2011 Archives

31. The name of the particle ‘Boson’ is associated with the name of

The name of the particle ‘Boson’ is associated with the name of

J.C. Bose

S.N. Bose

Isaac Newton

Albert Einstein

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The name of the particle ‘Boson’ is associated with the name of S.N. Bose.

The term ‘Boson’ is named after the Indian physicist Satyendra Nath Bose (S.N. Bose) for his work on quantum statistics, which laid the foundation for describing the behavior of these particles.

Satyendra Nath Bose collaborated with Albert Einstein, and their joint work led to the development of the Bose-Einstein statistics and the prediction of the Bose-Einstein condensate. Particles that obey Bose-Einstein statistics are called bosons.

32. Which one among the following phenomena includes processes, such as pr

Which one among the following phenomena includes processes, such as production, predation, nutrient transformation, and the influx and efflux of energy and materials ?

Ecological function

Ecosystem function

Ecosystem structure

Biogeochemical cycles

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The phenomenon that includes processes like production, predation, nutrient transformation, and the influx and efflux of energy and materials is known as ecosystem function.

Ecosystem functions are the physical, chemical, and biological processes that take place within an ecosystem. These include primary production (conversion of light energy into organic matter, ‘production’), consumption (herbivory, predation), decomposition (breakdown of organic matter, leading to ‘nutrient transformation’), and the overall flow of energy and cycling of materials (‘influx and efflux of energy and materials’). These processes describe how an ecosystem works and maintains itself.

Ecological function is a broader term that could refer to the role of an organism or a process within an ecosystem, but “ecosystem function” specifically describes the sum of processes within the ecosystem itself. Ecosystem structure refers to the composition of the ecosystem (species, biomass, etc.). Biogeochemical cycles are specific pathways of elemental cycling, which are *part* of ecosystem functions but do not encompass all the processes listed (like production and predation as energy flow components).

33. Which of the following processes would explain ozone losses in the atm

Which of the following processes would explain ozone losses in the atmosphere? When ozone is exposed to

1. CFCs and UV radiation.
2. long winter circumpolar winds to form ice crystals.
3. singlet oxygen atom and chlorine monoxide.

Select the correct answer using the code given below :

1, 2 and 3

2 and 3 only

1 and 2 only

1 and 3 only

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All three listed processes contribute to ozone losses in the atmosphere.

1. CFCs (and other halogenated hydrocarbons like halons) are transported to the stratosphere where UV radiation breaks them down, releasing reactive chlorine and bromine atoms. These halogen atoms catalyze the destruction of ozone (O3). Thus, statement 1 is correct.
2. In polar regions during winter, extremely cold temperatures and the presence of the polar vortex (circumpolar winds) lead to the formation of Polar Stratospheric Clouds (PSCs), which can consist of ice crystals or nitric acid particles. These clouds provide surfaces for heterogeneous chemical reactions that convert less reactive halogen compounds into highly reactive forms (like Cl2). When sunlight returns in spring, these reactive forms are photolyzed, releasing large amounts of chlorine and bromine atoms, leading to rapid ozone depletion (the ozone hole). Thus, statement 2 is correct.
3. Ozone destruction primarily occurs through catalytic cycles involving reactive species. A key cycle involves chlorine monoxide (ClO) and oxygen atoms (O). Chlorine atoms react with ozone (Cl + O3 -> ClO + O2). Chlorine monoxide then reacts with an oxygen atom (ClO + O -> Cl + O2), regenerating the chlorine atom. The oxygen atoms (O) in the stratosphere are formed by the photolysis of oxygen molecules (O2) by UV light; these can be in ground (triplet) or excited (singlet) states, and both react with ClO. Thus, statement 3 refers to the reactive intermediates and partners involved in the catalytic destruction cycle and is correct.

The processes described in statements 1, 2, and 3 collectively explain how human-produced substances like CFCs lead to significant ozone depletion, particularly pronounced over the polar regions due to the unique meteorological conditions that facilitate the reactions on PSCs.

34. Which of the following statements about Theosophical Society are corre

Which of the following statements about Theosophical Society are correct ?

1. Its founders were non-Indians.
2. Its advocates were in favour of the revival of Hinduism.
3. It advocated for the adoption of rational and scientific approach based on western ideas.
4. It helped people to overcome the sense of false pride.

Select the correct answer using the code given below :

1, 2 and 3

2, 3 and 4

1, 3 and 4

1 and 2 only

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Statements 1 and 2 about Theosophical Society are correct.

1. The Theosophical Society was founded in New York City in 1875 by Helena Blavatsky (Russian) and Henry Steel Olcott (American). Neither was Indian, making statement 1 correct.
2. Theosophy promoted the study of ancient religions, including Hinduism, Buddhism, and Zoroastrianism, seeing them as sources of profound spiritual wisdom. Prominent Theosophists like Annie Besant actively championed Hindu philosophy and culture, contributing to a resurgence of interest and pride in Hinduism among Indians. This makes statement 2 correct.
3. While Theosophy claimed a rational approach to the study of spiritual phenomena, its core tenets were based on esoteric knowledge and mystical experiences rather than a strictly rational and scientific approach based on conventional Western ideas. It sought to reconcile science, religion, and philosophy, but its emphasis was on the wisdom of ancient traditions. Thus, statement 3 is generally considered incorrect in the context of advocating for Western scientific empiricism.
4. Theosophy promoted universal brotherhood and aimed to transcend racial, religious, and social barriers. This could indirectly help people overcome pride based on such distinctions, but “false pride” is a vague term and this effect wasn’t a primary stated goal or widely recognized consequence in the same way as promoting the revival of Eastern religions or advocating universal brotherhood. Compared to 1 and 2, this statement is less precise and verifiable as a core characteristic or impact.

The Theosophical Society established its international headquarters in Adyar, Madras (Chennai), India, in 1882 and played a role in the Indian Renaissance and nationalist movement, particularly under the leadership of Annie Besant.

35. The Khilafat Movement received support from both Hindus and Muslims an

The Khilafat Movement received support from both Hindus and Muslims and it was led from the front by Gandhiji. In spite of this, the movement lost momentum. Why ?

Office of Khalifa was abolished in Turkey itself and better terms offered to Turkey

Muslim League's opposition to the Indian National Congress

Special concessions given to the Muslims by the British government

Internal frictions between the Congress and the Muslim League

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The primary reason for the Khilafat Movement losing momentum was the abolition of the office of Khalifa in Turkey itself.

The Khilafat Movement in India was launched to protest against the harsh terms imposed on the Ottoman Empire and its Sultan (who was considered the Khalifa or Caliph by many Muslims) by the Treaty of Sevres after World War I. The movement demanded that the Khalifa’s control over Muslim holy places be maintained and his territory not be dismembered. However, a nationalist revolution in Turkey led by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk abolished the Sultanate in 1922 and formally abolished the Caliphate in March 1924. This act removed the central issue around which the Khilafat movement was based, causing it to collapse. The Treaty of Lausanne (1923) was also more favorable to Turkey, further undermining the original grievances.

While factors like the withdrawal of the Non-Cooperation Movement by Gandhi (which had been integrated with the Khilafat movement), communal tensions, and internal differences played a role in weakening the movement, the ultimate external factor that caused its demise was the abolition of the Caliphate by the Turkish government.

36. Abul Hasan was one of the most eminent painters of Jahangir’s reign. H

Abul Hasan was one of the most eminent painters of Jahangir’s reign. He painted the well known Mughal Darbar scene describing

Jahangir's accession to the throne

the arrival of Tansen

Jahangir's interaction with the people

the arrival of the Mughal court historians

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Abul Hasan, given the title ‘Nadir-uz-Zaman’ (Wonder of the Age) by Emperor Jahangir, painted a famous Mughal Darbar scene depicting Jahangir’s accession to the throne.

Abul Hasan was one of the most accomplished painters of the Mughal school during Jahangir’s reign. Jahangir was a great patron of painting and specifically commissioned Abul Hasan for important historical and ceremonial depictions. The frontispiece of the Jahangirnama (Jahangir’s memoirs) features a painting by Abul Hasan depicting the emperor’s accession.

Mughal painting under Jahangir reached a high level of sophistication, characterized by realism, detailed portraiture, and depictions of court life, nature, and historical events. Abul Hasan was particularly skilled in portraiture and complex compositions.

37. Which of the following statements about the Bhakti movement is/are cor

Which of the following statements about the Bhakti movement is/are correct?

1. The Bhakti movement evolved as a homogeneous movement.
2. The Bhakti movement helped to bridge the gulf between Hinduism and Islam.
3. The Bhakti movement rescued Hinduism from the challenges of its own complexities.

Select the correct answer using the code given below :

1 only

2 and 3

2 only

3 only

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Statements 2 and 3 about the Bhakti movement are correct, while statement 1 is incorrect.

1. The Bhakti movement was not a homogeneous movement. It spanned several centuries, regions, and diverse social groups, involving various saints with differing philosophies, practices, and focuses (Saguna/Nirguna, Vaishnava/Shaiva, etc.). Thus, statement 1 is incorrect.
2. Many Bhakti saints preached messages of equality, universalism, and devotion to a single God, which helped foster mutual understanding and bridge gaps between Hindus and Muslims, even leading to syncretic traditions. Thus, statement 2 is correct.
3. The Bhakti movement simplified religion, emphasizing personal devotion and challenging caste hierarchies and elaborate rituals. This made Hinduism more accessible to the masses and helped it respond to internal complexities and external challenges. Thus, statement 3 is correct.

Key figures in the Bhakti movement included Kabir, Nanak, Chaitanya, Shankaradeva, Ramananda, Mirabai, Surdas, Tulsidas, Tukaram, and many others, reflecting its diverse nature and widespread influence across India.

38. Which of the following statements regarding ‘Prahar’ missile developed

Which of the following statements regarding ‘Prahar’ missile developed by DRDO and test fired in the month of July, 2011 are correct ?

1. It is a single stage missile.
2. Its striking range is about 500 km.
3. It is fuelled by solid propellants.
4. Several Prahar missiles can be fired in one salvo.

Select the correct answer using the code given below :

1, 2, 3 and 4

1 and 3 only

1, 3 and 4 only

2 and 4 only

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UPSC CAPF – 2011

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Statements 1, 3, and 4 regarding the Prahar missile are correct, while statement 2 is incorrect.

1. Prahar is a single-stage solid-propellant short-range tactical ballistic missile. This makes statement 1 correct.
2. Its stated range is about 150 km, not 500 km. This makes statement 2 incorrect.
3. It uses solid propellants, which allows for quick launch. This makes statement 3 correct.
4. The Prahar system is designed to be a battlefield support missile launched from a mobile launcher capable of carrying multiple missiles, allowing for the firing of several missiles in a short span (one salvo). This makes statement 4 correct.

Prahar was developed by DRDO as a quick-reaction, all-weather, all-terrain, highly accurate battlefield support system. It was intended to bridge the gap between the multi-barrel rocket launcher systems and longer-range ballistic missiles.

39. In July 2011, India and Sri Lanka signed a Memorandum of Understanding

In July 2011, India and Sri Lanka signed a Memorandum of Understanding to develop the Kankasanthurai port in Sri Lanka. Which of the following statements in this regard is/are correct ?

1. It is the first deep water facility being re-built in the northern peninsula.
2. The port will significantly lower the transit time of goods from and to India.
3. The responsibility of preparing the detailed project report of this work is entrusted to Engineers India Limited.

Select the correct answer using the code given below :

1, 2 and 3

1 and 2 only

1 and 3 only

2 only

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All three statements regarding the development of the Kankasanthurai port in Sri Lanka by India are correct.

1. The Kankasanthurai port, located in the northern peninsula of Sri Lanka, was severely damaged during the civil war. The redevelopment aimed to make it a deep-water facility, which was indeed a significant and arguably the first such major port infrastructure rebuilding project in the North focusing on deepwater capabilities in the post-conflict era.
2. Developing the Kankasanthurai port significantly improves connectivity between northern Sri Lanka and southern India, thereby lowering the transit time of goods and facilitating trade and movement of people.
3. Engineers India Limited (EIL), a public sector undertaking under the Government of India, was indeed entrusted with the responsibility of preparing the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the modernization and rehabilitation of the Kankasanthurai port.

India’s assistance for the Kankasanthurai port project is part of its broader commitment to infrastructure development and improving connectivity in Sri Lanka, especially in the Northern Province which has close historical and cultural ties with South India. The project aimed to revitalize the port as a major maritime hub.

40. A 30-year-old space shuttle programme of NASA ended in July, 2011 when

A 30-year-old space shuttle programme of NASA ended in July, 2011 when its last shuttle landed in Kennedy Space Centre in Florida. The name of the shuttle was

Discovery

Endeavour

Atlantis

Columbia

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The last mission of NASA’s Space Shuttle program was STS-135, flown by the Space Shuttle Atlantis. It landed at the Kennedy Space Center on July 21, 2011.

The Space Shuttle program ran from 1981 to 2011. Atlantis’s final mission delivered supplies and spare parts to the International Space Station (ISS). Its landing marked the official end of the 30-year program.

Discovery’s last mission was STS-133 in February-March 2011. Endeavour’s last mission was STS-134 in May-June 2011. Columbia was lost in the STS-107 disaster in February 2003.