UKPSC Prelims Paper 1 Mock Test - 6 - UKPSC (Uttarakhand) MCQ

The correct answer is Manas Khand​.
Key Points

• The ‘Kumaon region’ was known as ‘Manas Khand’ or Uttarakhand in the ‘ancient literature’.
• The ‘Kumaon’ word originates from ‘Kurmanchal’ which means it is a land of Kurma – which is the tortoise incarnation of ‘Lord Vishnu’.
• Kumaon or Kumaun is one of the two regions and administrative divisions of the Indian state of Uttarakhand, the other being Garhwal.
• The Kumaon region spans over the eastern half of the state and includes the districts of Almora, Bageshwar, Champawat, Nainital, Pithoragarh, and Udham Singh Nagar.
• The Kumaon region has Tibet in the north and on the south there is Uttar Pradesh. On the eastern side there is Nepal and on the west by there is the Garhwal area.
• In the early Hindu scriptures, Uttarakhand is North India is known as the combined region of Kedarkhand and Manaskhand.

• Samvatsar Padvo.

Additional Information
Uttarakhand

• Foundation Day: 9 November 2000(carved out from Uttar Pradesh on this date and became the 27th state of the Republic of India).
• Capital: Gairsain(Summer), Dehradun( Winter).
• Chief Minister: Tirath Singh Rawat.
• Governor: Baby Rani Maurya.
• State Animal: Alpine Musk Deer.
• State Bird: Himalayan Monal.
• State Tree: Buransh.
• State Flower: Brahma Kamal.

Maula Ram belongs to the Garhwal style of painting.
Key Points

• Maula Ram was an Indian painter who originated the Garhwal branch of the Kangra school of paintings.
• Garhwal is one of the Pahari Miniature painting styles.
• Both the 'person picture' and 'thematic picture' of this style are famous.
• In this, the mystery of female beauty has been wonderfully revealed.
• The attractiveness of colors in these paintings, the clarity in expression, systematic depiction, and highly developed symbolism are the hallmarks of the art of the Hindu (Nalagarh) sub genre.
• 

Additional Information

​The correct answer is Buransh.

• The state tree of Uttarakhand is Buransh.

Key Points

• Rhododendron arboreum, the Tree Rhododendron, is an evergreen shrub or small tree with a showy display of bright red flowers.
• It is found in Bhutan, China, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and Thailand.
• It is the National Flower of Nepal.
• In India, it is the state tree of Uttarakhand and the state flower of Nagaland.

Additional Information

Uttarakhand​

• Foundation Day: 9 November 2000 (carved out from Uttar Pradesh on this date and became the 27th state of the Republic of India).
• Capital: Gairsain(Summer), Dehradun( Winter).
• Chief Minister: Shri Pushkar Singh Dhami.
• Governor: Gurmit Singh.
• State Animal: Alpine Musk Deer.
• State Bird: Himalayan Monal.
• State Tree: Buransh.
• State Flower: Brahma Kamal.
• Hindi, Garhwali, Jaunsari, and Kumaoni are the principal languages of Uttarakhand.
• Uttarakhand is the only state in India that has Sanskrit as one of its official languages.
• Govind Vallabh Pant Agriculture University is the first Agricultural University in India.
• India's first engineering college was set up at Roorkee.
• Central Buiding Research Institute is situated at Roorkee.
• Lal Bahadur Sastri National Academy of Administration is situated at Mussoorie.
• Indian Military Academy is situated at Dehradun.
• Central Forest Research Institute is situated at Dehradun.
• Wild Life Institue of India is situated at Dehradun.
• University of Petroleum and Energy Studies is situated at Dehradun.
• The high court of Uttarakhand is situated in Nainital.
• The biggest optical telescope (ARIES) in Asia is situated in Uttarakhand.
• Thunganath temple is the world's highest Shiva temple.
• Haridwar (Gateway of God) is the venue of Kumbhamela held after every 12 years.

Important Points

• Uttarakhand is known as the 'Land of Gods'.
• Pithoragarh is known as Mini Kashmir of Uttarakhand.
• Rishikesh is known as the 'Yoga Capital of the World'.
• Mussoorie is known as the 'Queen of hill stations in India.
• Nainital is known as the 'Lake District of India'.
• Dehradun is known as the 'City of Schools' and 'School Capital of India'.
• Uttarakhand is known as the 'Valley of Flowers'.

The correct answer is option 1 i.e Mussoorie

Key Points

• K Devbhumi Wax Museum is located in Mussoorie, Uttarakhand
• It displays lifelike wax figures of famous personalities from India and abroad.
• Uttarakhand government has taken this idea from the renowned Madame Tussauds Museum in London

Uttarakhand:

• ​​Capital: Dehradun
• CM: Pushkar Singh Dhami
• Governor: Gurmit Singh
• Famous National Parks: Jim Corbett National Park, Rajaji National Park
• Famous Wildlife Sanctuary: Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary, Benog Wildlife Sanctuary

The primary purpose of implementing the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) is to ensure that all citizens of India are governed by the same set of secular civil laws regarding personal matters such as marriage, divorce, inheritance, and adoption. This aims to promote equality and justice by removing disparities that exist between different religious laws. An interesting fact is that Goa is currently the only state in India that has implemented a UCC.

The tiger population in Uttarakhand saw a remarkable increase of 314% from 178 in 2006 to 560 in 2022. This significant rise showcases successful conservation efforts and improved habitat conditions for wildlife in the region. Interestingly, this growth positions Uttarakhand among the states with the highest tiger population density globally.

The tableau representing Uttarakhand at the 2024 Republic Day Parade is themed "Developed Uttarakhand." This theme highlights the state's progress and development, showcasing various aspects such as traditional crops, infrastructure projects, and cultural representations, all aimed at presenting a modern and developed image of the state.

The significant environmental change observed at Om Parvat is the complete disappearance of snow for the first time in recorded history. This phenomenon has raised concerns among environmentalists regarding the impacts of climate change, particularly due to factors such as reduced rainfall and global warming.

The Chief Minister inaugurated 26 projects worth over Rs 30 crore, which included initiatives aimed at empowering women, particularly in economic upliftment and safety. This reflects the government’s commitment to enhancing women's roles in society and improving their living conditions.

The IMD has advised residents in areas under red alert to stay informed about the latest weather updates and take necessary precautions to safeguard their health and property. This proactive approach is crucial during severe weather events to minimize risks associated with flooding and landslides.

The Joshimath tehsil has been renamed to Jyotirmath, reflecting its historical and religious significance as one of the cardinal mathas established by Adi Shankaracharya to promote Advaita Vedanta philosophy. This change aims to enhance the area's cultural identity.

The Valley of Flowers trek opens primarily to allow trekkers to access the stunning array of over 300 species of indigenous flowers that bloom during the monsoon season. This natural spectacle draws visitors seeking to experience the unique biodiversity of the area, which contributes to both tourism and ecological awareness. Interestingly, the Valley is also recognized for its ecological significance as part of the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve, making it a crucial site for conservation efforts.

The Badrinath Temple reopened for devotees on May 12, 2024, coinciding with the start of the Chardham Yatra, which includes visits to Badrinath, Kedarnath, Yamunotri, and Gangotri. This event is significant for pilgrims as it marks the beginning of the pilgrimage season in the Garhwal Himalayas, a time of great spiritual importance in Hindu culture.

Gangotri Dham, the highest temple dedicated to Goddess Ganga, recently experienced fresh rain and snowfall. This event is significant as it highlights the region's climatic conditions and the temple's role as a pilgrimage site, especially during the Char Dham yatra.

The primary causes of forest fires in Uttarakhand include human activities and climatic changes. Studies indicate that about 95% of forest fires are caused by human actions, such as careless disposal of waste or deliberate burning for land clearing. Additionally, changes in weather patterns, including rising temperatures and dry conditions, exacerbate the risk of these incidents. An interesting fact is that forest fires have become an annual event in this region, typically starting around mid-February and lasting until mid-June.

The primary focus of the budget is to address critical issues such as poverty alleviation, disaster management, infrastructure development, and improving air connectivity. This allocation indicates the government's commitment to building a robust framework for socio-economic growth and enhancing living conditions for its citizens.

The correct answer is Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers National Parks.
Key Points

• India’s Valley of Flowers National Park is renowned for its meadows of endemic alpine flowers and outstanding natural beauty.
• It is located in the Chamoli District of Uttarakhand.
• This richly diverse area is also home to rare and endangered animals, including the Asiatic black bear, snow leopard, brown bear, and blue sheep.
• The gentle landscape of the Valley of Flowers National Park complements the rugged mountain wilderness of Nanda Devi National Park. Together they encompass a unique transition zone between the mountain ranges of the Zanskar and Great Himalaya.
• The Nanda Devi National Park is renowned for its remote mountain wilderness, dominated by India's second-highest mountain at 7,817 m.

The correct answer is Almora.

Key Points

Uttarakhand census 2011 -

• As per the analysis, the rate of population growth in 11 districts of the state has rapidly increased while two regions,
  • Pauri Garhwal and Almora have noted a negative decadal growth,
  • Uttarakhand is the state of India with a population of Approximate 1.01 Crores.
• The population of Uttarakhand state is 10,086,29.
• According to the 2011 Census of India, Uttarakhand has a population of 10,086,292 comprising 5,137,773 males and 4,948,519 females, with 69.77% of the population living in rural areas.
• The state is the 20th most populous state of the country having 0.83% of the population on 1.63% of the land.

The correct answer is Badridutt Pandey.
In 1946, Badri Dutt Pandey demanded a separate hill state which was rejected by the then Premier of United Provinces G.B. Pant.
Key Points

• After independence, the demand for a separate hill state got derailed as the political leaders did not want to lose U.P.’s dominance over national politics owing to the largest number of M.P.’s from this state.
• Many leaders like General Secretary of CPI P.C. Joshi, Manvendra Shah (ex-ruler of Tehfi state) repeatedly raised the issue of a separate hill state.
• They regularly submitted memorandums to the government, organised conferences and protested on various occasions to draw the attention of the people in power.
• Individual events on this matter not only kept the issue alive but also educated the masses to a large extent and helped people to strive for separation from U.P.
• On 24-25 June 1967 ‘Parvatiya Rajya Parishad’ was formed under the leadership of Krishna Pandey.
  • It can be considered a vital step in achieving the objective of a separate hill state.
• Later, L.K. Advani passed the resolution of a smaller state and took the cause of hill state (Uttarakhand) along with Jharkhand.

Additional Information
The Hill Areas Development Programme:

• It was operationalised in the Fifth Five Year Plan in designated hill areas.
• Eight hill districts of Uttar Pradesh – Dehradun, Pauri Garhwal, Tehri Garwhal, Chamoli, Uttar Kashi, Nainital, Almora and Pithoragarh were considered.

The correct answer is Industries Association of Uttarakhand.

Key Points

• Industries Association of Uttarakhand (IAU) is an Apex body of Micro, Small & Medium Scale Industries of Uttarakhand.
• Its strong membership base covers wide products and services spread through the length and breadth of Uttarakhand.
• With an exclusive focus on Uttarakhand, IAU is committed to the development of the State and its entrepreneurs.
• IAU, Uttarakhand has a two-tier system operating at the State and the city level through respective chapters.
• The thrust and focus of the Association are always on making efforts to help the existing industry and to attract the new industry in Uttarakhand.
  • This is done by building and maintaining grass-root level interaction with all concerned including Government, trade, and industry.

Additional Information

• State Infrastructure & Industrial Development Corporation Uttarakhand Ltd., SIDCUL:
  • It is a Government of Uttarakhand Enterprise.
  • It is located in Dehradun, Uttarakhand.
  • It was organized as a Limited Company in the year 2002.
  • The primary objective of SIDCUL is to provide overall industrial development of the state by developing the necessary infrastructure and industries in the state of Uttarakhand directly or through special purpose vehicles, investments assisted companies, etc.

The correct answer is option 1.

Key Points

Ganga Action Plan project:

• Ganga's action plan was started in 1985 with the objective of pollution abatement from the river Ganga. Hence, option 1 is correct,
• GAP – Ganga Action Plan is a 100% centrally sponsored scheme.
• Under this plan, the National River Ganga basin authority was established and declared Ganga a national river of India.
• Rajiv Gandhi directed Ganga Action Plan. The authority is headed by the prime minister and chief ministers of all the states where the river Ganga flows.
• GAP was divided into two phases. Phase-I started in 1985 and covered the then three states, Uttar Pradesh (UP), Bihar and West Bengal (WB).
• Phase II of GAP was launched in 1993 and covers seven states that include Uttarakhand, UP, Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Delhi and Haryana.
• In the second phase, a Ganga action plan was created for all these tributaries.
• The national river conservation plan was started under the same program for the 2nd phase.
• It included tributaries of Ganga as well like Yamuna, Mahananda, Gomti, and Damodar.
• The Ministry of Environment and forests (MoEF) was in charge of the overall design and implementation of GAP.
• Central Ganga Authority (CGA) came into existence under the Environment Protection Act 1986, headed by the Prime Minister of India.

The correct answer is All of the above.

Key Points

Atal Ayushaman Yojana -

• The scheme, which was launched on the birth anniversary of Late Atal Bihar Vajpayee, provides a free treatment facility to the people of Uttarakhand.
• It was launched in September 2018 by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
• That ministry later established the National Health Authority as an organization to administer the program.
• Medical facilities up to rupees five lakh per annum is provided to all the families of the state under this scheme.
• This facility will be offered in state-government hospitals and listed private hospitals. Hence option 1 is correct.
• In case of emergencies, the facility will also be offered direct admission in listed private hospitals.
• This is totally Cashless and paperless and for getting cashless treatment, a Golden card is required. Hence options 2 and 3 are correct.
• Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) is a scheme of the Government of India to provide free access to healthcare for 40% of people in the country.
• AB PM-JAY provides free secondary health care for that needing specialist treatment and tertiary health care for those requiring hospitalization.
• PM-JAY offers service to 50 crore people and is the world's largest government-sponsored healthcare program.
• The program is a poverty alleviation programme as its users are people with low income in India.

The Correct Answer is "Two".
Important Points
There are 2 Mega Food Parks in Uttarakhand

1. Patanjali Food and Herbal Park, Haridwar, Uttarakhand.
2. Himalayan Mega Food Park, Udham Singh Nagar, Uttarakhand.

Key Points

• The Scheme of Mega Food Park aims at providing a mechanism to link agricultural production to the market by bringing together farmers, processors, and retailers so as to ensure maximizing value addition, minimizing wastage, increasing farmers' income, and creating employment opportunities, particularly in the rural sector.
• The Mega Food Park Scheme is based on the “Cluster” approach and envisages the creation of state of art support infrastructure in a well-defined Agri / horticultural zone for setting up modern food processing units in the industrial plots provided in the park with a well-established supply chain.
• Mega food parks typically consist of supply chain infrastructure including collection centers, primary processing centers, central processing centers, cold chain, and around 25-30 fully developed plots for entrepreneurs to set up food processing units.

Additional Information

• The Mega Food Park project is implemented by a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) which is a Body Corporate registered under the Companies Act.
• State Government, State Government entities, and Cooperatives are not required to form a separate SPV for implementation of the Mega Food Park project.
• Subject to fulfillment of the conditions of the Scheme Guidelines, the funds are released to the SPVs.
• So far following 22 Mega Food Parks are operational:

1. Srini Mega Food Park, Chittoor, Andhra Pradesh.
2. Godavari Mega Aqua Park, West Godavari, Andhra Pradesh.
3. North East Mega Food Park, Nalbari, Assam.
4. Indus Best Mega Food Park, Raipur, Chhattisgarh.
5. Gujarat Agro Mega Food Park, Surat, Gujarat.
6. Cremica mega Food park, Una, Himachal Pradesh.
7. Integrated Mega Food Park, Tumkur, Karnataka.
8. Kerala Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation (KINFRA) Mega Food Park, Palakkad, Kerala.
9. Indus Mega Food Park, Khargoan, Madhya Pradesh.
10. Avante Mega Food Park, Dewas, Madhya Pradesh.
11. Paithan Mega Food Park, Aurangabad, Maharashtra.
12. Satara Mega Food Park, Satara, Maharashtra.
13. Zoram Mega Food Park, Kolasib, Mizoram.
14. MITS Mega Food Park, Rayagada, Odisha.
15. International Mega Food Park, Fazilka, Punjab.
16. Sukhjit Mega Food Park, Kapurthala, Punjab.
17. Greentech Mega Food Park, Ajmer, Rajasthan.
18. Smart Agro Mega Food Park, Nizamabad, Telangana.
19. Tripura Mega Food Park, West Tripura, Tripura.
20. Patanjali Food and Herbal Park, Haridwar, Uttarakhand.
21. Himalayan Mega Food Park, Udham Singh Nagar, Uttarakhand.
22. Jangipur Bengal Mega Food Park, Murshidabad, West Bengal.

The correct answer is Haridwar.

Key Points

Brahma Kund / Har ki Pauri

• Brahma Kund, the spot where the amrita fell, is located at Har ki Pauri (literally, "footsteps of the Lord") and is considered to be the most sacred ghat of Haridwar.
• Har ki Pauri Ghat was built by Raja Vikramaditya in memory of his brother Brihathari.
• It is believed that Vikramaditya’s brother did penance here.
• Har ki Pauri is also known as Brahma Kund.
• World-famous Ganga Aarti takes place in the Brahmakund area of Har ki Pauri, a sacred spot where it is believed that the nectar (Amrit) fell on earth.
• The biggest fairs of Hindus, Kumbh, and Ardh Kumbh also take place at Har ki Pauri.

The correct answer is Tiger.

Key Points

Project Tiger:

• It was the first project for wildlife protection in India taken up after the passing of the Indian Wildlife Protection Act in 1972.
• It was initiated on April 1, 1973, in Jim Corbett National Park.​
• It was launched to promote the conservation of the tiger.
• Project Tiger has been the largest species conservation initiative of its kind in the world.
• This project aims to stem the dwindling population of big cats and work to increase their numbers.​
• The first director of the project was Kailash Sankhala.
• It was launched by the Union Government of India under the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change.
• Nodal Implementing Agency: National Tiger Conservation Authority.

The Correct Answer is "1814 A. D".

Important Points

• The Gurkha War was fought between Nepal and the British East India Company between 1814 and 1816.
• It is also called the Gorkha War or the Anglo-Nepalese War.
• The Gurkha War marked the rise of the Gurkha kingdom and the consolidation of the British East India Company's influence in Nepal.
• The open door for growing power in the region came upon the heels of conflict between three small kingdoms, Kathmandu, Patan, and Bhadgaon.
• Completely focused on warfare among themselves, they became easy prey for the Gurkha empire in 1767.
• The British East India Company handled the events leading up to the Gurkha War (1814-1816) rather clumsily.

Key Points

• While the Gurkhas had been expanding its empire into Sikkim in the east, Kumaon and Garhwal in the west and into the British sphere of influence in Oudh in the south, the British East India Company had consolidated its position in India from its main bases of Calcutta, Madras, and Bombay.
• That British expansion had already been resisted in parts of India culminating in the Mahratta Wars, as well as in the Punjab where Ranjit Singh had his own empire-building aspirations.
• The British felt an imperative to quickly and successfully conclude the Gurkha war.

Additional Information

• The Treaty of Sugauli had been ratified on March 4, 1816.
• According to the treaty, Nepal would lose Sikkim, the territories of Kumaon and Garhwal, and most of the lands of the Tarai.
• The British East India Company would pay 200,000 rupees annually to compensate for the loss of income from the Tarai region.
• The Tarai lands proved difficult to govern, the British returning some of them to Nepal in 1816, while Nepal simultaneously abolished the annual payments.

The correct answer is Somnath Sharma.Key Points

• Manoj Somnath Sharma son of major general Amarnath Sharma was born on January 31, 1923, in Himachal Pradesh.
• He was commission in the Kumaon Regiment on February 22, 1942.
• On October 22, 1947, Pakistan launched the tribal invasion of Jammu and Kashmir.
• Major Somnath Sharma light down his life for the country on November 3 1947 in back Budgam, Kashmir in a brave fight against Pakistan troops.
• Major general Amarnath Sharma received India's first and highest what time gallantry medal Param Vir chakra on behalf of his son

Major Somnath Sharma

Additional Information

• The Param Vir Chakra is India's highest military decoration, awarded for displaying distinguished acts of valour during wartime.
• Param Vir Chakra translates as the "Wheel of the Ultimate Brave", and the award is granted for "most conspicuous bravery in the presence of the enemy".
  • Total: 21
  • First awarded: 3 November 1947
  • Established: 26 January 1950
  • Last awarded: 7 July 1999
  • Presented by: the President of India
  • Equivalent: Ashoka Chakra
  • Next (higher): Bharat Ratna

The correct answer is option 3.

Key Points

• Census of India:
  • It has been started in 1872 under the British Viceroy Lord Mayo.
  • The first complete census was taken in 1881. Since then it has been taken every 10 years.
• In 2011, it was 15th Census of India.
• The sex ratio for the given states according to the Census of 2011 are:
  • West Bengal - 950
  • Madhya Pradesh - 931
  • Uttarakhand - 963
  • Jammu & Kashmir - 889
• Hence the correct order is Uttarakhand — West Bengal — Madhya Pradesh — Jammu and Kashmir.

• The Purna Kumbh Mela takes place every twelve years at one of the four places by rotation, Prayag, Haridwar, Ujjain and Nashik.
• Kumbh Mela -
  • The Kumbh Mela is a major Hindu festival and pilgrimage.
  • The mela is held every three years, and switches between four different locations – Haridwar (river Ganga), Prayag (Triveni sangam of Yamuna, Ganga and Saraswati), Ujjain (river Kshipra), and Nasik (river Godavari)
  • The mela returns to each location after a span of 12 years.
  • The Kumbh Mela is related to the Hindu mythological story of “Samudra Manthan” or the churning of nectar.
  • The “kumbh” actually means pot, signifying the pot holding the Amrita (nectar) churned out during Samudra Manthan.
  • As per the story, after Samudra Manthan, the Asuras ran behind devas to get the nectar of immortality.
  • During the chase some of the nectar fell on the four locations and hence these four locations are worshiped and revered.
  • Hindus believe bathing in the holy water at the four locations during Kumbh washes away their sins and bless them with divine power.