101. The first large research reactor of India that uses U-233 as fuel is

The first large research reactor of India that uses U-233 as fuel is

ZERLINA
PURNIMA
DHRUVA
KAMINI
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CAPF – 2011
KAMINI (Kalpakkam Mini Reactor) is a research reactor located at the Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR), Kalpakkam. It is the first reactor in the world that uses Uranium-233 (U-233) as fuel. While its power output is low (30 kWt), making the term “large” somewhat inaccurate compared to reactors like DHRUVA (100 MWt), it is an operational research reactor specifically designed to study U-233 fuel, which is key to India’s thorium fuel cycle program. ZERLINA and PURNIMA-II also used U-233 but were zero or very low power experimental assemblies used for specific lattice studies rather than continuous research operation. DHRUVA is India’s largest research reactor but uses natural uranium.
KAMINI is the only operational reactor in India listed that uses U-233 fuel. It is specifically designed for research purposes related to the thorium fuel cycle.
India has pursued a three-stage nuclear power program aimed at utilizing its vast thorium reserves. The thorium cycle involves breeding U-233 from thorium. KAMINI plays a role in studying the characteristics of U-233 fuel. It achieved criticality in 1996.

102. Steam at 100°C is more effective in heating than water at the same tem

Steam at 100°C is more effective in heating than water at the same temperature because

steam is in the gaseous state and water is in the liquid state
steam has an additional heat known as 'latent heat of vaporization'
water has hydrogen bonds but steam does not
transfer of heat from steam is easier than water
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CAPF – 2011
The correct option is B. Steam at 100°C is more effective in heating than water at 100°C because steam possesses additional energy in the form of latent heat of vaporization. This is the energy absorbed by water to change its state from liquid to gas at its boiling point (100°C) without a change in temperature. When steam comes into contact with a cooler surface, it condenses back into water at 100°C, releasing this large amount of latent heat, which is then transferred to the surface being heated. Water at 100°C does not have this stored latent heat to release upon changing state.
The question asks why steam at the same temperature as water is a more efficient heating medium. The key concept is latent heat.
The latent heat of vaporization of water at 100°C is approximately 2260 kJ/kg (or 540 cal/g). This means that condensing 1 kg of steam at 100°C to water at 100°C releases 2260 kJ of heat, which is significantly more than the heat released by simply cooling 1 kg of water from 100°C. This large amount of heat released upon condensation makes steam very effective for heating applications like steam engines, industrial processes, and steam burns.

103. Which one among the following statements is correct ?

Which one among the following statements is correct ?

Melting of ice and burning of candle represent the same kind of chemical change
Melting of ice is a physical change and burning of candle is a chemical change
Melting of ice is a chemical change and burning of candle is a physical change
Melting of ice and burning of candle represent the same kind of physical change
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CAPF – 2011
The correct option is B. Melting of ice is a physical change because water changes its state from solid (ice) to liquid (water), but its chemical composition (H₂O) remains the same. Burning of a candle is a chemical change because the wax (a complex hydrocarbon) reacts with oxygen in the air to produce new substances like carbon dioxide, water vapor, soot, heat, and light.
The question differentiates between physical changes (alteration in form, not composition) and chemical changes (formation of new substances).
Other examples of physical changes include boiling, freezing, condensation, sublimation, breaking glass, and dissolving salt in water (where the salt can be recovered). Examples of chemical changes include rusting of iron, cooking food, digestion, photosynthesis, and explosion of fireworks.

104. Heavy water is so called because it

Heavy water is so called because it

contains a number of salts as in sea water
is the mercury contaminated water
is saline water used in hospitals
contains the heavier isotope of hydrogen in water
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CAPF – 2011
The correct option is D. Heavy water, chemically represented as D₂O, contains deuterium, which is an isotope of hydrogen. Unlike the common hydrogen atom (protium, ¹H) which has only a proton, deuterium (²H or D) has a proton and a neutron, making it approximately twice as heavy as protium. Therefore, water molecules formed with deuterium (heavy water) are heavier than those formed with protium (ordinary water, H₂O).
The question asks for the reason why heavy water is called “heavy”. It relates to its chemical composition and the presence of a heavier isotope of hydrogen.
Heavy water is primarily used as a neutron moderator in certain types of nuclear reactors (pressurized heavy water reactors – PHWRs) because deuterium has a lower neutron capture cross-section than protium, allowing for the use of unenriched uranium as fuel.

105. Which one among the following companies did India shortlist for purcha

Which one among the following companies did India shortlist for purchasing the Medium Multi Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) ?

US Lockheed Martin's F-16 Super Viper
Russian United Aircraft's MIG-35
France Dassault Rafale
US Boeing F/A 18 Super Hornet
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CAPF – 2011
The correct option is C. In the Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) tender, India initially shortlisted six aircraft. After rigorous technical evaluation and field trials, the Indian Air Force shortlisted two aircraft for commercial bids in 2011: the Eurofighter Typhoon and the Dassault Rafale. Among the options provided, only the France Dassault Rafale was part of this final technical shortlist.
The question refers to the specific MMRCA procurement process of the Indian Air Force and the aircraft that reached the advanced stages of selection.
Although the original MMRCA tender was eventually withdrawn in 2015, India later signed a direct deal with France in 2016 for the purchase of 36 Rafale aircraft off-the-shelf. The Rafale was a strong contender throughout the original evaluation process and ultimately became the choice for direct purchase.

106. Which of the following statements regarding the Fundamental Duties as

Which of the following statements regarding the Fundamental Duties as contained in the Constitution of India is/are correct ?

  • 1. They can be enforced through writ jurisdiction.
  • 2. They have formed a part of the Constitution since its adoption.
  • 3. They are applicable only to citizens of India.

Select the correct answer using the code given below :

1, 2 and 3
1 and 2 only
2 and 3 only
3 only
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CAPF – 2011
The correct option is D. Let’s evaluate the statements:
1. They can be enforced through writ jurisdiction. This is incorrect. Fundamental Duties are non-justiciable and cannot be enforced directly by courts through writs.
2. They have formed a part of the Constitution since its adoption. This is incorrect. Fundamental Duties were added to the Constitution by the 42nd Amendment Act, 1976, based on the recommendations of the Swaran Singh Committee.
3. They are applicable only to citizens of India. This is correct. Article 51A explicitly states that it shall be the duty of every ‘citizen of India’. They do not apply to foreigners.
Therefore, only statement 3 is correct.
The question examines the nature and applicability of Fundamental Duties as listed in Article 51A of the Constitution of India. Key aspects tested are their enforceability, origin, and who they apply to.
While Fundamental Duties are non-justiciable, Parliament can make laws to enforce them. They serve as a reminder to citizens of their responsibilities towards the nation and society. There are currently 11 Fundamental Duties. The 11th duty was added by the 86th Amendment Act, 2002.

107. Which one among the following statements holds good in respect of the

Which one among the following statements holds good in respect of the Rajya Sabha ?

One-third of its members retire after every three years
Two-thirds of its members retire after every three years
Two-thirds of its members retire after every two years
One-third of its members retire after every two years
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CAPF – 2011
The correct option is D. According to Article 83(1) of the Constitution of India, the Council of States (Rajya Sabha) is a permanent House and not subject to dissolution. However, one-third of its members retire on the expiration of every second year.
The question tests knowledge about the composition and tenure of members of the Rajya Sabha, the upper house of the Indian Parliament.
Members of the Rajya Sabha are elected for a term of six years. The system of proportional representation by means of the single transferable vote is used for their election by the elected members of the State Legislative Assemblies. The staggered retirement ensures continuity of the House.

108. While a proclamation of Emergency is in operation, the duration of the

While a proclamation of Emergency is in operation, the duration of the Lok Sabha can be extended by not exceeding

three months
nine months
one year at a time
two years at a time
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CAPF – 2011
The correct option is C. According to Article 83(2) of the Constitution of India, while a Proclamation of Emergency is in operation, the duration of the House of the People (Lok Sabha) can be extended by Parliament by law for a period not exceeding one year at a time.
The question relates to the power of Parliament to extend the term of the Lok Sabha during a National Emergency. This provision is specified in the Constitution.
The same proviso to Article 83(2) also states that the extension shall not extend in any case beyond a period of six months after the Proclamation has ceased to operate. This ensures that the extended term does not continue indefinitely after the emergency is lifted.

109. Right to Information is

Right to Information is

fundamental right
legal right
neither fundamental right nor legal right
both fundamental right as well as legal right
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CAPF – 2011
The correct option is D. The Right to Information (RTI) is considered both a fundamental right and a legal right in India. The Supreme Court has held that the right to information is a fundamental right implied in the right to freedom of speech and expression (Article 19(1)(a)) and the right to life and personal liberty (Article 21). The Right to Information Act, 2005, is a statute enacted by Parliament that provides the legal framework and machinery for citizens to access information, thereby making it a legal right derived from the fundamental rights.
The question probes the legal nature of the Right to Information in India. It is established through statute (RTI Act, 2005) and recognized by the judiciary as integral to fundamental rights.
While the RTI Act grants it as a statutory (legal) right, its roots are in the fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution. The Supreme Court’s interpretations have solidified its status as a fundamental right essential for the functioning of a democracy and the dignity of life. Therefore, it is accurately described as both.

110. Sarhul is a festival celebrated during spring by the

Sarhul is a festival celebrated during spring by the

Dimasas
Santhals
Khasis
Jarawas
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CAPF – 2011
The correct option is B. Sarhul is a popular spring festival celebrated by several tribal communities in the Chota Nagpur Plateau region, including the Santhal, Munda, and Oraon tribes. It marks the new year and is associated with the worship of the Sal tree (Shorea robusta), which flowers during this season.
The question identifies a specific tribal festival and asks which community celebrates it. Sarhul is a key festival of tribes like Santhal, Munda, and Oraon, primarily observed in Jharkhand, Bihar, West Bengal, and Odisha.
Sarhul literally means “worship of the Sal tree”. The festival involves rituals seeking prosperity and protection from nature spirits. While celebrated by multiple tribes, Santhals are one of the major communities observing this festival, often under the name ‘Baha Porob’ (flower festival) or similar local variations, which coincides with Sarhul.