2012 Archives

41. Consider the following statements: 1. Discovery of Higgs boson of wh

Consider the following statements:

1. Discovery of Higgs boson of which scientists are almost certain, may discard Einstein’s special theory of relativity.
2. Probable discovery of a particle which moves faster than light may prove Stephen Hawking wrong.
3. Probable discovery of a particle that moves faster than light may go against Einstein’s special theory of relativity.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1 and 2

1 only

3 only

1 and 3

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CAPF – 2012

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Statement 1: The discovery of the Higgs boson is a cornerstone of the Standard Model of particle physics and is entirely consistent with Einstein’s special theory of relativity. It explains how fundamental particles acquire mass through their interaction with the Higgs field, without discarding special relativity. This statement is incorrect. Statement 2: A particle moving faster than light (superluminal particle) would indeed challenge fundamental physics principles, but stating it would specifically prove Stephen Hawking wrong is not accurate or the primary consequence. Hawking’s work, while profound, is not singularly contingent on the non-existence of superluminal particles in a way that this discovery would directly falsify his main theories. This statement is vague and likely incorrect. Statement 3: Einstein’s special theory of relativity posits that the speed of light in a vacuum is the maximum speed limit for any information or energy transfer. The probable discovery of a particle that moves faster than light would directly contradict this fundamental postulate of special relativity. This statement is correct.

Special relativity sets the speed of light as the ultimate speed limit in the universe. Any particle exceeding this speed would violate its principles, particularly causality.

While there have been discussions and theoretical explorations of possibilities like wormholes or warp drives that might allow effective faster-than-light travel in space-time (potentially consistent with General Relativity under specific, theoretical conditions), the existence of a fundamental particle that inherently travels faster than light in flat space-time is incompatible with Special Relativity.

42. Consider the following statements: According to the Second Annual Empl

Consider the following statements: According to the Second Annual Employment-Unemployment Survey Report, 2011-2012 conducted by the Labour Bureau, Government of India

I. unemployment rate in the country during the period has come down significantly over previous year
2. Gujarat tops the list of least unemployed among all Indian States during the period

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 – 2012

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According to the Second Annual Employment-Unemployment Survey Report, 2011-2012 conducted by the Labour Bureau, Government of India: Statement I: The unemployment rate actually saw a slight increase compared to the previous year (from 2.5% in 2010-11 to 2.8% in 2011-12 based on Usual Principal Status). Thus, it did not come down significantly. Statement 2: The report shows that Gujarat’s unemployment rate (1.2% on Usual Principal Status) was not the lowest among all states. Several other states like Rajasthan (0.9%), Haryana (0.9%), and Madhya Pradesh (1.1%) had lower unemployment rates during that period. Therefore, Gujarat did not top the list of least unemployed.

Employment-Unemployment surveys provide crucial data on the labour force, employment, and unemployment status across different demographic groups and regions in the country.

The Labour Bureau conducts these surveys using different approaches like Usual Status, Weekly Status, and Daily Status to capture various dimensions of the employment situation.

43. Consider the following statements about the ‘Curiosity’ rover: 1. It

Consider the following statements about the ‘Curiosity’ rover:

1. It is a robotic mission for exploration of the Mars launched by NASA.
2. It is powered by solar energy.

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 – 2012

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Statement 1: The Curiosity rover is part of NASA’s Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) mission. It is a robotic mission designed to explore the Gale Crater on Mars as part of NASA’s Mars Exploration Program. This statement is correct. Statement 2: The Curiosity rover is not powered by solar energy. Due to the potential for dust storms and the distance from the Sun, it uses a Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator (RTG), which provides continuous power by converting the heat from the radioactive decay of plutonium-238 into electricity. This statement is incorrect.

RTGs are often used for long-duration space missions, especially those exploring the outer solar system or surface missions on bodies like Mars where solar power is unreliable or insufficient.

The primary goals of the Curiosity mission include determining if Mars ever had the environmental conditions suitable for microbial life, studying the planet’s geology and climate, and preparing for human exploration.

44. In the context of agricultural revolution in India, which of the follo

In the context of agricultural revolution in India, which of the following statements is/are correct?

1. White revolution in the field of agricultural development is associated with modernization of sheep farming.
2. Second green revolution is associated with development of horticulture.
3. Blue revolution in the field of agriculture is associated with improvement in the production of fish and marine products.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

1 only

3 only

2 and 3 only

1, 2 and 3

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CAPF – 2012

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Statement 1: The White Revolution in India is associated with Operation Flood, a programme that transformed India into the world’s largest milk producer, focusing on dairy farming and not sheep farming. This statement is incorrect. Statement 2: Horticulture development is primarily associated with the Golden Revolution. The term “Second Green Revolution” is often used in a broader sense to describe future strategies for sustainable agricultural growth, diversification, and value addition beyond the focus on cereals in the first Green Revolution, but it is not specifically defined by horticulture development alone. This statement is likely incorrect in the context of standard terminology. Statement 3: The Blue Revolution is indeed associated with the improvement in the production of fish and marine products, boosting the aquaculture and fisheries sector. This statement is correct.

Different colors are used to denote revolutions associated with specific agricultural products or sectors in India (e.g., Green for food grains, White for milk, Blue for fish, Golden for horticulture).

Other revolutions include Yellow Revolution (Oilseeds), Silver Revolution (Eggs/Poultry), Brown Revolution (Leather, Cocoa), Red Revolution (Meat, Tomatoes), and Grey Revolution (Fertilizers).

45. Consider the following statements about irrigation in Punjab : 1. In

Consider the following statements about irrigation in Punjab :

1. Intensity of irrigation is the highest among all Indian States.
2. Area under canal irrigation is the highest among all Indian States.
3. There has been severe land degradation in Punjab owing to agricultural modernization including high intensity of irrigation.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1, 2 and 3

1 and 3 only

2 and 3 only

1 only

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CAPF – 2012

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Statement 1: Punjab has one of the highest, if not the highest, intensities of irrigation among all Indian states due to its dominant agrarian economy and extensive irrigation infrastructure. Statement 2: While Punjab has significant canal irrigation, states like Uttar Pradesh have a larger total area under canal irrigation. Punjab relies heavily on both canals and groundwater (tubewells), with groundwater often irrigating a larger area than canals. Statement 3: High intensity of irrigation, coupled with practices like monoculture and heavy use of chemicals associated with the Green Revolution, has led to severe problems in Punjab, including waterlogging, soil salinity, declining water table, and nutrient imbalance, resulting in significant land degradation.

Punjab’s agriculture is highly modernized and dependent on irrigation, which, while boosting production, has also resulted in environmental challenges like land degradation and water resource depletion.

The excessive withdrawal of groundwater for irrigation has led to a significant drop in the water table in many parts of Punjab, adding another layer to the environmental concerns arising from intensive irrigation.

46. Which one among the following is a cold current in the Atlantic Ocean?

Which one among the following is a cold current in the Atlantic Ocean?

Gulf Stream

Benguela Current

Peru Current

Brazil Current

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CAPF – 2012

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Ocean currents are large-scale movements of water. Cold currents originate in polar regions and flow towards the equator, or are upwellings of deep, cold water. The Benguela Current is a cold current flowing northwards along the west coast of Southern Africa in the South Atlantic Ocean.

Ocean currents significantly influence global climate patterns, weather, and marine ecosystems. They are broadly classified as warm or cold currents based on their temperature relative to the surrounding water.

The Gulf Stream and Brazil Current are warm currents in the Atlantic Ocean. The Peru Current (or Humboldt Current) is a cold current, but it is located in the Pacific Ocean along the western coast of South America.

47. Which one among the following relates to a land revenue policy introdu

Which one among the following relates to a land revenue policy introduced by the English East India Company?

Pitt's India Act

Mahalwari Settlement

Regulating Act

Subsidiary Alliance

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CAPF – 2012

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Among the given options, the Mahalwari Settlement is a land revenue policy introduced by the English East India Company. Introduced primarily in the North-Western Provinces, Oudh, and parts of Central India and Punjab, it involved collecting revenue from villagers jointly on the basis of a ‘mahal’ or village, with the village headman responsible for collection.

The three main land revenue systems introduced by the British in India were the Permanent Settlement (Bengal, Bihar, Odisha), the Ryotwari Settlement (Madras, Bombay, Assam), and the Mahalwari Settlement (North-Western Provinces, etc.).

Pitt’s India Act (1784) and the Regulating Act (1773) were administrative and political reforms aimed at controlling the EIC’s affairs. The Subsidiary Alliance was a military and political treaty system introduced by Lord Wellesley to bring Indian states under British control.

48. Which of the following Princely States saw major movements over the pe

Which of the following Princely States saw major movements over the period from 1930s to 1940s?

1. Tripura
2. Nilgiri
3. Baroda
4. Travancore

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

1, 2 and 4 only

2 and 4 only

1 and 3 only

1, 2, 3 and 4

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CAPF – 2012

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During the 1930s and 1940s, coinciding with significant nationalist movements in British India, there were also widespread movements for political reforms and responsible government in many princely states. These movements were often led by Praja Mandals (People’s Associations) or similar organizations. Tripura, Nilgiri (in Odisha), Baroda, and Travancore all witnessed significant political agitation and movements during this period, demanding greater rights for the people and integration with the future Indian Union.

The Praja Mandal movements were parallel nationalist movements in the princely states that sought democratic rights, responsible government under the aegis of the ruler, and later, integration with independent India.

Notable movements include the Travancore State Congress agitation, the Praja Mandal movements in the Eastern States Agency (including Nilgiri), Baroda’s reforms movement, and political awakening in states like Tripura. These movements played a crucial role in the eventual integration of princely states into the Indian Union.

49. Which of the following political methods was/were incorporated by Maha

Which of the following political methods was/were incorporated by Mahatma Gandhi?

1. Petitioning to the British
2. Village reconstruction
3. Gheraos
4. Fasts

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

4 only

1, 2 and 4 only

1, 2 and 3 only

1, 2, 3 and 4

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CAPF – 2012

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Mahatma Gandhi employed various political methods in his struggle for independence. Petitioning was a common method used, especially in the early stages, to appeal to the authorities. Village reconstruction formed a crucial part of his constructive programme aimed at empowering rural India and achieving Swaraj from the grassroots. Fasts were frequently used by Gandhi as a moral weapon and a form of protest to exert pressure and appeal to conscience. However, ‘Gherao’ is a tactic of surrounding someone, often physically, to compel them to agree to demands, which is generally considered coercive and not aligned with Gandhi’s core principles of non-violent Satyagraha which focused on persuasion and moral force rather than physical constraint or coercion.

Gandhi’s methods primarily revolved around Satyagraha (truth force) and Ahimsa (non-violence), encompassing civil disobedience, non-cooperation, fasting, peaceful persuasion, and constructive work.

Gandhi’s constructive programme included promoting Khadi and village industries, Hindu-Muslim unity, removal of untouchability, prohibition, basic education, and women’s empowerment, all integral to his vision of self-rule (Swaraj).

50. Alluri Sitarama Raju’s rebellion (1922-1924) took place in

Alluri Sitarama Raju’s rebellion (1922-1924) took place in

Chota Nagpur

Gudem-Rampa Tract

Bastar

Nellore

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CAPF – 2012

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The correct answer is B) Gudem-Rampa Tract.

Alluri Sitarama Raju led the Rampa Rebellion, also known as the Manyam Rebellion, which took place from 1922 to 1924. The rebellion was concentrated in the agency areas of the Godavari division, specifically the Gudem and Rampa hills tracts, which were inhabited by tribal communities in the Madras Presidency (now part of Andhra Pradesh). Raju protested against British forest laws and policies that restricted the tribals’ traditional rights.

Chota Nagpur is a plateau region in Eastern India associated with several tribal uprisings but not led by Alluri Sitarama Raju. Bastar is a tribal region in Chhattisgarh, known for various tribal movements. Nellore is a district in Andhra Pradesh but not the primary location of Raju’s rebellion.