UPSC CAPF Archives

21. Why does the Earth assume the shape of an oblate ellipsoid?

Why does the Earth assume the shape of an oblate ellipsoid?

[amp_mcq option1=”The Earth’s rotation causes the Earth to bulge slightly at the equator and flatten at the poles” option2=”The Earth’s rotation causes the Earth to bulge slightly at the poles and flatten at the equator” option3=”The Earth’s revolution causes the Earth to bulge slightly at the equator and flatten at the poles” option4=”The Earth’s revolution causes the Earth to bulge slightly at the poles and flatten at the equator” correct=”option1″]

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The Earth is not a perfect sphere but takes the shape of an oblate ellipsoid (or oblate spheroid), which means it is slightly flattened at the poles and bulges at the equator. This shape is a result of the Earth’s rotation. The centrifugal force generated by rotation is greatest at the equator because the linear velocity is highest there. This outward force counteracts gravity more effectively at the equator, causing the material there to bulge outwards, while the poles, experiencing minimal centrifugal force, are slightly flattened.

The Earth’s oblate ellipsoid shape (bulging at the equator, flattened at the poles) is primarily caused by the centrifugal force resulting from its rotation.

The difference between the equatorial diameter and the polar diameter is about 43 kilometers (approximately 12,756 km vs 12,714 km). This difference is relatively small compared to the overall size of the Earth, but it is significant enough for accurate measurements and understanding of Earth’s gravity field.

22. What do you call the total system of parallels and meridians that form

What do you call the total system of parallels and meridians that form a network of intersecting lines?

[amp_mcq option1=”Geographic pattern” option2=”Geographic arrangement” option3=”Geographic grid” option4=”Geographic polygon” correct=”option3″]

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The total system formed by the intersecting network of parallels of latitude and meridians of longitude on a map or globe is called a geographic grid. This grid allows for the precise location of any point on the Earth’s surface using geographic coordinates (latitude and longitude).

The network formed by parallels (lines of latitude) and meridians (lines of longitude) is known as the geographic grid.

Parallels run east-west and measure distance north or south of the equator (latitude). Meridians run north-south from pole to pole and measure distance east or west of the Prime Meridian (longitude).

23. Hurricanes rarely form or move within 5 degrees of the equator,

Hurricanes rarely form or move within 5 degrees of the equator, because

[amp_mcq option1=”Coriolis effect is weakest here” option2=”Coriolis effect is strongest here” option3=”it has low pressure” option4=”it has high temperature” correct=”option1″]

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Hurricanes (tropical cyclones) require the Coriolis effect to initiate and maintain their rotation. The Coriolis effect is an apparent force caused by the Earth’s rotation, which deflects moving objects (like air and water) to the right in the Northern Hemisphere and to the left in the Southern Hemisphere. This effect is zero at the equator and increases with latitude. For a tropical cyclone to form and rotate, the Coriolis effect must be strong enough to start the cyclonic circulation. Within 5 degrees of the equator, the Coriolis effect is too weak, preventing the necessary sustained rotation from developing, even if other conditions (warm water, unstable atmosphere, moisture) are present.

Tropical cyclones (hurricanes) require the Coriolis effect for rotation, and this effect is weakest near the equator (within approximately 5 degrees latitude).

Other conditions necessary for tropical cyclone formation include warm sea surface temperatures (typically above 26.5°C), sufficient atmospheric moisture, low vertical wind shear, and a pre-existing disturbance or low-pressure area. However, even if these conditions are met, the lack of sufficient Coriolis force near the equator inhibits formation.

24. The Moplah peasant struggles took place in

The Moplah peasant struggles took place in

[amp_mcq option1=”Darjeeling” option2=”Andamans” option3=”Malabar” option4=”Chota Nagpur” correct=”option3″]

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The Moplah peasant struggles, most notably the Moplah Rebellion of 1921, took place in the Malabar region of Kerala. The Moplahs are a Muslim community residing primarily along the Malabar coast. The struggles were a complex mix of agrarian discontent, religious identity, and anti-colonial sentiment.

The Moplah Rebellion of 1921 is a significant historical event located in the Malabar region of Kerala.

The rebellion was initially linked to the Khilafat movement and the Non-Cooperation movement but quickly took on characteristics of a peasant revolt against landlords (mostly Hindu Jenmis) and the British colonial administration.

25. Consider the following statement : “India would be far more reliable a

Consider the following statement :
“India would be far more reliable as a base for operations. Moreover the prospect of a settlement will be greatly enhanced by the disappearance of Gandhi, who had for years torpedoed every attempt at a settlement.”

The above statement was made by the British in the context of

[amp_mcq option1=”Kheda Satyagraha” option2=”Civil Disobedience Movement” option3=”Quit India Movement” option4=”Non-Cooperation Movement” correct=”option3″]

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The statement reflects a British perspective during a critical phase when Gandhi was actively opposing their policies and his removal was seen as beneficial for their strategic interests, particularly in the context of war. The Quit India Movement (1942) was launched during World War II, demanding the immediate end of British rule. The British government was heavily reliant on Indian resources and manpower for the war effort. Gandhi’s call for ‘Quit India’ and ‘Do or Die’ was a direct challenge that could jeopardize their war operations. The British responded by arresting Gandhi and other leaders, effectively making them ‘disappear’ from the public scene, hoping this would enhance the reliability of India as a base for operations and facilitate a ‘settlement’ (perhaps implying securing Indian cooperation or suppressing the movement). The other movements listed occurred earlier when the context of a World War and the specific phraseology about “reliability as a base for operations” and “settlement” linked to war efforts were not as prominent.

The quote points to a situation where Gandhi was seen as a major obstacle to British operations and settlements, likely in the context of securing Indian support during a war, which strongly aligns with the circumstances surrounding the Quit India Movement during World War II.

The Quit India movement led to the arrest of almost all major Indian National Congress leaders. Despite the lack of leadership, the movement saw spontaneous protests and widespread unrest across India. The British used severe force to suppress the movement.

26. The famous terra-cotta images of rivers Ganga and Yamuna from the Gupt

The famous terra-cotta images of rivers Ganga and Yamuna from the Gupta period have been found at

[amp_mcq option1=”Ahichchhatra” option2=”Kaushambi” option3=”Rajghat” option4=”Bhitargaon” correct=”option1″]

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The famous terra-cotta images of the river goddesses Ganga and Yamuna from the Gupta period have been excavated at Ahichchhatra (located in present-day Uttar Pradesh). Ahichchhatra was an important ancient city and a significant archaeological site, yielding numerous artifacts and structures from different periods, including the Gupta era. These terra-cotta panels are notable examples of Gupta art.

Ahichchhatra is a well-known archaeological site associated with Gupta period art and architecture, including specific terra-cotta representations of deities.

Images of Ganga and Yamuna as river goddesses became popular iconographic elements in temple entrances during the Gupta period, symbolizing purification and auspiciousness. Ahichchhatra was the capital of the ancient Panchala kingdom.

27. Statement I : The economy of India in the 19th century came to a state

Statement I :
The economy of India in the 19th century came to a state of ruin under the English East India Company.
Statement II :
The English East India Company’s acquisition of Diwani right led to the miseries of the peasants and those associated with the traditional handicrafts industry of India.

[amp_mcq option1=”Both the statements are individually true and Statement II is the correct explanation of Statement I” option2=”Both the statements are individually true but Statement II is not the correct explanation of Statement I” option3=”Statement I is true but Statement II is false” option4=”Statement I is false but Statement II is true” correct=”option1″]

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Both Statement I and Statement II are individually true, and Statement II is the correct explanation of Statement I. Statement I is true because the economic policies of the English East India Company, particularly in the 19th century, systematically exploited India’s resources and labour for the benefit of Britain, leading to de-industrialization, drain of wealth, and widespread poverty, thus ruining the Indian economy. Statement II provides a key mechanism through which this ruin occurred. The acquisition of Diwani rights in Bengal (1765) gave the EIC control over revenue collection. This led to excessive revenue demands on peasants, impoverishing them. Simultaneously, the EIC’s trade policies, designed to promote British manufactured goods and suppress Indian textiles and handicrafts, devastated traditional Indian industries, leading to unemployment and misery for artisans. Thus, the miseries caused by the Diwani right directly contributed to the overall ruin of the Indian economy described in Statement I.

The English East India Company’s policies, especially after gaining Diwani rights, led to the exploitation of India’s resources and traditional industries, contributing significantly to the decline of the Indian economy in the 19th century.

The period following the acquisition of Diwani is often referred to as the ‘Plassey Plunder’ period, highlighting the intense economic exploitation. The ‘Drain of Wealth’ theory, later popularized by Dadabhai Naoroji, articulated how India’s resources and wealth were systematically transferred to Britain under colonial rule, a process heavily influenced by the EIC’s control over revenue and trade.

28. Directions : The following two (2) items consist of two statements, St

Directions :
The following two (2) items consist of two statements, Statement I and Statement II. You are to examine these two statements carefully and select the answers to these items using the code given below :

Code :

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

Statement I :
In India, tribal movements of 19th century resulted out of the process of land displacements and the introduction of forest laws.
Statement II :
The Indian freedom movement resolved the problems faced by the tribals.

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Statement I is true, but Statement II is false. Tribal movements in the 19th century were indeed largely a response to the colonial state’s policies involving land alienation, displacement due to expansion of agriculture, mining, and infrastructure, and the imposition of restrictive forest laws that disrupted their traditional way of life and access to resources. Statement II is false because while some nationalist leaders did express sympathy for tribal issues, the main focus of the Indian freedom movement was achieving independence from British rule, and it did not comprehensively resolve the complex problems faced by tribal communities. These issues, such as land rights, forest access, and integration, continued to be challenges even after independence.

Colonial land and forest policies were major catalysts for 19th-century tribal movements. The Indian freedom movement did not resolve the fundamental issues faced by tribal populations.

Examples of significant 19th-century tribal movements include the Santhal Hul (Rebellion) of 1855-56, the Munda Rebellion (Ulgulan) led by Birsa Munda in the late 19th century, and numerous others across different regions of India. Issues of land alienation and forest rights remain relevant concerns for tribal communities in India today.

29. Consider the following statements about Rig Veda : 1. It reflects a

Consider the following statements about Rig Veda :

1. It reflects a naturalistic polytheism-a belief in many Gods who personified natural phenomenon.
2. The Gods were conceived of as anthropomorphic, i.e., as having a physical form similar to that of humans.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

[amp_mcq option1=”1 only” option2=”2 only” option3=”Both 1 and 2″ option4=”Neither 1 nor 2″ correct=”option3″]

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Statements 1 and 2 are both correct. The Rig Veda depicts a naturalistic polytheism where deities represent natural forces (like Indra for thunder, Agni for fire, Surya for sun), and these deities are often described with anthropomorphic characteristics, having human-like forms, emotions, and interactions.

Rig Vedic religion was characterized by the worship of multiple gods personifying natural phenomena, and these gods were often attributed human-like forms and qualities.

Some of the major deities in the Rig Veda include Indra, Agni, Surya, Vayu, Varuna, Mitra, Ushas, etc. The hymns are primarily prayers, praises, and invocations to these gods, seeking their favour and protection.

30. Which one among the following salts causes hardness to the water?

Which one among the following salts causes hardness to the water?

[amp_mcq option1=”Calcium bicarbonate” option2=”Calcium carbonate” option3=”Sodium sulphate” option4=”Potassium chloride” correct=”option1″]

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Water hardness is caused by dissolved multivalent cations, primarily calcium (Ca²⁺) and magnesium (Mg²⁺) ions. These ions are usually present in water as salts like bicarbonates, sulfates, or chlorides.

Calcium bicarbonate (Ca(HCO3)₂) is a common salt found dissolved in water that causes temporary hardness. When heated, calcium bicarbonate decomposes to form calcium carbonate, which precipitates out, reducing the hardness. Calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) itself is largely insoluble in water under normal conditions and does not dissolve significantly to cause hardness.

Sodium salts (like sodium sulphate) and potassium salts (like potassium chloride) do not cause water hardness, as sodium (Na⁺) and potassium (K⁺) are monovalent ions. The term “hardness” specifically refers to the presence of divalent or trivalent metallic cations.