28. Which of the following are not chemical changes ? 1. Tempering of iron

Which of the following are not chemical changes ?
1. Tempering of iron
2. Conversion of iron piece into an electro-magnet by passing the current around the iron
3. Melting of iron
4. Rusting of iron
Select the correct answer using the code given below :

1 and 2 only

3 and 4 only

1, 2 and 3

1, 3 and 4

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CAPF – 2014

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A chemical change involves the formation of new substances with different chemical properties. A physical change alters the form or appearance of a substance but not its chemical composition.
1. Tempering of iron: This is a heat treatment process that changes the microstructure and properties (like hardness and toughness) of iron alloys (steel). While it involves heat, it primarily changes the physical state and crystalline structure, not the fundamental chemical composition of the iron or steel. It is considered a physical process.
2. Conversion of iron piece into an electro-magnet by passing the current: When electric current passes around an iron core, it becomes a temporary magnet. This is a physical phenomenon (magnetism) induced by the electric current. The iron itself does not undergo a chemical transformation.
3. Melting of iron: This is a change of state from solid to liquid. The chemical composition of iron remains Fe. This is a physical change.
4. Rusting of iron: Iron reacts with oxygen and water to form hydrated iron(III) oxides (rust, typically Fe2O3.nH2O). This is a chemical reaction that produces new substances with different chemical properties than iron. This is a chemical change.
The question asks which are *not* chemical changes. These are the physical changes: 1 (Tempering), 2 (Electromagnetism), and 3 (Melting).

Identify the difference between chemical changes (formation of new substances) and physical changes (change in form, state, or appearance without changing chemical composition).

Examples of chemical changes include burning, rusting, digestion, and cooking. Examples of physical changes include melting, freezing, boiling, cutting, and bending. Magnetism is a physical property. Heat treatments like tempering involve physical changes in material properties.

29. A class starts at 11:00 am and lasts till 2:27 pm. Four periods of equ

A class starts at 11:00 am and lasts till 2:27 pm. Four periods of equal duration are held during this interval. After every period, a rest of 5 minutes is given to the students. The exact duration of each period is :

42 minutes

48 minutes

51 minutes

53 minutes

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CAPF – 2014

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The total duration of the class is from 11:00 am to 2:27 pm. This is a duration of 3 hours and 27 minutes, which is equal to (3 * 60) + 27 = 180 + 27 = 207 minutes.
There are four periods of equal duration, with a 5-minute rest after every period. For four periods, there will be three rest intervals between them.
Total rest time = 3 intervals * 5 minutes/interval = 15 minutes.
The total time occupied by the four periods is the total class duration minus the total rest time.
Total period time = 207 minutes – 15 minutes = 192 minutes.
Since there are four periods of equal duration, the duration of each period is the total period time divided by the number of periods.
Duration of each period = 192 minutes / 4 periods = 48 minutes/period.

Calculate the total duration of the event. Subtract the total rest time from the total duration to find the combined duration of the periods. Divide the combined period duration by the number of periods to find the duration of each period. Remember that for ‘n’ periods, there are ‘n-1’ rests in between.

This question is a simple time calculation problem often found in quantitative aptitude sections of competitive exams. It tests the ability to handle time formats and apply basic arithmetic.

30. The Sargasso Sea is a vast patch of Atlantic Ocean characterized by an

The Sargasso Sea is a vast patch of Atlantic Ocean characterized by an abundance of floating brown seaweed called ‘Sargassum’. This is formed due to the deposit of marine plants and refuse carried by the :
1. North Atlantic current
2. Canary current
3. North Atlantic Equatorial current
Select the correct answer using the code given below :

1 only

2 and 3 only

1 and 3 only

1, 2 and 3

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CAPF – 2014

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The Sargasso Sea is a region in the North Atlantic Ocean that is bounded by the currents forming the North Atlantic Gyre.

The currents that form the North Atlantic Gyre and trap the Sargassum seaweed are the Gulf Stream (to the west), the North Atlantic Current (to the north), the Canary Current (to the east), and the North Atlantic Equatorial Current (to the south). All three currents listed in the options (North Atlantic current, Canary current, North Atlantic Equatorial current) are part of the boundary currents that define and circulate around the Sargasso Sea, contributing to the accumulation of floating material within it.

The Sargasso Sea is unique as it is the only sea in the world that is defined by ocean currents rather than by land boundaries. Its calm, clear waters are home to a unique ecosystem, including the Sargassum seaweed which provides habitat for numerous marine species. The lack of strong currents within the gyre allows the seaweed and other floating debris to accumulate.