41. Mariupol city, frequently mentioned in news in the context of Russia-U

Mariupol city, frequently mentioned in news in the context of Russia-Ukraine conflict, is situated on the coast of

Aral Sea
Baltic Sea
Caspian Sea
Sea of Azov
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CAPF – 2022
Mariupol is a port city in Ukraine located on the northern coast of the Sea of Azov, at the mouth of the Kalmius and Kalchyk rivers. Its strategic location made it a key target during the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Geographical locations of cities and regions frequently mentioned in major international conflicts are important for current affairs. The Sea of Azov is an inland sea of the Black Sea basin, connected to the Black Sea by the Strait of Kerch.
Mariupol is one of the ten largest cities in Ukraine and was a major industrial and economic centre. Its capture by Russian forces in 2022 was a significant development in the conflict, giving Russia control over a crucial land bridge connecting Crimea to mainland Russia.

42. ‘The Kh-47M2 Kinzhal’, a nuclear-capable hypersonic missile, belongs t

‘The Kh-47M2 Kinzhal’, a nuclear-capable hypersonic missile, belongs to which one of the following countries?

China
France
Russia
USA
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CAPF – 2022
The Kh-47M2 Kinzhal is a Russian air-launched hypersonic aero-ballistic missile. It has been frequently mentioned in news related to Russia’s military capabilities and its conflict with Ukraine.
The Kinzhal is part of Russia’s suite of advanced weapons systems. Hypersonic missiles are a category of weapons capable of traveling at speeds exceeding Mach 5 (five times the speed of sound) and are difficult to intercept with current missile defence systems.
Russia is one of the leading countries developing and deploying hypersonic weapons. Other countries, including China and the USA, are also actively pursuing their own hypersonic missile programs. The Kinzhal is designed to be launched from aircraft like the MiG-31K or Tu-22M3.

43. Which one of the following aerospace companies designed and manufactur

Which one of the following aerospace companies designed and manufactured ‘Falcon 9’, a reusable rocket?

Blue Origin
Boeing
Lockheed Martin
SpaceX
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CAPF – 2022
‘Falcon 9’ is a reusable, two-stage-to-orbit medium-lift launch vehicle designed and manufactured by SpaceX.
SpaceX is a prominent American aerospace manufacturer and space transportation services company founded by Elon Musk. It is known for developing reusable rocket technology, including the Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy launch vehicles, and the Starship spacecraft.
Blue Origin is another American aerospace company founded by Jeff Bezos, also working on reusable rocket technology (like the New Shepard and New Glenn). Boeing and Lockheed Martin are major aerospace and defence companies involved in various space programs, including the United Launch Alliance (ULA) joint venture, but Falcon 9 is specifically a SpaceX product.

44. Consider the following statements: 1. Mirage 2000 is a twin-engine f

Consider the following statements:

  • 1. Mirage 2000 is a twin-engine fighter jet.
  • 2. HAL Tejas is a delta-winged fighter jet.
  • 3. Rafale is a hypersonic fighter jet.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1 and 2
2 only
1 and 3
3 only
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CAPF – 2022
Statement 1 is incorrect because the Dassault Mirage 2000 is a single-engine jet fighter aircraft. Statement 2 is correct as the HAL Tejas is an Indian single-engine, delta-wing light multirole fighter aircraft. Statement 3 is incorrect as the Dassault Rafale is a twin-engine, canard delta-wing, multirole fighter aircraft capable of supersonic speeds (typically around Mach 1.8), but it is not a hypersonic fighter jet (which travels at speeds of Mach 5 or greater).
Understanding the basic characteristics of prominent military aircraft, such as the number of engines, wing configuration (like delta wing), and speed category (supersonic, hypersonic), is important for current affairs and defence-related topics.
The HAL Tejas is indigenously developed by India. The Mirage 2000 is of French origin and is part of the Indian Air Force fleet. The Rafale is also a French aircraft recently inducted into the Indian Air Force. Hypersonic aircraft and missiles are a developing area of technology, distinct from current supersonic fighter jets.

45. Which of the following statements about ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’ p

Which of the following statements about ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’ programme is/are correct?

  • 1. It was announced in the year 2014.
  • 2. Its aim is to create an environment which promotes learning between the States by sharing best practices and experiences.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

1 only
2 only
Both 1 and 2
Neither 1 nor 2
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CAPF – 2022
Statement 1 is incorrect as the ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’ programme was announced in the year 2015. Statement 2 is correct as the programme’s aim is indeed to foster understanding and bonding between different states and Union Territories of India, promoting learning by sharing best practices and experiences.
The ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’ programme is an initiative by the Government of India to promote the spirit of national integration through a deep and structured engagement between all states and Union Territories. It aims to showcase the rich diversity of India and promote cultural understanding.
The programme was announced by the Prime Minister on 31st October 2015 on the occasion of the 140th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. Under this program, states are paired with each other, and they undertake activities to promote the culture, arts, cuisine, sports, and languages of the paired state.

46. Consider the following statements: 1. The early Malwa school of pain

Consider the following statements:

  • 1. The early Malwa school of paintings was influenced by Shirazi school while the early Mughal paintings initially followed Bihzad school.
  • 2. The major exponents of Bihzad school in India were Sayyid Ali and Abdus Samad.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1 only
2 only
Both 1 and 2
Neither 1 nor 2
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CAPF – 2022
Statement 1 is incorrect. Early Malwa school of paintings was primarily influenced by the indigenous Rajasthani style, developing from earlier traditions like the Chaurapanchasika style. It was not primarily influenced by the Shirazi school. Early Mughal paintings, however, were significantly influenced by the Persian style, particularly the Safavid school, which had masters like Bihzad. Statement 2 is correct. Mir Sayyid Ali and Abdus Samad were prominent Persian painters brought to India by Humayun. They were trained in the Persian style (associated with masters like Bihzad) and were instrumental in laying the foundation for the Mughal school of painting, working on early projects like the Hamzanama. Thus, they can be considered major exponents of the Bihzad school’s influence in India.
– Malwa painting is a part of the Rajasthani school, distinct from Persian influences.
– Early Mughal painting resulted from the fusion of Persian (Safavid, associated with Bihzad) and indigenous Indian styles.
– Mir Sayyid Ali and Abdus Samad were key figures in introducing the Persian style to the Mughal court.
The Malwa style developed its own characteristics from the mid-17th century onwards, known for its bold colours and simple compositions. The early Mughal school, under Akbar, flourished under the guidance of Persian masters like Sayyid Ali and Abdus Samad, who supervised large workshops producing illustrated manuscripts and albums.

47. Which one of the following is not a feature of Indian federalism?

Which one of the following is not a feature of Indian federalism?

Courts can interpret the Constitution and powers of different levels of the Government.
Sources of revenue for the Union Government and the State Governments are specified.
Powers of the Union and the States are specified in the Constitution.
Indian federalism is based on the principle of Separation of Powers.
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CAPF – 2022
Indian federalism is characterized by features like the division of powers between the Union and States (specified in the Constitution), specified sources of revenue, and the judiciary’s role in interpreting the Constitution and resolving disputes between different levels of government. The principle of Separation of Powers, while important for the functioning of the government, primarily deals with the division of powers *among* the legislature, executive, and judiciary *within* a level of government, not the division of powers *between* different levels (Union and States), which is the core of federalism.
Federalism involves the division of powers between a central government and regional governments. Key features include a written constitution, division of powers, supremacy of the constitution, independent judiciary, and dual government polity. Separation of powers is about checks and balances between governmental branches.
India has a quasi-federal structure with a strong center, but it retains essential features of federalism. Options A, B, and C are indeed characteristics of the Indian federal system. The division of powers is enshrined in the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution (Union List, State List, Concurrent List).

48. The ‘Stand-Up India Scheme’ is related to which one of the following i

The ‘Stand-Up India Scheme’ is related to which one of the following issues?

Social security during old age
Providing technical knowhow to young, educated or skilled workers from rural areas
Promoting entrepreneurship amongst women, SC and ST communities
Insurance cover to people in the age group of 18-50 years
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CAPF – 2022
The ‘Stand-Up India Scheme’ was launched by the Government of India on April 5, 2016. Its objective is to promote entrepreneurship among women, Scheduled Castes (SC), and Scheduled Tribes (ST) communities by facilitating bank loans for setting up a greenfield enterprise (first-time venture) in manufacturing, services, or the trading sector.
The scheme facilitates loans between ₹10 lakh and ₹1 Crore. Each bank branch is mandated to facilitate at least one SC or ST borrower and at least one woman borrower to set up a greenfield enterprise.
Other schemes address the issues mentioned in the other options. For example, schemes like the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) relate to social security, and the Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY) provides insurance cover.

49. ‘Operation Flood’ is also popularly known as

‘Operation Flood’ is also popularly known as

the Green Revolution
the White Revolution
the Blue Revolution
the Yellow Revolution
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CAPF – 2022
‘Operation Flood’ is the program launched by India’s National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) in 1970 to create a nationwide milk grid. It transformed India from a milk-deficient nation into the world’s largest milk producer. It is popularly known as the White Revolution.
Operation Flood adopted a cooperative strategy, empowering farmers through village-level dairy cooperatives. Dr. Verghese Kurien is known as the architect of Operation Flood and the White Revolution in India.
The Green Revolution is associated with increasing agricultural production (especially food grains like wheat and rice). The Blue Revolution relates to the increase in fish and aquatic products. The Yellow Revolution is associated with the increase in the production of oilseeds.

50. The landmark case of D. C. Wadhwa vs. State of Bihar in the Supreme Co

The landmark case of D. C. Wadhwa vs. State of Bihar in the Supreme Court is related to which one of the following powers of the Governor?

To promulgate ordinances
To appoint a Chief Minister
To grant pardon, etc.
To revise the emoluments and allowances of the MLAs
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CAPF – 2022
The landmark case of D. C. Wadhwa vs. State of Bihar (1987) dealt with the executive power of the Governor to promulgate ordinances. The Supreme Court held that the practice of repeatedly re-promulgating ordinances without getting them passed by the legislature was a fraud on the Constitution and a violation of the constitutional scheme.
The ordinance-making power (Article 123 for the President, Article 213 for the Governor) is an emergency power to be used when the legislature is not in session. It is not intended to be a substitute for the legislative process.
The D.C. Wadhwa case emphasized the limits and conditional nature of the ordinance-making power, asserting judicial review over the exercise of this power, particularly in cases of repetitive re-promulgation without legislative consideration.