UPSC CAPF Archives

21. Which one among the following cannot be attributed to Shahjahan’s reig

Which one among the following cannot be attributed to Shahjahan’s reign ?

Moti Masjid

Qila-i-Kuhna Masjid

Jama Masjid

Rang Mahal

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CAPF – 2014

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The Qila-i-Kuhna Masjid is located within the complex of Purana Qila (Old Fort) in Delhi. This mosque was built by Sher Shah Suri, the founder of the Sur Empire, around 1541 AD. Shah Jahan reigned much later, from 1628 to 1658 AD. Therefore, the Qila-i-Kuhna Masjid cannot be attributed to Shah Jahan’s reign.

Qila-i-Kuhna Masjid in Purana Qila was built by Sher Shah Suri (16th century), predating Shah Jahan (17th century).

Moti Masjid (Agra Fort) and Jama Masjid (Delhi) are prominent architectural contributions of Shah Jahan. The Rang Mahal is a part of the Red Fort complex in Delhi, which was constructed by Shah Jahan as his new capital, Shahjahanabad.

22. When a fall in price of a commodity reduces total expenditure and a ri

When a fall in price of a commodity reduces total expenditure and a rise in price increases it, price elasticity of demand will be :

= 1

> 1

Infinity

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UPSC CAPF – 2014

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The relationship between a change in price and the resulting change in total expenditure (Price * Quantity) reveals the price elasticity of demand.
If a fall in price reduces total expenditure (P↓, TE↓), it means the increase in quantity demanded (Q↑) was proportionally smaller than the decrease in price (ΔQ% < |ΔP%|). This is the characteristic of inelastic demand. If a rise in price increases total expenditure (P↑, TE↑), it means the decrease in quantity demanded (Q↓) was proportionally smaller than the increase in price (ΔQ% < |ΔP%|). This is also the characteristic of inelastic demand. In both cases, the price elasticity of demand (|Ed|) is less than 1.

For inelastic demand (|Ed| < 1), price and total expenditure move in the same direction: if price increases, total expenditure increases; if price decreases, total expenditure decreases.

Conversely, for elastic demand (|Ed| > 1), price and total expenditure move in opposite directions: if price increases, total expenditure decreases; if price decreases, total expenditure increases. For unit elastic demand (|Ed| = 1), total expenditure remains unchanged with a change in price.

23. Consider the following : In March 2014 mortal remains of a number of I

Consider the following :
In March 2014 mortal remains of a number of Indian soldiers of 1857 mutiny were exhumed from a well at ________. These mortal remains are of ________ who revolted against the British.
Complete the statements with appropriate information using the code given below :

Jallianwala Bagh, 36 Regiment of Sikh Infantry

Lahore, 75 Regular Native Infantry Regiment

Ajnala, 26 Regiment of Bengal Native Infantry

Satti Chaura Ghat, 19 Regiment of Bengal Native Infantry

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CAPF – 2014

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In March 2014, a historical discovery was made where mortal remains of a number of Indian soldiers from the 1857 mutiny were exhumed from a well in Ajnala, near Amritsar, Punjab. These remains were identified based on historical accounts and records as likely belonging to soldiers of the 26th Regiment of Bengal Native Infantry. This regiment had mutinied in Lahore on July 30, 1857, and attempted to flee, with many being killed or captured near Amritsar. Historical sources indicated that a large number of these soldiers were executed and their bodies thrown into a well at Ajnala.

Mortal remains of 1857 mutiny soldiers were discovered in a well at Ajnala, Punjab in 2014. These soldiers are believed to be from the 26th Regiment of Bengal Native Infantry who mutinied in Lahore.

The event is known as the Ajnala massacre. Following the mutiny at Lahore, around 500 soldiers of the 26th Native Infantry fled. Around 200 of them were apprehended near Ajnala. British officials ordered their execution, and their bodies were disposed of in a well, which came to be known as ‘Kalianwala Khuh’ (the well of the blacks) or ‘Shaheedan da Khuh’ (the well of martyrs). The exhumation and study in 2014 helped confirm the historical accounts.

24. Which one among the following regarding the Ahadis of the Mughal per

Which one among the following regarding the *Ahadis* of the Mughal period is *not* true ?

They were individual troopers

They were placed under a separate Diwan and Bakhshi

They were ordinarily not placed under the Mansabdars

Their salary was at par with the Mansabdars

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UPSC CAPF – 2014

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The statement that is *not* true regarding the Ahadis of the Mughal period is that their salary was at par with the Mansabdars. Ahadis were a special corps of soldiers, individually recruited by the Mughal emperor and directly loyal to him. They were considered elite troopers and were generally paid higher salaries than the ordinary soldiers in the contingents of the Mansabdars (nobles holding military ranks). While Ahadis were not Mansabdars themselves, their individual pay was often superior to that of soldiers under Mansabdari service and could even compare favourably to the allowances of lower-ranked Mansabdars, but not ‘at par’ with Mansabdars in general, whose ranks and salaries varied greatly. Statements A, B, and C accurately describe the Ahadis as individual troopers, placed under separate administration (Diwan and Bakhshi specific to Ahadis), and usually not attached to Mansabdar contingents.

Ahadis were elite, individually recruited Mughal soldiers directly serving the emperor. They were highly paid compared to regular cavalrymen under Mansabdars.

The Ahadis formed a significant part of the emperor’s personal retinue and household troops. They were often used for special assignments and as a counter-balance to the power of the Mansabdars. They had their own recruitment, administrative system, and officers (like an Ahadi Diwan and Bakhshi) distinct from the main Mansabdari system.

25. Which of the following does not relate to the Fundamental Rights as

Which of the following does *not* relate to the Fundamental Rights as enshrined in the Constitution of India ?

Free and compulsory education to all children of the age of 6-14 years
Prohibition of trafficking in human beings and forced labour
Improvement of Public health and prohibition of intoxicating drinks
Promotion of the educational and economic interests of the weaker sections of the people, especially the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes

Select the correct answer using the code given below ;

1 and 2

2 and 4

3 only

3 and 4

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CAPF – 2014

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The question asks which statement(s) do *not* relate to Fundamental Rights.
1. Free and compulsory education to all children of the age of 6-14 years: This is enshrined as a Fundamental Right under Article 21A (inserted by the 86th Amendment Act, 2002).
2. Prohibition of trafficking in human beings and forced labour: This is a Fundamental Right against exploitation under Article 23.
3. Improvement of Public health and prohibition of intoxicating drinks: This is a Directive Principle of State Policy (DPSP) under Article 47.
4. Promotion of the educational and economic interests of the weaker sections of the people, especially the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes: This is a Directive Principle of State Policy (DPSP) under Article 46.
Therefore, statements 3 and 4 do not relate to Fundamental Rights; they are part of the Directive Principles of State Policy.

Fundamental Rights are justiciable rights enforceable by courts, whereas Directive Principles of State Policy are guidelines for the state, which are non-justiciable. Specific provisions like promoting public health or interests of weaker sections fall under DPSPs.

Fundamental Rights are primarily contained in Part III of the Constitution (Articles 12-35), while Directive Principles are in Part IV (Articles 36-51). Although DPSPs are not legally enforceable, they are considered fundamental in the governance of the country and the state is expected to apply these principles in making laws.

26. Which one of the following statements with regard to the revised ceili

Which one of the following statements with regard to the revised ceiling on poll expenditure for elections in India is correct ?

Rs. 40 Lakh per candidate for all Lok Sabha as well as Assembly Constituencies

Rs. 70 Lakh per candidate for all Lok Sabha Constituencies

Rs. 70 Lakh per candidate for Lok Sabha Constituencies for all states except Arunachal Pradesh, Goa and Sikkim

Rs. 70 Lakh per candidate for Lok Sabha Constituencies for all states except Union Territories

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CAPF – 2014

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As of the period relevant to this question (around 2014), the revised ceiling on poll expenditure for Lok Sabha constituencies varied across states. The maximum limit was ₹70 lakh per candidate for Lok Sabha constituencies in larger states and Union Territories like Delhi. However, smaller states and Union Territories had lower limits. Option C specifically mentions ₹70 Lakh per candidate for Lok Sabha Constituencies for all states *except* Arunachal Pradesh, Goa and Sikkim. These specific states (along with some others and UTs) indeed had lower expenditure limits (e.g., ₹54 lakh in 2014 for smaller states) compared to the ₹70 lakh limit in larger states. Therefore, this statement accurately reflects the tiered structure of expenditure limits at the time.

Election expenditure limits for Lok Sabha candidates are not uniform across India but vary based on the size and classification of states/Union Territories, with higher limits for larger areas and lower limits for smaller ones.

The Election Commission of India periodically revises the expenditure limits for parliamentary and assembly elections. The limits are higher for Lok Sabha constituencies than for Assembly constituencies. The limits aim to curb excessive spending and create a more level playing field for candidates.

27. Consider the following statements: Statement I: Roaring Forties are

Consider the following statements:

Statement I: Roaring Forties are strong Westerly winds found in the Southern Hemisphere, generally between the latitudes of 40° and 50°
Statement II: The strong East to West air currents are caused by the combination of air being displaced from the Equator towards the South Pole and the Earth’s rotation and there are few landmasses to serve as wind breaks

Both the statements are individually true and Statement II is the correct explanation of Statement I

Both the statements are individually true but Statement II is not the correct explanation of Statement I

Statement I is true but Statement II is false

Statement I is false but Statement II is true

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UPSC CAPF – 2014

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Both Statement I and Statement II are individually true, and Statement II is the correct explanation of Statement I. The Roaring Forties are powerful westerly winds found in the Southern Hemisphere, specifically between latitudes 40° and 50° South. Statement II accurately describes the primary factors contributing to these strong winds: the poleward movement of air from the subtropical high-pressure belts towards the subpolar low-pressure belts, deflected eastward by the Coriolis effect (caused by Earth’s rotation, making them Westerlies, i.e., blowing from the west), and the absence of significant landmasses in these latitudes of the Southern Hemisphere which allows the winds to blow unimpeded across large expanses of ocean, gaining strength.

The Roaring Forties are strong Westerly winds in the Southern Hemisphere mid-latitudes (40°-50°S). Their strength is due to the combined effect of atmospheric circulation patterns, the Coriolis effect, and the lack of continental landmasses acting as barriers.

Similar westerly winds exist in the Northern Hemisphere, but they are less consistently strong due to the presence of large continents. Further south, other zones of strong westerlies are known as the ‘Furious Fifties’ (50°-60°S) and the ‘Screaming Sixties’ (south of 60°S).

28. Consider the following statements: Statement I: The Doldrums is a l

Consider the following statements:

Statement I: The Doldrums is a low pressure area around the Equator where the prevailing winds are calm
Statement II: Low pressure is caused by the heat at the Equator which makes the air rise and travel both Northwards and Southwards

Both the statements are individually true and Statement II is the correct explanation of Statement I

Both the statements are individually true but Statement II is not the correct explanation of Statement I

Statement I is true but Statement II is false

Statement I is false but Statement II is true

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UPSC CAPF – 2014

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Both Statement I and Statement II are individually true, and Statement II is the correct explanation of Statement I. The Doldrums is indeed a low-pressure belt located around the Equator, known for calm or light winds, variable winds, and frequent convectional rainfall. This low pressure is a direct result of intense solar heating at the Equator, which causes the air to warm, become less dense, and rise. As the air rises, it diverges towards the poles at higher altitudes, creating the low-pressure area at the surface and leading to relatively calm horizontal surface winds.

The Doldrums (Intertropical Convergence Zone or ITCZ) is an equatorial low-pressure zone characterized by calm winds. The intense heat at the equator causes air to rise (convection), creating this low pressure and leading to the characteristic weather conditions.

The rising air in the Doldrums cools adiabatically, leading to condensation and heavy convectional rainfall. The zone shifts slightly north and south with the apparent movement of the sun. The calmness is due to the predominantly vertical movement of air rather than strong horizontal winds, posing a historical challenge for sailing ships.

29. Consider the following statements: Statement I: The cities of the s

Consider the following statements:

Statement I: The cities of the second urbanization in Indian history are mainly located in the Ganga valley
Statement II: Advanced iron technology, ensuring an agrarian surplus is instrumental to this process of urbanization

Both the statements are individually true and Statement II is the correct explanation of Statement I

Both the statements are individually true but Statement II is not the correct explanation of Statement I

Statement I is true but Statement II is false

Statement I is false but Statement II is true

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UPSC CAPF – 2014

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Both Statement I and Statement II are individually true, and Statement II is the correct explanation for Statement I. The second urbanization in India (around the 6th century BCE) saw the rise of major cities, primarily located in the middle Ganga valley. This development was closely linked to significant advancements in iron technology, which facilitated large-scale forest clearing and improved agricultural productivity, leading to an agrarian surplus.

The Second Urbanization (Mahajanapada period) was concentrated in the Ganga valley. Advanced iron technology enabled agrarian surplus, which supported the growth of non-agricultural populations and led to urbanization.

The iron tools like axes and ploughshares made it possible to cultivate the fertile but densely forested Ganga plain extensively. The resulting surplus production could feed a growing urban population not directly involved in agriculture, fostering trade, crafts, and administrative centres which developed into cities. Notable cities of this period include Pataliputra, Rajagriha, Vaishali, Shravasti, Kaushambi, and Varanasi.

30. Consider the following statements: Statement I: The rich sculptural

Consider the following statements:

Statement I: The rich sculptural tradition of Mathura is distinguished by its principal medium, the white spotted red sandstone
Statement II: The white spotted red sandstone is locally available in Mathura region

Both the statements are individually true and Statement II is the correct explanation of Statement I

Both the statements are individually true but Statement II is not the correct explanation of Statement I

Statement I is true but Statement II is false

Statement I is false but Statement II is true

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UPSC CAPF – 2014

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Both statements are individually true, and Statement II is the correct explanation of Statement I.

– Statement I is true. The Mathura school of art, which flourished from the 1st to the 3rd centuries CE, is well known for its sculptures, primarily made from a distinctive red sandstone, often found with white spots. This material is a defining characteristic of the Mathura style.
– Statement II is true. The red sandstone used by the Mathura sculptors was readily available from quarries in the region surrounding Mathura, such as those at Sikri and Rupbas.
– Statement II directly explains why Statement I is true. The rich sculptural tradition of Mathura utilized white spotted red sandstone because this material was easily accessible locally. The availability of the raw material in the region directly influenced the characteristic medium of the sculptures produced there.

– The Mathura school developed independently of the Gandhara school, although there was interaction between the two. While Gandhara art used grey schist or stucco, Mathura art used local red sandstone.
– The Mathura school produced sculptures of various deities, including Buddha, Bodhisattvas, Jina Tirthankaras, and Hindu deities like Vishnu and Shiva, as well as Yakshas and Yakshinis.