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UPSC Civil Services GK Questions 2026

Static general knowledge is six of the seven lines of the General Studies Paper-I syllabus in the UPSC CSE notice: History of India and the Indian National Movement; Indian and World Geography; Indian Polity and Governance; Economic and Social Development; Environmental Ecology, Bio-diversity and Climate Change; and General Science. The Commission tests understanding rather than recall, through statements to be judged correct or incorrect, pairs to be matched and assertion-reason items, and it likes the edges of a topic: a lesser-known provision of the Constitution, a river's tributary, a species' conservation status, the mandate of a statutory body. This page holds GK24's topic-wise GK notes for UPSC, written as short facts and tables, in English and Hindi, with each note linked to the current affairs and previous-year questions on the same topic. Start with Polity and Modern History, which carry the most questions, then Geography, the Economy, Environment, Ancient and Medieval culture and Science. Read a note, solve its PYQs, take its quiz, and come back to it in your monthly revision. A candidate who knows these notes and reads the daily current affairs has covered the syllabus the notice prescribes for Paper-I.

UPSC Civil Services GK Questions with Answers

Q4141.GeographyAsked in: NDA · NDA-I 2025, GATMedium

Which of the following statements with reference to Coriolis force is/are correct ? 1. Coriolis force acts perpendicular to the pressure gradient force 2. At the equator, the Coriolis force is zero and the wind blows perpendicular to the isobars Select the answer using the code given below:

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

Both statements are correct: the Coriolis force works at right angles to the pressure gradient force, and it vanishes at the equator, where winds cross the isobars at right angles.

Q4143.Indian PolityAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2024, GS Paper IMedium

With reference to the Indian Parliament, consider the following statements : 1. A bill pending in the Lok Sabha lapses on its dissolution. 2. A bill passed by the Lok Sabha and pending in the Rajya Sabha lapses on the dissolution of the Lok Sabha. 3. A bill in regard to which the President of India notified his/her intention to summon the Houses to a joint sitting lapses on the dissolution of the Lok Sabha. Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

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

Article 107 of the Constitution decides which bills die when the Lok Sabha is dissolved. A bill pending in the Lok Sabha lapses on its dissolution, whether it began there or came from the Rajya Sabha, so statement 1 is correct.

Q4144.Sports GKAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2025, GS Paper IMedium

Consider the following statements in respect of the first Kho Kho World Cup : I. The event was held in Delhi, India. II. Indian men beat Nepal with a score of 78-40 in the final to become the World Champion in men category. III. Indian women beat Nepal with a score of 54-36 in the final to become the World Champion in women category. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

The first Kho Kho World Cup was held in New Delhi in January 2025, at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium, so statement I is correct.

Q4145.Indian EconomyAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2026, GS Paper IEasy

Which one of the following best describes the 'Crowding Out Effect' in the context of fiscal policy?

  1. A.A situation where private investment increases due to increased Government spending
  2. B.A situation where Government borrowing leads to higher interest rates, which reduces private investment
  3. C.A situation where an increase in taxes leads to increased private sector investment
  4. D.A situation where Government spending has no impact on aggregate demand
Show answer
Correct answer: B. A situation where Government borrowing leads to higher interest rates, which reduces private investment

When a government runs a large fiscal deficit, it borrows heavily from the same pool of savings that businesses draw on.

Q4146.Static GKAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2016, GS Paper IEasy

Which of the following is not a member of Gulf Cooperation Council?

  1. A.Iran
  2. B.Saudi Arabia
  3. C.Oman
  4. D.Kuwait
Show answer
Correct answer: A. Iran

Iran has never been a member of the Gulf Cooperation Council, though it lies on the Persian Gulf. The GCC was founded in May 1981 in Abu Dhabi by six Arab monarchies of the Arabian Peninsula: Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Oman.

Q4147.GeographyAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2017, GS Paper IMedium

With reference to 'Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD)' sometimes mentioned in the news while forecasting Indian monsoon, which of the following statements is/are correct ? 1. IOD phenomenon is characterised by a difference in sea surface temperature between tropical Western Indian Ocean and tropical Eastern Pacific Ocean. 2. An IOD phenomenon can influence an El Nino's impact on the monsoon. Select the correct answer using the code given below:

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

The Indian Ocean Dipole lies wholly within the Indian Ocean, and it can soften or strengthen El Nino's effect on the monsoon.

Q4148.Environment & EcologyAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2018, GS Paper IEasy

Which of the following statements best describes "carbon fertilization" ?

  1. A.Increased plant growth due to increased concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere
  2. B.Increased temperature of Earth due to increased concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere
  3. C.Increased acidity of oceans as a result of increased concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere
  4. D.Adaptation of all living beings on Earth to the climate change brought about by the increased concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere
Show answer
Correct answer: A. Increased plant growth due to increased concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere

Carbon fertilization is the rise in the rate of photosynthesis, and so in plant growth, when there is more carbon dioxide in the air.

Q4149.Indian EconomyAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2019, GS Paper IMedium

In the context of India, which of the following factors is/are contributor/contributors to reducing the risk of a currency crisis? 1. The foreign currency earnings of India's IT sector 2. Increasing the government expenditure 3. Remittances from Indians abroad Select the correct answer using the code given below.

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

A currency crisis comes when a country runs short of foreign exchange and its currency falls sharply, as India saw in 1991.

Q4150.GeographyAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2020, GS Paper IMedium

Consider the following statements : 1. Jet streams occur in the Northern Hemisphere only. 2. Only some cyclones develop an eye. 3. The temperature inside the eye of a cyclone is nearly 10°C lesser than that of the surroundings. 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 and 3 only
Show answer
Correct answer: C. 2 only

Only statement 2 is true. Statement 1 is wrong because jet streams, the narrow belts of very fast westerly winds near the top of the troposphere, blow in both hemispheres.

Q4151.General ScienceAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2021, GS Paper IEasy

The term 'ACE2' is talked about in the context of

  1. A.genes introduced in the genetically modified plants
  2. B.development of India's own satellite navigation system
  3. C.radio collars for wildlife tracking
  4. D.spread of viral diseases
Show answer
Correct answer: D. spread of viral diseases

ACE2 is the receptor through which the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, the cause of COVID-19, enters human cells. ACE2 stands for angiotensin-converting enzyme 2, a protein on the surface of cells in the lungs, heart, blood vessels, kidneys and gut, where it normally helps control blood pressure.

Q4152.Indian EconomyAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2022, GS Paper IEasy

In India, which one of the following is responsible for maintaining price stability by controlling inflation?

  1. A.Department of Consumer Affairs
  2. B.Expenditure Management Commission
  3. C.Financial Stability and Development Council
  4. D.Reserve Bank of India
Show answer
Correct answer: D. Reserve Bank of India

Controlling inflation through monetary policy is the RBI's legal duty. The RBI Act, 1934 was amended in 2016 to give India a flexible inflation targeting framework.

Q4153.Indian PolityAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2024, GS Paper IMedium

With reference to the Speaker of the Lok Sabha, consider the following statements : While any resolution for the removal of the Speaker of the Lok Sabha is under consideration 1. He/She shall not preside. 2. He/She shall not have the right to speak. 3. He/She shall not be entitled to vote on the resolution in the first instance. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

Article 96 of the Constitution sets out the Speaker's position while a resolution for his or her removal is being considered.

Q4154.Indian PolityAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2025, GS Paper IHard

Consider the following statements about Lokpal : I. The power of Lokpal applies to public servants of India, but not to the Indian public servants posted outside India. II. The Chairperson or a Member shall not be a Member of the Parliament or a Member of the Legislature of any State or Union Territory, and only the Chief Justice of India, whether incumbent or retired, has to be its Chairperson. III. The Chairperson or a Member shall not be a person of less than forty-five years of age on the date of assuming office as the Chairperson or Member, as the case may be. IV. Lokpal cannot inquire into the allegations of corruption against a sitting Prime Minister of India. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

Under the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013, only the age rule holds. Statement III is right: a Chairperson or Member must be at least 45 years old on the date of taking office.

Q4155.Indian HistoryAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2016, GS Paper IHard

Consider the following : 1. Calcutta Unitarian Committee 2. Tabernacle of New Dispensation 3. Indian Reform Association Keshab Chandra Sen is associated with the establishment of which of the above?

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

Keshab Chandra Sen founded the Tabernacle of New Dispensation and the Indian Reform Association, but not the Calcutta Unitarian Committee.

Q4156.Environment & EcologyAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2017, GS Paper IMedium

Consider the following statements: 1. Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC) to Reduce Short Lived Climate Pollutants is a unique initiative of G20 group of countries. 2. The CCAC focuses on methane, black carbon and hydrofluorocarbons. 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: B. 2 only

The CCAC is not a G20 body, but it does target methane, black carbon and HFCs. The Climate and Clean Air Coalition was launched in February 2012 by the UN Environment Programme together with six countries: Bangladesh, Canada, Ghana, Mexico, Sweden and the United States.

Q4157.Science & TechnologyAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2018, GS Paper IMedium

Consider the following pairs : Terms sometimes seen in news — Context/Topic 1. Belle II experiment — Artificial Intelligence 2. Blockchain technology — Digital/Cryptocurrency 3. CRISPR-Cas9 — Particle Physics Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched ?

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

Only blockchain is matched with its right field. Belle II is a particle physics experiment at the SuperKEKB electron-positron collider in Tsukuba, Japan; it studies B mesons to look for physics beyond the Standard Model, and Indian institutes such as TIFR take part in it.

Q4159.General ScienceAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2021, GS Paper IHard

With reference to street-lighting, how do sodium lamps differ from LED lamps? 1. Sodium lamps produce light in 360 degrees but it is not so in the case of LED lamps. 2. As street-lights, sodium lamps have longer life span than LED lamps. 3. The spectrum of visible light from sodium lamps is almost monochromatic while LED lamps offer significant colour advantages in street-lighting. Select the correct answer using the code given below.

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

Statements 1 and 3 describe real differences; statement 2 gets the life span backwards. A sodium vapour lamp is a glowing tube that sends light out in all directions, through 360 degrees, so reflectors are needed to push the light down onto the road and some light is wasted.

Q4160.Indian EconomyAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2023, GS Paper IMedium

Consider the following statements : 1. The Self-Help Group (SHG) programme was originally initiated by the State Bank of India by providing microcredit to the financially deprived. 2. In an SHG, all members of a group take responsibility for a loan that an individual member takes. 3. The Regional Rural Banks and Scheduled Commercial Banks support SHGs. How many of the above statements are correct?

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

Statements 2 and 3 are correct; statement 1 is not. The SHG movement in banking was started by NABARD, not the State Bank of India.