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

​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 Nainital and Pauri Garhwal.

Key Points

• The Corbett National Park named after the legendary tiger hunter turned naturalist Jim Corbett.
• It is spread in Nainital and Pauri District of Uttrakhand.
• It is the First and Oldest National Park in India and also Asia’s first national park.
• At first, the name of the park was Hailey National Park which was renamed as Ramganga National Park in 1954-55 and again renamed as Corbett National Park in 1955-56.
• The park is famous for Royal Bengal tigers and Asiatic elephants.
• The Project Tiger (Save the Tigers) was launched in 1973 in Corbett National Park.
• The Jim Corbett National Park covers an area of 1288 sq. km.

Important Points

Additional Information

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.

Experts have indicated that the heavy rainfall experienced in Uttarakhand is a consequence of climate change, rather than a cloudburst. The term "cloudburst" refers to an intense rainfall event exceeding 100 mm in an hour; however, this incident involved significant rainfall without reaching that threshold, highlighting the increasing unpredictability of weather patterns associated with climate change.

The Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) was established primarily to provide security along the India-China border. Initially formed after the 1962 war, it has evolved to also handle various internal security duties, including high-altitude rescue operations.

The Agnipath Scheme is designed to recruit personnel below officer ranks, including soldiers, airmen, and sailors. This innovative recruitment model aims to provide a streamlined pathway into military service for young individuals.

The Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam (KMVN) is responsible for managing the pilgrimage to Kailash and Lake Mansarovar. This organization collaborates with the Ministry of External Affairs and the Government of China to facilitate this sacred journey, which is highly revered by devotees.

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 violence in Haldwani was primarily triggered by the demolition of an illegal madrasa, which was deemed an encroachment on government land. This action led to protests and clashes between communities, highlighting the tensions surrounding land use and local governance.

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 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 NABARD.

Key Points

• The Integrated Model Agricultural Village Scheme was launched in partnership with NABARD (National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development).
• The Integrated Model Agricultural Village Scheme was launched by the Uttarakhand Chief Minister (CM) Trivendra Singh Rawat inaugurated the Integrated Model Agricultural Village Scheme (Ekikrit Adarsh Krishi Gram Yojana).

Important Points

• This scheme was launched in Uttarakhand at Doiwala in Dehradun.
• This scheme is launched with the objective to help in strengthening the economy of farmers and in the doubling of their incomes.

Additional Information

• The limit for the interest-free loan given to farmers is being hiked to Rs 3 lakh from Rs 2 lakh.
• The current Governor of Uttarakhand is Smt Baby Rani Maurya.

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 Uttarkashi.
Important Points

• The detailed analysis of Population Census 2011 published by Govt. of India for Uttarakhand state reveals that Uttarakhand's population has increased by 18.81% in this decade compared (2001-2011) to the past decade (1991-2001).
• The density of Uttarakhand state in the current decade is 488 per sq mile.
• Uttarakhand is the state of India with a population of Approximate 1.01 Crores.
• The population of Uttarakhand state is 10,086,292.
• The density of Uttarakhand state is 189 per sq km.
• Uttarakhand State has spread over 53,483 Sq Km.

Additional Information

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.

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 ​Medieval period.

Key Points

Garhwal and Kumaon

• ​Garhwal:
  • The ancient history of Garhwal says that it had once been a part of the Mauryan Empire.
  • The history of Garhwal began as a unified whole in the 15th century, when king Ajai Pal merged the 52 principalities of the Garhwal region.
  • Garhwal remained a consolidated kingdom for about 300 years, with Srinagar as its capital.
  • But during the British Period, the territories of Pauri and Dehradun went under the British domain: the two regions were given to the Britishers in return for their help during the Gurkha invasion in the 19th century.
• Kumaon:
  • The history of Kumaon can be traced back to the Stone Age.
  • Moreover, the early medieval history of Kumaon started with the Katyuri dynasty that ruled from the 7th to the 11th century.
  • Under the Katyuri dynasty, as the ancient history of Uttarakhand suggests, art and architecture flourished tremendously. Many new architectural buildings and designs flourished during this period.
  • However, like all kingdoms that fall after a period of time, Katyuris also lost to the Chands of Pithoragarh.
  • The history of Uttarakhand bears witness to the many temples that were built under the Chands of Pithoragarh.
• In the medieval period, the Garhwal Kingdom in the west and the Kumaon Kingdom in the east come together to form the Uttarakhand Region.

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 8th July, 2001 A. D.

• New Industrial Policy in Uttaranchal (Presently Uttarakhand) was announced on 8th July 2001 A. D.

Key Points

• New Industrial Policy of Uttarakhand:
  • The policy was released on 8th July 2001 A. D.
  • The objectives of the new policy were:
    • To create an environment conducive to rapid and ecologically viable industrial development of the state of Uttaranchal with the following approach:
    • To exploit the industrial resources of the state and use it for productive purposes.
    • To increase the flow of investments in industry and infrastructure.
    • To create additional employment opportunities.
    • To increase the per capita income and standard of living of the people.
    • To ensure equitable industrial development of all the regions of the State.
    • To bring the state of Uttaranchal on the high growth path.
    • Above all to make efforts to create an industry-friendly environment in the State in which the State Government will play the role of a facilitator for industrial development.
• The strategy described in the policy aims at rapid, balanced, and sustainable industrial development of Uttaranchal.

Additional Information

• Uttarakhand (As in October 2021):
  • Chief Minister: Pushkar Singh Dhami
  • Governor: Gurmit Singh
  • Formed on: November 9, 2000

The correct answer is Dehradun.

Key Points

• The Indian Institute of Remote Sensing is a premier institute for research, training in the field of Remote Sensing, and higher education, Geoinformatics and GPS Technology for Natural Resources, Environmental and Disaster Management under the Indian Department of Space.
• It was established in 1966.
• The Institute is located in Dehradun, Uttarakhand.

Important Points

• The Institute was formerly known as the Indian Photo interpretation Institute.
• The Institute was founded under the aegis of the Survey of India.
• IIRS has also collaborated with many reputed international organizations for capacity building, faculty exchange, and research.

The correct answer is Tons River.

Key Points

• Kedarkantha
  • Kedarkantha is a mountain peak of the Himalayas in Uttarakhand, India.
    • Its elevation is 12,500 ft (3,800 m).
    • Kedar Kantha Mountains, associated with the establishment of Kedarnath, is situated on the source of Tons River.
  • Kedarkantha is located within Govind Wildlife Sanctuary in the Uttarkashi district.
  • The climb to the peak of Kedarkantha starts from a small village called Sankri.
  • There are a total of 13 peaks of the Himalayan range visible from the Kedarkantha peak.
  • There is a lake called Juda-ka-Talab, the locals say that once upon a time Lord Shiva meditated at Kedarkantha.
    • Its name implies so from the droplet fallen from Shiva's hair to form this lake named as Juda-ka-Talab located at 2,786 m.
    • It usually takes 4 days to complete the climb of the Kedarkantha peak.

Additional Information

• Kedarnath
  • Kedarnath is located at a distance of 223 km from Rishikesh in Uttarakhand and close to the source of the Mandakini river at the height of 3,583 m (11,755 ft) above sea level.
  • The township is built on a barren stretch of land on the shores of the Mandakini river.
  • Behind the town and Kedarnath temple, stands the majestic Kedarnath peak 6,940 m (22,769 ft), Kedar Dome 6,831 m (22,411 ft), and other peaks of the range.
• Tons River
  • The Tons is the largest tributary of the Yamuna and flows through the Garhwal region in Uttarakhand, touching Himachal Pradesh.
  • The Tons thrust is named after this river.
• Kali River​
  • The Kali River in the Kalapani region demarcates the border between India and Nepal.
  • It is also known as the Sharda river or Kali Ganga in Uttarakhand.
  • It joins the Ghagra river in Uttar Pradesh, which is a tributary of Ganga.
  • River Projects: Tanakpur hydro-electric project, Chameliya hydro-electric project, Sharda Barrage.
• Koshi River​
  • The Kosi or Koshi is a transboundary river that flows through Tibet, Nepal, and India.
    • It drains the northern slopes of the Himalayas in Tibet and the southern slopes in Nepal.
  • Sources: Sunkoshi, Arun, Tamor River
  • Mouth: Ganges

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 Musk deer.

• Musk deer is the state animal of Uttarakhand.
• The Scientific name of Musk deer is Moschus chrysogaster.

​

Additional Information

• Himalayan Monal Pheasant is the state bird of Uttarakhand.
• Brahm Kamal is the state flower of Uttarakhand.
• Chinkara is the state animal of Rajasthan in India.
• Indian Gazelle is also known as Chinkara.
• Barasingha is the state animal of Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh.
• Spotted deer is the state animal of Telangana.

• 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.

The correct answer is option (1) i.e. Uttarkashi.

• It was formed on 16th September 1989 in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand.
• Its area is 2390 sq km and the source of the 'Ganga-Gaumukh’ is situated here. The bharal population is remarkable. Musk deer, snow leopard, and Himalayan tahr are also found.
• Uttarkashi district was created on February 24, 1960, out of what then constituted the Parganas of Rawain and Uttarkashi of Rawain tahsil of erstwhile Tehri Garhwal district.
• It sprawls in the extreme north-west corner of the state over an area of 8016 sq. kms. in the rugged terrain of the mystic Himalayas.