UPPSC draws one of the largest applicant pools of any state commission, which pushes cutoffs up and leaves very little room for a weak section. Questions here cover Uttar Pradesh history, geography and economy, Indian polity and constitution, general science, and current affairs. The difficulty is pitched at the level the commission has actually used, so your accuracy here is a fair signal rather than a comfortable one.
The UP government launched 'Mission Shakti' primarily to address which issue?
Answer: B
Understanding:
The question asks about the primary objective of Uttar Pradesh's 'Mission Shakti' campaign.
Step 1: About Mission Shakti
Mission Shakti was launched by the Uttar Pradesh government in October 2020 under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. It is a state-level campaign focused on women's safety, security, self-reliance and empowerment. It aims to make women aware of their rights and the legal mechanisms available to them.
Step 2: Distinguishing from other schemes
Solar energy promotion is handled by separate schemes. Skill development for youth is covered under 'Kaushal Vikas' programmes. Irrigation schemes operate under a different framework entirely.
Answer:
Mission Shakti was launched to ensure women's safety, security and empowerment in Uttar Pradesh.
Women’s safety, security and empowerment
Quick Tip:
Mission Shakti has multiple phases and includes activities like self-defence training, legal aid camps and awareness drives — details frequently appear in UPPSC current affairs questions.
Q.102Medium
Which Uttar Pradesh city was officially granted the status of a 'Smart City' under the Smart Cities Mission and also hosted the G20 Development Working Group meeting in 2023?
Answer: C
Understanding:
The question asks which UP city is both a Smart City Mission participant and hosted a G20 Development Working Group meeting in 2023.
Step 1: Smart Cities in UP
Several UP cities are part of the Smart Cities Mission, including Agra, Lucknow, Varanasi, Kanpur and Prayagraj.
Step 2: G20 meetings in UP (2023)
During India's G20 Presidency in 2023, Varanasi hosted the Development Working Group (DWG) meeting. The city's cultural heritage and infrastructure made it a preferred venue, and Prime Minister Modi's parliamentary constituency adds to its prominence in national events.
Step 3: Combining both criteria
Varanasi uniquely satisfies both conditions: it is a designated Smart City and it hosted the G20 DWG meeting in 2023.
Answer:
Varanasi is the UP city that is a Smart City Mission participant and hosted the G20 Development Working Group meeting in 2023.
Varanasi
Quick Tip:
Varanasi hosted multiple G20 side events during India's presidency, making it a high-frequency topic for UPPSC 2024 current affairs.
Q.103Medium
The Uttar Pradesh government signed a landmark agreement with which country to establish an industrial township in the Greater Noida region, announced prominently during the UP Global Investors Summit 2023?
Answer: A
Understanding:
The question asks about the country that signed an agreement with UP for an industrial township near Greater Noida, highlighted at the UP Global Investors Summit 2023.
Step 1: UP Global Investors Summit 2023
The UP Global Investors Summit (GIS) 2023 was held in Lucknow in February 2023. It attracted investment pledges worth over ₹33 lakh crore and featured participation from several countries.
Step 2: Japan-UP Industrial Township
Japan has been partnering with India for the development of the Japan Industrial Township near Greater Noida (Yamuna Expressway region) under the Japan-India Industrial Township (JIIT) project. This agreement and its progress were prominently highlighted during GIS 2023.
Step 3: Eliminating alternatives
While South Korea and Singapore have investments in India, neither signed a specific industrial township deal with UP at GIS 2023. The Netherlands was not part of such an agreement.
Answer:
Japan signed the landmark industrial township agreement with UP highlighted at the Global Investors Summit 2023.
Japan
Quick Tip:
The Japan Industrial Township (JIIT) near Greater Noida is part of the broader Japan-India industrial corridor initiative — a recurring theme in investment-related current affairs questions for UP exams.
Q.104Medium
Which UP-based institute was granted the status of 'Institute of National Importance' by the Parliament of India through an amendment in 2023, elevating it to the level of an IIT?
Answer: C
Understanding:
The question asks which UP-based institution was accorded 'Institute of National Importance' status through parliamentary legislation in 2023.
Step 1: Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Petroleum Technology (RGIPT)
RGIPT, located in Jais, Rae Bareli, Uttar Pradesh, was established in 2008 as a premier petroleum-sector institution. Parliament passed the Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Petroleum Technology (Amendment) Act, 2023, granting it the status of an 'Institute of National Importance' on par with IITs.
Step 2: Other options
MNNIT Prayagraj already held the NIT status (National Institute of Technology). HBTU Kanpur and AKTU Lucknow are state universities governed by UP state law, not Parliament. Neither received this status in 2023.
Answer:
Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Petroleum Technology, Rae Bareli was granted Institute of National Importance status by Parliament in 2023.
Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Petroleum Technology, Rae Bareli
Quick Tip:
RGIPT is India's only institution dedicated to the petroleum sector that now carries Institute of National Importance status — a unique fact that makes it highly likely to appear in UPPSC and other state-level exams.
Q.105Medium
The Uttar Pradesh government launched 'One District One Product (ODOP)' scheme to boost local industries. Which product is associated with Moradabad under this scheme?
Answer: B
Understanding:
The question asks which product represents Moradabad under UP's One District One Product (ODOP) scheme.
Step 1: About ODOP
The One District One Product scheme was launched by the UP government in January 2018 to promote and export traditional products unique to each district, thereby boosting local livelihoods and GI-tagged crafts.
Step 2: Moradabad's product
Moradabad is globally known as 'Brass City' or 'Peetal Nagri'. Its intrinsic identity under ODOP is brassware — metal handicrafts, decorative items and utensils that are exported worldwide. It contributes significantly to UP's export earnings.
Step 3: Other districts
Terracotta is associated with Gorakhpur; Firozabad is known for glassware; Agra is associated with leather goods.
Answer:
Moradabad is associated with brassware under the ODOP scheme.
Brassware
Quick Tip:
Remembering the ODOP product-district pairing is a reliable source of marks in UPPSC current affairs: Firozabad → Glass, Agra → Leather, Moradabad → Brass, Gorakhpur → Terracotta.
Q.106Medium
Which expressway, inaugurated in UP in 2021, is India's longest expressway, connecting Lucknow to Ballia?
Answer: B
Understanding:
The question asks which UP expressway inaugurated in 2021 was India's longest and connects Lucknow to Ballia.
Step 1: Purvanchal Expressway
The Purvanchal Expressway is a six-lane (extendable to eight-lane) access-controlled expressway spanning approximately 341 km. It was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 16 November 2021 and connects Lucknow to Ghazipur (near Ballia). At the time of inauguration, it was India's longest expressway.
Step 2: Eliminating other options
The Agra-Lucknow Expressway (302 km) was inaugurated earlier in 2016. The Bundelkhand Expressway (296 km) connects Chitrakoot to Etawah. The Gorakhpur Link Expressway is a shorter spur expressway.
Answer:
The Purvanchal Expressway, inaugurated in 2021, was India's longest expressway connecting Lucknow to Ballia.
Purvanchal Expressway
Quick Tip:
PM Modi also performed a landing and take-off on the Purvanchal Expressway's airstrip during its inauguration — a detail that has appeared in UPPSC prelims questions.
Q.107Medium
The UP government's 'Mukhyamantri Abhyudaya Yojana' was launched primarily to provide which service to competitive exam aspirants?
Answer: B
Understanding:
The question asks about the primary purpose of UP's Mukhyamantri Abhyudaya Yojana.
Step 1: About the scheme
Mukhyamantri Abhyudaya Yojana was launched on 10 February 2021 (the auspicious occasion of Basant Panchami) by the UP government. Its primary objective is to provide free coaching and guidance to economically weaker students and other competitive exam aspirants for exams such as IAS, IPS, PCS, NDA, CDS, JEE, NEET and others.
Step 2: Key features
Coaching is provided free of cost at divisional headquarters. Subject experts including IAS, IPS and PCS officers provide guidance. Online content and study material are also made available at no charge.
Step 3: Eliminating other options
The scheme does not provide a monthly stipend for private institute coaching. It is not a reservation scheme or a loan scheme.
Answer:
Mukhyamantri Abhyudaya Yojana provides free coaching and guidance to competitive exam aspirants in UP.
Free coaching and guidance for competitive examinations
Quick Tip:
This scheme was launched on Basant Panchami 2021 — remembering the launch date and occasion can help answer time-line-based questions in UPPSC exams.
Q.108Medium
The Uttar Pradesh Investors Summit 2023 (UP Global Investors Summit) was held in which city in February 2023?
Answer: D
Understanding:
The question asks the venue city of the UP Global Investors Summit held in February 2023.
Step 1: UP Global Investors Summit 2023
The UP Global Investors Summit 2023 was organized by the Uttar Pradesh government from 10 to 12 February 2023. It was held at the Indira Gandhi Pratishthan and other major venues in Lucknow, the state capital.
Step 2: Significance
The summit attracted investment intentions of over ₹33.50 lakh crore and witnessed participation from major domestic and international industrialists, foreign delegations, and heads of state-level industry bodies.
Step 3: Eliminating other options
Noida, Varanasi and Agra were not the host cities for this summit. Lucknow, as the state capital, was the natural and actual venue.
Answer:
The UP Global Investors Summit 2023 was held in Lucknow.
Lucknow
Quick Tip:
The UP GIS 2023 set a record for investment intentions at a single state-level investors summit, making it a landmark current affairs event frequently tested in UPPSC and UP Police exams.
Q.109Medium
Which Uttar Pradesh city became the first in the state to launch a 'PM-eBus Sewa' electric bus service under the central government's scheme in 2023?
Answer: C
Understanding:
The question asks which UP city was the first to launch the PM-eBus Sewa electric bus service in 2023.
Step 1: PM-eBus Sewa scheme
The PM-eBus Sewa scheme was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in August 2023 to introduce electric buses in cities across India, aiming to improve urban public transport and reduce carbon emissions.
Step 2: UP's participation
Lucknow was among the first cities in Uttar Pradesh and among the priority cities nationally to receive and operationalize electric buses under this scheme. The city's existing bus rapid transit infrastructure and administrative capacity enabled swift deployment.
Step 3: Other cities
While other UP cities like Agra, Kanpur and Gorakhpur are also included in the PM-eBus Sewa rollout plan, Lucknow was the first UP city to receive and launch these services.
Answer:
Lucknow was the first UP city to launch the PM-eBus Sewa electric bus service in 2023.
Lucknow
Quick Tip:
PM-eBus Sewa targets cities with populations above 3 lakh and is fully funded by the central government for bus procurement — a policy detail useful for UPPSC environment and governance questions.
Q.110Medium
Which ancient fort located in Sonbhadra district of Uttar Pradesh is known as the 'Great Wall of India' due to its massive structure?
Answer: B
Understanding:
The question asks about an ancient fort in Sonbhadra district, UP, nicknamed the 'Great Wall of India'.
Step 1: Identify the fort in Sonbhadra
Vijaygarh Fort, located in Robertsganj area of Sonbhadra district, is a massive ancient fort built by the Kol tribe. Its enormous defensive walls have earned it the popular title 'Great Wall of India'.
Step 2: Eliminate the other options
Chunar Fort is located in Mirzapur district, not Sonbhadra. Kalinjar Fort is located in Banda district, UP. Agra Fort is in Agra district and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site of Mughal origin.
Answer:
Vijaygarh Fort in Sonbhadra district is known as the 'Great Wall of India' due to its exceptionally large ancient fortification walls.
Quick Tip:
Sonbhadra is UP's most mineral-rich district. Vijaygarh and Kalinjar are often confused — remember Vijaygarh is in Sonbhadra while Kalinjar is in Banda.
Q.111Medium
The 'Dudhwa National Park', the only national park in Uttar Pradesh, is situated along the border of UP and which neighbouring country?
Answer: C
Understanding:
The question asks about the neighbouring country along whose border Dudhwa National Park in UP is situated.
Step 1: Locate Dudhwa National Park
Dudhwa National Park is situated in Lakhimpur Kheri district of Uttar Pradesh in the Terai region.
Step 2: Identify the border
The park lies along the Indo-Nepal border in the Himalayan foothills (Terai). It was declared a national park in 1977 and is famous for tigers, rhinos, and swamp deer (barasingha).
Step 3: Eliminate other options
UP does not share borders with China, Bangladesh, or Bhutan. UP's international border is only with Nepal.
Answer:
Dudhwa National Park is located along the border of Uttar Pradesh and Nepal.
Quick Tip:
Dudhwa is a part of the larger Dudhwa Tiger Reserve, which includes Kishanpur Wildlife Sanctuary and Katerniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary.
Q.112Medium
The historic 'Sarnath', where Gautama Buddha delivered his first sermon (Dhammachakkappavattana Sutta), is located in which district of Uttar Pradesh?
Answer: B
Understanding:
The question asks about the district in UP where Sarnath, the site of Buddha's first sermon, is located.
Step 1: Historical significance of Sarnath
Sarnath is the Deer Park (Isipatana) where the Buddha delivered his first sermon after attaining enlightenment at Bodh Gaya. This event is called 'Dhammachakkappavattana' — the setting in motion of the wheel of Dharma.
Step 2: Geographic location
Sarnath is located approximately 13 km northeast of Varanasi city and falls within Varanasi district, Uttar Pradesh.
Step 3: Eliminate other options
Kushinagar is where Buddha attained Mahaparinirvana (death). Shravasti is where Buddha spent many monsoon seasons. Mathura is associated with Lord Krishna, not Buddha's first sermon.
Answer:
Sarnath is located in Varanasi district of Uttar Pradesh.
Quick Tip:
The Lion Capital of Ashoka, excavated at Sarnath, became the national emblem of India. The Ashoka Pillar at Sarnath is one of the finest examples of Mauryan art.
Q.113Medium
Uttar Pradesh's famous 'Chikankari' embroidery craft is primarily associated with which city and has been granted a Geographical Indication (GI) tag?
Answer: C
Understanding:
The question asks about the city in UP with which the Chikankari embroidery craft is primarily associated and that holds a GI tag for it.
Step 1: What is Chikankari?
Chikankari is a delicate form of hand embroidery done on light fabrics like muslin, silk, chiffon, and georgette. It involves a variety of stitches and is characterised by fine threadwork.
Step 2: City association
Chikankari has been traditionally practiced in Lucknow for centuries, with Nawabi patronage playing a major role in its development. Lucknow Chikankari received a Geographical Indication (GI) tag in 2008, protecting its identity as an authentic craft of Lucknow.
Step 3: Eliminate other options
Varanasi is known for Banarasi silk sarees. Agra is famous for leather goods. Kanpur is known as the leather city of India.
Answer:
Lucknow Chikankari is primarily associated with Lucknow and holds a GI tag.
Quick Tip:
Under the UP ODOP (One District One Product) scheme, Lucknow's signature product is Chikankari and Zardozi embroidery — a common exam data point.
Q.114Medium
The Ganga-Yamuna Doab region of Uttar Pradesh is sometimes called the 'Granary of India' due to its agricultural productivity. 'Doab' literally means land between how many rivers?
Answer: C
Understanding:
The question asks about the literal meaning of the word 'Doab' used to describe the fertile land between the Ganga and Yamuna rivers in UP.
Step 1: Etymology of 'Doab'
The word 'Doab' comes from Persian: 'Do' means 'two' and 'Ab' means 'water' (river). So Doab literally means 'land of two waters' or the tract of land lying between two rivers.
Step 2: Application to UP geography
The Ganga-Yamuna Doab is the interfluve region between the Ganga and Yamuna rivers. This region spans much of western and central UP and is one of the most fertile agricultural zones in the country, producing wheat, sugarcane, and rice.
Step 3: Eliminate other options
Punjab (meaning 'five rivers') is often confused with Doab, but Punjab refers to five rivers collectively, not the land between them in the Doab sense.
Answer:
Doab literally means the land between two rivers.
Quick Tip:
Punjab = 'Punj' (five) + 'Ab' (water); Doab = 'Do' (two) + 'Ab' (water). Both are Persian-origin geographical terms frequently tested in UPPSC.
Q.115Medium
Which river, originating from the Vindyachal hills and passing through Mirzapur in UP, is known as the 'River of Sorrows' due to its recurring floods?
Answer: A
Understanding:
The question asks about the river originating from Vindhya hills, passing through Mirzapur, and known as the 'River of Sorrows' due to its flooding.
Step 1: Identify the river
The Betwa River (also called Vetravati) originates from the Vindhya Range near Bhopal in Madhya Pradesh, flows through Bundelkhand, and joins the Yamuna at Hamirpur in UP. It passes through and near Mirzapur-adjacent regions. The Betwa has historically caused recurring floods, earning the nickname 'Sorrow of Bundelkhand' or 'River of Sorrows'.
Step 2: Eliminate other options
The Ken River also originates in Vindhyas and merges with Yamuna at Banda. Tons River is a tributary of Yamuna originating in Vindhyas. Rihand River flows through Sonbhadra and is dammed at Govind Ballabh Pant Sagar reservoir.
Step 3: Context confirmation
Betwa's seasonal flooding has devastated Bundelkhand settlements historically, justifying the 'River of Sorrows' epithet.
Answer:
The Betwa River is known as the 'River of Sorrows' due to its recurring floods in the Bundelkhand and Mirzapur regions.
Quick Tip:
The Ken-Betwa River Interlinking Project is India's first river interlinking project, aimed at transferring surplus water from Ken to Betwa to address water scarcity in Bundelkhand — a frequent current affairs topic for UPPSC.
Q.116Medium
The 'Prayagraj Kumbh Mela 2019' was officially recognised by UNESCO and recorded as a historic event. At which confluence (Triveni Sangam) is the Kumbh Mela held in Prayagraj?
Answer: A
Understanding:
The question asks about the three rivers forming the Triveni Sangam at Prayagraj, site of the Kumbh Mela.
Step 1: Meaning of Triveni Sangam
'Triveni' means 'three streams' and 'Sangam' means 'confluence'. The Triveni Sangam at Prayagraj is the confluence of three rivers.
Step 2: Identify the three rivers
The three rivers are:
•Ganga (a physical river flowing from the Himalayas)
•Yamuna (a major tributary joining the Ganga at Prayagraj)
•Saraswati (a mythological or subterranean river believed to join the other two underground)
Step 3: Significance
The Kumbh Mela, held every 12 years (Maha Kumbh), was recognised by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2017. The 2019 Ardh Kumbh (half Kumbh) at Prayagraj was the world's largest human gathering.
Step 4: Eliminate other options
Gomti, Ghaghra, and Betwa do not form any part of the Triveni Sangam at Prayagraj.
Answer:
The Triveni Sangam at Prayagraj is the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers.
Quick Tip:
The Saraswati is considered an invisible (underground) river at the Sangam — this is why it is called 'Triveni' despite only two rivers being visibly seen.
Q.117Medium
Which Uttar Pradesh city is famous for producing 'Brassware' and has received a GI tag for its brass and metal handicrafts, also promoted under the ODOP scheme?
Answer: B
Understanding:
The question asks about the UP city famous for brassware production with a GI tag, promoted under ODOP.
Step 1: Identify the city
Moradabad, located in western UP, is internationally renowned for its brass and metal handicrafts. It is called the 'Peetal Nagri' (City of Brass) and is one of the largest exporters of metal handicrafts in India.
Step 2: GI tag and ODOP
Moradabad's brassware has received a Geographical Indication (GI) tag. Under the UP ODOP (One District One Product) scheme, Moradabad's designated product is Metal Craft (brassware).
Step 3: Eliminate other options
Firozabad is famous for glassware and bangles ('Suhag Nagri'). Saharanpur is known for woodcraft. Aligarh is famous for locks.
Answer:
Moradabad, known as 'Peetal Nagri', is the city famous for brassware with a GI tag and is promoted under the ODOP scheme.
Quick Tip:
A quick mnemonic for UP ODOP: Moradabad = Brass, Firozabad = Glass, Aligarh = Locks, Saharanpur = Woodcraft, Lucknow = Chikankari — these are frequently tested in UPPSC.
Q.118Medium
The 'Bundelkhand Expressway', inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in July 2022, connects Chitrakoot to which city in Uttar Pradesh?
Answer: C
Understanding:
The question asks about the city at one end of the Bundelkhand Expressway, which starts from Chitrakoot.
Step 1: About Bundelkhand Expressway
The Bundelkhand Expressway is a 296-km, four-lane (expandable to six-lane) expressway in Uttar Pradesh. It was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 16 July 2022.
Step 2: Route identification
The expressway connects Chitrakoot (in Chitrakoot district) to Etawah (in Etawah district), passing through the Bundelkhand region districts of Banda, Mahoba, Hamirpur, and Jalaun. At Etawah, it meets the Agra-Lucknow Expressway.
Step 3: Eliminate other options
Agra, Lucknow, and Jhansi are not the terminal points of the Bundelkhand Expressway. Jhansi is in Bundelkhand but not the expressway terminus.
Answer:
The Bundelkhand Expressway connects Chitrakoot to Etawah in Uttar Pradesh.
Quick Tip:
The Bundelkhand Expressway is significant for developing the backward Bundelkhand region. Remember: Chitrakoot–Etawah (296 km). It connects to the Agra-Lucknow Expressway at Etawah.
Q.119Medium
The 'Hastinapur Wildlife Sanctuary' in Uttar Pradesh is located in which district and is known for conservation of which endangered species?
Answer: C
Understanding:
The question asks about the district of Hastinapur Wildlife Sanctuary in UP and its key conservation species.
Step 1: Location of Hastinapur Wildlife Sanctuary
Hastinapur Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Meerut district (also spanning parts of Bijnor, Muzaffarnagar, Hapur, and Amroha districts) of Uttar Pradesh. The sanctuary was established in 1986.
Step 2: Key species conserved
The sanctuary is particularly known for the conservation of Gharial (Gavialis gangeticus), a critically endangered crocodilian, in the Ganga river system. It also shelters Swamp Deer (Barasingha), which is the state animal of Uttar Pradesh.
Step 3: Eliminate other options
One-horned Rhinoceros is associated with Kaziranga (Assam) and Dudhwa (UP) in small numbers. Bengal Tiger is the focus of tiger reserves, not Hastinapur. Asiatic Lions are found only in Gir (Gujarat).
Answer:
Hastinapur Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Meerut district and is known for conservation of Gharial and Swamp Deer (Barasingha).
Quick Tip:
Barasingha (Swamp Deer) is the state animal of Uttar Pradesh. Hastinapur is also significant as the ancient capital of the Kaurava kingdom from the Mahabharata, making it culturally and ecologically important.
Q.120Medium
A train travels from station A to station B at a speed of 60 km/h and returns from B to A at a speed of 40 km/h. What is the average speed for the entire journey?
Answer: A
Understanding:
We need to find the average speed for a round trip where the two speeds are different.
•Speed from A to B: v1=60 km/h
•Speed from B to A: v2=40 km/h
Formula:
For equal distances, the average speed is the harmonic mean of the two speeds:
Average Speed=v1+v22v1v2
Step 1: Substitute the values.
Average Speed=60+402×60×40=1004800=48 km/h
Answer:
The average speed for the entire journey is 48 km/h.
48 km/h
Quick Tip:
Never use the arithmetic mean of speeds when the distances are equal — the harmonic mean is always less than the arithmetic mean (50 km/h here). The arithmetic mean applies only when the times are equal.
