Skip to content
GK24

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

Q6241.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.

Q6242.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.

Q6243.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.

Q6244.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.

Q6245.Indian PolityAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2023, GS Paper IHard

With reference to Finance Bill and Money Bill in the Indian Parliament, consider the following statements : 1. When the Lok Sabha transmits Finance Bill to the Rajya Sabha, it can amend or reject the Bill. 2. When the Lok Sabha transmits Money Bill to the Rajya Sabha, it cannot amend or reject the Bill, it can only make recommendations. 3. In the case of disagreement between the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha, there is no joint sitting for Money Bill, but a joint sitting becomes necessary for Finance Bill. 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 1 and 2 are correct; statement 3 is wrong because a joint sitting for a Finance Bill is possible, not compulsory.

Q6246.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.

Q6247.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.

Q6248.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.

Q6249.Indian EconomyAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2017, GS Paper IMedium

Who among the following can join the National Pension System (NPS) ?

  1. A.Resident Indian citizens only
  2. B.Persons of age from 21 to 55 only
  3. C.All State Government employees joining the services after the date of notification by the respective State Governments
  4. D.All Central Government employees including those of Armed Forces joining the services on or after 1st April, 2004
Show answer
Correct answer: C. All State Government employees joining the services after the date of notification by the respective State Governments

Each state brings its new recruits under NPS from the date it notifies, so this group can join. The National Pension System replaced the old defined-benefit pension for new Central Government employees from 1 January 2004, and states adopted it one by one through their own notifications.

Q6250.Banking & Financial AwarenessAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2018, GS Paper IMedium

With reference to digital payments, consider the following statements : 1. BHIM app allows the user to transfer money to anyone with a UPI-enabled bank account. 2. While a chip-pin debit card has four factors of authentication, BHIM app has only two factors of authentication. 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: A. 1 only

BHIM can send money to anyone who has a UPI-linked bank account, but a chip-and-PIN debit card does not use four factors of authentication.

Q6251.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.

Q6252.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.

Q6253.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.

Q6254.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.

Q6255.Indian PolityAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2023, GS Paper IHard

Consider the following statements : 1. If the election of the President of India is declared void by the Supreme Court of India, all acts done by him/her in the performance of duties of his/her office of President before the date of decision become invalid. 2. Election for the post of the President of India can be postponed on the ground that some Legislative Assemblies have been dissolved and elections are yet to take place. 3. When a Bill is presented to the President of India, the Constitution prescribes time limits within which he/she has to declare his/her assent. 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: D. None

All three statements go against what the Constitution and the law on presidential elections actually say. Article 71 lets the Supreme Court decide disputes about a President's election, and it adds that if the election is declared void, acts done by the President before that decision do not become invalid.

Q6256.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.

Q6257.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.

Q6258.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.

Q6259.Indian EconomyAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2016, GS Paper IEasy

'Mission Indradhanush' launched by the Government of India pertains to

  1. A.immunization of children and pregnant women
  2. B.construction of smart cities across the country
  3. C.India's own search for the Earth-like planets in outer space
  4. D.New Educational Policy
Show answer
Correct answer: A. immunization of children and pregnant women

Mission Indradhanush is the Health Ministry's drive to vaccinate every child and pregnant woman left out of routine immunisation. The mission was launched on 25 December 2014 to raise full immunisation coverage among children under two years and pregnant women.

Q6260.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.