81. The Naxalites have attacked a town in Dantewada district of Chhattisga

The Naxalites have attacked a town in Dantewada district of Chhattisgarh killing 12 security personnel. When the paramilitary forces responded by giving chase to the Naxalites, they retreated to a village and are now taking shelter in the village huts by making the tribals there human shields against the paramilitary forces. Which amongst the following is the best response by the paramilitary forces in this situation?

The paramilitary forces should open fire on the village as it is hiding the Naxalites
The paramilitary forces should surround the village and negotiate, offer a surrender policy peacefully to avoid civilian casualties by offering a surrender policy
The paramilitary forces should utilize air power to target the Naxalites from the air
The paramilitary forces should surround the village and then send in ‘special police officers’ to attack the Naxalites
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CAPF – 2011
Option B is the best response. The situation involves Naxalites using civilians as human shields, creating a complex ethical and tactical challenge. The priority must be to minimize civilian casualties while addressing the threat posed by the Naxalites.
Surrounding the village isolates the Naxalites. Negotiating and offering a peaceful surrender policy provides an avenue for the Naxalites to give up without forcing the paramilitary forces to engage in a way that would endanger the trapped villagers. This approach attempts to resolve the situation with the least possible harm to innocent civilians.
Options A and C, involving opening fire or using air power directly on the village, would inevitably lead to a high number of civilian deaths, which is unacceptable in counter-insurgency operations focused on winning hearts and minds and protecting the populace. Option D, sending in forces to attack, might still result in significant collateral damage given the use of human shields. The principle of minimum force and protection of civilians is paramount in such scenarios, making negotiation and a surrender offer the most appropriate initial response.

82. Which one among the following is not an institution of Indian Money

Which one among the following is not an institution of Indian Money Market?

Reserve Bank of India
Bill Brokers
Merchant Bankers
Non-Banking Financial Intermediaries
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CAPF – 2011
The money market deals with short-term funds. The Reserve Bank of India is the central bank and a crucial regulator and participant in the money market. Bill Brokers are specialized intermediaries in the bill market, a segment of the money market. Non-Banking Financial Intermediaries (NBFI), like NBFCs, Mutual Funds, etc., are significant participants in the money market, involved in short-term lending, borrowing, and dealing in money market instruments. Merchant Bankers, while involved in financial services, are primarily associated with the capital market, handling issues of securities (shares, bonds), underwriting, corporate advisory services (M&A), etc., which relate more to long-term finance. While they might interact with money market instruments or raise short-term funds, their core function is rooted in the capital market.
– The Money Market is for short-term funds; the Capital Market is for long-term funds.
– RBI, Bill Brokers, and many NBFIs are direct institutions/participants in the Money Market.
– Merchant Bankers are primarily involved in Capital Market activities like issuing securities and corporate finance.
Institutions can operate in both money and capital markets, but their primary focus often distinguishes them. Merchant bankers’ main business lines typically lie in areas like public issue management, project appraisal, corporate restructuring, and portfolio management, which are characteristic of capital market functions.

83. Which of the following statements regarding Regional Rural Banks (RRB)

Which of the following statements regarding Regional Rural Banks (RRB) in India is/are correct ?

  • The basic aim of setting up the RRBs is to develop rural economy.
  • The area of RRBs is limited to a specific region comprising one or more districts.
  • RRBs are sponsored by Commercial Banks.

Select the correct answer using the code given below :

1 only
1 and 2 only
2 and 3 only
1, 2 and 3
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CAPF – 2011
All three statements are correct regarding Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) in India. RRBs were established with the primary objective of providing credit and other banking facilities to small and marginal farmers, agricultural labourers, artisans, and small entrepreneurs in rural areas to facilitate the development of the rural economy. The operations of each RRB are confined to a specific geographical area, usually comprising one or more districts within a state. Every RRB is sponsored by a Scheduled Commercial Bank, which provides financial and managerial assistance. The ownership structure is Central Government (50%), State Government (15%), and Sponsor Bank (35%).
– RRBs were set up to cater to the credit and banking needs of the rural population.
– Their operational area is restricted to a defined region (districts).
– RRBs are sponsored by Commercial Banks.
RRBs were established based on the recommendations of the Narasimham Working Group (1975). They combine the local feel and familiarity of cooperative banks with the professional management and resource base of commercial banks.

84. Which one among the following pairs is not correctly matched ?

Which one among the following pairs is not correctly matched ?

Power of the Parliament : Creating a new state
Power of the state legislature : Altering the name of the state
Equality before law : Guaranteed to both Indian citizens and non-citizens
Equality of opportunity : Guaranteed to only Indian citizens
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CAPF – 2011
The power to create a new state or alter the area, boundaries, or name of an existing state rests with the Parliament of India (Article 3 of the Constitution). While the state legislature concerned is required to express its views on the proposal within a specified period, its role is recommendatory, and the final decision-making power lies solely with the Parliament. Therefore, stating that altering the name of the state is the power of the state legislature is incorrect. Equality before Law (Article 14) is guaranteed to all persons, including citizens and non-citizens. Equality of opportunity in matters of public employment (Article 16) is guaranteed only to citizens.
– Parliament has the power to create and change states.
– State legislatures provide their views on such proposals but do not have the power to alter the state’s name themselves.
– Article 14 applies to ‘any person’, covering both citizens and non-citizens.
– Article 16 on public employment applies only to citizens.
The process for altering the name of a state involves a bill being introduced in Parliament on the recommendation of the President. Before recommending the bill, the President refers it to the state legislature concerned for expressing its views within a specified period. Parliament is not bound by these views.

85. The following sentences describe one of the sites of the Harappan civi

The following sentences describe one of the sites of the Harappan civilization:
‘The settlement is divided into two sections, one smaller but higher and the other much larger but lower. Archaeologists designate these as the Citadel and the lower town respectively. Both were walled. Several buildings were built on platforms, which served as foundations.’
Which of the following sites does it refer to ?

Harappa
Mohenjodaro
Lothal
Kalibangan
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CAPF – 2011
The description of the settlement divided into a smaller, higher Citadel and a larger, lower town is characteristic of many major Harappan sites like Harappa, Mohenjo-daro, and Kalibangan. However, the phrase “Both were walled” is particularly applicable to Kalibangan. While the Citadels at Harappa and Mohenjo-daro were walled, their Lower Towns were not consistently or completely walled. At Kalibangan, both the Citadel (which was further divided into two parts) and the Lower Town were enclosed by fortification walls. The construction of buildings on platforms is also a common feature across these sites to protect them from floods or provide stable foundations.
– Major Harappan cities often had a bipartite division into a Citadel and a Lower Town.
– The Citadel was typically located in the western part, higher, and smaller, while the Lower Town was larger and located in the eastern part.
– The key distinguishing feature mentioned here is that *both* sections were walled.
– Kalibangan is known for having fortification walls around both the Citadel and the Lower Town.
Other sites like Lothal have a different layout, typically a single walled area divided into functional sectors. The presence of a citadel and lower town, particularly with fortification around both, is a specific architectural feature helpful in identifying the site.

86. Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the code

Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the code given below the lists:
List I (Festival) List II (Community/ethnic group)

A. Nongkrem1. Khasi
B. Chapchar Kut2. Mising
C. Kherai Puja3. Bodo
D. Ali-Ai-Ligang4. Mizo

Code :

ABCD
(a)1432
(b)1342
(c)2341
(d)2431
(a) 1 4 3 2
(b) 1 3 4 2
(c) 2 3 4 1
(d) 2 4 3 1
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CAPF – 2011
The correct matching is: Nongkrem is a festival of the Khasi community (A-1). Chapchar Kut is a festival of the Mizo community (B-4). Kherai Puja is a religious festival of the Bodo community (C-3). Ali-Ai-Ligang is an agricultural festival of the Mising community (D-2). Matching these pairs gives the code 1 4 3 2.
– Nongkrem festival is celebrated by the Khasi tribe of Meghalaya.
– Chapchar Kut is a popular spring festival of the Mizo people of Mizoram.
– Kherai Puja is a significant festival for the Bodo community in Assam.
– Ali-Ai-Ligang is an agricultural festival celebrated by the Mising tribe of Assam.
These festivals are important cultural events reflecting the traditions, beliefs, and agricultural cycles of the respective communities, predominantly located in the North-Eastern states of India.

87. Consider the following statements about the post-cold war directional

Consider the following statements about the post-cold war directional changes in Indian foreign policy:

  • By the mid 1990s, Indian foreign policy submitted itself to a process of adaptive learning to boost its status and influence in the global pecking order.
  • Indian foreign policy has shifted from an overemphasis on idealism during the cold war era to pragmatic realism in the post-cold war era.
  • Indian foreign policy is geared to establish tangible economic and security partnership with major regions and countries of the world.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

1 and 2 only
1 only
2 only
1, 2 and 3
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CAPF – 2011
All three statements accurately describe the evolution of Indian foreign policy in the post-Cold War era. Statement 1 reflects India’s adaptation to the unipolar/multipolar world order and proactive engagement to enhance its global position. Statement 2 captures the shift from the ideological non-alignment of the Cold War to a more interest-driven, pragmatic approach. Statement 3 highlights the increased focus on concrete economic and security cooperation with various global partners, moving beyond rhetoric to tangible outcomes.
– Post-Cold War Indian foreign policy became more flexible and adaptive.
– There was a discernible shift towards pragmatic realism and national interest.
– Building concrete economic and security partnerships became a central theme.
Key policy shifts include the ‘Look East Policy’ (later Act East Policy), strengthening ties with the United States, engaging with multilateral forums like BRICS, SCO, and focusing on economic diplomacy alongside traditional security concerns. This period saw India becoming a more active and influential player on the global stage.

88. Why is Nagpur promoted as the tiger capital of the world ? 1. Nagpu

Why is Nagpur promoted as the tiger capital of the world ?

  • 1. Nagpur is the major store house of tigers as the districts adjacent to Nagpur have many tiger reserves and sanctuaries.
  • 2. Nagpur has infrastructure that can support a large tourist industry.

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 – 2011
Both statements contribute to Nagpur being promoted as the ‘Tiger Capital’. Statement 1 is correct because Nagpur is strategically located near several major tiger reserves and sanctuaries in Central India, including Pench, Tadoba-Andhari, Melghat, Bor, and relatively accessible ones like Kanha and Satpura, making it a crucial hub for tiger conservation and sightings. Statement 2 is also correct; Nagpur has developed infrastructure, including an international airport, good rail and road connectivity, and various accommodation options, which is essential to support the tourism influx generated by visitors heading to these nearby tiger reserves.
– Nagpur’s proximity to a high concentration of tiger reserves makes it a gateway to these habitats.
– Adequate tourism infrastructure is necessary to handle the flow of wildlife tourists.
– Both factors combined justify the promotion of Nagpur as the ‘Tiger Capital’.
The government and tourism industry actively promote Nagpur’s connectivity and facilities to position it as the ideal base for exploring the tiger landscapes of Central India. The geographical location and developed infrastructure together enhance its importance for tiger tourism.

89. Who among the following was not a non-government representative in the

Who among the following was not a non-government representative in the Lokpal Bill Drafting Committee, 2011 ?

Kiran Bedi
Arvind Kejriwal
Prashant Bhushan
Shanti Bhushan
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CAPF – 2011
The Lokpal Bill Drafting Committee formed in 2011 consisted of government representatives and non-government representatives (representing the Jan Lokpal movement). The non-government representatives were Anna Hazare, Shanti Bhushan, Prashant Bhushan, Arvind Kejriwal, and Kiran Bedi. Based on the composition of the committee, all the individuals listed in the options (Kiran Bedi, Arvind Kejriwal, Prashant Bhushan, and Shanti Bhushan) were non-government representatives. Therefore, the question as posed appears flawed, as it asks who was *not* a non-government representative from a list where all were. However, if forced to select from the options provided, and based on external information indicating A as the intended answer in some contexts, this suggests a potential error in the question’s premise or phrasing within the source material. Factual evidence indicates all four were indeed non-government representatives.
– The Lokpal Bill Drafting Committee (2011) included representatives from the government and civil society.
– Shanti Bhushan, Prashant Bhushan, Arvind Kejriwal, and Kiran Bedi were the prominent civil society representatives nominated to the committee, along with Anna Hazare.
– As all individuals listed in the options were non-government representatives, the question contains a factual inconsistency.
– Based on the probable intended answer from exam sources, Kiran Bedi (A) is indicated, despite factual contradiction.
The committee was co-chaired by Pranab Mukherjee (from the government side) and Shanti Bhushan (initially from the civil society side). The formation of this joint drafting committee was a significant event following the anti-corruption movement led by Anna Hazare, aiming to draft a Lokpal Bill acceptable to both the government and civil society.

90. Which one among the following places is not covered by the Golden Char

Which one among the following places is not covered by the Golden Chariot, the luxury train designed to visit the historical places of South India ?

Hyderabad
Bangalore
Goa
Mysore
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CAPF – 2011
The Golden Chariot luxury train operates on routes covering prominent tourist destinations in South India, primarily focusing on Karnataka and nearby states like Goa, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Pondicherry. Common destinations include Bangalore, Mysore, Hampi, Belur, Halebidu, Shravanabelagola, Goa, Badami, etc. Hyderabad, located in Telangana, is not typically included in the standard routes of the Golden Chariot.
– The Golden Chariot primarily covers tourist destinations in Karnataka and surrounding South Indian states.
– Bangalore, Mysore, and Goa are regular stops on different itineraries of the Golden Chariot.
– Hyderabad is not part of the common routes operated by this luxury train.
The Golden Chariot offers several itineraries like “Pride of Karnataka,” “Southern Splendour,” “Glimpses of Karnataka,” etc., which vary in duration and covered places. These itineraries showcase a mix of historical sites, cultural landmarks, wildlife, and natural beauty of the region.