National Symbols

11. India's National Animal is - [U.P.R.O/A.R.O (Mains) 2014, Uttarakhand U.D.A/L.D.A (Pre) 2007]

(a) Deer
(b) Elephant
(c) Tiger
(d) Lion

Correct Answer: (c) Tiger

Solution:The Tiger (Panthera Tigris Linnaeus) is the national animal of India. To improve the decreasing population and to protect tigers, the Tiger Conservation Project was started in April 1973.

12. Which is the National Flower of India? [Chhattisgarh P.C.S. (Pre) 2005]

(a) Sunflower
(b) Lotus
(c) Rose
(d) Marigold

Correct Answer: (b) Lotus

Solution:Lotus is the national flower of India which is the emblem of Indian Culture. Its scientific name is 'Nelumbo Nucifera'.

13. National Bird of India is- [Uttarakhand U.D.A/L.D.A (Pre) 2003, Uttarakhand U.D.A/L.D.A (Pre) 2007]

(c) Peacock
(a) Cuckoo
(b) Swan
(d) Pigeon

Correct Answer: (c) Peacock

Solution:The national bird of India is Peacock. Its scientific name is Pavo Cristatus. It is notable that Banyan is the national tree, Mango is the national fruit, 'Satyamev Jayte' is the national motto taken from Mundaka Upanishad and inscribed in the script at the base of the National Emblem which has been adopted from the Lion Capital of Ashoka erected at Sarnath, Varanasi. The Ganges river Dolphin is the national aquatic animal of India.

14. What does the wheel on the "Indian National Flag' symbolize? [Uttarakhand P.C.S. (Pre) 2005 ]

(a) Freedom
(b) Justice
(c) Equality
(d) Brotherhood

Correct Answer: (b) Justice

Solution:

The design of the present Indian flag is attributed to Pingali Venkayya.
In 1921, at the Vijayawada Congress session, Pingali Venkayya presented a design of a flag to Mahatma Gandhi. The flag consisted of three stripes-red, white and green, representing multiple communities living in harmony in India.
A spinning wheel was superimposed in the centre, signifying the country's progress.
In 1931, a formal resolution adopted Pingali Vekaiah's flag with a slight modification: it replaced the red strip of Venkayya's flag with saffron.
The saffron was for courage, white for peace and green for fertility and growth.
Finally, on 22 July 1947, the Constituent Assembly adopted the flag of India. The spinning wheel was replaced by the Dharma Chakra of Emperor Ashoka, symbolising truth and life. This came to be called the Tiranga.

15. With reference to the National Calendar, which of the statements is/are correct? [U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2019]

1. The National Calendar of India is based on Vikram Era.

2. The National Calendar is adopted from January 26, 1950.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d ) Neither I nor 2

Correct Answer: (d ) Neither I nor 2

Solution:The National Calendar of India is based on the Saka era, the first month of which is Chaitra. It was adopted on 22 March, 1957.