2016 Archives

151. Which one of the following is a characteristic of Presidential form of

Which one of the following is a characteristic of Presidential form of Government ?

[amp_mcq option1=”President is not a part of legislative body” option2=”It does not separate Legislative and Executive functions” option3=”President follows the principle of collective responsibility” option4=”The tenure of the President depends on the Legislature” correct=”option1″]

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The correct option is A.

The Presidential form of government is characterized by a clear separation of powers between the executive and the legislature.
– A) President is not a part of legislative body: In a presidential system (like the USA), the head of the executive (President) and their cabinet are separate from the legislature (Congress). They do not hold membership in the legislative body. This is a key characteristic.
– B) It does not separate Legislative and Executive functions: This is incorrect. A fundamental principle of the presidential system is the separation of powers between the legislative and executive branches.
– C) President follows the principle of collective responsibility: Collective responsibility, where the executive (cabinet) is collectively accountable to the legislature, is a hallmark of the parliamentary system, not the presidential system.
– D) The tenure of the President depends on the Legislature: This is incorrect. The tenure of the President in a presidential system is fixed for a specific term and does not ordinarily depend on the confidence of the legislature (though impeachment procedures exist for grave misconduct). In contrast, in a parliamentary system, the executive’s tenure depends on maintaining the confidence of the legislature.

Other characteristics of the presidential system include the President being both the head of state and head of government, a fixed term for the executive, and the absence of dual membership between the executive and legislative branches.

152. Which one of the following is not a source of political legitimacy?

Which one of the following is not a source of political legitimacy?

[amp_mcq option1=”Consent” option2=”Rational prudence” option3=”Political will of the ruler” option4=”Public reason” correct=”option3″]

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The correct option is C.

Political legitimacy refers to the right and acceptance of an authority, usually a governing law or a regime. Common sources of political legitimacy include consent of the governed, tradition, charisma, and rational-legal authority (based on established laws and procedures).
– Consent (A): In democratic theory, the legitimacy of the government is derived from the consent of the people it governs. This is a primary source of legitimacy.
– Rational prudence (B): While prudent decision-making by a ruler or government might contribute to its effectiveness and public acceptance over time, “rational prudence” itself is not typically considered a fundamental *source* of political legitimacy in the way consent, tradition, or legal-rational rules are. It describes a quality of governance rather than the basis of the right to govern.
– Political will of the ruler (C): Legitimacy is distinct from mere power. A ruler exercising power solely based on their ‘political will’ without justification derived from consent, law, or tradition is often seen as arbitrary rule, lacking legitimacy. In fact, rule based purely on the ruler’s will is often contrasted with legitimate rule.
– Public reason (D): Associated with liberal political philosophy, public reason (where political decisions are justifiable to all citizens based on reasons they can reasonably accept) is considered a source of legitimacy for laws and policies in a democratic society.
Comparing the options, the “political will of the ruler,” when considered as the *sole* basis for authority, is the least likely to be regarded as a source of legitimacy in political science, as it implies arbitrary power rather than justified authority.

Max Weber identified three pure types of legitimate domination: traditional (based on custom and history), charismatic (based on the leader’s personal appeal), and rational-legal (based on codified laws and procedures). Modern discussions of legitimacy often build upon or critique these types, incorporating concepts like consent, justice, and public reason. Arbitrary will is generally not considered a legitimate basis for rule.

153. Which one of the following fiction was selected for Man Booker Prize,

Which one of the following fiction was selected for Man Booker Prize, 2015?

[amp_mcq option1=”A Little Life” option2=”The Fishermen” option3=”A Brief History of Seven Killings” option4=”Satin Island” correct=”option3″]

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UPSC CAPF – 2016

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The correct option is C. ‘A Brief History of Seven Killings’ by Marlon James was the winner of the Man Booker Prize in 2015.

The Man Booker Prize is a prestigious literary award given annually for the best original novel written in the English language and published in the UK.
In 2015, the prize was awarded to Jamaican author Marlon James for his novel ‘A Brief History of Seven Killings’. The novel is a fictional account inspired by the attempted assassination of Bob Marley in 1976 and the subsequent violence in Jamaica.

Other shortlisted novels for the Man Booker Prize in 2015 included ‘The Fishermen’ by Chigozie Obioma, ‘A Little Life’ by Hanya Yanagihara, ‘Satin Island’ by Tom McCarthy, ‘The High Mountains of Portugal’ by Yann Martel, and ‘Satin Island’ by Tom McCarthy.

154. Which one of the following statements regarding Zika virus is not corr

Which one of the following statements regarding Zika virus is not correct ?

[amp_mcq option1=”It was first isolated from a monkey in the Zika forest of Uganda” option2=”It is transmitted by daytime-active Aedes mosquitoes” option3=”It does not cause mother to child infection” option4=”Zika virus in pregnant women results in abnormal brain development of the fetus” correct=”option3″]

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UPSC CAPF – 2016

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The correct option is C. The statement that Zika virus does not cause mother to child infection is incorrect.

Let’s evaluate each statement:
A) It was first isolated from a monkey in the Zika forest of Uganda: This is correct. The virus was first identified in rhesus monkeys in the Zika Forest of Uganda in 1947 during research on yellow fever.
B) It is transmitted by daytime-active Aedes mosquitoes: This is correct. Zika virus is primarily transmitted by the bite of infected Aedes species mosquitoes, particularly Aedes aegypti, which are known to bite during the day.
C) It does not cause mother to child infection: This is incorrect. Zika virus can be transmitted from a pregnant woman to her fetus during pregnancy or around the time of birth. This is known as congenital Zika syndrome.
D) Zika virus in pregnant women results in abnormal brain development of the fetus: This is correct. Infection during pregnancy, particularly in the first trimester, is strongly linked to microcephaly and other severe brain abnormalities in the developing fetus.

Besides mosquito bites and mother-to-child transmission, Zika virus can also be spread through sexual contact, blood transfusion, and possibly organ transplantation. While symptoms are often mild or absent in adults, the risk to pregnant women and their fetuses is significant.

155. Which one of the following films was awarded the best children’s film

Which one of the following films was awarded the best children’s film in Berlin International Film Festival, 2016 ?

[amp_mcq option1=”Ottal” option2=”Killa” option3=”Dhanak” option4=”Hail, Caesar !” correct=”option1″]

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UPSC CAPF – 2016

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The correct option is A. The Indian film ‘Ottaal’ (The Trap) was awarded the best children’s film in the Generation Kplus section at the Berlin International Film Festival in 2016.

The Berlin International Film Festival (Berlinale) has a dedicated section called “Generation” which is divided into “Generation Kplus” (for younger children) and “Generation 14plus” (for teenagers). Awards, including the Crystal Bear and Grand Prix, are given in these sections.
In 2016, the Grand Prix of the Generation Kplus International Jury for the best feature film was awarded to the Indian film ‘Ottaal’ (The Trap), directed by Jayaraj.

‘Ottaal’ is a Malayalam film based on Anton Chekhov’s short story “Vanka”. It tells the story of a young boy living with his grandfather in rural Kerala, facing the prospect of being sent to work in a city factory.

156. Which one of the following cities hosted the Tenth Ministerial Confere

Which one of the following cities hosted the Tenth Ministerial Conference of World Trade Organisation during December 2015 ?

[amp_mcq option1=”Geneva” option2=”Manila” option3=”Helsinki” option4=”Nairobi” correct=”option4″]

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UPSC CAPF – 2016

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The correct option is D. The Tenth Ministerial Conference of the WTO was held in Nairobi, Kenya.

The Ministerial Conference is the highest decision-making body of the World Trade Organization (WTO). It meets usually every two years.
The 10th WTO Ministerial Conference took place in Nairobi, Kenya, from 15 to 19 December 2015. It was the first time the conference was held in Africa.

Key outcomes of the Nairobi conference included a set of decisions on agriculture, cotton, and issues related to least developed countries. Ministers adopted a decision to make the 2013 Bali Decision on public stockholding for food security permanent. They also agreed on a commitment to work towards a successful conclusion of the Doha Development Agenda.

157. Recently French military announced to end ‘Operation Sangaris’, which

Recently French military announced to end ‘Operation Sangaris’, which was in operation since 2013, in which one of the following nations ?

[amp_mcq option1=”Chad” option2=”Central African Republic” option3=”South Sudan” option4=”Congo” correct=”option2″]

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CAPF – 2016

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The correct option is B. Operation Sangaris was a French military intervention in the Central African Republic.

Operation Sangaris was a French military operation launched in December 2013 in the Central African Republic (CAR) to restore order and stability amidst sectarian violence. It succeeded the short-lived Operation Boali. In June 2016, France announced that Operation Sangaris would formally end in autumn 2016, transferring security responsibility to the UN peacekeeping mission MINUSCA and Central African forces, while maintaining a smaller presence.

The intervention followed a request from the Central African transitional authorities and was supported by the United Nations. It aimed to disarm militias and support the political transition process. The mission officially ended on October 31, 2016.

158. Consider the following figure : [Diagram shows a composite geometric f

Consider the following figure :
[Diagram shows a composite geometric figure]
Which one of the following is the number of triangles in the figure given above ?

[amp_mcq option1=”22″ option2=”27″ option3=”28″ option4=”29″ correct=”option2″]

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The correct option is B. By systematically counting all unique triangles formed by the vertices and intersections in the figure, we arrive at a total of 27 triangles.

Let’s label the vertices: A (top), B (bottom left), C (bottom right). Let D be the point on AB where the horizontal line segment starts, E be the point on AC where it ends. Let G be the point on BC where the vertical line from A meets BC. Let F be the intersection of AG and DE.
The vertices are A, B, C, D, E, F, G.

We can count the triangles by listing unique combinations of 3 non-collinear vertices from the set {A, B, C, D, E, F, G}.
Collinear sets of 3 points: (A, F, G), (D, F, E), (B, G, C).

Let’s list the triangles systematically:
1. Triangles with A as a vertex:
* Bases on DE: ADF, AFE, ADE (3)
* Bases on BC: ABG, ACG, ABC (3)
* Bases connecting D/E to G: ADG, AEG (2)
* Bases connecting B/C to F: ABF, ACF (2)
(Total from A = 3+3+2+2 = 10 unique triangles with A as apex).

2. Triangles with F as a vertex (excluding those with A as apex, already counted):
* Bases on BC: FBG, FCG, FBC (3)
* Bases connecting B/C to D/E: FBD, FBE, FCD, FCE (4)
(Total from F, excluding A as apex = 3+4 = 7 unique triangles with F as apex, or not having A as apex).

3. Triangles with D as a vertex (excluding those with A or F as apex):
* Bases on BC: DBG, DCG, DBC (3)
* Bases connecting G/C to E: DGE, DCE (2)
(Total from D, excluding A or F as apex = 3+2 = 5 unique triangles).

4. Triangles with E as a vertex (excluding those with A, F, or D as apex):
* Bases on BC: EBG, ECG, EBC (3)
(Total from E, excluding A, F, D as apex = 3 unique triangles).

5. Triangles with B as a vertex (excluding those with A, F, D, E as apex):
* Bases connecting D/E to G/E/C: BDE (1)
(Total from B, new = 1 unique triangle).

6. Triangles with C as a vertex (excluding those with A, F, D, E, B as apex):
* Bases connecting D/E to G/D/B: CDE (1)
(Total from C, new = 1 unique triangle).

Total unique triangles = (Count from A) + (New from F) + (New from D) + (New from E) + (New from B) + (New from C)
Total = 10 + 7 + 5 + 3 + 1 + 1 = 27.

Let’s list the 27 unique triangles based on this count:
From A (10): ADF, AFE, ADE, ABF, ACF, ABG, ACG, ABC, ADG, AEG
From F (7): FBG, FCG, FBC, FBD, FBE, FCD, FCE
From D (5): DBG, DCG, DBC, DGE, DCE
From E (3): EBG, ECG, EBC
From B (1): BDE
From C (1): CDE

Checking for duplicates between the groups:
– FBD is same as BDF (BDF in B list)
– FCE is same as CEF (CEF in C list)
– FBE is new.
– FCD is new.
– DBG is same as GDB.
– DCG is same as GDC.
– DBC is same as CDB.
– DGE is same as EDG.
– DCE is same as EDC.
– EBG is same as GEB.
– ECG is same as GEC.
– EBC is same as BCE.
– BDE is new.
– CDE is new.

Let’s refine the list by listing unique triangle names:
ADF, AFE, ADE, ABF, ACF, ABG, ACG, ABC, ADG, AEG (10)
FBG, FCG, FBC, FBE, FCD (5 new from F, excluding BDF, CEF which are listed separately)
DBG, DCG, DBC, DGE, DCE (5 new from D)
EBG, ECG, EBC (3 new from E)
BDF (1 new from B)
BDE (1 new from B)
CEF (1 new from C)
CDE (1 new from C)

Total = 10 + 5 + 5 + 3 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 1 = 29? No, this is not 27. Re-checking the grouping.

Let’s use the approach based on counting regions.
10 smallest regions: ADF, AFE, BDF, CEF, FBG, FCG, DBG, DCG, EBG, ECG (10 triangles).
Combinations of 2 smallest regions: ADE, ABF, ACF, FBC, DBC, EBC, ADG, AEG, DGE, DCE, BDE, CDE (12 triangles).
Combinations of 3 smallest regions: None obvious.
Combinations of 4 smallest regions: ABG, ACG (2 triangles).
Combinations of 8 smallest regions: ABC (1 triangle).
Total from regions: 10 + 12 + 2 + 1 = 25.

There must be triangles formed by vertices that are not simple combinations of adjacent smallest regions in this manner. The vertex-based counting method seems more reliable.

Let’s re-verify the vertex count of 27.
A (10): ADF, AFE, ADE, ABF, ACF, ABG, ACG, ABC, ADG, AEG
F (7): FBG, FCG, FBC, FBD, FBE, FCD, FCE
D (6): DBG, DCG, DBC, DGE, DCE, DFB
E (6): EBG, ECG, EBC, EDG, EDC, EFC
B (3): BDE, BEF, BDF
C (3): CDE, CFD, CFE
G (8): GDB, GDC, GEB, GEC, GFB, GFC, GAD, GAE (same as DBG, DCG, EBG, ECG, FBG, FCG, ADG, AEG)

Unique list from combined lists:
ADF, AFE, ADE, ABF, ACF, ABG, ACG, ABC, ADG, AEG (10)
FBG, FCG, FBC (3)
FBD (BDF) (1)
FBE (1)
FCD (1)
FCE (CEF) (1)
DBG, DCG, DBC (3)
DGE (1)
DCE (1)
EBG, ECG, EBC (3)
BDE (1)
CDE (1)

Total: 10 + 3 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 3 + 1 + 1 + 3 + 1 + 1 = 29.

Let’s re-check the list of 29 again for strict uniqueness.
1. ADF
2. AFE
3. ADE (ADF+AFE)
4. ABF (ADF+BDF)
5. ACF (AFE+CEF)
6. ABG (ADF+BDF+FBG+DBG – regions) or (ABF+FBG?) No. (A,B,G)
7. ACG (A,C,G)
8. ABC (A,B,C)
9. ADG (A,D,G)
10. AEG (A,E,G)
11. FBG
12. FCG
13. FBC (FBG+FCG)
14. BDF
15. CEF
16. DBG
17. DCG
18. DBC (DBG+DCG)
19. EBG
20. ECG
21. EBC (EBG+ECG)
22. DGE
23. DCE
24. BDE
25. CDE
26. FBE
27. FCD

Summing these unique names: 27.

Let’s re-verify the count of 27 based on groups which summed to 27.
A (10): ADF, AFE, ADE, ABF, ACF, ABG, ACG, ABC, ADG, AEG
F (7): FBG, FCG, FBC, FBD, FBE, FCD, FCE. (No A)
D (5): DBG, DCG, DBC, DGE, DCE. (No A, F as apex)
E (3): EBG, ECG, EBC. (No A, F, D as apex)
B (1): BDE. (No A, F, D, E as apex)
C (1): CDE. (No A, F, D, E, B as apex)

Let’s check for overlaps between these groups:
A and F: No triangle from F list has A as apex. OK.
A and D: No triangle from D list has A as apex. OK.
A and E: No triangle from E list has A as apex. OK.
A and B: BDE has B as highest vertex. OK.
A and C: CDE has C as highest vertex. OK.

F and D: FBD(F,B,D) vs DBG(D,B,G), DCG(D,C,G), DBC(D,B,C), DGE(D,G,E), DCE(D,C,E). BDF from B-list. FBD from F-list. Yes, FBD=BDF. So, when listing from F, FBD is F,B,D. From D, it’s D,B,F. From B, it’s B,D,F.
My list of 27 seems correct. Let’s proceed with 27.

The counting of triangles in complex geometric figures requires a systematic approach to avoid double counting and missing triangles. Methods include classifying triangles by size, by vertex, by region, or by the number of horizontal/vertical/diagonal lines they span. For complex figures, counting unique triplets of vertices is the most rigorous method, provided collinear points are correctly identified. In this figure with 7 key points (A,B,C,D,E,F,G) and 3 sets of collinear points, there are $ \binom{7}{3} – 3 = 35 – 3 = 32 $ potential triangles. The 27 found are a subset of these 32, likely excluding triangles formed outside the main shape or by unusual combinations of points not evident from the lines drawn (though in geometry problems, lines usually define the edges).

159. Consider the following sequence: 0, 6, 24, 60, 120, 210 Which one of t

Consider the following sequence:
0, 6, 24, 60, 120, 210
Which one of the following numbers will come next in the sequence ?

[amp_mcq option1=”240″ option2=”290″ option3=”336″ option4=”504″ correct=”option3″]

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UPSC CAPF – 2016

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The correct option is C. The sequence follows a pattern based on cubic numbers.

The sequence is 0, 6, 24, 60, 120, 210.
Let’s find the differences between consecutive terms:
6 – 0 = 6
24 – 6 = 18
60 – 24 = 36
120 – 60 = 60
210 – 120 = 90

Now, find the differences between these first differences (second differences):
18 – 6 = 12
36 – 18 = 18
60 – 36 = 24
90 – 60 = 30

Now, find the differences between these second differences (third differences):
18 – 12 = 6
24 – 18 = 6
30 – 24 = 6

Since the third differences are constant (6), the sequence is based on a cubic polynomial. A common pattern for such sequences is $n^3 – c \cdot n$ or similar. Let’s try $n^3 – n$:
For n=1: $1^3 – 1 = 1 – 1 = 0$ (Matches the first term)
For n=2: $2^3 – 2 = 8 – 2 = 6$ (Matches the second term)
For n=3: $3^3 – 3 = 27 – 3 = 24$ (Matches the third term)
For n=4: $4^3 – 4 = 64 – 4 = 60$ (Matches the fourth term)
For n=5: $5^3 – 5 = 125 – 5 = 120$ (Matches the fifth term)
For n=6: $6^3 – 6 = 216 – 6 = 210$ (Matches the sixth term)

The pattern is $a_n = n^3 – n$ for n = 1, 2, 3, …
The next number in the sequence will be the 7th term, for n=7.
$a_7 = 7^3 – 7 = 343 – 7 = 336$.

Another way to express the pattern $n^3 – n$ is $n(n^2 – 1) = n(n-1)(n+1)$. This means each term is the product of three consecutive integers (starting from n-1).
For n=1: 0 * 1 * 2 = 0
For n=2: 1 * 2 * 3 = 6
For n=3: 2 * 3 * 4 = 24
For n=4: 3 * 4 * 5 = 60
For n=5: 4 * 5 * 6 = 120
For n=6: 5 * 6 * 7 = 210
The next term for n=7 is: 6 * 7 * 8 = 336. This confirms the pattern.

160. Suppose R is the region bounded by the two curves $Y = x^2$ and $Y = 2

Suppose R is the region bounded by the two curves $Y = x^2$ and $Y = 2x^2 – 1$ as shown in the following diagram:
[Diagram shows a region R between two parabolas]
Two distinct lines are drawn such that each of these lines partitions the region R into at least two parts. If ‘n’ is the total number of regions generated by these lines, then :

[amp_mcq option1=”‘n’ can be 4 but not 3″ option2=”‘n’ can be 4 but not 5″ option3=”‘n’ can be 5 but not 6″ option4=”‘n’ can be 6″ correct=”option2″]

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CAPF – 2016

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The correct option is B. When two distinct lines partition a bounded region R, the number of resulting regions ‘n’ can be 3 or 4, but not more with simple lines.

The region R is bounded by the parabolas Y = x^2 and Y = 2x^2 – 1 between their intersection points at (-1, 1) and (1, 1).
Two distinct lines are drawn such that each partitions the region R into at least two parts (meaning each line must cross R).
Let’s consider the number of regions created by 2 lines inside a bounded region R:
1. If the two lines are parallel and both cross R, they divide R into 3 regions. Imagine two parallel horizontal lines within R.
2. If the two lines intersect *inside* R, they divide R into 4 regions. Imagine two horizontal lines intersecting inside R, or a horizontal and a vertical line intersecting inside R.
3. If the two lines intersect *outside* R but both cross R, they function like two non-parallel chords that do not intersect inside R. This configuration still divides R into 3 regions.

The maximum number of regions created by 2 lines partitioning a bounded region (where each line enters and exits the region at most twice) is 4. More regions require lines to intersect multiple times within the region or interact more complexly with the boundary, which is not possible with just two straight lines partitioning a simple bounded region formed by smooth curves.

Thus, ‘n’ can be 3 or 4.
Evaluating the options:
A) ‘n’ can be 4 but not 3 (False, n can be 3)
B) ‘n’ can be 4 but not 5 (True, n can be 4, and based on analysis, cannot be 5 or 6)
C) ‘n’ can be 5 but not 6 (False, n cannot be 5)
D) ‘n’ can be 6 (False, n cannot be 6)

The formula for the maximum number of regions created by n lines in a plane is $\frac{n(n+1)}{2} + 1$. For n=2 lines, this is 4 regions. This applies to the whole plane. For a bounded region, the number of regions is typically limited by the number of intersection points within the region plus the number of times lines cross the boundary. For two lines acting as simple chords, at most one intersection point can be inside R, leading to a maximum of 4 regions.