2007 June NTA UGC-NET / JRF Previous Year Solved Question Paper

Answer: (C) Magistrate

Explanation: A dying deposition is a statement made by a dying person on oath, typically recorded by a magistrate. This testimony is considered admissible in court as evidence.

Answer: (1) Dying declaration

Explanation: All options except for a dying declaration are exempted from oral testimony in a court of law. A dying declaration is typically admissible in court without the need for the dying person to testify orally.

Answer: (B) FID

Explanation: Hydrogen gas is typically used with the Flame Ionization Detector (FID) in Gas Liquid Chromatography (GLC).

Answer: (C) Fluorescent microscope

Explanation: Exciter filters are used in fluorescent microscopy to select the excitation wavelength that will stimulate fluorescence in the specimen.

Answer: (A) Low molecular weight

Explanation: Increasing the voltage applied in high voltage electrophoresis extends the separation capabilities to substances with lower molecular weights.

Answer: (4) G-C

Explanation: According to the base-pairing rule, guanine (G) pairs with cytosine (C), and adenine (A) pairs with thymine (T).

Answer: (2) EDTA

Explanation: EDTA is an anticoagulant commonly used to collect fresh blood for DNA fingerprinting as it prevents clot formation without interfering with DNA analysis.

Answer: (3) O

Explanation: If the mother is blood group A and the father is AB, the child cannot have blood group O, as O is inherited when both parents contribute an O allele.

Answer: (1) Yeast

Explanation: Ethanol is produced by the microbial fermentation of sugar by yeast, particularly Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

Answer: (1) Diazepam

Explanation: Diazepam, commonly known as Valium, is a sedative drug used to treat anxiety, muscle spasms, and seizures.

Answer: (3) Cannabis Sativa

Explanation: THC9 (Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) is found in Cannabis Sativa, the plant from which marijuana is derived.

Answer: (3) Zip gun

Explanation: A zip gun is an improvised firearm, typically made from crude materials and lacking the sophistication of commercially manufactured firearms.

Answer: (3) Both (A) and (R) are true

Explanation: Fouling in firearm barrels is a common occurrence after firing. It is primarily caused by the deposition of bullet materials, residues from gunpowder combustion, and lubricants. The assertion that fouling is present in the barrel after firing is true, as it accumulates over time with repeated use. The reason provided, stating that fouling is due to the presence of gas and unburnt powder in the barrel, is also true. When a firearm is discharged, the burning gunpowder generates gases that propel the bullet forward. However, not all of the powder burns completely, leading to the accumulation of unburnt residues. These residues, along with the gases, contribute to fouling inside the barrel. Therefore, both the assertion and the reason are true, as fouling is indeed caused by the presence of gases and unburnt powder residues.

Answer: (3) No constriction of the barrel from the muzzle end in shotguns.

Explanation: In firearms, the term “true cylinder” refers to a barrel configuration in shotguns where there is no constriction or tapering from the muzzle end. Unlike rifled arms, which have spiral grooves (rifling) inside the barrel to impart spin to the bullet for accuracy, shotguns are typically smoothbore weapons. A true cylinder bore maintains a consistent diameter from the chamber to the muzzle, allowing shotgun pellets or slugs to exit the barrel without any constriction. This configuration is suitable for close-range shooting and produces a wide shot pattern, making it ideal for hunting small game or for self-defense purposes at short distances. The absence of barrel constriction ensures that the pellets or slugs maintain their spread and do not experience any significant narrowing as they travel down the barrel. Therefore, option 3, “No constriction of the barrel from the muzzle end in shotguns,” correctly defines a true cylinder in a firearm.

Answer: (4) Nitrate

Explanation: The dermal nitrate test, also known as the paraffin test or diphenylamine test, is a forensic examination used to detect the presence of gunshot residue (GSR) on the hands of a suspect or victim. Gunshot residue consists of particles expelled from a firearm upon discharge and typically contains elements such as lead, barium, and antimony. The test involves coating the suspect’s hands with paraffin wax, which collects any residue present. After the wax solidifies, it is treated with diphenylamine, an acidic solution that reacts with nitrates and nitrites present in the residue. If GSR is present, the diphenylamine solution will produce a characteristic blue coloration, indicating a positive result. Therefore, the correct answer is option 4, “Nitrate,” as the test primarily detects the presence of nitrate compounds, although it may also detect nitrites to some extent. This test provides valuable forensic evidence to link a suspect to a shooting incident based on the presence of GSR on their hands.

Answer: More than one correct Answer

Explanation: Collar marks can be found at various distances, including intermediate ranges of up to 6 inches from the weapon.

Answer: (3) Colostrum

Explanation: Colostrum, a crucial component of breast milk, serves multiple purposes in newborns’ health and development. It contains high concentrations of antibodies, particularly immunoglobulin A (IgA), which help protect the infant from infections by forming a protective barrier in the gastrointestinal tract. Colostrum also provides essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals necessary for the baby’s growth and development. Additionally, it acts as a laxative, helping to clear the newborn’s intestines of meconium, the first stool. Furthermore, colostrum aids in the establishment of beneficial gut bacteria, promoting a healthy digestive system in infants.

Answer: (3) Mineral fibre

Explanation: Asbestos is a mineral fiber composed of thin, microscopic fibrils primarily consisting of silica and alumina. It is known for its heat resistance, tensile strength, and insulating properties, making it a popular material in various industries, including construction, automotive, and manufacturing. Asbestos was commonly used in building materials such as insulation, roofing, and floor tiles due to its fire-resistant qualities. However, prolonged exposure to asbestos fibers poses significant health risks, including respiratory diseases such as asbestosis and mesothelioma, a type of cancer affecting the lungs and abdomen.

Answer: (2) Twisted shape

Explanation: Mercerization is a chemical treatment applied to cotton fibers to improve their strength, luster, and dye affinity. During the mercerization process, cotton fibers are treated with a concentrated solution of sodium hydroxide, causing them to swell and straighten out. This results in increased surface area and a more uniform appearance. Additionally, the treatment causes the fibers to become more rounded and twisted, enhancing their strength and durability. Mercerized cotton fibers exhibit improved moisture absorption and dye uptake, making them ideal for high-quality textiles and garments with enhanced sheen and color vibrancy.

Answer: (A) Both (A) and (R) are true

Explanation: Skid marks left by vehicles can indeed provide valuable information in motor vehicle accident investigations. These marks can help determine factors such as the speed, size, and direction of the vehicle involved in the accident. By analyzing skid marks, forensic experts can reconstruct the events leading up to the accident and gain insights into the dynamics of the collision. Therefore, both the assertion and the reason are true, as skid marks are indeed useful in motor vehicle accident investigations due to their ability to provide valuable information about the incident.

Answer: (A) Density distribution

Explanation: When comparing different samples of soil, density distribution analysis is the most preferred method. Density gradient analysis helps define the density of soil, which is crucial for comparing soil samples. By analyzing the density distribution of soil components, forensic investigators can identify similarities and differences between samples, aiding in soil comparison and classification. This method allows for precise and reliable comparisons, making it an essential tool in forensic soil analysis.

Answer: (C) Rifling of firearm

Explanation: Striation tool marks are fine parallel scratches or grooves produced on a surface, commonly seen on bullets and cartridge casings. These marks are primarily caused by the rifling inside the barrel of a firearm. Rifling refers to the spiral grooves cut into the inner surface of a firearm’s barrel, which imparts spin to the projectile, stabilizing its trajectory. As the bullet travels down the barrel, it interacts with the rifling, leaving unique striation marks that can be analyzed to identify the type of firearm used and potentially match it to specific ammunition or weapons.

Answer: (D) Chemical etching

Explanation: Erased numbers on metal surfaces can be restored using chemical etching techniques. Chemical etching involves applying an acidic or alkaline solution to the metal surface, which selectively removes material and reveals the erased or obscured markings. This process is effective in restoring erased numbers, characters, or markings on metal surfaces without causing damage to the underlying material. Chemical etching is widely used in forensic investigations and industrial applications for restoring and enhancing markings on metal surfaces.

Answer: (D) (i), (iii), and (iv) are correct

Explanation: Density Gradient tube method is suitable for examining materials such as soil, paint chips, and cement. This method involves layering different density solutions in a tube and allowing the material to settle into distinct layers based on their densities. By comparing the density distribution of the material with known standards, forensic analysts can identify and classify the components of the sample. This technique is particularly useful in forensic soil analysis, where it helps determine the composition and characteristics of soil samples collected from crime scenes.

Answer: (C) Pelvis

Explanation: According to Krogman’s degree of accuracy in sex determination of adult skeleton remains, the pelvis provides the highest degree of accuracy. The pelvic bones exhibit sexual dimorphism, meaning there are distinct differences between male and female pelvises. Forensic anthropologists can analyze various features of the pelvis, such as the shape of the pelvic inlet, the angle of the pubic arch, and the width of the sciatic notch, to determine the sex of an individual with high accuracy. Therefore, when determining the sex of adult skeleton remains, the pelvis is considered the most reliable single bone for accurate sex determination.

Answer: (C) 45 yrs

Explanation: The lambdoid suture of the skull fuses completely by the age of 45 years. Sutures are fibrous joints in the skull that connect individual cranial bones. The lambdoid suture is located at the back of the skull and separates the parietal bones from the occipital bone. As a person ages, the sutures gradually fuse together through a process called cranial ossification. By the age of 45 years, the lambdoid suture typically completes its fusion, resulting in a fully formed and solidified cranial structure.

Answer: (C) Gait

Explanation: Examination of footprints can reveal information about an individual’s gait. Gait refers to the manner of walking or the pattern of movement of the limbs during locomotion. By analyzing footprints, forensic experts can assess various aspects of an individual’s gait, such as stride length, step width, foot angle, and rhythm of movement. This information can be useful in forensic investigations for identifying suspects, determining the sequence of events at a crime scene, and reconstructing the movements of individuals involved in criminal activities.

Answer: (B) Obtuse angle

Explanation: The pubic angle of the pelvic girdle in females is an obtuse angle. The pubic angle is formed by the meeting of the pubic bones at the front of the pelvis. In females, the pubic angle is wider and more obtuse compared to males, where it is narrower and more acute. This difference in the angle of the pubic arch is one of the characteristics used in forensic anthropology for determining the sex of skeletal remains. By measuring the pubic angle, forensic experts can make accurate determinations regarding the sex of an individual based on skeletal remains.

Answer: (A) Ammonium sulphite

Explanation: Mechanical erasures, such as those made by rubbing or scratching, can be deciphered using the Ammonium sulphite method. Ammonium sulphite is a chemical solution that reacts with the residual marks left behind by mechanical erasures, causing them to become visible. By applying Ammonium sulphite to the surface containing the erased marks and exposing it to specific conditions, forensic investigators can reveal and document the erased information. This method is commonly used in forensic document examination to recover altered or tampered information from documents, such as erased signatures, numbers, or text.

Answer: (B) Chloride diffusion of ink

Explanation: The age of water-soluble ink can be determined using the Chloride diffusion method. This method involves analyzing the diffusion rate of chloride ions present in ink over time. As ink ages, the chloride ions diffuse into the surrounding paper at a predictable rate, which can be measured and correlated with the age of the ink. By conducting chemical tests to assess the diffusion of chloride ions, forensic investigators can estimate the approximate age of water-soluble ink used in documents. This method is commonly employed in forensic document examination to determine the authenticity and age of handwritten or printed materials.

Answer: (B) Visual Examination

Explanation: Writing on a charred document can be deciphered primarily through visual examination. When a document is charred or partially burnt, the heat may cause the paper to darken or become brittle, but the writing may still be visible underneath the charred layers. Forensic experts carefully examine the charred document under appropriate lighting conditions and use magnification tools if necessary to identify any remaining traces of writing or indentations caused by pen pressure. This visual examination process allows forensic investigators to recover and document any legible information that may be present on the charred document, aiding in the investigation of arson cases or other incidents involving fire-damaged documents.

Answer: (B) Congested

Explanation: After death due to asphyxia, the left side of the heart is often congested. Asphyxia is a condition characterized by a severe deficiency of oxygen supply to the body’s tissues, leading to cellular hypoxia. In cases of death resulting from asphyxia, the heart may exhibit congestion due to the body’s inability to effectively circulate oxygenated blood. Congestion in the left side of the heart is a common post-mortem finding in individuals who have suffered from asphyxia. This congestion may be observed during autopsy examinations and can provide important forensic evidence regarding the cause and manner of death in cases involving asphyxiation.

Answer: (B) Depress respiratory centre

Explanation: An excess of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the blood typically depresses the respiratory centre. The respiratory centre, located in the brainstem, regulates breathing by monitoring the levels of CO2 and oxygen in the bloodstream. When CO2 levels rise above normal (hypercapnia), it signals the respiratory centre to increase the rate and depth of breathing to eliminate excess CO2 and restore proper blood gas levels. However, if CO2 levels remain elevated for an extended period, it can lead to respiratory depression, where the respiratory centre becomes less responsive, resulting in shallow or irregular breathing patterns. This respiratory depression can have serious consequences and may require medical intervention to restore normal breathing function.

Answer: (C) Lungs

Explanation: The hydrostatic test for live birth relies on changes in the specific gravity of the lungs. This test is a forensic examination performed during autopsy to determine whether a newborn baby took a breath after delivery and was therefore born alive. In cases of live birth, the newborn’s lungs will have air in them, causing a decrease in the specific gravity compared to the lungs of a stillborn baby, which would be filled with fluid and have a higher specific gravity. By assessing the specific gravity of the lungs and comparing it to established standards, forensic experts can provide valuable evidence regarding the circumstances surrounding the birth and potential signs of life in the newborn.

Answer: (B) Confabulations

Explanation: Pathological loss of memory, such as that seen in Korsakoff’s psychosis, often leads patients to fill gaps with purely imaginary events. These fabrications, which are not based on reality, are referred to as confabulations. Confabulations are false or distorted memories that individuals create to fill in missing information or to make sense of confusing or inconsistent situations. In cases of Korsakoff’s psychosis, which is typically associated with chronic alcoholism and thiamine deficiency, memory impairment and confabulation are common symptoms. Patients may invent stories or events to explain gaps in memory, leading to the creation of elaborate but false narratives that may be mistaken for genuine memories.

Answer: (C) Homicidal death

Explanation: The absence of cadaveric spasm in the hand and the presence of a country-made weapon (katta) at the crime scene are both suggestive of homicidal death. Cadaveric spasm, also known as instantaneous rigor, is a phenomenon where the muscles of the body stiffen immediately after death in the position they were in at the moment of death. Its absence in the hand suggests that the victim did not die by their own hand (suicide) but rather by external force. The presence of a country-made weapon, such as a katta, further supports the likelihood of homicide, as such weapons are often associated with criminal activities and acts of violence perpetrated by others. Therefore, these findings together point towards the likelihood of a homicidal death, where the victim was killed by another individual.

Answer: (B) Exit wound of a gun

Explanation: The large, everted, and irregular size of a wound is characteristic of an exit wound of a gun. When a bullet passes through the body, it creates an entrance wound where the bullet enters the body and an exit wound where it exits. Exit wounds are typically larger and more irregular in shape compared to entrance wounds due to the outward pressure caused by the bullet’s passage through the tissue. Additionally, exit wounds may exhibit everted edges, where the edges of the wound are turned outward, further contributing to their irregular appearance. By assessing the characteristics of a wound, forensic experts can often determine whether it is an entrance or exit wound, providing valuable information for reconstructing the events surrounding a gunshot injury.

Answer: (C) Dispersion of pellet

Explanation: The range of fire can be determined by assessing the dispersion pattern of pellets from a firearm. When a firearm is discharged, the pellets spread out in a characteristic pattern depending on the distance between the muzzle of the gun and the target. This dispersion pattern can be used to estimate the range at which the firearm was discharged. Close-range shots typically result in a denser pellet spread, while shots from a greater distance lead to wider dispersion. Forensic experts analyze the distribution and density of pellet impacts on the target to ascertain the approximate range of fire, providing valuable information for reconstructing the events of a shooting incident.

Answer: (D) DNA typing

Explanation: The individualization of a blood sample, or the process of identifying the specific individual to whom a blood sample belongs, can be achieved through DNA typing. DNA typing, also known as DNA profiling or DNA fingerprinting, involves analyzing the unique genetic information present in an individual’s DNA to create a profile that is distinct to that person. This profile can be compared to DNA profiles obtained from other samples, such as blood stains collected from a crime scene, to determine whether they match. DNA typing offers a highly accurate method of individualization, as each person’s DNA is unique (with the exception of identical twins), making it a powerful tool in forensic investigations for identifying suspects and linking them to crime scenes.

Answer: (D) Dead body

Explanation: Corpus delecti evidence in a case of murder by firearm refers to the physical evidence that establishes the fact that a crime has been committed. In the context of a murder by firearm, the dead body of the victim is a crucial piece of corpus delecti evidence. It provides tangible proof of the crime, demonstrating that someone has been killed as a result of a firearm-related incident. The examination of the dead body can yield important forensic evidence, such as gunshot wounds and ballistic evidence, which can help investigators determine the circumstances surrounding the death and identify potential suspects. Therefore, the dead body serves as the primary corpus delecti evidence in cases of murder by firearm, playing a central role in criminal investigations and legal proceedings.