UKPSC Prelims Paper 1 Mock Test - 8 - UKPSC (Uttarakhand) MCQ

The correct answer is Uttarkashi.

Key Points

• Kirti Glacier
  • Kirti Glacier lies on the northeast side of the Kirti Stambh, a mountain located in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand.
  • Kirti Glacier joins Gangotri glacier which is the source of the river Ganga.
• Uttarkashi
  • It is a district of Uttarakhand and a part of the Gharwal region constituted in 1960.
  • This district contains the source of both the Yamuna river from Yamunotri and the Ganga river from Gangotri.

Additional Information

• Pithoragarh
  • It is a district of Uttarakhand and the largest organized semi-urbanized town in Kumaon.
  • It is also known by Mini Kashmir of India.
  • It shares international borders with Tibet in the North and Nepal in the east.
• Chamoli
  • It is a district in Uttarakhand and part of the Gharwal Division.
  • Earlier it was part of the Pauri Gharwal district till the 1960s, but on 24 February 1960 Chamoli was upgraded to a new district.
  • Administrative Headquarters: Gopeshwar.
  • The Famous Badrinath Temple, Hemkund Sahib, and Valley of Flowers are located in Chamoli.
  • Chamoli happened to be the birthplace of the Chipko movement, started by Sunderlal Bahuguna.
• ​Tehri Gharwal
  • It is a district of Uttarakhand and a part of the Gharwal region.
  • It is one of the three districts of Uttarkhand currently receiving funds from the Backward Region Grant Fund Programme.
  • Tehri Dam, a major hydroelectric project located on the Bhagirathi River is situated in this district.

The correct answer is Mandakini and Alaknanda.
Key Points

• Rudraprayag is one of the Panch Prayag (five confluences) of the Alaknanda River, the point of confluence of the Alaknanda and Mandakini rivers.
  • Rudraprayag is situated at the confluence of the Alaknanda and Mandakini rivers.
  • Mandakini is also known as Kali Ganga.
  • The Sharda/Sarayu/Mandakini/Kali Ganga river originates in the Milam Glacier in the Nepal Himalayas where it is known as Goriganga.
  • Along the Indo-Nepal border, it is called Kali or Chowk, where it joins the Ghaghara.
  • The Ghaghra after collecting the waters of its tributaries cuts a deep valley at Sheeshpani, where the Sharda River (Kali or Kali Ganga) joins the plain.​

Additional Information

• Panch Prayag-
  • ​Vishnu Prayag- Alaknanda+Dhauliganga
  • Nand Prayag-Alaknanda+Nandakini
  • Karna Prayag-Alaknanda+Pindar
  • Rudra Prayag- Alaknanda+Mandakini
  • Dev Prayag-Alaknanda+Bhagirathi

The correct answer is Forest fire.

Key Points

• Instances of Forest Fires in 2021:
  • January 2021 saw prolonged fires in Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh (Kullu Valley), and the Nagaland-Manipur border (Dzukou Valley). Hence, Option 2 is correct.
  • The Simlipal National Park in Odisha saw a major fire between February-end and early March.
  • Recent fires also include those in Bandhavgarh Forest Reserve in Madhya Pradesh, and in sanctuaries for the Asiatic lion and the great Indian bustard in Gujarat.

Important Points

• Forest Fires:
  • Also called bush or vegetation fire or wildfire, it can be described as any uncontrolled and non-prescribed combustion or burning of plants in a natural setting such as a forest, grassland, brushland, or tundra, which consumes the natural fuels and spreads based on environmental conditions (e.g., wind, topography).
  • Forest Fires can be incited by human actions, such as land clearing, extreme drought, or in rare cases lightning.
  • There are three conditions that need to be present in order for a wildfire to burn: fuel, oxygen, and a heat source.

Additional Information

• The Total Forest and Tree cover is 24.62% of the geographical area of the country.
• The Total Forest cover is 7,13,789 sq km which is 21.71% of the geographical area of the country.
• The Tree cover is 2.91% of the geographical area of the country.

The correct answer is Backwardness, poverty, inconvenience and migration.

Key Points

• Uttarakhand came into existence after being separated from Uttar Pradesh. On November 9, 2000, the state of Uttaranchal—the 27th state of India—was carved out of Uttar Pradesh, and in January 2007 the new state changed its name to Uttarakhand, meaning “northern region,” which was the traditional name for the area.
• Lack of development in the geographically unique area( 93% of the area in the state is hill region and 64% of the total area of the forest) area rising unemployment gave impetus to the age - old demand for separate state.
• Three things which actually became reasons for strong resentment among the masses was poor development of the hill, increasing unemployment and time taking distance from hills to Lucknow in case one has to approach officials in the state capital.

Additional Information

• Capital: Dehradun
• State Animal: Alpine musk deer

The correct answer is Tibet-Nepal.
Key Points

• Uttarakhand was formed on 9th November 2000 as the 27th State of India, when it was carved out of northern Uttar Pradesh.
• Located at the foothills of the Himalayan mountain ranges, it is largely a hilly State, having international boundaries with Tibet in the north and Nepal in the east. On its north-west lies Himachal Pradesh, while on the south is Uttar Pradesh.

Additional Information

Article 44 of the Indian Constitution calls for the state to endeavor to secure a Uniform Civil Code for all citizens throughout the territory of India. This article is part of the Directive Principles of State Policy, which guide the state in making laws and policies aimed at achieving social justice and equality. The idea behind Article 44 is to strengthen the secular and democratic framework of the nation.

The Chief Minister directed the Forest Department to prepare an action plan aimed at preventing human-wildlife conflict, particularly in response to rising incidents of leopard attacks. This proactive approach seeks to balance wildlife preservation with community safety, emphasizing the need for effective management strategies.

The Uttarakhand Prisons and Correctional Services Bill, 2024, was introduced in the state assembly alongside the supplementary budget. This bill aims to update the state’s prison laws and improve the management and rehabilitation of prisoners.

World Elephant Day is dedicated to raising awareness about the status of both Asian and African elephants in the wild. It emphasizes the threats they face, including habitat loss and poaching, and promotes conservation efforts to protect these magnificent creatures.

In light of the threat posed by strong river currents to the iron bridge over the Mandakini River, the Uttarakhand government has imposed a ban on the movement of heavy vehicles across the bridge. This precautionary measure aims to ensure safety and prevent potential accidents or structural failures.

The tourism sector contributes approximately 15% to Uttarakhand's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This highlights the importance of tourism as a vital economic driver for the state, especially in areas known for their natural beauty and pilgrimage sites.

Doon Silk is a brand under the Uttarakhand Cooperative Resham Federation, committed to revitalizing ancient silk-weaving traditions. It emphasizes the use of natural fibers and handloom techniques, supporting local artisans and providing sustainable job opportunities.

The supreme peak of the Kailash range stands at a height of 6,675 meters. This peak is not only a geographical landmark but also holds immense spiritual significance in Hinduism and Buddhism, symbolizing the center of the universe and attracting many pilgrims.

After merging with Naugaon Nagar Panchayat, the residents of Muradi reported increased taxes and the loss of benefits from schemes like MGNREGA. They experienced more challenges, including higher costs for services without corresponding improvements, highlighting the negative impacts of urban incorporation on rural communities.

The Uttarakhand government has introduced a pioneering initiative by providing dual-language science books to students in state-run schools. This approach allows students to learn scientific concepts in both Hindi and English simultaneously, fostering bilingual education and enhancing understanding. This initiative not only supports language skills but also aims to improve accessibility to quality education, reflecting a commitment to inclusive learning practices.

The Supreme Court criticized the Uttarakhand State Licensing Authority for its inaction regarding complaints about misleading advertisements by Patanjali, which had persisted for over two years. The SLA's justification for not taking action was rejected by the court, highlighting the importance of regulatory bodies to actively monitor and respond to public complaints, especially concerning health-related advertisements.

The Bambi Bucket operation employs helicopters to drop water on wildfires. This specialized bucket is suspended below a helicopter, allowing it to scoop water from a nearby source and then release it over the fire. This method is particularly effective for inaccessible areas where ground firefighting efforts are challenging. An interesting fact about the Bambi Bucket is that it was initially developed for firefighting in the 1980s and is now widely used across the globe for wildfire management.

The early blooming of Buransh is attributed to climatic shifts and global warming, leading to unusual weather patterns. This phenomenon, known as pseudo-flowering, raises concerns among scientists about the potential impacts on the tree's medicinal properties and the broader ecological implications of changing climate patterns.

The headquarters of SIIDCUL is in Dehradun.
Key Points
State Infrastructure & Industrial Development Corporation Uttarakhand Ltd., SIIDCUL:

• 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.

Additional Information
Other Institutes in Dehradun:

• Indian Forest Research and Education Council.
• Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology.

The correct answer is Kumaun Himalayas.
Key Points
Uttarakhand's physiographic zones

• ​ The northern zone, popularly known as the Himadri, contains segments of the Zaskar and the Great Himalaya ranges.
• Adjacent to and south of the Great Himalayas is a zone containing the Lesser Himalayas, known popularly as the Himachal.
• The entire area containing the Himadri, the Himachal, and the Siwaliks is broadly known as the Kumaun Himalayas.
• The southern edge of the Siwalik Range merges with a narrow bed of gravel and alluvium known as the Bhabar, which interfaces to the southeast with the marshy terrain known as the Tarai.
• South of the Siwaliks is found flat-floored depressions, known locally as duns, such as the Dehra Dun.

Additional Information
Kumaun Himalayas

• ​Kumaun Himalayas, a west-central section of the Himalayas in northern India, extends 200 miles (320 km) from the Sutlej River east to the Kali River. The range, comprising part of the Siwalik Range in the south and part of the Great Himalayas in the north, lies largely within the state of Uttarakhand, northwest of Nepal.
• It rises to 25,646 feet (7,817 metres) at Nanda Devi, the range’s highest peak, and to 25,446 feet (7,756 metres) at Kamet, near the Chinese border. Glaciers and snowmelt feed the headstreams of the Ganges River in torrents that rush through gorges and steep-sided ravines.

The correct answer is Almora.

Key Points

• Almora was founded in 1568 by King Kalyan Chand, however there are accounts of human settlements in the hills and surrounding region in the Hindu epic Mahabharata in the 8th and 9th century BCE.
• Almora was the seat of Chand kings that ruled over the Kumaon Kingdom. It is considered the cultural heart of the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand.
• This place got its name from "Bhilmora", a kind of sorrel,(although some have tried to derive it from Berberis "kilmora" a short plant commonly found there.
• It is surrounded by thick forests of pine and fir trees. Flowing alongside the city are rivers of Suyal (Salmale) and Koshi (Kaushiki).
• Almora has many notable temples, including Nanda Devi, Doli Daana, Shyayi Devi, Khakmara, Asht Bhairav, Kasar Devi, Jakhandevi, Katarmal (Sun Temple), Pataal Devi, Chitai, Jageshwar, Binsar Mahadev, Garhnath, Raghunath Mandir, Badreshwar, Banari Devi, and Baijnath.

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 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 answer is Western.

Key Points

Kuninda Kingdom

• ​The Kingdom of Kuninda (also known as Kulinda in ancient literature) was a central Himalayan kingdom that existed from roughly the 2nd century BCE to the 3rd century CE and was located in southern areas that are modern-day Himachal Pradesh and western Uttarakhand in northern India.
• Amoghbhuti, one of the first kings of the Kuninda, ruled in the Sutlej and Yamuna river valleys (in today's southern Himachal Pradesh and far western Uttarakhand in northern India).
• Ptolemy, a Greek historian, linked the Kuninda's origins to the country from which the rivers Beas, Sutlej, Yamuna, and Ganges originate.
• One of Ashoka's Edicts on a pillar may also be found at Kalsi, in the Garhwal region, confirming the spread of Buddhism to the region as early as the 4th century BCE.

• Around the third century, the Kuninda monarchy vanished, and the region appears to have transitioned to Shaivite beliefs by the fourth century.​

Additional Information

• The first form of Kuninda coinage was released about the first century BCE, and the second type was issued around the second century CE.
• The initial Kuninda coins were influenced by the numismatic paradigm of their preceding Indo-Greek kingdoms and included Buddhist and Hindu symbols such as the Triratna and Lakshmi figures.

The correct answer is Karnprayag.
Key Points
Karnprayag

• Karnprayag is the place where Alkanda joins the Pindar river.
• It is said that Karna did the penance and thus, the name is derived from the name of Karna.
• Further, Karnaprayag is the place where Lord Krishna did the cremation of Karna.
• Karnaprayag has a huge religious significance and according to the Hindu epic, the Mahabharata, Karna practised penance here.
• Also, this is the same place where his father, the Sun God, blessed him with indestructible gear, namely kavacha (armour) and kundala (earrings).

The correct answer is 2000.

Key Points

• Uttarakhand came into existence in the year 2000.
• Uttarakhand was formed as the 27th State of India when it was carved out of northern Uttar Pradesh.
• Located at the foothills of the Himalayan mountain ranges, it is largely a hilly State.
• Uttarakhand has international boundaries with China (Tibet) in the north and Nepal in the east.
• On its northwest lies Himachal Pradesh, while on the south is Uttar Pradesh.
• Char-Dhams, the four most sacred and revered Hindu temples of Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri are nestled in the mighty mountains.
• It’s truly God’s Land (Dev Bhoomi).
• Capital of Uttarakhand: Gairsain (Summer), Dehradun (Winter)

The correct answer is Guasthal.

Key Points

• Kedarkhanda
  • It is one of the three sections of Mahesvara Khanda of Skand Purana.
  • It has 35 chapters about Kedarnath Tirtha.
  • The Garhwal region is also called the Kedar-Khanda after Kedar- the local name for Lord Shiva.
• Gopeshwar
  • Gopeshwar is a town in Garhwal hills and a municipal board within the Chamoli district.
  • It is the administrative headquarters of the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand.
  • Gopeshwar is surrounded by four famous temples- Tungnath, Anusuya Devi Temple, Rudranath, and Badrinath.

The correct answer is A necklace made up of coins.
Key Points

• This ornament is used on the forehead like a flower, in which 22 coins or 22 silver coins are threaded.
  • These are threaded in such a way that there are 11 coins each from the middle of the head.
  • At present, it is found in Garhwali songs.

Additional Information

The correct answer is 2003.

Key Points

First General Elections of Urban Local Bodies:

• The first General Elections of Urban Local Bodies were conducted by the State Election Commission, Uttarakhand in 2003 in all 13 districts of the State.
• Thereafter further elections to the ULBs were conducted by SEC in the years 2008 and 2013.
• The last election to 84 ULBs was conducted in October-November 2018 in which 15,55,257 voters exercised their franchise with the voting percentage being 66.67%.
• Elections to ULBs of Bazpur, Srinagar, and Roorkee were held in 2019.
• At present Uttarakhand has 8 Municipal Corporations,43 Nagar Palika Parishads, and 41 Nagar Panchayats.

The correct answer is 03
Key Points

• The maximum strength of the Rajya Sabha is 250, of which 238 are to be the representatives of the state, and the union territory and 12 are nominated by the president.
• Five members are elected in Lok Sabha from Uttrakhand directly by the state electorates of Uttarakhand and Three members represent Rajya Sabha in the parliament from Uttrakhand.
• The representatives in the Rajya Sabha are elected by the elected members of the state legislative assemblies with the system of proportional representation by, means of the single transferable vote.

Additional Information