2011 Archives

1. The US military forces are exiting Afghanistan in 2012. In this situat

The US military forces are exiting Afghanistan in 2012. In this situation, which among the following is/are the most feasible options for India to ensure that there is no take-over of the Afghan government by the Taliban and the country remains stable?

1. India should send in its military to Afghanistan.
2. India and Pakistan should sign a joint framework of cooperation to monitor the Taliban in Afghanistan.
3. India should continue to build roads and schools in Afghanistan.
4. India should train the Afghan armed forces.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

4 only

1, 2 and 3

2 and 4

3 and 4

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CAPF – 2011

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The most feasible options for India to contribute to stability in Afghanistan and prevent a complete Taliban takeover after the US military exit in 2012 were to continue its development assistance and capacity building efforts.

Sending military forces (Option 1) is highly unlikely and politically fraught for India in Afghanistan. A joint framework with Pakistan (Option 2) is also improbable given the historical complexities of India-Pakistan relations and Pakistan’s differing strategic interests and historical ties to the Taliban. Continuing development aid like building infrastructure (Option 3) is a key part of India’s soft power strategy in Afghanistan, fostering goodwill and contributing to stability. Training Afghan armed forces (Option 4) is a direct way to enhance the Afghan government’s ability to provide security and resist militant groups.

India has historically focused on humanitarian aid, infrastructure development, and capacity building in Afghanistan rather than military involvement. This approach aims to strengthen the Afghan state and its institutions. By 2012, India had already undertaken significant projects like building the Zaranj-Delaram highway, the Afghan Parliament building, and the Salma Dam (India-Afghanistan Friendship Dam), alongside training Afghan personnel in various fields, including security forces. These efforts were seen as consistent with India’s policy of supporting the Afghan government and people without direct military intervention.

2. There is an emerging dispute in the South China Sea with China aggress

There is an emerging dispute in the South China Sea with China aggressively laying claim to the entire area including the islands by threatening other Southeast Asian claimants with coercive power. Which among the following is/are the best conflict resolution mechanism(s) in this situation?

1. The US Pacific Command should militarily counter Chinese aggression.
2. The US should sign military pacts with other Southeast Asian nations against China.
3. The dispute should be resolved by utilizing the ASEAN 2002 Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea in a peaceful manner.
4. The UN Security Council should declare China’s aggressive posture as a threat to international peace and security and invoke UN Chapter VII.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

1 only

3 only

2 and 3

1 and 4

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CAPF – 2011

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Utilizing the ASEAN 2002 Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea in a peaceful manner (3) is the most appropriate conflict resolution mechanism among the given options, as it focuses on dialogue and established regional frameworks.

– The South China Sea dispute involves multiple claimants (China, Vietnam, Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei, Taiwan) and is a complex geopolitical issue.
– Military counter-actions (1) or forming military pacts (2) are escalatory measures that could worsen the conflict, not resolve it peacefully.
– Invoking UN Chapter VII (4) is impractical due to China’s veto power as a permanent member of the UNSC and is usually reserved for situations of significant threats to international peace that warrant potential enforcement action.
– The ASEAN Declaration on the Conduct of Parties (DOC) is a politically binding document signed by ASEAN members and China aimed at promoting trust, managing disputes, and working towards a Code of Conduct (COC) in the South China Sea. While its implementation has faced challenges, it represents the agreed regional framework for peaceful engagement and dispute resolution.

Diplomacy, negotiation, adherence to international law (like UNCLOS), and utilization of regional frameworks like the DOC and the ongoing COC negotiations are considered the primary avenues for peacefully resolving the South China Sea dispute. Option 3 focuses on leveraging this established diplomatic pathway.

3. Which of the following statements is true with regard to the J-10 figh

Which of the following statements is true with regard to the J-10 fighter aircraft ?

It is a Russian multi-role single engine version of the Su-30MK1 fighter aircraft

It is an Israeli multi-role fifth generation fighter aircraft

It is a multi-role single engine next generation Chinese fighter aircraft

It is a Pakistani indigenous multi-role fighter aircraft

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CAPF – 2011

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The J-10 fighter aircraft is a multi-role, single-engine, next-generation Chinese fighter aircraft.

– The Chengdu J-10 is a lightweight multirole fighter aircraft developed by the Chengdu Aircraft Corporation (CAC) for the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF).
– It is a single-engine aircraft designed for both air-to-air combat and ground attack missions.
– While often classified as a 4th or 4.5 generation fighter, it incorporates modern features leading to it being described as “next generation” in the context of options provided.

The J-10 entered service with the PLAAF in the early 2000s. Pakistan is an export customer for the J-10, but it is primarily developed and manufactured in China.

4. Which of the following statements is true with regard to the ‘Malabar

Which of the following statements is true with regard to the ‘Malabar 07-2’ military exercise ?

It was a five nation naval exercise held in the Bay of Bengal between India, the US, Australia, Japan and Singapore

It was an anti-piracy operation conducted by the Indian Navy in the Indian Ocean

It was a joint military exercise between India, Indonesia and Philippines

It was a joint India-China naval exercise in the Malacca Straits against piracy

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CAPF – 2011

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Statement A accurately describes the ‘Malabar 07-2’ military exercise. It was a large-scale naval exercise conducted in the Bay of Bengal in September 2007 involving five nations: India, the United States, Japan, Australia, and Singapore.

– The Malabar exercise series traditionally involves India and the United States.
– In 2007, it was expanded to include navies from Japan, Australia, and Singapore, making it a significant multinational exercise.
– The exercise focused on enhancing interoperability and maritime security cooperation among the participating nations.

The expansion of Malabar in 2007 was viewed as a strategic move by participating nations to deepen maritime cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region, particularly concerning the rise of China. The exercise generated significant geopolitical attention at the time.

5. There is a growing internal financial crisis in the US with the possib

There is a growing internal financial crisis in the US with the possibility that there will be de-valuation of the dollar. Which amongst the following countries is/are most affected?

India

China

European Union

Japan

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CAPF – 2011

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China is most likely to be significantly affected by a growing internal financial crisis in the US with the possibility of dollar devaluation.

– China holds a very large amount of US dollar-denominated assets, particularly US Treasury securities, as part of its foreign exchange reserves. A devaluation of the dollar would directly reduce the value of these holdings when measured in other currencies.
– China is a major trading partner of the US. A weaker dollar makes Chinese exports to the US more expensive for American buyers and US exports to China cheaper for Chinese buyers, potentially negatively impacting China’s export-oriented economy.
– Other countries like Japan and the EU are also major holders of dollar assets and significant trading partners, but China’s scale of dollar holdings and trade dependency on the US market often makes it the most vulnerable to significant US dollar fluctuations.

The interconnectedness of the global economy means that a major financial crisis in one large economy like the US has ripple effects worldwide. Countries with strong trade links and large holdings of the affected currency are particularly exposed.

6. The UN Security Council mandates military intervention in Libya by NAT

The UN Security Council mandates military intervention in Libya by NATO forces in March 2011 in order to prevent Muhammad Gaddafi from engaging in human rights violations against civilians. Which among the following statements is/are correct with regard to India’s response to the crisis?

1. India supports UNSC Resolution 1973 imposing “no fly zone” in Libya.
2. India joins in the military intervention in Libya.
3. India sends clandestine support to the rebel forces in Libya.
4. India abstains from voting for UNSC Resolution 1973 on Libya.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

1 and 2

4 only

3 only

3 and 4

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CAPF – 2011

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The correct statement regarding India’s response to the Libya crisis in 2011 is that India abstained from voting for UNSC Resolution 1973. This corresponds to statement 4.

– India was a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council in 2011 when Resolution 1973 was debated and passed.
– While India condemned the violence against civilians by the Gaddafi regime, it had reservations about the broad mandate given in the resolution (“all necessary measures”) and the potential for unintended consequences or external interference in the internal affairs of a state.
– Consequently, India, along with China, Russia, Germany, and Brazil, abstained from the vote, allowing the resolution to pass (as no permanent member cast a veto).
– India did not support the resolution fully (1), did not participate in the military intervention (2), and did not provide clandestine support to rebel forces (3).

India’s stance reflected its long-standing principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of states and caution regarding military intervention authorized by the UN, even under the principle of Responsibility to Protect (R2P).

7. There is a growing tension on the India-China border in the eastern se

There is a growing tension on the India-China border in the eastern sector with media reports of incursions by the Chinese military into the Indian side of the Line of Actual Control (LAC). In this context, which of the following Indian response(s) is/are the most likely?

1. India lodges a diplomatic protest with the Chinese embassy.
2. India utilizes the framework of the India-China border talks and the “special representatives” forum to address these issues.
3. India strengthens troop presence in the border.
4. India lodges a complaint against China at the UN.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

1 and 2

4 only

2 and 3

3 only

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CAPF – 2011

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The most likely responses by India in case of Chinese incursions and growing tension along the LAC are to strengthen troop presence in the border area and utilize existing diplomatic and border dialogue mechanisms. This aligns with options 2 and 3.

– Strengthening troop presence (3) is a standard and necessary military response to deter further incursions and protect territorial integrity.
– India and China have established frameworks, such as the Special Representatives (SR) talks and various border mechanisms (Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on India-China Border Affairs – WMCC), to discuss and resolve border issues peacefully (2).
– Lodging a diplomatic protest (1) is also a very likely initial step, often accompanying or preceding other actions.
– Lodging a complaint against China at the UN (4) is highly unlikely for a bilateral border dispute between two large nations with established bilateral mechanisms; it would be seen as an escalation and is impractical given China’s veto power in the Security Council.

India’s approach to the border dispute with China typically involves a combination of diplomatic engagement, dialogue through established mechanisms, and maintaining a strong defensive posture along the border. While diplomatic protests are frequent, the use of formal dialogue channels (2) and military preparedness (3) are core components of the strategy for managing and attempting to resolve the dispute.

8. The Indian military occupies a border village believed to be harbourin

The Indian military occupies a border village believed to be harbouring insurgents and asked the residents to vacate their houses in a night operation. Which one among the following statements is the correct interpretation of this incident?

India is a democracy and no citizen can be asked to leave their home without a warrant. Hence, this act constitutes a human rights violation.

The military operation does not constitute a human rights violation as it is operating in an insurgency infested area.

Under the Indian Constitution, every individual is entitled to basic fundamental rights and hence the military cannot ask anyone to leave their house on mere suspicion of supporting insurgents. Hence, this act by the military constitutes a human rights violation.

Just mere suspicion of supporting insurgency cannot be used as a pretext to occupy a village. Hence, the military action constitutes a human rights violation.

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CAPF – 2011

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The correct interpretation is C. Forcing residents to vacate their homes on mere suspicion of supporting insurgents without due process infringes upon their fundamental rights guaranteed under the Indian Constitution and can be considered a human rights violation.

– The Indian Constitution guarantees fundamental rights, including the right to life and personal liberty (Article 21) and protections against arbitrary action.
– Asking citizens to vacate their homes, even in insurgency areas, based on mere suspicion and without proper legal procedure or compensation, is a significant restriction on their rights.
– While security forces operate under difficult conditions in insurgency areas and may have specific legal powers (like under AFSPA, if applicable), these powers are still subject to judicial review and are expected to be exercised reasonably and with minimum infringement on fundamental rights.
– Violations of fundamental rights by state actors, including the military, constitute human rights violations.

Human rights principles require that any restriction on rights must be necessary, proportionate, and in accordance with the law. Actions based on “mere suspicion” often fail these tests, especially when they involve displacing people from their homes. The judiciary in India has often intervened to protect citizens’ rights against excesses by security forces, emphasizing the importance of accountability and due process even in disturbed areas.

9. Consider the following events in the history of Indian freedom struggl

Consider the following events in the history of Indian freedom struggle:
1. Champaran Satyagraha
2. Bardoli Satyagraha
3. Ahmedabad Mill Workers Strike
4. Chauri-Chaura Incident
Which one of the following is a correct chronological sequence of the above events starting from the earliest?

1-3-2-4

1-2-4-3

1-3-4-2

3-1-2-4

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CAPF – 2011

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The correct chronological sequence of the given events is Champaran Satyagraha (1917), Ahmedabad Mill Workers Strike (1918), Chauri-Chaura Incident (1922), and Bardoli Satyagraha (1928). Thus, the sequence is 1-3-4-2.

– Champaran Satyagraha was Gandhi’s first Satyagraha movement in India, initiated in 1917 against the oppressive indigo plantation system.
– Ahmedabad Mill Workers Strike took place in March 1918, where Gandhi used fast-unto-death for the first time in India to support the workers’ demand for increased wages.
– The Chauri-Chaura Incident occurred on February 4, 1922, where a violent clash led to the death of policemen, prompting Gandhi to suspend the Non-Cooperation Movement.
– The Bardoli Satyagraha was a peasant movement led by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel in 1928 against the arbitrary increase in land revenue.

These events represent significant milestones in the Indian freedom struggle, demonstrating different forms of resistance and the evolving leadership of figures like Gandhi and Patel.

10. Who among the following ministers, in the eight-member council (Ashtap

Who among the following ministers, in the eight-member council (Ashtapradhan) of Shivaji, held the charge of finance?

Peshwa

Amatya

Sumant

Pandit Rao

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CAPF – 2011

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The correct answer is B. In Shivaji’s Ashtapradhan council, the Amatya (also known as Majumdar) was responsible for finance and accounts.

– Shivaji’s Ashtapradhan was an eight-member council of ministers that assisted him in the administration of the Maratha kingdom.
– The roles were clearly defined: Peshwa (Prime Minister), Amatya (Finance Minister), Sachiv (Secretary), Mantri (Chronicler), Sumant (Foreign Minister), Senapati (Commander-in-Chief), Panditrao (Chief Priest), and Nyayadhyaksha (Chief Justice).

The Ashtapradhan council was not a cabinet in the modern sense, as the ministers were advisors to the King and their authority was derived from him. However, it provided a framework for efficient administration.