UPSC CAPF Archives

41. Which one among the following explains the meaning of the ‘Safety Valv

Which one among the following explains the meaning of the ‘Safety Valve Theory’ in the context of Indian National Movement ?

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A theory that argued that the Congress was formed as a safe outlet to the discontented educated Indians

A theory that argued that the Congress was formed as a safe outlet to the hostile attitude of the British towards the Indian people

A theory which believed that the British and the ex-rebels of 1857 should amicably resolve their differences against each other

An idea aimed at promoting goodwill among the Indian people

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Answer is Wrong!

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CAPF – 2014

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The ‘Safety Valve Theory’ is a historical interpretation of the formation of the Indian National Congress. This theory suggests that the Congress was founded by A.O. Hume, a retired British ICS officer, with the tacit approval of the then Viceroy, Lord Dufferin, to provide a safe, constitutional outlet for the growing discontent and nationalist feelings among educated Indians. The aim was to prevent a potential violent uprising, similar to the Mutiny of 1857, by allowing Indians to voice their grievances through an organized platform under British supervision. Option A accurately reflects this theory.

– Propounders: Often attributed to Lala Lajpat Rai (though he presented it as a critique) and later elaborated by historians like R. Palme Dutt.
– Core Idea: Congress was formed to channel nationalist aspirations peacefully, preventing a rebellion.
– Key figures: A.O. Hume, Lord Dufferin.

While the Safety Valve Theory was a prominent interpretation for a long time, many modern historians argue that the formation of Congress was more complex and involved genuine efforts by Indian nationalists to create an all-India political organization. They contend that while Hume might have had his own motives and the British initially viewed Congress favorably, the organization quickly developed into a platform for genuine nationalist struggle.

42. Which of the following statements related to Money Bills is not correc

Which of the following statements related to Money Bills is not correct ?

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It cannot be introduced in the Council of States

If any question arises whether the Bill is Money Bill or not, the decision of the Speaker is final

In case of deadlock over a Money Bill, the President can summon a joint sitting of the Parliament

A Money Bill cannot be introduced except on the recommendation of the President

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Answer is Wrong!

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UPSC CAPF – 2014

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Statement A is correct: A Money Bill can only be introduced in the Lok Sabha (Article 109(1)).
Statement B is correct: If any question arises whether a Bill is a Money Bill or not, the decision of the Speaker of the Lok Sabha is final (Article 110(3)).
Statement D is correct: A Money Bill cannot be introduced except on the recommendation of the President (Article 117(1)).
Statement C is incorrect: There is no provision for a joint sitting of Parliament in case of a deadlock over a Money Bill. The Rajya Sabha has limited powers regarding Money Bills; it can only suggest amendments and must return the bill within 14 days. If it does not return the bill within 14 days or if its recommended amendments are not accepted by the Lok Sabha, the Bill is deemed to have been passed by both Houses in the form it was passed by the Lok Sabha (Article 109). Therefore, a deadlock as understood for ordinary bills cannot occur with a Money Bill.

– Introduction: Only in Lok Sabha, on President’s recommendation.
– Speaker’s decision: Final on whether a bill is a Money Bill.
– Rajya Sabha powers: Restricted, can only suggest amendments, must return within 14 days.
– Joint Sitting: Not possible for Money Bills.

Article 110 of the Constitution defines a Money Bill. It contains only provisions dealing with matters listed in Article 110(1), such as the imposition or abolition of taxes, regulation of the borrowing of money by the government, the Consolidated Fund or the Contingency Fund of India, etc. The Rajya Sabha’s limited role in passing Money Bills is a reflection of the principle that the House directly elected by the people (Lok Sabha) has final authority over financial matters.

43. Recently Iran has clinched a deal with six world powers to curb nuclea

Recently Iran has clinched a deal with six world powers to curb nuclear activities. Which one among the following is not a party to it ?

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USA

France

Russia

Japan

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Answer is Wrong!

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CAPF – 2014

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Iran’s nuclear negotiations were primarily conducted with the P5+1 group, which consists of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council plus Germany. The P5 are China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Germany is the “+1”. This group was involved in the Joint Plan of Action (JPOA) in 2013 and the subsequent Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) in 2015. Japan is not a member of the P5+1 group and was not a direct party to these negotiations or the resulting agreements.

– Parties to the Iran nuclear deal (JPOA/JCPOA): Iran and the P5+1 group.
– P5+1 members: China, France, Russia, UK, USA + Germany.
– Role of Japan: Not a direct party to the negotiations.

The Joint Plan of Action (JPOA), an interim agreement, was signed in November 2013. It aimed to freeze key parts of Iran’s nuclear program in exchange for partial sanctions relief while a long-term agreement was negotiated. The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), the comprehensive agreement, was reached in July 2015.

44. Which one among the following was not a provision of the Regulating Ac

Which one among the following was not a provision of the Regulating Act of 1773 ?

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It introduced Parliamentary supervision over the East India Company

The Government of Bengal was vested in a Governor General and the Council of four members

It changed the power of vote in the Court of Proprietors by removing all restrictions on qualifications

The Governor General was vested with a casting vote

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Answer is Wrong!

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CAPF – 2014

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The Regulating Act of 1773 was the first step by the British Parliament to regulate the affairs of the East India Company in India, thereby introducing parliamentary supervision (A). It reorganized the administration in Bengal by appointing a Governor-General (Warren Hastings) and a Council of four members (B). The Act also granted the Governor-General a casting vote in case of a tie in the Council (D). However, concerning the Court of Proprietors (shareholders of the Company), the Act *raised* the voting qualification from £500 to £1000 shareholding, effectively *restricting* the franchise and reducing the number of eligible voters, rather than removing restrictions (C).

– Key provisions of Regulating Act 1773: Governor-General of Bengal with a Council, casting vote for Governor-General, establishment of Supreme Court in Calcutta, ban on private trade by company servants, raising voting qualification for Court of Proprietors.
– Aim: To control and regulate the affairs of the East India Company.

The Regulating Act was a response to the financial difficulties of the East India Company and the growing concerns in Britain about its misrule and corruption. While it attempted to bring some order and accountability, it had several drawbacks, such as the limited powers of the Governor-General and conflicts between the Supreme Court and the Council.

45. The issue whether a commitment made by a Minister on the floor of the

The issue whether a commitment made by a Minister on the floor of the House has been fulfilled or not is decided by the :

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Concerned Departmentally Related Committee

Business Advisory Committee

Committee on Public Assurances

Political Affairs Committee of the Union Cabinet

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Answer is Wrong!

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CAPF – 2014

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The Committee on Public Assurances (or Committee on Government Assurances) is a parliamentary committee constituted in both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha. Its specific function is to scrutinize the assurances, promises, undertakings, etc., given by Ministers in the Houses from time to time and to report on the extent to which such assurances have been implemented. They examine whether the government has fulfilled the commitments made on the floor of the House within a reasonable time frame.

– Function of the Committee on Public Assurances: Monitor the implementation of assurances/promises made by Ministers in Parliament.
– Composition: Members from the respective House (Lok Sabha or Rajya Sabha).
– Reporting: Reports to the House on the status of implementation.

Departmentally Related Standing Committees examine Bills, budgets, and policies related to specific ministries. The Business Advisory Committee allocates time for discussion of government business. The Political Affairs Committee is an informal high-level body within the Union Cabinet that deals with major policy issues. None of these are specifically tasked with following up on ministerial assurances made on the floor of the House; this is the dedicated role of the Committee on Public Assurances.

46. Recently a leading public sector bank of India has allowed withdrawal

Recently a leading public sector bank of India has allowed withdrawal of upto Rs. 1000 from any shop/trader with a point-of-sale (PoS) terminal. Identify the bank from below :

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Bank of Maharashtra

Punjab National Bank

State Bank of India

Bank of Baroda

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Answer is Wrong!

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CAPF – 2014

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In late 2013 and early 2014, State Bank of India (SBI) launched a pilot project allowing cash withdrawals of up to Rs 1000 at Point-of-Sale (PoS) terminals located at merchant outlets. This initiative aimed to extend basic banking services to areas with limited ATM penetration and promote the use of debit cards. While other banks might have explored similar options, SBI was a prominent public sector bank that initiated this specific service around that time.

– Initiative: Allowing cash withdrawal at PoS terminals in shops.
– Amount limit: Up to Rs 1000 (at the time).
– Bank involved: State Bank of India (SBI).
– Purpose: Enhance financial inclusion, increase card usage, provide cash access in underserved areas.

The service was often branded as ‘Cash@POS’. It was introduced by various banks and the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) to leverage the existing network of PoS terminals for providing cash, especially in semi-urban and rural areas where ATMs were scarce. RBI guidelines regulate such withdrawals.

47. Which one among the following is not true of the Theosophical Society

Which one among the following is not true of the Theosophical Society of Madam H P Blavatsky ?

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It was founded outside India

It advocated the revival of ancient religions

It recognized the doctrine of transmigration of soul

It was silent on the idea of Universal Brotherhood

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Answer is Wrong!

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CAPF – 2014

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The Theosophical Society was founded in New York City, USA, in 1875 by Helena Blavatsky and Henry Steel Olcott, so statement A is true. It aimed to synthesize Eastern and Western philosophy, religion, and science, and advocated the revival of ancient religions and wisdom traditions, particularly those from the East, so statement B is true. Theosophy incorporates concepts like reincarnation and karma, which are related to the transmigration of the soul, so statement C is true. One of the fundamental objectives of the Theosophical Society, as stated by its founders, was to form a nucleus of the Universal Brotherhood of Humanity, without distinction of race, creed, sex, caste, or color. Therefore, the statement that it was silent on the idea of Universal Brotherhood is false.

– Founding location and date: New York, USA, 1875.
– Key objectives: Universal Brotherhood, study of ancient religions/philosophies, investigation of unexplained laws of nature and psychic powers.
– Core beliefs: Reincarnation, Karma, cyclical nature of cosmos, underlying unity of all religions.

The Theosophical Society later shifted its headquarters to Adyar, Chennai, India, and played a role in the Indian renaissance and independence movement by promoting pride in Indian culture and thought, and through the association of figures like Annie Besant.

48. The rate at which the consumer is willing to substitute one good for a

The rate at which the consumer is willing to substitute one good for another without changing the level of satisfaction is known as :

Marginal rate of substitution

Marginal rate of technical substitution

Diminishing marginal utility

Equi-marginal utility

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UPSC CAPF – 2014

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The rate at which a consumer is willing to substitute one good for another while maintaining the same level of utility or satisfaction is known as the Marginal Rate of Substitution (MRS). Graphically, it is the absolute slope of an indifference curve at any point.

– Marginal Rate of Substitution (MRS): Rate at which a consumer gives up one good for another to maintain constant utility.
– Marginal Rate of Technical Substitution (MRTS): Rate at which a firm substitutes one input for another to maintain constant output.
– Diminishing Marginal Utility: The concept that the additional utility gained from consuming one more unit of a good decreases as consumption increases.
– Equi-marginal utility: Condition for consumer equilibrium where the ratio of marginal utility to price is equal for all goods.

MRS is a core concept in consumer theory, helping to understand how consumers make choices between different bundles of goods based on their preferences, represented by indifference curves. As a consumer moves down an indifference curve, consuming more of one good and less of another, the MRS typically diminishes, reflecting the consumer’s increasing reluctance to give up the good they have less of for the good they have more of.

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49. Which of the statements given below is/are correct ? 1. In India, th

Which of the statements given below is/are correct ?

1. In India, the provisions of General Anti-Avoidance Rule (GAAR) will be implemented with effect from 1 April 2015
2. The provisions of GAAR were aimed at checking tax avoidance by overseas investors

Select the correct answer using the code given below :

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1 only

2 only

Both 1 and 2

Neither 1 nor 2

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Answer is Wrong!

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CAPF – 2014

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Statement 1 is incorrect. The General Anti-Avoidance Rule (GAAR) was introduced in the Finance Act, 2012, with an initial proposed date of implementation from 1 April 2014. However, its implementation was postponed based on recommendations from the Shome Committee. The Finance Act, 2015, deferred the implementation of GAAR to 1 April 2017. Therefore, it was not implemented with effect from 1 April 2015.
Statement 2 is correct. While GAAR is applicable to all taxpayers (both residents and non-residents) engaging in tax avoidance arrangements, a significant part of the concern it aimed to address was tax avoidance by overseas investors structuring their investments or transactions in India to exploit tax treaties or other loopholes. Thus, checking tax avoidance by overseas investors was indeed one of the aims of the GAAR provisions.

– GAAR implementation date: 1 April 2017.
– GAAR’s purpose: Counter aggressive tax planning and arrangements whose main purpose is to obtain a tax benefit.
– GAAR applies to: Any taxpayer (resident or non-resident).

GAAR empowers tax authorities to deny tax benefits arising from arrangements considered impermissible avoidance arrangements. An arrangement is considered impermissible if its main purpose is to obtain a tax benefit and it lacks commercial substance, creates rights/obligations not ordinarily created, or involves transactions that are not at arm’s length. Concerns were raised by foreign investors about the potential for discretionary application of GAAR, which led to the deferral of its implementation.

50. Which one among the following is not true of the Brahmo Samaj ?

Which one among the following is not true of the Brahmo Samaj ?

It considered Vedic scriptures as infallible

It opposed idolatry

It emphasized the worship of one God

It emphasized the worship of God without the mediation of priests

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Answer is Wrong!

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CAPF – 2014

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The Brahmo Samaj, founded by Raja Ram Mohan Roy and further developed by figures like Debendranath Tagore and Keshub Chandra Sen, was a reformist movement that rejected the infallibility of scriptures, including the Vedas. While drawing inspiration from various religious texts, including the Upanishads, they emphasized reason, conscience, and intuition over blind faith in scriptural authority. Statements B, C, and D are true of the Brahmo Samaj: it strongly opposed idolatry, advocated for the worship of a single, formless God (monotheism), and rejected the need for priestly mediation in worship, emphasizing direct communion with God.

Brahmo Samaj was a monotheistic reform movement.
It opposed idolatry and the caste system.
It rejected priestly mediation in worship.
It did not consider any scripture, including the Vedas, as infallible.

The Brahmo Samaj played a significant role in the Bengal Renaissance and social reform movements in India. It sought to synthesize the core tenets of various religions while advocating for social justice, women’s rights, and rationalism. The rejection of scriptural infallibility was a key departure from orthodox Hindu traditions.

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