Miscellaneous

Total Questions: 37

1. Winterline, the natural phenomena is observed in which part of the country? [Uttarakhand Lower Sub. (Pre) 2010]

(a) Shimla
(b) Darjeeling
(c) Mussoorie
(d) Nanital

Correct Answer: (c) Mussoorie

Solution:From mid October to January, when the sun sets, the western horizon turns a myriad combination of yellow, red, orange and mauve. This is known as winterline. The phenomenon is unique to Mussoorie and a part of Switzerland. The winterline is a striking visual effect, often appearing as a vivid line of contrasting colors (red, orange, yellow) on the horizon during sunset. The winterline is believed to be caused by the refraction of sunlight through layers of air with different temperatures and the presence of dust and moisture. As the sun dips below the horizon, its rays bend through these atmospheric layers, creating a visible line of demarcation. The specific atmospheric conditions required for the winterline to form are not always present, making it a rare and captivating sight.

2. If you walk through the countryside, you are likely to see some birds stalking alongside the cattle to seize the insects disturbed by their movement through grasses. [I.A.S. (Pre) 2014]

Which of the following is/are such bird/birds?

1. Painted Stork

2. Common Myna

3. Black-necked Crane

Select the correct answer using codes given below:

(a) 1 and 2
(b) 2 only
(c) 2 and 3
(d) 3 only

Correct Answer: (b) 2 only

Solution:Dr. Salim Ali was an Indian ornithologist and naturalist. He is some times referred to as 'Birdman of India'. In his book "Handbook of the birds of India and Pakistan Vol.5" he wrote that common Myna stalking alongside the cattle seizes the insects disturbed by their movement through grasses. Painted stork is found in the southern Himalayas and feed on small fishes near wetlands. Black-necked crane is found in Tibetan Plateau, Bhutan, Arunachal Pradesh and Ladakh. It is an omnivore and eats plants roots, insects, fish, frog etc.

3. Which of the following has the lowest mean net primary productivity? [U.P.P.C.S. (Re-Exam) (Pre) 2015]

(a) Temperate forests
(b) Tropical forests
(c) Temperate grasslands
(d) Tropical savanna

Correct Answer: (c) Temperate grasslands

Solution:Primary productivity is the rate at which energy is converted by photosynthetic and chemosynthetic autotrophs to organic substances. The total amount of productivity in a region or system is gross primary productivity. Primary productivity of temperate grassland is approx 500gm per cm² per year. Primary productivity of temperate forest is approx 1000 gm per cm² per year. Primary productivity of Tropical forests is approx 2000gm per cm² per year and primary productivity of Tropical savanna is approx 700 gm per cm² per year.

4. The Marine National Park of India is located in- [U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2013]

(a) Kachchh
(b) Sundarban
(c) Chilka Lake
(d) Nicobar Islands

Correct Answer: (a) Kachchh

Solution:Marine National Park in the Gulf of Kachchh is located in the Jamnagar district of Gujarat.

It is an archipelago of 42 tropical islands along the northern coast of Jamnagar district and the southern coast of Kutch. Some of the finest coral reef fringe islands are found at Pirotan, Narala, Ajad and Positara, with species of hard and soft coral.
Fauna: There are 7 species of mangrove which are breeding grounds for colonies of near-threatened species of birds such as the Painted Stork, Darter and Black-necked Ibis. Endangered Sea Turtles like the Green Sea, Oliver Riddley & Leather Back can also be found here.

5. "Bhitarkanika" which has recently been included in the list of 'World Heritage Sites' is situated in- [U.P.P.C.S. (Spl) (Mains) 2008]

(a) Andhra Pradesh
(b) Chhattisgarh
(c) Odisha
(d) West Bengal

Correct Answer: (c) Odisha

Solution:Bhitarkanika is the location of rich, lush green vibrant eco-system lying in the estuarine region of Brahmani- Baitarani rivers in the north-eastern corner of Kendrapara district of Odisha.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites are landmarks or areas recognised for their outstanding cultural, historical, or natural significance and are protected under an international treaty administered by UNESCO. The selection process is rigorous, ensuring only the most outstanding sites are included.
These sites can include ancient ruins, monuments, buildings, cities, forests, mountains, or wilderness areas that represent the shared heritage of humanity.
As of May 2025, there are 1,223 World Heritage Sites across 168 countries, selected for their universal value and preserved for future generations.
Famous examples include the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, the Pyramids of Egypt, and the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania.
India, with its rich history, is home to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Taj Mahal, Ajanta Caves, and Sundarbans National Park.

6. Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer from codes given below the lists: [U.P. Lower Sub. (Pre) 2015]

List-I (Wild Life Sanctuary)	List-II (State)
A. Namdapha	1. Karnataka
B. Bandipur	2. Arunachal Pradesh
C. Periyar	3. Manipur
D. Lamjao	4. Kerala

Codes:

	A	B	C	D
(a)	2	1	4	3
(b)	4	3	2	1
(c)	4	2	1	3
(d)	2	4	3	1

Correct Answer: (a)

Solution:Listed below is the correctly matched list of wildlife sanctuaries with their states:

(Wild Life Sanctuary)	(State)
Namdapha	Arunachal Pradesh
Bandipur	Karnataka
Periyar	Kerala
Lamjao	Manipur

7. The term 'Domestic Content Requirement' is sometimes seen in the news with reference to: [I.A.S. (Pre) 2017]

(a) Developing solar power production in our country.
(b) Granting licenses to foreign T.V. channels in our country.
(c) Exporting our food products to other countries.
(d) Permitting foreign educational institutions to set up their campuses in our country.

Correct Answer: (a) Developing solar power production in our country.

Solution:A The term 'Domestic Content Requirement (DCR) has been provided for developing solar power production in the country. In January 2010, the National Solar Policy which was earlier named Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission was launched to establish India as a global leader in the field of solar energy. According to this, solar utilities and batteries manufactured in India will be used for solar projects. Under the first phase of the mission, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy gives 30%, subsidy on decentralized solar devices like - lighting equipment, water heating equipment or solar coolers.

8. Which of the following is the main component of natural gas? [U.P. P.C.S. (Pre) 2018]

(a) Ethane
(b) Butane
(c) Carbon mono-oxide
(d) Methane

Correct Answer: (d) Methane

Solution:Natural gas is a colourless, odourless and environment friendly source of energy. It is a naturally occurring hydrocarbon gas mixture consisting primarily of Methane. Methane is a potent greenhouse gas, responsible for about 30% of the global temperature rise since the Industrial Revolution. Its atmospheric concentration is now 2.5 times higher than in the preindustrial era and is rising faster than other greenhouse gases. The three major anthropogenic sources of methane emissions are agriculture, energy, and waste sectors. The energy sector comprising oil, natural gas, coal, and bioenergy -accounts for over 35% of human-induced methane emissions.

9. Seaweeds are the main and important source of the following element: [U.P. R.O./A.R.O. (Pre) 2017]

(a) Iodine
(b) Chlorine
(c) Bromine
(d) None of the above

Correct Answer: (a) Iodine

Solution:Sea weeds are an important source of lodine. Other important sources of Iodine are seafood, dairy products etc.

Seaweed is a marine plant that grows in oceans and seas. It is nutrient-dense, containing 54 trace elements, vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. It helps combat cancer, diabetes, arthritis, heart disease, and high blood pressure while also boosting immunity., Unlike traditional crops, seaweed does not require land, freshwater, fertilizers, or pesticides, making it an eco-friendly and sustainable agricultural resource.
Microscopic seaweeds, such as phytoplankton, form the foundation of marine food chains and play a key role in oceanic primary productivity. Large seaweeds, like giant kelp, create dense underwater forests that serve as biodiversity hotspots offering shelter and food to a variety of species. Seaweeds contribute to oxygen generation and carbon sequestration, playing a significant role in climate regulation

10. Which of the following is not correctly matched? [U.P.R.O./A.R.O. (Pre) 2021]

Animal	Breed
(a) Buffalo	Bhadawari
(b) Cow	Sindhi
(c) Goat	Jamunapari
(d) Sheep	Tharparkar

Correct Answer: (d)

Solution:Bhadawari is a breed of Buffalo and found in Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. Tharparkar is a breed of Cow and not Sheep and found in Gujarat and Rajasthan. As per UPPSC official key option (a) is not correctly matched, while the correct answer should be option (d).

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