UKPSC Prelims Paper 1 Mock Test - 7 - UKPSC (Uttarakhand) MCQ

The correct answer is ​Brahmakamal.
Mistake Points

• At present, Palas is the state flower of Uttar Pradesh.
• Before the bifurcation of Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh, Brahmakamal is the state flower of Uttar Pradesh.

Key Points

• Brahmakamal​
  • The scientific name of Brahmakamal is Saussurea obvallata.
  • It is the state flower of Uttarakhand.
  • Blooming at a height of more than 14,000 feet only once a year.
  • It is part of the flora of the Himalayan region.

Additional Information

• ​Palash
  • The scientific name of Palash is Butea monosperma.
  • ​It is the state flower of Uttar Pradesh.
    • It is also the state flower of Madhya Pradesh and Jharkhand.
  • It is commonly known as “bastard teak”.
  • It is also known as the “Flame of the Forest”.
  • It is a deciduous tree species native to the Indian sub-continent.
  • It can be used to manage diarrhea as it has antimicrobial and astringent properties.
  • It also helps to manage liver disorders due to its antioxidant properties.

​

• Foxtail Orchid
  • ​It is the state flower of Arunachal Pradesh.
  • Its Scientific name is Rhynchostylis.

The correct answer is At the foothills of the outer Himalayas

Key Points

• The Doon valley is situated at the foothills of the outer Himalayas.
  • The Doon Valley is a wide, long valley within the Shivalik Hills in the Lesser Himalayas, in Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, and Haryana.
  • The Doon Valley lies between two intermittent ranges of the Himalayas, the Outer Himalayas, and the Lesser Himalayas, which is known as the Mussoorie Range.
  • Rajaji National Park and Kalesar National Park also lie in the region of the valley.

Additional Information

• About Uttarakhand
  • Capital: Dehradun
  • CM: Pushkar Singh Dhami
  • Governor: Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Gurmit Singh
  • Famous National Parks: Jim Corbett National Park, Rajaji National Park
  • Famous Wildlife Sanctuary: Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary, Benog Wildlife Sanctuary

The correct answer is Dehradun.

Important Points

• Wildlife Institute of India is located in Dehradun, Uttarakhand.
• Established in 1982, the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) is an internationally acclaimed Institution, which offers a training program, academic courses, and advisory in wildlife research and management.
• Wildlife Institute of India has celebrated a two-day event (23rd and 24th October 2020) on World Fish Migration Day, 2020 in Rudraprayag, situated at the confluence of the Alaknanda and Mandakini rivers.
• The current Union Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change is Bhupender Yadav.

Additional Information

• The National Institute of Nutrition is located in Secunderabad, Telangana.
• The National Cancer Institute is located in Badsa, Haryana.

Rice is not mentioned as a traditional crop cultivated in Uttarakhand in the context provided. The crops listed include Jhangora, Kauni, and Ramdana, which are specific to the region's agricultural practices. This highlights the unique agricultural diversity of Uttarakhand.

The primary cause attributed to the loss of snow on Om Parvat is deficient rainfall and sporadic snowfall observed in the upper Himalayan region over the past five years. This change has resulted in a significant decline in precipitation, critically affecting the snow cover.

The vaccination campaign focuses on preventing the canine distemper virus, which poses a risk to both domestic dogs and wildlife, including tigers and elephants. Canine distemper is highly contagious and can severely affect the respiratory and nervous systems of dogs, making this vaccination crucial for wildlife health.

The Chief Minister's primary objective is to seek clearance from the Centre for 21 new hydel power projects, which would enhance the state's electricity generation capacity. Currently, only 40% of Uttarakhand's total hydroelectric potential is being utilized, indicating a significant opportunity for expansion in renewable energy sources.

The Uttarakhand government organized the 'Nakshatra Sabha' to promote astro tourism. This three-day event aimed to attract celestial enthusiasts by offering unique experiences such as stargazing and workshops, thereby diversifying the state's tourism portfolio.

The 'Crowd Eye' device is being developed to monitor crowd sizes in real-time, helping to manage the footfall at Char Dham shrines. This technology aims to send alerts before crowding occurs, enhancing safety and accessibility for pilgrims during busy seasons.

The extreme weather events in Uttarakhand have led to a significant decrease in the yields of traditional fruits such as apples, pears, and walnuts. This decline is primarily attributed to the adverse effects of global warming and increased frequency of natural disasters, which disrupt the farming cycle. As a result, many farmers are now shifting their focus to crops better suited to changing climatic conditions, indicating a broader trend in agricultural adaptation.

Researchers from IIT-Roorkee developed a novel framework that predicts landslides in the Himalayan region by analyzing rainfall patterns. This framework can provide an early warning of at least six hours, combining meteorological modeling with numerical simulations. Such advancements are crucial for disaster management and can significantly reduce the impact of landslides on communities and infrastructure.

The helicopter service launched for Adi Kailash and Om Parvat peaks is designed to facilitate religious pilgrimages. Under the Heli Darshan scheme, this service aims to enhance access for pilgrims visiting these significant spiritual sites, making it easier for them to experience the scenic beauty and spiritual essence of the region.

The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) plays a crucial role in clearing and maintaining road connectivity, especially in the face of environmental challenges like glacier slides and landslides in Uttarakhand. Established to enhance infrastructure in border areas, the BRO is vital for ensuring that remote regions remain accessible, particularly during natural disasters. This is essential for both civilian safety and military logistics. An interesting fact is that BRO was founded in 1960 with the vision of enhancing India's border security through improved connectivity.

The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) is primarily responsible for regulating the conservation and management of tiger populations in India. This includes overseeing the relocation of tigers to ensure genetic diversity and reduce human-wildlife conflict. Formed in 2005, the NTCA implements various conservation measures and guidelines to protect tigers and their habitats. Interestingly, India's ambitious Project Tiger initiative, launched in 1973, laid the groundwork for the NTCA, reflecting the country's commitment to wildlife conservation.

The correct answer is Udhamsingh Nagar.

Key Points

• Udham Singh Nagar was a portion of district Nainital before the Tarai belt was separated to form the present Udham Singh Nagar on 30/09/1995.
• According to Historians, hundreds of years ago village Rudrapur was established by a devotee of lord Rudra or by Hindu tribal chief called Rudra, which has passed through phases of development to take the shape of city Rudrapur.
• The importance of Rudrapur has increased as it is the head quarter of district Udham Singh Nagar. During the reigns of mughal emperor Akbar this land was handed over to king Rudra Chandra in 1588.
• This district consists of seven Tehsils named Gadarpur, Jaspur, Kashipur, Bajpur, Kichha, Khatima, Sitarganj. The district is located in the Terai region, and is part of Kumaon Division.

Additional Information

• The highest Literacy rate as per the census 2011, is Dehradun in the state of Uttarakhand.

The correct answer is ​Asan Barrage.
Key Point
Asan Barrage is the first Ramsar site of Uttarakhand.

• Asan Conservation Reserve is a 444-hectare stretch of the Asan River running down to its confluence with the Yamuna River in the Dehradun district of Uttarakhand.
• It is Uttarakhand's first Ramsar Site.
• The damming of the River by the Asan Barrage in 1967 resulted in siltation above the dam wall, which helped to create some of the Site’s bird-friendly habitats.
• These habitats support 330 species of birds including the critically endangered red-headed vulture (Sarcogyps calvus), white-rumped vulture (Gyps bengalensis) and Baer’s pochard (Aythya baeri).
• Other non-avian species present include 49 fish species, one of these being the endangered Putitora mahseer (Tor putitora). Fish use the site for feeding, migration and spawning.

Additional Information
Bakhira Sanctuary

• Bakhira Wildlife Sanctuary, located in the Sant Kabir Nagar district of Uttar Pradesh, provides safe and favourable winter habitat for a large number of Central Asian bird species.

Sur Sarovar

• Sur Sarovar, also known as Keetham Lake, is a human-made reservoir; originally created to supply water to the city of Agra in summer, the wetland soon became an important and rich ecosystem.
• The lake has been designated as a protected Ramsar site since 2020.

Haiderpur Wetland

• The Haiderpur Wetland is spread over an area of 6908 hectares on the Muzaffarnagar-Bijnor border between the Ganges and the Solani River.
• It is a part of Hastinapur Wildlife Sanctuary.
• Haiderpur Wetland of Western Uttar Pradesh has been recognized as 47th Ramsar site in the country and 10th in Uttar Pradesh

​The correct answer is Suridhar.
Key Points

• Lakhwar-Vyasi Dam project on Yamuna River, includes under-construction Lakhwar Dam and Power Station, Vyasi Dam, Hathiari Power Station, and Katapathar Barrage, near the Lakhwar town in Kalsi block of Dehradun district of Uttarakhand in India, for the purpose of irrigation of 40,000-hectare land and total 927 MW hydroelectric power generation.

Additional Information
Kishau Dam

• The Kishau Dam is a proposed gravity dam on the Tons River that will straddle the border between the Indian states of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand.
• The project site is located about 39 km north of Dakpathar and upstream of the Ichari Dam.
• The primary purpose of the dam is power generation and downstream water supply.

Kalagarh Dam

• The Ramganga Dam, also known as the Kalagarh Dam, is an earth and rock-fill embankment dam on the Ramganga River 3 km upstream of Kalagarh in the Pauri Garhwal district, Uttarakhand, India.
• It is located within the Jim Corbett National Park.
• Uttarakhand Jal Vidyut Nigam Limited is the owner of this dam.
• The dam is part of the Ramganga Multipurpose Project — irrigation and hydroelectric project.
• The construction of the dam began in 1961 and was completed in 1974.

Kothar

• Kothar dam is situated on the Kosi river.

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 Lalkuan.

Key Points

• Lalkuan is known for a huge paper mill (Century Pulp & Paper) of Birla Group.
• It is very near to G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology Pantnagar.

Important Points

• Process of Pulp and paper:
  • The pulp is supplied to a paper machine where it is formed as a paper web and the water is removed from it by pressing and drying.
  • Pressing the sheet removes the water by force. Once the water is forced from the sheet, a special kind of felt, which is not to be confused with the traditional one, is used to collect the water.
  • Whereas, when making paper by hand, a blotter sheet is used instead.
  • Drying includes using air or heat to remove water from the paper sheets.
  • In the paper machine, the most common is the steam-heated can dryer.

The correct answer is 14^th November.Key Points

• Significance of Gauchar Fair
  • Gauchar Mela is one of the most important trade fairs of Uttarakhand the fair begins on 14^th November and continues for a week or so.
  • That is situated in the hill town of gorgeous located on the Left Bank of the Alaknanda river in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand
  • As Gauchar fair here exhibits the art and craft of different regions of Uttarakhand.
  • It plays a vital role in promoting the trade and culture of Uttarakhand.
  • Particularly and industrial fair gorgeous peer encourages cottage industry by providing a platform for the people to display their products in front of local inhabitants traders and tourists.

Additional Information

• History of Gauchar fair
  • Gauchar Mela started in 1943.
  • It was inaugurated by the deputy commissioner of Mr Bernedi.
  • Traders from the region of Dapu, Diphu, Gyaning, and Tholing.
  • They would sell wool, deer musk, Shilajit, black salt along with numerous ayurvedic products.
  • However due to problems with India and China in 1962 the trade with Tibet stopped.
  • Then the queen of the region (Gauchar) while returning the Badrinath decided to use the land as a grazing field.

The correct answer is ​Mussoorie.

• In Mussoorie, “Lal Tibba” is the most famous place.
• The place is the highest peak of the topmost point.

Key Points

• To view romantic sunset and sunrise or to see long trails of major Mountain peaks, it is very famous among tourists and travelers.
• In Landour, at Depot hill the place is situated.
• The place is not used for any commercial activities till now, so tourists are especially attracted here.
• A splendid view of Himalayan Mountain peaks is provided by Lal Tibba.
• The close looks of many peaks like Badrinath, Kedarnath, Banderpunch can be observed through a telescope from Lal Dibba.
• The place also has British architectural style hill houses.
• All India radio Doordarshan is also working here.

The correct answer is Forest and Environment Ministry.

Key Points

'Nature Vidya' web portal

• ​Uttarakhand's Forest and Environment Minister Harak Singh Rawat launched the 'Nature Vidya' web portal related to environmental education on 23rd August 2021.
• Nature Science Initiative (NSI) in collaboration with Janaki Devi Bajaj Gram Vikas Samsta (JBGVS) initiated a bilingual Hindi-English website that caters exclusively to Environment Education.
• The ‘Nature Vidya’ web portal offers a wide range of simple tools for nature educators to engage children outdoors, covering topics such as ecology, garbage, climate change, etc.
• This website not only helps prepare for any future school disruptions but also makes available sophisticated tools in Hindi to grassroots teachers for the first time.

Additional Information

• The Minister also released a Hindi book published by NSI about the peepal tree and its ecology, called ‘Rahasmayee Bagicha’, authored by Shruthi Rao.
  • This book helps children learn important ecological concepts by observing fig trees like the Peepal.
  • They learn about the value of friendships in nature to sustain life and understand how fig trees like the Peepal are important ‘Keystone’ species.

The Correct Answer is 8th July, 2001 A. D.

Important Points

The New Industrial Policy of Uttarakhand should seek to facilitate the achievement of the following:-

1. Self Sufficiency of the State in next Ten Years.
2. Positive and Constructive Attitude and Approach of the Government towards the Industry based on Mutual Trust.
3. Inclusive growth.
4. Increase in employment in Industrial and Allied Sector from the present levels.
5. Enhancing Skills-Enhancing Employability.
6. 10 to 12% annual rate of growth in the Industrial Sector.
7. Construction of Express Highway linking Dehradun District to Udham Singh Nagar District with industrial Corridor all along this Express Highway. This will also result in a better road. linkage to all parts of Uttarakhand and will in turn help in all development activities.
8. Uninterrupted, low cost and good quality of Electricity.
9. Less Governance- Simplified Labour Laws, Industrial Laws, Taxation Policy, Environmental Policy, and other related Laws/Policy.
10. Abolition of Inspector Raj.
11. Special Thrust on Information Technology and Bio-Technology.

Key Points

The main objective of the policy is to promote the economic development of the hilly and remote areas of the state where industrial processes could not take place.

• To bring administrative reforms.
• To attract investment in the private sector & under the PPP model.
• To create a Dedicated Fund for the development of clusters, Common Facilities Centre, and providing infrastructural support under the initiatives of Centre & State Government.
• To promote competitiveness and cutting costs for the industry.
• To stimulate economic growth, industry and service sector being the main engines of growth.
• To promote IT & IT Enabled Services.
• To promote value addition from resources of the State while promoting Agro-based & Food processing industry.
• To Emphasis on fresh employment generation and skill Up-gradation.
• To revive the sick industry by way of OTS and to provide a mechanism for debt restructuring.
• To address & take care of environmental issues

Additional Information

• The State of Uttarakhand was formed on November 9, 2000, by carving out 13 hilly districts from the state of Uttar Pradesh.
• Uttarakhand, as the new state was called, became the 27th state of India.
• It is strategically located and forms part of the northern boundary of the country, sharing borders with Nepal and Tibet (China); it touches Tibet in the north, Himachal Pradesh in the west and northwest, Gangetic plains of Uttar Pradesh in the south, and Nepal in the east.
• Uttarakhand has diverse geographical features ranging from snow-capped mountain peaks in the north to tropical forests in the south; its climate and vegetation is equally diverse.
• It is one of the five states in India to be declared a world heritage biodiversity site by UNESCO.
• The state occupies an area of 53,483 sq km and has a population of 10.1 million.
• Its administrative and legislative capital is Dehradun.
• Sudhir Nautiyal is the Secretary of the Uttarakhand industries department.
• Tirath Singh Rawat is Uttarakhand's chief minister.

The correct answer is 78.82%.

• According to the 2011 Census, the literacy rate of Uttarakhand is 78.82%.

Key Points

• The literacy rate of males in Uttarakhand is 87.40%.
• The literacy rate of females in Uttarakhand is 70.01%.

Additional Information

• Census is an official enumeration of the population from time to time.
• Census has been conducted every 10 years by the Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India under the Ministry of Home Affairs.
• The 16th Indian census will be taken in 2021.
• In September 2019, Union Home Minister Amit Shah had stated that the 2021 national census would be held fully digitally through a mobile phone application.
• In February 2021, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman confirmed in her budget speech that the 2021 census will be the first-ever digital census in India.
• 2021 Census will be carried out in 16 languages.
• The 15^th Indian Census taken in 2011.
• India is the second most populated country in the world.
• The population in India is 139 crores.
• India has 17.7% of the world's population.
• The population density in India is 464 per km².
• The first Census in India conducted by the Viceroy - Lord Mayo (1872).
• The first official Census in India conducted by the Viceroy - Lord Rippon (1881).

Important Points

• Father of Indian Statistics - P. C. Mahalanobis.
• Indian Statistics day is observed on June 29 (birthday of P. C. Mahalanobis).
• The state with the highest literacy rate - Kerala.
• The state with the lowest literacy rate - Bihar.

The correct answer is All of the above.

Key Points

• Nestled between two popular national parks in Uttarakhand, Corbett, and Rajaji there lays another significant wildlife reserve that sprawls in an area of 301 sq. km is called by the name of Sonanadi Wildlife Sanctuary or Sona Nadi Wildlife Sanctuary or just Sonandai.
• Binsar is one of the most scenic spots in the Kumaun Himalayas.
  • It is the summer capital of the erstwhile Chand Rajas (7th - 18th Century).
• Rajaji National Park is situated on the foothills of the Himalayan range and is closely connected to the Shiwalik ranges.
  • It is spread over a large area of Pauri Garwal, Dehradun, and Saharanpur districts in Uttarakhand.
  • Chilla Sanctuary separates The Motichur and Rajaji sanctuaries.
• The Valley of Flowers national park located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand
  • It is known for its meadows of endemic alpine flowers and the variety of flora.

Important Points

• In 1972, a comprehensive Wildlife Act was enacted, which provides the main legal framework for the conservation and protection of wildlife in India.
• The two main objectives of the Act are
  • To provide protection to the endangered species listed in the schedule of the Act.
  • To provide legal support to the conservation areas of the country classified as National parks, sanctuaries, and closed areas.
• This Act has been comprehensively amended in 1991, making punishments more stringent, and has also made provisions for the protection of specified plant species and conservation of endangered species of wild animals.
• There are 106 National parks and 565 wildlife sanctuaries in the country. (As of May 2022)

The correct answer is Justice Vijender Jain.

Key Points

• .Uttarakhand human rights commission:
  • The Uttarakhand Human Rights Commission became fully functional in the true sense after appointment of Justice Vijender Jain, a former Chief Justice of Punjab and Haryana High Court who took charge as the first Chairperson on 13 May 2013.
  • He was joined by Justice Rajesh Tandon, a former judge of Allahabad High Court & Uttarakhand High Court on 7 June 2013 as supporting member of the commission
• State Human Rights Commission:
  • ​The Protection of Human Rights Act of 1993 provides for the creation of not only the National Human Rights Commission but also a State Human Rights Commission at the State Level.
  • A State Human Rights Commission can inquire into violation of human rights only in respect of subjects mentioned in the State List (List-II) and the Concurrent List (List-III) of the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution of India.
  • The Central Government may confer upon the State Human Rights Commissions the functions relating to Human Rights except for the Union Territory of Delhi.

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 Uttarakhand.Key Points

• Hurka Baul is a dance form prevalent in the state of Uttarakhand.
• The Hurkiya Baul dance is done in the fields while paddy and maize are being grown.
• After executing the preceding ceremony on a set day, the dance is done in several fields to various tunes.

Additional Information

• The dance is named after the Hurka, which is the drum that provides musical accompaniment to the dance, and Baul, which is the song.
• The only musical instrument used in the dance is the hurka.
• The singer relates the story of conflicts and heroic acts slowly and interestingly in the Hurka Baul dance performance. The actors usually arrive from two directions and execute the story in a sequence of snappy motions and appealing dancing styles.
• Other important dance forms of Uttarakhand are
  • Pandav Nritya,
  • Bhotia Dance,
  • Cholia Dance,
  • Jhora Dance, and
  • Mukhota Dance.

The correct answer is 27th

Key Points

• The State Uttarakhand came into existence on 09th November 2000 under the Reorganization of Uttar Pradesh Act 2000.
• It became the 27th state of India.

Important Points

• The State of Uttarakhand was earlier a part of the United Province of Agra and Awadh, which came into existence in 1902.
• In 1935, the name of the State was shortened to the United Province.
• In January 1950, the United Province was renamed Uttar Pradesh.
• Uttaranchal remained a part of Uttar Pradesh before it was carved out of Uttar Pradesh on 09 November 2000.
• It is often called the Land of the Gods (Dev Bhoomi) because of its various holy places.

Additional Information

Uttarakhand -

• Chief Minister - Pushkar Singh Dhami
• Governor - Gurmit Singh
• State animal - musk deer
• Lok Sabha seats - 5
• Rajya Sabha seats - 3

The correct option is 2 i.e. Arunachal Pradesh.

• The bum la is located in Arunachal Pradesh.
• Other passes in Arunachal Pradesh are Bomdila, Diphu pass and Sela pass.
  • Trick to remember: {Diphu ne sutli Bomb Sila Arunachal me}
• Passes in Sikkim: Nathu la and Jalep la.
  • Trick to remember: {Nathulal halwai ki jalebi famous hai sikkim me}
• Passes in Himachal Pradesh: Shipki La, Bara-Lacha and Rohtang Pass.
• Passes in Uttarakhand: Lipulekh, Mana Lekh and Niti pass.
  • Trick to remember: {Mana, Niti lipstick lagati hai Uttarakhand me}

The correct answer is option 1 i.e A Glacier

• It is the Glacier of Kumaon Himalaya.
• It is located in Munsiyari, district Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand,
• The river Gori Ganga originates from Milam Glacier.
• Uttarakhand:​
  • Capital: Dehradun
  • CM: Pushkar Singh Dhami
  • Governor: Gurmit Singh
  • Famous National Park: Jim Corbett National Park, Rajaji National Park
  • Famous Wildlife Sanctuary: Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary, Benog Wildlife Sanctuary
  • Lok Sabha seats - 5.
  • Rajya Sabha seats - 3.
  • State Animal - Alpine musk deer.
  • State Bird - Himalayan monal.