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Defence GK Questions 2026

Static GK carries most of the General Knowledge marks in the defence exams, and science carries the largest share of it. In NDA & NA, Physics, Chemistry and General Science are about half of the 400 marks of Part B, and History, the freedom movement and Geography are about 20% each, as per the notice. In the CDS (II) 2026 General Knowledge paper, GK24 counted about 37 science questions, about 20 each on Polity and History, about 15 on Geography and environment and about 10 on the Economy; this count is guidance, not an official break-up. The Army's Agniveer CEE gives 15 of its 50 General Duty questions to General Knowledge and 15 to General Science, which covers cells, the human body, plants and animals and common epidemics. Its GK list names history, culture and geography of India and its neighbours, the Constitution, inventions and discoveries, books and authors, and the Indian Armed Forces. This page holds GK24's topic-wise GK notes and GK questions tagged for NDA, CDS and Agniveer, in English and Hindi: General Science, Indian History, Art and Culture, Indian Polity, Geography, Indian Economy and Static GK. Read one topic at a sitting, then solve its questions and the previous-year questions of your exam to see what stayed with you.

Defence GK Questions with Answers

Q4221.General ScienceAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2019, GS Paper IMedium

Consider the following statements : 1. Some species of turtles are herbivores. 2. Some species of fish are herbivores. 3. Some species of marine mammals are herbivores. 4. Some species of snakes are viviparous. Which of the statements given above are correct?

  1. A.1 and 3 only
  2. B.2, 3 and 4 only
  3. C.2 and 4 only
  4. D.1, 2, 3 and 4
Show answer
Correct answer: D. 1, 2, 3 and 4

Each statement is true: there are plant-eating turtles, fish and marine mammals, and some snakes give birth to live young.

Q4222.Science & TechnologyAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2020, GS Paper IMedium

Consider the following statements : 1. Genetic changes can be introduced in the cells that produce eggs or sperms of a prospective parent. 2. A person's genome can be edited before birth at the early embryonic stage. 3. Human induced pluripotent stem cells can be injected into the embryo of a pig. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. A.1 only
  2. B.2 and 3 only
  3. C.2 only
  4. D.1, 2 and 3
Show answer
Correct answer: D. 1, 2 and 3

With today's gene-editing and stem cell tools, all three procedures are technically possible. Changes made in germline cells, the cells that give rise to eggs or sperm, are passed on to the next generation, and tools such as CRISPR-Cas9 can make such edits.

Q4223.Indian HistoryAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2021, GS Paper IHard

From the decline of Guptas until the rise of Harshavardhana in the early seventh century, which of the following kingdoms were holding power in Northern India? 1. The Guptas of Magadha 2. The Paramaras of Malwa 3. The Pushyabhutis of Thanesar 4. The Maukharis of Kanauj 5. The Yadavas of Devagiri 6. The Maitrakas of Valabhi Select the correct answer using the code given below.

  1. A.1, 2 and 5
  2. B.1, 3, 4 and 6
  3. C.2, 3 and 4
  4. D.5 and 6
Show answer
Correct answer: B. 1, 3, 4 and 6

After the imperial Guptas weakened in the 6th century, power in the north was shared by the later Guptas of Magadha, the Pushyabhutis, the Maukharis and the Maitrakas.

Q4224.Environment & EcologyAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2022, GS Paper IMedium

Consider the following pairs : Wetland/Lake — Location 1. Hokera Wetland — Punjab 2. Renuka Wetland — Himachal Pradesh 3. Rudrasagar Lake — Tripura 4. Sasthamkotta Lake — Tamil Nadu How many pairs given above are correctly matched ?

  1. A.Only one pair
  2. B.Only two pairs
  3. C.Only three pairs
  4. D.All four pairs
Show answer
Correct answer: B. Only two pairs

Renuka Wetland in Himachal Pradesh and Rudrasagar Lake in Tripura are correctly matched; Hokera and Sasthamkotta are not. All four are Ramsar sites.

Q4225.Environment & EcologyAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2024, GS Paper IMedium

"Membrane Bioreactors" are often discussed in the context of :

  1. A.Assisted reproductive technologies
  2. B.Drug delivery nanotechnologies
  3. C.Vaccine production technologies
  4. D.Wastewater treatment technologies
Show answer
Correct answer: D. Wastewater treatment technologies

A membrane bioreactor treats sewage or industrial effluent by combining biological breakdown of waste with filtration through fine membranes. In a membrane bioreactor (MBR), microorganisms in an aerated tank digest the organic matter in wastewater, as in the conventional activated sludge process.

Q4226.Science & TechnologyAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2025, GS Paper IEasy

Consider the following types of vehicles : I. Full battery electric vehicles II. Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles III. Fuel cell-electric hybrid vehicles How many of the above are considered as alternative powertrain vehicles?

  1. A.Only one
  2. B.Only two
  3. C.All the three
  4. D.None
Show answer
Correct answer: C. All the three

Any vehicle that does not depend only on a petrol or diesel engine for propulsion counts as an alternative powertrain vehicle, and all three types qualify.

Q4227.Environment & EcologyAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2016, GS Paper IEasy

Which of the following best describes/describe the aim of 'Green India Mission' of the Government of India? 1. Incorporating environmental benefits and costs into the Union and State Budgets thereby implementing the 'green accounting' 2. Launching the second green revolution to enhance agricultural output so as to ensure food security to one and all in the future 3. Restoring and enhancing forest cover and responding to climate change by a combination of adaptation and mitigation measures Select the correct answer using the code given below.

  1. A.1 only
  2. B.2 and 3 only
  3. C.3 only
  4. D.1, 2 and 3
Show answer
Correct answer: C. 3 only

The Green India Mission aims to protect, restore and enhance India's forest cover and to respond to climate change through both adaptation and mitigation.

Q4228.Environment & EcologyAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2019, GS Paper IMedium

Which of the following are in Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve?

  1. A.Neyyar, Peppara and Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuaries; and Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve
  2. B.Mudumalai, Sathyamangalam and Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuaries; and Silent Valley National Park
  3. C.Kaundinya, Gundla Brahmeswaram and Papikonda Wildlife Sanctuaries; and Mukurthi National Park
  4. D.Kawal and Sri Venkateswara Wildlife Sanctuaries; and Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve
Show answer
Correct answer: A. Neyyar, Peppara and Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuaries; and Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve

These protected areas lie at the southern tip of the Western Ghats, where the Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve spreads across Kerala and Tamil Nadu.

Q4229.Science & TechnologyAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2020, GS Paper IMedium

"The experiment will employ a trio of spacecraft flying in formation in the shape of an equilateral triangle that has sides one million kilometres long, with lasers shining between the craft." The experiment in question refers to

  1. A.Voyager-2
  2. B.New Horizons
  3. C.LISA Pathfinder
  4. D.Evolved LISA
Show answer
Correct answer: D. Evolved LISA

eLISA is the planned space observatory of three spacecraft, linked by lasers in a giant triangle, that will detect gravitational waves.

Q4230.Indian HistoryAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2021, GS Paper IHard

In the first quarter of seventeenth century, in which of the following was/were the factory/factories of the English East India Company located? 1. Broach 2. Chicacole 3. Trichinopoly Select the correct answer using the code given below.

  1. A.1 only
  2. B.1 and 2
  3. C.3 only
  4. D.2 and 3
Show answer
Correct answer: A. 1 only

Of the three places, only Broach in Gujarat had an English factory in the first quarter of the 17th century.

Q4231.GeographyAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2022, GS Paper IHard

With reference to India, consider the following statements : 1. Monazite is a source of rare earths. 2. Monazite contains thorium. 3. Monazite occurs naturally in the entire Indian coastal sands in India. 4. In India, Government bodies only can process or export monazite. Which of the statements given above are correct ?

  1. A.1, 2 and 3 only
  2. B.1, 2 and 4 only
  3. C.3 and 4 only
  4. D.1, 2, 3 and 4
Show answer
Correct answer: B. 1, 2 and 4 only

Monazite is a phosphate mineral rich in rare earths and thorium, it occurs only in certain stretches of India's beach sands, and only government bodies may handle it.

Q4232.Environment & EcologyAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2024, GS Paper IEasy

Recently, the term "pumped-storage hydropower" is actually and appropriately discussed in the context of which one of the following?

  1. A.Irrigation of terraced crop fields
  2. B.Lift irrigation of cereal crops
  3. C.Long duration energy storage
  4. D.Rainwater harvesting system
Show answer
Correct answer: C. Long duration energy storage

Pumped-storage hydropower stores surplus electricity by pumping water uphill and gives it back when the water flows down through turbines.

Q4233.GeographyAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2025, GS Paper IHard

With reference to the planet Earth, consider the following statements : I. Rain forests produce more oxygen than that produced by oceans. II. Marine phytoplankton and photosynthetic bacteria produce about 50% of world's oxygen. III. Well-oxygenated surface water contains several folds higher oxygen than that in atmospheric air. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. A.I and II
  2. B.II only
  3. C.I and III
  4. D.None of the above statements is correct
Show answer
Correct answer: B. II only

About half of the oxygen made on Earth comes from ocean phytoplankton and cyanobacteria, more than from rain forests, and sea water holds far less oxygen than air.

Q4234.Indian HistoryAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2026, GS Paper IEasy

Which one of the following statements with regard to the Moidams, built by the Tai-Ahom kingdom and inscribed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, is/are correct ? 1. They acted as army fortresses. 2. They were recreation centres of the Royals and Nobles. 3. They were burial grounds of the Royals and Nobles. 4. They were battle drill centres of the Royals and Nobles. Select the answer using the code given below :

  1. A.1 only
  2. B.1 and 3
  3. C.3 only
  4. D.2 and 4
Show answer
Correct answer: C. 3 only

The Moidams are the mound-burials of the Ahom royal family and nobles at Charaideo in Assam. The Tai-Ahoms, who ruled the Brahmaputra valley for about six centuries from the 13th century, buried their kings, queens and nobles in vaulted chambers covered by large earthen mounds.

Q4235.Science & TechnologyAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2017, GS Paper IMedium

Consider the following statements : 1. The Nuclear Security Summits are periodically held under the aegis of the United Nations. 2. The International Panel on Fissile Materials is an organ of International Atomic Energy Agency. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. A.1 only
  2. B.2 only
  3. C.Both 1 and 2
  4. D.Neither 1 nor 2
Show answer
Correct answer: D. Neither 1 nor 2

The Nuclear Security Summits were a United States initiative outside the UN, and the International Panel on Fissile Materials is an independent expert group, not part of the IAEA.

Q4236.GeographyAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2018, GS Paper IMedium

Consider the following statements : 1. In India, State Governments do not have the power to auction non-coal mines. 2. Andhra Pradesh and Jharkhand do not have gold mines. 3. Rajasthan has iron ore mines. Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

  1. A.1 and 2
  2. B.2 only
  3. C.1 and 3
  4. D.3 only
Show answer
Correct answer: D. 3 only

Rajasthan does have iron ore deposits and mines, while the first two statements are false.

Q4237.Environment & EcologyAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2019, GS Paper IEasy

In the context of which one of the following are the terms 'pyrolysis and plasma gasification' mentioned?

  1. A.Extraction of rare earth elements
  2. B.Natural gas extraction technologies
  3. C.Hydrogen fuel-based automobiles
  4. D.Waste-to-energy technologies
Show answer
Correct answer: D. Waste-to-energy technologies

Pyrolysis and plasma gasification are two thermal methods of turning solid waste into fuel gas, oil or power.

Q4238.Science & TechnologyAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2020, GS Paper IEasy

Consider the following activities : 1. Spraying pesticides on a crop field 2. Inspecting the craters of active volcanoes 3. Collecting breath samples from spouting whales for DNA analysis At the present level of technology, which of the above activities can be successfully carried out by using drones ?

  1. A.1 and 2 only
  2. B.2 and 3 only
  3. C.1 and 3 only
  4. D.1, 2 and 3
Show answer
Correct answer: D. 1, 2 and 3

Drones are already used for all three jobs: spraying crops, looking into volcanic craters and catching whale breath for study.

Q4239.Art & CultureAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2021, GS Paper IHard

With reference to Chausath Yogini Temple situated near Morena, consider the following statements : 1. It is a circular temple built during the reign of Kachchhapaghata Dynasty. 2. It is the only circular temple built in India. 3. It was meant to promote the Vaishnava cult in the region. 4. Its design has given rise to a popular belief that it was the inspiration behind the Indian Parliament building. Which of the statements given above are correct?

  1. A.1 and 2
  2. B.2 and 3 only
  3. C.1 and 4
  4. D.2, 3 and 4
Show answer
Correct answer: C. 1 and 4

The temple at Mitaoli near Morena is a circular yogini shrine built under the Kachchhapaghatas, and its round, colonnaded plan is popularly linked with the old Parliament House.

Q4240.GeographyAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2022, GS Paper IEasy

Consider the following countries : 1. Azerbaijan 2. Kyrgyzstan 3. Tajikistan 4. Turkmenistan 5. Uzbekistan Which of the above have borders with Afghanistan ?

  1. A.1, 2 and 5 only
  2. B.1, 2, 3 and 4 only
  3. C.3, 4 and 5 only
  4. D.1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
Show answer
Correct answer: C. 3, 4 and 5 only

Of the Central Asian countries listed, only Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan touch Afghanistan, all along its northern edge.

GK Questions for sub-exams